The right resume can help you land the right IT help desk job. Here’s what you need to know about writing a help desk resume.
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The average IT help desk technician needs great technical skills and the ability to troubleshoot problems with computer hardware and software – but featuring these skills is only part of building the perfect help desk resume. In this article, you will learn what you should focus on and some tips to help you create your resume.
Your help desk resume skills section should be a summary of the technical skills, hard skills, and soft skills that make you the best candidate for the job. Some examples of skills commonly listed on a help desk resume include:
These are just some of the skills that you might list in your skills section. Take the time to read through the job description, pick out skills that are mentioned, and mirror the language that they use.
DO
Don’t be vague when discussing your achievements! If you increased system efficiency by 15% or reduced escalations from end-users by 9%, say so rather than using vague language like “improved efficiency” or “lowered escalations”.
If you are better at working with certain kinds of hardware or have certified or specialist skills, let hiring managers know. This will help you stand out.
One typo can undermine all your hard work, so take time to proofread well or ask a family member or friend to help you.
DON’T
Use active language when discussing your previous work or achievements. Phrases like “Was responsible for X” are fairly weak while saying “Created a ticketing system” or “Developed an analytical process” shows that you take ownership of your work. When you combine this with specific figures you can really wow a recruiter!
While it can be tempting to include flashy design elements, this is not necessary for a traditional field like IT. For example, the average help desk specialist will not need to use graphic design skills, so there’s no need to showcase it on your resume. Furthermore, a resume layout that goes overboard on graphic elements can read poorly in applicant tracking systems (ATS) that hiring managers often use to scan resumes.
While formal education can be useful for certain senior positions, IT is one of those fields where on-the-job experiences and skills learned through specialized training outweigh theoretical knowledge.
Yes, you will need to submit a cover letter for an IT support or help desk job application. A well-written cover letter gives you the opportunity to expand on your resume and impress hiring managers, while also showcasing your communication skills directly. For cover letter help, use our cover letter builder.
If you are a recent graduate or otherwise new to the IT industry, you should write a resume focused on your skills and training, in the functional resume format. This will give you a better chance of catching a recruiter’s eye and landing an entry-level role on an IT help desk.
If you already have a help desk resume and you want to change it to suit a different job, read the job descriptions of roles that you want to apply for thoroughly. Focus on highlighting the skills and experiences that match the requirements of the job. For extra help, look through resume samples that match the jobs you wish to apply for via our resume directory.
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