System Engineer Resume Example & Writing Guide
Use this System Engineer resume example and guide to improve your career and write a powerful resume that will separate you from the competition.
Systems engineers are highly skilled professionals who are responsible for designing and implementing complex systems that require a high level of technical competency. They’re often called upon to bridge the gap between the technical and business worlds by translating business requirements into technical specs.
As a systems engineer, you might work on everything from mobile apps to industrial equipment to complex automated systems. And while your day-to-day responsibilities will vary depending on your role and your employer, there are some common duties that you’ll likely be called upon to perform. These include designing and implementing complex systems, troubleshooting issues, collaborating with teams across departments, identifying opportunities for efficiency and growth, and ensuring that systems are secure.
Here are some tips plus an example to help you write a great systems engineer resume that hiring managers will love.
How to Write a System Engineer Resume
Here’s how to write a resume of your own.
Write Compelling Bullet Points
When you’re writing bullet points, it can be tempting to focus on the tasks and responsibilities of your job. But that’s not enough to make a strong impression. Instead, you should focus on the results of your work.
For example, rather than saying you “installed software on servers,” you could say that you “installed software on 10 servers in new data center, reducing installation time by 50% and saving company $10,000 in labor costs.”
Notice how the second bullet point is more specific and provides more detail about the project and its outcome.
Identify and Include Relevant Keywords
In order for your resume to make it through the applicant tracking system (ATS) and into the hands of a recruiter, it’s important to include certain keywords. The ATS will scan your resume for specific terms related to the job opening, like “systems design” or “operations” to determine whether your skills are a match. If you want your resume to be seen by a human, make sure to include relevant keywords throughout all the sections of your document.
Here are some of the most commonly used keywords for system engineer resumes:
- Windows Server
- Active Directory
- System Administration
- Troubleshooting
- Microsoft Exchange
- VMware
- Networking
- Virtualization
- ITIL
- Servers
- SQL
- Windows
- VMware vSphere
- Windows 7
- SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS)
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Linux
- VMware ESXi
- Disaster Recovery
- Group Policy
- Windows Client
- IT Service Management
- Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
- Disaster Recovery Planning
- ITIL Certified
- SQL Server Management Studio
- Powershell
- Virtual Private Network (VPN)
- Network Administration
- Nagios
Showcase Your Technical Skills
As a system engineer, you need to be proficient in a variety of software programs and systems in order to effectively do your job. This might include experience with operating systems, networking, virtualization, storage, and security. Additionally, you should be familiar with various programming languages and tools, such as Java, Python, and Puppet.
Listing your technical skills on your resume is a great way to show potential employers that you have the knowledge and experience necessary to be successful in the role.