Writing a Stellar IT Manager Resume: Examples & Guide

IT managers plan and oversee the activities related to computer systems. Depending on the specific company and the role, they can direct system maintenance, troubleshooting, audit, and manage IT staff. They ensure the efficient work of IT resources, thus helping meet business goals.

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To create an effective IT manager resume, you should strike a balance between showcasing your technical skills and your ability to manage people and drive bottom-line results. It is also important to choose an effective format and adapt the document to the job description.

To get started with your resume, review the efficient IT manager resume examples below. Get an idea about the writing style, format, and structure you should use when writing your resume, as well as what skills to emphasize.

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IT manager job in a nutshell

The IT manager is a promising career that combines managerial tasks and technical duties. They can work in the office or remotely, leveraging their technical expertise to make IT operations run smoothly. Here are a few quick facts about this profession:

  • According to the BLS, employment of information systems managers is expected to grow by 15% by 2032.
  • The median salary of IT managers was $164,070 in 2022, which makes it a pretty lucrative role.
  • IT manager positions offer high upward mobility, professional growth, and great flexibility. Plus, IT professionals have high job satisfaction.

Entry-level IT manager resume example

Why this resume works

  • This junior IT manager resume has a neat structure with clearly divided sections. The hiring manager will appreciate a visually organized resume.
  • The Summary section lists the target job title and relevant IT experience.Thus, the reader can quickly understand what this job-seeker is good at.
  • Despite the limited managerial experience, this candidate shows a track record in improving network performance, streamlining operations, and maintaining systems and networks.
  • Each job listed in the resume features measurable achievements (such as reducing costs by 8% and ensuring the 99.5% uptime of IT services).
  • This candidate also mentions a degree in computer science. It is a good idea to include a relevant degree and certifications if you have under 5+ years of experience. Thus, you will prove your proficiency in the subject area.

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IT project manager resume example

Why this resume works

  • This one-page resume of a project manager has all the necessary information. It features a short summary, detailed job description, and information about education, certifications, and hard skills. Such a resume clearly shows hiring managers why this candidate is a good fit for the company.
  • The Experience section lists the candidate's essential project management qualifications, such as managing technology releases and handling risks, resource allocation, client management, documentation, and more.
  • In addition to job duties, this resume lists plenty of accomplishments. The candidate showcases their ability to manage a team of 20+ professionals, managing $120,000+ projects, and more.
  • This job-seeker uses a chronological resume format that works best for experienced professionals. They also use hard and soft project management skills, including client relations, Jira, and SQL, as well as valuable PMP certification.
  • Overall, this resume for an IT manager has an extensive experience section, a track record of accomplishments, plus the right educational background.

Senior IT manager resume sample

Why this resume works

  • This resume for a Senior IT manager role has plain yet efficient formatting that will open correctly with any applicant tracking system. Human hiring managers also prefer plain resumes with simple, professional formatting.
  • The resume showcases the candidate's career progression, relevant education, and industry skills.
  • The Experience section lists the job-seeker's expertise in managing mobile app development, overseeing tech professionals, and maintaining the enterprise solution. It also features some impressive accomplishments. Hiring managers are more likely to interview a candidate who lists achievements in addition to job duties.
  • The resume also lists essential technical skills, such as project management, network security, app development, and communication skills.

The above examples have a few shared features. Firstly, they use a neat, easy-to-read structure that will catch the attention of the hiring manager. Secondly, they are written in plain English without too much technical jargon. If you are applying for an IT manager position, you need to make your resume readable even for non-technical recruiters. And finally, they list professional achievements with figures and percentages.

Now that you know how an effective IT manager resume looks like, let's talk about how you can improve your application.

How to write an effective IT manager resume?

Writing a stellar IT resume is a must to compete for a position in the top tech companies. Large companies receive hundreds of resumes for just one job posting. So, it takes a bit of thought and effort to make YOUR resume stand out.

Simply put, you need to present your IT management experience concisely, add accomplishments, and showcase relevant tech skills. Optimize your resume for ATS systems as well so that the human hiring manager sees it.

Below, you'll find actionable recommendations on how to write each section in your resume. Use our guide to write a resume for management positions in tech, including:

  • IT manager
  • IT product manager
  • IT project manager
  • IT infrastructure manager resume
  • IT asset manager
  • CTO
  • IT support manager
  • IT security manager, and more.

Choosing the best resume format for the IT world

Writing an effective IT manager's resume starts with choosing a format. There are three IT resume formats you can use: reverse chronological, functional, and hybrid.

The reverse chronological format is the most popular and hiring managers prefer it. It focuses on your experience in the first place, listing your jobs starting with the recent one. Such a resume details on responsibilities and achievements of the candidate. The chronological resume is best for IT and software development professionals who have several years of experience with ongoing vertical or horizontal progression. Yet, it is not suitable for switchers and people with career gaps.

The functional resume format focuses on the job seeker's strengths and skills. It starts with a detailed career summary and Core Competencies section where you list competencies, achievements, and relevant training. Work history is listed briefly, usually with job titles and dates only. This format is suitable for recent graduates and people with limited experience. The downside is that most employers dislike such resumes. They might suspect that the candidate is trying to hide employment gaps or other issues.

A hybrid resume combines the strengths of the above two. In it, you can list jobs with detailed descriptions plus create a dedicated Skills section. A well-structured list of skills will catch the recruiter's attention, and in the Experience section, you can expand on those skills and provide them with a big picture. The best part is, as an IT manager, you surely have relevant experience, so you can use this format confidently.

Include your contact details professionally

Adding your contact info sounds like no big deal, but there are some things to keep in mind:

Place contact details at the top, right after your name. Many modern resume templates place your contact info at the bottom or, worse yet, on the second page. Such resumes can get tossed. Put your phone number and email where the employers expect to see them.

Use a professional email. If you are applying for a management role, using a funny email is a big no-no. Add one that has your first and second name.

Wrong: Hardcandy2007@gmail.com

Right: Jessica-Matthews101@gmail.com

Double-check. If you misspell a digit or letter in your contact info, the hiring manager won't be able to contact you. Check that your contact details are accurate.

How to write a compelling IT manager summary?

Recruiters spend less than a minute initially reviewing each IT manager resume. If you don't catch their attention, your application will get tossed. A summary section can help present your key qualifications and inspire them to choose your resume for a closer review.

A resume summary is a three to four-sentence statement that concisely presents your achievements, strengths, and areas of expertise. In it, you should explain what makes you a great candidate for the position and prove your claims with tangible achievements. If you've worked in the tech sector for many years, this section can highlight the most important qualifications.

  • Start your Summary section by indicating how many years of experience you have and your specialization.
  • Include 2-3 key competencies, achievements, or qualifications that distinguish you from others.
  • Try to avoid clichés such as go-getter, proactive, team player, hardworking, or else

Here are some IT manager resume summary examples to get you started.

IT security manager resume summary

Seasoned IT Security Manager with 7+ years of experience developing and implementing robust cybersecurity strategies. Successfully detected cybersecurity flaws and reduced incidents by 32% by implementing threat detection systems. Proven track record in managing a team of 10+ cybersecurity professionals, developing security policies, and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

IT manager resume summary

Dynamic IT manager with 4+ years of experience introducing technology initiatives and driving operational efficiency. Managed the implementation of a new IT infrastructure, resulting in a 26% decrease of IT expenses and minimizing customer complaints. Adept at managing multiple IT projects, managing cross-functional teams, and optimizing IT processes to improve bottom-line business results.

However, a summary isn't always helpful. As an entry-level professional, you can add a career objective instead. The objective focuses on your career goals and the role you have in mind, plus what you can bring to the table if hired.

Junior IT manager resume objective

Driven Junior IT Manager with 2+ years of experience in IT support and proven leadership skills. Seeking the opportunity to leverage technical skills and potential to contribute to IT operations, optimize IT service delivery, and deliver lasting value.

Write an effective experience section

To write a great IT manager resume, pay special attention to your Professional Experience section. Your experience is your biggest asset. If you show the recruiters that you have performed similar tasks in the past and can show measurable results, they are likely to choose you over other candidates.

The key to success is being concise yet informative. IT manager resumes can be two pages long, but it doesn't mean that you should list every responsibility you had in your career. To craft a compelling Experience section, use this checklist:

  • Write 6-7 bullets for each role, including both responsibilities and accomplishments.
  • Be specific. Don't just say "Managed the team of app developers". Write "Trained a supervised a team of 15 app developers, ensuring the project delivery a week ahead of the schedule".
  • Use a PAR method. Mention the problem you had, how you approached it, and the result you delivered.
  • Include a one-sentence company description under its name. Specify the size, industry, and number of employees you managed.
  • Don't be too techy. A non-technical recruiter can read your resume before a technical professional sees it. And if they see a lot of terms, abbreviations, and slang, they might not understand your experience correctly.

Here's how to describe your experience on an IT manager resume.

IT support manager resume experience

IT Support Manager

XYZ Company, Baltimore, MD 04/2022 - 12/2023

  • Led a team of 8 IT support specialists and trained new hires, resulting in a 35% faster ticket resolution.
  • Directed the upgrade of existing it systems and minor modifications, resulting in a reduction in hardware and software issues.
  • Developed and implemented IT policies and procedures, streamlining issue resolution and increasing productivity by 17%.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to address complex technical issues to meet organizational IT needs and improve project delivery timelines.

IT manager professional experience

IT Manager

ABC Company, New York, NY 09/2020 - 02/2024

  • Oversaw the IT infrastructure for a technology startup with 70+ servers across three offices and led a team of 15+ tech professionals.
  • Implemented cost-saving initiatives that reduced IT expenses by 30% while maintaining service levels and ensuring stable system performance and reliability.
  • Implemented cybersecurity initiatives in coordination with a Chief Technology Officer, resulting in a 46% decrease in security incidents.

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Add essential skills for an IT manager resume

Today, companies rely on applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter incoming resumes. Nearly 99% of Fortune 500 companies use this software. It screens your resume for specific keywords to weed out irrelevant applications. If your resume doesn't have these keywords, it can get tossed before a human sees it.

Including keywords in your senior IT manager resume will help you land more interviews. The best way to list skills is including a dedicated Skills section. You can list your skills using a bulleted list, and then expand on the crucial ones in your Experience section.

So, where do you find keywords in the first place? Read the job description carefully and copy the main skills and requirements word for word. You can also browse industry resources for more keyword ideas. Here's how to list skills for an IT manager role:

  • Include between 8 and 16 IT manager skills, focusing on the most relevant ones.
  • Balance the hard and soft skills in your list.
  • Focus on skills from the job posting - they work as keywords and your resume will rank higher in ATS.
  • If you have a long list of skills, consider breaking it into categories: programming languages, operating systems, management skills, etc.

IT manager skills for resume

Hard skills

  • IT Project management
  • Network security
  • System architecture
  • Server infrastructure
  • Asset management
  • Risk management
  • Database administration
  • SQL
  • Scrum
  • Cloud technology
  • Service management
  • Disaster recovery

Soft skills

  • IT management
  • Process improvement
  • Client relations
  • Problem solving
  • Strategic thinking
  • Creativity
  • Leadership skills
  • Communication skills

List relevant education and certifications

When applying for a management position in IT, it is important to include relevant education. Today, employers do not require a degree in computer science for many positions in tech. But in most situations, IT managers must have a Bachelor's degree or above in computer science, information technology, or similar. Having a well-rounded relevant major will put you ahead of the competition.

Include your school name, program, degree, and graduation year. If your education is in progress, add the expected graduation date to your IT manager resume.

Another way to prove your professional competencies is to use relevant certifications. Such certifications as PMP, AMA, or CITM can increase your employability. You may list your certifications in the Education section or separately. If you attended any training programs or workshops, add it to your software development resume, too.

How to list education on your resume

Bachelor of Science - Computer Science

University Name, New York, NY 2019

Certifications:

Certified Information Security Manager (CITM), 2021

Format your resume professionally

The structure and formatting of your IT manager resume are just as important as the content. Recruiters review each resume for 6 seconds initially, so every detail contributes to the first impression.

During the first review, employers scan your resume to understand whether or not you are a good fit. So, make sure your resume is easy on the eye and comfortable to read. Here are the key formatting principles for an information technology manager resume:

  • Add the IT manager position you are targeting.
  • Use a readable font size of 10-12 pts. Opt for a popular sans-serif font, such as Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, or Cambria.
  • Set the bigger font for headings and subheadings for easy reading.
  • Use bullet points to list your work experience.
  • Avoid using icons, images, and graphics. ATS systems might not read them correctly and your resume formatting will be destroyed.
  • Ensure accurate grammar, punctuation, and error-free writing.

Resume design is important, too. Use the plain, professional look and avoid bright colors. You may add a little color to highlight the key elements in the document and make it more attractive. A custom design can help you stand out from the competition. Be careful with resume builders. Some of those fancy designs might not open correctly with ATS, and your resume will get tossed.

By applying the above tips, you will create a professional-looking, neat design that will draw attention to your qualifications.

Professional tips to elevate your IT manager resume

After you've written your resume, it's time to give it a few finishing touches. Here are some extra tips to highlight your technical expertise effectively for the job search:

Use the optimal length

The rule of thumb for IT resumes is to keep your document to 1-2 pages. The IT manager resume examples above are one page. You can add the second page if you have 10+ years of professional experience.

If your resume takes more than two pages, remove jobs you had 15+ years ago and irrelevant jobs and activities. Your resume is a marketing document, so you can prioritize what to include to prove that you qualify for the position. Keep the most relevant information and focus on your accomplishments in the first place.

Decide if you need a summary/objective

Most resume experts recommend adding a summary or objective in your IT manager or asset manager resume. Yet, it depends on your career trajectory. If you have years of progressive IT experience, and management skills, and your past jobs align with your target role, skip the summary. The employer will look through your work history and understand that you qualify.

However, if you changed industries or moved to IT from a different field, a short summary is necessary. It will explain your strengths, and show your transferable skills and competencies for the role.

Insert powerful action verbs

When listing your professional history, start each bullet with a strong action verb. They will show that you took an active role in completing tasks, improving processes in your IT department, and leading others.

Minimize the use of weak words like led, managed, and responsible for. Use stronger words and vary the action verbs you use so that there are no two bullets that start with Developed, for example.

Here are some examples of action verbs for the IT industry:

  • Developed
  • Designed
  • Implemented
  • Coordinated
  • Deployed
  • Performed
  • Resolved
  • Tested
  • Supported
  • Organized
  • Streamlined
  • Trained

Tailor it to the job posting

Nearly 99% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS software. This software scans incoming resumes for specific keywords. If your resume doesn't have them, the system will toss your resume as irrelevant. On the flip side, if the resume has plenty of important keywords, the systems will rank it higher which means more consideration from the recruiter.

To effectively adapt the resume for a target IT management role, read the job description. Pay attention to the skills, qualities, and experience the employer is looking for. Highlight the keywords that appear frequently. Here's an example of keywords in the job posting for the IT position:

Next, incorporate these keywords naturally into your resume. Say, if the employer specifically asks for project management experience, you might want to emphasize your experience in leading IT projects, managing a team and overseeing budgets.

Put the most important keywords in the top third of your resume where the hiring managers can instantly see them. Add them to your Summary section, Skills list, and use them in your job description.

Proofread before sending

59% of recruiters reject resumes with typos and grammar issues. Sending a resume with mistakes shows sloppiness and a lack of attention to detail. Neither is the impression that you want to make when applying for an IT manager position. Here's how to ensure an error-free resume:

  • Use an online spell checker to proofread minor issues in your resume and fix punctuation.
  • Read your resume line by line, ensuring that each sentence makes sense.
  • Check consistency in punctuation (i.e. if you use a full stop at the end of each bullet, make sure you haven't missed it in other job descriptions).
  • Show it to a trusted friend or a resume consultant to get feedback and advice about what to improve.

Tips & resources to land the IT manager job faster

Once you have a well-written, polished IT manager resume at hand, it is time to apply for jobs. There are many strategies when it comes to job search, from using job boards to reaching out to hiring managers directly. Here's where you can search for job openings in tech.

Tech job boards

The simplest way to find tech jobs is to go to a global job board, such as Indeed, Monster, or Glassdoor. However, the competition there is enormous. It is better to consider job boards designed for IT professionals specifically:

  • Dice - a large tech job board with thousands of jobs posted every day
  • Wellfound - the platform with startup jobs
  • HireTechLadies - jobs for women in tech
  • Ladders - a search engine for managers and executives seeking $100,000+ roles
  • CrunchBoard - a website with high-quality tech job openings
  • LinkedIn jobs - apply for tech jobs using your LinkedIn profile, and see if you have any connections in the target company.

Company websites

As an experienced tech manager, you probably have a list of companies you'd like to work for. Go to company websites and apply for jobs there. The competition won't be as high as if you applied through job boards, so there is every chance that you'll catch the eye of the hiring manager. If there isn't a job opening that matches your skills, you can send your resume anyway and let them know that you are interested in working with them.

Contacting the hiring manager

About 70% of job-seekers are passive. It means that they wait until recruiters or hiring managers contact them. If you act proactively, you can expand your career opportunities.

Try reaching out to hiring managers in your target company. The easiest way to do it is through LinkedIn - you can see the hiring manager's name and send them a connection request. You can send them a resume and explain why you are interested in a particular role and company. However, it is important to be polite and not annoying. If they don't respond to your messages, it's best not to persist.

Networking

You have probably heard about the "hidden job market". It means that many open jobs are not advertised, and companies fill them through word of mouth and recommendations. If you network actively and let everyone know that you are looking for a new job, chances are that someone recommends you the job that has never been posted online. Reach out to your connections, join professional tech communities and online groups, and attend the events to get access to such opportunities.

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Frequently asked questions about IT manager resumes

  • As a tech professional, you probably know that ChatGPT can write the text for your resume. It can also strengthen the resume you have already written. Yet, it is better not to outsource writing your primary job search document to an AI assistant.

    ChatGPT can create generic job descriptions for your resume and suggest skills to include. However, it cannot adapt your resume for a specific job opening and cannot fix potential "red flags" that can turn off recruiters. If you are not sure about your IT manager resume, it is best to consult a professional resume writer.

  • If you want to land an entry-level role as an IT manager, focus on your relevant education. Include the coursework that relates to the position and mention academic accomplishments. Add any internships or academic projects to show your practical skills. Describe your responsibilities and any accomplishments to add credibility to your skills.

    If you are moving to the IT from a different industry, focus on transferable skills, such as the ability to troubleshoot, communicate with interdisciplinary teams, improve processes, and deliver client service. Many employers are ready to hire a candidate who is eager, willing to learn and can work as a part of the team even with no relevant experience.

  • It depends on the job title and your location. In the US, tech employers usually request a resume, not a CV. If you apply for jobs in Europe, the situation is different - most job-seekers must send a curriculum vitae (CV) that has a slightly different format and length than the US resume. In the US, CVs are generally used to apply for research and university teaching positions.

    However, specific requirements may be different depending on your employer. Read the job posting carefully - it usually indicates what document you should send (CV or resume) and whether you need to attach a cover letter, portfolio, or else.

  • Outsourcing the IT manager resume to a professional can save you time on resume writing and tailoring. Moreover, a resume writer will contribute rich industry expertise and use effective resume writing practices, thus helping you get more responses from companies. Tech job-seekers with professionally written resumes usually get hired faster than people with DIY resumes.

    If you need a new resume or want to improve an old one, try our resume writing services. We have handpicked a team of experts who can compose a resume of any complexity, emphasizing the right qualifications for your dream job. Your writer stays in touch with you and keeps working on your documents until you are satisfied. You can also order a cover letter, LinkedIn makeover, and other documents for a more effective job search.