Where would we be without computer technicians?
As a computer technician, you will be tasked with keeping hardware and programs functioning and up to date.
Whether employed for a large company, a local business, or a single client, your skills will always be in high demand in our modern world.
But first you’ll need to spread the word about your top-shelf skills.
How?
Through drafting and writing a top-tier resume.
This is where we come in.
We’re going to help you by outlining everything you need to know about effective resume writing.
Summary
- Resume Template
- Formatting
- Writing Your Resume Summary
- Areas of Expertise
- Writing Your Work Experience
- Writing Your Education Section
- Additional Sections
- Resume Points to Remember
- Resume “Don’ts” to Remember
- Some Helpful Tools
Let’s begin with a sample computer tech resume to demonstrate how all the resume pieces fit together. Then we will break each section down to really drill into how to write the best computer tech resume you possibly can.
Computer Tech Resume (Text Version)
Contact Info:
David Jones
[email protected]
1 (661) 092-8456
Santa Clarita, CA 91350
linkedin.com/davidjones
Summary Statement:
Computer Technician: Focused and reliable Computer Technician skilled at troubleshooting physical hardware, including modems and internal PC components. Proficient at software installation and setup in addition to being experienced with both laptop and PC repair.
Key Accomplishments/Areas of Expertise
- Windows
- Mac
- Soldering
- Computer Diagnostics
- Customer Service
- Detail Oriented
- Troubleshooting
- Intuitive
- Communication
Professional Experience:
Ithaca Industries | Santa Clarita, CA
Computer Technician | March 2017 – Present
- Maintain company computers and associated hardware
- Order needed hardware components
- Perform system updates on a routine basis
- Address any computer hardware problems or malfunctions
Valley Computer Repair | Santa Clarita, CA
Computer Technician | January 2015 – January 2017
- Took customer calls pertaining to broken or damaged hardware
- Repaired & replaced PC components, including hard drives & monitors
- Completed delicate solder work on internal components if needed
- Outfitted desktop computers with graphics cards, cooling systems & RAM
Van Nuys Tech Solutions | Van Nuys, CA
Computer Technician | November 2011 – October 2014
- Assessed computer hardware functionality and ran diagnostic tests
- Worked with both Microsoft and Apple systems
- Read technical manuals and applied principles to assigned tasks
- Installed and configured software for customers
Education/Certifications
Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science
The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
Class of 2011
Formatting
Computers are made up of independent hardware components that all function together – and computer programs operate according to set factors.
Likewise, a well-functioning computer tech resume consists of differing elements that work together to form one document.
A resume requires certain formatting that will help it beat the odds and land you the interview you’ve been longing for.
For instance, many companies today utilize scanning bots to search resumes for the right keywords and language – so part of writing a good resume is to make it scannable.
A hiring manager is going to spend about 6 seconds giving your resume a look over, so it is imperative that you make a good impression right from the top of the page.
To this end, we advise you to lay out your computer tech resume in reverse chronological order – that way the reader will see your most recent accomplishments and skills first off.
This will help you achieve another resume goal, which is to assure that your resume is readable.
Font selection plays an important role in readability. Select a font that isn’t outlandish or fancy.
Also, make good use of your white spaces on the page. You want your resume looking balanced. So align your text in a way that produces an organized and clean aesthetic.
Writing Your Resume Summary
Our recommendation is that you begin your resume with a summary.
The summary will highlight your top skills and qualities as a computer technician.
The idea is to get specific about what you’re bringing to the game – what makes you an ideal candidate for the job.
Generalities will not do!
An effective summary should demonstrate your value. Use 2-3 sentences to talk about your best attributes.
A well-written summary equals a great first impression, which is what you’re looking for!
PRO TIP: Your obvious objective is to land the job. So no need to state that or to include an objective in your summary. At the end of the day, it is your skills that will land you the job. Remember that your summary is not a statement of your intention, but a curated collection of your expertise areas.
Let’s move on and look at some summary examples. >
Yes!
Focused and reliable Computer Technician skilled at troubleshooting physical hardware, including modems and internal PC components. Proficient at software installation and setup in addition to being experienced with both laptop and PC repair.
No!
Computer Technician who is good with computer stuff. I can look inside computers and find problems and fix them. Can install software and repair all types of computers.
The first example gets right to the point.
We learn that this candidate is known for reliability and we’re given examples of expertise areas.
The second summary example is vague and general. The reader is not given a clear idea of the candidate’s actual skill set.
The language is weak and unprofessional.
Remember, while short in length, your summary is intended to be a powerful snapshot of your specialities.
Areas of Expertise/Key Accomplishments
Throughout your computer tech resume, you’ll want to keep the focus on your skills and value.
That’s why you should follow up your summary with a list of Areas of Expertise or Key Accomplishments.
Use bullet points to illustrate what your strongest skills are.
Example:
- Windows
- Mac
- Soldering
- Computer Diagnostics
- Customer Service
- Detail Oriented
- Troubleshooting
- Intuitive
Note that the list is made up of both Hard Skills and Soft Skills.
Don’t know the difference?
Hard skills reflect knowledge you’ve gained in your profession – skills particular to your trade.
Soft skills have to do with the personal attributes you bring to your career – things like creative thinking, communication ability, and problem solving.
Make note of skills that are especially relevant to the job description.
Don’t leave any relevant skills off your list!
PRO TIP: Your skills are what will set you apart from other candidates. While every applicant seeks to meet the basic requirements, you want to demonstrate what makes you ideal. So for your Areas of Expertise list, try to pinpoint the skills that you specialize in.
(See below for a helpful table of some suggested hard and soft skill ideas to inspire you in writing your skills section.)
Writing Your Work Experience
If you’ve been working in your field for a while, then the work experience portion of your computer tech resume will utilize the most space on the page.
Your work experience is where the rubber meets the road and you show how you’ve been using your skills at the various positions you’ve held.
It will really show what you’re made of as a computer technician!
It will also give a hiring manager an idea of where you’re going in your career.
So let’s begin with the layout.
Remember reverse chronological order?
This means you will list your most recent job first, then go backwards through your work experience.
Don’t worry about including every job you’ve ever held down. Your concentration should be focused on relevant positions.
There are exceptions, such as if you lack experience in your chosen field.
As you draft your work history, be sure to include::
- The company name
- Where the company is located
- What job you performed there
Listing the dates of your various positions in good practice. It shows you’re being upfront and have nothing to conceal.
However, you may feel that because you held a certain job for only a short time, or because you have large gaps of time between employment, that you should leave dates off your computer tech resume.
If you choose to do this, be aware that the subject is likely to come up during an interview. Your potential employer will want to know all about gaps and brief stints of employment.
Moving on, use bullet points to list the various roles and responsibilities of your past job positions.
3-5 points should be sufficient.
Use power words to give your points a sense of action and ability.
Examples for reference:
Yes!
Ithaca Industries | Santa Clarita, CA | Computer Technician | March 2017 – Present
- Maintain company computers and associated hardware
- Order needed hardware components
- Perform system updates on a routine basis
- Address any computer hardware problems or malfunctions
No!
Ithaca Industries | March 2017
- Made sure computers worked
- Ordered stuff and parts
- Did updates when you’re supposed to
- Fixed problems sometimes
See the obvious differences?
One candidate has listed the relevant details of job and responsibilities.
The reader can gain an accurate perception of the skill level and initiative of the applicant. Power words are well used.
The other candidate’s entry is lacking important information and is unprofessional overall. The bullet points are too general and lack specificity. Power words are not well used.
Remember that your goal is to give the reader all the information they need to form a complete impression of your competency in the position.
PRO TIP: Power words are only as good as the language that supports them. So, while it is important to use relevant and varied power words, it is just as important to provide enough informational context for them.
More About Bots
Bots can be a troublesome obstacle when submitting a resume.
Scanning bots work within an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), which many companies are opting for.
Since bots look for keywords and relevant language, you may have to consider altering parts of your resume to be more bot-friendly.
One way is using paragraphs instead of bullet points for your work history entries.
Not this:
Ithaca Industries | Santa Clarita, CA | Computer Technician | March 2017 – Present
- Maintain company computers and associated hardware
- Order needed hardware components
- Perform system updates on a routine basis
- Address any computer hardware problems or malfunctions
But this:
Maintain company computers and associated hardware on a daily basis. Order needed hardware components and custom parts. Perform system updates and virus scans on a routine basis.
You could still use a few bullet points to highlight special roles or accomplishments on the job:
Maintain company computers and associated hardware on a daily basis. Order needed hardware components and custom parts. Perform system updates and virus scans on a routine basis.
- Address any computer hardware problems or malfunctions.
- Trained replacement in all relevant areas.
More potential keywords?
Yes!
Harder to read for human eyes?
Also yes.
For this reason, we urge caution in adopting a paragraph format for your work experience section.
Writing Your Education Details
What role has education played in your development as a Computer Technician?
Did you attend a college or university to learn your craft?
Perhaps you took part in a certificate program?
Whatever the case, write down your education details in this section.
Example: Master’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, High School Diploma, etc.
Use reverse chronological order to lay out your education details.
Include the name of the school you attended and your areas of study.
Consider including your GPA if you think it will help boost your value as a candidate. It can be especially helpful if you are just entering the working world after graduating.
Don’t leave out special accomplishments!
If you made the Dean’s List or had a concentration, list it as well.
Example:
Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science
The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
GPA: 4.0
Class of 2011
Feel free to include details of any workshops or seminars you’ve completed as well.
Example:
- “Computer Tech Today,” Professional Workshop, Dallas, TX
- “Ins and Outs of Computer Tech,” Online Seminar
Additional Resume Sections
Sometimes you have a special accomplishment or award that doesn’t fit into the typical sections of a resume. That’s okay, because you can include them, anyway!
Doing so can prove helpful if you are new to your career and lack experience.
Some ideas:
- Awards and honors
- Publications
- Noteworthy Projects
- Social Media Influence
- Speaking Engagements
- Hobbies/Interests
- Volunteer Work
What if You Have No Experience?
We’ve all been in a position of lacking relevant work experience.
If you’re new to the field of computer tech, you can still produce a good resume that will help you advance in your line of work.
Just make a few alterations to the typical resume formatting.
Think about moving your education section near the top of the page under your summary.
Your education is going to be an important factor if you lack practical experience.
Now consider your work experience section. Obviously, something had to go in it. But you’ll still want your bullet points to be as relevant as possible to the new job you’re pursuing.
So think about roles you’ve performed or experience you have that could help you out.
What is your history with computers and hardware?
Perhaps you ran an online gaming community, or built your own PC.
In terms of past jobs, think about tasks you did that might correlate to your function as a computer technician.
Did any of your jobs involve customer service, filling orders, evaluation, or making quotes?
These things could count as valuable experience for your computer tech resume!
Remember This
Here are a few important things to keep in mind when writing or finishing up your resume:
Firstly, include your contact information!
Use your email or LinkedIn profile. Whatever works best for you.
Use space well
We’ve given you the formatting guidelines. Begin your computer tech resume with a summary, followed by expertise points, your work history, then education details. This is the best way to use the space you have to maximum effect.
Use good power words
There are a wide variety of power words out there. So take your time and select words that are going to work well with you. Power words can play a crucial role in demonstrating your competency and value to a hiring manager.
Use a trusted proofreader
It’s quite easy to make mistakes, whether in spelling, grammar, or otherwise. So it’s good practice to get a proofreader to look your resume over. You want to present a polished document!
Some “Don’ts”
Here are a few things to avoid:
Don’t use first person expressions
Your resume is not a personal letter. So though you may be tempted to use “I” or “me”, you should avoid doing so. Your resume is a curated collection of your bare skills and qualifications.
Don’t exceed one page
One page is a good, readable length. Anything longer is going to create problems with a busy hiring manager. Your skills and experience should fit nicely onto a single page.
Don’t repeat yourself
Repetition will do you no favors. Keep your language varied to demonstrate a serious and professional attitude.
(We’ve put together a handy table of power words below to use for inspiration.)
Don’t use odd fonts or formatting
Unless requested by the potential employer, do not use outlandish fonts or formatting. Remember that readability is a main goal!
Helpful Tools:
Power Words
- Maintained
- Ordered
- Performed
- Addressed
- Assessed
- Took
- Repaired
- Completed
- Outfitted
- Assessed
- Worked
- Read
- Installed
- Checked
Skills List
| Hard Skills | Soft Skills |
| Windows | Troubleshooting |
| Mac | Communication |
| Soldering | Intuitive |
| Computer Diagnostics | Detail Oriented |
| Customer Service | Efficient |
