IT Manager Resume: Overview
As an IT manager, you’ll be responsible for planning and directing an organization’s technology initiatives. Your role might include managing teams, creating IT strategies, maintaining infrastructure, or implementing security measures. IT managers work in various settings, such as:
- Corporate offices
- Government agencies
- Educational institutions
- Healthcare organizations
- Tech startups
To excel as an IT manager, you need technical expertise, leadership abilities and effective communication skills. Your knowledge and experience help ensure IT systems align with business goals while remaining efficient and secure.
Ready to create your IT manager resume? Check out our Resume Builder, helpful examples and downloadable templates to get started now!
IT Manager Resume: Choose a Format
Choosing the right format for your resume is the first step toward landing your next IT manager job! Your resume format should reflect your experience level and career goals while highlighting your technical and leadership accomplishments.
There are three formats to consider for your IT manager resume: chronological, functional or combination. Each format works a little differently, so let’s break it down.
Chronological resumes for IT managers
A chronological resume organizes your work experience in reverse order, starting with your most recent position. It’s the most common choice for IT managers with consistent job histories, as it demonstrates your career progression. This format is also compatible with applicant tracking systems used to pre-screen resumes for hiring managers.
If you have a solid IT background, a chronological resume will showcase your expertise. However, consider another format if you have employment gaps or are just starting your IT career.
Functional resumes for IT managers
A functional resume focuses on your skills rather than job history, making it a good choice for career changers or someone with gaps in employment. A functional format lists your technical skills and expertise without tying it to a specific job title or timeline.
However, functional resumes are not ATS-friendly, and employers may prefer seeing a detailed work history. That doesn’t mean it can’t work for you, but it does have limitations.
Combination resumes for IT managers
A combination resume blends the best of chronological and functional formats. A combination format starts by listing your skills and qualifications, followed by a detailed work history. It works best for an IT manager with at least some IT experience who wants to emphasize an impressive skill set.
A word of caution: This format can make your resume longer than necessary. An IT manager’s resume should be one to two pages long. When using this format, focusing on the most relevant information is crucial.
Choosing a resume format
A chronological resume is always reliable if you’re unsure which format to choose. It’s easy to read and ATS-friendly, and it highlights your professional journey in a clear, organized way.
But what if you don’t have direct experience as an IT manager? Don’t Worry! You can still make a chronological format work by focusing on transferable skills, relevant achievements, and strategic customization.
Start by identifying skills and accomplishments in your previous roles that align with IT management responsibilities. For instance, if you’ve worked on projects involving team collaboration, troubleshooting technical issues or implementing new tools, highlight those experiences.
Tailor your resume to each job you apply for. For example, if the position emphasizes cybersecurity, you could detail how you identified potential risks in a previous role, implemented security protocols, or trained others on best practices.
With thoughtful customization, a chronological resume can effectively showcase your potential as an IT manager, even if you’re stepping into the role for the first time.
How to Write an IT Manager Resume
Writing an IT manager’s resume might feel overwhelming, but this step-by-step resume writing guide will break it into sections and make the process manageable. Each part of your resume should highlight your skills, experience, and value to potential employers. Start by creating an outline that includes the following sections:
- Contact Information
- Resume Summary or Objective
- Work History
- Skills
- Education
Once the basics are covered, we’ll look at additional sections to help your resume stand out.
Contact Information
First, you will provide your name and contact information at the top of your resume. Include your full name, city and state, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile. Use a standard font and ensure your email and LinkedIn profile are professional and up-to-date.
Your contact information should look something like this;
Sarah Johnson
Austin, TX
(555) 123-4567
sarah.johnson@email.com
linkedin.com/in/sarahjohnson
Remember to check for typos! Even a tiny error could prevent hiring managers from being able to reach you for an interview.
Summary or objective
Next, you will begin with a summary or objective to introduce yourself to employers. A summary works well for experienced IT managers, while an objective statement is better suited for entry-level candidates or career changers. Write a concise two or three-sentence introduction and place it at the top of your resume to grab the reader’s attention.
A resume summary is a brief overview of your experience and accomplishments designed to grab attention quickly. For example, a resume summary for an IT manager might say:
Results-driven IT manager with 8+ years of experience leading technology teams and implementing cost-saving IT solutions. Proven ability to align technology initiatives with business objectives while managing budgets and improving network security.
An objective statement, on the other hand, focuses on your skills, career goals and genuine interest in the role. For example, an objective for an IT manager’s resume might say:
Motivated IT professional seeking an IT manager position to leverage cloud computing, team leadership, and cybersecurity expertise. Skilled in streamlining operations and enhancing system reliability.
No matter which option you choose, tailor it to the specific job description and include relevant keywords to optimize your resume for ATS and stand out to potential employers.
Work history
Your work history is one of the most critical sections of your IT manager resume because it tells your career story. List your previous jobs chronologically, starting with your most recent position and working backward. Include your job title, company name, location and employment dates.
Then, in bulleted sentences, list your accomplishments and responsibilities for each role. But don’t just describe what you did — focus on the results you achieved. Use strong action verbs like “directed,” “optimized,” or “implemented” to convey leadership and initiative.
Quantify your achievements whenever possible. Numbers catch a hiring manager’s eye and provide measurable proof of your value. For example, instead of writing, “Managed IT projects,” say, “Managed 10 IT projects annually, meeting deadlines 95% of the time.” This makes your contribution much more tangible.
Use keywords from the job description to optimize your work history for ATS. If the role mentions “cybersecurity protocols,” “cloud solutions,” or “IT infrastructure,” incorporate those phrases naturally into your bullet points. This increases the chances that your resume will pass the initial screening.
Here’s an example of a job entry on a resume for an IT manager:
IT Manager
TechVision Solutions, Austin, TX
June 2017 – Present
- Directed a company-wide IT infrastructure overhaul, reducing operational costs by 20% and improving system reliability by 25%.
- Managed a $1M IT budget, consistently delivering projects on time and 10% under budget.
- Led a cross-functional team to deploy a cloud-based solution, increasing data accessibility for 500 employees and improving workflow efficiency by 30%.
Skills
A dedicated skills section is your chance to showcase the abilities that make you a strong candidate for an IT manager role. Include hard skills demonstrating your technical abilities and soft skills highlighting how you manage teams effectively.
Employers want to see that you have the technical skills for an IT management job but can inspire teams, manage time effectively, and communicate complex ideas. For inspiration, here are the top skills for an IT manager resume:
Top 5 hard skills for IT managers
- Cybersecurity: As cyber threats become more advanced, IT managers must be able to identify vulnerabilities, implement security protocols, and ensure compliance with industry standards.
- Network administration: Expertise in network setup, troubleshooting, and optimization is essential for minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.
- IT budgeting: Managing IT budgets involves allocating resources wisely to meet business goals. This skill shows you can balance financial constraints with the need for innovative solutions.
- Cloud computing: IT managers skilled in cloud platforms like AWS or Azure can lead migrations, optimize cloud environments, and reduce costs.
- System integration: Aligning various IT systems and tools is crucial for creating efficient workflows. IT managers with system integration expertise can ensure seamless collaboration across departments and technologies.
Top 5 soft skills for IT managers
- Leadership: Effective IT managers inspire and guide teams toward shared goals. Strong leadership ensures that projects stay on track and team members are motivated to perform their best.
- Communication: IT managers act as a bridge between technical teams and non-technical stakeholders. Clear communication ensures everyone understands IT strategies, challenges, and solutions.
- Problem-solving: IT managers face constant challenges, from system outages to data breaches. Being a quick and creative problem-solver allows you to address these issues effectively and minimize disruptions.
- Strategic thinking: IT managers must align technology initiatives with broader business objectives. Strategic thinking ensures IT solutions support organizational growth and future goals.
- Time management: Excellent time management is required to balance multiple projects, deadlines, and responsibilities. This skill ensures projects are completed efficiently and on schedule.
The skills section for an IT manager’s resume may look something like this:
Skills
- Cybersecurity protocols
- Team leadership
- Communication
- Cloud solutions management
- IT budgeting and cost optimization
- Strategic planning and execution
Education
Next, you will include your educational background, listing your highest degree first. Simply list the degree followed by the name and location of the institution. It is unnecessary to include a graduation date, as it could introduce age bias in the hiring process. Here’s how to format the education section of an IT manager’s resume:
Education
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
University of Texas, Austin, TX
You can also include relevant coursework or relevant certifications in this section. However, creating a separate section to showcase your qualifications may be more impactful.
Additional Sections
Adding optional sections to your resume can be a great way to stand out and show employers what sets you apart. While the basics like work history and skills are essential, optional sections like certifications, awards, or languages add a little extra polish and can make your resume more memorable.
Here are some optional sections you might consider:
- Certifications
- Languages
- Awards
- Special Projects
Top Certifications for IT Managers
Certifications demonstrate that you’ve put in the time to learn and master skills that matter in IT management. These certifications for an IT manager can be a differentiator when hiring managers are comparing candidates:
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): This certification is a gold standard for cybersecurity professionals, demonstrating you know how to secure IT systems, protect sensitive data and manage risks.
- ITIL Foundation Certification: ITIL focuses on IT service management, and earning this certification proves you understand how to align IT services with business needs.
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert: As businesses rely more on cloud computing, this certification highlights your ability to design and implement cloud solutions.
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM): A CSM certification shows you can lead teams using Scrum methodologies to deliver projects faster and more efficiently.
- Project Management Professional (PMP): IT managers often juggle multiple projects, and PMP certification proves you have advanced project management skills to keep everything on track.
10 Tips for Writing an IT Manager Resume
- Tailor your resume to the job description. Every IT manager role is unique, so your resume should be, too. Carefully read the job posting and highlight keywords like “cybersecurity,” “team leadership,” or “cloud infrastructure.” Then, integrate those terms naturally into your work history, skills, and summary to show hiring managers you’re the perfect fit.
- Use action verbs to describe achievements. Start each bullet point in your work history with a strong action verb like “directed,” “implemented,” or “optimized.” For example, instead of saying, “Managed IT systems,” write, “Optimized IT systems to improve network uptime by 25%.” Action verbs add energy and professionalism to your resume.
- Quantify your achievements. Hiring managers love to see numbers because they provide clear evidence of your impact. For instance, rather than saying, “Led a team,” say, “Led a team of 10 IT professionals, delivering 15 successful projects annually.” If you implemented cost-saving measures or improved efficiency, include those metrics.
- Showcase both hard and soft skills. You need technical expertise and leadership skills to succeed as an IT manager. Include hard skills like “network security” or “cloud infrastructure management” to prove your technical abilities and soft skills like “strategic thinking” or “problem-solving” to show how you manage teams and projects effectively.
- Focus on leadership experience. Employers want IT managers who can lead teams and align technology with business goals. Highlight instances where you led cross-functional teams, mentored employees, or successfully managed large-scale projects. For example, “Mentored a team of 12 IT specialists, improving performance by 20% through hands-on training.”
- Customize your work history to emphasize relevant experience. If you’ve held roles outside of IT management, focus on the transferable skills that apply to managing IT teams. For instance, if you’ve worked in technical support, detail how you solved complex technical issues or collaborated with other departments — both are valuable for an IT manager role.
- Keep formatting clean and ATS-friendly. Your resume should look professional and be easy to scan. Stick to a simple design with clear section headings, avoiding graphics or excessive formatting. Use keywords from the job description throughout the document to ensure it passes ATS screening systems.
- Emphasize cross-functional collaboration in your experience. IT managers often work with teams across departments, so showcasing how you’ve collaborated with other teams can set you apart. For example, mention projects where you worked with marketing to improve CRM systems or partnered with HR to implement a new payroll platform. Highlighting these examples demonstrates your ability to align IT with broader business goals.
- Show your adaptability to new technologies. Employers want IT managers who stay ahead of industry trends. Include examples of how you’ve adopted or implemented new technologies to improve efficiency or solve challenges. For instance, “Implemented a shift to cloud-based infrastructure, reducing downtime by 40% and saving $50,000 annually.” This approach shows your ability to adapt and innovate in a constantly changing field.
- Proofread thoroughly and get feedback. Errors on your resume can undermine your professionalism. Double-check for typos, grammar mistakes, and formatting inconsistencies. Ask a trusted colleague or mentor to review your resume — they might catch something you missed or suggest improvements to make it even stronger.
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Key Takeaways
The right resume format showcases your strengths, experience and qualifications in the best possible way.
Highlighting hard and soft skills shows hiring managers you are a well-rounded IT professional.
Tailor your work history with measurable achievements and relevant keywords to stand out from the competition.
Certifications like CISSP or PMP validate your expertise and commitment to growth.
A strong resume summary or objective grabs the hiring manager’s attention and demonstrates why you’re an excellent fit for the role.
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FAQ
Soft skills are essential for IT managers because they demonstrate one’s ability to effectively lead, communicate and solve problems. Critical soft skills include leadership, which shows one can inspire and guide teams; communication, which highlights one’s ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders; and problem-solving, which demonstrates one’s ability to address and resolve challenges efficiently.
Tailor these skills to the job description by reflecting on how you’ve used them in past roles. For example, mention how your communication skills helped bridge gaps between IT and other departments.
An ATS (applicant tracking system) scans resumes to identify candidates who match the job description, so formatting and keywords are crucial. Use a clean, simple layout with standard fonts, and avoid graphics or complex formatting that might confuse the system.
Incorporate relevant keywords directly from the job posting, such as “network administration” or “cloud computing.” Structure your resume with clear headings and bullet points to make it easy to read. Finally, save your resume as a PDF or Word document; these formats are ATS-friendly.
To stand out, focus on showcasing your impact in previous roles. Use strong action verbs like “implemented,” “optimized” or “directed” to describe your responsibilities, and quantify your achievements wherever possible.
For example, instead of saying, “Managed IT budgets,” write, “Managed a $1M IT budget, delivering projects 15% under budget.” Tailor your resume to each job by aligning your skills and experience with the specific needs listed in the job description. Highlight any certifications, like CISSP or PMP, and include a mix of technical and leadership achievements.
Finally, use a visually appealing, well-organized resume template to catch the eye of potential employers and make your resume easy to read.
Employment gaps aren’t uncommon, and there are ways to address them effectively. First, consider using a functional or combination resume format, which emphasizes skills and achievements over chronological work history. In your work history, focus on the experience and accomplishments you’ve gained during your active employment.
If you gained relevant skills during the gap — such as earning certifications, freelancing, or taking courses — include them in an “Additional Experience” or “Certifications” section. You can also address the gap briefly in your cover letter, explaining what you did during that time and how it prepared you for this role. Hiring managers value transparency and a proactive approach to overcoming gaps in your career.
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