Avoid These Network Engineer Resume Mistakes to Get Hired

As a Network Engineer in New Zealand, your resume plays a crucial role in securing interviews. Many candidates unknowingly make mistakes that can significantly reduce their chances of being shortlisted. Identifying and correcting these errors early on is essential to avoid repeated rejections.

Mistake #1 – Poor Formatting

Why this hurts

A cluttered or inconsistent layout can confuse recruiters and ATS systems alike. A lack of clear headings or bullet points makes it hard for them to find relevant information quickly.

Example

• Bad: Dense paragraphs without breaks.
• Better: Clear sections with bullet points for easy reading.

How to fix

• Use a clean, professional format with consistent headings and bullet points.

Mistake #2 – Irrelevant Information

Why this hurts

Including unnecessary details can distract from your key qualifications. Recruiters prefer concise resumes that focus on relevant experience.

Example

• Bad: Listing unrelated jobs from over a decade ago.
• Better: Focusing on recent, relevant roles in network engineering.

How to fix

• Tailor your resume to highlight experiences that directly relate to the job description.

Mistake #3 – Lack of Keywords

Why this hurts

ATS systems scan for specific keywords related to the position. Omitting these can lead to your resume being filtered out before a recruiter even sees it.

Example

• Bad: Not mentioning specific technologies like Cisco or Juniper.
• Better: Including relevant keywords throughout your resume.

How to fix

• Review the job description and include relevant keywords naturally in your resume.

Mistake #4 – Ambiguous Job Descriptions

Why this hurts

Vague descriptions of your responsibilities can leave recruiters guessing about your actual skills and contributions.

Example

• Bad: "Responsible for network management."
• Better: "Managed a team to design and implement a secure network for 500+ users."

How to fix

• Be specific about your achievements and the impact of your work.

Mistake #5 – Ignoring Soft Skills

Why this hurts

Technical skills are crucial, but soft skills like communication and teamwork are equally important in engineering roles.

Example

• Bad: Focusing solely on technical abilities.
• Better: Highlighting teamwork and project management experiences.

How to fix

• Incorporate soft skills in your job descriptions and summary.

Mistake #6 – Overloading with Jargon

Why this hurts

Using too much technical jargon can alienate recruiters who may not be experts in your field.

Example

• Bad: "Utilized BGP/MPLS in diverse topologies."
• Better: "Implemented routing protocols to enhance network performance."

How to fix

• Use clear, straightforward language while still demonstrating your expertise.

Mistake #7 – Missing Contact Information

Why this hurts

Missing or incorrect contact details can prevent recruiters from reaching you for interviews.

Example

• Bad: No email or phone number listed.
• Better: Clearly stated contact information at the top of the resume.

How to fix

• Always include your current contact information and ensure it's accurate.

Mistake #8 – Failing to Customize for Each Application

Why this hurts

Sending the same resume to multiple employers can signal a lack of effort or interest in the specific role.

Example

• Bad: Generic resume for all applications.
• Better: Tailored resume addressing specific job requirements.

How to fix

• Customize your resume for each application based on the job description.

Entry-Level

For entry-level positions, candidates often struggle with including relevant experiences. Highlight internships, projects, or volunteer work that demonstrates your skills.

Mid-Level

Mid-level candidates should focus on demonstrating leadership and technical expertise. Common mistakes include vague job descriptions and failing to showcase measurable achievements.

Senior/Lead

Senior professionals must highlight strategic contributions. Mistakes often include not emphasizing mentorship roles or failing to present a clear career progression.

• Ensure consistent formatting throughout your resume.
• Add relevant keywords from the job description.
• Highlight specific achievements with metrics.
• Incorporate soft skills alongside technical skills.
• Customize your resume for each application.
• Use clear, concise language.
• Include accurate contact information.
• Remove irrelevant work experiences.
• Check for ATS-friendly formatting.
• Proofread for spelling and grammar errors.

Don't let simple mistakes hold you back from landing interviews. Review your resume for these common errors and consider getting a professional assessment.

Utilize mistakes.cv for a thorough review and ensure your resume is in top shape for your next application.