Check your IT support technician CV against the job advert
IT support adverts ask what level of support you've given, on which systems, and how you treat the people you help. Make all three clear.
Start with your advert
Every IT support technician advert is different. The list below is what adverts for this job usually ask for, not what yours does. So start with your advert:
- Read the advert and copy out every "must have" or "essential" line, then the "desirable" ones.
- For each one, find the line in your CV that proves it. If you can't point to a line, that's a gap.
- Fill the gap with something true: a duty, a setting, a qualification or a result you really have. If you don't have it, say what you have that's closest, or leave it out.
Our guide to matching your CV to a job description goes through this in more detail.
What IT support technician adverts usually ask for
Support level and volume
Why they ask1st line, 2nd line and 3rd line roles need different depth.
How to show itState your level and the kind of users and issues.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- [1st / 2nd] line support for about [number] users across [sites], handling [types of issue].
Ticketing and SLAs
Why they askMost teams work from a ticketing system with service levels.
How to show itName the system.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Logged, prioritised and resolved tickets in [ticketing system] within agreed SLAs.
Microsoft 365, accounts and devices
Why they askAdverts often name Microsoft 365, Active Directory or Entra ID, and device management.
How to show itName the admin tasks you've done.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Managed user accounts and licences in [Active Directory / Entra ID / Microsoft 365 admin], and set up laptops with [Intune or other tool].
Hardware, networks and printers
Why they askHands-on fixes are still a big part of many roles.
How to show itList the kinds of hardware and network work you've done.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Installed and repaired [laptops, printers, phones] and troubleshot [network or Wi-Fi] issues.
Certifications
Why they askAdverts may ask for CompTIA A+, ITIL Foundation or Microsoft certifications.
How to show itList them with years.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- [CompTIA A+ / ITIL 4 Foundation / Microsoft certification], [year].
Only use a line if it's true for you. Swap each [gap] for your own detail: the setting, the number, the tool or the result. If you can't fill a gap honestly, cut that part of the line.
Mistakes that cost IT support technician applications
- Not saying which line of support you've given.
- Leaving out customer service, which adverts usually stress.
Questions
How do I get into IT support with no experience?
Show any troubleshooting you've done (for family, a club or your current job), a starter certification, and a home lab if you have one.