Top Network Engineer L1 Skills to Include in Your Resume (With Examples)

Why Network Engineer L1 Skills Matter in a Resume

The role of a Network Engineer L1 is foundational in maintaining and supporting network infrastructure. Employers look for candidates who not only understand the technical intricacies but also demonstrate problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Highlighting key skills for network engineer l1 resume ensures your resume passes applicant tracking systems (ATS) and catches the eye of hiring managers. By strategically listing professional skills for resume—both hard skills for resume and soft skills for CV—you present yourself as a well-rounded and capable candidate ready to add value from day one.

1. Hard Skills for Resume

Hard skills are the technical proficiencies and tools that a Network Engineer L1 must master to perform job tasks effectively. These are quantifiable and often learned through education, training, and on-the-job experience.

Essential Hard Skills

• Network Protocols (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP)
• Routing and Switching Fundamentals
• Firewall Configuration and Security Basics
• Network Monitoring Tools (Wireshark, SolarWinds)
• Basic Linux and Windows Server Administration
• IP Addressing and Subnetting
• VPN Setup and Troubleshooting
• Hardware Installation and Maintenance (routers, switches)
• Network Troubleshooting and Diagnostics
• Ticketing Systems (Jira, ServiceNow)

2. Soft Skills for CV

While technical knowledge is crucial, soft skills for CV are equally important for a Network Engineer L1. These interpersonal skills enable smooth communication, collaboration, and efficient problem-solving within teams and with clients.

Key Soft Skills

• Effective Communication
• Problem-Solving
• Attention to Detail
• Time Management
• Team Collaboration
• Adaptability
• Analytical Thinking
• Customer Service Orientation

3. List of Network Engineer L1 Skills

To help you identify the best skills to write in resume, here is a categorized list of network engineer l1 skills in resume that balance technical knowledge and professional competencies.

Analytical & Strategic

• Network Performance Analysis
• Incident Root Cause Analysis
• Capacity Planning

Technical & Development

• LAN/WAN Design and Implementation
• Switching and Routing Protocols (OSPF, EIGRP)
• Network Security Fundamentals

Product Delivery & Process

• Change Management Processes
• Documentation and Reporting
• Service-Level Agreement (SLA) Compliance

Leadership & Communication

• Cross-Functional Teamwork
• Technical Knowledge Sharing
• Clear Client Reporting

Emerging / Modern Skills

• Basic Cloud Networking Knowledge (AWS, Azure)
• Software-Defined Networking (SDN) Concepts
• Automation Tools Familiarity (Python, Ansible)

4. How to Showcase Network Engineer L1 Skills

a. Integrate Skills

Incorporate your key skills naturally throughout your resume to demonstrate applied expertise rather than just listing them.

• In your work experience, describe tasks where you applied hard skills for resume, such as configuring routers or troubleshooting network outages.
• Demonstrate soft skills by highlighting instances of teamwork or problem resolution in challenging situations.

b. Quantify Achievements

Where possible, use numbers to back your skills, like reducing network downtime by a specific percentage or managing a number of support tickets daily. This emphasizes your impact.

c. Tailor Skills

Customize your network engineer l1 skills for resume to match the job description. Highlight the skills mentioned by the employer to optimize for ATS and recruiter review.

d. Add “Key Skills” Section

e. Include Tools & Certifications

Include relevant certifications like CCNA, CompTIA Network+, and tools expertise (e.g., Wireshark) to boost your resume's credibility among recruiters.

5. Skills in Resume Sample

6. Best Skills by Industry

• Telecommunications: Network Architecture, Protocols Expertise, SLA Management
• Information Technology: Security Fundamentals, Cloud Networking Basics, Hardware Troubleshooting
• Finance & Banking: Compliance Knowledge, Risk Assessment, Network Reliability
• Healthcare: HIPAA Compliance, Data Security, Incident Response

7. Emerging Network Engineer L1 Skills

As technology evolves, network engineers must adapt to modern tools and methodologies. Emerging skills enhance your profile and future-proof your career.

• Cloud Networking (AWS VPC, Azure VNets)
• Network Automation using Python and Ansible
• Software-Defined Networking (SDN) Fundamentals
• IoT Network Management Basics
• Cybersecurity Awareness and Threat Mitigation

Conclusion

Identifying and articulating the right skills for resume is crucial for making a strong impression as a Network Engineer L1. A balanced resume that showcases both hard skills for resume and soft skills for CV, supported by quantifiable achievements and tailored content, significantly boosts your chances of landing your desired role. Stay updated by incorporating emerging network engineer l1 skills in resume to demonstrate your commitment to growth and technological advancement.