You’ve probably heard this frustrating loop: you need experience to get hired, but you need a job to get experience. Good news—that loop has an exit. Thousands of people land IT jobs every year without traditional experience, and their secret weapon is almost always the same: a resume that reframes what they already have.

This isn’t about lying or exaggerating. It’s about understanding what hiring managers actually look for and presenting your background in those terms. By the time you finish this guide, you’ll have a resume that competes with candidates who have years of formal IT work—because you’ll know exactly which skills transfer, which projects count, and which sections most applicants completely botch.

What Hiring Managers Actually Want to See

Let’s start by busting a myth: hiring managers aren’t looking for a perfect match to the job posting. They’re looking for evidence that you can do the work and that you won’t disappear in three months.

When reviewing entry-level IT resumes, most hiring managers scan for:

Problem-solving ability. Can you troubleshoot? Can you figure things out without hand-holding? This matters more than knowing specific technologies.

Communication skills. IT work is 50% technical and 50% explaining technical things to non-technical people. Your resume itself demonstrates this—if it’s clear and well-organized, you’ve already proven something.

Learning trajectory. Are you actively developing skills? A candidate who earned a certification last month and has a homelab running shows more promise than someone who “has always been good with computers.”

Reliability signals. Job hopping, unexplained gaps, typos—these trigger rejection. A clean, consistent work history (even in unrelated fields) builds trust.

Notice what’s not on this list: years of IT experience. For entry-level roles, your potential matters more than your past. This is especially true in IT certifications—demonstrating you’ve invested in learning signals more than checking boxes on a job posting.

Phase 1: The Skills Audit (Before You Write Anything)

Don’t open a Word document yet. First, you need raw material to work with. Grab a notebook and spend 30 minutes on this exercise.

Technical Skills You Already Have

You know more than you think. Write down anything you’ve done that involves technology:

  • Set up a home network or helped family with WiFi issues
  • Built or upgraded a PC
  • Installed operating systems (Windows, Linux, macOS)
  • Used cloud storage, synced devices, managed accounts
  • Created spreadsheets with formulas or pivot tables
  • Automated anything (even email filters count)
  • Ran cables, mounted hardware, organized equipment
  • Managed software installations or updates for others

If you’ve done any formal learning—certifications, online courses, bootcamps—list those separately. Even incomplete coursework shows initiative.

Transferable Skills From Other Jobs

Here’s where career changers have a hidden advantage. That retail job? Customer service under pressure. That warehouse position? Documentation, inventory tracking, process compliance. That admin role? Troubleshooting, user support, system administration lite.

Map your past jobs to IT equivalents:

Previous ExperienceIT-Relevant Skill
Customer serviceUser support, de-escalation, ticket handling
Retail/salesCommunication, patience, explaining complex info
Food serviceWorking under pressure, multitasking, process following
Administrative workDocumentation, scheduling, basic troubleshooting
Manual laborPhysical equipment handling, cable management, data center awareness
Teaching/trainingTechnical documentation, knowledge transfer
Any supervisory roleProject coordination, team communication

Don’t skip this step. These transferable skills often determine who gets the interview when technical qualifications are equal.

Projects That Count as Experience

This is critical: personal projects are legitimate experience. Period.

Have you:

All of this goes on your resume. Not as “hobbies”—as legitimate technical projects with measurable outcomes.

Phase 2: Resume Structure That Works

Now let’s build the actual document. The format matters less than you think—what matters is putting the right information in the right order.

The Header: Keep It Simple

Your name, phone number, email, city/state (full address is unnecessary), and LinkedIn URL. That’s it.

Two common mistakes to avoid:

  • Don’t use a “creative” email address. [email protected] or similar. If your email is [email protected], make a new one.
  • Don’t include a headshot. This isn’t Europe. In the US, photos on resumes can create legal issues for employers.

Professional Summary: Skip the Objective

Nobody cares about your objectives. They care about what you bring.

Instead of: “Seeking an entry-level IT position where I can learn and grow…”

Write: “CompTIA A+ certified IT professional with hands-on experience troubleshooting hardware and software issues. Proven customer service skills from 3 years in retail, with a track record of explaining technical concepts to non-technical users.”

The formula: [Credentials] + [Relevant Experience] + [Transferable Skill]

If you don’t have certifications yet, lead with your strongest transferable skill or technical project.

Skills Section: Be Specific and Honest

Generic skill lists waste space. “Proficient in Microsoft Office” tells employers nothing.

Weak skills section:

  • Microsoft Office
  • Communication skills
  • Problem solving
  • Team player

Strong skills section:

CategorySkills
Operating SystemsWindows 10/11 installation and troubleshooting, Ubuntu Linux basics, macOS support
NetworkingTCP/IP fundamentals, DNS troubleshooting, home network configuration, WiFi optimization
HardwarePC assembly and upgrades, printer setup and maintenance, cable management
SoftwareMicrosoft 365 administration, Google Workspace, basic Active Directory
ToolsCommand prompt/PowerShell basics, remote desktop tools, ticketing systems

Notice the difference? Specific skills with context show you actually know the technology, not just the buzzwords.

Experience Section: Reframe, Don’t Lie

This is where most entry-level candidates fail. They either leave out relevant experience because it wasn’t an “IT job,” or they have nothing to put here.

Here’s how to handle each scenario:

If you have non-IT work experience:

Lead each bullet point with the impact, not the task. Use the STAR method—the same approach you’ll need for behavioral interview questions.

Instead of: “Helped customers with questions”

Write: “Resolved 50+ customer inquiries daily, maintaining 95% satisfaction rating while explaining technical product features to non-technical users”

Instead of: “Used computer systems”

Write: “Managed point-of-sale system troubleshooting for team of 12, reducing downtime by documenting common issues and solutions”

If you have no work experience at all:

Create a “Technical Projects” or “Hands-On Experience” section. List your home lab, certifications, or coursework as if they were jobs:

Home Lab Administrator | Personal Project | 2025-Present

  • Deployed Proxmox VE virtualization platform hosting Windows Server and Ubuntu VMs
  • Configured pfSense firewall with VLANs, DHCP, and DNS services for isolated test environments
  • Implemented Grafana monitoring stack to track system performance and practice incident response
  • Documented infrastructure changes using Git version control

This format works because it mirrors professional experience while being completely honest about what it is.

Education and Certifications

List certifications prominently—they’re your strongest credibility signal without formal experience. Include:

  • Certification name and issuing organization
  • Date earned (or “In Progress” with expected completion)
  • Credential ID if applicable

For education, include your highest level completed. GPA only if it’s above 3.5 and you’re a recent graduate. Relevant coursework can help if it’s specifically technical.

If you’re working toward a certification like CompTIA A+ or Security+, list it as “In Progress” with your expected completion date. This shows trajectory.

Phase 3: Common Mistakes That Get Resumes Rejected

I see these problems constantly. Avoid them and you’re already ahead of most applicants.

Mistake 1: The Skills Dump

Listing every technology you’ve ever heard of backfires spectacularly. If your skills section includes “Machine Learning, AWS, Kubernetes, Docker, Python, Java, C++, React, Angular, Vue…” but you’re applying for help desk, you look like you’re copying job postings rather than being honest about what you know.

Only list skills you could discuss in an interview. If someone asked “Tell me about your experience with Docker,” could you answer for 2-3 minutes? If not, leave it off.

Mistake 2: Burying the Technical Stuff

Recruiters spend 6-7 seconds on initial resume scans. If your technical skills are hidden on page 2 after your pizza delivery experience, they might never see them.

For entry-level IT positions, put technical skills and projects above unrelated work experience. Yes, this breaks traditional resume advice. That advice was written for people with linear career paths.

Mistake 3: No Quantifiable Results

“Helped with IT issues” tells employers nothing. “Resolved 200+ technical support requests over 6-month internship with 4.8/5 satisfaction rating” tells a story.

Find numbers wherever possible:

  • How many people did you help?
  • How much time did you save?
  • What was your success/completion rate?
  • How many systems did you manage?

If you’re pulling from personal projects, estimate reasonably: “Maintained home lab with 5 virtual machines” or “Completed 40+ TryHackMe learning modules.”

Mistake 4: Generic Resumes for Every Job

Sending the same resume to every opening is lazy, and hiring managers can tell. Each application should have:

  • A summary paragraph that mirrors the job posting’s key requirements
  • Skills prioritized based on what the job emphasizes
  • Experience bullets that highlight the most relevant aspects of your background

This doesn’t mean rewriting from scratch. Create a master resume with all your skills and experiences, then customize by selecting and reordering for each application.

Mistake 5: Ignoring ATS Systems

Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems that scan resumes before humans see them. To get through:

  • Use standard section headers (Experience, Education, Skills—not “My Journey” or “What I Bring”)
  • Avoid graphics, tables in headers, or multi-column layouts
  • Include keywords from the job posting naturally
  • Submit as PDF unless the application specifically requests .docx

What to Do When You Have Literally Nothing

Some readers are starting from absolute zero—no tech background, no certifications, no relevant projects. Here’s your 90-day plan to become hirable:

Month 1: Build Foundational Credentials

Get CompTIA A+ or Google IT Support Certificate. Both are achievable in 4-6 weeks with dedicated study and give you something concrete for your resume. The Google certificate is more affordable; A+ has more industry recognition.

While studying, practice explaining concepts out loud. IT work requires communication, and being able to articulate what you’re learning is itself a skill.

Month 2: Create Demonstrable Experience

Set up a home lab environment. You don’t need expensive hardware—VirtualBox on any decent laptop works fine. Build a Windows domain, practice troubleshooting scenarios, document what you do.

Complete practical exercises on TryHackMe or Shell Samurai. These give you talking points for interviews and legitimate entries for your resume’s projects section.

Join tech communities: r/ITCareerQuestions, Discord servers for IT professionals, local meetup groups. Networking isn’t just for LinkedIn—it’s how many entry-level positions get filled.

Polish your resume using this guide. Customize it for each application. Target roles like:

  • Help desk technician (most accessible entry point)
  • Desktop support technician
  • IT support specialist
  • Junior systems administrator (stretch goal)

Apply to 5-10 positions per week. Track applications in a spreadsheet. Follow up after one week if you haven’t heard back. Remote IT positions can expand your options significantly if you’re in a smaller market.

If you need more guidance on preparing for technical interviews, read up before your first call.

Sample Resume: Entry-Level IT Candidate

Here’s what a competitive resume looks like for someone breaking into IT:

ALEX JOHNSON Denver, CO | (555) 123-4567 | [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/alexjohnson

Professional Summary CompTIA A+ certified IT professional with hands-on home lab experience in Windows Server, Active Directory, and network troubleshooting. Customer service background with 4 years explaining technical concepts to diverse audiences. Seeking help desk or desktop support role to apply proven problem-solving and communication skills.

Technical Skills

CategorySkills
Operating SystemsWindows 10/11, Windows Server 2019, Ubuntu Linux 22.04
NetworkingTCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, WiFi configuration, basic firewall rules
HardwarePC builds and upgrades, laptop repair, printer troubleshooting
SoftwareMicrosoft 365, Active Directory Users and Computers, Group Policy basics
ToolsPowerShell basics, Remote Desktop, ConnectWise Control

Certifications

  • CompTIA A+ (CE) – CompTIA – Earned January 2026
  • Google IT Support Certificate – Coursera – Earned November 2025

Technical Projects

Home Lab Administrator | Personal Project | 2025-Present

  • Built virtualization environment using Proxmox VE hosting 4 virtual machines for practice scenarios
  • Configured Windows Server 2019 domain with Active Directory, managing users, groups, and GPOs
  • Implemented network segmentation using pfSense with VLANs for isolated testing environments
  • Documented technical procedures in personal wiki, practicing IT documentation standards

TryHackMe Learner | Online Platform | 2025

  • Completed 35+ rooms covering Windows and Linux fundamentals, networking basics, and security concepts
  • Earned “Introduction to Cyber Security” and “Pre-Security” learning paths
  • Practiced troubleshooting in realistic scenarios

Work Experience

Customer Service Representative | Mountain View Retail | Denver, CO | 2022-2025

  • Resolved 60+ customer inquiries daily across phone, email, and in-person channels with 4.7/5 satisfaction rating
  • Trained 5 new team members on POS system operations and common technical troubleshooting procedures
  • Documented recurring issues and solutions, reducing average resolution time by 15%
  • Coordinated with IT department to report and track system issues, serving as liaison for store team

Education Associate of Applied Science, General Studies | Community College of Denver | 2022

Industry-Specific Resume Adjustments

The IT field is broad. Different roles emphasize different things.

Help Desk / Technical Support

Emphasize:

  • Customer service metrics and communication skills
  • Troubleshooting methodology (ask, gather info, test, resolve, document)
  • Experience with ticketing systems (even if just from coursework)
  • Patience and de-escalation abilities

Desktop Support / Field Technician

Emphasize:

  • Hardware skills (repairs, builds, installations)
  • Physical cable management and equipment handling
  • Documentation habits
  • Ability to work independently

Junior Sysadmin (Stretch Role)

Emphasize:

  • Home lab projects with servers, domains, and infrastructure
  • Automation and scripting exposure
  • Understanding of backup, monitoring, and maintenance tasks
  • Willingness to be on-call and handle after-hours issues

Cybersecurity Entry Roles

Emphasize:

  • Security certifications (Security+, CySA+)
  • Practice on security platforms (HackTheBox, capture-the-flag competitions)
  • Understanding of common threats and defenses
  • Attention to detail and documentation

For more on cybersecurity career paths, including specific roles and salary expectations, see our dedicated topic hub.

The LinkedIn Connection

Your resume doesn’t exist in isolation. Most recruiters will check your LinkedIn before reaching out. Make sure it:

  • Matches your resume (inconsistencies are red flags)
  • Includes a professional photo (yes, this matters on LinkedIn)
  • Has a headline that describes what you do, not just “Seeking Opportunities”
  • Features the same projects and skills from your resume
  • Shows activity: joining groups, following companies, occasionally engaging with content

If you’re making a career change to IT, update your LinkedIn headline to reflect where you’re going, not where you’ve been.

Handling the “Experience Required” Catch-22

One final reality check: job postings lie. “1-2 years required” often means “preferred.” Many companies will interview strong candidates with zero formal experience if the resume demonstrates potential.

Apply anyway. The worst outcome is no response—the same outcome you get from not applying.

If you’re getting interviews but not offers, the problem is likely interview performance, not your resume. Our guides on IT interview preparation and the STAR method can help.

If you’re not getting interviews at all, revisit this guide:

  • Is your resume getting through ATS systems?
  • Are you customizing for each application?
  • Are your technical skills prominently displayed?
  • Do you have at least one certification or concrete project to show?

The feedback loop for resumes is terrible—you rarely know why you didn’t get called. But systematic improvement works. Each application, refine something. Each week, add to your skills or projects.

You don’t need years of experience to break into IT. You need a resume that proves you can learn, communicate, and solve problems. The format above gives you a template. The skills you build from here give you substance.

Now go build something worth putting on that resume.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I include a career objective on my IT resume?

No. Career objectives are outdated and waste valuable space. Use a professional summary instead—2-3 sentences highlighting your credentials, relevant experience, and key skills. Employers want to know what you bring, not what you want.

How do I list certifications I’m still working on?

List them under “Certifications” as “In Progress” with your expected completion date. Example: “CompTIA A+ (In Progress) – Expected March 2026.” This shows initiative and gives employers a timeline. Just make sure you’re actually studying—they may ask about it in interviews.

Is one page really necessary for entry-level resumes?

Generally yes. With limited professional experience, extending to two pages suggests you’re padding content. Everything on page two of a two-page resume has about a 50% chance of being read. Keep it tight, focused, and relevant. If you have extensive project work or certifications, a second page is acceptable—just ensure every line adds value.

How do I explain employment gaps on my IT resume?

Be honest but strategic. If you spent the gap period learning IT skills, emphasize that: “Career Transition Period (2024-2025): Pursued CompTIA certifications and built home lab environment while preparing for IT career change.” If the gap was for other reasons (health, family, layoff), a brief explanation in your cover letter is appropriate. The key is showing what you did during that time to stay productive.

Should I include my home lab if I’m applying to large enterprise companies?

Absolutely. Enterprise hiring managers know that hands-on experience is hands-on experience regardless of where you got it. A well-documented home lab demonstrates initiative, technical curiosity, and practical skills. Just be prepared to discuss it in detail—they’ll want to know you actually built it, not just listed it.