Resume guide · Job Zone 3
Computer User Support Specialistsresume guide.
Provide technical assistance to computer users. A strong Computer User Support Specialists resume shows active listening, reading comprehension and speaking, and names the tools you have worked with, such as JavaScript, Hypertext markup language HTML and PHP.
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A Computer User Support Specialists resume built in ResumeXRays, annotated against the data below. Flip the pages, try a template, then make it yours.
- 1Show the result, not just the ticket."Answer user inquiries regarding computer software or hardware operation to resolve problems" from this guide becomes daily volume, first-contact resolution and a satisfaction score.
- 2Show you stop problems from coming back.Employers now want support staff who cut repeat tickets through self-service and automation. A knowledge base with a measured drop in password resets proves it.
- 3Prove your people skills with a number.Active Listening and Speaking top this guide's skills. Walking 240 people through a security change, then lowering phishing clicks, shows you can explain tech in plain words.
- 4Name tools the way job posts do.ServiceNow, Microsoft Active Directory, Microsoft PowerShell and Atlassian JIRA are in-demand tools in this guide, spelled exactly as listed.
- 5Name each certification exactly.About a third of people in this role list a certificate as their top training, so CompTIA A+ and ITIL 4 are what a hiring manager checks for. The Microsoft 365 endpoint certification shows you can do more than break-fix work.
- 6Keep education to one line.Many people in this field have a bachelor's degree, but a certificate or two-year degree plus certifications is common. One line is enough so your experience gets the space.
Sample resume. The candidate is fictional; the layout and templates are real.
01Also called
O*NETComputer Support SpecialistComputer Tech (Computer Technician)Desktop Support Technician (Desktop Support Tech)Help Desk AnalystHelp Desk Tech (Help Desk Technician)IS Tech (Information Systems Technician)IT Specialist (Information Technology Specialist)IT Support Specialist (Information Technology Support Specialist)IT Tech (Information Technology Technician)Technical Support Specialist
02Skills employers expect
O*NETImportance is how much the skill matters to the job; level is how much of it the job demands. Both are worth naming on the resume, in this order.
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Active Listening | Very high | Advanced |
| Reading Comprehension | Very high | Advanced |
| Speaking | Very high | Advanced |
| Critical Thinking | High | Intermediate |
| Complex Problem Solving | High | Intermediate |
| Writing | High | Intermediate |
| Judgment and Decision Making | High | Intermediate |
| Active Learning | High | Intermediate |
| Learning Strategies | High | Intermediate |
| Monitoring | High | Intermediate |
03Knowledge areas
O*NET- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Telecommunications
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Mechanical
- Engineering and Technology
- Administration and Management
- Administrative
- Communications and Media
04Common responsibilities
O*NETOrdered by importance. Each one is a bullet waiting for a result and a number.
- Oversee the daily performance of computer systems.
- Set up equipment for employee use, performing or ensuring proper installation of cables, operating systems, or appropriate software.
- Read technical manuals, confer with users, or conduct computer diagnostics to investigate and resolve problems or to provide technical assistance and support.
- Answer user inquiries regarding computer software or hardware operation to resolve problems.
- Install and perform minor repairs to hardware, software, or peripheral equipment, following design or installation specifications.
- Confer with staff, users, and management to establish requirements for new systems or modifications.
- Enter commands and observe system functioning to verify correct operations and detect errors.
- Maintain records of daily data communication transactions, problems and remedial actions taken, or installation activities.
- Refer major hardware or software problems or defective products to vendors or technicians for service.
- Prepare evaluations of software or hardware, and recommend improvements or upgrades.
05Software and tools
O*NET258 tools across 71 categories. The six largest categories are below; Hot marks a hot technology, In demand a tool employers ask for most often.
Web platform development software23
- JavaScriptHotIn demand
- Hypertext markup language HTMLHotIn demand
- PHPHotIn demand
- Cascading style sheets CSSHotIn demand
- JavaScript Object Notation JSONHotIn demand
- Node.jsHotIn demand
- Google AngularHotIn demand
- Spring FrameworkHotIn demand
- Microsoft Active Server Pages ASPHot
- AJAXHot
- Apache TomcatHot
- DjangoHot
- Microsoft ASP.NETHot
- DrupalIn demand
- Extensible hypertext markup language XHTML
- Dynamic hypertext markup language DHTML
- Oracle JavaServer Pages JSP
- Apache Struts
- Ruby on Rails
- Enterprise JavaBeans
- LAMP Stack
- Ext JS
- Microsoft ASP.NET Core MVC
+ 18 more
Operating system software19
- Microsoft WindowsHotIn demand
- LinuxHotIn demand
- UNIXHotIn demand
- Apple macOSHotIn demand
- Shell scriptHotIn demand
- BashHotIn demand
- Red Hat Enterprise LinuxHotIn demand
- Apple iOSHotIn demand
- Google AndroidHotIn demand
- UNIX ShellHot
- Oracle Solaris
- Hewlett Packard HP-UX
- Job control language JCL
- Ubuntu
- KornShell
- Cisco IOS
- Event log monitor software
- Microsoft Windows Pre-installation Environment
- Operating system monitoring software
+ 14 more
Data base user interface and query software18
- Microsoft AccessHotIn demand
- Structured query language SQLHotIn demand
- Microsoft SQL ServerHotIn demand
- Oracle DatabaseHotIn demand
- Amazon Web Services AWS softwareHotIn demand
- MySQLHotIn demand
- Yardi softwareHotIn demand
- Amazon RedshiftHotIn demand
- Transact-SQLHotIn demand
- ServiceNowHotIn demand
- Database software
- FileMaker Pro
- Blackboard software
- Data entry software
- Oracle JDBC
- iPro
- Lucid IQ CMP
- Software asset management SAM software
+ 13 more
Development environment software17
- CHotIn demand
- Microsoft Azure softwareHotIn demand
- Microsoft Visual StudioHotIn demand
- Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBAHotIn demand
- Eclipse IDEHotIn demand
- Microsoft .NET FrameworkHotIn demand
- Microsoft PowerShellHotIn demand
- Apache KafkaHotIn demand
- Microsoft Visual BasicHot
- RubyHot
- Apache MavenHot
- National Instruments LabVIEWIn demand
- Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting Edition VBScript
- Adobe ActionScript
- Integrated development environment IDE software
- Apache Ant
- Common business oriented language COBOL
+ 12 more
Object or component oriented development software12
- PythonHotIn demand
- C++HotIn demand
- Oracle JavaHotIn demand
- PerlHotIn demand
- C#HotIn demand
- jQueryHotIn demand
- Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services SSRSHot
- SwiftHot
- Apache Groovy
- Advanced business application programming ABAP
- Microsoft ActiveX
- Objective C
+ 7 more
Data base management system software11
- Apache HadoopHotIn demand
- NoSQLHotIn demand
- MongoDBHotIn demand
- Oracle PL/SQLHotIn demand
- Teradata DatabaseHot
- Apache HiveHot
- Apache CassandraHot
- ElasticsearchHot
- Apache Pig
- Relational database management software
- Apache Solr
+ 6 more
Enterprise resource planning ERP software9
- SAP softwareHotIn demand
- Oracle PeopleSoftHot
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne
- Oracle Hyperion
- SAP Business Objects
- Microsoft Dynamics GP
- NetSuite ERP
- Oracle Fusion Applications
+ 4 more
Application server software6
- GitHubHotIn demand
- DockerHotIn demand
- Microsoft Windows ServerHotIn demand
- Spring BootHotIn demand
- Oracle WebLogic Server
- Red Hat WildFly
+ 1 more
Configuration management software6
- PuppetHot
- ChefHot
- Perforce Helix software
- Automated installation software
- Deployment software
- Patch management software
+ 1 more
Desktop communications software6
- Skype
- ParentSquare
- Remote control software
- Symantec pcAnywhere
- CrossTec NetOp Remote Control
- Stac Software ReachOut
+ 1 more
Business intelligence and data analysis software5
- TableauHotIn demand
- IBM Cognos Impromptu
- Qlik Tech QlikView
- MicroStrategy
- Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition
Computer aided design CAD software5
- Autodesk AutoCADHotIn demand
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorksHotIn demand
- Bentley MicroStationHotIn demand
- Autodesk RevitHotIn demand
- Dassault Systemes CATIAIn demand
Enterprise application integration software5
- Extensible markup language XMLHotIn demand
- Microsoft SQL Server Integration Services SSISHotIn demand
- IBM InfoSphere DataStage
- Atlassian Bamboo
- Oracle Fusion Middleware
Graphics or photo imaging software5
- Adobe PhotoshopHotIn demand
- Adobe IllustratorHotIn demand
- Adobe Creative Cloud softwareHotIn demand
- Trimble SketchUp ProHotIn demand
- SmugMug Flickr
Project management software5
- Microsoft ProjectHotIn demand
- Atlassian ConfluenceHotIn demand
- Microsoft TeamsHotIn demand
- Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio ManagementHot
- Google Classroom
Backup or archival software4
- Veritas NetBackup
- Disaster recovery software
- Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy Service
- Symantec LiveState
Internet directory services software4
- Microsoft Active DirectoryHotIn demand
- Network directory services software
- Active directory software
- Domain name system DNS
Program testing software4
- JUnitHot
- Hewlett Packard LoadRunner
- Defect tracking software
- Personal computer diagnostic software
Transaction security and virus protection software4
- NortonLifeLock cybersecurity software
- McAfee
- Encryption software
- Virus scanning software
Video conferencing software4
- ZoomHotIn demand
- Cisco WebexHot
- Google MeetIn demand
- LogMeIn GoToMeeting
Word processing software4
- Microsoft WordHotIn demand
- Google DocsHot
- Microsoft OneNote
- 3M Post-it App
Accounting software3
- Tax softwareIn demand
- Sage 50 Accounting
- Fund accounting software
Analytical or scientific software3
- SASHotIn demand
- The MathWorks MATLABHotIn demand
- StataCorp StataIn demand
Cloud-based data access and sharing software3
- SlackHot
- Google Drive
- Dropbox
Desktop publishing software3
- Adobe InDesignHotIn demand
- Microsoft Publisher
- Adobe Distiller
Electronic mail software3
- Microsoft OutlookHotIn demand
- IBM Notes
- Microsoft Exchange
Network monitoring software3
- Wireshark
- Nagios
- Dartware InterMapper
Video creation and editing software3
- Apple Final Cut ProIn demand
- YouTube
- Flipgrid
Web page creation and editing software3
- FacebookHot
- Adobe Dreamweaver
- Google Sites
Access software2
- Citrix cloud computing software
- Mac HelpMate
Cloud-based management software2
- Splunk EnterpriseHotIn demand
- IBM WebSphere
Computer based training software2
- Moodle
- Schoology
Document management software2
- Microsoft SharePointHotIn demand
- Adobe AcrobatHotIn demand
Filesystem software2
- Symantec Norton Utilities
- Desktop partitioning software
File versioning software2
- GitHotIn demand
- Apache Subversion SVNHot
Financial analysis software2
- Oracle E-Business Suite Financials
- Delphi Technology
Geographic information system2
- ESRI ArcGIS softwareHotIn demand
- Geographic information system GIS softwareIn demand
Helpdesk or call center software2
- Help desk software
- Call center software
Human resources software2
- Human resource management software HRMS
- Oracle Taleo
Information retrieval or search software2
- LexisNexis
- Information systems integration software
Medical software2
- Epic SystemsHotIn demand
- MEDITECH softwareHot
Multi-media educational software2
- Nearpod
- Seesaw
Network security and virtual private network VPN equipment software2
- Firewall softwareIn demand
- Virtual private networking VPN software
Object oriented data base management software2
- PostgreSQLHotIn demand
- Hibernate ORMHot
Presentation software2
- Microsoft PowerPointHotIn demand
- Poll Everywhere
Administration software1
- Element management software
Authentication server software1
- Password management software
Cloud-based protection or security software1
- SolarWinds
Clustering software1
- VMware
Communications server software1
- IBM Domino
Content workflow software1
- Atlassian JIRAHotIn demand
Customer relationship management CRM software1
- Salesforce softwareHotIn demand
Data base reporting software1
- SAP Crystal Reports
Enterprise system management software1
- IBM Power Systems software
Expert system software1
- Ansible softwareHotIn demand
Graphical user interface development software1
- Salesforce Visualforce
Industrial control software1
- Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
Instant messaging software1
- Blink
Internet protocol IP multimedia subsystem software1
- Voice over internet protocol VoIP system software
Metadata management software1
- Quest Erwin Data Modeler
Network conferencing software1
- LogMeIn GoToWebinar
Network operation system software1
- Remote install server software
Office suite software1
- Microsoft Office softwareHotIn demand
Platform interconnectivity software1
- Migration software
Portal server software1
- Apache HTTP Server
Process mapping and design software1
- Microsoft VisioHotIn demand
Requirements analysis and system architecture software1
- Unified modeling language UML
Sales and marketing software1
- Marketo Marketing AutomationHot
Spreadsheet software1
- Microsoft ExcelHotIn demand
Storage networking software1
- Media storage management software
Transaction server software1
- Customer information control system CICS
06Education and preparation
O*NETTypical education
Bachelor's Degree
47% of surveyed workers. Others report Post-Secondary Certificate (32%) and Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree (14%).
Preparation level
Job Zone 3 · Medium preparation
Usually vocational training, an associate degree or a few years of related experience.
07Putting it on your resume
ResumeXRays guidanceBEE · How to show it
Lead with the credential and the record. Job Zone 3 roles usually ask for training, a license or a few years of related experience. Put those on the first screen, then show what you did with them.
Name the tools exactly. This occupation is heavy on named software. A skills section that says "JavaScript, Hypertext markup language HTML, PHP, Cascading style sheets CSS" matches more job descriptions than a general phrase. Use the spelling employers use.
Show reading comprehension and speaking, not just active listening. Reading comprehension and speaking rank close to active listening for this occupation. One bullet per role that shows a decision, a tradeoff or a result covers them.
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