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Information technology specialist skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read
Quoted experts
Jennifer Richardson Ph.D.,
Anthony Baron
Information technology specialist example skills

One of the most important hard skills an IT specialist can possess is ample experience in improving IT systems, and help in training employees to use IT systems. It's also important for IT specialists to have in-depth knowledge of business processes, as well as a track record of successful troubleshooting.


When it comes to soft skills, IT specialists should have strong customer service skills above all else, and a strong ability to meet their clients' needs. IT specialists need to determine IT issues quickly and efficiently, so problem-solving skills are also a must.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical information technology specialist skills. We ranked the top skills for information technology specialists based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 24.3% of information technology specialist resumes contained customer service as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills an information technology specialist needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 information technology specialist skills for your resume and career

1. Customer Service

Customer service is the process of offering assistance to all the current and potential customers -- answering questions, fixing problems, and providing excellent service. The main goal of customer service is to build a strong relationship with the customers so that they keep coming back for more business.

Here's how information technology specialists use customer service:
  • Provide exceptional customer service while managing all procedures related to the identification, prioritization, and resolution of end-user technical issues.
  • Maintained strong customer relationships, provided unique and streamlined customer service, repaired computers in both hardware and software related scenarios.

2. Troubleshoot

Troubleshooting is the process of analyzing and fixing any kind of problem in a system or a machine. Troubleshooting is the detailed yet quick search in the system for the main source of an issue and solving it.

Here's how information technology specialists use troubleshoot:
  • Monitor operational performance and troubleshoot system problems system related problems while isolating the cause of system failures.
  • Provide timely end-user response and effectively maintain and troubleshoot hardware and software components within the infrastructure.

3. Computer System

Here's how information technology specialists use computer system:
  • Conduct daily analysis of TCAIMS II computer systems and operating systems to determine overall functionality of systems requirements and specifications.
  • Performed Information Services Support Office duties of computer system management, database management, records management and Communication security functions.

4. Database

A database is a collection of data and information which makes it easy to view, access, and manage. Databases save a lot of time and can store huge amounts of data. Databases make sorting data easier and stores it in certain fields which narrows the searching criteria. A database usually contains tables, graphs, and columns to display data.

Here's how information technology specialists use database:
  • Implemented data compression which reduced storage costs by 3 devices and concurrently improved database availability by rearranging application jobs.
  • Performed monthly and quarterly inventories of communications equipment through Microsoft Access database and compiled status report for section supervisor.

5. DOD

Definition of Done (DoD) is a set of deliverables that are needed to devise software. These deliverables are valuable to the system and can be exemplified by writing code, coding comments, unit testing, integration testing, design documents, release notes, and so on.

Here's how information technology specialists use dod:
  • Gathered data and authored requirements documents for DOD appropriations necessary to establish and maintain long short-term technology funding plan.
  • Instituted operational measures to ensure awareness, enforcement, and compliance to DoD Federal security policies and procedures.

6. System Software

System software is the set of software that controls the management and internal functioning of a computer using the operating system, disk operating system, and file management utilities. The most crucial characteristics of system software include fast speed, closeness to the system, difficulty to design, difficulty to manipulate, and written in a low-level language.

Here's how information technology specialists use system software:
  • Assisted in Logistics computer support which includes diagnosing and resolving any workstation operating system software, application software or hardware problems.
  • Restored network enterprise equipment to full operations by using application and operating system software and appropriate computer language commands and files.

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7. Technical Support

Technical support or tech support are the services provided by any hardware or software company to users. They help in solving the technical difficulties the customers face with their products or services. Moreover, the tech support employees maintain, manage, and repair the IT faults. They are also responsible for resolving the network problems, installing and configuring hardware and software.

Here's how information technology specialists use technical support:
  • Provided first-level technical support to end-users on proprietary software and applications including installation basic usage and appropriate service level to warranty.
  • Provided daily technical support for e-mail, network, connectivity, telecommunications, peripheral equipment, and system maintenance.

8. Switches

Here's how information technology specialists use switches:
  • Assist the network manager in Connectivity Administration duties including installation, operation, maintenance/upgrade for local routers and switches.
  • Configured server switches, installed network cables in specific areas Troubleshooted network connectivity.

9. Peripheral Equipment

Here's how information technology specialists use peripheral equipment:
  • Maintained workstations and telecommunication peripheral equipment
  • Performed maintenance of personal computers and peripheral equipment, identifying problems and providing appropriate solutions for Quincy Dental and Parkway Dental.

10. Treasury

Here's how information technology specialists use treasury:
  • Automated business processes for Treasury agencies by developing Integrated Document Management solutions using Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) products.
  • Supported internal and external customers including the Department of Treasury and the National Business Center.

11. Customer Support

Here's how information technology specialists use customer support:
  • Provide customer support/ services with data entry, electronic data security, electronic device/system installation/repair, and process analysis and improvement.
  • Provided customer support services for computer user/specialist interface, including installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and customer assistance.

12. Rehabilitation

Here's how information technology specialists use rehabilitation:
  • Remained current with changing IT technologies via sponsored Army, Vocational Rehabilitation training and through personal education.
  • Performed installation, repair, calibration and certification of human performance and rehabilitation equipment.

13. Problem Resolution

A problem resolution refers to how a person identifies the problem, determining its cause, creating a reasonable solution, and implementing a conclusion. With the help of a client specialist, it is easier to handle such a situation. Problem resolution plays a vital role in helping resolve problems efficiently and effectively.

Here's how information technology specialists use problem resolution:
  • Provided troubleshooting and problem resolution for users and interfaced with the vendor support representatives to resolve complex integration and operational issues.
  • Executed efficient routine maintenance, problem resolutions, repair observance, database management, and evaluations of new/existing of computer equipment.

14. Java

Java is a widely-known programming language that was invented in 1995 and is owned by Oracle. It is a server-side language that was created to let app developers "write once, run anywhere". It is easy and simple to learn and use and is powerful, fast, and secure. This object-oriented programming language lets the code be reused that automatically lowers the development cost. Java is specially used for android apps, web and application servers, games, database connections, etc. This programming language is closely related to C++ making it easier for the users to switch between the two.

Here's how information technology specialists use java:
  • Completed major enhancements to file management application, using java swing and SOAP services, automating many previously manual administrative functions.
  • Developed and maintained client server applications for customer service systems utilizing Java applets accessing legacy mainframe systems.

15. Software Applications

A software application is any computer program developed and used by consumers, such as Microsoft's suite of products (Office, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.), Internet browsers such as Firefox, Safari, and Chrome, or browser add-ons that Defendant preinstalls or causes to be preinstalled onto a Covered Product. The software application is designed to help the user perform specific tasks - personal, educational, and business functions.

Here's how information technology specialists use software applications:
  • Trained internal/external customers regarding procedures/processes and software applications.
  • Prepared training manuals and drafts policy and procedure documents related to Performance Improvement software applications utilizing knowledge of business office operations.
top-skills

What skills help Information Technology Specialists find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on information technology specialist resumes?

Jennifer Richardson Ph.D.Jennifer Richardson Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Professor, Purdue University

Always the soft skills - they stand out I think first and foremost regardless of where you are coming from and where you are going to. Without the ability to communicate, collaborate, facilitate, and problem-solve it is tough to succeed in today's environment. Experience is also key no matter the position; without prior experience to demonstrate the skills you are indicating you have trained for it is hard for those doing the hiring to know if you have learned the skills or if you have learned and experienced (or applied) those skills. Students should seek out opportunities to apply their skills while still working through their program. I believe going forward with K-12 educators we will see that those that have training or professional development with teaching at a distance will go a long way. Before COVID-19 hit we were already planning a new offering for virtual instruction licensure, it is now garnering a lot of attention.

What soft skills should all information technology specialists possess?

Anthony Baron

Teaching Assistant, Associate Software Engineer, American University

The main soft skills I would say are needed for Computer Science software engineering are patience, perseverance, creativity, respect, teamwork, and openness to learning and teaching. Programming involves a lot of trial and error, researching, and learning better techniques for solving a problem. Due to this, patience and perseverance to reach the final goal in mind are crucial. When it comes to the learning aspect, there are many languages, frameworks, and libraries, and working with them involves a steeper learning curve than others. On top of this, there are often more elegant ways to program a solution, and many new frameworks and libraries are released throughout the industry. This is where patience and perseverance is also a virtue. Lastly, programming and creating a product are often done in teams, where working together and learning from each other is important.

What hard/technical skills are most important for information technology specialists?

Anthony Baron

Teaching Assistant, Associate Software Engineer, American University

The main technical/ hard skills, I would say, are mainly the same as in part 1. Another hard skill that will come through with experience in programming is learning how to Google, more specifically knowing exactly what to search to solve an issue in the code.

What information technology specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Ranganathan ChandrasekaranRanganathan Chandrasekaran LinkedIn profile

Professor and Director of Graduate Studies, University of Illinois

With remote-working and virtual collaborations becoming routine, more firms are increasing their investments in technology. In my opinion, irrespective of the location, many companies will seek to hire technology professionals.

What type of skills will young information technology specialists need?

Joshua Davis Ph.D.Joshua Davis Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Lecturer, Carleton College

Studying mathematics is good practice for rigorous thinking and problem solving, which are valued across the workforce. For science and engineering applications, it is often also helpful to have R, Python, Matlab, or another popular programming language. But technical abilities get the graduate-only so far. They need interpersonal communication skills so that they can understand the needs of stakeholders and cooperate with colleagues. For this reason, many faculty at my school emphasize writing, speaking, listening, and teamwork skills.

What technical skills for an information technology specialist stand out to employers?

Chirag Parikh Ph.D.Chirag Parikh Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Computer Engineering Chair, Grand Valley State University

If you ask me, I consider valuable experience over good paycheck. Once you have gained that experience the paycheck will follow. As soon as you are out of college, the knowledge gained is very fresh and raring to go. If put into the right place can enhance your technical skills and you can do wonders.
As a Computer Engineering professor, I would say the job opportunities are tremendous for students out of college as they can venture into hardware field (technical support, hardware engineer, test engineer and much more) as well as software field (software engineer, software developer, software tester and much more). The possibilities are endless.
With COVID and employees working remotely there is still ample opportunity to enhance your technical and interpersonal skills as I believe remote working might stay for a while till things get back to normal.

List of information technology specialist skills to add to your resume

Information technology specialist skills

The most important skills for an information technology specialist resume and required skills for an information technology specialist to have include:

  • Customer Service
  • Troubleshoot
  • Computer System
  • Database
  • DOD
  • System Software
  • Technical Support
  • Switches
  • Peripheral Equipment
  • Treasury
  • Customer Support
  • Rehabilitation
  • Problem Resolution
  • Java
  • Software Applications
  • Security Policies
  • Workstations
  • PCS
  • Desk Support
  • Computer Software
  • Lan
  • Management System
  • OS
  • Network Printers
  • Linux
  • SharePoint
  • SQL Server
  • Computer Equipment
  • PowerPoint
  • VoIP
  • Network Security
  • User Support
  • System Administration
  • Technical Problems
  • Network Infrastructure
  • Windows Server
  • HTML
  • Technical Assistance
  • VMware
  • User Accounts
  • Mac
  • Microsoft Windows
  • DHCP
  • VPN
  • Unix
  • Software Issues
  • Technical Issues

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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