IT Manager: Job Description, Resume, Cover Letter, Skills

Are you interested in a job as an IT manager? IT (Information Technology) managers are responsible for the hardware and software that allows a business to function. They are responsible for selecting the hardware and software, overseeing updates and system testing, hiring and managing an IT staff, and creating and updating training materials.

A Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or Information Technology is required, along with numerous years of information technology experience. In addition, participation in professional organizations, professional certifications, and human resource knowledge, are strongly desired skills.

IT managers must be able to articulate thoughts in a clear and concise manner to a variety of backgrounds, and manage large, sometimes multiple, budgets with ease.

Job Description

Information technology managers supervise the purchasing, implementation and maintenance of information technology resources for departments or organizations. They design, configure and install hardware, software and telecommunications systems and equipment. IT managers evaluate emerging technologies and systems to enhance technology services or replace failing resources. 

IT managers setup and maintain security protocols and disaster recovery systems to mitigate breaches to the integrity of data resources within organizations. They communicate standards to staff and train employees regarding safe practices for the use of data and systems. IT managers respond to requests for enhanced technology resources by departments, prioritize needs, and manage projects to modify systems. They train staff to use software and other technology resources.

Information technology managers recruit, train and supervise programmers, systems analysts, project managers, and other IT staff. They devise and monitor departmental budgets and create strategic plans.

Employment Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for IT managers is expected to grow 11% from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations. Professionals with a strong background in internet security will experience the greatest demand as organizations try to combat increasing cyber threats.

Salary

The median annual wage for computer and information systems managers was $142,530 in May 2018. The lowest 10% earned less than $85,380, and the highest 10% earned more than $208,000.

What to Include in an IT Manager Resume and Cover Letter

When you are applying for a position as an IT manager, you’ll want to make mention in your cover letter of your leadership, project management, and your technical skills. Using quantifiable statistics to describe your project contributions (for example, budget numbers or improvement percentages) will help to set you apart from your competition.

Highlight your technical skills throughout your resume and cover letter. When it comes to listing technical skills (hardware and software knowledge, scripting languages, platforms and tools), repetition is critical – employers want to know that you are well-versed in the technologies they mention in their job descriptions. Showcase these skills by mentioning them in your cover letter, in “Technologies Utilized” sections within each position description in your “Professional Experience” section, and in a dedicated “Technical Proficiencies” section (which can be incorporated either as part of your initial “Qualifications Summary” or at the end of your resume).

Focus on your leadership and client relations skills. As an IT manager, you will be expected to both coordinate technical teams and take the lead when it comes to interfacing with clients. In both your cover letter and your resume, allude to the effectiveness of your leadership style, mentioning the number and / or types of personnel you have supervised. Also include descriptions of how you have supported clients, quantifying the results of your systems solutions if possible (Example: “Increased productivity by 70%”). 

IT Manager: Cover Letter Example

This is a cover letter example for an IT Manager position. Download the cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

IT Manager: Resume Example

This is an example of a resume for an IT manager position. Download the IT manager resume template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

IT (Information Technology) Manager Skills

Here's a list of IT manager skills for resumes, cover letters, job applications, and interviews. Required skills will vary based on the job for which you're applying, so also review our list of skills listed by job and type of skill.

Technology Skills
IM managers need to be proficient in a variety of technologies. The specific skills will depend on the job you're applying for. Tailor your resume and cover letter accordingly.

• Build and Maintain Hardware and Software Budgets
• Certifications
• Create and Maintain Vendor and Client Relationships
• Create Disaster Recovery and Back-Up Procedures
• Develop and Document Work Flow
• Deploying and Managing Web Based Applications
• Evaluate Trends
• Maintain Data Center
• Maintain Technical Data Reports
• Monitor and Test Fixes
• Plan, Organize and Control Information Systems
• Prepare and Manage Disaster Recovery Plan
• Procurement
• Quickly Learn New Technologies
• Quickly Troubleshoot and Resolve Issues
• Recommend Technologies, Strategies, Policies, and Procedures
• Reporting
• Review and Troubleshoot Software and Hardware Problems
• Security Monitoring
• Setup and Maintain Windows and Linux Servers
• Solve Problems Systematically and Effectively
• System Monitoring
• Troubleshooting

​Interpersonal and Personal Attributes
Even though you're working in a tech role, you'll need strong personal skills to work effectively with staff, management, clients, and vendors.

• Active Listener
• Articulate Thoughts in a Clear and Concise Manner
• Coach and Professionally Develop Staff
• Conflict Management
• High Level of Concentration and Commitment
• Highly Organized
• Participate in Professional Organizations
• Strong Oral, Written, and Interpersonal Communication
• Strong Sense of Ownership
• Team-Oriented
• Troubleshooting
• Work Well Independently and Collaboratively
• Work Well Under High Stress and High Demand

Business and Management Skills
When you're working in a management role, business skills are a requirement. What you'll need will depend on the role you're in and the level of management you're at.

• Analytically Minded
• Budgeting
• Enable and Support Business Operations
• Evaluate and Review Periodic Staff Reviews
• Evangelize IT Best Practices
• Excellent Judgment
• Flexible
• Manage Internal and External Projects
• Manage Teams Workload
• Manage Time Efficiently
• Operations Management
• Remain Calm and Patient During Difficult Technical Issues
• Reporting