How To Write a Network Administrator Resume
If you seek a role as a network administrator, the first step is writing a resume that positions you as a top candidate and highlights your qualifications such as analyzing infrastructure, mitigating security threats, and leading a team. Review our list of tips, including examples, that can help you level up your resume if you are unsure how to get started.
1. Write a compelling profile summarizing your qualifications
The first part of your resume is the profile statement, which replaces the old professional objective. Instead of telling a potential employer your career plans, this section consists of short sentences focused on the value you can bring to the organization. Avoid I statements, and focus on skills specific to being a network administrator.
Senior-Level Profile Example
A senior network administrator with over 10 years of professional experience specializing in network infrastructure, technical project management, VMware, and network security. A proven track record of identifying solutions to mitigate vulnerabilities and security threats. Adept at leading complex network migration projects for enterprise customers.
Entry-Level Profile Example
A network administrator with three years of professional experience specializing in network infrastructure, system administration, Cisco products, and networking. A proven track record of collaborating with cross-functional teams to conduct complex system and network upgrades.
2. Add an accomplishment-driven professional experience section
Whether you’re a senior network administrator or are applying for an entry-level position, you must show your professional work history. This should be its own section and have your job title, company, and dates of employment. If you have a long job history, you can focus on the relevant positions or those with transferable skills. When describing your duties, quantify them wherever possible. For example, you may note how many client accounts your network supports and their valuation. You might also mention how many devices a migration involves or the size of your team.
Senior-Level Professional Experience Example
Senior Network Administrator
City of Angels Tech Group, Los Angeles, CA | June 2015 – present
- Oversee the migration from legacy systems to cloud infrastructure for over 20 enterprise client accounts valued at $300,000 to $5.5 million, which includes leading cross-functional teams and interfacing with client stakeholders to ensure compliance with technical requirements
- Analyze network infrastructure and propose solutions to clients based on business needs and performance issues
- Enhance security for client businesses by installing appropriate firewalls and virtual private networks (VPNs)
Entry-Level Professional Experience Example
Network Administrator
Better Technology Partners, New York, NY | July 2019 – present
- Plan and execute a network domain migration and transferred data from more than 200 PCs, laptops, phone systems, and peripherals in support of 150 users
- Update all user desktop, laptop, and network servers with Active Directory Group Policies, Windows Server Update Services, and McAfee Antivirus
- Perform daily and weekly backups of servers and network devices
- Manage operations and configuration of network infrastructure, including routers, switches, and Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)
3. Include relevant education and certifications
As you read the job descriptions for network administrator positions, you’re likely to notice the position requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field or that the company would prefer an applicant with specific certifications.
Show the hiring manager you meet these qualifications by providing your education, certifications, and other credentials on your resume. List the degree or certification, the awarding institution or organization (if applicable), and the date.
Certifications
Template:
- [Certification Name], [Completion Year]
Example:
- The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) Network+, 2016
Education
Template:
- [Degree Name]
- [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] – [Graduation Month and Year]
Example:
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
University of Syracuse, Syracuse, NY – May 2018
4. List pertinent key skills
Network administrators must diagnose and resolve network issues, install and migrate systems, and provide documentation for user support and training. In addition to these skills, a hiring manager may seek specific proficiencies and technical skills. You can get an idea of what a potential employer is looking for in a candidate by looking at the job description. But here are some common skills that may be listed — and to list on your resume.
| Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| Authentication and authorization protocols | Backup and disaster recovery strategies |
| Capacity planning and scalability | Documentation and diagramming |
| Domain Name System (DNS) | Infrastructure configuration and troubleshooting |
| Monitoring and management tools | Network segmentation |
| Network storage technologies | Performance tuning and optimization |
| Redundancy and high availability | Security best practices |
| Subnetting and Internet Protocol (IP) addressing | Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)/IP |
| Traffic analysis and performance optimization | Troubleshooting network connectivity issues |
| Virtual Local Area Network (VLANs) | VPNs |
| Wireless network configuration and maintenance | |
How To Pick the Best Network Administrator Resume Template
When choosing a network administrator resume template, it’s important to find one that puts your qualifications in the best light and is well-organized. Hiring managers must go through resumes quickly, so create a template with headers, bullets, and bolding that makes the text easily skimmable. Look for a template with space for your professional experience and skills, education, certifications, and profile summary.
Network Administrator Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
Years of Experience
- Entry-level
- Mid-career
- Senior-level
David Morey
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 Your Street, New York, NY 12345
Profile
A Network Administrator with three years of professional experience, specializing in network infrastructure, system administration, Cisco products, and networking. A proven track record of collaborating with cross-functional teams to conduct complex system and network upgrades.
Professional Experience
Network Administrator, Better Technology Partners, New York, NY
July 2019 – Present
- Plan and execute a network domain migration and transferred data from 200+ PCs, laptops, phone systems, and peripherals in support of 150 users
- Update all user desktop, laptop, and network servers with Active Directory Group Policies, Windows Server Update Services, and McAfee Antivirus
- Perform daily and weekly backups of servers and network devices
- Manage operations and configuration of network infrastructure, including routers, switches, and WAP
Network Administrator, Hartford Technologies, New York, NY
May 2018 – July 2019
- Configured, implemented, and supported virtual desktop infrastructure and wireless networks using Linux systems
- Analyzed network environments and identified potential hardware and software enhancements to improve network performance
- Provided technical support for help desk staff and the IT team, which included troubleshooting complex networking issues
Education
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
University of Syracuse, Syracuse, NY, September 2014 – May 2018
Key Skills
- Network Administration
- Cisco Products
- Active Directory
- System Administration
- Network Infrastructure
- Information Technology
Certifications
- CompTIA A+, 2018
Curt Travis
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 Your Street, Burlington, VT 12345
Profile
A Senior Network Administrator with six years of professional experience, specializing in information technology, system enhancements, and Microsoft Azure. A strong history of leading diverse, cross-functional teams to drive automation and improve network performance. Adept at developing scalable network infrastructure for internal and external stakeholders.
Professional Experience
Senior Network Administrator, Burlington Tech Pros, Burlington, VT
July 2017 – Present
- Analyze network performance and identify technical solutions to improve availability, throughput, and utilization in support of over 300+ devices and 200 users
- Install, configure, and upgrade network equipment, conduct purchases valued at over $200K, and perform equipment testing
- Select vendors and perform negotiations to improve pricing, resulting in a $70K reduction in annual equipment costs
- Oversee a team of 15 technical support specialists and system administrators, define workflows, prioritize project tasks, and provide coaching and mentorship
Network Administrator, TechStar Incorporated, Burlington, VT
May 2015 – July 2017
- Delivered technical support to internal and external users to resolve issues related to hardware, software, and network infrastructure
- Evaluated information systems and networks, identified issues and process gaps, and proposed solutions based on system capabilities
- Attended meetings with the IT department and stakeholders to define long-term strategy for system implementation and network enhancements
Education
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
University of Syracuse, Syracuse, NY, September 2014 – May 2018
Key Skills
- Network Administration
- Microsoft Azure
- System Implementation
- Team Management
- Network Infrastructure
- Technical Support
Certifications
- CompTIA Network+, 2016
- CompTIA A+, 2015
Sarah Armand
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 Your Street, Los Angeles, CA
Profile
A Senior Network Administrator with 10+ years of professional experience, specializing in network infrastructure, technical project management, VMware, and network security. A proven track record of identifying solutions to mitigate vulnerabilities and security threats. Adept at leading complex network migration projects for enterprise customers.
Professional Experience
Senior Network Administrator, City of Angels Tech Group, Los Angeles, CA
June 2015 – Present
- Oversee the migration from legacy systems to cloud infrastructure for 20+ enterprise client accounts valued at $300K-$5.5M, which includes leading cross-functional teams and interfacing with client stakeholders to ensure compliance with technical requirements
- Analyze network infrastructure and propose solutions to clients based on business needs and performance issues
- Enhance security for client businesses by installing appropriate firewalls and VPNs
Network Administrator, West Coast Tech Partners, Los Angeles, CA
May 2011 – June 2015
- Conducted root cause analysis to resolve issues related to connectivity and network performance and documented solutions to prevent reoccurance
- Evaluated networks, performed installations and upgrades, and performed ad hoc maintenance to ensure availability in support of 130+ internal users
- Provided technical support for the installation, configuration, and maintenance of firewalls, routers, and switches
Education
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
University of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, September 2007 – May 2011
Key Skills
- Network Administration
- Cloud Infrastructure
- Technical Project Management
- Agile Methodology
- Solution Design
- Network Migrations
Certifications
- Cisco CCNA Certification, 2014
- CompTIA Network+, 2012
- CompTIA A+, 2011
Frequently Asked Questions: Network Administrator Resume Examples and Advice
What are common action verbs for network administrator resumes?+
When you’re writing your professional experience section, it’s important to accurately describe your work duties and show how they supported the overall goals and mission of the organization. You must start each bullet with a strong, engaging action verb. This list can provide some ideas if you struggle with a new word for each bullet. You may also use words from the job description, which can help you further tailor your resume.
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Automated | Collaborated |
| Conducted | Configured |
| Created | Designed |
| Documented | Evaluated |
| Maintained | Managed |
| Monitored | Optimized |
| Provided | Researched |
| Resolved | Supported |
| Troubleshot | Upgraded |
How do you align your resume with a network administrator job description?+
With the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting slower-than-average job growth for network administrators, open positions are likely to be more competitive and have more applicants. To align your resume with a job description, use many keywords and phrases from the job description and ensure your resume has as many of the must-have qualifications from the posting as possible. This helps your resume get past applicant tracking software and increase the chances that a hiring manager identifies you as a good fit.
What is the best network administrator resume format?+
While it’s possible to write a great resume with any format, the combination format works well for network administrator resumes. This style lets you highlight your skills and qualifications while still having enough room to list a relevant work history. If you’re a senior-level applicant, a reverse chronological resume can work well as long as you still include a list of key skills and proficiencies. Don’t forget to leave space for your education and other credentials.
Expert Advice: Include a cover letter with your resume
Once you have your resume ready to go, it’s time to start on the cover letter. The cover letter should complement your resume and act as an extension. This is where you can go into more detail on your network administration accomplishments and what you can bring to the prospective employer. If you need some help getting started, look at these cover letter examples.
