How To Write a System Administrator Resume
Approach your system administrator resume as you would any technical project. Start by gathering the data: your accomplishments, experience, education, and skills. Then, figure out how to combine that information to demonstrate your expertise as a system administrator and why you’re a good fit for a position.
This guide provides the framework for creating your resume, including requirements for various sections. You’ll find templates including technical certifications and degrees, lists of verbs, and links for inspiration to get you started.
- Entry-level
- Mid-career
- Senior-level
1. Craft an outstanding profile with a summary of your system administrator qualifications
The profile summary is the first thing hiring managers see when they scan your resume, so you’ll need to create a compelling snapshot of your career to make a strong first impression. Start by listing your title, years of experience, and three to four technical skills that align with the job posting in your opening sentence. In the subsequent sentences, emphasize your ability to create value for your teams, clients, and organizations. If possible, include an eye-catching metric or figure to illustrate your track record of success within the technology field.
In addition to your technical acumen, draw attention to your leadership capabilities, interpersonal skills, and professional values. Although your technical qualifications are important, hiring managers want to see you’re the right culture fit for their company and team.
Senior-Level Profile Example
A Senior System Administrator with 10+ years of professional experience, specializing in Azure, Agile methodology, technical project management, and IT services. A strong background in building and leading high-performance technical teams to execute IT initiatives and technology transformations for enterprise clients.
Entry-Level Profile Example
A System Administrator with entry-level work experience, specializing in help desk support, Linux, Active Directory, and troubleshooting. Adept at performing hardware and software upgrades and providing technical support to customers to resolve complex issues.
2. Outline your system administrator experience in a compelling list
Create an accomplishment-driven professional experience section by leveraging your most compelling technical projects and achievements from your career. List each job, including where you worked, the position name, and the dates you held the position. Then, begin crafting bullet points that capture your strongest accomplishments within the technology industry.
For example, as a system administrator, you might feature examples of driving automation, enhancing security protocols, or improving user satisfaction. Be sure to quantify your achievements using hard data, metrics, and monetary figures whenever possible. This establishes a sense of scope for the hiring manager and paints a clearer picture of your professional experience.
Senior-Level Professional Experience Example
Senior System Administrator, Pennsylvania Tech Solutions Inc, Philadelphia, PA
May 2016 – Present
- Lead the implementation, design, and deployment of cloud solutions for medium-sized business and enterprise customer accounts generating $500K-$3M in annual revenue
- Manage a cross-functional team of system administrators, network engineers, and technical personnel to execute 30+ technical projects
- Oversee project budgets valued at up to $2M and coordinate with vendors to secure network equipment, software, and hardware
- Spearhead initiatives to enhance project delivery cycles by integrating a hybrid Agile-Waterfall approach to reduce delays and roadblocks
Entry-Level Professional Experience Example
System Administrator, Brooklyn Lawfirm, New York, NY
May 2021 – Present
- Perform installations, upgrades, and troubleshooting for 70+ users and 120 devices, including laptops, desktops, printers, and smartphone devices
- Configure and install local servers, execute hardware and software upgrades, and support disaster recovery and backup procedures
- Install firewalls and anti-virus software and deploy 2-factor authentication to ensure data integrity and cybersecurity for highly sensitive legal documentation
- Attend meetings with the IT department to identify continuous improvement opportunities and enhance the delivery of IT services to users
3. Include your system administrator-related education and certifications
You don’t always need a four-year degree to land a system administrator job. But a relevant college degree opens more doors and can help you advance your career. List all your education on your resume, including associate degrees, to ensure your competitiveness as a candidate.
Certifications are especially important for technical professionals. Employers may look for certain certifications specifically — check the job posting for any mentioned credentials so you can include them first. Otherwise, list certifications, such as The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) Server+, or various Microsoft credentials if you have them.
Education
Template
- [Degree Name]
- [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] – [Graduation Month and Year]
Example
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Information Technology
- Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA – May 2011
Certifications
Template
- [Certification Name], [Completion Year]
Example
- Project Management Professional (PMP), 2017
4. List your key skills and proficiencies for system administrator
Show employers you’re the right technical professional for their system administrator positions by including relevant skills on your resume. The right skills list does more than tip the scales in your favor when hiring managers make interview lists. It also helps your resume make it through applicant tracking systems (ATS).
ATS software is programmed to look for specific skills and keywords. If an employer won’t hire someone without Azure experience, the ATS may be set to ignore resumes that don’t specifically mention Azure. Look at employer job listings and include all the skills the employer mentions on your resume if they’re relevant.
Some common key skills for system administration resumes include:
| Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| Access management | Active directory |
| Agile methodology | Amazon Web Services (AWS) |
| Cloud infrastructure | Cross-functional collaboration |
| Cybersecurity | Disaster recovery |
| Firewalls | Linux administration |
| Microsoft Azure | Network administration |
| Perl | Python |
| System migration | TCP/IP protocols |
| Technical project management | Virtual private network (VPN) |
| Virus protection | Windows Server administration |
How To Pick the Best System Administrator Resume Template
The right template for a system administrator resume gives equal importance to skills and professional experience. Hiring managers are likely to scan resumes quickly, looking for mentions of specific required skills before delving deeper into accomplishments and experience. Avoid flashy colors and overly decorative fonts, as strong visual elements can often distract the hiring manager from your content.
Look for a template that includes an organized section for education and certifications. Many employers use technical certifications as a differentiator between candidates. Ensuring that information is easy to find can help you land an interview or pass through ATS.
System Administrator Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
- Entry-level
- Mid-career
- Senior-level
Aaron Jones
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 Your Street, Seattle, WA 12345
Profile
A System Administrator with five years of professional experience specializing in AWS, cloud technology, SQL, and Windows Server. A proven track record of supporting large-scale system migrations and driving automation to reduce IT infrastructure costs. Adept at identifying innovative solutions to enhance organizational effectiveness.
Professional Experience
System Administrator, Seattle IT Professionals, Seattle, WA
May 2018 – Present
- Support large system migrations for customer accounts valued at up to $300K, including the transition from outdated legacy systems to cloud technology
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams to execute technical projects, including the migration of up to 300+ devices and users
- Provide end-user support, troubleshoot Tier 3 and Tier 2 issues, document resolutions, and deliver training to over 100+ end users on new systems, software, and devices
- Collaborate with the IT team and technical project manager to develop roadmaps, identify solutions to roadblocks, and mitigate impact to server uptime for customers
System Administrator, West Coast Insurance Inc., Seattle, WA
May 2016 – May 2018
- Delivered IT support to 40+ users for a leading insurance company, which included performing database administration and monitoring system performance
- Carried out troubleshooting processes and diagnosed issues related to hardware, software, and networks, which included maintaining a knowledge base of solutions to improve resolution times for recurring problems by over 30%
Education
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Information Technology
Seattle University, Seattle, WA September 2012 – May 2016
Key Skills
- Database Administration
- Cloud Technology
- System Migration
- Project Management
- IT Infrastructure
Certifications
- Certified Associate Project Manager (CAPM), 2019
- CompTIA A+, 2016
Frequently Asked Questions: System Administrator Resume Examples and Advice
What are common action verbs for system administrator resumes?-
The types of action verbs that work for a system administrator resume tend to be technical in nature. You might include past accomplishments, such as installing new technology, resolving system issues, or automating user account management.
The list below provides a strong assortment of technical action verbs for your resume. Choose some to start sentences and paragraphs in your work experience section. To keep the reader interested, alternate your verbs so your document doesn’t become repetitive.
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Achieved | Automated |
| Configured | Coordinated |
| Deployed | Diagnosed |
| Enhanced | Implemented |
| Improved | Installed |
| Led | Maintained |
| Managed | Monitored |
| Optimized | Oversaw |
| Performed | Resolved |
| Secured | Supported |
| Troubleshot | Upgraded |
How do you align your resume with a job description?-
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for system and network administrators are estimated to grow at a below-average rate through 2031. This can create a competitive job market, so aligning your resume with the job description is important in landing your next opportunity. Start by carefully reviewing each posting and identifying keywords and skills that match your experience.
For example, if a company is seeking a system administrator with a strong background in cybersecurity, you may want to emphasize your experience developing and implementing security and access management protocols. If an organization is looking for a candidate who can execute complex migrations, feature specific projects that speak to this expertise.
What is the best system administrator resume format?-
Reverse chronological is usually the best resume format for job seekers with years of experience. This ensures that your most recent and relevant work history is featured toward the top of your document. At the entry level, you might opt for a combination format. This places your skills, certifications, and academic projects above your professional experience section, but still provides a framework to include detailed bullet points. Functional resume formats should always be avoided, as it’s best to feature your accomplishments and technical skills equally.
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Increase your chances of landing an interview with a strong cover letter. Create a unique cover letter for each resume you send, using the opportunity to connect with the specific employer. You can start with our computer science resume cover letter example for inspiration.
