System Administrator Resume Examples and Templates for 2023

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Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income for system administrators was $84,810 in 2020. However, growth for these positions was only 5%,which was much slower than average compared to other occupations. With limited opportunities available, you’ll need to build a strong resume to stand out from the field of applicants. Creating an accomplishment-driven document that features your professional achievements is a much more effective strategy than building a resume that only delivers generic job duties. Below you’ll find examples for entry-level job seekers and those with many years of experience.

Downloadable Resume Examples

Entry-level
System-Administrator_Entry-level.pdf

Example #1 Entry-level

Mid-career
System-Administrator_Mid-career.pdf

Example #2 Mid-career

Senior-level
System-Administrator_Senior-level.pdf

Example #3 Senior-level

System Administrator Resume Examples

Years of Experience
  • Entry-level Entry-level
  • Mid-career Mid-career
  • Senior-level Senior-level

Sarah Johnson
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 Your Street, New York, NY 12345

Profile

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.

Professional Experience

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

Tech Support, Best Buy, New York, NY
May 2020 – May 2021

  • Troubleshot issues impacting computers, smartphones, and Apple products for up to 15 customers per day, which included performing root cause analysis, performing software updates, and identifying technical solutions
  • Achieved customer service scores of 90% across customer satisfaction surveys

Education

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Information Technology
Columbia University, New York, NY  September 2017 – May 2021

Key Skills

  • Information Technology
  • Customer Service
  • End-User Support
  • Software & Hardware Installation
  • Technical Support

Certifications

  • CompTIA A+, 2021

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

Robert Chen
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 Your Street, Philadelphia, PA

Profile

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.

Professional Experience

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

System Administrator, North Philadelphia Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA
May 2011 – May 2016

  • Delivered technical support to 150+ end users for a high-volume hospital, which included installing printers, desktops, laptops, and mobile devices
  • Monitored system performance with the IT team and maintained a 99.99% server uptime
  • Resolved 10-15 tier III trouble tickets for users related to hardware and software issues and achieved recognition for resolution times

Education

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Information Technology
Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA September 2007 – May 2011

Key Skills

  • Technical Project Management
  • Microsoft Azure
  • Cross-Functional Leadership
  • Agile Methodology
  • Process Improvement

Certifications

  • Project Management Professional (PMP), 2017
  • Certified Project Management Associate (CAPM), 2015
  • CompTIA A+, 2011

Common Key Skills and Action Verbs for System Administrator Resumes

In today’s job market, most companies rely on Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) to identify qualified candidates by scanning resumes for specific keywords. If your document fails to meet certain benchmarks, it will be automatically rejected before reaching the hiring manager. To mitigate this risk, you’ll need to strategically incorporate appropriate key skills and action verbs into your resume. This will also ensure that the hiring manager sees that you have all the necessary qualifications to succeed in the job role. Below, you’ll find a list of keywords and action verbs you may encounter during your job search.

Key Skills and Proficiencies
Active Directory Agile
AWS Cisco
Computer Science Cybersecurity
Cross-Functional Leadership End-User Support
Hardware Configuration Help Desk Support
Information Technology Linux
Mac OS Microsoft Azure
Microsoft OS Network Configuration
Project Management Scrum
Server Maintenance Switches
System Administration System Migration
Vendor Management Virtualization
VMware VPN
Root Cause Analysis Routers
Technical Support Troubleshooting
Windows Server  
Action Verbs
Analyzed Conducted
Coordinated Created
Designed Developed
Diagnosed Drove
Enhanced Evaluated
Executed Identified
Implemented Improved
Led Managed
Oversaw Performed
Partnered Resolved
Spearheaded Supported
Tested Troubleshot

Tips for Writing a Better System Administrator Resume

Quantify your system administrator experience

Incorporating numbers and metrics into your bullet points can be a powerful tool to help you better tell your story. Hiring managers value applicants who can achieve results, and the best way to demonstrate this is by including specific professional achievements in your resume. Don’t write bullet points that only feature generic job responsibilities. Instead, pull metrics and monetary figures from projects you supported and provide examples of reducing costs for your company and clients.

Example #1

Good


  • Led an initiative to transition from hosted vendor services to an internal cloud solution, which reduced equipment and IT infrastructure expenses by 30% and saved $200K over two years

Bad


  • Reduced costs substantially for the company by removing the need for vendors and moving towards an internal solution for hosting services

Example #2

Good


  • Troubleshot 10 to 15 escalated Tier 1 issues per week for client accounts generating up to $200K in annual revenue, which included identifying solutions to mission critical issues

Bad


  • Solved technical problems for clients quickly and efficiently, which included solving difficult issues that other team members were unable to resolve

Feature your leadership abilities

Companies value candidates who excel in diverse team-based environments. As a system administrator, you’ll be interfacing with various types of end users and cross-functional teams. You want to provide specific examples from your career that showcase your leadership capabilities. For example, if you were managing a team, you should focus on how you interfaced with team members and the type of culture you established rather than simply mentioning that you delegated tasks and reviewed work. Below, you’ll find some examples to help you properly feature your leadership abilities.

Example #1

Good


  • Managed a team of 20 network administrators, engineers, and help desk support staff, provided continuous support to improve performance and growth, and established an inclusive work culture to drive employee engagement and retention

Bad


  • Managed a team of technical staff, delegated responsibilities, evaluated work performance, corrected mistakes, and communicated politely with team members

Example #2

Good


  • Coordinated with the IT project manager and cross-functional teams to identify automation opportunities and eliminate manual processes for clients, which included attending meetings with stakeholders to deliver project proposals

Bad


  • Worked with managers and various teams to perform technical tasks for customers and maintained positive working relationships with co-workers

How to Align Your Resume With the Job Description

Aligning your resume with keywords from the job description will give you a competitive edge during the job search. This strategy will not only ensure that you pass the Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) check, it will also allow you to make the right impression on the hiring manager reading your document. The resume is ultimately a tool to secure interviews, and it needs to be tailored to specific job postings to achieve desired results.

If you’re unsure about what skills to feature on your document, you should refer to the job description as you craft your bullet points. Keywords that are repeated or featured towards the top of the posting should be prioritized in your professional profile or at the top of your work experience. The key terms on your resume won’t help if they don’t stand out to the hiring manager. Below, you’ll see an example to help you align your resume with the job description.

System Administrator Job Description Example


XYZ, Inc. is a leading IT services company named one of Boston’s best places to work. We’re seeking a system administrator with a strong background in Azure and cloud solutions to join our organization. We value candidates with strong project management skills who can thrive in cross-functional environments. Our mission is to provide quality cloud solutions and drive automation for customer businesses.

Responsibilities:

  • Coordinate with technical project teams to lead system migrations for customer businesses to cloud services
  • Perform root-cause analysis, conduct troubleshooting for tier I issues, analyze system performance, and collaborate cross-functionally to identify appropriate solutions
  • Evaluate IT infrastructure for customer businesses with the project manager and create disaster recovery procedures and cybersecurity policies

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in information technology or computer science
  • 2-3 years of system administration experience
  • Extensive knowledge of Azure, AWS, and database administration
  • Expertise in providing technical support to end users

According to the job description, the ideal job applicant should have the following qualities and/or experience:

  • System Administration
  • System Administrator
  • System Migrations
  • Azure
  • AWS
  • Database Administration
  • Information Technology
  • Cross-Functional
  • Project Management
  • Automation
  • Cloud Solutions
  • Root-Cause Analysis
  • Disaster Recovery
  • Cybersecurity
  • Technical Support

Next, take what you highlighted from the job description and include your experience and skills that match. Below is an example of how to incorporate them in your resume to your advantage:

System Administrator Work Experience Example


Profile

 

A System Administrator with four years of experience specializing in cloud solutions, database administration, automation, and cybersecurity. A proven track record of supporting complex system migrations for multi-million-dollar technical projects.

System Administrator

Boston Tech Corp., October 2017 – Present

  • Trusted with organizing all employee paperwork, including health insurance applications and renewals, for 150 company employees.
  • Interfaced with cross-functional teams to provide technical support and IT services to clients, including disaster recovery and the deployment of Azure solutions

 

Key Skills

  • Project Management
  • AWS
  • Information Technology
  • Technical Support
  • Root-Cause Analysis
  • IT Infrastructure