System Administrator Resume Example
Pursuing a career as a system administrator provides opportunities for career progression and responsibilities involving troubleshooting network issues and managing IT infrastructure. For a successful system administrator application, you'll want to submit a professional resume that showcases your relevant skills. In this article, we'll outline how to write a winning resume to boost your chances of success in your system administrator applications.
The aim of this article is to equip you with all the knowledge required to create a resume that positions you to succeed in your system administrator applications. The article will take you through the key steps of creating a resume that presents your key skills, qualities and career achievements in a format that employers favor. It will also help you tailor your resume according to your unique skills and experience level. Read on to learn how to write a perfect system administrator resume, from the advice of careers experts at Jobseeker.
Main elements of a system administrator resume
The key sections to include in a system administrator resume are similar to those for any role or profession.
If you're applying for junior, entry-level or graduate system administrator positions and you lack work experience, consider using a skills-based resume format to emphasize your skills and education. Soft and transferable skills are often more highly valued by employers for junior roles, so highlight these. Also add any internships, volunteer work or training courses you've undertaken.
For those with some prior experience as a system administrator work experience is the most important element of a resume. Use a traditional, reverse-chronological resume format to emphasize your career timeline and achievements. In your resume work experience section, outline your relevant achievements and showcase the impact you've made in your career to date. Make sure everything you include is relevant to the job description.
For senior system administrator applications, concentrate on your work experience and any accolades or achievements that prove your status as a highly experienced candidate. Use a reverse-chronological resume format with additional sections. Senior resumes are often longer than resumes for junior roles. This is because you may choose to include extra sections, such as awards, professional memberships, publications, conferences or certifications on your resume.
While the content and format of your resume may vary depending on your experience levels, it's important to always include the following sections:
Resume Header and Personal Information
In your system administrator resume header, list your name, email address, phone number and address or location. You can also add your LinkedIn, if you have one, to help employers better understand your work history and skills. While in some countries, you might include additional personal information or a photo, these aren't necessary. Keep your header clear and concise, with only the most necessary information included. Opt for a stylish, professional design that creates a strong first impression.
Opt for a professional-looking email address based on your name. If your email address could be construed as unprofessional or inappropriate because it contains nicknames or unsuitable language, create a new, more professional email address for your job applications. Always check your contact details to make sure they're up-to-date before you send your resume.
Adam Cook
adam.cook@example.com
(111) 222 33 444 55
221B Baker Street, New York, NY
linkedin․com/in/adam–cook123
Resume Summary
The next section is the resume summary. The section might also be called 'resume objective' or 'personal profile'. This is a brief introduction to you, your key skills and your career achievements and ambitions. While a resume summary focuses on your career achievements and experience, a resume objective typically focuses on your ambitions for the future. Furthermore, when writing your profile, focus on two or three key skills and achievements that showcase your suitability for system administrator roles.
Alternatively, use this summary to introduce your personal career ambitions and explain why system administrator roles are a good fit for you at this stage of your career.
A good resume summary reflects the job description and highlights some of the key skills required for system administrator roles, while leaving the reader with an impression of your unique qualities and strengths. The most effective resume summaries also provide evidence to back up the claims made in them. See below for some great examples of how to approach your system administrator resume.
Good example:
Dedicated and detail-oriented System Administrator with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and extensive experience as an IT Infrastructure Engineer. Proficient in managing and optimizing complex IT systems, ensuring network security, and implementing robust infrastructure solutions. Demonstrated expertise in server administration, virtualization, cloud services, and troubleshooting technical issues. Strong analytical skills with a proven track record of enhancing system performance and reliability. Excellent communicator with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve organizational goals
Bad example:
System administrator with some background in IT and working with technology systems. Have experience in roles where I managed systems and dealt with security. Worked on server stuff, cloud things, and fixing tech problems. Good at looking at data to make systems run better. Can talk to different teams to help reach goals
On the other hand, an unsuccessful resume summary is one that mentions irrelevant skills, qualities and achievements and fails to differentiate you from other candidates. The visual above includes some examples of what not to do with your system administrator resume summary
Work History
Next, list your relevant employment history and any key achievements that show you're suitable for a system administrator position. Include any relevant jobs you've held in reverse-chronological order. Start with your current or most recent roles and work back through previous roles. For each job, list your title, the name of the company, its location and the dates you worked there.
In addition, include a few bullet points under each job, highlighting your key achievements so the hiring manager can see how they led to successful outcomes. Back up each point with evidence to show how you meet the job description.
An effective resume work experience section is one that constantly echoes the skills and experience listed in the job description, and shows how you used your skills to positive effect in each job. Each bullet point should be carefully crafted to showcase a particular skill or achievement relevant to system administrator jobs, with evidence to show the value you added. Take a look at the examples below for some guidance on what works best for your work experience section.
Good example:
IT Infrastructure Engineer, January 2022 - Present
TechGuard Solutions, Baltimore
- Successfully designed and implemented a scalable network infrastructure, reducing downtime by 50% and improving system performance
- Led a team to migrate 200+ servers to a cloud environment, enhancing security and reducing operational costs by 40%
- Developed and enforced IT policies, resulting in a 30% decrease in security incidents and improved compliance with industry standards
Bad example:
IT Infrastructure Engineer, January 2022 - Present
TechGuard Solutions, Baltimore
- Managed various IT projects to improve company systems and processes
- Worked with teams to enhance network capabilities and efficiency
- Implemented IT solutions to support business operations and goals
The example above can give you some idea of what not to include in your resume work experience section. A poor resume work experience section would typically use vague descriptions of activities in previous jobs, while focusing too much on responsibilities rather than achievements. Failing to focus on the skills and experience that match the job description is likely to harm your chances of success.
Education and Qualifications
The education section provides space to list your highest and most recent academic achievements that are relevant to working as a system administrator.
If you're applying for system administrator positions you'll typically need to have a degree. A Bachelor of Science in Information Technology will usually help your chances of success. You could also list any qualifications that demonstrate your cloud services management or linux/unix administration.
List every relevant qualification, including the name and level of the course, the name of the school, college or university, its location and your graduation date. If you have space, include some bullet points outlining any specialist areas of study, awards or high grades, so the employer can learn more about your unique skill set and knowledge.
If you took part in any volunteering or you were a leader or member of any university societies, you could also mention these in your education section.
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, 2017 - 2020
University of New Mexico, Albuquerque
Skills
In your skills section, list any skills you've acquired or developed that are relevant to system administrator positions. Consider adding cloud services management, problem-solving skills or any other necessary skills for the job. Again, include any skills that match those listed in the job description. Focus particularly on technical skills required for system administrator jobs and transferable skills that show your qualities as a system administrator.
How to include hard skills on your system administrator resume
For your hard skills list, include any technical abilities or specific industry knowledge that's essential to working as a system administrator. These could be skills gained through work experience or qualifications. Furthermore, your list of hard skills provides a strong indication to the reader of your expertise in system administrator roles, and how well you'll fit into the position. Aim to include four or five key hard skills. If you have space, explain how and where you've used that skill to create successful outcomes in your career. These skills will demonstrate your credentials and show how you meet the job description.
For an effective resume hard skills section, focus on the technical skills that are most essential in the job description, and that match your specific expertise. Some examples of the best hard skills for a system administrator resume are listed below.
- Network configuration management
- Linux/unix administration
- Cloud services management
Listing soft skills on your system administrator resume
In your list of soft skills, add any personal strengths, qualities or transferable skills that make you a good fit for the job. Soft skills are often less specific to different industries, but that doesn't make them any less important. Indeed, as the nature of work changes, soft skills are growing in importance, so make sure you include them in your resume. Think of your best soft skills and add up to five that match the requirements of the job description.
An effective system administrator resume soft skills section should be targeted to include skills that reflect your personality and unique characteristics, while also matching the job description. The graphic below includes some examples of good resume soft skills.
- Problem-solving skills
- Effective communication
- Attention to detail
Relevant Certifications and Licenses
In this section, include any system administrator certifications, training or licenses you hold that are relevant to the job. These might be licenses that show you're qualified to operate certain equipment, or certifications that give you the edge over candidates with otherwise similar career history. Therefore, add any necessary licenses and certifications in this section, along with valid dates so employers can see you're still qualified for the job.
Review the list below for some suitable certifications for a system administrator resume:
- CompTIA Security+, 2022
- Microsoft Certified: Azure, 2022
- Red Hat RHCSA, 2022
Optional Information
To provide further information on your suitability for the role, you could add some optional sections to a system administrator resume. Pick from the optional sections below to help show the employer you have the skills and experience for the job.
Personal Interests
Listing your hobbies and interests can reveal key qualities that some employers may value. Your hobbies and interests are useful for a system administrator resume if you want to show a different side to your personality, or to stand out among other candidates. They can also be valuable if you're a junior candidate without much relevant work experience. Think about adding hobbies and interests to your resume if they add some insight into your personality that you can't express elsewhere in your application.
Volunteer Work
This section can be valuable for a system administrator resume, if you've done any voluntary work that showcases your relevant skills. Add any voluntary roles, including your position, the name of the organization, the dates of your voluntary work and a brief explanation of your responsibilities and achievements.
References
References aren't a standard system administrator resume section, but employers do sometimes ask for them. Check the job advert and only include them if requested. Add two or three professional references, and be sure to approach each referee before you include them.
Please contact me for a list of references.
Best action words for your system administrator resume
Using strong action words to make your resume resonate with the employer. Choose verbs from the suggestions below that highlight your key skills or those mentioned in the job description.
- Manage
- Configure
- Deploy
- Troubleshoot
- Monitor
- Optimize
- Secure
- Automate
- Backup
- Upgrade
For help creating an eye-catching resume design to catch the attention of hiring managers, see Jobseeker's professional resume layouts. You can also use our clear, effective cover letter templates to complete your application.
Sample resume for system administrator positions
The system administrator resume example below includes all the sections above, so you can see how a completed resume looks:
221B Baker Street, New York, NY
•
adam.cook@example.com
•
(111) 222 33 444 55
•
linkedin․com/in/adam–cook123
Experienced IT Systems Manager with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. Proven track record in managing and optimizing IT infrastructures, ensuring system security, and enhancing operational efficiency. Adept at leading IT projects, troubleshooting complex issues, and implementing innovative solutions to support business objectives. Skilled in team leadership, strategic planning, and maintaining high availability of critical systems.
IT Systems Manager
2020
-2022
TechNova Solutions (San Antonio)
- Successfully led the migration of 500+ users to a new cloud-based infrastructure, reducing operational costs by 25%
- Implemented a robust cybersecurity framework, decreasing security incidents by 40% and achieving ISO 27001 certification
- Spearheaded the integration of advanced analytics tools, enhancing system performance and user satisfaction by 30%
Network configuration management
Linux/unix administration
Cloud services management
Problem-solving skills
Effective communication
Attention to detail
CompTIA Security+
Microsoft Certified: Azure
English - Fluent
Spanish - B2
Tips for system administrator resumes
Tips to write the best resume
- Add key skills throughout your resume that match the job description, along with a dedicated 'skills' section.
- List your relevant work experience in reverse-chronological order, starting with your current or most recent job.
- Use action words that show how you've made an impact in different system administrator jobs (e.g. configure, optimize, backup).
- List your qualifications in your education section, including any necessary degrees or certifications, along with high grades.
- Quantify your successes by providing figures and other evidence that shows how your skills have made a difference to your employer.
Steer clear of these common resume writing errors
- Don't use jargon or business-speak. It can make your resume appear clichéd and harder to read.
- Don't use passive language - steer away from phrases like 'I was asked to' and use action words instead.
- Don't use complex formatting that makes your system administrator resume harder to read or less scannable by software such as applicant tracking systems (ATS).
- Don't write any unnecessary personal details on your resume. Details such as age, gender or nationality can lead to unintentional recruitment bias.
- Don't lie or exaggerate the details of your system administrator career or education, as this can backfire later in the recruitment process.
Tips on creating an ATS-optimized resume
Applicant tracking systems (ATS) help recruiters and employers to streamline their hiring process. They can store and process data, including applications and applicant data, quickly and efficiently. One of the jobs ATS applications are increasingly responsible for is initial candidate screening. The systems can quickly scan and rank resumes based on how closely they match the job description. When drafting your system administrator resume, there are a few guidelines to follow to give you the best chance of passing the ATS screening stage and progressing with your application.
Follow these guidelines to create the best ATS-friendly resume:
- Use a traditional resume layout, such as a reverse-chronological or functional format. This will mean your resume includes all the necessary sections, in the expected order.
- Add keywords throughout your resume that help ATS software match your application to the job description. A higher match means your application is more likely to proceed to be reviewed by human eyes.
- Add each section with clear headings that match the established resume conventions, so ATS software can easily identify each part of your resume.
- Utilize a clean, clear resume design that helps make your content more readable. Use simple fonts and subtle color accents and design elements that don't detract from the written content.
- Use simple, concise language to keep your resume to a maximum of one to two pages in length. This will make it easier for ATS software to read.
For advice and guidance on creating the perfect resume, read our expert career blog and check out our detailed resume examples.
A system administrator resume FAQs
Now that you know how to write a professional system administrator resume, you might also want to learn how to write an accompanying cover letter that makes a similar impact.
In some situations, a full, professional cover letter may not be necessary. Check the job advert and decide whether to write a formal cover letter, or if a brief email is more suitable.
If you choose to write a full cover letter, follow traditional letter-writing conventions surrounding greetings, sign-offs and use of professional language. The body of the cover letter tends to be three paragraphs. The first introduces yourself and the role you're applying for, giving reasons for your application. The second briefly covers your key skills and achievements that are most relevant to system administrator roles. Finally, the third paragraph re-emphasizes your interest in the role and leaves a call to action, encouraging the employer to reach out to you.
You can create a professional cover letter in just a few simple, easy-to-follow steps using Jobseeker's tried and tested cover letter templates.
There are plenty of ways to still make a positive impression with your system administrator resume, even if you lack relevant work experience. Opt for a skill-based resume format instead of a traditional layout. This places your skills and education in a more prominent position on your resume. Use the additional information sections at the end of your resume as a showcase for relevant skills and achievements. These can be a particularly useful way of proving you have the skills necessary for the job.
You can use a resume headline to introduce your document and set the tone for your system administrator applications. Resume headlines are also helpful for the ATS stage of the recruitment process, as they can help you reference the job title and one or two keywords for the role. Write a short, concise resume headline incorporating the job title, one or two key skills that match the job description and a reference to your reputation or track record.
See an example resume headline below:
- Junior System Administrator Specialist
- Expert System Administrator & Troubleshooter
- Experienced Senior System Administrator
The resume format that gives you the best chances of success depends on your experience levels, as well as the type of job you're applying for and its seniority level. If you're applying for a junior position or changing careers, you might want to consider a functional resume. This highlights your skills and education over your work experience. Once you have some relevant work experience, and for senior positions, a reverse chronological resume format is typically best. This emphasizes your work experience, which will probably be the key thing employers want to know about.
Key takeaways for your system administrator resume
If you want to catch the eye of employers and recruiters, you need a professional resume that showcases your best skills and career achievements. Pick a resume format that matches your experience levels, and tailor the content of your resume to reflect the details of the job description.
Jobseeker has a wealth of resume tools, including resume templates and examples, to help you create a winning job application. Sign up today to get started. A stylish, professional cover letter can make all the difference to your job prospects. See Jobseeker's cover letter examples, written by careers experts, to help you craft an eye-catching application.
Sources:
(1) Tips for Writing a Federal Resume, U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs/tips-for-writing-a-federal-resume
(2) Resume Tips, Duke University: https://careerhub.students.duke.edu/resources/resume-tips/
