System Administrator Resume Example & Writing Guide
Use this System Administrator resume example and guide to improve your career and write a powerful resume that will separate you from the competition.
System administrators are responsible for keeping computer systems running smoothly. They set up new computers, configure networks, maintain existing infrastructure, and troubleshoot issues when things go wrong.
As a system administrator, you’ll need to have a solid understanding of how computer hardware and software interact, as well as have a knack for breaking down complex problems into manageable pieces. You’ll also need excellent organizational skills to keep track of all the moving pieces that go into keeping your company’s IT infrastructure running smoothly.
Here are some tips and an example resume to help you write a stellar system administrator resume that hiring managers will love.
How to Write a System Administrator Resume
Here’s how to write a system administrator resume of your own.
Write Compelling Bullet Points
When you’re writing bullet points, it can be tempting to focus on the tasks and responsibilities of your job. But if you want to stand out from other candidates, you need to go beyond that and focus on the results of your work.
For example, rather than saying you “managed server infrastructure,” you could say that you “reduced server downtime by 50% through proactive monitoring and maintenance of infrastructure.”
The second bullet point is more specific and provides more detail about what exactly you did and the results of your work.
Related: What Is a System Administrator? How to Become One
Identify and Include Relevant Keywords
When you apply for a system administrator role, your resume is likely to go through an applicant tracking system (ATS). This software looks for specific keywords related to the position in order to determine whether your skills and experience are a match for the job. If your resume doesn’t include enough of the right keywords, the ATS might disqualify you from further consideration.
The best way to identify the right keywords is to read through a few of the job postings and take note of the terms that keep popping up. Then, try to use them throughout your resume. Here are some commonly used system administrator keywords:
- Windows Server
- Active Directory
- System Administration
- Linux
- Servers
- Network Administration
- VMware
- Microsoft Exchange
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- SQL
- Troubleshooting
- Office 365
- Virtualization
- Cloud Computing
- Linux System Administration
- Windows
- Microsoft SQL Server
- ITIL
- Windows 7
- Software Installation
- IT Service Management
- Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager
- Microsoft Exchange Server
- Group Policy
- VMware vSphere
- VMware vCenter
- Hyper-V
- Microsoft Access
- Networking
- Servers Administration
Showcase Your Technical Skills
System administrators use a variety of programs and systems to keep their networks running smoothly. As a system administrator, it’s important to be proficient in the use of these programs and systems. Some of the most commonly used programs are Microsoft Office Suite, Windows Server, VMware, and Active Directory. Additionally, system administrators need to be familiar with network security concepts and how to protect their networks from intruders.
Related: How Much Does a System Administrator Make?
Remember The Basics
As you write your resume, it’s important to keep a few basic rules in mind.
Create Scannable Sections
There are a few things you can do to your resume so that it is easy to read and understand. Left-align your text, use a standard font type and size, and keep your bullets concise. Additionally, use all-caps and bold sparingly, and try to keep your bullets under 2 lines. Finally, include some white space on the page to make the document easier to scan.
Be Concise
A resume should be succinct and to-the-point. It is important to tailor your resume to the specific role you are applying for and to only include the most relevant information. When in doubt, keep it to one page.
Check Your Work
Proofreading your resume is an important step in ensuring that it looks its best. There are a few key things to watch for: spelling mistakes, punctuation mistakes, and grammatical mistakes. You should also be aware of easily confused words, such as their/there/they’re and to/too/two. Spell checking your resume is a good start, but you should also have someone else proofread it for you to catch any mistakes that you may have missed.
Use a Summary
A resume summary statement can be an extremely useful way to quickly and effectively communicate your skills and experience to potential employers. By highlighting your most relevant skills and experiences, you can demonstrate to a recruiter that you have the qualifications they are looking for and that you are a good fit for the role. Additionally, a well-written summary can help to show a potential employer that you have a clear idea of what you want to do next and are motivated to make the switch to a new career. When creating your own summary, be sure to focus on your best skills and experiences, as well as your long-term career goals.
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