System Administrators are responsible for ensuring that all systems and networks are installed and maintained properly. As a Systems Administrator you can expect to hold at least a Bachelor’s degree with a major in Computer Science, Information Technology, or Information System Management. Depending on what you choose to focus on, you might earn a specialized certification as a Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) for example.

To follow a linear path, you could begin your career as a System Administration Specialist and then continue to progress to System Administrator and then up to Senior System Administrator where you’ll be taking on additional leadership roles. Or, you could specialize as an IT System Administrator or a Linux Administrator. Other options are to transition to areas such as IT Consulting, System Architecture, or Cybersecurity. Right now, you can expect steady growth in the field for the next few years.

System Administrators should have strong problem solving skills and be knowledgeable of software and hardware programs like Windows Server, Amazon Web Services, Python, or Red Hat Enterprise Linux. Remember that each role is slightly different so make sure to know which of these are required for the specific job.

System Administrator Resume Templates

System Administrator Resume Sample

A System Administrator is responsible for making sure that all systems are working properly. This might include setting up computer networks and performing server maintenance. To advance in this field, you will want to show past experience of clear growth through promotions or additional responsibilities. It’s also important to use specific metrics throughout your bullet points with tangible examples. For each achievement, try to use a number or metric.

System Administrator resume template for job seekers in 2021, with emphasis on promotions

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Recruiter Insight: Why this resume works in 2021

Show quick System Administrator progress via promotions

This resume does a nice job of showing past experience of being promoted quickly. It shares, “Promoted within 19 months due to strong performance and organizational impact, one year ahead of schedule.” This would show future employers that you learn quickly, and are looking to grow and advance with the company. Check out our article for examples of how to list a promotion on a resume.

Also see: How to Show Promotions on Your Resume

Display clear metrics and numbers with System Administrator achievements

Using specific metrics and examples in your bullet points is an ideal way to show your tangible results. This resume uses the example, “Planned all system design, saving $200,000 a year in lost time and materials…” Whenever possible, try to use a number or metric to convey your ideas as this will speak volumes about your capabilities.

Also see: How to Write Resume Bullets That Get Interviews

IT System Administrator Resume Sample

An IT System Administrator is a specialized System Administrator that is in charge of designing, organizing, changing, and supporting the computer systems, as well as solving problems related to LAN, Wide Area Networks, and other networking areas. Using strong action verbs to convey your leadership will help you to continually advance from junior to senior positions. Also, including the most important IT skills will help your resume to stand out.

IT System Administrator example in 2021 and tips and trends for job hunters

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Recruiter Insight: Why this resume works in 2021

Strong action verbs show leadership capabilities

Starting your bullet points with verbs such as, “Collaborated,” “Trained,” and “Supported” will show employers that you have solid experience training and managing other teams or employees. By taking on responsibilities like this, you are also showing that you’re capable of advancing and managing at a higher level.

Also see: Effective Action Verbs for your Resume

Junior System Administrator Resume Sample

A Junior System Administrator needs to assist other administrators with setting up, maintaining the computer databases and making sure that everything is operating well. In your resume you can use the keyword of the job title you are applying for and add any relevant certifications after the skills section of your resume. Remember you don’t need to include everything, just the jobs, skills, and certifications relevant to the position.

Junior System Administrator resume example for 2021 job hunters, and how to break into the sysadmin field

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Recruiter Insight: Why this resume works in 2021

Tailored to the Junior System Administrator role

Especially if you don’t have much system administration experience, it might be worth including the specific job role of “Junior System Administrator” at the top of the resume, ensuring that you will pass the automated screeners. In this case, the resume is targeted to this particular role, and focuses on past experience in the exact same position.

Also see: Tailor Your Resume to a Job Description

Include certifications relevant to System Junior Administrator jobs

If you have a specific certification that is relevant to the position, include it in your resume. This could be an online course or a bootcamp you completed — including an online course is an opportunity to add in relevant sysadmin or networking skills to your resume that you otherwise might not have in your work experience.

Also see: How to List Certifications on a Resume

Linux System Administrator Resume Sample

Unlike generalist System Administrator roles, a Linux System Administrator is focused specifically on skills involving the Linux operating system — for example, installing and setting up Linux servers and systems. A resume like this can emphasize your advanced education in Computer Science and also references your vast experience working with Linux systems. Your bullet points can draw attention to common industry jargon.

Linux System Administrator example in 2021 and tips and trends for job hunters

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Recruiter Insight: Why this resume works in 2021

Showcase extensive Computer Science education

If you have a specific degree that employers are looking for or have an advanced degree make sure that this is emphasized in your education section of your resume. For example, this resume shows both a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Computer Science which will certainly impress companies. Remember your degree might be a keyword that the screeners want.

Also see: How to List Your Education on a Resume

Senior System Administrator Resume Sample

A Senior System Administrator is part technical expert and part manager. In this role you’ll be configuring new systems, monitoring progress and overseeing other employees and teams. Because this is a senior level role, you’ll want to draw attention to your career progression, emphasizing promotions and leadership experience. You should also focus on specific project experience that the job will require or that are transferable skills or areas.

Senior System Administrator resume example for job hunters in 2021

Download Resume Template (Google Doc) Download Resume in PDF Go to Resume Page

Recruiter Insight: Why this resume works in 2021

Emphasize steady growth with System Administrator promotions

When applying for senior and higher level positions, it’s important to use past promotions and growth to show your progression in the field. This will also show employers that you are serious about advancing in your career and will demonstrate your ability to take on additional responsibilities and continue to develop.

Also see: How to Show Promotions on Your Resume

Skills For System Administrator Resumes

As the name suggests, it is important to have strong software and technical skills relating to system administration, often called ‘sysadmin’. Of course, the system administration field is broad, so depending on your area of focus, you may need to know scripting (e.g. Python or Bash), Networking (e.g. LAN/WAN), Databases or work with Operating Systems. Your needed skills will vary depending on if you’re applying for a role as an IT System Administrator, Junior Administrator, or Linux System Administrator so make sure that you read the job description carefully so that you can include any important skills in your bullet points or as a separate skills section.

Adding relevant keywords to your resume will help you get past the Applicant Tracking Systems. These tracking systems are automated filters and the more you’re able to use the specific keywords that the system is looking for, the better chances you’ll have of getting interviews.

System Administration
Windows Server
Active Directory
VMware
Servers
Network Administration
Microsoft Exchange
Troubleshooting
Domain Name System (DNS)
VMware vSphere
Technical Support
Virtualization
Networking
Powershell
Linux
Disaster Recovery
VMWare ESXi
Windows 7
Group Policy
Windows

Action Verbs For System Administrator Resumes

System Administrators need to have experience designing and implementing systems, diagnosing and resolving problems, and leading teams and projects. You can emphasize these skills with your action verbs - examples: use Troubleshooted and Resolved to show your problem solving skills.

As you are structuring your bullet points, remember to begin with an action verb. By doing this, you are putting the focus on what you’ve achieved in previous jobs.