System Administrator Resume Example
Professional System Administrator resume example with ATS-optimized template. Learn how to showcase your infrastructure management, networking, and server administration skills.
Last Updated: 2026-02-02 | Reading Time: 8-10 minutes
Quick Stats
System Administrator Resume Example
Kevin O'Brien
kevin.obrien@email.com | (555) 012-3456 | Philadelphia, PA
linkedin.com/in/kevinobrien
Professional Summary
System Administrator with 6+ years of experience managing enterprise IT infrastructure supporting 2,000+ users. Expert in Linux/Windows server administration, virtualization, and network management. Achieved 99.95% uptime across 300+ servers through proactive monitoring and automation.
Experience
- •Managed hybrid infrastructure of 300+ servers (70% Linux, 30% Windows) supporting 2,000+ healthcare users
- •Automated routine administration tasks using Ansible and Bash, saving 20+ hours per week
- •Led VMware to Hyper-V migration for 80+ virtual machines with zero unplanned downtime
- •Implemented centralized patch management system reducing vulnerability exposure window by 75%
- •Administered Active Directory environment with 1,500+ user accounts, 200+ group policies, and 50+ OUs
- •Designed and deployed enterprise backup solution with 99.99% successful recovery rate across 100TB of data
- •Reduced ticket resolution time by 40% through implementing self-service portal and knowledge base
Education
Technical Skills
Linux (RHEL, Ubuntu) • Windows Server • Active Directory • VMware • Ansible • Bash • PowerShell • DNS/DHCP • Networking (TCP/IP) • Backup & Recovery
Certifications
- Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)
- CompTIA Server+
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator
Why This Resume Works:
- Quantified achievements with specific metrics
- Keywords match common job descriptions
- Clean, ATS-compatible formatting
- Strong action verbs throughout
How to Write a System Administrator Resume
Professional Summary
Lead with infrastructure scale (servers, users, environments) and reliability metrics. Mention both Linux and Windows experience as most environments are hybrid.
Work Experience
Quantify uptime percentages, servers managed, users supported, and automation time savings. Show progression from reactive to proactive infrastructure management.
Skills Section
Lead with operating systems and server platforms. Include virtualization, scripting, networking, and monitoring tools. Certifications validate your hands-on expertise.
Action Verbs for System Administrators
System Administrator Resume Keywords
These keywords appear most frequently in System Administrator job descriptions. Include relevant ones in your resume:
Technical Keywords
Server AdministrationInfrastructure ManagementActive DirectoryVirtualizationNetworkingDNS/DHCPBackup & RecoveryPatch ManagementConfiguration ManagementHigh AvailabilityDisaster RecoveryIT SecurityIndustry Keywords
IT OperationsEnterprise InfrastructureHelp DeskITILService Level AgreementsChange ManagementCapacity PlanningVendor ManagementComplianceBusiness ContinuityTools & Technologies
Linux (RHEL, Ubuntu, CentOS)Windows ServerVMware vSphereHyper-VActive DirectoryAnsiblePuppetNagiosZabbixSplunkSCCMVeeamPowerShellBashCommon Mistakes to Avoid
Describing daily tasks instead of achievements
Transform "managed servers" into "managed 300+ servers with 99.95% uptime through proactive monitoring"
Not showing automation and scripting skills
Modern sysadmin roles require automation. Highlight Ansible, Bash, and PowerShell scripts that saved time and reduced errors
Ignoring cloud and hybrid experience
Include Azure, AWS, or GCP experience. Show you can manage hybrid on-prem/cloud environments
Missing security hardening experience
Include patch management, firewall configuration, access controls, and compliance-related security work
System Administrator Resume FAQs
Should I transition from sysadmin to DevOps or cloud?
Many sysadmins successfully transition to DevOps or cloud roles. Highlight your automation, scripting, and cloud skills. Learn Terraform, containers, and CI/CD to bridge the gap.
Which certifications are most valuable for system administrators?
RHCSA/RHCE for Linux, Microsoft Azure Administrator for cloud, and CompTIA Server+ for vendor-neutral validation. Choose based on your infrastructure stack and career direction.
How do I show I am more than a help desk technician?
Emphasize infrastructure design, automation projects, migration leadership, and strategic planning. Show you improve systems proactively, not just respond to tickets.
Is sysadmin experience still relevant in a cloud-first world?
Absolutely. Understanding OS administration, networking, and infrastructure fundamentals is essential for cloud roles. Highlight how your sysadmin skills translate to cloud infrastructure management.
Ready to Optimize Your System Administrator Resume?
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Last updated: 2026-02-02 | Written by JobJourney Career Experts