Network and systems administrators keep the core of an organization's technology running: servers, user accounts, networks, backups, and cloud services. At smaller organizations, one administrator may handle all of it. At larger ones, the work splits into network, systems, and cloud roles. It's usually a step up from help desk or desktop support, and it leads toward engineering, security, and IT management.

What hiring managers look for

They want proof that you can keep systems reliable and secure, make changes carefully, and fix outages under pressure. Expect them to look closely at your experience with Windows Server and Active Directory, networking equipment, backups, virtualization, and cloud platforms like Microsoft 365 and Azure or AWS. Scripting and automation experience increasingly sets candidates apart. Network+, CCNA, and cloud certifications are common.

Resume summary

Dependable network and systems administrator experienced in keeping servers, networks, and user systems secure, backed up, and running. Monitors performance, applies updates, and solves outages quickly. Looking to bring reliable infrastructure skills and careful change management to a new role.

Skills to list

  • Windows Server and Active Directory
  • Network switches, routers, and firewalls
  • VPN and remote access
  • Backup and recovery
  • Patch management
  • Virtualization
  • Cloud services (Microsoft 365, Azure, or AWS)
  • Network monitoring and alerting
  • Scripting for routine tasks (PowerShell or Bash)
  • Documentation and change management

Experience bullet points

  • Administered Windows servers, Active Directory, and group policy for all company users
  • Configured and maintained switches, firewalls, VPN, and wireless networks
  • Managed nightly backups and tested restores to confirm data could be recovered
  • Applied security patches and updates on a regular schedule with minimal downtime
  • Monitored network and server performance and fixed problems before users noticed
  • Maintained virtual servers and managed storage and resources
  • Supported Microsoft 365 administration, including email, licensing, and security settings
  • Wrote scripts to automate account creation and other routine tasks
  • Documented network layouts, configurations, and procedures
  • Responded to outages and led troubleshooting until service was restored

Show reliability and automation

Administrators are judged by what doesn't go wrong. Uptime, successful restores, patch compliance, and time saved through automation are your strongest numbers:

Systems Administrator, Manufacturing Company, Birmingham, AL. 2021 to Present. Manage 30 Windows servers, Active Directory, and Microsoft 365 for 450 users across 3 sites; maintained 99.9% uptime; tested backup restores monthly with 100% success; automated user onboarding with PowerShell, saving about 10 hours a week.

Tips for this role

  • Be specific about your environment. Number of servers, users, sites, and the main platforms you run give employers a quick picture of your experience.
  • Lead with security. Multi-factor authentication rollouts, patch programs, and firewall work are high-value lines.
  • Include migrations. Moving email to the cloud, upgrading servers, or replacing network equipment are strong projects to feature.
  • Keep your skills section current. List platforms you actively use. Older systems can go in a short "also familiar with" line if they matter for the job.

Build your resume free

Open the 360 Quick Resume builder, choose IT Workers & Managers, then pick Network / Systems Administrator. This summary, skills list, and these bullet points load in for you to edit. Download as PDF, Word, or plain text, free.

For more help, read our full guide on how to write an IT resume, including where certifications go and how to break into IT.

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