Top 12 Systems Administrator Skills to Put on Your Resume

In today's competitive tech landscape, a Systems Administrator's resume must showcase a blend of technical prowess and soft skills to stand out. Highlighting the top skills not only demonstrates your capability to maintain and optimize IT systems but also reflects your ability to adapt and thrive in fast-paced environments.

Systems Administrator Skills

1. Linux/Unix
2. Windows Server
3. VMware ESXi
4. Active Directory
5. PowerShell/Bash
6. Cisco Networking
7. AWS/Azure
8. Docker/Kubernetes
9. SQL Server
10. Python/Ruby
11. Ansible/Puppet
12. Nagios/Zabbix

1. Linux/Unix

Linux/Unix is an open-source, multi-user operating system widely used for servers, networking, and system administration, offering robust security, stability, and command-line interface tools for efficient management of system resources and processes.

Why It's Important

Linux/Unix is crucial for a Systems Administrator because it offers robust security, stability, and flexibility in managing network resources, servers, and applications, making it the backbone of many enterprise environments.

How to Improve Linux/Unix Skills

Improving your Linux/Unix systems administration skills involves a mix of understanding core concepts, practical experience, and continuous learning. Here are concise steps with resources to guide you:

1. Master the Command Line: The command line is your main tool. Understand common commands, scripting, and automation.

   • The Linux Command Line: A book by William Shotts.

2. Learn Scripting Languages: Bash scripting for automation and Python for more complex tasks can significantly improve your efficiency.

   • Bash Guide: For learning Bash scripting.
   • Automate the Boring Stuff with Python: For Python scripting.

3. Understand System Architecture: Knowledge of how Linux/Unix systems work under the hood is crucial.

   • Linux Documentation Project Guides: For deep dives into Linux internals and networking.

4. Security Best Practices: Security is paramount. Understand firewall configurations, SSH, and security policies.

   • Linux Security for Beginners: Offers a good starting point.

5. Networking: Knowing how to configure and troubleshoot network settings is essential for a Systems Administrator.

   • Beginner's Guide to Networking in Linux: Provides a foundation in Linux networking.

6. Performance Monitoring and Tuning: Learn how to monitor system performance and optimize it.

   • Linux Performance: Brendan Gregg's guide on performance tools and techniques.

7. Version Control Systems: Familiarize yourself with Git. It's not just for developers; it's invaluable for tracking changes in scripts and configurations.

   • Pro Git Book: The comprehensive resource on Git.

8. Containerization and Orchestration: Understanding Docker and Kubernetes is becoming increasingly important.

   • Docker Get Started: Official Docker tutorials.
   • Kubernetes Basics: Official Kubernetes tutorials.

9. Continuous Learning: Technology evolves rapidly. Stay updated with the latest trends and tools.

   • Linux Academy: Offers courses on Linux and cloud technologies.

10. Practice: Set up your own lab environment to experiment and practice your skills.

    • Use virtualization tools like VirtualBox or VMware, or cloud services like AWS or GCP to create test environments.

11. Join Communities: Engage with online forums and local user groups to learn from others and share your knowledge.

    • Reddit's r/linuxadmin: A community for Linux SysAdmins.

Remember, the journey of improving your Linux/Unix skills is ongoing. Embrace challenges, and don't hesitate to dive deep into troubleshooting and learning new technologies.

How to Display Linux/Unix Skills on Your Resume

2. Windows Server

Windows Server is a series of Microsoft server operating systems designed to support enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications. It provides systems administrators with tools for server management, networking, data storage, and security.

Why It's Important

Windows Server is crucial for a Systems Administrator as it provides a robust platform for managing network resources, hosting applications, and securing data, enabling efficient operation and maintenance of an organization's IT infrastructure.

How to Improve Windows Server Skills

Improving Windows Server performance and security is essential for a Systems Administrator. Below are concise strategies to achieve this:

1. Update Regularly: Keep your server updated with the latest patches and service packs from Microsoft. Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) can automate this process.

2. Monitor Performance: Use Windows Server's built-in Performance Monitor (PerfMon) to track system performance and identify bottlenecks.

3. Enable Security Features: Utilize Windows Defender and the built-in firewall. Additionally, consider implementing AppLocker to control application execution.

4. Regular Backups: Implement a robust backup strategy using Windows Server Backup (WSB) or a third-party tool. Ensure backups are stored securely off-site.

5. Optimize Server Roles: Only enable necessary server roles and features to minimize resource usage and potential attack surfaces. Role Optimization guide can help.

6. Implement Best Practices for Active Directory: Regularly review and clean up AD objects and apply Group Policy best practices for security and performance.

7. Network Security: Secure network access with Network Policy Server (NPS) and implement network segmentation.

8. Use PowerShell: Automate repetitive tasks and configure server settings efficiently with PowerShell.

9. Regular Auditing: Conduct regular security audits and review logs to detect and respond to potential threats promptly. The Security and Compliance Toolkit can aid in this.

10. Educate Users: Train users on security best practices to prevent social engineering and phishing attacks.

By implementing these strategies, Systems Administrators can enhance the performance, security, and reliability of their Windows Servers.

How to Display Windows Server Skills on Your Resume

3. VMware ESXi

VMware ESXi is a bare-metal hypervisor that installs directly on server hardware, enabling the server to be partitioned into multiple virtual machines (VMs), each with its own operating system and applications, allowing for efficient resource management and virtualization of the physical hardware.

Why It's Important

VMware ESXi is important for a Systems Administrator because it provides a robust, efficient, and scalable platform for virtualizing servers and applications, reducing hardware costs, simplifying management, and enhancing system security and disaster recovery capabilities.

How to Improve VMware ESXi Skills

Improving VMware ESXi involves optimizing performance, enhancing security, and ensuring high availability. Here are concise steps along with relevant resources:

1. Update ESXi Regularly: Keep your ESXi server up to date with the latest patches and versions to fix bugs and improve performance. VMware Patching Resources

2. Optimize Virtual Machine Configuration: Ensure VMs are configured with only the necessary resources (CPU, memory) to avoid resource wastage and contention. VMware Performance Best Practices

3. Enable High Availability (HA) and Distributed Resource Scheduler (DRS): Use HA for improved uptime and DRS for workload balancing across hosts. High Availability Configuration

4. Implement Proper Storage Practices: Use VMware vSAN for high-performance storage or ensure your external storage is optimized for access by ESXi. vSAN Documentation

5. Secure ESXi Hosts: Regularly update passwords, limit access through firewalls, and follow VMware's security best practices. VMware Security Hardening Guides

6. Monitor System Performance Regularly: Utilize tools like vRealize Operations Manager for insights and recommendations. vRealize Operations

7. Network Optimization: Use VMware's Network I/O Control (NIOC) for traffic management and ensure physical network infrastructure is not a bottleneck. Network I/O Control

8. Virtual Machine Hardware Version: Keep your VMs updated to the latest virtual hardware version for performance improvements. VM Hardware Versions

By following these steps and utilizing the linked resources, you can ensure your VMware ESXi environment is optimized, secure, and capable of meeting your organization's needs.

How to Display VMware ESXi Skills on Your Resume

4. Active Directory

Active Directory (AD) is a directory service developed by Microsoft for Windows domain networks. It enables centralized management of network resources, user accounts, and security policies.

Why It's Important

Active Directory (AD) is crucial for a Systems Administrator because it centralizes and manages user accounts, permissions, and security policies across a network, ensuring efficient access control and resource management.

How to Improve Active Directory Skills

To improve Active Directory (AD) management and security as a Systems Administrator, consider the following concise steps:

1. Regularly Update and Patch: Ensure your AD is always updated with the latest patches. Microsoft's Update Catalog can help you find the latest updates.

2. Implement Strong Password Policies: Enforce strong password policies to enhance security. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) offers guidelines for creating strong and effective passwords.

3. Monitor Active Directory with Auditing Tools: Use auditing tools to monitor AD for any suspicious activities. Microsoft's guide on enabling auditing provides steps to configure security auditing.

4. Regularly Backup AD: Implement a regular backup strategy for AD to recover from data loss or corruption. Microsoft provides a guide on backing up and restoring AD.

5. Implement Least Privilege Access: Ensure users have only the permissions they need. Microsoft's guide on implementing least privilege can help in setting this up.

6. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enhance security by requiring multiple forms of verification. Azure Active Directory's MFA is a robust solution for AD environments.

7. Educate Users: Train users on security best practices to prevent social engineering attacks. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) offers resources and tips for cybersecurity awareness.

Implementing these steps will significantly enhance the security and efficiency of your Active Directory environment.

How to Display Active Directory Skills on Your Resume

5. PowerShell/Bash

PowerShell and Bash are command-line shells and scripting languages used for automating tasks and managing systems. PowerShell is primarily used in Windows environments, while Bash is commonly used in Linux and Unix systems. Both tools are essential for Systems Administrators for tasks such as software installation, system configuration, and monitoring.

Why It's Important

PowerShell/Bash is crucial for Systems Administrators because they provide powerful scripting languages and command-line interfaces for automating repetitive tasks, managing systems, and efficiently handling administrative functions across diverse environments.

How to Improve PowerShell/Bash Skills

Improving your PowerShell and Bash skills as a Systems Administrator involves continuous learning and practice. Here are concise tips and resources for both:

PowerShell

1. Understand Core Concepts: Grasp the basics of cmdlets, object-based scripting, and the pipeline.
2. Learn Scripting Techniques: Write reusable scripts and functions to automate repetitive tasks.
3. Explore PowerShell Modules: Utilize built-in and third-party modules to extend functionality.
4. Practice Error Handling: Implement try-catch blocks for robust script execution.
5. Stay Updated: Follow updates and new features in PowerShell versions.

Resources:

• Microsoft PowerShell Documentation
• PowerShell GitHub Repository
• Learn PowerShell in a Month of Lunches

Bash

1. Master Basic Commands: Familiarize with common commands and their options (grep, awk, sed, etc.).
2. Scripting Fundamentals: Learn to write scripts for automation, including loops, conditionals, and functions.
3. Understand Shell Environment: Know how to manage environment variables and user profiles.
4. Effective Use of SSH: Utilize SSH for secure remote administration.
5. Regular Expression Proficiency: Leverage regex for text manipulation and pattern matching.

Resources:

• GNU Bash Manual
• Advanced Bash-Scripting Guide
• Bash Academy

By focusing on these areas and utilizing the provided resources, you can significantly improve your PowerShell and Bash skills, enhancing your effectiveness as a Systems Administrator.

How to Display PowerShell/Bash Skills on Your Resume

6. Cisco Networking

Cisco Networking refers to the suite of hardware, software, and services offered by Cisco Systems, Inc. that facilitates the connectivity, management, and security of computer networks. For a Systems Administrator, it involves configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting routers, switches, and other network infrastructure to ensure reliable and secure data communication within and between computer networks.

Why It's Important

Cisco networking is important for a Systems Administrator because it provides the foundational infrastructure for managing, securing, and optimizing network operations, ensuring efficient communication and data flow within an organization's IT environment.

How to Improve Cisco Networking Skills

Improving Cisco Networking skills as a Systems Administrator involves a combination of education, hands-on experience, and networking with professionals. Here's a concise guide:

1. Educate Yourself: Start with Cisco's official certification paths. The Cisco Learning Network offers a range of resources, including courses for CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE certifications.

2. Hands-On Practice: Utilize Cisco Packet Tracer for virtual networking simulations. It's a powerful tool for understanding complex network configurations without needing physical hardware.

3. Lab Environment: Build a home lab or use online labs like dcloud for real-world experience. This hands-on experience is invaluable.

4. Networking Forums: Join forums and communities like Cisco Community to exchange knowledge, solve problems, and network with other professionals.

5. Stay Updated: Follow Cisco Blogs and subscribe to newsletters to stay informed about the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in networking.

Consistently applying these strategies will significantly improve your Cisco networking skills and knowledge.

How to Display Cisco Networking Skills on Your Resume

7. AWS/Azure

AWS (Amazon Web Services) and Azure (Microsoft Azure) are comprehensive, cloud computing platforms offering a wide range of services such as computing power, storage options, and networking capabilities, enabling Systems Administrators to deploy, manage, and scale applications and infrastructure on the cloud efficiently.

Why It's Important

AWS/Azure is important for a Systems Administrator because they provide scalable, reliable, and secure cloud computing resources, enabling efficient management and deployment of applications and services without the need for extensive physical infrastructure.

How to Improve AWS/Azure Skills

Improving your AWS/Azure skills as a Systems Administrator involves understanding best practices, continuous learning, and leveraging the tools provided by these platforms. Here are concise ways to enhance your proficiency:

AWS

1. AWS Training and Certification: Start with AWS Training to understand the fundamentals and gradually move to advanced topics.
2. Utilize AWS Well-Architected Framework: Learn about designing and operating reliable, secure, efficient, and cost-effective systems in the cloud with the AWS Well-Architected Framework.
3. Practice with AWS Free Tier: Gain hands-on experience with AWS services using the AWS Free Tier.
4. Join AWS Communities: Engage with AWS communities and forums to share knowledge and get answers to your queries.

Azure

1. Microsoft Learn for Azure: Access free learning paths on Azure fundamentals and beyond at Microsoft Learn.
2. Azure Architecture Center: Consult the Azure Architecture Center for best practices and architectural guidance.
3. Hands-on with Azure Free Account: Make the most of the Azure Free Account to experiment with Azure services at Azure Free Account.
4. Participate in Azure Communities: Connect with other Azure professionals through forums and discussion groups to stay updated on latest trends and solutions.

Both for AWS and Azure, consistent practice, staying updated with the latest features and services, and actively participating in their respective communities will significantly improve your skills and understanding of these cloud platforms.

How to Display AWS/Azure Skills on Your Resume

8. Docker/Kubernetes

Docker is a platform for developing, shipping, and running applications inside lightweight, portable containers. Kubernetes is an open-source system for automating deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications, often used to manage Docker containers at scale.

Why It's Important

Docker/Kubernetes enhances application deployment, scaling, and management. For Systems Administrators, it simplifies container orchestration, ensures consistent environment across development to production, and optimizes resource utilization, significantly reducing infrastructure overhead and improving system reliability.

How to Improve Docker/Kubernetes Skills

Improving Docker and Kubernetes involves optimizing configuration, enhancing security, utilizing efficient resource management, and staying updated with the latest technologies. Here's a concise guide:

1. Optimize Configuration:

   • Utilize lightweight base images in Docker to reduce overhead. Docker Best Practices
   • In Kubernetes, use liveness and readiness probes to improve application reliability. Kubernetes Probes

2. Enhance Security:

   • Implement Docker image scanning to detect vulnerabilities using tools like Clair. Clair GitHub
   • Use Kubernetes role-based access control (RBAC) to restrict access to resources. Kubernetes RBAC

3. Resource Management:

   • In Docker, utilize resource limits (CPU and memory) to prevent resource contention. Docker Resource Constraints
   • Employ Kubernetes Horizontal Pod Autoscaler to automatically adjust the number of pods based on load. Kubernetes HPA

4. Stay Updated:

   • Continuously update your Docker images and Kubernetes clusters to the latest stable versions to benefit from security patches and performance improvements.
   • Engage with communities and official documentation for the latest best practices and features. Docker Community, Kubernetes Community

By focusing on these key areas, a Systems Administrator can significantly improve the performance and security of their Docker and Kubernetes environments.

How to Display Docker/Kubernetes Skills on Your Resume

9. SQL Server

SQL Server is a relational database management system developed by Microsoft, designed to store, manage, and retrieve data for various applications and services, supporting a wide range of data types and offering tools for database administration, monitoring, and security.

Why It's Important

SQL Server is crucial for a Systems Administrator because it provides a robust, scalable database management system essential for storing, retrieving, and managing data efficiently across various applications and services within an organization.

How to Improve SQL Server Skills

Improving SQL Server performance involves several strategies focusing on optimization, maintenance, and configuration. Here's a concise guide:

1. Optimize Queries: Ensure SQL queries are efficient. Use indexes wisely, avoid unnecessary columns in SELECT statements, and use query execution plans for optimization.

   • Query Tuning

2. Index Maintenance: Regularly review and maintain indexes. Remove unused indexes and rebuild or reorganize fragmented indexes.

   • Index Maintenance

3. Update Statistics: Keep statistics updated to help the SQL Server query optimizer make better decisions.

   • Statistics

4. Monitor and Optimize TempDB: TempDB can become a bottleneck. Ensure it is on a fast storage system and consider splitting it into multiple files.

   • TempDB Optimization

5. Configuration Tweaks: Adjust SQL Server configuration settings such as Max Degree of Parallelism (MAXDOP) and Cost Threshold for Parallelism according to your workload.

   • Configure SQL Server

6. Regular Maintenance Plans: Implement maintenance plans for backing up databases, updating statistics, and checking database integrity.

   • Maintenance Plans

7. Use SQL Server Performance Tools: Utilize built-in tools like SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), Dynamic Management Views (DMVs), and SQL Server Profiler for monitoring and troubleshooting.

   • Performance Tools

8. Proper Hardware and Storage: Ensure your server has adequate memory, CPU, and disk resources. Use SSDs for better I/O performance.

   • Storage and SQL Server

By applying these strategies, you can significantly improve the performance and reliability of your SQL Server environment.

How to Display SQL Server Skills on Your Resume

10. Python/Ruby

Python and Ruby are high-level, interpreted programming languages favored for their readability, simplicity, and ease of use. For a Systems Administrator, Python is widely used for scripting, automation, data manipulation, and back-end development, while Ruby is popular for web development, especially with the Ruby on Rails framework. Both can significantly streamline and automate various systems administration tasks, such as managing servers, automating deployments, and processing logs.

Why It's Important

For a Systems Administrator, Python and Ruby are important because they offer powerful scripting capabilities for automation, configuration management, and task simplification, enhancing efficiency and reliability in system maintenance and operations.

How to Improve Python/Ruby Skills

Improving your Python/Ruby skills, especially as a Systems Administrator, involves a blend of understanding core concepts, practical implementation, and continuous learning. Below are concise steps and resources to guide you:

For Python:

1. Grasp the Basics: Understand Python syntax, data structures, and basic I/O operations. Official Python Tutorial

2. Learn Automation: Focus on scripts for automating system tasks, parsing logs, or managing users. Automate the Boring Stuff with Python

3. Explore Libraries: Utilize libraries like subprocess for executing shell commands, os and sys for interacting with the operating system. Python Module of the Week

4. Practice: Implement small projects or scripts to automate your daily tasks. GitHub is a good place to find real-world scripts examples.

5. Stay Updated: Python evolves, so subscribe to resources like Python Weekly for the latest news and packages.

For Ruby:

1. Understand Ruby Basics: Get comfortable with Ruby syntax, object-oriented principles, and blocks. Ruby in Twenty Minutes

2. Learn Automation and Scripting: Ruby is powerful for writing scripts that automate system tasks. Learn Ruby the Hard Way provides a solid foundation.

3. Dive into Ruby Gems: Gems are Ruby's way of distributing libraries. Use gems like capistrano for automation and deployment, chef or puppet for configuration management. RubyGems Guides

4. Hands-on Practice: Like Python, applying your knowledge in real-world tasks solidifies your learning. Try automating a routine task or contributing to open-source Ruby projects.

5. Keep Learning: The Ruby community is vibrant and constantly evolving. Follow Ruby Weekly for the latest in the Ruby world.

By focusing on practical application and leveraging community resources, you can significantly improve your Python and Ruby skills, enhancing your effectiveness as a Systems Administrator.

How to Display Python/Ruby Skills on Your Resume

11. Ansible/Puppet

Ansible and Puppet are configuration management tools used by systems administrators to automate the provisioning, deployment, and management of servers and applications.

• Ansible uses a simple, YAML-based syntax for its playbooks and does not require an agent to be installed on the remote hosts (it works over SSH). It's known for its ease of use and simplicity.

• Puppet, on the other hand, employs a declarative language for its manifests and typically requires an agent to be installed on client machines. It's designed for complex environments and offers detailed control over configurations.

Why It's Important

Ansible/Puppet are important for a Systems Administrator because they automate the provisioning, configuration, and management of servers, reducing manual effort, improving consistency, and enabling scalable infrastructure management.

How to Improve Ansible/Puppet Skills

Improving your Ansible and Puppet skills can significantly enhance your capabilities as a Systems Administrator by automating and managing your infrastructure more effectively. Here are some concise tips along with resources for deep dives:

Ansible:

1. Master Playbooks: Focus on writing efficient playbooks. Structure them for reuse and readability. Ansible Best Practices

2. Use Roles: Utilize roles for organizing tasks and making your Ansible code reusable across different projects. Ansible Roles

3. Dynamic Inventory: Implement dynamic inventory scripts for managing groups of hosts dynamically rather than statically. Dynamic Inventory

4. Ansible Galaxy: Explore Ansible Galaxy to share and use content with others in the Ansible community. Ansible Galaxy

5. Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest modules and features by frequently visiting the official Ansible documentation. Ansible Docs

Puppet:

1. Learn Puppet Language: Gain a solid understanding of the Puppet language for writing manifests. Puppet Language Basics

2. Use Modules: Leverage existing modules from the Puppet Forge and learn to write your own. Puppet Forge

3. Implement Hiera: Use Hiera for separating data from your Puppet code, making it easier to manage and understand. Introduction to Hiera

4. Test with r10k: Utilize r10k for managing and deploying your Puppet code and environments efficiently. About r10k

5. Continuous Education: Keep learning through the Puppet documentation and community resources. Puppet Docs

Improving in Ansible and Puppet involves a combination of understanding best practices, leveraging community resources, and continuous learning. Utilize the linked resources as a starting point to deepen your expertise.

How to Display Ansible/Puppet Skills on Your Resume

12. Nagios/Zabbix

Nagios and Zabbix are both open-source network monitoring tools used by systems administrators to monitor the health and performance of networks, servers, and applications.

• Nagios offers comprehensive monitoring capabilities, alerting administrators about system outages, performance issues, and other critical events in real-time, helping in maintaining system uptime and performance.

• Zabbix provides a wide range of monitoring features including network, server, cloud, application, and services monitoring, along with a highly configurable alerting system, rich visualization options, and support for automatic discovery of network devices and configurations.

Both are essential for proactive management of IT infrastructure, ensuring reliability and efficiency in operations.

Why It's Important

Nagios/Zabbix is crucial for Systems Administrators because it provides comprehensive monitoring of IT infrastructure, enabling proactive management of system health, performance, and security issues, thereby ensuring high availability and reliability of services.

How to Improve Nagios/Zabbix Skills

Improving Nagios/Zabbix involves optimizing configuration, extending functionality with plugins/add-ons, and ensuring your monitoring setup is scalable, secure, and efficient. Here are concise strategies tailored for System Administrators:

Nagios

1. Streamline Configuration: Use templates and inheritance in your configuration files to manage large environments more efficiently. Nagios Core documentation provides guidelines on implementing these features.

2. Extend with Plugins: Enhance Nagios capabilities by integrating it with third-party plugins available from Nagios Exchange. Focus on plugins that fill gaps in your monitoring needs.

3. Optimize Performance: Implement performance tweaks such as increasing the check interval, reducing the number of active checks, and using passive checks for less critical services. The Nagios Performance Tuning guide offers insights.

4. Automate Incident Response: Use event handlers to automate recovery actions for common issues, reducing downtime. Nagios Event Handlers Explained offers a practical approach to setting them up.

Zabbix

1. Leverage Templates: Utilize Zabbix templates to apply a consistent monitoring configuration across similar devices or applications, streamlining the setup process. The Zabbix Template Operation section provides detailed instructions.

2. Optimize Zabbix Agent: Configure Zabbix agents for active or passive checks based on network topology and monitoring needs to reduce the load on the Zabbix server. The Zabbix Agent Configuration details the differences and configurations.

3. Scale with Proxies: Use Zabbix proxies to distribute the monitoring load and to monitor remote locations more efficiently. This setup improves performance and reduces network traffic. Zabbix Proxy Setup outlines the installation and configuration steps.

4. Improve Database Performance: Regularly maintain the Zabbix database by cleaning history and trends, and consider partitioning large tables. The Zabbix Database Maintenance section discusses these practices.

By focusing on these strategies, System Administrators can significantly improve the efficiency, scalability, and reliability of their Nagios or Zabbix monitoring systems.

How to Display Nagios/Zabbix Skills on Your Resume