Top 12 Systems Manager Skills to Put on Your Resume
In a competitive job market, Systems Managers must highlight their most valuable skills on their resumes to stand out to potential employers. This article explores the top 12 skills essential for Systems Managers, focusing on a mix of technical prowess and soft skills that are critical for effectively managing IT systems and leading technology teams.
Systems Manager Skills
- Linux/Unix
- Windows Server
- VMware ESXi
- AWS/Azure
- Cisco Networking
- PowerShell/Bash
- Active Directory
- SQL Server
- Docker/Kubernetes
- Ansible/Chef
- Nagios/Zabbix
- Git/SVN
1. Linux/Unix
Linux/Unix refers to a family of open-source, Unix-like operating systems that are widely used for server, desktop, and embedded applications. They are known for their stability, security, and flexibility, allowing Systems Managers to efficiently deploy, configure, and manage both hardware and software resources across diverse computing environments.
Why It's Important
Linux/Unix is crucial for a Systems Manager due to its stability, security, and flexibility, enabling efficient management of computing environments, servers, and networks.
How to Improve Linux/Unix Skills
Improving Linux/Unix system performance and efficiency involves several strategies, focusing on monitoring, tuning, and updating. Here are concise guidelines:
Update System Regularly: Keep your system updated with the latest patches and software versions to enhance security and performance. Use package managers like
apt
for Debian/Ubuntu oryum
for CentOS/RHEL. Guide to apt, Guide to yum.Monitor System Performance: Utilize tools like
top
,htop
,vmstat
, andiostat
to monitor system resources and identify bottlenecks. Htop Explanation, VMStat and IOStat Usage.Configure Kernel Parameters: Tuning the kernel parameters via
/etc/sysctl.conf
can significantly improve performance for specific workloads. Kernel Tuning.Optimize File Systems: Choose the right file system and consider adjusting mount options in
/etc/fstab
for better performance. Filesystem Optimization.Implement Security Best Practices: Secure your system by configuring firewalls (e.g.,
iptables
orfirewalld
), using SSH keys, and setting up fail2ban. Iptables Essentials, Fail2Ban Setup.Automate Tasks with Cron: Schedule regular maintenance tasks such as log rotation, backups, and system updates with
cron
. CronHowto.Optimize Network Settings: Adjust TCP/IP settings and use tools like
ifconfig
,ethtool
, andmtr
to optimize network performance. TCP/IP Optimization.Use Performance Tuning Tools: Leverage advanced tools like
perf
,sysstat
, andtuned
for in-depth performance analysis and tuning. Perf Tool, Tuned.Regularly Review Logs: Analyze system logs with
journalctl
orlogwatch
to identify issues early. Journalctl Usage, Logwatch.Backup and Disaster Recovery Planning: Implement a robust backup strategy using tools like
rsync
,tar
, or enterprise solutions, and test disaster recovery plans regularly. Rsync Guide, Disaster Recovery.
By adhering to these practices, systems managers can ensure their Linux/Unix systems are secure, efficient, and resilient against various performance and security challenges.
How to Display Linux/Unix Skills on Your Resume
2. Windows Server
Windows Server is a series of Microsoft operating systems designed to support enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications. Used by Systems Managers for network administration, it provides infrastructure for business applications, web services, and user management.
Why It's Important
Windows Server is essential for a Systems Manager as it provides a stable and scalable platform for managing network resources, running applications, ensuring security, and facilitating data storage and access across a corporate network, thereby enabling efficient and centralized administration of IT infrastructure.
How to Improve Windows Server Skills
Improving Windows Server performance and reliability involves several key strategies. Here's a concise guide tailored for a Systems Manager:
Regular Updates: Keep your server up-to-date with the latest patches and updates from Microsoft. This not only improves security but can also enhance performance. Microsoft's Update Guide.
Optimize Performance: Utilize the built-in Performance Monitor and Resource Monitor tools to analyze and optimize server performance. Adjust settings and resources allocation based on the findings. Performance Tuning Guidelines.
Server Roles and Features: Only install the necessary roles and features to minimize the attack surface and reduce overhead. Use the Server Manager or PowerShell for management. Roles and Features.
Backup and Disaster Recovery: Implement a robust backup and disaster recovery plan. Regularly test backups to ensure data integrity and recovery capabilities. Backup Solutions.
Security Best Practices: Apply security best practices, including configuring firewalls, using antivirus software, and implementing least privilege principles. Regularly review and update security policies. Security Compliance Toolkit.
Monitor and Audit: Set up monitoring and auditing to track server performance and security events. This helps in proactive issue resolution and enhances security. Monitoring and Management Tools.
Networking Configuration: Properly configure network settings for optimal performance and security. This includes adjusting TCP/IP settings, Quality of Service (QoS) policies, and DNS configurations. Networking.
Storage Solutions Optimization: Ensure your storage solutions are optimized for performance and reliability. This may involve configuring RAID levels, leveraging SSDs for faster access, and implementing proper data deduplication strategies. Storage.
Virtualization Management: If using Hyper-V or other virtualization platforms, ensure virtual machines are properly configured and resources are allocated efficiently. Hyper-V.
Education and Training: Keep yourself and your team educated on the latest Windows Server features, best practices, and troubleshooting techniques. Microsoft offers a range of documentation and training resources. Microsoft Learn.
By following these strategies and utilizing the provided resources, you can significantly improve the performance, reliability, and security of your Windows Server environment.
How to Display Windows Server Skills on Your Resume
3. VMware ESXi
VMware ESXi is a bare-metal hypervisor that installs directly on physical servers to consolidate hardware and manage virtual machines, optimizing resource utilization for system administration.
Why It's Important
VMware ESXi is crucial for a Systems Manager as it provides a robust, efficient virtualization platform for consolidating hardware, optimizing resource usage, and managing multiple virtual machines (VMs) on a single physical server, leading to reduced infrastructure costs and simplified data center management.
How to Improve VMware ESXi Skills
Improving VMware ESXi performance and efficiency involves several steps focused on optimization, monitoring, and updates. Here's a concise guide:
Update Regularly: Keep ESXi and VM hardware versions up to date for performance improvements and new features. VMware Patches
Optimize VM Storage: Use VMFS volumes and align VM disks properly. Consider SSDs for intensive I/O operations. VMware Storage Best Practices
Configure Networking: Leverage VMXNET3 over E1000 where possible and use distributed switches for advanced features. VMware Networking Guide
Monitor Performance: Use tools like ESXTOP and vCenter Server performance charts to monitor and troubleshoot performance issues. vSphere Monitoring and Performance
Resource Management: Properly allocate CPU and memory resources. Use resource pools and reservations with care to avoid resource contention. vSphere Resource Management
Enable DRS and HA: For clusters, enabling Distributed Resource Scheduler (DRS) and High Availability (HA) ensures optimal resource distribution and availability. vSphere Availability
Each of these steps should be tailored to your specific environment and workloads for best results.
How to Display VMware ESXi Skills on Your Resume
4. AWS/Azure
AWS (Amazon Web Services) and Azure are comprehensive cloud computing platforms offered by Amazon and Microsoft, respectively. They provide a wide range of cloud services including computing power, storage options, and networking capabilities, enabling businesses and developers to deploy, manage, and scale applications and infrastructure via the cloud. For a Systems Manager, they offer tools for managing and monitoring the health, performance, and security of applications and infrastructure.
Why It's Important
AWS (Amazon Web Services) and Azure are vital for a Systems Manager because they offer scalable, flexible, and cost-effective cloud computing resources and services. This enables efficient management of IT infrastructure, rapid deployment of applications, and ensures high availability, security, and compliance, aligning with business needs and objectives.
How to Improve AWS/Azure Skills
Improving your AWS and Azure management entails optimizing performance, security, cost, and reliability. Here are concise tips for Systems Managers:
AWS Improvement
Utilize AWS Trusted Advisor: Leverage it for real-time guidance on cost optimization, security, and performance improvements. AWS Trusted Advisor
Implement Cost Management Tools: Use AWS Cost Explorer and Budgets to monitor and control costs. AWS Cost Management
Optimize Performance with Auto Scaling: Ensure your application's performance by automatically adjusting capacity. AWS Auto Scaling
Enhance Security with AWS Shield: Protect your applications against DDoS attacks. AWS Shield
Adopt Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Utilize AWS CloudFormation for managing infrastructure through code. AWS CloudFormation
Azure Improvement
Leverage Azure Advisor: Get personalized recommendations to optimize Azure deployments. Azure Advisor
Optimize Costs with Azure Cost Management + Billing: Monitor, allocate, and optimize cloud costs. Azure Cost Management + Billing
Utilize Azure Automation for Auto-scaling: Adjust resources based on demand with Azure Automation and VM Scale Sets. Azure Automation
Enhance Security with Azure Security Center: Strengthen security posture and protect against threats. Azure Security Center
Implement Infrastructure as Code (IaC) with Azure Resource Manager (ARM): Manage your infrastructure through declarative templates. Azure Resource Manager
By adhering to these strategies and utilizing the tools provided by AWS and Azure, Systems Managers can significantly improve the efficiency, security, and cost-effectiveness of their cloud environments.
How to Display AWS/Azure Skills on Your Resume
5. Cisco Networking
Cisco Networking refers to the suite of hardware, software, and services designed by Cisco Systems, Inc., aimed at facilitating and managing interconnected network communication, data exchange, and security within an organization's IT infrastructure. For a Systems Manager, it encompasses the tools and technologies used to ensure efficient, secure, and reliable network operations and management.
Why It's Important
Cisco Networking is crucial for a Systems Manager because it provides a robust, secure, and scalable infrastructure foundation, essential for managing and supporting an organization’s communication systems, data exchange, and overall IT operations efficiently.
How to Improve Cisco Networking Skills
To improve Cisco Networking as a Systems Manager, focus on the following key areas:
Stay Updated: Regularly check Cisco's official website for updates on networking technologies, software updates, and best practices.
Cisco Training and Certifications: Invest in Cisco's training and certification programs for yourself and your team to enhance skills in network design, implementation, and troubleshooting.
Network Security: Prioritize network security by utilizing Cisco's security advisories and implementing recommended security features and practices.
Network Monitoring and Management Tools: Utilize tools like Cisco DNA Center for an integrated management solution that simplifies network operations.
Automation and Orchestration: Leverage Cisco's DevNet for resources on automation, APIs, and scripting to enhance network efficiency and reduce manual tasks.
Community Engagement: Join and participate in Cisco Community forums for peer advice, solutions to common issues, and networking best practices.
By focusing on these areas and leveraging the provided resources, you can significantly improve Cisco Networking capabilities within your organization.
How to Display Cisco Networking Skills on Your Resume
6. PowerShell/Bash
PowerShell is a task automation and configuration management framework from Microsoft, consisting of a command-line shell and scripting language. It is built on the .NET framework, allowing for advanced scripting, automation, and administrative tasks across Windows systems.
Bash (Bourne Again SHell) is a Unix shell and command language. It is widely used as a default shell on Linux and macOS systems, providing powerful scripting capabilities, command-line utilities, and tools for efficient system management and automation.
Why It's Important
For a Systems Manager, PowerShell/Bash is crucial because it enables efficient automation of system tasks, streamlined management of multiple devices, and quick execution of complex administrative commands, significantly enhancing productivity and system control.
How to Improve PowerShell/Bash Skills
Improving your skills in PowerShell and Bash is crucial for any Systems Manager looking to streamline and automate tasks in Windows and Unix/Linux environments, respectively. Here are concise tips and resources to help you advance:
PowerShell
Master the Basics: Understand PowerShell cmdlets, the pipeline, and object-based scripting. Microsoft's PowerShell Documentation is an excellent starting point.
Learn Scripting: Dive into scripting to automate your tasks. The PowerShell Scripting Guide provides a thorough introduction.
Explore Modules: Use and create PowerShell modules to extend its capabilities. Explore available modules on the PowerShell Gallery.
Practice Error Handling: Learn to effectively handle errors to make your scripts robust. About Try Catch Finally can help.
Stay Updated: PowerShell evolves; keep learning through the Official PowerShell Blog.
Bash
Understand Basics: Get comfortable with Bash syntax, shell commands, and basic scripting. The GNU Bash Reference Manual is a comprehensive resource.
Scripting Proficiency: Enhance your scripting skills for automation. Advanced Bash-Scripting Guide is an in-depth resource.
Useful Tools and Utilities: Familiarize yourself with awk, sed, and grep for text processing. The GNU Operating System website offers detailed manuals.
Error Handling: Learn to manage and debug scripts effectively. Bash Hackers Wiki provides insights on error handling among other topics.
Continuous Learning: Stay informed about the latest in Bash scripting through forums and communities like Stack Overflow and Reddit.
By focusing on these areas and utilizing the provided resources, Systems Managers can significantly improve their PowerShell and Bash skills, leading to more efficient and effective system administration.
How to Display PowerShell/Bash Skills on Your Resume
7. Active Directory
Active Directory (AD) is a directory service developed by Microsoft for Windows domain networks. It stores and manages information about network resources such as users, computers, and services, enabling centralized management, authentication, and authorization.
Why It's Important
Active Directory (AD) is crucial for a Systems Manager because it centralizes and streamlines the management of users, computers, and services within a network, enhancing security and simplifying access control and resource management across the IT infrastructure.
How to Improve Active Directory Skills
Improving Active Directory (AD) involves enhancing security, performance, and manageability. Here are concise strategies:
Regularly Update and Patch: Ensure that your AD servers are always up to date with the latest patches to protect against vulnerabilities. Microsoft's Update Guide
Implement Strong Password Policies: Enforce complex passwords and consider using Password Settings Objects (PSOs) for different groups. Microsoft's Password Policy
Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adding an extra layer of security helps to protect against unauthorized access. Azure MFA Documentation
Regular Audits and Monitoring: Implement regular auditing and real-time monitoring to detect and respond to irregular activities. AD Auditing Guide
Least Privilege Principle: Ensure users have only the access they need to perform their job functions. Least Privilege Access
Backup and Disaster Recovery Plan: Regularly back up AD and have a disaster recovery plan in place. AD Backup and Recovery
Implement AD Tiering: Segregate accounts, servers, and services into tiers to limit the spread of an attack. AD Tiering Best Practices
By following these strategies, you can significantly improve the security, performance, and manageability of your Active Directory environment.
How to Display Active Directory Skills on Your Resume
8. SQL Server
SQL Server is a relational database management system developed by Microsoft, designed for storing, managing, and retrieving data across multiple applications and platforms, ensuring data integrity, security, and efficient transaction processing in an enterprise environment.
Why It's Important
SQL Server is crucial for a Systems Manager as it provides a reliable, secure, and scalable database management system for storing, retrieving, and managing critical data efficiently across the organization, supporting decision-making and operational continuity.
How to Improve SQL Server Skills
Improving SQL Server performance involves various strategies focusing on optimization, maintenance, and configuration. Here are concise recommendations for a Systems Manager:
Index Optimization: Regularly review and optimize your indexes. Remove unused ones and add necessary indexes based on query performance. Indexing Guidelines
Query Tuning: Analyze and optimize slow-running queries using tools like SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and Query Store. Focus on writing efficient SQL. Query Performance
Update Statistics: Ensure statistics are regularly updated for optimal query plans. This can be automated or done manually. Updating Statistics
Maintenance Plans: Implement routine maintenance plans for tasks like index defragmentation, consistency checks, and backups. Maintenance Plans
Configuration Tweaks: Adjust SQL Server configurations, such as max server memory, to match your workload and hardware. Server Configuration Options
Monitoring and Alerts: Use SQL Server monitoring tools and set up alerts for early detection of issues. Monitoring SQL Server
Capacity Planning: Regularly review your capacity needs and plan for scaling resources accordingly. Capacity Planning
Security Best Practices: Ensure your SQL Server is secure by implementing security best practices and keeping your system up to date. Security Center for SQL Server
Each of these areas is crucial for maintaining and improving the performance and reliability of SQL Server. Regularly reviewing and applying best practices in these areas will help ensure optimal performance.
How to Display SQL Server Skills on Your Resume
9. Docker/Kubernetes
Docker is a platform for developing, shipping, and running applications inside lightweight, portable containers, ensuring consistent environments and streamlined workflows. Kubernetes is an orchestration system for Docker containers, automating deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications across clusters of hosts.
Why It's Important
Docker and Kubernetes are crucial for a Systems Manager as they provide efficient containerization and orchestration, enabling scalable, consistent, and automated deployment, management, and scaling of applications across various environments, enhancing operational flexibility and resource utilization.
How to Improve Docker/Kubernetes Skills
Improving Docker/Kubernetes performance and management involves optimizing configurations, ensuring security, and implementing best practices for efficient deployment and scaling. Here's a concise guide for Systems Managers:
Optimize Resource Utilization: Fine-tune resource allocation by setting appropriate CPU and memory requests and limits to prevent resource contention and ensure efficient scheduling by Kubernetes.
Implement Security Best Practices: Secure your Docker and Kubernetes environments by using minimal base images, scanning for vulnerabilities, enforcing network policies, and using role-based access control (RBAC).
Leverage Horizontal Pod Autoscaling (HPA): Automatically scale the number of pods in a replication controller, deployment, or replica set based on observed CPU utilization or custom metrics.
Use Quality of Service (QoS) Classes: Kubernetes uses QoS classes to make decisions about scheduling and evicting pods to ensure the best possible resource allocation and system stability.
Monitor and Log System Performance: Implement comprehensive logging and monitoring using tools like Prometheus for metrics collection and Grafana for data visualization to identify and address issues proactively.
Automate Deployment with CI/CD Pipelines: Integrate your Docker and Kubernetes operations into a continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipeline for streamlined and error-free deployments.
Regularly Update and Patch: Stay on top of Docker and Kubernetes updates and patches to secure your environment against vulnerabilities and benefit from performance improvements.
Implement Storage Solutions: Use persistent volumes (PVs) and persistent volume claims (PVCs) for efficient storage management that survives pod restarts, ensuring data persistence.
Network Optimization: Optimize networking by implementing network policies for secure pod communication and choosing the right CNI (Container Network Interface) plugin for your needs.
Engage with the Community: Stay informed and get support by engaging with the Docker and Kubernetes communities through forums, GitHub, and events.
By focusing on these key areas, Systems Managers can significantly improve the performance, scalability, and security of their Docker and Kubernetes environments.
How to Display Docker/Kubernetes Skills on Your Resume
10. Ansible/Chef
Ansible and Chef are both automation platforms used for IT tasks such as configuration management, application deployment, and task automation.
Ansible is an open-source tool that automates software provisioning, configuration management, and application deployment. It uses a simple syntax written in YAML, called playbooks. Ansible is agentless, meaning it does not require any software to be installed on the nodes it manages.
Chef is also an open-source automation tool but requires a master-agent setup for configuration management. It uses Ruby as its scripting language for writing system configurations which are termed as "recipes" and "cookbooks". Chef is designed to handle complex infrastructure on a massive scale.
Why It's Important
Ansible and Chef are important for a Systems Manager because they automate the process of configuring, managing, and deploying systems and applications across various environments, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and scalability in the IT infrastructure.
How to Improve Ansible/Chef Skills
Improving your Ansible/Chef skills involves a combination of understanding best practices, continuous learning, and practical application. Here's a concise guide:
Ansible:
- Master Playbooks and Roles: Dive into creating modular and reusable code with roles and playbooks. Ansible Best Practices guide is a great resource.
- Leverage Ansible Galaxy: Use shared roles and collections from the community to speed up development. Ansible Galaxy has a wealth of resources.
- Automate Testing: Implement testing of your Ansible playbooks using tools like Molecule. This Testing Strategies guide can help.
- Continuous Learning: Follow the Ansible Blog for the latest features and best practices.
Chef:
- Understand Chef Resources: Deeply understand resources and recipes to write efficient automation scripts. The Chef Docs provide comprehensive guides.
- Use Test Kitchen: Test your cookbooks across different platforms with Test Kitchen. The Getting Started Guide is very helpful.
- Leverage Supermarket: Explore the Chef Supermarket for community cookbooks to learn and borrow ideas. Visit Chef Supermarket.
- Continuous Learning: Stay updated with new developments by following the Chef Blog.
Both for Ansible and Chef, engaging with the community through forums, GitHub, or special interest groups can provide invaluable insights and help you solve specific problems more efficiently.
How to Display Ansible/Chef Skills on Your Resume
11. Nagios/Zabbix
Nagios and Zabbix are both open-source monitoring tools used by systems managers to monitor the health and performance of networks, servers, and applications. Nagios is known for its robust alerting and notification system, allowing for proactive management of IT infrastructure issues. Zabbix offers comprehensive monitoring capabilities including network, server, cloud, application, and service monitoring with a strong focus on data collection and visualization. Both tools help in identifying and resolving issues before they impact business operations.
Why It's Important
Nagios and Zabbix are crucial for Systems Managers because they provide real-time monitoring and alerting for IT infrastructure health, performance, and security, enabling proactive issue resolution and system reliability optimization.
How to Improve Nagios/Zabbix Skills
Improving Nagios/Zabbix involves enhancing their configuration, integration, and monitoring capabilities. Here's a short guide to optimize these tools for systems managers:
Nagios
Automate Configuration: Use automation tools like Ansible or Puppet for managing Nagios configurations. This simplifies repetitive tasks and ensures consistency across your infrastructure.
- Ansible Nagios
- Puppet Forge Nagios
Utilize Plugins: Extend Nagios capabilities by incorporating community or custom plugins for monitoring specific services or applications.
Optimize Alerts: Fine-tune alert thresholds and dependencies to reduce noise and focus on critical issues. Tools like NagiosXI offer advanced alert management.
Zabbix
Template Customization: Leverage and customize Zabbix templates for specific network devices, servers, or application monitoring needs. Share or find templates in the Zabbix community.
Improve Data Collection: Use Zabbix proxies for distributed monitoring to reduce network load and improve the efficiency of data collection.
Enhance Visualization: Integrate Grafana with Zabbix for advanced data visualization and dashboards, providing deeper insights and better reporting.
Both Nagios and Zabbix can significantly benefit from continuous learning and community engagement. Explore forums, documentation, and user-contributed resources to keep improving your monitoring ecosystem.
- Nagios Community
- Zabbix Forums
How to Display Nagios/Zabbix Skills on Your Resume
12. Git/SVN
Git and SVN (Subversion) are version control systems that manage and track modifications to files and directories over time, facilitating collaboration, version tracking, and change management in software development projects. Git is distributed, allowing full local version history, while SVN is centralized, relying on a single server for version history.
Why It's Important
Git/SVN is important for a Systems Manager because it enables version control, collaboration, and tracking of changes across software projects, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and the ability to revert to previous states if necessary.
How to Improve Git/SVN Skills
Improving Git/SVN for a Systems Manager involves enhancing efficiency, security, and collaboration within your version control systems. Here are concise strategies:
Git Improvement Strategies
- Adopt a Consistent Branching Model: Implement a branching strategy like Git Flow to organize and manage branches effectively.
- Enforce Commit Guidelines: Use commit message guidelines and enforce them using Git hooks to maintain a clean, understandable history.
- Leverage Git LFS: For handling large files, integrate Git Large File Storage (LFS) to improve clone and fetch times.
- Setup Continuous Integration (CI): Implement CI tools like Jenkins or GitHub Actions to automate testing and ensure code quality.
- Regularly Audit Access and Permissions: Use tools like GitLab's Audit Events to monitor and control access, enhancing security.
SVN Improvement Strategies
- Implement Hook Scripts: Use SVN hook scripts for pre-commit checks, enforcing commit message standards, and automating tasks.
- Branch and Merge Wisely: Adopt clear policies for branching and merging to manage code versions efficiently, utilizing SVN's branching and merging capabilities.
- Regular Backups: Ensure data integrity through regular SVN repository backups, using
svnadmin hotcopy
command for hot backups. - Optimize Repository Structure: Structure your repository efficiently by separating stable, development, and experimental code, as detailed in SVN best practices.
- Use Path-Based Authorization: Control access to different parts of the repository with path-based authorization, enhancing security.
For both Git and SVN, regular training and updates for team members on best practices and new features are crucial for maintaining an efficient version control environment.