Top 12 IT Support Skills to Put on Your Resume

In today's fast-paced tech environment, possessing a robust set of IT support skills is crucial for standing out in the job market. This article will explore the top 12 skills that can make your resume more attractive to employers, showcasing your ability to tackle technical challenges and contribute to efficient IT operations.

IT Support Skills

1. Active Directory
2. PowerShell
3. Linux
4. Windows Server
5. Cisco Networking
6. VMware ESXi
7. AWS Cloud
8. Office 365
9. SQL Server
10. Python
11. ITIL Framework
12. Azure Cloud

1. Active Directory

Active Directory (AD) is a directory service developed by Microsoft for Windows domain networks. It stores information about objects on the network and makes this information easy for administrators and users to find and use. AD is used for identity management, authentication, and authorization services, facilitating the management of users, computers, and other resources within an organization.

Why It's Important

Active Directory (AD) is crucial for IT Support as it centralizes and streamlines user and resource management, enhances security through access controls and authentication, and simplifies policy enforcement across a network.

How to Improve Active Directory Skills

Improving Active Directory (AD) involves enhancing security, performance, and manageability. Here are concise strategies with relevant resources:

1. Update Regularly: Keep AD and server operating systems up to date to patch vulnerabilities and improve performance. Microsoft's Update Management

2. Implement Strong Password Policies: Enforce complex passwords and regular changes to enhance security. Password Policies

3. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adding an extra layer of security helps protect against unauthorized access. Azure MFA

4. Regularly Audit and Monitor AD: Use tools to track changes, login attempts, and potential security threats. AD Auditing

5. Clean Up Unused Accounts and Groups: Regularly review and remove outdated users and groups to minimize security risks. AD Cleanup

6. Use Organizational Units (OUs) and Group Policies: Efficiently manage users and computers by organizing them into OUs and applying Group Policies for security settings and configurations. Group Policy

7. Implement Least Privilege Access: Limit permissions to the minimum necessary for users to perform their duties, reducing the potential impact of a breach. Least Privilege Security Model

8. Backup AD Regularly: Ensure you have up-to-date backups to recover from accidental deletions or corruption. AD Backup and Recovery

9. Educate Users: Train users on security best practices, phishing, and other threats. Security Awareness Training

10. Use Advanced Security Features: Leverage features like Advanced Threat Analytics (ATA) and Azure AD Identity Protection for proactive security measures. Advanced Threat Analytics

Implementing these strategies will significantly improve the security, performance, and manageability of your Active Directory environment.

How to Display Active Directory Skills on Your Resume

2. PowerShell

PowerShell is a task automation and configuration management framework from Microsoft, consisting of a command-line shell and scripting language, designed for system administration, automation of repetitive tasks, and the creation of automated scripts to manage, configure, and update software and operating systems.

Why It's Important

PowerShell is crucial for IT Support because it enables automation of repetitive tasks, efficient system management through scripting, and the ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues across a network of computers, all from a single interface.

How to Improve PowerShell Skills

Improving your PowerShell skills as an IT Support professional involves continuous learning and practice. Here are concise tips:

1. Learn the Basics: Understand PowerShell's fundamental concepts, such as cmdlets, variables, loops, and pipelines. The official PowerShell documentation is a great starting point.

2. Practice Scripting: Regularly write scripts to automate common tasks. Use resources like PowerShell.org for scripts and community support.

3. Use the Help System: Master the Get-Help cmdlet to find information about other cmdlets and their usage directly within PowerShell.

4. Explore Modules: Learn to use and install PowerShell modules to extend its functionality. The PowerShell Gallery is the central repository for sharing and acquiring PowerShell code.

5. Join Communities: Engage with PowerShell communities on platforms like Reddit or StackOverflow to get help, share knowledge, and stay updated on best practices.

6. Follow Blogs and Tutorials: Websites like Adam the Automator and Hey, Scripting Guy! Blog offer valuable insights and advanced tutorials.

7. Practice Secure Scripting: Understand and implement best practices for secure scripting to protect your environment. The PowerShell GitHub page provides resources and discussions on security aspects.

8. Automate Daily Tasks: Identify repetitive tasks in your daily work and automate them with PowerShell scripts. It's a practical way to improve efficiency and your scripting skills.

By following these tips and utilizing the provided resources, you can enhance your PowerShell capabilities, making you more effective in your IT support role.

How to Display PowerShell Skills on Your Resume

3. Linux

Linux is a free, open-source operating system kernel that, along with various distributions built around it, forms the basis for a wide variety of operating systems used in servers, desktops, and embedded systems, offering a powerful and flexible environment for IT support tasks.

Why It's Important

Linux is important for IT Support because it offers robust security, stability, and flexibility in managing servers and applications, reducing downtime and vulnerability to attacks. It also supports a wide range of software and hardware, making it essential for maintaining diverse IT environments.

How to Improve Linux Skills

Improving your Linux skills as an IT Support professional involves several key steps focused on enhancing system understanding, troubleshooting abilities, and automation skills. Here's a concise guide:

1. Learn Command Line Fundamentals: Mastering the Linux command line is crucial. Start with basic commands and gradually move to advanced ones. Use resources like LinuxCommand.

2. Understand Networking: Knowing how to configure and troubleshoot network settings is essential. Check out tutorials on Linux Networking.

3. Study System Administration: Gain expertise in managing users, software, services, and hardware. The Linux System Administration Handbook is a great resource.

4. Scripting and Automation: Learn shell scripting to automate tasks. Begin with Bash scripting tutorials like those at Bash Guide.

5. Security Best Practices: Familiarize yourself with Linux security concepts. The Linux Security for Beginners guide is a helpful start.

6. Troubleshooting and Debugging: Develop problem-solving skills. Practice by setting up scenarios in a sandbox environment and using resources like The Art of Troubleshooting.

7. Stay Updated: Linux evolves constantly. Follow sites like Phoronix for the latest in Linux and open-source news.

8. Join a Community: Engage with Linux forums and communities such as LinuxQuestions.org to learn from real-world problems and solutions.

9. Get Certified: Consider certifications like CompTIA Linux+ or Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) to validate your skills. Visit the official CompTIA and Red Hat certification pages.

By following these steps and leveraging the resources provided, you'll significantly improve your Linux skills, making you a more proficient IT Support professional.

How to Display Linux Skills on Your Resume

4. Windows Server

Windows Server is a series of Microsoft-developed server operating systems designed to handle corporate networking, Internet hosting, databases, messaging, and other server-based services.

Why It's Important

Windows Server is crucial for IT Support because it provides a stable and scalable platform for managing network resources, hosting applications, and securing data, enabling efficient administration and support of an organization's IT infrastructure.

How to Improve Windows Server Skills

Improving Windows Server performance and security requires a multifaceted approach focusing on system updates, configuration optimization, and security practices. Here's a concise guide:

1. Keep the System Updated: Regularly apply Windows Server updates to ensure you have the latest security patches and performance improvements.

2. Optimize Server Roles: Tailor your server's roles and features to its specific use case to minimize unnecessary resource use. Microsoft provides a guide on features on demand and roles customization.

3. Use Best Practices for Active Directory: Implement Active Directory best practices for security and performance. Microsoft's documentation offers a starting point.

4. Configure Security Settings: Apply recommended security configurations using the Security Compliance Toolkit from Microsoft, which provides specific guidelines and templates.

5. Enable Windows Defender: Ensure Windows Defender is enabled and up to date for ongoing protection against malware and other threats.

6. Monitor Performance: Regularly monitor server performance with built-in tools like Performance Monitor and Event Viewer. Microsoft's documentation on using Performance Monitor is a useful resource.

7. Implement Network Level Authentication (NLA): For Remote Desktop Services, ensure NLA is enabled to provide an additional layer of authentication and security. Learn more about NLA.

8. Regularly Backup Data: Use Windows Server Backup or a third-party solution to regularly backup server data. Microsoft offers a basic guide on Windows Server Backup.

9. Use PowerShell for Automation: Automate repetitive tasks and configurations using PowerShell scripts to improve efficiency. Start with Microsoft's PowerShell documentation.

10. Educate Users and Administrators: Ensure that all users and administrators are aware of best practices for security and performance. Microsoft's Windows IT Pro Center is a great resource for learning.

By following these steps and regularly reviewing system performance and security, you can significantly improve the operation and reliability of Windows Server environments.

How to Display Windows Server Skills on Your Resume

5. Cisco Networking

Cisco Networking refers to the suite of networking technologies and devices developed by Cisco Systems, Inc. It encompasses hardware such as routers, switches, and firewalls, as well as software for network management and operations, designed to support, secure, and optimize data communication within and between computer networks. For IT Support, it involves the setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting of these Cisco network components to ensure reliable and secure IT infrastructure operations.

Why It's Important

Cisco Networking is crucial for IT Support because it provides the foundational infrastructure for managing and securing data flow across networks, ensuring reliable connectivity, and supporting the deployment of various IT services and applications essential for organizational operations.

How to Improve Cisco Networking Skills

Improving Cisco Networking requires a focus on understanding network fundamentals, using Cisco's own resources for learning, staying updated with the latest technologies, and practicing hands-on skills. Here’s a concise guide:

1. Enhance Your Knowledge Base: Start with Cisco's Networking Basics to grasp foundational concepts.

2. Utilize Cisco Learning Network: Access Cisco Learning Network for in-depth tutorials, forums, and resources directly from Cisco.

3. Practice with Cisco Packet Tracer: Use Cisco Packet Tracer, a powerful network simulation program that allows you to experiment with network behavior.

4. Stay Updated: Follow the Cisco Blog for the latest in networking technologies, insights, and trends.

5. Get Certified: Consider obtaining Cisco certifications such as CCNA or CCNP by preparing through Cisco's Certification Programs, which can significantly enhance your networking skills and knowledge.

6. Join Forums and Communities: Engage with communities like Reddit’s r/Cisco for peer advice, troubleshooting tips, and networking discussions.

By consistently learning and applying new skills, leveraging Cisco's extensive resources, and engaging with the networking community, you can significantly improve your Cisco networking capabilities.

How to Display Cisco Networking Skills on Your Resume

6. VMware ESXi

VMware ESXi is a type-1 hypervisor used to virtualize and manage multiple operating systems on a single physical server, optimizing hardware resources and simplifying IT support and administration.

Why It's Important

VMware ESXi is crucial for IT Support because it allows for efficient virtualization management, enabling multiple virtual machines to run on a single physical server, thus optimizing resource utilization and simplifying infrastructure management.

How to Improve VMware ESXi Skills

Improving VMware ESXi for an IT Support role involves optimizing performance, enhancing security, and ensuring robust backup and recovery processes. Here’s a concise guide:

1. Performance Optimization:

   • Update to the latest version of ESXi for improved features and performance. VMware Documentation
   • Configure network and storage I/O control to prioritize important traffic and access. Network I/O Control (NIOC)
   • Use VMware Tools for guest OS optimization. VMware Tools

2. Security Enhancements:

   • Implement role-based access control (RBAC) to ensure users have the minimum required permissions. vSphere Security
   • Enable Secure Boot and use TPM chips to protect against unauthorized modifications. Secure Boot for ESXi
   • Regularly apply patches and updates to address vulnerabilities. VMware Security Advisories

3. Backup and Recovery:

   • Use VMware vSphere Data Protection for integrated backup and recovery. vSphere Data Protection
   • Consider third-party backup solutions for more complex environments. Veeam Backup & Replication for VMware
   • Regularly test your backup and recovery processes to ensure data integrity. Testing Best Practices

For comprehensive details and the latest updates, always refer to the official VMware documentation and best practices.

How to Display VMware ESXi Skills on Your Resume

7. AWS Cloud

AWS Cloud, or Amazon Web Services Cloud, is a comprehensive and widely adopted cloud platform that offers over 200 fully featured services from data centers globally. It provides a variety of infrastructure services, such as computing power, storage options, and networking capabilities, on a pay-as-you-go basis for businesses and individuals. For IT Support, it facilitates scalable, flexible, and cost-efficient solutions for hosting applications, managing databases, and securing and scaling IT infrastructure.

Why It's Important

AWS Cloud is important for IT Support because it offers scalable resources, high availability, and a wide range of services to efficiently manage, monitor, and troubleshoot applications and infrastructure, reducing downtime and improving user experience.

How to Improve AWS Cloud Skills

Improving your AWS Cloud setup for IT Support involves optimizing for security, cost, performance, and reliability. Here are concise tips with resources for further exploration:

1. Implement Strong IAM Policies: Define strict user permissions and roles to ensure secure access control. AWS IAM Best Practices.

2. Utilize CloudWatch for Monitoring: Use AWS CloudWatch for real-time monitoring of AWS services and applications. Set up alerts for any unusual activity. Getting Started with Amazon CloudWatch.

3. Optimize Costs: Use AWS Cost Explorer and Trusted Advisor to identify unnecessary expenses and optimize resource usage. AWS Cost Management.

4. Ensure Data Backup and Recovery: Implement automated backups using AWS Backup and test your disaster recovery plans regularly. AWS Backup.

5. Keep Your AWS Skills Updated: Continuously learn and adapt to AWS updates and best practices. AWS Training and Certification.

6. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enhance security by requiring a second form of verification for user sign-ins. AWS MFA.

7. Use Amazon GuardDuty for Threat Detection: GuardDuty offers intelligent threat detection. Keep it enabled to monitor for malicious activity. Amazon GuardDuty.

8. Leverage AWS Support Plans: For critical operations, consider subscribing to an AWS Support plan for faster access to cloud support engineers. AWS Support Plans.

9. Optimize Performance with AWS Compute Optimizer: Use this tool for recommendations on the optimal AWS resources for your workload. AWS Compute Optimizer.

10. Stay Informed About AWS Updates: Regularly review AWS updates and service changes to leverage new features and improvements. AWS What's New.

Improving your AWS Cloud involves a continuous process of monitoring, learning, and adjusting based on the evolving needs of your organization and the advancements in AWS services.

How to Display AWS Cloud Skills on Your Resume

8. Office 365

Office 365, now rebranded as Microsoft 365, is a subscription-based suite of productivity tools and services including applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, along with cloud storage through OneDrive, and various collaboration tools. It's designed to facilitate communication, data sharing, and work efficiency across devices and locations for individuals and businesses.

Why It's Important

Office 365 is crucial for IT Support because it offers a comprehensive suite of productivity tools, accessible anywhere, with secure cloud storage, facilitating collaboration, communication, and streamlined IT management across an organization.

How to Improve Office 365 Skills

Improving Office 365 performance and utilization in an IT Support role involves several strategies:

1. Training and Support: Enhance user knowledge through Microsoft's official training resources and Office 365 Training Center.

2. Utilize Admin Center: Regularly monitor and manage services through the Office 365 Admin Center to ensure optimal performance and security.

3. Implement Security Best Practices: Apply security measures recommended by Microsoft, such as Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and secure score analysis via the Microsoft Secure Score tool.

4. Optimize Performance: Follow Microsoft's guidelines for performance tuning for Office 365 services.

5. Automation and Customization: Use PowerShell for automation of tasks and Microsoft Power Automate for workflow improvements.

6. Feedback and Evaluation: Encourage feedback from users and regularly evaluate service usage and satisfaction. Use Microsoft Forms for surveys.

7. Stay Updated: Keep up with the latest updates and features from the Microsoft 365 Roadmap to leverage new functionalities.

By focusing on these areas, IT Support can significantly enhance the efficiency and security of Office 365 within their organization.

How to Display Office 365 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 as requested by other software applications, used in both enterprise and smaller-scale IT environments for data storage and analysis.

Why It's Important

SQL Server is crucial for IT Support because it provides a reliable, secure, and scalable database management system for storing, retrieving, and managing critical data efficiently, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted business operations.

How to Improve SQL Server Skills

Improving SQL Server performance and reliability involves several strategies focused on optimization, maintenance, and monitoring. Here are concise recommendations:

1. Index Optimization: Regularly review and optimize indexes to reduce query execution time. Utilize SQL Server's Index Tuning Wizard for recommendations.

2. Query Optimization: Write efficient queries and use Execution Plans to identify bottlenecks.

3. Update Statistics: Ensure statistics are updated regularly for the SQL Server to make informed query optimization decisions. Use the UPDATE STATISTICS command or configure Auto Update Statistics.

4. Database Maintenance: Implement a regular maintenance plan that includes tasks like index rebuilding/reorganizing and consistency checks. SQL Server's Maintenance Plans can automate this process.

5. Monitor Performance: Utilize SQL Server Performance Monitor and Dynamic Management Views (DMVs) to monitor the server's health and identify performance issues.

6. Configure TempDB: Optimize the TempDB as it's crucial for sorting and temporary objects, which can affect overall performance.

7. Memory and CPU Allocation: Ensure SQL Server has enough memory and CPU resources. Adjust the server's memory settings appropriately.

8. Use Partitioning: For large tables, consider partitioning to improve query performance and management.

9. Avoid Cursors and Loops: Use set-based operations instead of cursors and loops for better performance.

10. Regular Backups: Ensure regular backups are taken and tested to secure data against loss. Implement SQL Server's Backup strategies.

By following these strategies and continuously monitoring and adjusting based on performance feedback, an IT support professional can significantly improve the performance and reliability of SQL Server environments.

How to Display SQL Server Skills on Your Resume

10. Python

Python is a high-level, interpreted programming language known for its simplicity and versatility, widely used for automation, data analysis, web development, and more, making it a valuable tool for IT support tasks.

Why It's Important

Python is important for IT Support because it simplifies the automation of repetitive tasks, data analysis, and system management, enhancing efficiency and reducing error rates.

How to Improve Python Skills

Improving your Python skills, especially for IT Support roles, involves continuous learning and practice. Here are concise steps to do so:

1. Learn the Basics: Understand Python syntax, data types, and basic operations. Python.org offers an excellent starting point.

2. Practice Coding: Apply what you learn by solving problems on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank.

3. Work on Projects: Implement small projects or scripts that automate IT support tasks. GitHub is a great source for project ideas.

4. Read Code: Improve by reading others' code. Explore open-source Python projects on GitHub.

5. Stay Updated: Python and its libraries evolve. Follow updates and learn new features via the Python Blog.

6. Join a Community: Engage with other Python learners and professionals on platforms like Stack Overflow or Reddit’s r/Python.

7. Take Advanced Courses: Once comfortable with the basics, expand your knowledge through platforms like Coursera or Udacity.

Remember, consistent practice and application in real-world scenarios are key to improving your Python skills.

How to Display Python Skills on Your Resume

11. ITIL Framework

The ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) framework is a set of best practices for delivering high-quality IT services and managing IT operations effectively. It focuses on aligning IT services with the needs of businesses and encompasses strategies for service design, transition, operation, and continuous improvement. For IT Support, ITIL provides structured guidance to manage incidents, problems, changes, and service requests efficiently, aiming to improve customer satisfaction and service reliability.

Why It's Important

The ITIL framework is important for IT Support because it provides a structured approach to managing IT services, ensuring efficient service delivery, improved customer satisfaction, and enhanced alignment of IT processes with business goals.

How to Improve ITIL Framework Skills

Improving the ITIL Framework for an IT Support context involves a continuous cycle of review, adapt, and enhance processes to align with changing business needs and technology trends. Here are succinct steps with relevant external resources:

1. Assess Current Processes: Conduct a thorough review of your current ITIL processes to identify areas of improvement. ITIL Maturity Model provides a comprehensive tool for assessment.

2. Adopt a Service Mindset: Focus on enhancing customer experience and value delivery. Incorporate feedback mechanisms for service improvement. ITIL 4 Guide introduces concepts like Service Value System (SVS) and Service Value Chain (SVC) to help in this area.

3. Integrate with Agile and DevOps: Improve flexibility and speed of delivery by integrating ITIL with Agile and DevOps practices. Agile and ITIL offers insights on how they can complement each other.

4. Leverage Technology: Utilize modern tools for automation, service management, and analytics to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Tools like ServiceNow and BMC Helix ITSM can automate workflows and processes.

5. Continuous Learning and Improvement: Foster a culture of continual learning and improvement within the team. Incorporate new findings, technologies, and practices regularly. ITIL Continual Improvement model provides a structured approach.

6. Benchmark and Measure: Use KPIs and metrics to measure the impact of changes and ensure they are delivering the desired outcomes. The ITIL KPI Guide can help identify and track the right metrics.

By following these steps and leveraging the resources provided, you can enhance your ITIL framework to better support your IT services and align with business goals.

How to Display ITIL Framework Skills on Your Resume

12. Azure Cloud

Azure Cloud is a cloud computing service created by Microsoft that provides a wide range of cloud services, including computing, analytics, storage, and networking, designed to help businesses manage challenges and meet their organizational needs. It enables users to build, manage, and deploy applications on a massive, global network using their favorite tools and frameworks.

Why It's Important

Azure Cloud is important for IT Support because it provides scalable computing resources, enabling efficient management and troubleshooting of applications and services with high availability, robust security, and flexible integration options, thereby ensuring seamless operations and support.

How to Improve Azure Cloud Skills

Improving Azure Cloud for IT Support involves optimizing performance, security, and cost-efficiency. Here are concise strategies:

1. Monitor and Analyze: Utilize Azure Monitor for collecting, analyzing, and acting on telemetry data from your Azure and on-premises environments. This helps in understanding system performance and identifying issues early.

2. Security Best Practices: Implement Azure Security Center recommendations to strengthen security posture. Regularly review access controls and use Azure Policy for compliance.

3. Cost Management: Use Azure Cost Management to monitor, allocate, and optimize cloud spending, ensuring you're getting the most out of your Azure investment.

4. Automation: Automate repetitive tasks with Azure Automation to improve efficiency and reduce the potential for human error.

5. Knowledge and Training: Stay updated with the latest Azure features and best practices. Microsoft's Azure documentation and Microsoft Learn are valuable resources for continuous learning and improvement.

By focusing on these areas, IT Support can significantly enhance the performance, security, and cost-effectiveness of their Azure Cloud environment.

How to Display Azure Cloud Skills on Your Resume