Employers look for specific technical skills like Linux, Windows Server, and network troubleshooting in system administrators. Make sure these skills stand out on your resume.

Include any hands-on experience you have with these systems, even if it’s through a school project or personal lab setup. Employers appreciate practical evidence of your skills.

Certifications like CompTIA A+, Network+, and Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals can boost your resume and show your dedication to the field.

If you’re currently pursuing or planning to get certified, mention this on your resume. It shows your commitment to becoming a skilled system administrator.

To grab a hiring manager's attention, show you are ready to work with tech tools that matter. Tell about your hands-on experience with relevant software and hardware. Show that you understand the key tasks in system admin work. Do this in a simple way for good impact.

• List specific operating systems you have worked with, like Windows Server or Linux distributions.
• Detail networks or system tasks you have managed. For example, configured a domain controller or set up user accounts.
• Show experience with tools that system admins use, like PowerShell scripting or VMware.

As you build your resume for an entry-level systems administrator role, focus on the technical abilities that show you're ready for the job. Here's a list of skills you might have gained through education, internships, or personal projects. These should appear in your skills section, as many employers use software to scan resumes for specific keywords.

• Linux/Unix Administration
• Windows Server Management
• Network configuration
• Active Directory
• Virtualization Technology
• Firewall Administration
• Database Management
• Scripting Languages (e.g., PowerShell, Bash)
• Cloud Services (e.g., AWS, Azure)
• System Security Measures

You don't need to have every skill listed, but include those you're good at and want to use in your job. Place these skills toward the top of your resume to catch the eye quickly. If you've had hands-on experience with tools like VMware or Cisco products, even in a lab setting, make sure to include them as well.

Remember, as an entry-level candidate, your eagerness to learn and ability to quickly grasp new technology can be as valuable as existing skills. Make it easy for hiring managers to see what you can do and how you can grow with the company.

When you present your past work, use numbers to show the impact clearly. Numbers help us see the scale and value of your work. In system management, there are certain metrics that stand out.

• Highlight the number of systems you've managed. For example, 'Oversaw 15 servers with 99.9% uptime' shows reliability.
• Show how you improved efficiency. If you automated a task, estimate the time it saved. Say 'Implemented scripts that cut down patching time by 30%'.
• If you helped reduce issues, share by how much. 'Reduced support tickets by 25% through proactive system monitoring' demonstrates problem-solving skills.
• Include the size of the environments you've worked with, like 'Managed a network for 150 users'.
• Mention any budget responsibility, even if it's a small amount like 'Helped manage a tech budget of $5,000'.
• If you've trained people, add 'Conducted training sessions for 20 staff members on system security'.

Think about any project or task you've done. How many hours did it save? How many users did it affect? Even if you're not sure, make a good guess. Your goal is to show how you can make a difference in a company. Remember to be honest and only include numbers you can talk about with confidence.