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administrative
Entry Level System Administrator
Resume Example
4.5 / 5
Why This Template Works
This resume format works well for ATS because it includes a comprehensive section dedicated to technical skills and certifications relevant to an Entry Level System Administrator role. Additionally, the inclusion of specific keywords related to system management, IT security, and network administration ensures that automated systems can easily identify the candidate's qualifications. Furthermore, by structuring the professional experience with clear job responsibilities and achievements using bullet points, this resume format maximizes its chances of passing through ATS filters while still presenting a well-organized document for human review.
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How to Write This Resume
Expert guidelines and best practices for each section of your resume.
01
Contact
Contact
First Name Last Name City, State, Zip Code Phone Number | Email Address LinkedIn Profile URL | Portfolio URL (Optional)
General Guidelines
Your contact information is the first section recruiters see. Keep it concise and professional. Ensure your email address is appropriate (e.g., [email protected]). Include your LinkedIn profile for a comprehensive view of your professional journey. A portfolio or personal website is recommended for creative, technical, or design roles.
Avoid This
Do not include your full physical address (street number/name) for privacy reasons. Avoid including personal details like marital status, age, photo, or social security number unless specifically required in your country. Don't use unprofessional email addresses.
Real Examples
See clear examples of how to format contact details effectively.
Don't
John Doe 1234 Random St, Apt 56 New York, NY 10001 [email protected] github.com/aliciacode Single, 28 years old
Do
John Doe New York, NY (555) 123-4567 | [email protected] linkedin.com/in/johndoe | johndoe.com
Quick Tips
- Use a professional email address (firstname.lastname format)
- Ensure your voicemail is set up and professional
- Double-check your phone number and email for typos
- Make your LinkedIn URL custom (linkedin.com/in/yourname)
02
Summary
Summary
Professional Title Result-oriented [Role Name] with [Number] years of experience in [Key Skills/Industries]. Proven track record of [Major Achievement]. Skilled in [Key Technologies/Skills]. Committed to delivering [Specific Value] for [Target Industry/Company type].
General Guidelines
A professional summary is your elevator pitch. It should be 3-5 sentences long, summarizing your experience, key skills, and major achievements. Tailor it to the job description by using relevant keywords. Focus on what makes you unique and the value you bring to potential employers.
Avoid This
Avoid generic objectives like 'Looking for a challenging role to grow my skills.' Recruiters want to know what value you bring to them, not what you want from them. Don't use first-person pronouns (I, me, my). Keep it concise and impactful.
Real Examples
Compare a weak objective with a strong professional summary.
Don't
Objective: I am a hard-working individual looking for an Entry Level System Administrator position where I can learn new things and advance my career.
Do
Entry-level System Administrator with 2+ years of IT support experience across Linux servers, user access, backups, and monitoring. Comfortable writing simple Python and shell scripts to reduce repeat tasks and improve visibility for the infrastructure team.
Quick Tips
- Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., 'Increased revenue by 20%')
- Keep it under 5 lines for readability
- Use strong action verbs to start sentences
- Tailor the summary to match the job description
03
Skills
Skills
Technical Skills - Languages: [List] - Frameworks: [List] - Tools: [List] Soft Skills - [Skill 1], [Skill 2], [Skill 3]
General Guidelines
Group your skills logically (e.g., Languages, Frameworks, Tools). Focus on hard skills relevant to the job. List skills in order of proficiency or relevance. Soft skills are better demonstrated through bullet points in your experience section rather than a bare list.
Avoid This
Do not list skills you are not comfortable using in an interview. Avoid using progress bars or percentages to rate your skills (e.g., "Java: 80%"). Do not include outdated technologies unless specifically required.
Real Examples
Practical example showing do's and don'ts for skills
Don't
JavaScript, Python, Java, C++
Do
- Scripting: Bash, PowerShell, Python - Systems: Linux, Windows Server, Active Directory
Don't
75% SQL, 80% Linux, 90% Networking
Do
- Tools: Jira Service Management, Splunk, AWS CLI - Networking: DNS, DHCP, firewalls, VPN support
Quick Tips
- Prioritize operating systems, identity tools, ticketing systems, networking basics, monitoring, backups, and scripting skills used in junior system administration.
- Include security knowledge when it is backed by coursework, certifications, labs, or practical support experience.
- Keep soft skills brief and prove them through experience bullets, such as documentation, escalation, and user communication.
04
Experience
Experience
Job Title | Company Name | Location Month Year – Month Year - Action Verb + Context + Result (Quantified) - Led [Project] resulting in [Outcome]... - Collaborated with [Team] to implement [Feature]...
General Guidelines
This is the core of your resume. Use reverse-chronological order (most recent first). Start each bullet with a strong action verb. Focus on achievements and impact, not just duties. Use numbers to quantify your impact (dollars, percentages, time saved, users affected). Show progression and increasing responsibility.
Avoid This
Avoid passive language like "Responsible for..." or "Tasked with...." Don't list every single daily task; focus on significant contributions and measurable outcomes. Avoid jargon that recruiters outside your field won't understand.
Real Examples
Practical example showing do's and don'ts for experiences
Don't
Managed system configurations and security updates;
Do
Configured and monitored Linux server environments, helping sustain 99.8% uptime for internal business applications.
Don't
Performed routine audits to check for vulnerabilities;
Do
Reviewed system alerts, documented recurring issues, and escalated priority vulnerabilities with clear remediation notes.
Quick Tips
- Start bullets with concrete actions such as configured, monitored, automated, documented, resolved, or escalated.
- Quantify realistic support and infrastructure outcomes: uptime, ticket volume, response time, backup checks, users supported, or onboarding impact.
- Show progression from help desk tasks toward systems work such as access control, server maintenance, monitoring, and scripting.
- Focus on outcomes instead of listing every routine task.
05
Education
Education
Degree Name | University Name | Location Month Year – Month Year - Relevant Coursework: [Course 1], [Course 2] - Honors/Awards: [Award Name] - GPA: X.X (if above 3.5)
General Guidelines
List your highest degree first. If you have significant work experience, keep the education section brief. Include your GPA only if it is above 3.5 or if you are a recent graduate. Highlight relevant coursework, academic projects, honors, or leadership roles.
Avoid This
Do not include high school details if you have a college degree. Avoid listing every single course you took; select only the most relevant ones. Don't include graduation dates from decades ago if age discrimination is a concern in your field.
Real Examples
Practical example showing do's and don'ts for educations
Don't
Bachelor of Arts | University of Texas at Austin | Austin, TX January 2018 - May 2022 - Coursework: Introduction to Computer Science, Intermediate Programming Languages, Database Management Systems, Marketing Strategies, Business Ethics, Advanced Microeconomics
Do
Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems | University of Texas at Austin | Austin, TX August 2019 - May 2023 - Relevant Coursework: Network Security, Cloud Computing Technologies, Data Protection and Privacy - Honors/Awards: Dean's List (Fall 2020) - GPA: 3.7
Quick Tips
- List your degree with the university name and location clearly.
- Include relevant coursework that is directly related to system administration or cybersecurity.
- If applicable, mention honors or awards received during your academic career.
- Only include your GPA if it's above 3.5 or if you are a recent graduate.
06
Projects
Projects
Project Name | Tools/Technologies Used - Briefly describe what you created and its purpose - Highlight specific challenges you solved - Link to portfolio or demo if available
General Guidelines
Projects are excellent for demonstrating practical skills, especially if you lack work experience or are changing careers. Include a link to your portfolio or demo if possible. Focus on projects that show problem-solving skills and relevant tools for the target role.
Avoid This
Don't include trivial tutorials unless you significantly expanded on them. Avoid projects that are outdated, incomplete, or irrelevant to the role you're applying for. Don't just list technologies—explain what you created and why it matters.
Real Examples
Practical example showing do's and don'ts for projects
Don't
Built a simple web application using Flask that displays 'Hello World'.
Do
Developed a Python-based inventory management system for small businesses, utilizing Flask to build a user-friendly interface. Implemented RESTful APIs and integrated with PostgreSQL database for efficient data handling. The project aimed at streamlining stock tracking processes for improved operational efficiency.
Don't
Set up a basic firewall configuration on Linux server.
Do
Configured an advanced firewall using iptables and CSF (ConfigServer Security & Firewall) on multiple Linux servers, implementing rule sets to protect against common vulnerabilities. Conducted regular audits and updates to ensure compliance with the latest security standards.
Quick Tips
- Select projects that showcase your ability to solve real-world problems using relevant technologies.
- Provide context for each project—explain how it started, what challenges were faced, and how they were overcome.
- Include a link to your portfolio or GitHub repository where hiring managers can view the live demo or codebase of your project.
- Highlight any certifications or additional learning that contributed to completing these projects successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this role and how to best present it on your resume.
Show help desk experience, Linux or Windows administration tasks, user access work, backups, monitoring, networking basics, scripting, and any practical cloud or security projects.
Lead with hands-on work: certifications, labs, internships, support tickets, home lab projects, and measurable troubleshooting or documentation results.
Useful keywords include Linux, Windows Server, Active Directory, networking, DNS, DHCP, backups, monitoring, ticketing, PowerShell, Bash, Python, AWS, and security fundamentals.
Connect support tasks to infrastructure outcomes, such as faster response times, clearer documentation, more reliable backups, cleaner user access, and fewer repeat tickets.
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