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Computer systems administrator skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

5 min read

Quoted experts

Anthony Baron,

Anthony Baron

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical computer systems administrator skills. We ranked the top skills for computer systems administrators based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 11.5% of computer systems administrator resumes contained computer system as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a computer systems administrator needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 computer systems administrator skills for your resume and career

1. Computer System

Here's how computer systems administrators use computer system:

Provide necessary pertinent computer networking information to other outside computer professionals that has contracts supplying computer systems to the Courts.
Performed and monitored computer system operations and maintenance activities to ensure a trouble free working environment.

2. Linux

Linux is a Unix-like operating system. Just like Windows, Mac OS, and IOS, Linux is an operating system used by millions across the globe. Android itself is powered by the Linux operating system. Linux manages all the hardware resources that are associated with your computer. The software is famous because of the protection it grants from viruses, malware, and crashes. The Linux operating system is entirely free and is an open-source software meaning it can be altered by those equipped with the knowledge to code.

Here's how computer systems administrators use linux:

Configured maintained and deployed various DoD military tactical systems with Linux /Unix System installs, maintenance and configurations.
Administered and maintained Debian based Linux servers.

3. Customer Service

Customer service is the process of offering assistance to all the current and potential customers -- answering questions, fixing problems, and providing excellent service. The main goal of customer service is to build a strong relationship with the customers so that they keep coming back for more business.

Here's how computer systems administrators use customer service:

Provided customer service for over 500 employees resolving technical network issues and established communication networks.
Provided premier customer services by investigating and resolving computer hardware and software problems.

4. Troubleshoot

Troubleshooting is the process of analyzing and fixing any kind of problem in a system or a machine. Troubleshooting is the detailed yet quick search in the system for the main source of an issue and solving it.

Here's how computer systems administrators use troubleshoot:

Install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot software to ensure the availability and function of both local and remote hardware.
Perform remote desktop connections (RDC) to troubleshoot, analyze, and resolve issues for remote and local users.

5. DOD

Definition of Done (DoD) is a set of deliverables that are needed to devise software. These deliverables are valuable to the system and can be exemplified by writing code, coding comments, unit testing, integration testing, design documents, release notes, and so on.

Here's how computer systems administrators use dod:

Installed and maintained DOD software applications while utilizing appropriate IT procedures, standards, and guidelines for all tasks performed.
Ensured that Blackberry Enterprise Server and Microsoft Exchange were within DOD Security Technical Implementation Guideline requirements.

6. User Accounts

A user account is a relationship established between a user and a computer, network, or information service that includes a user name, password, and all information related to the user. A user account may or may not allow a user to connect to a network, another computer, or other shared resources.

Here's how computer systems administrators use user accounts:

Created and maintained user accounts and supported all aspects of workstation functionality.
Created user accounts on POS application and updated network security permissions.

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7. VMware

Here's how computer systems administrators use vmware:

Converted 6 physical machines to virtual machines utilizing VMWARE Converter and Hyper V SCVMM.
Administered an enterprise-class VMware server cluster, specifically a group of 100+ virtual desktop linked clones.

8. Unix

UNIX is a computer operating system that was first created in the 1960s and has been constantly updated since then. The operating system refers to the set of programs that enable a machine to function. It is a multi-user, multi-tasking device that works on computers, laptops, and servers. UNIX systems also have a graphical user interface (GUI), similar to Microsoft Windows, that makes it simple to use.

Here's how computer systems administrators use unix:

Acted as System Administrator for UNIX Control Data Corporation computer supporting Automated Review Management System.
Facilitated intense UNIX scripting for monitoring and alerted all commercial servers.

9. Lifecycle Management

Here's how computer systems administrators use lifecycle management:

Evaluated, implemented and maintained software (COTS) to assist in product lifecycle management.
Evaluated PDM systems to assist in product lifecycle management.

10. Tcp Ip

Here's how computer systems administrators use tcp ip:

Network administrator (installation and configuration of TCP IP LANs, switches, Cisco routers, internet servers.

11. CAD

Here's how computer systems administrators use cad:

Developed and conducted CAD professional development programs for individuals both internally and externally.
UNIX-based CAD workstation systems administrator/programmer/trainer.

12. OS

In technical terms, OS stands for "Operating System". It is a software that is used to run programs on the computer. An operating system acts as a link between the user and the hardware components. Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux are examples of an operating system.

Here's how computer systems administrators use os:

Support 7 servers running Win NT 4.0 and 50 workstations and laptops running Windows 9X and Mac OS 8.5-10.
Provide Operating System support for Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Mac OS.

13. DNS

Domain Name Systems, or DNS for short, is the internet's system for converting readable language, i.e., google.com, to machine language, i.e, 192.168. For a simple analogy, some call it the phonebook of the internet. Any website has its own IP address, for example, 192.168.160. Understandably this is hard to remember. So what a DNS does is link the domain name, google.com, with its IP address, 192.168.160.

Here's how computer systems administrators use dns:

Administer and maintain Active Directory Services and TCP/IP infrastructure including DNS, WINS, DHCP, routing.
Designed and configured of MS Active Directory, DNS, and DHCP.

14. Technical Support

Technical support or tech support are the services provided by any hardware or software company to users. They help in solving the technical difficulties the customers face with their products or services. Moreover, the tech support employees maintain, manage, and repair the IT faults. They are also responsible for resolving the network problems, installing and configuring hardware and software.

Here's how computer systems administrators use technical support:

Provided software/hardware training and technical support of numerous commercially available software packages and workstations to Army Topographic units worldwide.
Supervised and provided expert technical support by monitoring networks to ensure network availability to all system users.

15. Lan Wan

Here's how computer systems administrators use lan wan:

Provide administration and maintenance of end users computers and associated system in various LAN WAN environments.

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What skills help Computer Systems Administrators find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on computer systems administrator resumes?

Anthony Baron

Teaching Assistant, Associate Software Engineer, American University

For new graduates, the main skills that stand would definitely include which programming languages (Java, JavaScript, Python, etc.) have been used along with a depth of knowledge, which frameworks and libraries (React, Django, Flask, etc.) were used throughout projects and internships, and showing work experience. Most introductory and required courses will teach programming languages but do not always teach frameworks, which is why I would always recommend people to do personal projects and internships throughout college. Many positions at the entry-level are often very general. However, positions that are looking for specifics will look for certain skills and experience. For example, positions looking more towards web development would be more interested in whether a user used frameworks used to build websites. Showing leadership and trustworthiness is also a helpful skill to stand out via work experience and university clubs.

What soft skills should all computer systems administrators possess?

Anthony Baron

Teaching Assistant, Associate Software Engineer, American University

The main soft skills I would say are needed for Computer Science software engineering are patience, perseverance, creativity, respect, teamwork, and openness to learning and teaching. Programming involves a lot of trial and error, researching, and learning better techniques for solving a problem. Due to this, patience and perseverance to reach the final goal in mind are crucial. When it comes to the learning aspect, there are many languages, frameworks, and libraries, and working with them involves a steeper learning curve than others. On top of this, there are often more elegant ways to program a solution, and many new frameworks and libraries are released throughout the industry. This is where patience and perseverance is also a virtue. Lastly, programming and creating a product are often done in teams, where working together and learning from each other is important.

What hard/technical skills are most important for computer systems administrators?

Robert Rucker

Lecturer, Arizona State University

From step 2, knowing a particular technology very well may not match the employer's needs, so there is a real need to articulate principles (the hard part of education). For example:
1. Need to know how to design and implement ( or contribute to) a 'principled' information base (this is a skill my students encounter routinely)
a. Designing an information system requires knowing multiple levels of analysis and synthesis
- I teach the undergrad and graduate levels of database
( I have been teaching' conceptual level modeling --- using Object role modeling ( this is a layer above ER and relational, and has been underappreciated IMO
b. relational level analysis using SQL
implementational level using T-SQL
c. NoSQL using Couchbase and SQL++ and hence the key-value mode of storage
implementation ( SQL + NoSQL seem essential in this world of federated databases !)
d. Of course, there is the underlying substrate of approaching an info task in the first place!
2. For what it's worth, I also teach big data. Again, finding (understanding) and exemplifying the principles underlying the algorithms and data development is crucial.

What computer systems administrator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Dalya Fadlalla

Adjunct Faculty, Tuskegee University

Some companies and industries with JOB_TITLE positions are showing growth and progression. Computer Information Systems (CIS) is a field worth considering with the quick advance in technology and great profession to enter now.

This field offers many benefits including reasonable salaries, many great opportunities for advancement and development, and job security.
The demand for CIS graduates has increased, so CIS graduates should expect and
Believed that to be in high demand in many industries.
Computer Information Systems (CIS) is a career with great potential and a promising future.

What type of skills will young computer systems administrators need?

Joshua Davis Ph.D.

Lecturer, Carleton College

Studying mathematics is good practice for rigorous thinking and problem solving, which are valued across the workforce. For science and engineering applications, it is often also helpful to have R, Python, Matlab, or another popular programming language. But technical abilities get the graduate-only so far. They need interpersonal communication skills so that they can understand the needs of stakeholders and cooperate with colleagues. For this reason, many faculty at my school emphasize writing, speaking, listening, and teamwork skills.

What technical skills for a computer systems administrator stand out to employers?

Chirag Parikh Ph.D.

Computer Engineering Chair, Grand Valley State University

If you ask me, I consider valuable experience over good paycheck. Once you have gained that experience the paycheck will follow. As soon as you are out of college, the knowledge gained is very fresh and raring to go. If put into the right place can enhance your technical skills and you can do wonders.
As a Computer Engineering professor, I would say the job opportunities are tremendous for students out of college as they can venture into hardware field (technical support, hardware engineer, test engineer and much more) as well as software field (software engineer, software developer, software tester and much more). The possibilities are endless.
With COVID and employees working remotely there is still ample opportunity to enhance your technical and interpersonal skills as I believe remote working might stay for a while till things get back to normal.

Do you want to know more?

List of computer systems administrator skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a computer systems administrator resume and required skills for a computer systems administrator to have include:

Computer System
Linux
Customer Service
Troubleshoot
DOD
User Accounts
VMware
Unix
Lifecycle Management
Tcp Ip
CAD
OS
DNS
Technical Support
Lan Wan
Windows Server

Backup Recovery
Switches
PC
Printers
SQL
Desk Support
Network Devices
Workstations
Systems Software
Perl
TCP/IP
Microsoft Windows
National Security
Software Problems
Necessary Maintenance
System Problems

Virtualization
DHCP
Firewall
Microsoft Exchange
Software Applications
Disaster Recovery Operations
Network Hardware
Technical Assistance
Software Installation
Software Upgrades
Network Security Measures
Citrix
Group Policy Management
VPN
Lan

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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