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Information systems administrator skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

6 min read

Quoted experts

Jennifer Richardson Ph.D.,

David Garaventa

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical information systems administrator skills. We ranked the top skills for information systems administrators based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 13.3% of information systems administrator resumes contained linux as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills an information systems administrator needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 information systems administrator skills for your resume and career

1. 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 information systems administrators use linux:

Developed a deep technical and organization understanding of Windows and Linux Administration, LAN/WAN/VPN Administration.
Develop and provide configuration management of RedHat Enterprise Linux operating systems for all CV-TSC systems.

2. 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 information systems administrators use troubleshoot:

Administer and troubleshoot data warehouse Servers.
Install, configure, maintain, upgrade, and troubleshoot file, email, Internet access and other networked services.

3. 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 information systems administrators use os:

Organized patch management for Windows and Mac OS computing environments
Conducted training sessions for Web Developers on beta testing procedures so they could identify issues with OS compatibility and design layout.

4. 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 information systems administrators use unix:

Migrated accounting system from an IBM System 36 operating system to Professional Data Solutions, using a UNIX operating system.
Upgraded the company from a UNIX / AS400 system to a PC environment to enhance communication between web-based manufacturers.

5. Virtualization

Here's how information systems administrators use virtualization:

Provided continuing support and administration for server migrations projects, to include VMWare virtualization.
Implemented VMware virtualization for development and test server environment.

6. Java

Java is a widely-known programming language that was invented in 1995 and is owned by Oracle. It is a server-side language that was created to let app developers "write once, run anywhere". It is easy and simple to learn and use and is powerful, fast, and secure. This object-oriented programming language lets the code be reused that automatically lowers the development cost. Java is specially used for android apps, web and application servers, games, database connections, etc. This programming language is closely related to C++ making it easier for the users to switch between the two.

Here's how information systems administrators use java:

Enhanced the system by installing system patches with modified plug in tools (e.g.- Java JRE).
Converted a batch program to update graduate student records using Java and SQL.

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7. Provisioning

Here's how information systems administrators use provisioning:

Credited with provisioning new hire accounts, entitlements, authorizations, access rights, and modifications.
Managed Active Directory, Provisioning / Profile management per user or group roaming profiles.

8. Ruby

Ruby is a high-level programming language, versatile in its uses and tools. It might be used to design either programs and software which can be applied and used on a number of devices, other programs, and platforms. The fact that it is a high-level programming language means that it is easier to use than low-level languages, in that it automises parts of the program building process and uses natural language for some of its elements.

Here's how information systems administrators use ruby:

Converted PHP website to Ruby MVC for increased performance and better object oriented design.
Reduced email management by 80% and domain user management by 50% via ruby shell scripting.

9. Tcp Ip

Here's how information systems administrators use tcp ip:

Managed networks through TCP IP configurations with routers and security features.
Network administrator (installation and configuration of TCP IP LANs, switches, Cisco routers, internet servers.

10. TCP/IP

Here's how information systems administrators use tcp/ip:

Engaged in troubleshooting and refining network connectivity across a WAN link using TCP/IP and IPX.
Installed, configured and administered TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, NETBIOS and NFS software.

11. 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 information systems administrators use customer service:

Improved internal operations' efficiency by automating back-end process and enhanced customer service delivery by creating an Intranet.
Experienced in system-operations and software training, computer networking, and excellent experience in customer service.

12. Customer Support

Here's how information systems administrators use customer support:

Provide high-level technical support on all IT related items within the company as well as customer support for industry proprietary software.
Provided IT security expertise, customer support and desktop troubleshooting support for 50 personnel.

13. VMware

Here's how information systems administrators use vmware:

Upgraded and consolidated numerous separate systems to fault tolerant VMware virtual environment.
Provided system administration for VMware environments.

14. Windows Server

Here's how information systems administrators use windows server:

Install / configure / upgrade essential Vendor purchased enterprise software within a Windows enterprise environment (Windows Server operating system).
Direct work with Windows Servers, Active Directory, Microsoft Exchange, Windows XP, Windows 7 and some Windows Vista.

15. SQL Server

Here's how information systems administrators use sql server:

Installed and Support Corporate Financial Applications, PeopleSoft Financial Application, Maintain the MS-SQL Server Database that house the PeopleSoft data.
Manage multiple SQL server databases, including user accounts and permissions, transferring databases to other servers.

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What skills help Information 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 information systems administrator resumes?

Jennifer Richardson Ph.D.

Professor, Purdue University

Always the soft skills - they stand out I think first and foremost regardless of where you are coming from and where you are going to. Without the ability to communicate, collaborate, facilitate, and problem-solve it is tough to succeed in today's environment. Experience is also key no matter the position; without prior experience to demonstrate the skills you are indicating you have trained for it is hard for those doing the hiring to know if you have learned the skills or if you have learned and experienced (or applied) those skills. Students should seek out opportunities to apply their skills while still working through their program. I believe going forward with K-12 educators we will see that those that have training or professional development with teaching at a distance will go a long way. Before COVID-19 hit we were already planning a new offering for virtual instruction licensure, it is now garnering a lot of attention.

What soft skills should all information systems administrators possess?

David Garaventa

Director, Computer Information Systems and Cybersecurity Programs, Assistant Professor, CIS, Albertus Magnus College

Communication and collaboration skills are critical. Particularly now that many employees are working remotely, it has become more difficult - yet more important than ever - to have IT teams that work effectively together, even when they are not in the same room together. But this is not unique to the IT realm. Whether via remote meetings or through effective written communications, it is no longer enough to simply have "technical skills." Technical skills can be taught to employees more easily than developing employee's soft skills, so when an employee approaches their job with a strong set of communication skills and strong analytic reading and writing abilities, they can often make themselves stand out to employers. The employers will recognize that they have the attributes to be an asset to the team and can then invest in helping them develop any technical areas where they may be lacking.

This is not to say that technical skills don't matter, because they do, especially in the IT field. But suppose an employee brings a strong set of soft skills to an IT team (e.g., collaboration, communication, critical thinking, etc.). In that case, they probably also can learn more technical skills as part of their job function. I once had a colleague say to me that when she is hiring, she has found that technical skill is all over the place...but it's the soft skills that are harder to find. Lastly, having the ability - and a desire - to be continually learning is essential. Technology is not static, and businesses are not static, so thinking critically in different settings across various technology platforms is very important. The tools your department uses today may not be the tools they are using tomorrow, so being fluid, adaptable, and constantly learning is the name of the game.

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

David Garaventa

Director, Computer Information Systems and Cybersecurity Programs, Assistant Professor, CIS, Albertus Magnus College

The technical skills that are required are broad and tend to be business and/or industry-specific. If you are working in healthcare IT, the patient management platforms you use could be different from the client database used by a bank's IT team, for example. So, on the one hand, the recommendation would be to determine what platforms are most commonly used in your industry area and spend time mastering those platforms. On the other hand, most industries tend to have specific tools that are most commonly used, and spending time mastering those is important.

Going deeper into the subject, technical skills around project management, cloud infrastructure, security, and end-user support bridge across all industries. Having knowledge and skills in these areas will serve IT professionals well, no matter what field or industry they end up in. Again, it is challenging to recommend specific technical skills because the field of IT is so broad.

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

Ranganathan Chandrasekaran

Professor and Director of Graduate Studies, University of Illinois

With remote-working and virtual collaborations becoming routine, more firms are increasing their investments in technology. In my opinion, irrespective of the location, many companies will seek to hire technology professionals.

What type of skills will young information systems administrators need?

Peter Dordal Ph.D.

Director for Information Technology, Loyola University Chicago

I'm leaving off software developers, and answering about our Information Technology graduates.

IT students entering the business world will need to know how to get the maximum leverage out of business systems. In many cases, this will mean writing their own specialized queries to extract the precise business intelligence needed; general-purpose "canned" queries just won't cut it. They will need a broad understanding of what software can accomplish for the enterprise and how to deploy new software effectively; this applies to software used in the office as well as to software used in manufacturing and shipping. And they will need to understand how to lease storage and computing resources from the cloud to meet not only predictable, long-term demands but also sudden short-term business projects.

Students working in database administration and management will need to be able to manage much larger volumes of data than a few years ago. They will need to be familiar with the great variety of new databases in order to pick the best tool for the job.
Students working in network management will need to be able to ensure that everyone has the bandwidth and server access they need, as those demands expand to include extensive video, low-latency real-time connectivity, and the regular transfer of huge amounts of data.

Students in cybersecurity will need to be fully acquainted with all the recommended best practices. However, they will also have to be able to anticipate and guard against potential new vulnerabilities. "By the book" protection is no longer sufficient.

Do you want to know more?

List of information systems administrator skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for an information systems administrator resume and required skills for an information systems administrator to have include:

Linux
Troubleshoot
OS
Unix
Virtualization
Java
Provisioning
Ruby
Tcp Ip
TCP/IP
Customer Service
Customer Support
VMware
Windows Server
SQL Server
Solaris

Technical Support
DNS
Data Entry
DHCP
SAN
Switches
DOD
Azure
HR
Computer System
PC
Disaster Recovery
System Upgrades
Network Security
SharePoint
Network Connectivity

Software Applications
User Support
User Accounts
Lan
IIS
Microsoft Windows
VPN
Network Administration
HRIS
Workstations
VoIP
Citrix
Network Infrastructure
Mac

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.

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