Network Administrator Resume Samples

A network administrator, also known as a computer systems administrator, is one of the top technology jobs in today’s economy. The scope and responsibilities of the job can vary based on the company one is working for and its technological needs. The administrator organizes, maintains, manages, and troubleshoots a company’s computer network. Having a top network administrator resume is key to getting an interview and winning the job.

Network Administrator Career Profile

A network administrator may be called several things depending on the company. Alternative names may include IT manager, IT director, LAN administrator, or computer systems administrator/director/manager. Regardless of the position title, the responsibilities are the same: organization, installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of a company’s computer systems. These computer systems will include LANs, or local area networks; WANs, or wide area networks; and intranets. Knowledge of these systems must be noted on your network administrator resume.

Responsibilities of a Network Administrator

Each job description will list the specific responsibilities of what that company’s administrator must handle. Some responsibilities may include:

• Providing technical support to IT staff
• Managing IT staff
• Maintaining, creating, and troubleshooting websites and e-communication systems.
• Building, maintaining, and troubleshooting networks
• Willing to master new technologies and oversee roll out of programs.
• Respond to customer support cases
• Create reports and documentation and present to superiors
• Identify key services such as DNS, DHCP, and firewalls and define their roles.
• Maintaining the company’s workflow and keeping communication open and clear.

Job Outlook

In 2016, network administrators earned an average of $79,700 per year, with the highest earners bringing home over $100,000 per year. The job has been consistently ranked as one of the best jobs in today’s economy, coming in as #6 as a Best Technology Job, #13 of Best STEM Jobs, and #55 of overall 100 Best Jobs. This is a highly in-demand position with low unemployment rates and great opportunities for upward mobility; best of all for those new to the field, this is a position that is expected to consistently grow as companies upgrade their technology and networks. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is predicting a growth of approximately 24,000 jobs by the year 2026.

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Education and Skills

Depending on your entry level and the needs of the company, you may require anywhere from an associate’s degree or higher. Most positions require at a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in fields such as computer science, information science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering. Always remember to list your educational and professional achievements on your network administrator resume.If you are interested in pursing a career in network administration, it is best to take courses in computer programming, networking, systems designing, and business. It is also imperative to stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in the field. Completing additional certification programs, training modules, and continuing education courses shows your dedication to the field. Software vendors such as Microsoft, Cisco, and Juniper offer training programs and specialized certification programs that can add depth and professionalism to your administrator resume.Important skills to have as a network administrator and listed on your network administrator resume include:

• Excellent critical thinking skills
• Strong problem-solving skills
• High interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to listen and respond in a timely and professional manner
• Reading comprehension and writing abilities must be strong
• Ability to work on your own and take initiative
• High attention to detail

Tips for Acing an Interview

Creating the perfect network administrator resume is only one step towards achieving your dream job in IT! Follow these tips to ace your interview without any added stress.

Image from Forbes.com

Research the Company

Find out as much as you can about the company you are meeting with. Check out the company’s website and social media sites to get a feel for the environment and what they are looking for. Identify the company’s competitive advantage, learn about their competition in the field, and match your qualifications to what they are looking for.

Dress the Part

You can’t go wrong with standard business attire! It also doesn’t hurt to do a little digging and check out photos of the workplace and its employees. Keep accessories to a minimum and pay close attention to your hygiene. Sometimes it’s the little things that can make or break your interview.

Arrive Early

Give yourself a window of 15 to 30 extra minutes prior to your interview time to avoid any problems. You never know when a traffic jam will occur or if the directions are accurate! Arrive with copies of your cover letter, network administrator resume, and even your own pen in case you have to fill out a company-specific employment application.

Emphasize Yourself

Review the keywords from the job posting and focus on your experience with those company needs. If a company posted that they needed an experienced IT manager who could build a LAN network, have a great story ready to be told about the time you built and maintained such a network. Focus on your achievements at your previous places of employment.

Prepare and Practice

Almost every job interview includes questions about your strengths, weaknesses, and overcoming challenges. Prepare your answers to these tough questions before the interview and memorize them as part of a script. You don’t have to repeat it word for word, but you will at least have a jumping off point for your response. Spin your “negative” answers into positive attributes; this will show you can handle criticism and potential intimidation.

Have a Great Closing Pitch

Prepare for the inevitable invitation to ask questions about the job or company. Even if you don’t have any specific questions, there is nothing wrong with reiterating your qualifications and excitement for the position. Always enter and exit with a smile and strong handshake.

Network Administrator Resume Information

Your network administrator resume should be tweaked to cater to the job posting and company you are applying for specifically. However, there are standard parts of any resume that should be included regardless of job sector.

Contact Information

Your information should be at the top of the resume and cover letter. Include your full name, contact information such as a mailing address and preferred phone number, and a professional email. Now is not the time to use your high school-era email address with nicknames or symbols! If you have a preferred method of contact, be sure to note that clearly. If you have a professional blog or portfolio, you can include the link.

Education and Certifications

List your educational history, starting with your highest degree. Include the school name and location, degree and major/program, GPA, and any pertinent awards or recognitions. Specific certifications, such as Microsoft CISCO or training programs, should be listed after your academic history. If you have numerous higher education degrees, it is not necessary to list your high school.

Personal Summary or Objective

This is a great way to grab the attention of the hiring manager and secure your invitation for an interview. The summary section provides you with the opportunity to list your top qualifications at the beginning of your network administrator resume.

Skills

Use this section to specifically mention what the company is looking for. Use the same words from the job wanted ad! Include your soft skills that may not be directly mentioned in the ad, such as leadership, problem solving, and communication skills.

Professional Experience

If you have an extensive job history, only list the recent five years’ worth. Focus on your accomplishments rather than your responsibilities at those jobs. Instead of stating that you managed the IT desk at ABC Inc, say that you “Created and maintained the LAN network” and “Increased customer satisfaction by 75% in six months.” Be specific about your accomplishments and how they positively affected your place of employment.

Network Administrator Resume Example

Kelly Canale312-456-8990123 Pinecone Drive, Anytown, Any State, 00001Kelly.Canale@emailme.us (preferred contact)www.KellyBlogsIT.com / LinkedIn.com/KellyCPersonal SummaryMaster of Science in Computer Engineering with 10 years of IT Department management. Accomplished in creation and maintenance of LAN networks and e-communication systems for several multimillion-dollar companies in Any State.SkillsProject creation and executionTeam PlayerVisionary leaderCritical thinkerAbility to identify growth opportunitiesData conversion and analysisFunctional and technical analysisOptimizing resource allocationShows constant initiative and driveEducationMaster of Science, Computer Engineering, Cornell CollegeAny Town, USA3.9 GPAGraduated with distinction in the field of Computer ScienceBachelor of Arts, Business Administration, Simmons UniversityAny Town, USA4.0 GPACertifications in Adobe (2012), Cisco (2017), and Microsoft Systems (2018)Professional ExperienceLAN Administrator, 2012-PresentUpstate Computer Systems-Ensured efficiency of LAN Internet and Intranet systems-Boosted customer approval rates by 75% within six monthsNetwork Manager, 2000-2012Downstate Computer Systems-Developed access protocols-Installed and updated all Microsoft operating systems across six counties-Installed and configured VPN solutions

Conclusion

Having a strong network administrator resume and a positive interview are surefire ways to secure your dream job! A career in IT can be fulfilling and economically stable with many opportunities for advancement. Good luck!