How to Write a Network Administrator Resume (Step-by-Step With Examples)

The median annual network administrator salary is $95,360, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS expects more than 16,000 network administration job openings each year through 2033 as network administrators will continue to be needed to maintain and upgrade computer networks [1].

What do employers look for in a network administrator resume?

Network administrators install, configure, and maintain computer systems for companies and organizations. You may be responsible for providing input on hardware and software purchasing decisions, making upgrades and repairs, diagnosing problems and fixing them, and reviewing security measures for networks.

Network administrators can work in collaborative settings with other information technology professionals, such as computer support specialists, database administrators, and network architects. You’ll usually work full-time and could be on call to troubleshoot issues or maintain network availability on nights and weekends.

Learn how to present your skills in a knowledgeable and visually pleasing way to attract the attention of hiring managers for network administrator positions or boost your network administrator salary.

Step 1: Create a network administrator resume template.

You can choose from three different options when deciding how you want to format the information you’re including on your resume for potential employers.

• Chronological resume: A chronological resume emphasizes your work experience in network administration and usually starts with your most recent experience followed by other previous experience. It’s a good format to use if you have previous work experience, and it’s preferred by many employers.

• Functional resume: Use this type of resume to highlight your strengths, emphasizing skills that are important for network administrator positions. You should consider this option if you are looking for an entry-level job in network administration and want to emphasize skills you’ve learned without drawing attention to your lack of previous experience.

• Combination resume: This format combines characteristics of both the chronological and functional resumes by showcasing the skills you used in previous positions.

Step 2: Fill in your basic network administrator resume essentials.

One of the more important things to have on your resume is your contact information, including your name, email address, and phone number for potential employers to reach you. You should also consider adding your location if the position is location-dependent, but just the city and state can suffice without a street address.

You can also include a link to a professional profile like LinkedIn if potential employers want another way to reach you about a network administrator position.

Step 3: Add your resume summary.

Use a resume summary to quickly introduce yourself to a potential employer. You can use it to highlight the years of experience you have as a network administrator, your particular skills, or the types of positions you’re looking for.

If you’ve been working, you may want to focus on your previous experience. Recent graduates or people new to the field may want to mention their desire for an entry-level position that focuses on the skills you’ve acquired relevant to network administrator positions.

Step 4: Showcase your network administrator skills.

Network administrator positions require specific skill sets that can vary by your experience in the industry. It’s important to include a variety of workplace skills depending on how far along you are in your career and what experience you’ve picked up along the way.

Some skills you’ll want to highlight on your resume include:

• Network configuration: Handling installation and configuration of hardware like routers and servers.

• Software management: The ability to update or install new software configurations for a company or organization.

• Network experience: Understanding of multiple types of networks such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), and virtual private networks (VPN).

• Repairs and maintenance: Monitoring and maintaining networks to make sure they run smoothly and being able to troubleshoot and fix issues that arise.

• Programming languages: Common coding languages that you may need include HTML, Java, C++, Python, and others.

It’s also important to include workplace skills such as good communication, adaptability, flexibility, collaboration, and others that can help you in your network administration career.

Step 5: Include your professional experience

Hiring managers want to see what you’ve learned or accomplished in your previous professional experience and what you can bring to a new position in network administration.

The section of your resume with your previous experience should include the names of your past employers and the dates you worked there, as well as your accomplishments and responsibilities in that position.

For network administrators, you can talk about daily tasks such as process audits, technology research, and testing the network. It’s also a good idea to include special tasks or projects, such as troubleshooting issues or researching ways to update your network.

Step 6: Feature your certifications, awards, and more.

Some positions may require certain network administrator certifications or recommend them to show that you have an understanding of different vendors or tasks you need to be proficient in to be a network administrator. It could be good to have these certifications when you apply for positions. Ensure you list them on your resume.

Some of these certifications include:

• AWS Certified SysOps Administration-Associate

• AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

• CompTIA Network+

Each one has certain specifications on how to earn the certification, so it’s important to do your research to find out which ones are right for you and how to obtain them.

Step 7: Include your education.

Education is an important factor for potential employers, especially if you’re looking for an entry-level position. Remember to include the school you graduated from, your degree and major, and other relevant information about what you’ve learned that can be applied to a network administration position.

Your degree can factor into a decision to hire you for a network administration position. For example, 55 percent of network administrators have a bachelor’s degree, 30 percent have an associate degree, and 7 percent have a master’s degree. The top majors include computer science, computer information systems, business, and information technology, according to Zippia [2].

Key takeaways

• Pick a template for your resume that is concise and easy to read.

• Include relevant information such as education, certifications, work history, and how to reach you.

• Decide whether a chronological or functional format is the best fit for your skills.

• Include certifications to enhance your qualifications.

• Review your skill set to ensure it matches the job description.

• Limit the length of your resume.

Earn a certificate for your network administrator resume with Coursera

Earning professional certificates to enhance your network administration qualifications could further elevate your portfolio while boosting your earning potential. Check out some educational activities if you want to start a career as a network administrator or continue your training in the field.

You can try the Introduction to Networking and Storage with IBM on Coursera. The course covers different types of networks, how to set up and encrypt networks, and different network drives and devices. Or consider the Cybersecurity Operations Fundamentals Specialization with Cisco, which includes understanding network security monitoring tools and common attacks. Upon completing either program, gain exclusive access to career resources like resume review, interview prep, and career support.