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

Key takeaways

When applying for a network administrator role, your resume should include a summary, your relevant experience, and network certifications.

• The median annual salary for a network administrator in the US is $96,800 [1].

• For your resume, you may choose a template such as chronological, functional, or combination.

• You can become a network administrator by pursuing a relevant degree and completing certifications such as CCNA or Security+. 

Discover what to include on your network administrator resume, including requirements and skills to highlight. Then, consider enrolling in the Google Network Security Specialization. In as little as one month, you’ll have the opportunity to learn the foundational knowledge of network functionality and security, from architectural concepts and protocols to how to defend against threats. Upon completion, add this shareable credential to your resume or LinkedIn profile.

What do employers look for in a network administrator's 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 and fixing problems, and reviewing network security measures.

Network administrators can collaborate 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.

The median annual network administrator salary is $96,800, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS expects about 14,300 network administration openings each year from 2024 to 2034, driven both by the need to replace workers leaving the labor force and by the ongoing demand for professionals to maintain and upgrade computer networks [1].

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

When deciding how to format the information on your resume for potential employers, you have three options.

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

• Functional resume: This type of resume highlights your strengths, emphasizing skills 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 most important things to have on your resume is your contact information, including your name, email address, and phone number, so potential employers can reach you. You should also consider adding your location if the position is location-dependent, but 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 introduce yourself to a potential employer quickly. You can use it to highlight your years of experience 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 they’ve acquired relevant to network administrator positions.

Read more: How to Write a Resume Summary + Examples

Step 4: Showcase your network administrator skills

Network administrator positions require specific skill sets that can vary depending on 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: You may need common coding languages, such as HTML, Java, C++, and Python.

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, the dates you worked there, and your accomplishments and responsibilities in that position.

For network administrators, you can discuss daily tasks such as process audits, technology research, and testing the network. It is 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 understand 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 for earning the certification, so it’s important to research to find out which ones are right for you and how to obtain them.

How to mention CCNA in a resume

To highlight your CCNA credential on a network administrator resume, consider adding a section specifically for certifications you’ve earned. This can go anywhere you’d like, though it typically fits best under the education section. In addition to CCNA by name, add the date on which you were awarded the credential. You may also add relevant skills you gained from completing the program.

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 hiring 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].

How to write a network administrator resume: Tips

• 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 fits your skills best.

• Include certifications to enhance your qualifications.

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

• Limit the length of your resume.

Explore free career-building resources

Subscribe to our weekly LinkedIn newsletter, Career Chat, for industry updates, tips, and trends. Then, explore free, network and security resources to optimize your professional growth:

• Watch on YouTube: CCNA vs. Network+: Which Certification Wins?

• Find a course: Which Cybersecurity Course Should You Take? Find Out in 1 Minute

• Learn from experts: Meet the IT Support Tech Advancing Toward a Cybersecurity Career

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