Engineering · ATS Keywords
Systems Administrator Resume Keywords
Sysadmin resumes are scanned for OS, virtualization, and scripting keywords. Name the platforms and automation you handle.
Scan my resume against theseMust-have
Core skills & ATS keywords
- System Administration
- Linux
- Windows Server
- Virtualization
- Active Directory
- Scripting
- Backup and Recovery
- Networking
- Patch Management
- Agile
- Version Control
- Debugging
- Documentation
- Testing
- Code Review
- Technical Design
Tools & tech
Tools and technologies to name
- Linux
- VMware
- PowerShell
- Bash
- Active Directory
- Ansible
- Git
- Jira
- VS Code
- Confluence
Soft skills
Soft skills recruiters look for
- Problem Solving
- Attention to Detail
- Communication
- Time Management
- Teamwork
- Adaptability
- Collaboration
- Organization
- Critical Thinking
- Work Ethic
- Initiative
- Leadership
Strong verbs
Action verbs to start bullets
- Administered
- Automated
- Deployed
- Maintained
- Configured
- Resolved
- Achieved
- Improved
- Managed
- Developed
- Delivered
- Led
- Increased
- Reduced
- Streamlined
- Implemented
- Coordinated
- Optimized
- Collaborated
- Executed
Credentials
Certifications that help
- CompTIA Server+
- Red Hat Certified System Administrator
- MCSA
How to use these
Keywords get you read. Context gets you hired.
- Match the posting first.The list above is a strong baseline, but the keywords that matter most are the ones in the exact job description you're applying to.
- Put them in context. Work each keyword into a real bullet point or skill line - ATS filters weight keywords inside your experience over a bare list.
- Quantify. Pair a keyword with a number wherever you can (administered X by Y%). Recruiters scan for measurable outcomes.
- Check your match.Paste your resume and the job description into Cvali to see which of these keywords you're missing before you apply.
Quick copy
All systems administrator keywords in one line
System Administration · Linux · Windows Server · Virtualization · Active Directory · Scripting · Backup and Recovery · Networking · Patch Management · Agile · Version Control · Debugging · Documentation · Testing · Code Review · Technical Design · Linux · VMware · PowerShell · Bash · Active Directory · Ansible · Git · Jira · VS Code · Confluence
Want to see these keywords used in real bullet points?
Systems Administrator resume exampleFAQ
Systems Administrator resume keyword questions
How many keywords should a systems administrator resume have?
Aim to naturally include 8-12 of the most relevant keywords from the job description you're applying to. Don't stuff - each keyword should sit inside a real bullet point or skill line.
Where do these keywords go on the resume?
Spread them across your skills section, job bullet points, and summary. ATS filters weight keywords that appear in context (inside experience) more than a bare skills list.
Will copying these guarantee I pass the ATS?
No - they're a starting point. The keywords that matter most are the ones in the specific job posting. Paste your resume and that job description into Cvali to see your real match score.
Get started
Is your systems administrator resume ATS-ready?
Free. No account. See which of these keywords your resume is missing.
Scan My Resume Free