What are the most important System Administration skills that employers look for in candidates?

1 Technical skills

As a system administrator, you need to have a solid foundation of technical skills that enable you to install, configure, maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize different types of systems and networks. Depending on the specific environment and requirements, you may need to work with various operating systems, such as Windows, Linux, or Unix, as well as cloud platforms, such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. You also need to be familiar with common tools and protocols, such as Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, TCP/IP, SSH, FTP, and VPN. Additionally, you need to have some knowledge of scripting languages, such as PowerShell, Bash, or Python, to automate tasks and processes.

2 Security skills

Another key skill for system administrators is security. You need to be able to protect the systems and networks you manage from unauthorized access, data breaches, malware, and other threats. You need to understand the principles and practices of cybersecurity, such as encryption, authentication, authorization, firewalls, antivirus, backup, and recovery. You also need to be able to implement and enforce security policies and standards, such as password management, access control, patch management, and auditing. Moreover, you need to be able to monitor and respond to security incidents and alerts, as well as conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration tests.

3 Communication skills

System administration is not only about technical skills, but also about communication skills. You need to be able to communicate effectively with different stakeholders, such as users, managers, vendors, and other IT professionals. You need to be able to explain technical issues and solutions in a clear and concise manner, using appropriate terminology and jargon. You also need to be able to listen and understand the needs and expectations of your clients and customers, as well as provide timely and accurate feedback and reports. Furthermore, you need to be able to collaborate and coordinate with your team members and peers, as well as participate in knowledge sharing and documentation.

4 Problem-solving skills

One of the most essential skills for system administrators is problem-solving. You need to be able to identify and resolve various technical problems that may arise in the systems and networks you manage. You need to be able to analyze and diagnose the root causes and symptoms of the problems, using various tools and methods, such as logs, tests, and debuggers. You also need to be able to apply logical and creative thinking to find the best solutions and alternatives, as well as test and verify the outcomes. Moreover, you need to be able to prevent or minimize the impact of the problems, by implementing preventive measures and contingency plans.

5 Learning skills

Finally, system administration is a dynamic and evolving field that requires constant learning and adaptation. You need to be able to keep up with the latest trends and developments in the IT industry, as well as the changing needs and demands of your organization and customers. You need to be able to learn new skills and technologies, as well as update and improve your existing ones. You also need to be able to seek and use feedback and guidance, as well as leverage various resources and sources, such as online courses, books, blogs, podcasts, and forums.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?