When creating a system administrator resume, you will want to be as specific as possible, since there are certain skills and experiences that are simply required for a system administrator job. If you have a particular job listing in front of you, you will want to make sure you highlight the skills you possess that match up with what is needed in that specific listing. If you are just sending your resume to inquire about any open positions at a company, you will want to include as much detail as possible without going over one or two pages; a resume should never go above two pages.
The information that absolutely must be included on a system administrator resume includes your work history and education. List the college you attended, if applicable, and the degree earned, being certain to note if it is still in progress. If you have taken classes that are particularly relevant, you will also want to list these on the system administrator resume, but do not list every single class you have taken unless this is requested by the company. Work experience is also an integral part of any system administrator resume.
You will want to list every job you've had, even those that are not related to this particular field, to demonstrate your ability to hold a job and be responsible. If you've had previous system administrator or technology jobs, you will want to make sure to highlight those, and write about your responsibilities in detail. This is why it is important to take initiative and go above and beyond the call of duty in any job; you can then use that experience to highlight your knowledge on your resume. A potential employer will want to know how you handled any challenges or setbacks, but don't include this on the resume.
Because this job also requires specific knowledge and certifications, it is important to include this additional detail on a system administrator resume. This includes the different types of hardware, software, and operating systems with which you have experience, as well as networking and server experience. The ability to write code in different computer languages is also important, and should be included on a resume. Many people in this field will also have various certifications stating that they have completed courses and passed tests demonstrating the ability to use certain software on an advanced level, and it is necessary to list these as well and be prepared to present them if asked.