Skills
Network Administrator Skills & Tools
The technical skills, people skills and tools employers look for in network administrators, and how to build and show them.
Network Administrators need technical skills such as routing and switching, tcp/ip and subnetting, and firewalls and vpns, plus people skills like methodical troubleshooting and documentation. They also use tools such as Cisco, Juniper or similar network equipment and Firewalls.
Technical (hard) skills
- Routing and switching
- TCP/IP and subnetting
- Firewalls and VPNs
- Windows and Linux server administration
- Cloud services
- Scripting and automation
People (soft) skills
- Methodical troubleshooting
- Documentation
- Calm under pressure
- Communication with users and vendors
Tools, equipment and technology
- Cisco, Juniper or similar network equipment
- Firewalls
- Network monitoring tools
- Windows Server and Linux
- Cloud consoles such as Azure or AWS
- PowerShell and Python
Skills in action: common tasks
These step-by-step guides show how network administrators put their skills to work:
- How to subnet a /24 network into four subnets
- How to troubleshoot connectivity with ping and traceroute
- How to plan a safe network change
How to show these skills on a resume
- Lead your skills section with the technical skills from the job posting, for example, “Routing and switching” and “TCP/IP and subnetting.”
- Prove soft skills with results: instead of listing “methodical troubleshooting,” describe a situation where you used it.
- List credentials such as CompTIA Network+ near the top, with the issuing organization and date.
- Use the employer’s vocabulary. Our network administrator glossary covers the terms hiring managers expect.
How to build these skills
Formal training, supervised practice and certification are the most direct routes. Our Network Administrator training introduces each of these skills with plain-language lessons, procedures and a final knowledge check: a strong foundation before hands-on training or your first day.