Indeed, hiring a system administrator is no simple task. While it may seem that one job involves a myriad of responsibilities, some of these responsibilities take precedence over others.
Before discussing the best practices in hiring a system admin, let's begin by breaking down critical responsibilities, as opposed to less essential tasks that may be delegated to other employees with similar skills.
This task heavily overlaps with keeping an inventory of software and hardware assets. One of the most basic system administrator duties is keeping a detailed list of every virtual and physical server.
This task involves running regular checks on the server to monitor performance.
A system admin should communicate with teams handling back-up and recovery regarding the organization's priorities and objectives.
Some repetitive tasks may be performed using automation tools. Therefore, the system admin should be able to write and configure tools that will automate these tasks.
Apart from these critical responsibilities, the system admin should also communicate and coordinate with various teams. As the primary contact person, he should promptly respond to issues, proactively come up with solutions, and update the organization about vital progress reports.
Now that we've outlined the tasks of a system admin, let's proceed with the steps on how to hire the right individual.
The simplest way to shortlist applicants is by detailing the skills you want the applicant to possess. Some of these include software proficiency, software demonstration, and problem-solving skills.
The description should include not only the responsibilities but also describe what the organization expects from the person once hired.
In conclusion, a system administrator holds one of the essential positions in any organization. A network that runs smoothly is key to the success of any enterprise. And, hiring the perfect person for the job takes planning and careful assessment of specific needs and areas for improvement.
Remember that the responsibilities of a system admin vary depending on the complexity of the network. It's also crucial whether your company has goals of updating, modernizing, or expanding the network. Above all else, your system admin should adapt to these changes and be a great asset to your organization.