System administration is the configuration and management of the hardware, software, and other operating systems that support the users, devices, and applications they rely on. A Salesforce system administrator is the superhero who ensures that the infrastructure — the hardware, software, and OS ― is always functioning and connected to the users’ needs. Basically, a SysAdmin is an efficient problem solver.
Starting one’s career as a system admin leads to them learning everything about everything, on the job.
Now that we have established what a system admin does, let’s look into identifying and hiring system admins who would be the right fit for your organization.
Tech skills a Good Salesforce System Admin must possess:
- Cloud Infrastructure: System administrators need to be aware of hosting systems in the cloud, mostly due to operations like Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services taking over. SysAdmins must quickly familiarise themselves with the tools that can be used in a cloud-based infrastructure, considering how most applications are moving to the cloud.
- Configuration Management: Does the SysAdmin know what Chef, Jenkins, Ansible, and Puppet are? Do they know how to use them? These specific tools allow SysAdmin to automate tasks and ensure an error-free and faster process.
- Version Control: This skill tracks the changes made to a code, and in various versions of software applications. Git is a common tool used for this process. If there is a problem with one version of the application, SysAdmin can roll back the new version until the bugs have been dealt with.
- Scripting: SysAdmins, these days, are collaborating with Developers much earlier in the process. This allows them to predict the problems that might arise and create solutions for them. To this end, SysAdmins have begun scripting and developing programs by themselves while learning to code—a skill in great demand. This way, a SysAdmin can improve the program, ensuring system reliability.
- Server and Network Upkeep: Servers and networks are the pillars of the infrastructure holding up the system. A SysAdmin needs to improve incident responses and the processes to avoid system outages and maintain a reliable system. This upkeep provides value to the clients involved.
Further check: Here is a list of 'Salesforce Technical Interview Questions, that every recruiter needs'.
Softskills skills a Good Salesforce System Admin must possess:
Now, let’s look at some of the most in-demand soft talents which a good salesforce system admin must have are:
- Communication: Although this may appear to be self-evident, many people take good communication for granted. It goes a long way if you can clearly listen to your colleagues' needs and answer in a straightforward and courteous manner.
- Teamwork: Collaboration is crucial above all. Managers are less interested in Salesforce specialists who refuse to offer their thoughts. Empathy and understanding are crucial — when difficulties arise, it's critical to work as a team to get things fixed as quickly as possible.
- Calmness: There will be some difficult times, whether it's Salesforce Developer jobs or Salesforce Admin jobs – this is where a combination of technical expertise and a personable approach comes in handy. But it's the salesforce developer's handling of these scenarios that stands out.
- Positive approach: There will always be a few stumbling hurdles in each Salesforce project. Patience is vital, but it's much better if you can show that you're willing to try something new to fix the problem. It's possible that you'll start a project and run into a problem; if you can adopt a new strategy and re-align your ideas, this is a highly valued skill.
In addition to possessing these tech and soft skills, a Salesforce System Admin should be able to perform the following:
- User permissions and administrations for all services are handled by System administrators. They manage an organization’s IT stack and assign user roles, giving access to certain applications.
- A Salesforce System Admin manages passwords and SSO policies for their organizations. They can reset and renew passwords, update security standards, and help employees gain access to the system at different levels.
- They ensure that data is organized in a consistent manner throughout the company for easy access for employees and at the same time provide tight security around the files to thwart external attacks.
- A SysAdmin put policies and procedures in place to keep track of software updates and any possible glitches that might occur. They must also demonstrate to employees the right way of using said software, ensuring seamless work within the organization.
- They will have to set up networks, servers, and policies in a technically secure way. From documentation to user permissions, all processes must prioritize secure interactions.
- A good system administrator is a consistently good problem solver. They must find ways to minimize jams in the deployment lifecycle and reduce the chances of security risks.
SysAdmins respond to calls at all times of the day, dealing with incidents that could otherwise cause an organization a lot of resources and customers. They are solely focused on system reliability and security.
Hiring a system admin ensures a safety net for a company investing more and more in cloud infrastructure, allowing data to be stored there. The need for a SysAdmin has increased with developing system infrastructure.
Conducting a comprehensive Salesforce Admin Test, using iMocha, will help you weed out the good from the rest.
Now, let's know about the job description for Salesforce Admin:
Summary:
The Salesforce Administrator will be in charge of the database's day-to-day configuration, support, maintenance, and enhancement. The administrator will identify, create, and implement new business processes in collaboration with fundraising, program management, and marketing employees.
Key Responsibilities:
- Serve as the chief system administrator for a Salesforce environment with a large number of users (XXX+).
- Concentrate the organization's data utilization on what is most beneficial to the mission.
- Manage all fundamental administration duties, such as user maintenance, page layout modifications, report and dashboard generation, field creation, and other routine tasks.
- Use Salesforce capabilities like the process builder, approval processes, validation rules, and Nonprofit Success Pack features like engagement plans and levels to automate operations.
- Manage Salesforce integrations that aren't as sophisticated as those handled by a Salesforce Developer or Consultant/Partner.
- Identify, install, and maintain appropriate AppExchange apps for event management, bulk email, and donation processing, among other things.
- New users should be trained, and the Salesforce skillset should be expanded throughout the organization.
- Salesforce customizations to documents
- Upgrades, seasonal releases, and long-term initiatives should all be planned ahead of time.
Skills Required:
- Outstanding project management skills.
- Ability to meet deadlines and handle and manage other important requests.
- Creative and analytical thinker with strong problem-solving skills.
- Ability to evaluate and prioritize information gathered from multiple sources and reconcile conflicts.
- Ability to assess the impact of new requirements on salesforce and another integrated system.
Also Read: Power Up Your Hiring With Innovative Job Description Templates
How can iMocha help?
iMocha is the world's largest AI-powered digital skills assessment platform that helps organizations build winning teams. Using AI-EnglishPro, an intelligent Business English Proficiency test, Live Coding Interview, and smart proctoring techniques, you'll be able to hire a Salesforce system admin without any glitches, even while working remotely.
Our platform empowers organizations to thoroughly assess employees as well as candidates, essential to identify and benchmark their skills proficiency according to industry/company standards.
