Devops Engineer Cover Letter Example
Shows infrastructure-as-code expertise and a focus on developer productivity.
Subject: DevOps Engineer / [Your Name]
Hi [Hiring Manager],
I've been following [Company Name]'s recent work in scaling their infrastructure and noticed the DevOps opening.
I've spent the last few years focused on making sure code gets to production safely and quickly. Honestly, I'm at my best when I'm deleting manual steps, hardening Kubernetes clusters, and making sure the dev team doesn't have to worry about the underlying plumbing.
I'm deep into Terraform and AWS, and I've handled everything from setting up CI/CD pipelines from scratch to managing production incidents. I'm looking for a new challenge where I can take more ownership of the infra roadmap.
Let me know if you're free to chat about the current stack and what you're building.
[Your Name]
Why this cover letter works
Direct technical tone
It skips corporate fluff and speaks directly to engineering pain points like manual toil and infrastructure 'plumbing'.
Tool-specific credibility
Mentioning Terraform and AWS immediately establishes technical alignment without the need for a long, exhaustive list.
Developer-centric philosophy
The focus on making sure the 'dev team doesn't have to worry' shows an understanding of the collaborative nature of DevOps.
How to customize this template
Swap the stack → Replace 'Terraform and AWS' with the specific cloud provider and configuration tools mentioned in the job description, such as GCP or Azure.
Reference specific projects → Instead of general CI/CD mentions, highlight a specific migration or implementation, like moving 30 microservices to ArgoCD.
Align with roadmap → Mention a specific interest in the company's current tech challenges, such as their transition to serverless or multi-cloud environments.
Mistakes to avoid
Listing every tool from your resume in the letter.
Focus on the 2-3 core technologies required for the role to keep the narrative tight and impactful.
Using overly formal, passive language.
Write in a conversational but professional style that mirrors how engineers communicate in stand-ups or pull request reviews.
Focusing only on maintenance tasks.
Highlight your ability to improve and automate systems rather than just 'monitoring' or 'maintaining' existing servers.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a DevOps Engineer cover letter be?
Keep it between 100 and 200 words. Engineering managers value efficiency and clarity; they want to see your technical stack and your approach to automation without wading through paragraphs of text. Aim for three short paragraphs that address the stack, your philosophy, and your most relevant project.
What should I include in a DevOps Engineer cover letter?
Focus on infrastructure-as-code, container orchestration like Kubernetes, and CI/CD pipeline development. You should also mention your experience with cloud providers and your ability to reduce deployment times or improve system reliability. Concrete examples of how you've automated manual processes are highly effective for this role.
Should I mention my AWS or CKA certifications in my cover letter?
Yes, mentioning a Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) or AWS Solutions Architect certification can provide a quick trust signal. However, don't just list them; briefly explain how that knowledge was applied to a real-world problem, such as hardening a cluster or optimizing cloud spend.
How do I tailor my DevOps Engineer cover letter for senior vs entry-level roles?
For senior roles, emphasize infrastructure strategy, mentoring, and cost-saving initiatives. For entry-level positions, focus on your hands-on experience with Linux, scripting in Python or Go, and your familiarity with tools like Docker or Jenkins through personal projects or bootcamps. Show that you understand the DevOps lifecycle.
How do I write a DevOps Engineer cover letter with no experience?
Highlight your personal labs or open-source contributions. Mention a specific project where you automated a deployment using GitHub Actions or managed a small cluster on a Raspberry Pi. Proving you have the 'automation-first' mindset is often more important than years of corporate experience for junior roles.
What's the best format for sending a DevOps Engineer cover letter?
Send it as a PDF to ensure your formatting remains intact across different operating systems. If the application allows, include a link to your GitHub profile or a technical blog. This allows hiring managers to see your actual code or Terraform modules, which carries significant weight in technical hiring.
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