Systems Administrators are employed in almost every industry, and they oversee the installation, maintenance, and support of technical systems that are necessary for organizations to run their day-to-day business. Some work directly with employees to troubleshoot problems, while others work remotely.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job outlook for Systems Administrators is expected to increase by 5 percent from 2019 to 2029, which is about as fast as average for all occupations.
Systems Administrators earn a median salary of $95,810.
What to Include in a Systems Administrator Cover Letter?
Roles And Responsibilities
- Maintain and administer computer networks and related computing environments including computer hardware, systems software, applications software, and all configurations.
- Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware, software, or other network and system problems, and replace defective components when necessary.
- Monitor network performance to determine whether adjustments need to be made, and to determine where changes will need to be made in the future.
- Plan, design, configure, install and implement network systems.
- Providing technical support across the company (this may be in person or over the phone).
- Track and route problems and requests and document resolutions.
Education & Skills
Systems Administrator Skills:
- Competent in Linux and Windows.
- Database administration (MySQL, SQLite).
- Network administration, including DNS and IP routing.
- Web hosting experience, including Apache, Nginx, and Ruby on Rails.
- Understanding of standard server infrastructure technologies, including virtualization.
- Exposure to security concepts and/or industry standards (e.g., OWASP, PCI-DSS).
Systems Administrator Education Requirements:
- Most systems administrators have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field such as information technology. Some employers may require a master’s degree.
Systems Administrator Cover Letter Example (Text Version)
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am a systems administrator with 9 years of experience in [industry name]. I read your recent ad for a systems administrator with interest and enthusiasm.
In my current role as an operations manager at [company name], I oversee the installation, monitoring, maintenance and support of our company’s computer systems. I have extensive experience in [technology name] and [technology name]. My background includes [number] years of experience in [industry name].
In my current position, I manage a team of six system administrators who are responsible for the day-to-day operation of our company’s computer systems. I lead projects related to updating and upgrading our IT infrastructure to ensure that it is aligned with the changing needs of our organization. My work has been instrumental in helping to improve the efficiency of many of our core business processes.
My past positions have also given me experience in administering operating systems and databases on complex network environments including Linux, Windows, HPUX and AIX platforms. I’m also proficient in troubleshooting LAN/WAN issues, configuring routers and switches, and performing security audits.
I am eager to learn more about this opportunity at [company name] and would greatly appreciate the chance.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Tips
As a systems administrator, you’re an expert at planning, implementing, and maintaining computer systems. You specialize in ensuring that the technology a company uses is up-to-date and working properly.
Your systems administrator cover letter should show how your skills, experience, and education make you the best candidate for the job. Use these tips to help develop your own winning cover letter.
Once you’ve written a great cover letter, it’s time to start working on your resume. Refer our Systems Administrator Resume Sample for more tips on how to write your resume and accompany it with a strong cover letter.
