A good system administrator cover letter should provide enough information to appeal to human resources personnel making decisions about who to call for interviews. The letter creates a first impression, introducing the applicant, providing information about qualifications, and demonstrating how the writer would be a good fit with the employer. Computer science professionals preparing cover letters in connection with job applications may want to consider asking friends or colleagues to look them over. A second person may be able to spot basic errors that weren’t identified, and can provide helpful feedback.
The top of the cover letter should include the full address and name of the recipient. Job listings may indicate who is handling the hiring, and if not, applicants can call a company for information. It is important to spell the recipient’s name correctly and use the right title.
Introductory paragraphs typically lead with the applicant’s name and where the writer found the job advertisement. If the applicant was referred or met with a human resources representative who asked for a resume, this is a good place to mention this information. Demonstrating some familiarity with the company in the first paragraph of a system administrator cover letter is advisable, indicating that the applicant knows what the company does and has a specific reason for applying there. For example, the company might be working on a research subject of interest, or the applicant might like the company’s mission statement.
In the second paragraph of a system administrator cover letter, the applicant can discuss qualifications and accomplishments. These may stretch into a third paragraph if the list is long. Formal education and certifications should be discussed in this section, along with systems and programming languages the applicant knows and works with on a regular basis. Particular accomplishments like resolving a complicated problem or helping a company address a specific issue can also be noted.
Following this information, the system administrator cover letter can discuss why the applicant feels like a good fit for the company. Computer scientists should talk about what they can bring to the company that may be unique or useful. This could include special professional qualifications, experiences, or even ethics; an applicant to an environmental organization, for example, might mention that work with a previous environmental group provided insight into the kinds of information technology solutions needed by such entities.
Closing paragraphs in a system administrator cover letter can be brief. A note thanking the reader for considering the application is important, along with full contact information. Any attachments, such as resumes or letters of recommendation, can be noted at the bottom of the page.
