How to write a great DevOps CV

DevOps is an agile approach to development that aims to bridge the gap between software development and IT operations. Underpinned by a culture of collaboration and continuous delivery, DevOps engineers need to be team players with excellent technical skills.

From software to soft skills, there’s a lot of ground to cover in your DevOps CV. This guide will show you:

• What hiring managers want to see in your DevOps CV.
• A winning DevOps CV template for you to follow.
• Essential tips for writing the best CV possible.

A solid understanding of DevOps best practices should shine through in your CV. If you’ve previously worked on a DevOps project, then highlight any experience with configuration management, continuous integration, testing, deployment, feedback or monitoring.

Given the technical nature of DevOps work, recruiters will also want to learn about your software skills. List the DevOps tools that you’re competent with and that are also relevant to the role. These could be tools for container management, version control or test automation.

The structure of your DevOps CV will depend on your chosen CV format. There are three options:

• Chronological — This format emphasises work experience.
• Functional — This format focuses on skills.
• Combination — This format balances skills and work experience.

The chronological format is the format favoured by most hiring managers. It’s also the format we use with the DevOps engineer CV example below.

Contact Details

Add your contact details to the page header at the top of the CV. This information includes your:

• Full name
• Phone number
• Professional email address
• Address
• Professional profile link, such as your LinkedIn

Present your contact details clearly so that the hiring manager can quickly reach out to you should they wish to proceed with your application.

Professional summary or career objective

Choose between a professional summary or career objective to introduce your CV. A professional summary provides an overview of your skillset. A career objective is similar but also provides a statement of your career aspirations. A professional summary will work best if you already have several years of experience working in DevOps. Choose this option if you’re applying to a more senior DevOps position.

Skills

Use the skills section to tailor your CV to the role. Study the job description and pick out some of the listed DevOps skills to include in your CV. You’ll want to prioritise role-specific software skills in this section, such as:

• Version control systems like GitHub
• CI/CD pipeline tools like Jenkins and Oracle
• Scripting languages like Python, Ruby, and Java
• Configuration management tools like Ansible
• Containerisation tools like Docker and Kubernetes
• Operating systems like Linux and Unix
• Monitoring tools like Nagios
• SQL tools like MySQL
• Full-service tools like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure

You should also include relevant soft skills such as:

• Communication
• Project management
• Problem-solving
• Adaptability
• Creativity

Work history

In the work experience section, run through your previous job titles held over the past 10 years. If you lack hands-on experience with DevOps, then discuss any experience working within software development or with agile methodologies. For each position, list the responsibilities and accomplishments that are most relevant to the role you’re applying to in bullet points. Where possible, use performance data to make your points more credible.

Education

If you have a relevant master’s or bachelor’s degree, then add it to the education section. List only your highest level of qualification. You can also include any relevant certifications in this section.

Create your CV

Do:

• Quantify your accomplishments.

  In the work history section, use metrics to add context and credibility. For example, you could mention how much money your changes to the development pipeline helped save each month.

• Highlight your software skills.

  Each organization will have its own set of preferred DevOps tools. If you’re familiar with at least a couple of them, your chances of securing an interview will be much higher.

• Use a CV template.

  CV templates are a great option for job seekers who want a sleek CV but without having to design it themselves. Our CV builder tool features hundreds of free-to-use templates.

Don’t:

• Use passive language.

  Hook the hiring manager’s interest with action verbs like “led”, “developed”, and “organized”. These demonstrate authority and ownership of your tasks.

• Include your GPA.

  Unless your college GPA is exceptionally high, there’s no reason to include it. Instead, focus on any special academic awards or achievements you have.

• Submit without proofreading.

  Proofread, and then proofread again. Even the smallest spelling or formatting mistake will encourage the hiring manager to discard your application.

Create your CV