{"id":32363,"date":"2022-09-30T02:58:00","date_gmt":"2022-09-30T09:58:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/?p=32363"},"modified":"2024-01-03T19:20:06","modified_gmt":"2024-01-04T03:20:06","slug":"software-engineer-cover-letter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/software-engineering\/software-engineer-cover-letter\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Write a Software Engineer Cover Letter [Guide]"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Whether you\u2019re a new graduate or an experienced engineer, it\u2019s completely understandable to dread writing a cover letter. A cover letter is basically a sales pitch for yourself, which can make it seem daunting to face the kind of rejection that often comes with a job search.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But even if selling yourself doesn\u2019t come naturally, there are tried and tested strategies for writing cover letters that can help you land the interview for your dream job. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this guide, we\u2019ve assembled some tips for what software engineers should include in their cover letters. We\u2019ve also picked out some top-rate examples so you can see what the ideal finished product looks like. Follow this guide, and all you\u2019ll have to do is ace the interview. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Important Is a Cover Letter for Software Engineering?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As a software engineer<\/a>, a cover letter isn\u2019t just important\u2014it\u2019s essential. A cover letter provides recruiters with a personalized introduction to your resume, with the hope that they\u2019ll actually read it. When done right, a cover letter distinguishes you from other applicants and demonstrates your genuine interest in the job. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Should You Include in a Software Engineer Cover Letter?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Software<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A software engineering cover letter should use your past experience as evidence that you\u2019re the perfect candidate for the position you\u2019re applying for. Let\u2019s break down what that looks like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brief Overview of Your Experience and Qualifications (Don\u2019t Simply Rehash What\u2019s Said in Your Resume Though)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A brief overview of who you are is often the first thing discussed in a cover letter, but it’s also the trickiest to perfect. This section needs to grab the reader\u2019s attention and avoid reading like a generic cover letter. Studies show that 56% of prospective employers prefer candidates who include a cover letter<\/a>, but reading the same template over and over again is not what they want. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One effective strategy is to open your cover letter with a hand-picked achievement that matches the requirements of the job, and not with a traditional self-introduction. That way, you can show the hiring manager in the very first line that you have hands-on experience in the exact fields they are looking for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Making the opening of your cover letter stand out will help encourage hiring managers to click on it and give it a read since they can see straight away that it\u2019s different from most letters they receive. Your cover letter can\u2019t help you if no one reads it, so we highly recommend doing what you can to craft a unique opening line.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quantifiable Achievements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To express a quantifiable achievement, you need to include proper context, avoid being vague, and include numbers and facts if at all possible. In other words, you need to make your achievement seem real and believable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember to tailor your cover letter to the company and the job you\u2019re applying for\u2014if you have a lot of achievements you could choose from, make sure to choose the most relevant ones. To keep your letter brief and clear, it can be a good idea to use bullet points for this section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Presenting quantifiable achievements in your cover letter helps set you apart from low-quality applicants whose skills and experience don\u2019t seem trustworthy. Anyone can apply for a job and lie about their qualifications, and these lies tend to be written in a vague, generic fashion. Including facts, figures, and tangible details in your cover letter will help you show that your achievements are real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Programming Languages and Tools You\u2019re Proficient In<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your software engineer resume<\/a> will list a variety of programming languages and tools you\u2019re proficient in, so there\u2019s no need to include them all in your cover letter as well. Instead, pick out the ones that were mentioned in the job description, and any others that you think will be relevant. Most software engineers are hired to work with specific languages, so make sure not to overwhelm the hiring manager with information that isn\u2019t relevant to them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Including relevant languages and tools that you\u2019re proficient in can also help you hit the keywords that recruiters are searching for during their initial round of screening. Recruiters are experts in finding good candidates, not in the job role they\u2019re searching for. To help them do their job, employers will provide lists of languages, tools, libraries, and software relevant to the role they\u2019re hiring for, and recruiters will search for resumes that include these words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Relevant Skills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Look back over the technical skills listed in the job description to compile a list of your own software engineering skills<\/a>. This can include both programming skills and soft skills. Relevance is key, as the hiring manager has one very specific role to fill, and you want to convince them that you\u2019re the engineer they\u2019re looking for. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While adding skills in other areas can demonstrate the breadth of your knowledge, it can also be a telltale sign that you didn\u2019t customize your cover letter for the specific role. Instead, your application will appear more clear and more respectful of the recruiter\u2019s time if you only cover the skills you have that are relevant to the job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Special Projects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You should try to keep your cover letter under 500 words, so there isn\u2019t room to list a lot of your own personal projects<\/a>. But highlighting your side projects is a great way to demonstrate that you are a passionate engineer. For your cover letter, introduce your most relevant special projects, and summarize it with a few bullet points. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Including personal projects in your cover letter can help your application in multiple ways, as it says a lot about the kind of worker you are. Coding in your free time demonstrates your passion, your willingness to keep learning and improving, and your strong work ethic. Employers always want to hire someone who goes the extra mile, and special projects are a strong sign of a hard worker.<\/p>\n\n\n

Get To Know Other\tSoftware Engineering Students<\/h4>
\"Rafael<\/a>

Rafael Alvarado<\/p>

IT Support Engineer at Amazon<\/p><\/div>

<\/div>

Read Story<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div>

\"Elena<\/a>

Elena Nurullina<\/p>

Junior Web Developer at G\/O Media<\/p><\/div>

Read Story<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div>

\"Alyssa<\/a>

Alyssa Menes<\/p>

Software Engineer at Progyny<\/p><\/div>

Read Story<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

What Sets You Apart From Other Candidates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This section can also be tricky, as it requires some explicit self-selling. Focus on what you believe you can do for the company and what traits and tech skills you\u2019ll use to achieve this. Although there won\u2019t be much proof of your claims that you can offer at this point, telling the recruiter that you have what they need also shows that you understand their needs. This can set you apart from poor candidates who didn\u2019t bother to customize their application, and under-qualified candidates who don\u2019t understand the job on the same level as you<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Attracts You to the Role and Company<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Including a specific section about the role and company is another way to make it very clear that your interest is genuine and that your cover letter is not a template. Show that you\u2019ve done your research and feel passionate about the role or the company culture by offering insight, reasonable praise, and questions about the company you\u2019re applying to. 
Showing interest in the company can also present you as an active employee who would take it upon themselves to get involved in the work community. This is an attractive characteristic to employers, as it is often found in high-aiming individuals who work to become an influential part of the company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GitHub and Portfolio Link<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lastly, it\u2019s a great idea to take advantage of the fact that cover letters are now sent digitally, and include some convenient links for the hiring manager. After introducing one of your software engineering projects<\/a>, link to your portfolio or GitHub<\/a> so they can see more if they wish to. You can also include more than just your portfolio link\u2014blogs, dedicated social media accounts, relevant hobbies, and anything else connected to your identity as a software engineer can be included here.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By including links at the bottom of a cover letter, you\u2019re not pushing anyone into clicking, but if they do, the information can help continue to develop the reader\u2019s impression of you and your attitude to your work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Software Engineer Cover Letter Template<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Software
Source: Zety<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Next, let\u2019s have a look at the kinds of engineering cover letter formats that prospective employers want to see.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Header<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The header of your software engineer cover letter should include your information, and the contact info of your recipient, along with the date of composition. Include your name, professional email address, phone number, and potentially your physical address. For remote positions in different cities, your physical address isn\u2019t as important. Next, write the date and then the recipient\u2019s name, job title, and company address.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The format of your cover letter is an important factor in the initial impression it gives the reader \u2013 there\u2019s a set way for it to be laid out, and conforming to the rules should be a given. If you fail to format your letter correctly, it could, unfortunately, cause the reader to develop a negative first impression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s an example of the correct format:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Software<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Subject Line<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When sending your cover letter as an email message, it\u2019s good to make the most of the subject line. Including the basic relevant information about you and the role you\u2019re applying for will maximize the chances of your email getting clicked on and read straight away. We recommend including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n