You might be an expert at writing code, but writing a great cover letter is a different sort of challenge.
Far too often, candidates don’t spend the time needed to craft an impressive cover letter. That’s why most cover letters are dull, boring, and lackluster.
If you struggle with generating a cover letter that is both efficient and impressive, you’re in luck. We look at the tools you need to truly stand out and capture the attention of hiring managers.
Dear Mrs. Wanamaker,
After eight years of software development experience in the ecommerce operations of two leading online fashion retailers (averaging 11 million+ monthly visits), I hope to bring my web development and systems architecture skills to Banton.
The majority of my career has been spent maintaining ESB applications and ensuring the smooth operations of the ecommerce back end. I am proficient at understanding the needs of the business and putting the customer experience first while keeping an eye on budgetary constraints. After reinvigorating the supplier base in 2019, we achieved a 13% annual cost saving while decreasing website bugs and coding errors by 35%.
My highest profile project came when I designed, developed and implemented the architecture of an award-winning virtual store that allowed customers to superimpose their image onto our products. From initial requirement gathering to design, coding, testing and roll-out, I project managed every aspect. The application increased LFL sales by 18%.
Prior to my retail experience, I spent a decade in a software consultancy, so my technical experience is broader than just ecommerce. This has proved useful for many non-retail requirements. I am proficient in Windows, Unix and Linux platforms, as well as fluent in nine programming languages (including C, C++, VB, Java, Perl and SQL).
My computer science degree from CalTech formed the foundation of my career, but I have taken every opportunity since to take over 60 online courses and certifications. You could say that I am somewhat addicted to improving my software skills.
I look forward to hearing about your development plans and hope that an interview might allow me to expand on how my skills could contribute.
Yours sincerely,
Steven Frost
Creating a strong cover letter for a software engineer role is like debugging your code before deployment—every detail counts! Each line of code needs to contribute to the final product.
Here are the key components of your cover letter:
Keep it brief— no more than one page—while presenting your skills in a way that ties them into a compelling narrative that fits the company’s mission and technical needs.
The goal is to build a connection. Go beyond merely highlighting your qualifications. Showcase why you’re the right fit for the company’s engineering team.
Need more inspiration? View our other related cover letter examples from the technology sector:
Recruiters are busy and their time is limited. That said, you want to capture their attention right away with a strong intro.
This not only piques the reader’s attention, but you stand out among the countless boring cover letters they read every day.
Start off with an enticing hook that is both exciting and relevant to the company.
Dear Mrs. Wanamaker,
After eight years of software development experience in the e-commerce operations of two leading online fashion retailers (averaging 11 million+ monthly visits), I hope to bring my web development and systems architecture skills to Banton.
Dear Mrs. Wanamaker,
I’m writing to apply for the software engineer position. I’m enthusiastic about programming and have worked on a few small projects. I’m confident that I can grow into this role and contribute to your team. I’m eager to learn more about your company and how I might fit in.
A great way to impress the reader immediately is by showcasing your impact with quantifiable results. In our example, Steven mentioned his experience working with an online fashion retailer averaging 11 million monthly visitors. This highlights his ability to manage high-traffic software systems effectively.
In the body of your cover letter, follow a clear template:
Whenever possible, address your cover letter to a specific person. There are several reasons for this:
Now that you’ve got their attention, it’s time to deliver. In the first paragraph, in the body of your letter discuss your work experience, your achievements on the job, and your qualifications in the field.
Here are some useful ways to demonstrate that you are a valuable addition to the team:
The goal of the cover letter body is to illustrate how this employer would benefit from your qualifications as an experienced, solution-focused software engineer.
In one survey of hiring managers, 10% said one of the top reasons for rejecting job applicants’ resumes was their failure to include a cover letter.
Research the organization and identify elements of its mission that resonate with you. Show how your values align with theirs, proving you're a strong fit for both the position and the company's vision.
For example, a tech company like Google emphasizes:
Incorporate these aspects into your cover letter, and consider sharing a personal story about technology’s impact on your life to strengthen your connection to their values.
The majority of my career has been spent maintaining ESB applications and ensuring the smooth operations of the ecommerce back end. I am proficient at understanding the needs of the business and putting the customer experience first while keeping an eye on budgetary constraints. After reinvigorating the supplier base in 2019, we achieved a 13% annual cost saving while decreasing website bugs and coding errors by 35%.
My highest profile project came when I designed, developed and implemented the architecture of an award-winning virtual store that allowed customers to superimpose their image onto our products. From initial requirement gathering to design, coding, testing and roll-out, I project managed every aspect. The application increased LFL sales by 18%.
Prior to my retail experience, I spent a decade in a software consultancy, so my technical experience is broader than just ecommerce. This has proved useful for many non-retail requirements. I am proficient in Windows, Unix and Linux platforms, as well as fluent in nine programming languages (including C, C++, VB, Java, Perl and SQL).
My computer science degree from CalTech formed the foundation of my career, but I have taken every opportunity since to take over 60 online courses and certifications. You could say that I am somewhat addicted to improving my software skills.
You want to close on a confident and positive note, looking forward to further contact. Your letter should usually close with a simple “Sincerely,” followed by a space and your typed name.
There’s no harm in scanning your actual signature and inserting it if you can, though it’s not expected in electronic correspondence.
The key here is to end on a self-assured note with a call to action encouraging an enthusiastic response from the hiring manager.
I look forward to hearing about your development plans and hope that an interview might allow me to expand on how my skills could contribute.
Sincerely,
Joseph Mathews
When you're applying for a software engineering position but lack specific experience, whether you're transitioning from another field or are a recent graduate, it's essential to highlight your transferable skills and convey your enthusiasm for technology.
Consider these strategies:
By weaving these elements into your cover letter, you can effectively compensate for any gaps in direct experience and illustrate your potential as a software engineer, enhancing your chances of securing the position.
Align document styles
Your cover letter and resume should be prepared using the same fonts, font sizes, and formatting styles throughout. This consistency of style gives you a “visual brand,” demonstrates your attention to detail, and shows you understand that style matters. It should be obvious at a glance that your resume and cover letter came from the same person.
Highlight your coding skills and relevant experiences while aligning with the company's goals. Personalize your greeting, craft an engaging introduction, and conclude with a strong summary of your qualifications.
Emphasize your technical proficiency and passion for technology to showcase your potential, even without direct experience.
Need more help? Check out our wide selection of cover letter examples.
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