IT Help Desk cover letter example

Tech-savvy individuals have infinite career prospects. Or, at least, that’s how it seems. Yes, if you have the power to get things up and running, your unique skill set is in high demand. 

However, before you can land your next job, you must show the hiring manager you have what it takes. To do that, you will need to write a compelling IT help desk cover letter. This single-page document can make or break your professional future.

IT help desk full text-only cover letter example

Sections of an IT help desk cover letter

Before you start writing your IT help desk cover letter, you must understand how to structure it. Let’s take a look at the core sections that you need to include in this document: 

1. Cover letter header. First, you need a cover letter header that conveys your basic information. This includes your contact details, such as your number and email address.
2. Greeting. The greeting ensures you get off to the right start. Always use a formal greeting that shows a level of respect.
3. Introduction. Next, it’s time to grab the hiring manager’s attention. Outline your unique selling proposition (USP) in your initial paragraphs.
4. Body. The body of your cover letter does much of the heavy lifting. It should showcase your IT expertise, prior work experience, and how you align with the business.
5. Conclusion. When signing off, end on a positive note. Use a strong statement and add a call to action (CTA).
6. Signature. Choose the right wording and signature style for your IT help desk cover letter.

Each section of your cover letter serves a specific purpose. One of the biggest mistakes candidates make here is writing freeform. If you do that, you will find it difficult to make each of your points to the hiring manager. Instead, use the above structure. 

As a general rule, aim for a one-page cover letter. That equates to between 300 and 400 words. If you go over that word count, edit it back. 

We will be covering the broad brush strokes here. However, if you want niche advice on how to write a cover letter, read our full guide now.

Introduction of a IT help desk cover letter

The start of your cover letter needs to get to the point fast. Hiring managers don’t have a wealth of time to review applications. Kick things off by stating what you plan to bring to the role. 

Often enough, candidates focus on their unique selling proposition at this point. However, you can also talk about the specific competencies you have and how they work for the vacancy. 

Whenever possible, you should be specific about your prior experience. For example, mentioning how many years of experience you have is a quick way to establish your professional value. When writing this part of your cover letter, stop and think about how you can do that. Delivering the right information at this point could make all of the difference.  

IT help desk cover letter body

When writing the body of your IT help desk cover letter, you need to hit the following points: 

• How your current/last role has prepared you for this job
• The selection of skills you already have under your belt
• How you will align with the demands of the business
• Conclusion with a call to action (CTA)

First body paragraph: Your suitability for the role (skills & experience)

When writing the first paragraph of your IT help desk cover letter, you need to highlight your suitability for the role. It may be smart to go back to the job advert and read the criteria. If you are not certain of what to include, try using the following points: 

1. Outline your track record. Are you successful in your field? Shout about it now. Talk about what results you have had before now and how you support workers.
2. Talk about your special abilities. Sure, you are tech-savvy, but can you be more specific? Emphasize the unique traits you have which others may be lacking.
3. Mention various operating systems. Which operating systems do you know inside and out? Are you confident using both macOS and Windows?
4. Touch upon the tools you use. What are the tools of your trade? Talk about specific programs, such as LogMeIn and TeamViewer, and how you use them.
5. Brag about the results you yield. The hiring manager wants to know what results you can offer them. Write about your outcomes and add numbers and statistics here.
6. Show that you’re a team player. Recruiters want IT help desk operators who can collaborate well. Talk about how you work with others on a daily basis, too.

Second body paragraph(s): Alignment with the organization

Toward the end of your cover letter, address the business at hand. It’s important to show the hiring manager that you want not just any job, but rather this specific job, 

Here are Amazon’s Core Values, for example: 

• Customer obsession (i.e. always putting the customer first)
• Long-term thinking
• Eagerness to invent
• Pride in operational excellence

If you were writing a cover letter to work on the IT help desk at Amazon, you could use those values. You might also want to name-check the business to which you are applying.

Call to action & conclusion: Finish off strong

Sum up your cover letter by reiterating your main points. You should also end on a high by talking about your enthusiasm for the role and adding in a call to action (CTA). 

Make sure you thank the hiring manager for their time. Manners cost nothing, after all. You can then  sign off with your name at the end of your cover letter. 

How to write an IT help desk cover letter with no experience 

Want to break into the world of IT help desk jobs, but have no direct experience? 

Writing a cover letter if you lack direct experience is similar, but there are some differences. Whether you are a career-changer or a recent graduate, here’s what you can include: 

• Transferable skills. At its core, working on a help desk is about customer service. Include these skills and any competencies you’ve picked up in other roles.
• Technological understanding. While you may not have experience working at a help desk, you should be tech-savvy. Explain what your specialisms are here.
• Voluntary/related experience. Do you have any voluntary or related experience you can draw upon?
• Your academic background. Talk about the education that you have under your belt. You could also mention any special projects or group assignments you’ve completed.

Key takeaways

Your IT help desk cover letter should showcase your unique strengths and illustrate your skills. This is your chance to show how you are different from the sea of willing candidates. Be sure to tailor your cover letter to meet the needs (and vision!) of this particular employer.

Check out our cover letter builder and take all the hassle out of creating your letter!