However rapidly we see artificial intelligence breakthroughs progress from mind-blowing to mainstay, network engineers are not being replaced by machines any time soon. Our somewhat ironic reliance on these human architects of digital communication systems is why they need a persuasive network engineer cover letter to connect with hiring managers on a personal level.
When you need advice and support to create either kind of job application document, avail yourself of Resume.io, a leading international resource. We’ve produced hundreds of occupation-specific writing guides and corresponding cover letter examples.
This cover letter writing guide, backed by a network engineer cover letter example, will discuss:
- The best format for structuring a network engineer cover letter
- Strengthening your connection with hiring managers in each cover letter part: header, greeting, introduction, body and conclusion
- Writing psychology to personalize the connection
- A bug-proofing checklist to avoid common mistakes.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market for computer network architects is expected to expand by 4% from 2021 to 2031, average for all occupations. Automation of parts of a network engineer’s job may tighten the market slightly.
Best format for a network engineer cover letter
Writing your network engineer cover letter should seem a lot less daunting than the structural perspective applicable to your profession. The same logical configuration of cover letter content is universally applicable to all occupations.
All cover letters should contain these components in order:
- Cover letter greeting / salutation
- Cover letter introduction
- Cover letter middle paragraphs (body)
- Cover letter closing (conclusion and sign-off).
As we go through each part one by one, our writing tips will emphasize the purpose of reinforcing your case for being the best network engineer hire.
First, here are some general guidelines for a network engineer cover letter that looks as good as it reads. Reader-friendliness is not unlike a well-designed user interface. At first glance, it should simply be clean and uncluttered in every streamlined sense.
- Strive for short — no more than 400 words on a single page.
- Pick a no-nonsense font style in a large-enough size.
- Balance the black text-heavy blocks on your page with white space in the margins and between lines.
- Take a less-is-more approach to creative formatting flourishes, including color splashes.
For high-quality, hassle-free results in no time, consider using one of Resume.io’s professional cover letter templates. These come in four design categories, along with a builder tool that makes it easy to adapt your own replacement text.
Find even more specific formatting guidelines in our comprehensive cover letter writing guide.
Here is an adaptable cover letter example for an network engineer that you can customize for the position and employer:
Dear Mr. Randall,
Having just won an award for Cisco Engineer of the Year, I am more than prepared to bring my deep network engineering expertise to Kalith Group as you undergo some significant business change.
My work at Brink Technology included everything that a network engineer might expect to have to deal with. I overhauled their communication network, introducing a mix of fourteen new service providers in addition to the incumbent suppliers, updated, set up, installed, and tested a wide range of network devices and redesigned the enterprise-wide LAN infrastructure to allow for easier troubleshooting and quicker hardware updates.
I understand that your legacy network is in urgent need of an upgrade as you move to new premises and increase the size of your team. I led just such a relocation at Trunk Link and delivered on an estimated four-month critical path in less than three. Our new processes and set up after the move decreased network downtime by 35% and improved reliability.
In terms of the procurement side of my role, I helped to design a process for RMAs that resulted in $800k component savings. Routing changes on the same project improved network performance by 35%, reduced latency by 25%, and led to increased productivity. I am a logical thinker and part-time sudoku champion, so solving puzzles is my forte.
My degree in Information Technology from UCLA quicky led to a specialization in network engineering and I have worked my way through all the major industry certifications — including CCNP, CCDP and CCNA that you mention in the job description.
I know that you run pre-hire tests as part of your recruitment process and I would very much look forward to demonstrating how I can find the best solutions.
Sincerely,
Anthony Marks
Targeting other jobs in the engineering sector? See our dedicated cover letters examples and guides:
Cover letter header
Your blend of geek and designer instincts might help you appreciate the practical and esthetic reasons for an eye-catching header — integral to every network engineer cover letter sample.
- The key function is to prominently display your name and contact information. Wherever it lands at any recruiting stage — on purpose or unintentionally – your cover letter is readily labeled as belonging to you. It’s also easily matched to your resume if either document goes astray. The best outcome is hitting the mark to score an interview, with hiring staff knowing instantly how to get in touch with.
- From a communication standpoint, you could win extra points for the extra effort you put into such visual details. The impact of a cover letter that stands out for being attractive and easy to keep track of will not go unnoticed by recruiters. See our cover letter example for a great header design.
A professional pair
Add polish and consistency to your network engineer cover letter and resume by making them match. The little extra effort it takes to align visual styles— notably in the header design — sets you apart as a detail-oriented job candidate. Your regard for communication nuances will come across in a pair of documents looking like they belong together, which they do.
Goal of the cover letter header: Off the top, your cover letter looks distinctly professional while attracting stylish attention for functional reasons.
Cover letter greeting
Get the greeting right in your network engineer cover letter and you’ve mastered another communication subtlety that can make a vital difference.
There are two reasons why addressing the recipient by name is a best practice. First, it’s a scientific fact that people like hearing or reading their own name and will respond positively. Second, it shows you are taking this job opportunity seriously by making an effort to personalize your application. It’s the first strong signal that yours is no cookie-cutter cover letter.
Knowing who to address by name might take some sleuthing. If no one is specified in the job application instructions as being the hiring manager — ideally your future boss — it’s worth investigating online or asking in a phone call. Failing these efforts to find out a recipient’s name or job title, strive for a suitable variation along the lines of “Dear IT Manager Hiring Team” or “Dear Digital Business Services Group.” Even as a last resort, avoid “To Whom it May Concern” or “Dear Sir or Madam.”
For the “how” aspect of a cover letter greeting, we stand by the traditional “Dear Mr. / Ms. / Dr. Surname.” It has not fallen out of favor as being courteous but not too cold, and is unlikely to offend. Just be sure to double-check the gender and correct name spelling. See the cover letter example below.
Only if you’re certain that the workplace culture is informal enough, it’s okay to replace “Dear” with “Greetings” or “Hello.” But still follow with a surname, not a first name. The only exception is when you and the cover letter recipient know each other.
Goal of the cover letter greeting: Start off on the right professional note by establishing a direct personalized connection with your cover letter recipient.
Cover letter introduction
Your network engineer cover letter introduction is where the recruiter’s first impression takes shape. It’s an attention-grabbing glimpse at the person behind the professional, previewing what you have to offer but saving details to unfold later, as shown in our cover letter example.
Reflecting what you’ve learned from the posted job description and additional research, make three pivotal points:
- Your qualifications are an ideal fit. Capture your network engineer experience and assets in relevant and relatable terms.
- The opportunity to work for this employer excites you. Show what you know about the company’s achievements or reputation.
- Your contributions would benefit this organization in ways that count most. Specify a current employer need that you are well equipped to meet.
Goal of the cover letter introduction: Capture the reader’s attention with a compelling connection between your strengths as a network engineer and the needs of this position and workplace.
Dear Mr. Randall,
Having just won an award for Cisco Engineer of the Year, I am more than prepared to bring my deep network engineering expertise to Kalith Group as you undergo some significant business change.
Cover letter middle part (body)
The middle part of your network engineer cover letter substantiates your introductory value proposition. It keeps the reader intrigued while sampling some of your most impressive accomplishments with eyes on the future. It paints a picture of what the hiring organization could look like with you in it.
Without replicating your resume in that shape or form, choose highlights for this cover letter section that will resonate, based on the same job requirement analysis and further research mentioned above. Try the “STAR” synopsis method to build a mini-success story around each specific situation, task, action and result you describe. If possible, use dollar or percentage measurements to express outcomes of cost savings, efficiency, quality or client satisfaction improvements. Check out the body section from our cover letter example below.
Goal of the cover letter body: Enable prospective employers to envision the benefits of hiring you as a qualified and accomplished network engineer.
My work at Brink Technology included everything that a network engineer might expect to have to deal with. I overhauled their communication network, introducing a mix of fourteen new service providers in addition to the incumbent suppliers, updated, set up, installed, and tested a wide range of network devices and redesigned the enterprise-wide LAN infrastructure to allow for easier troubleshooting and quicker hardware updates.
I understand that your legacy network is in urgent need of an upgrade as you move to new premises and increase the size of your team. I led just such a relocation at Trunk Link and delivered on an estimated four-month critical path in less than three. Our new processes and set up after the move decreased network downtime by 35% and improved reliability.
In terms of the procurement side of my role, I helped to design a process for RMAs that resulted in $800k component savings. Routing changes on the same project improved network performance by 35%, reduced latency by 25%, and led to increased productivity. I am a logical thinker and part-time sudoku champion, so solving puzzles is my forte.
My degree in Information Technology from UCLA quicky led to a specialization in network engineering and I have worked my way through all the major industry certifications — including CCNP, CCDP and CCNA that you mention in the job description.
Cover letter closing
To end your network engineer cover letter on an upbeat, confident note, first reiterate the top reason you are an outstanding candidate. Add a note of thanks for the reader’s consideration.
Now leave the door open for the recruiter’s next move with a compelling call to action.
There’s nothing wrong with sounding hopeful about an interview, perhaps asking if you may follow up in a week or so to arrange that. At least put some onus on the employer not to leave your letter unanswered — simply say you look forward to hearing back soon. Check our network engineer cover letter example for a better idea of how to accomplish this.
Finally, sign off with “Sincerely,” Best regards,” or “Best,” above your name. You’re done!
Goal of the cover letter closing: Sound positive and self-assured with a call to action that anticipates further contact from the employer.
I know that you run pre-hire tests as part of your recruitment process and I would very much look forward to demonstrating how I can find the best solutions.
Sincerely,
Anthony Marks
Writing psychology — a personal connection
As noted in the beginning of this guide, interpersonal connections are at the core of every network engineer’s success in making computers “talk” to each other. The role of these largely invisible digital architects in linking humans together can be a powerful cover letter theme.
Who do you picture on the receiving end of your network engineer cover letter? If it’s a techie like you, that reader will be on the same page. If not and it’s a CEO or a CFO, what is their business about? Or maybe it’s a nonprofit organization, government entity or public official.
Try to imagine switching places and being at the hiring manager’s desk right now. What would attract your attention and compel you to read through a network engineer’s cover letter — especially when inundated with scores of worthy job applications? With all of that biodata blurring together in your eyes and brain, what would jar you to the point of readily seeing shortlist potential? Might you consider a candidate's compatibility with co-workers alongside aptitude for network configurations? Could you picture that network engineer giving an animated meeting presentation or drinking coffee in the staff lounge, instead of being hunched over a hardware hub in some remote server room?
Make the most of this opportunity to connect with your cover letter reader. Let your personality and passion shine through to an extent that stand-alone resumes don’t allow.
Common mistakes — a brief bug-proofing checklist
Make no mistake — the bug-proofing bar for your network engineer cover letter should fall no lower than what recruiters expect from your commitment to excellence on the job. Don’t crash your chances by committing any of these common, but preventable cover letter errors.
- Sending clones of a generic cover letter to multiple employers en masse.
- Word bloat and clichés that waste precious page space without adding value.
- Over-emphasizing technical skills that should go without saying, at the expense of soft skills important to hiring managers.
- Failing to correct typos, spelling mistakes and grammatical gaffes, which are easily flagged by spell-check or Grammarly apps and old-school proofreading.
- Design and formatting bugs, which Resume.io’s field-tested cover letter builder tool and cover letter samples can help you avoid.
Key takeaways for a network engineer cover letter
- Job market growth for network engineers is holding steady, driven by continued expansion of IT networks across all industries.
- A successful cover letter reflects the human aspect of the computer connections that network engineers facilitate.
- Each cover letter section reinforces your connection with hiring managers by speaking to the employer’s network requirements.
- The interpersonal connections belying your technical accomplishments can be a powerful cover letter theme.
- Your cover letter must be as bug-free as the computer network infrastructure you design and configure.
