Software Engineer Cover Letter (+ Examples & Tips)

In an extremely competitive industry, sending a software engineer resume alone won't cut it. You will want to get the hiring manager's attention by further explaining your achievements and expressing your passion for the job, which is why you need the cover letter.

Some jobs may not ask for a cover letter, but you should always send one since it gives you a chance to introduce yourself to the hiring manager. It may also be the one thing that sets you apart from everyone else and helps you land your dream job.

In this article, we'll help you write the best software engineer cover letter that separates you from the bunch and helps you land your next software engineer position.

How to write a software engineer cover letter

If you want to land a software engineering or software developer job, you need a cover letter to boost your application. A good sample can help you write a document that gets you your dream job, especially if you struggle with writing one. The cover letter should be one page long and should showcase your personality and passion for the job.

According to the U.S Bureau of Statistics, the employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations at a rate of 22 percent from 2020 to 2030. This means that the opportunities will be in plenty, but at the same time, there will be more candidates hoping to get into the field.

If you have a hard time differentiating between a software developer and a software engineer, you are not alone. The two words are used interchangeably, but the roles differ a bit. A software engineer job involves working on a larger scale to create the tools that the software developer uses to develop the apps.

A cover letter for the software engineering sector should have the following sections:

• A header
• A greeting
• A catchy introduction
• A cover letter body
• A call to action/conclusion
• A professional sign off

Write an impressive header

A header contains your personal information, including your full name, phone number, home address and email address. This information allows the hiring manager to reach you if they need to, so it's important to check it before sending your cover letter to ensure it is accurate.

When writing a cover letter, ensure that you add the date after your details and right before the addressee's details. The addressee's details should also be correct because adding the wrong details shows a lack of attention to detail.

Examples

Introduce yourself efficiently and professionally

One of the main reasons for writing a cover letter is introducing yourself to the hiring manager. Your resume tends to list your qualifications and doesn't give you the chance to explain them further, which is why a cover letter is important.

Remember that this is your first contact with your potential employer and your chance to give your application that personal touch. So, do not use boring language. Start with a catchy introduction that will keep the reader wanting to know more about you.

Here are a few more tips to consider when writing your cover letter:

• Start with a formal greeting before your introduction. It is always better to mention the name of the recipient. For example, 'Dear John or Dear Mary.' However, if you can't find the recipient's name, you can use 'Dear Hiring Manager' or 'Dear Sir/Madam' if you are not sure of their gender.
• Do your research on the company you want to join to ensure you use the right tone and style for the recipient. Some companies are not too formal and don't mind a fun and conversational tone, while others may prefer a more serious tone.
• Be creative even as you showcase your skills and achievements to stand out from the other candidates.
• Proofread your cover letter before sending it to ensure you do not have any spelling mistakes and other errors.

The introduction should be catchy and interesting, as earlier mentioned, and should also contain the following information:

• An achievement or qualification that will get the recruiter's attention and make them want to continue reading your cover letter.
• You can mention the position you are applying for and express your interest and excitement for the job.

CORRECT EXAMPLE

Dear David,

I have been working as a software engineer for the past eight years and in my most recent company managed to develop the app Unwind that has now become a household name. This app alone increased the company's revenue by 65%, which is the highest figure to be generated by a mobile app or online software in twenty years.

While this was a significant highlight of my career, I am ready for a new challenge and believe that the senior software engineer position at Linroe Tech is perfect. I have read the job description and understand that you need to develop multiple apps for your clients in the digital marketing field and need someone to oversee the whole process.

The example above starts with a formal but personalized greeting which is what most recruiters prefer. It then starts with an achievement that the hiring manager cannot ignore, mentions the position they would like to apply for and explains that they understand what the role requires.

INCORRECT EXAMPLE

To whom it may concern,

I recently stumbled upon this open position and would like to apply for it. I have previously worked in the software development field and can code in multiple programming languages, and I believe I have what it takes to do a good job.

Explain why you're the right fit in the cover letter body

The body of your cover letter gives you the chance to explain why you are the best person for the job. In this section, you can describe the skills that make you the perfect candidate and describe more of your achievements and qualifications.

The middle section of your cover letter can have two to three paragraphs but keep them short and precise.

In the first paragraph, you can add your past accomplishments in your previous jobs and show the recruiter how that experience has prepared you for the new position. If you have any specific figures you can mention, don't leave them out.

The second paragraph can discuss how your unique skills and qualifications will be useful in the job you want and the solutions you will provide. Most employers want solutions to their problems, and if you can show them you are a problem-solver, they will give you the job. If you have any educational training, you can also mention it in this section.

If you've received commendations from management in your previous jobs or won awards for your expertise, you should add it to the body paragraph. They may set you apart from everyone else and help you land the job.

CORRECT EXAMPLE

My job at ZedTech Inc. as a Technical Team Leader in the IT department involved working on multiple apps from the development and design stage to the implementation level. We had at least ten apps on Playstore and Apple store that were downloaded by thousands of users in my time there. I believe I can help you achieve the same, which is why I'm excited about this position.

I also previously worked as a full-stack software engineer at Decter Tech and developed innovative solutions across multiple software platforms, which resulted in an award for the 'Most innovative employee in 2014.' The skills I earned in this position will be useful in the development stages of all your apps, and I would love to share them with you.

The example above goes into detail and continues to describe more of the candidate's accomplishments and achievements. It also explains the value that the candidate can offer the company.

INCORRECT EXAMPLE

I have worked as a software developer for many years and have completed multiple projects. I also have years of experience working with various computer systems and will use this experience to help you create the best apps.

The example above does not detail and specify the projects that the candidate worked on that will make them great for the job they want. The candidate does not also point out any accomplishments that make them a unique asset to the company.

Finish your software engineer cover letter with a Call to Action (CTA)

The call to action should be in the last paragraph of your letter. It should encourage the hiring manager to respond positively.

You don’t want to write an amazing cover letter and then leave everything to chance. This is why it’s important to include a call to action and invite the recruiter to respond to your application.

When writing your call to action, you should thank the recruiter for their consideration and request the next steps for the interview.

Examples of how to write a CTA

• Please get in touch with me here for any more information.

This call to action invites the recruiter to reach out to you using the provided contact information if they need any other information.

• I would love to meet and discuss the role further.

The recruiter may consider this an invitation to meet in person and call you for an interview.

• I hope to hear from you soon.

This call to action shows the recruiter you are eager to hear from them and may invite them to call you for the interview.

• Let me know if there is any additional information you can offer.

This call to action shows the hiring manager you have a significant interest in the job as you are asking for more information.

• You can reach me at any time on the phone number provided for any updates.

Adding this call to action to your cover letter is a great way to give the recruiter more options to reach you.

Tips to optimize your CTA in seconds

• Do your research on the organization you want to join and the role you want to apply for.
• Every time you want to apply for a job, you need to research the role you want to apply for and the company. You can also use the job description to learn more about the role and include the right keywords in your call to action.
• Summarize your accomplishments to remind them why you are the perfect candidate.
• As you sign off, remind the recruiter of some of the accomplishments that make you the best candidate to show them the value you will bring to the company.
• Remember to thank the recruiter for considering you for the position.
• Proofread your cover letter before sending it.
• Ensure that your letter doesn’t have mistakes and that the call to action is professional and polite.

The Farewell: How to write it properly

The sign off on your cover letter is as important as any other section of your cover letter and should be done correctly.

Example of how to write the farewell correctly

• Best regards
• Sincerely
• With kind regards
• Most sincerely
• Respectfully yours
• Sincerely yours

What you have to avoid

Some of the sign-offs you should avoid include:

• Take care
• Cheers
• Best wishes
• Love
• XOXO
• Yours

Tips to boost your cover letter

Cover letters are vital, and you should always accompany your resume with one unless told otherwise. Let’s look at some tips to help you write the best software engineer cover letter.

• Check the job description and add the right keywords. If the recruiting manager uses the ATS systems to scan cover letters, you will have a better chance of getting to the next level in the recruitment process if you have the right keywords.
• Consider using a cover letter template. The same way resume templates help you structure your resume is how cover letter templates help you with your cover letter and ensure you do not leave out any important information.
• Avoid using one generic cover letter. You should always write a new cover letter for each job and personalize it to suit the position you are applying for.
• Keep your cover letter short and precise. Highlight your most relevant achievements to the job you are applying for.

Complement your software engineer cover letter with a resume

A cover letter on its own will not land you your dream job. It would be best to accompany it with a software engineer resume that summarizes your experience, skills and educational training. If you need help with your resume, you can check out our software engineer resume example.

Key points: Writing a software engineer cover letter masterfully

• It’s important to accompany your resume with a cover letter unless the recruiter states they do not need one.
• The introduction determines whether your potential employer reads the rest of your resume, so ensure it is catchy and interesting to read.
• The information in your header should be accurate to ensure the recruiting manager can contact you.
• Use a professional greeting on your cover letter and address a specific person if possible.
• Check the job description and add the right keywords to ensure your cover letter is not filtered out if the recruiter uses the ATS systems.
• Always add a call to action to your cover letter and a professional sign off.
• A software engineer resume is essential for your application. Our resume examples can help give you an idea of what to include in your resume.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should my software developer cover letter be?

It should be one page long but should cover the most important and relevant achievements to help you land the job.

How do I write my cover letter from zero?

• Start with a header that should have accurate information, then add a professional greeting.
• An interesting and engaging introduction to get the hiring manager’s attention will follow, then the body. Lastly, add a sign-off/farewell to complete the cover letter.

How do I end my cover letter?

The best way to end your cover letter is by thanking the recruiter for their consideration and including a call to action, letting them know you would love to hear from them.

We try not to use so many notes together.