cover letter for fresh graduate software engineer

The Complete Software Engineer Cover Letter Guide + Examples

You’ve completed your certification and are now on the lookout for a well-paying software engineering job at a competitive company, but it’s daunting to get a foot in the door for an interview.

How do you flex your newfound skills and get noticed, standing out from the cascade of application packets that fall on a hiring manager’s desk (or their inbox)?

Here’s an opportunity to breathe life and personality into your job hunt: the software engineer cover letter .

Think of your application as an ecosystem, one that contains a cover letter, resume, and portfolio. Each piece relies on another to further tell different facets of a story, the story of you. Each is symbiotic to the other two, forming the entire narrative of who you are. For an application to flourish, each must individually thrive and support the other.

While we will be covering the cover letter, it’s only one third of your presentation. You can also find a complete software engineer resume guide for some extra CV spice!

If you’d like to skip ahead to a particular section, simply use the the clickable table of contents:

Should I write a software engineering cover letter?

What should you include in a software engineer cover letter, how long should a software engineer cover letter be, introduction.

• Software engineer cover letter examples
• Three tips for writing a great software engineer cover letter

1. Software engineer cover letter FAQs

The short answer is yes, absolutely! You should always write a cover letter when applying to software engineering jobs. A cover letter adds depth, context, and nuance in conjunction with your resume and software engineer portfolio . It allows your tone and voice to be heard, adding a human layer to the process.

The job market for software engineering can be quite competitive, with tons of applications bombarding recruiters. According to ResumeLab , 77% of recruiters said that they give preference to those applicants that submit a cover letter, saying further that it helps demonstrate that you’d be a good fit at a company. A cover letter can make an application packet pop and be the determining factor in getting you in the door.

When it comes to what should be included, think of what your resume and portfolio are unable to say about you. These should be essential details.

The list of necessities is actually quite short:

• Greeting that’s ideally tailored to the hiring manager
• Introduction with an enticing hook that’s also like an elevator pitch
• Body with further information tailored to a business’s pain points
• Conclusion containing a strong call to action

You don’t want a cover letter to be too long, so be sure to write no more than a single page ; aim for a sweet spot of around 4 or 5 short paragraphs or less.

We’re looking to efficiently tell a story about who you are in the context of your experience displayed on your portfolio and resume. Think of how that story would fit into the company that you’re applying to.

2. How to write a software engineer cover letter

This is where we touch on the nitty-gritty of writing the document.

Before you start writing, deeply research the companies that you plan on applying to. This lets you tailor your information to exactly what they’re looking for. Good research shows that you have both enthusiasm as well as the capacity to dig deeply.

Throughout the document, be sure to mention transferable skills that you’ve picked up along the way. They’re looking for an experienced Software Engineer, of course, but there are soft skills that aren’t mentioned in the job description. Specifically lean into those skills that you learned in your last job.

According to Indeed on what are soft skills :  “soft skills … relate to how well you can work with and interact with others.”

Write in the structure and tone of a letter; the document should include an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Be sure to include a greeting that’s targeted toward the hiring manager, preferably by name.

In the introduction, you’ll want an enticing hook to draw the reader in and keep them engaged; get them looking forward to the body and conclusion. Make them want to see the call to action. Remember, in this story, the hiring manager’s your audience.

Think of your intro as an elevator pitch, covering the most important information as succinctly as possible. What’re the essential points that you can get across in that first paragraph? While we’ve made the letter skimmable, be prepared for the reader to only read or remember the introduction.

This is where the bulk of your data is, spanning 2 to 3 short paragraphs. Detail how your experience, especially your soft skills, will be vital to the company that you’re applying to.

Ideally you’ve found a company’s history and pain points; this is where you can insert your experience to meet those needs. Be sure to align your skills with each qualification mentioned in the job posting.

When mentioning work that’s on your resume, it’s always helpful to talk about the last job that you’ve held to display the information that’s still fresh. It may be helpful to include specific, relevant projects that you’ve worked on in the past.

Expound on any major accomplishments that you have, providing quantifiable data where applicable. Data driven points can turn a sentence from, “I saved SoftwareBusiness Inc. a lot of money,” into, “I saved Engineers LLC $7,000 in Q1 2023 by…” Specific metrics highlight the outcomes to hiring you.

This is the story’s resolution! We’ve so far hammered through the introduction and body, but it’s essential that we not go light on this conclusion.

This is a space to reiterate how you would be a perfect fit for the job opening. Briefly thank them for reading. Deliver a strong call to action that encourages them to follow-up with you and hire you for the position.

3. Some software engineer cover letter examples

One of the best ways to compose a cover letter is to look at examples that already exist and apply what you’ve learned. Here are some examples we’ve whipped up:

4. Three tips for writing a great software engineer cover letter

While these aren’t essential components, these three tips will help you compose and polish a strong software engineer cover letter to wow your way into a new job.

• Find patterns in companies in order to expedite the composing process for multiple letters. If applying to a lot of jobs, it may be helpful to find some common threads that exist between them and write to that. When you’re sending one out, you can alter a few details to match that specific company.
• Take some time to iterate with fresh eyes. We tend to have a few hours of good writing in us a day. Seeing your piece anew may help in picking up mistakes that you have looked over or think of new ideas. Think of writing in the way a sculptor would see a piece of marble. The finished sculpture is in there, and each time you visit, it comes more and more into shape.
• Make the document skimmable. As we’ve touched on a few times, hiring managers usually see a lot of applications. Emphasizing and highlighting key points will improve the odds that they see the information that you value the most.

5. Final thoughts

It’s taken a lot of work to get through your coding bootcamp, and the job hunt is still before you! A good cover letter can make or break an application to a hiring manager overwhelmed by packets. After learning how to effectively write a cover letter, you’ll have an edge over your counterparts.

Again, think of your cover letter as a facet of your application ecosystem. What are the things that are important for you to communicate that neither your resume nor portfolio can convey? How can you support your resume and portfolio through communicating your ideas efficiently and with data-driven metrics?

When embarking on the job hunt, having someone to help show you the way can make all the difference. That’s why when students of CareerFoundry’s Full-Stack Web Development Program  reach the end of their studies, they get paired up with a career specialist . You’ll work closely with them to connect the dots between your previous accomplishments with your newfound coding skills.

Together, you’ll create a winning software engineer resume that showcases your talent, and carefully craft your online presence to appeal to tech employers. You’ll also fine-tune your interview skills , learning how to confidently market your experience and to prepare for the recruiter phone screen .

If you are interested in reading further about improving your chances during the hiring process for software engineers, check out some of our other articles:

• 38 of the Best Web Developer Portfolio Examples
• Creating the Best Tech Resume: Guide With Tips and Examples
• 28 Technical Interview Questions Software Engineers Should Expect to Ace

12 Software Engineer Cover Letter Examples

Software Engineers are the architects of the digital world, meticulously crafting code that powers our everyday lives, blending creativity with logic. Similarly, your cover letter is the blueprint of your professional journey, detailing your technical skills, innovative solutions, and dedication to problem-solving in a way that captivates recruiters. In this guide, we'll delve into the best cover letter examples for Software Engineers, helping you to construct a compelling narrative that stands out in the tech industry.

Cover Letter Examples

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The best way to start a Software Engineer cover letter is by grabbing the reader's attention with a strong opening line. This could be a brief introduction about yourself, your passion for technology, or a notable achievement in your career. Then, mention the specific job role you're applying for and how you came across it. It's also beneficial to show enthusiasm about the company you're applying to, demonstrating that you've done your research and understand their values and mission. This approach not only showcases your skills and experience but also your interest and dedication to the company.

Software Engineers should end a cover letter by summarizing their interest in the role and their confidence in bringing value to the company. It's important to express enthusiasm for the opportunity and to reiterate how their skills and experiences align with the job requirements. They should also include a call to action, such as looking forward to the possibility of discussing their qualifications further in an interview. Here's an example: "I am excited about the opportunity to bring my unique blend of skills and experience to your team and am confident that I can contribute significantly to your projects. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my application with you further." Always remember to end with a professional closing like "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your name.

A Software Engineer's cover letter should ideally be about one page long, or around 300-500 words. This length is enough to succinctly present your skills, experience, and passion for the role without overwhelming the reader. Remember, hiring managers often have to go through hundreds of applications, so keeping your cover letter concise and to the point is crucial. It's important to focus on quality over quantity, highlighting your most relevant experiences and skills that make you a strong fit for the specific role you're applying for. Also, ensure to personalize your cover letter for each job application, as this demonstrates your interest in the particular role and company.

Writing a cover letter with no experience as a Software Engineer can seem challenging, but it's definitely possible. Here's how you can approach it: 1. **Start with a strong introduction**: Begin by introducing yourself and stating the position you're applying for. Mention where you found the job posting and if you have any mutual connections with the company. 2. **Highlight your education**: If you're a recent graduate, emphasize your degree and any relevant coursework. Discuss any projects or assignments you completed that are relevant to the job. This can show your understanding of key concepts and your ability to apply them. 3. **Showcase transferable skills**: Even without direct experience, you likely have skills that can be applied to a software engineering role. This could be problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, or communication skills. Provide examples of how you've used these skills in the past. 4. **Discuss relevant experiences**: You might not have professional experience, but perhaps you've done internships, volunteer work, or personal projects related to software engineering. Discuss these experiences and how they've prepared you for a role in software engineering. 5. **Express your passion for software engineering**: Employers want to hire people who are passionate about their work. Discuss why you're interested in software engineering and how you stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends. 6. **Show your willingness to learn**: As an entry-level candidate, employers will expect you to learn on the job. Express your eagerness to learn and grow in the role. 7. **End with a strong conclusion**: Reiterate your interest in the role and the company, and express your desire to contribute to their success. Thank them for considering your application and express your hope to discuss your qualifications further in an interview. Remember, your cover letter should not just repeat your resume. It should provide context and examples for your skills and experiences, and express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Be sure to proofread carefully before sending it.

Related Cover Letters for Software Engineers

Software developer cover letter.

Full Stack Developer Cover Letter

Front End Developer Cover Letter

Backend Developer Cover Letter

Java Developer Cover Letter

Mobile Developer Cover Letter

Entry Level Software Engineer Cover Letter

Experienced Software Engineer Cover Letter

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Software Engineer Cover Letter Example (w/ Templates & Tips for 2024)

The days you learned how to write "Hello, World!" on a computer screen are long gone.

You've always been captivated by computers and learning how to speak their language, and now you're on the brink of turning your passion for programming into a full-fledged career as a software engineer.

It feels like you've debugged your way to this moment, but there's this one compile error you didn't anticipate: crafting the perfect cover letter.

Staring at a blank page that should be showing off your coding genius and technical know-how feels a lot like encountering an unexpected bug at 3 a.m.— and you just can't seem to find the right lines of "code" to introduce yourself.

But don't worry!

In this article, we're going to help you structure your technical expertise and professional journey, step by step.

Here’s what we’ll cover: 

• Stellar Software Engineer Cover Letter Example
• 5 Steps to Crafting a Memorable Software Engineer Cover Letter
• 3 Must-Know Cover Letter Tips for Aspiring Software Engineers

...and so much more!

Let’s dive in!

Software Engineer Cover Letter Example

5 Steps for the Perfect Software Engineer Cover Letter

Alright, you've just seen what a top-tier cover letter looks like in action. 

Now, follow these five tried-and-tested steps to write your own job-winning cover letter : 

#1. Put Contact Information in the Header

For starters, make sure you've got your contact details front and center. Slotting them into the header, just like you would on your software engineer resume , is the way to go.

Here’s your checklist:

• Full Name: Pop your full name right up there at the top. 
• Professional Title: Make sure the title on your cover letter is aligned with the software engineer role you're going for. Given that hiring managers might be swimming in a sea of applications for all sorts of roles, being precise about the position you’re passionate about really smooths things out.
• Email Address: Opt for an email that’s clean and easy, ideally a mashup of your first and last names. And just a heads up: that funky email from your teen years? Might want to leave that in the past. While "[email protected]" might be memorable, "[email protected]" keeps things professional.
• Phone Number: List a reliable number. And if you're eyeing a gig overseas, don't forget the dialing code.
• Location: Your city and state or country usually hit the mark. But, if you're scouting for remote gigs or pondering a move abroad, be sure to mention that.
• Relevant Links (Optional): Feel free to drop in links to your GitHub, portfolio, or LinkedIn profile if relevant.

Are your details in place? Awesome. Next, list the hiring manager's info.

Here's the rundown:

• Company Name: Note the name of the firm or startup you're reaching out to.
• Hiring Manager’s Name: If you can, jot down the name of the hiring manager or team lead. A quick glance at the job listing, the company's site, or even their LinkedIn might give you the intel.
• Hiring Manager’s Title: If you stumble upon the right contact and notice they're, for instance, the "Lead Software Developer," then jot that down. It adds a personal touch compared to a generic "Hiring Manager."
• Location: Typically, the city and state or country should do, especially if they're a household company. But if you want to get ultra-specific, you can include the street address too.
• Email Address (Optional): If you happen to find the hiring manager’s email, slotting it in can be a neat addition.

#2. Address the Hiring Manager

Once you've typed in your key contact details, think about the best way possible to address your cover letter .

To start with, let's avoid the old-school “To Whom It May Concern." We can do better!

Your cover letter's greeting can set a positive tone for the hiring manager, but only if you hit the right note.

Begin with a bit of homework. Dive into the job posting, scour the company's website, or peek at their LinkedIn. Your mission? Uncover the name of the hiring manager for the software engineering role you've got your sights on.

Now, onto the greeting. A safe bet is to lead with "Ms." or "Mr.", followed by their last name. But if you're drawing blanks on their gender or marital status, simply roll with their full name. Like so:

• Dear Mr. Thompson,
• Dear Alex Thompson,

If your detective skills don't pan out, don't sweat it! Direct your letter to the broader engineering team or the company:

• Dear Software Engineering Team,
• Dear Tech Recruitment Team,
• Dear Head of Engineering,

#3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement

Tech recruiters typically spend just about seven seconds glancing over a software engineer's application before determining its potential for a full review.

That's why nailing that initial impression is essential for an impactful software engineering cover letter.

Begin your letter by stating your name and talking about what draws you to the role. Illustrating your enthusiasm for the tech realm or the particular position can pique the recruiter's interest in you.

It pays dividends to dive into some research on the company . With a deeper understanding of the firm, you can accentuate how you align seamlessly with its ethos and objectives. This not only showcases your dedication but signals to the recruiter that your interest in this role isn't a fleeting whim.

If you've got a rich background in software engineering, consider highlighting a standout project or skill that positions you as the go-to candidate for the job.

Nevertheless, keep the opening statement brief. Your goal is to spark the recruiter's intrigue and get them to read the rest of your cover letter.

Check out these awesome cover letter examples to get inspired for your own opening statement. 

#4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details

The core of your software engineer cover letter is where you can expand on what truly sets you apart as a potential asset for the company.

Avoid the pitfall of simply reiterating your resume content. Instead, this is your golden chance to emphasize your coding expertise, project experiences, and technical qualifications. Aim to make the hiring manager believe that among a sea of applicants, you're uniquely suited for the position. Reference any significant achievements or projects that demonstrate your prowess in the domain, and always refer back to the specifics of the job posting.

Here, too, align your cover letter to the specific requirements of the job advert. If the role highlights proficiency in a particular programming language or framework, be sure to delve into your experience with it, rather than perhaps focusing on a general software development approach.

Your awareness of the company's software products, tech stack, or contributions to the tech industry can be a significant advantage. If you've used or are familiar with any of their software or tools, do mention it. This not only illustrates your interest but also how you resonate with their technological vision and company values.

Lastly, let your genuine interest in the role shine. Convey your eagerness and assure them of your potential contributions with your distinct technical talents and experiences.

And remember — avoid these common cover letter mistakes at all costs. 

#5. Wrap It Up and Sign It

Bringing your cover letter to a compelling end is just as vital as an attention-grabbing opening.

Ensure that your closing paragraph highlights the strong image you've projected so far. Use this space to affirmatively recap your suitability for the role, drawing attention to the coding languages, projects, or unique technical skills that differentiate you from the rest.

Then, add a call to action. By prompting the hiring manager to take a step forward, like diving deeper into your portfolio or discussing potential projects, you not only leave a lasting impression but also amplify your prospects of being shortlisted for an interview.

To conclude, it's essential to adopt a professional tone. Opt for a befitting sign-off, and then jot down your full name. For example:

Should you wish to explore my application further or delve into specific projects I've undertaken, please reach out via the given email or phone number. I'm eager to discuss how I can contribute to your team's next groundbreaking software project.

Warm regards,

Alexa Turing

If "Warm regards" seems a tad cliché to you, you might want to consider these alternatives:

• Yours sincerely,
• With thanks,
• Best regards,
• Appreciating your time and review,

3 Essential Software Engineer Cover Letter Tips

Now that you've got a good grasp on cover letter basics, let's crank it up a notch with some cover letter tips :

#1. Match Your Resume

For your application to be perfect, your software engineer resume and cover letter should be uniform.

For a coherent and professional look, format your cover letter similarly to your resume. Otherwise, you may give off the impression of being disordered or unattentive to detail.

Your text, together with your contact details, needs to sit neatly on the page, and the font size and style should be the same in both documents. In addition, remember to adjust the page margins and line spacing equally and make sure that your cover letter neatly fits into a single page.

Last but not least, send out both documents in the same format - preferably, as PDF files. That’ll ensure they look the same regardless of the device or Operating System hiring managers use to open them. 

Or Use A Cover Letter Template Instead

Eager for a shortcut? 

Go with our free resume builder to create the perfect software engineer resume and then pick a matching cover letter template to save time and effort.

Our templates are crafted in collaboration with hiring managers globally, ensuring they hit industry standards right on the mark. You save time and get a matching cover letter for your resume that looks absolutely professional. Sweet deal, Isn’t it?

#2. Mention Skills and Keywords

As a software engineer, being technologically sound isn't enough; you also need to communicate your skills effectively. Here's where the role of mentioning skills and keywords in your cover letter comes into play.

Incorporating relevant skills and keywords from the job advertisement in your cover letter is a powerful strategy. It does more than show you are qualified; it also illustrates your attention to detail and that you have tailored your cover letter for the specific role.

These skills and keywords act like a map for hiring managers, guiding them to the information they're most interested in. As they skim through volumes of cover letters, yours stands out showcasing exactly what they're looking for; making their job easier, and thus improving your chances.

Including job-specific skills and keywords also shows your understanding of the industry and the role. By translating the job requirements into your own experiences and achievements, you're not only showing you're competent but also that you're a good fit for the company's culture and values.

However, do keep an eye on not overstuffing your cover letter with keywords. The idea is to weave them naturally into your skills and experiences narrative. Keep it authentic and reflective of your true professional story.

#3. Save It To The Right File Format

Now that you've written a stellar cover letter as a software engineer, it's time to hit the save button - but wait! Choosing the right file format can make a big difference in how your cover letter appears to the hiring manager.

When it comes to file formats, PDF (Portable Document Format) is your best friend. 

Why? Well, because it ensures that your formatting stays intact, no matter what device the hiring manager uses to open your cover letter. Whether they're viewing it on a computer, tablet, or smartphone, a PDF file ensures that everything looks just as you intended.

PDFs offer a consistent and professional-looking document that is easy to read and won't be distorted or altered. This is crucial because you want to make a positive visual impact that reflects your attention to detail and technical expertise.

However, there might be exceptions to this rule. Sometimes, the job ad explicitly asks for a different file format. In such cases, be sure to follow the instructions provided. C

Key Takeaways

And there you have it, the ideal software engineer cover letter! We hope our guide motivates you to craft one that propels you closer to your desired role in no time.

Before you start writing your letter, here are some main points to remember from our guide:

• Begin your software engineer cover letter by listing your contact details and those of the hiring manager. Ensure all your information is correct so that the hiring manager can easily reach out to you.
• Compose a captivating introductory paragraph in your cover letter to grab the hiring manager's attention, compelling them to continue reading.
• In the main section of your cover letter, delve into your notable accomplishments and skills relevant to the software engineer role you're pursuing.
• Add a call to action at the end, encouraging the hiring manager to get in touch or arrange an interview.
• Finally, make sure your software engineer resume and cover letter have a consistent look and feel. If you're pressed for time, consider using one of our resume templates along with its matching cover letter template.

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How to nail a software engineer cover letter?

[ Click here to directly go to the complete Software Engineer Cover Letter sample ]

Whether you are looking for an entry-level software job or a senior software engineer job, landing your dream job could hinge on writing a great professional cover letter along with your resume.

Creating a good cover letter may seem daunting, especially if you have never created one. This guide would make sure to help you craft a robust job-winning cover letter.

Writing a cover letter is a skill that can be learned and perfected despite age. Keep yourself hooked until the end to ace your cover letter writing process.

Here are a few key tips for writing an excellent software engineer cover letter

Here are some key points you should keep in mind before writing the software engineer cover letter:

• Research about the company and add industry-relevant keywords in your software engineer cover letter
• Quantify your achievements in your software engineer cover letter and bold the same to make them noticeable
• Customize your cover letter for every company you apply to and avoid using generic phrases
• Read the checklist for a software engineer cover letter before you submit the final to the hiring manager

Here's a summary of what you would find in this guide:

• What is a software engineer cover letter?
• Tips for writing a cover letter for a software engineer
• The Do's and the Dont's of a software engineer cover letter
• The Checklist for a software engineer cover letter

What is a Software Engineer Cover Letter?

A job-winning software engineer cover letter is a personalized letter specific to the company. Your cover letter is the first thing a recruiter would probably notice.

It can either make or break the deal. Creating an engaging cover letter is vital to compel the recruiter to invest more time in evaluating you and reviewing your resume.

The coveted space is a chance to create a compelling narrative about yourself. You can show your interest and enthusiasm to work with the company in particular. You can add your skills and expertise that make you an ideal candidate for the job position.

Suppose you have been in your career for a few years and have remarkable work experience. In that case, you can include your proficiency in programming languages, showcase any domain expertise, the technology stacks you've encountered before in your work, and many more.

Hiration pro tip: If you are a fresh grad and do not have enough professional experience, focus on your skills, Key achievements, volunteering experience, Internships that align with the job position requirements.

Note that how you present yourself must align with what the employer seeks to stand out from the crowd and secure the job position. That being said, it has more to do with your research about the company.

You can visit the company's websites, read articles, go through their social media profiles to have a clearer picture.

You can also connect and seek help from the people already working in the company via LinkedIn profiles. They can connect you with the right person who can give you factual information about the job position and the company's work culture to present the best version of yourself.

Tips for Writing a Great Cover letter for a Software Engineer

Searching for a job is no small task. Crafting an attention-grabbing software engineer cover letter is another hindrance to your job search journey.

Follow the given tips to arm yourself with a proper cover letter that would escalate your chances of selection-

• Do your research work before you start to write a cover letter to demonstrate that you have sufficient knowledge about the company and the product.
• Start your cover letter with why you are applying for the job position in the company and what makes you an ideal candidate for the role.
• Add industry-relevant keywords in your cover letter to highlight your expertise for the job role and increase the odds of landing a job.
• Add sufficient white space between the paragraphs, and do not use more than two fonts throughout your cover letter to ensure a smooth reading experience.
• Describe how your experiences and skills would add value to the company. You can add both soft and hard skills.
• Be optimistic about your vision of the company and identify yourself with the organization's brand.
• If you have enough space, feel free to add relevant certifications, achievements, and awards.
• Exhibit your interest and enthusiasm to work with the company and always end your cover letter with a call to action.

The Do's and the Dont's of a Software Engineer Cover Letter

To make sure your cover letter helps you land the interview, keep these do's and don’ts in mind while you're writing your cover letter for a job-

Quantify Your Achievements

Numbers have magic to it. Backing your accomplishments with the help of concrete numbers would leave a long-lasting impression on the hiring manager.

Use numbers wherever possible. You can also bold the numbers to make them noticeable at first glance.

Address Your Cover Letter to the Hiring Manager

Make research to address the cover letter to the concerned hiring manager. Assume reading a letter written to you but not addressed to you. How would you feel?.

Never use a generic "Hello" or "To whom it may concern" to address the letter.

If you can't find the hiring manager's name, address the letter to the head of the department. That would at least show that you have done your homework.

Skills and Certifications

Add skills, experiences and certifications targeted to the job profile. You mustn't write anything that is not true.

With that being said, write only those skills that you can substantiate in front of the interviewer.

You can also add any remarkable results or accomplishments relevant to a job role. Emphasize any problem you encountered as a software engineer and how efficiently you solved it.

Avoid Sounding Too Generic

Ask yourself- if you change the company's name and the job profile, can you send the same cover letter across all the companies you are applying for?.

If the answer is yes, the simple advice is you need to work on your cover letter.

You need to customize your cover letter for every company you apply to. A generic cover letter would only land in rejected piles. Spending time doing research about the company and customizing your cover letter is worth the time.

Hiration Pro Tip: Do not use generic lines as I have excellent computer skills or I am a hardworking individual.

That would do no good to your cover letter. If you find any such generic phrases, eliminate them from your cover letter while proofreading.

Make sure your cover letter does not exceed one page. Cover all the vital information in 3-4 paragraphs maximum.

Checklist for a Software Engineer Cover Letter

Once you are done with writing the cover letter, ensure that all the information is placed correctly. One silly mistake can ruin all your efforts and time. Let's get down to the nitty-gritty of a cover letter.

Here's what you must ensure in each section of your cover letter before you send one-

Cover Letter Introduction

• Ensure that the cover letter has a strong opening paragraph.
• Communicate why you fit the role in the first few lines to keep a hold of the reader.
• Have you mentioned the company's name and the job position you are applying for?
• Certify that your cover letter confronts the standard business format.

• Have you included all the vital skills and experience relevant to the job role to entice the reader to spend more time reviewing your resume?
• Do your cover letter and resume follow the same format in terms of the layout and the font?
• Explain any inconsistency in your resume to avoid any doubts
• Is the information written in your cover letter unique or just a copy-paste of your resume?
• Review if your cover letter is to the point and easily readable.

Closing Paragraph

• Have you provided your phone number and email id for the hiring manager to connect with you directly? You can omit it if you have included them in the header.
• Does your cover letter contain a call to action?. If not, you can confidently request the recruiter for an interview to further discuss the opportunity.
• Do not forget to sign your cover letter if you email a hard copy to the recruiter.

Key Takeaways

With that, we have come to the end of the blog. We hope that our guide has provided you with some value, and now you can confidently write a cover letter. Always remember that you must send a cover letter to every job you apply to until it is explicitly mentioned not to do so.

Here's a quick roundup of the guide so that you don't miss out on any important information and craft a kick-ass job-winning cover letter-

• Keep your cover letter crisp and to the point. It's best to divide it into 3 or 4 paragraphs maximum, each section explaining different aspects of your professional life.
• Do not use a generic cover letter for all the companies you apply to. Personalize every cover letter specific to the company
• Directly talk about your skills and expertise to prove that you are ideal for the job position.
• Consider your cover letter as an opportunity to talk about any inconsistency your resume may have.
• End your cover letter with a call-to-action. Ask the recruiter directly for the interview to discuss the job role further.
• Make sure you proofread the entire letter before sending it. Any grammatical errors or spelling mistakes can be a big turnoff.

If you want to create a software engineer cover letter, go to Hiration Cover Letter Builder and select from 20+ templates and create a professional cover letter all by yourself.

We have 20+ ATS-friendly design templates, and you can choose any that your think might work best for the job you are applying for. Get them in 15+ designs.

Hiration can also help you prepare for an interview and boost your confidence with an extensive database of 20,000+ interview questions and sample answers for 150+ work profiles.

You can also avail yourself of our Resume Review Service, where you can upload your existing academic resume on our Online Resume Builder and get insight from professionals on what changes you can make in your resume to make it shortlist-worthy.

Go to Hiration career platform which has 24/7 chat support and get professional assistance with all your job & career-related queries. You can also write to us at [email protected] and we will make sure to reach out to you as soon as possible.

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4 Software Engineer Cover Letter Examples

Use these templates to craft the perfect cover letter for your situation.

Whether you’re a junior developer fresh out of college or a senior software engineer leading multimillion-dollar projects, landing your next software development job could hinge on writing a great, professional cover letter. Winning cover letters are personalized; they paraphrase requirements listed in the job description, express enthusiasm for the company culture and make a clear case for why your technical and soft skills make you uniquely suited to the role.

The cover letter is your chance to elaborate on which programming languages you’re proficient in, whether you’re a front-end, back-end, or full-stack programmer, what technology stacks you’ve encountered before, and any domain expertise you’ve acquired. If you’re a fresh grad with limited professional experience, use your cover letter to explain passion projects you started, JavaScript libraries you taught yourself to use and open-source contributions you made on GitHub. 

👉 Read next: 5 essential steps to a perfect GitHub portfolio

A template to get you started

The job search process can be stressful and, when it comes to cover letters, you might not know where to begin. Stand out to recruiters by following this simple template for a software engineer cover letter.

• Introduce yourself and your background : Craft an elevator pitch to establish why the hiring manager should pay attention. For example, “I’m a front-end developer with three   years of experience   building responsive, visually appealing websites for property management firms.”
• Explain why you’re the best candidate for the role:  Choose three or four bullet points from the job description and talk about how they relate to your background. Provide examples of projects, skills, or other past accomplishments that prove you have relevant experience. If the job description calls for the “ability to deal with ambiguous, undefined problems,” mention that time you worked for a pre-seed startup and created several iterations of a mobile app in response to user feedback. 
• Provide detail on why you would fit in with the company: Express enthusiasm for the company. Perhaps you’re a longtime customer/user, you admire the CEO or you’ve read positive reviews of the organization’s professional development opportunities. Personalize your reasoning to suit the company's culture and discuss how your soft skills align with their values. 
• Frame your closing statement as a   call to action:  Inspire the reader to move forward with your application. Reiterate in one line how you plan to add value to the team and close with an invitation to schedule a call/video chat or meet in person. ( Example: “I believe my five   years of experience   in web design, specifically working in the finance industry, will be an excellent match for this job. I would love the chance to further discuss the position and what skills I’d bring to the role.” )

However, this template isn't one-size-fits-all. Cover letter formats vary based on years of experience, skill set and technical expertise. Next, we'll discuss different cover letter templates, writing tips, and points to emphasize based on your experience level. We'll also include software engineer cover letter examples for each career stage. 

If you have little to no experience...

This may apply to college freshmen or sophomores seeking their first internship, or anyone with limited exposure to the industry.

Show the hiring manager you’re dedicated to obtaining practical experience outside of an academic setting. Perhaps you practice coding 10 hours a week (you should!), recently taught yourself a new programming language or have contributed suggestions or bug fixes to several open-source projects. 

Other attributes to emphasize in your cover letter:

• You know 1-2 programming languages well 
• You have hands-on experience with HTML/CSS/Javascript in your coursework, with sample projects to prove it
• You know someone at the company/you have a referral ( Eg: “A former classmate, John Smith, suggested I reach out to you about the software developer intern position at Company X.” )
• Show that you understand the company culture and mission (Eg: “I’m deeply passionate about working with a company that puts their customers first, which is why I was so excited to learn about the internship opening at Company X.” )

👉 Next: learn about one of the most prestigious software engineering internships in the world

Sample cover letter: Software engineer/developer intern

Cover Letter Dear Mr/Ms. [Insert name], I am a third-year computer science student at XYZ and I’m highly interested in your software engineer intern position. A fellow XYZ alum, John Smith, who holds a senior software engineer position at your company, suggested I get in touch with you. Your firm’s dedication to providing a superior user experience and innovative product design is the reason I’m an avid user of Product X, and explains my excitement for this role.  As a junior, I’ve completed 75% of the requirements for my major and am fully proficient in front-end web development. My most noteworthy class project involved building a fully functional prototype of a desktop music app, which I created using Python and SQL. My course focuses mostly on HTML/CSS/Javascript, so in my spare time I taught myself Python because I knew it would prepare me for a variety of software development roles -- including this one.  To prepare myself for this internship, I started contributing to a number of open-source projects on GitHub that are related to the music industry, and I’ve become proficient at spotting and fixing minor bugs in the source code, as well as understanding and annotating ReadMe files. I believe my dedication, work ethic and passion for software development will make me a valuable addition to the development team. I would love the chance to speak with you further about the role and how I can make a positive contribution to your organization.  Yours Sincerely, [First name, Last name]

If you’re seeking an entry-level job...

This may apply to recent graduates, from undergraduate, masters, or potentially PhD programs.

While you probably possess the baseline skills a junior developer needs, you may lack experience with production. Writing production-ready code is very different from coding for coursework or a portfolio project. In a production environment, you must deploy the code, test it, monitor its performance and fix the code when it breaks (and it will), while satisfying nonfunctional requirements like scalability and reliability.

When explaining past projects you’ve worked on, show that you’re aware of real-world constraints. For example, say you prototype a vacation planning app for your capstone project. Briefly discuss how you would handle a spike in user traffic during holiday periods.

• You know 1-2 all-purpose programming languages very well, such as Python or Java, in addition to the standard front-end languages HTML/CSS/JS. 
• If you have experience with production, mention that, even if it was part of a volunteer project. Otherwise, show you understand the software development life cycle and where non-functional requirements come in.
• Mention your credentials. Software engineering is a field with a high technical barrier to entry, so you need to prove you have baseline coding skills. 
• Demonstrate your soft skills, such as the ability to explain technical concepts to non-engineers and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Explain your thought process when giving examples of coursework or passion projects. Engineering is about tradeoffs; hiring managers want to know how you solve problems. 

Sample cover letter: Entry-level software engineer/developer

Cover Letter Dear Mr/Ms. [Insert name], I am thrilled to apply for the entry-level software engineering position at Company X. I am a recent graduate of the computer science program at X University, having completed courses in software testing, database administration, computer architecture and Java programming with a 3.7 GPA. With my experience contributing to open-source projects, I have a strong aptitude for troubleshooting and finding and fixing bugs that can cause the code to break.  During my final years at X University, I interned for two summers at JP Morgan, where I engineered an automated recovery solution to help reduce identity theft and fraud. My ability to understand business requirements and communicate technical solutions in layman’s terms would make me an ideal addition to Company X’s software development team, as I can act as an efficient communicator between the software engineering team and other departments, such as sales and marketing.  I am fluent in the primary languages used at Company X, including C++ and Python. I have eagerly followed the release of your new proprietary mobile payment software, which I believe has the potential to help millions of startups offer ecommerce channels at low cost. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss your needs and how I might best fulfill them. Best regards, [First name, Last name]

If you’re a low or mid-level software engineer...

This applies to job seekers with 1-4 years of experience in the field.

Focus on establishing trust in your cover letter. As a junior developer, you’ve probably spent most of your time following instructions from a senior developer and might not have achievements to brag about just yet. Instead, show that you’ve satisfied the baseline requirements for your role -- projects are done on time, you’ve written production-ready code, and your responsibilities have slowly increased over the years (with or without a formal promotion).

• You have a passion for learning new programming languages and being involved in different phases of the software development life cycle
• You’re proficient in at least one or two stages of the software development life cycle
• You have experience fixing bugs (even minor ones), working on internal or “admin-side” tools or features and assisting in initial project planning
• You demonstrate initiative and can offer several ways for solving a problem
• You know how to compose testing plans and schedules
• You’re proficient in programming languages such as HTML, Javascript, CSS and Python

Sample cover letter: Software engineer/developer

Cover Letter Dear Mr/Ms. [Insert name], I enthusiastically read your recent advertisement for the junior web developer position and am writing to express my interest. My aptitude for learning new programming languages combined with my extensive knowledge of HTML, CSS, SQL/PLSQL and jQuery make me uniquely suited to this position.  In my current role as a front-end web developer at XYZ, I have developed web-based applications from design to coding and user testing under the direction of the senior developer. By relying on solid programming knowledge as well as excellent verbal and written communications skills, I have consistently written terrific code within customer-set time frames.  I have three years of front-end web development experience and am committed to staying up-to-date with all technological advancements. Consequently, I have obtained recent certifications in Amazon Web Services and Google Analytics, giving me the skills required to exceed in the junior web developer role at Company X.  I would be honored to be considered for a position on the team and would love the chance to speak with you to discuss how I can make a positive impact at Company X. Kind regards, [First name, Last name]

If you’re a senior software engineer...

This applies to job seekers with 5-8 years years of experience in the field.

As a seasoned professional, you no longer need to qualify your baseline technical skills in your cover letter. Instead, focus on the positive impact you’ve made to the teams on which you’ve served. Mentoring junior developers, clarifying business requirements, and ensuring a smooth collaboration between the development team and the rest of the organization are just a few examples. Create a sense of upward trajectory in your cover letter: mention promotions (and what you did to deserve them), times where you took the lead on projects and how your contributions impact the bottom line. 

• Experience reviewing code written by junior developers, leading projects and mentoring others
• Deep domain expertise -- In addition to your programming skills, you have deep knowledge of a specific industry or field
• You understand the full scope of the project and can delegate tasks to team members
• You know how to conduct experiments/tests, validate assumptions and connect the dots to reach a conclusion
• Your contribution to the bottom line (Eg: mitigating risk, consistently meeting project budgets/timelines)

Sample cover letter: Senior software engineer/developer

Cover Letter Dear Mr/Ms. [Insert name], Throughout my 10-year career as a software engineer, I have always kept my eye on openings at Company X. Your company is often in the news thanks to its innovative products and employee-first culture. When I saw the senior position open up, I knew I had to apply right away. Based on the job description, I believe I am a highly suitable candidate. Your job listing indicates you are looking for someone who can design new customer-facing software with a user-friendly interface. Throughout my career, not only have I designed new programs, but I’ve worked closely with UX designers to test and iterate software upgrades for SaaS companies. I know teamwork is a major tenet of Company X’s culture, and I would be grateful for the opportunity to contribute my experience of working closely with product managers, marketers and UX designers to meet and exceed project targets. Having started as a junior developer at XZY before being promoted three times in the course of six years, I know how to lead, collaborate and follow as needed. Because of my experience designing client-side web applications for SaaS companies, I am confident that I would excel in your senior software engineer role. Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, [First name, Last name]

👉 To ace the application process, you also need a stellar software engineer resume. Formatting and content play an important role, but like cover letters, the right resume template will vary based on your experience level. For resume examples at every skill level, visit this link.

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Resume Worded   |  Career Strategy

11 entry level software engineer cover letters.

Approved by real hiring managers, these Entry Level Software Engineer cover letters have been proven to get people hired in 2024. A hiring manager explains why.

Table of contents

• Entry Level Software Engineer
• Junior Software Engineer
• Junior DevOps Engineer
• Software Engineer I
• Junior Software Developer
• Associate Software Engineer
• Alternative introductions for your cover letter
• Entry Level Software Engineer resume examples

Entry Level Software Engineer Cover Letter Example

Why this cover letter works in 2024, empathy-driven development.

What I love about this cover letter is that it highlights the importance of empathy in software development. Job seekers should showcase projects that demonstrate their understanding of users' needs and the impact of their work on people's lives.

Optimization and Efficiency

By emphasizing the quantifiable impact of their past work, the writer showcases their commitment to optimization and efficiency. Job seekers should include specific examples of their accomplishments and describe the tangible benefits that resulted from their efforts.

Showcase Leadership Skills

When you talk about leading a team for a significant project, you're sending a clear message of your leadership skills. As a fresh graduate, this is a big plus. It shows you can handle responsibility, guide others and deliver results, which are all traits companies value greatly.

Quantify Achievements

Mentioning how you contributed to reducing server response time by a specific percentage is a fantastic way of quantifying your achievements, especially in tech roles. It offers concrete evidence of the impact you've had, and that's something employers can immediately understand and appreciate.

Express Growth Mindset

You're demonstrating a growth mindset when you speak about wanting to continue your growth as a software engineer. It tells me you're not just in it for the job, but are genuinely interested in improving your skills and learning. And in fast-changing industries like tech, that's a winning attitude.

Highlighting Impactful Experiences

When you discuss how you spearheaded a project during your internship that automated data entry and cut down manual work by 40%, it paints a clear picture of your capabilities. You're not just telling me that you know how to code; you're showing me that you can use it to solve problems and have a tangible impact on productivity.

Showcasing Leadership

By mentioning that you volunteered to lead a team to integrate an AI module, you're demonstrating your initiative and leadership skills. Plus, you quantify the result, which shows me what kind of impact I can expect you to have at Google.

Demonstrating Company Passion

When you express your excitement about Google's culture of creativity and innovation, it shows me that you've done your research. You're not just looking for any job, but you're specifically interested in the work that we do.

Proactive and Committed

You explicitly point out your proactive approach and commitment to continuous learning. This tells me that you're someone who's going to take initiative and constantly strive to improve - something I definitely want on my team.

Gratitude and Interest

Ending your cover letter by showing gratitude for the consideration and expressing your desire to contribute to our team is a nice, humble touch. It shows that you're excited about the role and eager to make a positive impact.

Connect with the company's mission

It's key to show that you understand and share the company's goals. This makes you look like a good fit right from the start.

Show your software development impact

Talking about how you increased user engagement with a new feature proves you can deliver results. This is exactly what hiring managers look for.

Highlight specific technical skills

Mentioning your expertise in Python and Java, along with the scale of your projects, shows you have the skills needed for the job. This is very convincing.

Match your passion with the job

Expressing how the role aligns with what you love doing is a great way to show your enthusiasm for the job. It makes you stand out as a passionate candidate.

Close with a call to action

Ending your cover letter by looking forward to an interview shows confidence and eagerness. This is a good strategy to prompt a response.

Does writing cover letters feel pointless? Use our AI

Dear Job Seeker, Writing a great cover letter is tough and time-consuming. But every employer asks for one. And if you don't submit one, you'll look like you didn't put enough effort into your application. But here's the good news: our new AI tool can generate a winning cover letter for you in seconds, tailored to each job you apply for. No more staring at a blank page, wondering what to write. Imagine being able to apply to dozens of jobs in the time it used to take you to write one cover letter. With our tool, that's a reality. And more applications mean more chances of landing your dream job. Write me a cover letter It's helped thousands of people speed up their job search. The best part? It's free to try - your first cover letter is on us. Sincerely, The Resume Worded Team

Want to see how the cover letter generator works? See this 30 second video.

Show Impact Through Experience

Highlighting a specific achievement that resulted in a quantifiable improvement, like increasing course completion rates, speaks volumes. It shows you're capable of delivering tangible results, not just doing tasks.

Junior Software Engineer Cover Letter Example

Demonstrate initiative.

Developing a tool that increases productivity, even if only for a school project, shows initiative and a focus on delivering real, practical solutions. It's a strong indication that you're not just about theory but can apply what you've learned to solve real-world problems.

Show Impact on User Interaction

Redesigning a user interface and increasing user engagement is a big deal. It means you understand that great software isn't just about code—it's about creating a positive user experience. It’s impressive you already have this experience and it definitely catches my attention.

Express alignment with company values

Stating how much you value clear communication, just like the company, sets the stage for a strong application. It tells the employer you're on the same page.

Demonstrate problem-solving skills

Describing how you developed a tool that improved user satisfaction highlights your ability to identify and solve problems—a key trait for a junior software engineer.

Detail your technical journey

Outlining your experience with machine learning and natural language processing shows you have advanced skills that can be a great asset to the team.

Connect your aspirations with the role

Showing excitement about working on features that help people communicate better indicates that you're motivated by the impact of your work. This is appealing to employers.

End with enthusiasm and readiness

Closing by expressing eagerness to contribute to the company's goals leaves a lasting impression and shows you're ready to take on the challenges of the job.

Junior DevOps Engineer Cover Letter Example

Illustrating real-life impact.

When you talk about transitioning legacy applications to a cloud-based architecture and reducing deployment times by over 50%, it provides a concrete example of your impact. It's not just about the technical skills you gained, but also about how you applied them to make a significant improvement in efficiency.

Leading with Initiative

You not only highlight your leadership skills but also your ability to innovate by adopting containerization for a key project. By doing so, you're demonstrating that you can take charge and drive change, which is exactly what we need in a DevOps engineer.

Eager for Growth

Your excitement about working at the forefront of cloud computing and DevOps practices with Amazon tells me you're eager to learn and grow. This kind of enthusiasm is contagious and can really enrich our team culture.

Effective Collaborator

You mention your ability to collaborate effectively and your drive to continuously seek out better solutions. This shows me you're not just technically skilled, but you also have the mindset necessary for a DevOps role, where collaboration and continuous improvement are key.

Appreciation and Ambition

Expressing gratitude for the consideration while also showing your ambition to contribute to Amazon's success and further develop your skills, strikes a great balance. It shows you're appreciative of the opportunity, but also ready to tackle challenges head-on.

Software Engineer I Cover Letter Example

Connect on a personal level.

Starting off by expressing a personal connection to the company's mission shows you're not just there for a paycheck but share a deeper alignment with what the company stands for, which is pretty powerful stuff.

Junior Software Developer Cover Letter Example

Show your personal connection to the company.

Talk about your first encounter with the company's product. This shows you have a genuine interest and a personal connection, making your application more memorable.

Demonstrate software development impact

Mention specific projects where you improved something significant, like user retention. It tells me you're not just coding, but also thinking about the user's experience and the business impact.

Highlight technical achievements

Discuss technical improvements you've made, such as reducing page load times. It proves you have the skills to solve problems and improve product performance.

Express enthusiasm for the company's mission

When you talk about your excitement to contribute to the company's goals, it shows you're motivated by more than just a job.

End with a strong call to action

Ending your letter by expressing eagerness to discuss your contribution shows confidence and proactivity.

Associate Software Engineer Cover Letter Example

Share your initial encounter with the company.

Mentioning how you came to know about the company through personal or academic use showcases your long-term interest in their work.

Detail your software engineering expertise

Describing your skills and how they've led to successful projects conveys a strong foundation in critical areas of software development.

Illustrate problem-solving abilities

Talking about overcoming complex challenges, like migrating to a new architecture, highlights your problem-solving skills and readiness for technical hurdles.

Show excitement for the company's vision

Expressing enthusiasm for the company's role in industry innovation suggests you're looking to be part of something bigger and share their vision.

Conclude with forward-looking optimism

A conclusion that looks forward to potential discussions about your role at the company demonstrates both respect and eagerness to engage further.

Alternative Introductions

If you're struggling to start your cover letter, here are 6 different variations that have worked for others, along with why they worked. Use them as inspiration for your introductory paragraph.

Cover Letters For Jobs Similar To Entry Level Software Engineer Roles

• Entry Level Software Engineer Cover Letter Guide
• Experienced Software Engineer Cover Letter Guide
• Junior Software Engineer Cover Letter Guide
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Thank you for the checklist! I realized I was making so many mistakes on my resume that I've now fixed. I'm much more confident in my resume now.

Your favourite senior outside college

Home » Job Tips » Resume Writing Tips » Software Engineer Cover Letter

Software Engineer Cover Letter: Format, Guidelines, & Samples

Creating a captivating yet professional cover letter specifically for software engineers is crucial to keeping a prospective employer/recruiter hooked. It is also necessary to set yourself apart from the competition in a competitive field like software engineering. This is why we are here to help you land a job by creating the perfect cover letter for software engineers. You will learn the steps to write a cover letter along with cover letter samples in this blog.

Table of Contents

Steps to Creating a Software Engineer Cover Letter

Here are practical steps to create the best cover letter for a software engineer.

1. Add Sender’s & Receiver’s Address

The first step in creating a software engineer cover letter is adding a sender and receiver address at the top right corner of your letter. Below is a sample template. Begin with your home name and home address, followed by the date. Then add the name and address of the recipient which in this case is the hiring manager. In case, you do not have the name of the hiring manager, you can simply address the letter to the ‘Hiring Manager.’

2. Add Salutation

The salutation is an important aspect when creating a cover letter for a software engineer. It serves as a professional greeting that addresses the hiring manager or employer. Be formal and respectful by using appropriate titles such as Mr., Ms., or Dr. followed by their last name.

3. Craft an Introduction

In the opening statement of your application letter for a software engineer, it is advisable to state the specific job position you are applying for. Additionally, you can introduce yourself by highlighting your current role and relevant experience in that field. You can also mention any specialized skills or areas of interest within software engineering that align with the desired role. 

4. Include Relevant Skills

One way to enhance your job application is by including both your hard skills and soft skills. For instance, you can highlight your proficiency in coding languages and knowledge of Agile as examples of hard skills. You can expand your skillset by taking a software testing course . As for soft skills, you could demonstrate how you have utilized effective communication or teamwork to contribute to the success of projects or support your colleagues in the workplace. 

5. Highlight Projects and Achievements

Adding completed projects is a valuable tool for highlighting your skills in a cover letter. You can highlight your specific responsibilities for each project. Include any leadership roles, special responsibilities, or ad-hoc tasks that you may have undertaken. Further, providing measurable outcomes to showcase your achievements and contributions in each project is essential. 

6. Highlight Interest

When crafting your application letter for a software engineer, be sure to explain specifically why this software engineering role interests you. Perhaps there is a specific project or technology used by the company you think will enhance career development.  It’s important to keep in mind that the person reading it may not have access to any other information about you. Therefore, endeavor to explicitly mention relevant details about your professional background and how the company aligns with your career goals.

7. Include a CTA

CTA is an acronym for “call to action” This simply means stating what you want the recipient of your letter to do. Here is an example of a good CTA, “I would like to extend my appreciation for your time in considering my application. Should you require any further information or wish to schedule an interview, please do not hesitate to reach out”. 

Here you have asked the recipient of your software engineer cover letter to reach out to you if they need any further information from you. Additionally, after a CTA, you could add a sentence about how you can add value to the company/team. Here is a good example of a sentence to add after a CTA, “With my skills and experience, I am confident that I can make a valuable contribution to the company. Thank you once again for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you soon”.

8. Conclude and Edit

To complete your cover letter for software engineer, make sure to include a closing sentence and sign it with your name. If you’re sending an electronic version of the letter, there are various tools available for creating and inserting a digital signature.

It is recommended to use a formal greeting such as; regards, sincerely, with gratitude, or best regards. Additionally, before sending your cover letter cross check it for typos or grammatical mistakes. Consider checking out this quick guide on best resume formats to enable you to craft a complimentary striking resume

Also Read: Highest Paying Companies for Software Engineers in India .

Cover Letter Template for Software Engineer

Here is the best cover letter template for software engineers.

Cover Letter Examples for Software Engineers

Below are various cover letter examples for software engineers based on work experience.

Sample 1: Cover Letter for Fresher Software Engineer

Here is a software engineer cover letter for freshers and entry-level candidates.

Sample 2:  Cover Letter for Mid-Level Software Engineer

Here is a cover letter for software engineers for mid-level professionals.

Also Read: Highest Paying Jobs in Software Engineering .

Sample 3: Cover Letter for Experienced Software Engineer

Here is a software engineer cover letter for experienced professionals.

A well-written cover letter for software engineers is essential to stand out from other candidates and make a strong first impression on potential employers, it also enables them to demonstrate their skills. Therefore, when crafting an application letter for a software engineer, start with a strong introduction, outline relevant skills, and include a CTA. By following the steps outlined above, you can craft an ideal software engineer cover letter that will effectively demonstrate your skills and professional achievements.  Consider checking out this guide on cover letter formats with relevant samples to enable you to structure your CV professionally.

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Shailja Kaushik has been an Editor with Internshala since March 2023. She loves creative writing and experimenting with different forms of writing. She has explored different genres by working with journals and radio stations. She has also published her poems and nano tales in various anthologies. She graduated at the top of her class with Bachelor's in English and recently completed her Master's in English from the University of Delhi. Her experiments with writing continue on her literary blog.

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5 Software Engineer Cover Letter Samples & Tips in 2024

• Software Engineer CL
• Software Engineer Intern
• Entry-Level Software Engineer
• Python Software Engineer
• Senior Software Engineer
• Write Your Software Engineer CL

As a software engineer, you analyze users’ needs and develop and test software to meet those needs. With communication and collaboration, you apply engineering principles to software development to make it happen.

Your process includes recommending software upgrades, translating data into action, coordinating with software and programming teams, and documenting improvements to address clients’ concerns. You also do your share of planning, strategizing, and hands-on work with programming and database tools.

You’re ready for your next job, but first, you’ll need to write a cover letter and software engineer resume  that attest to your  job skills . Most dread the thought of writing a cover letter , but we’ll ease the process with our software engineering cover letter examples and pointers.

Software Engineer  Cover Letter Example

USE THIS TEMPLATE

Microsoft Word

Google Docs

Block Format

Why this cover letter works

• Software engineers should be bought into the company’s values—make sure you demonstrate an interest in those values right away in your software engineer cover letter and show previous examples of how you’ve supported them.
• Even if the  software engineer job description  is brief, there are always specific requirements you can build upon, especially if you visit the company’s website to glean more details. 

Level up your cover letter game

Relax! We’ll do the heavy lifiting to write your cover letter in seconds.

Software Engineer Intern Cover Letter Example

• For example, Amara’s stint as an intern at Esurgi shows her using PostgreSQL for database management, providing the recruiter with tangible evidence of her competency even as an intern. How you weave in this tale matters, though. Outline your responsibility and impact catalyzed by your contribution. Top it off with the lessons learned.

Entry-Level Software Engineer Cover Letter Example

• Take, for instance, that journey of using HTML, CSS, or JavaScript to build a website from scratch. Let your enthusiasm show as you describe the project’s purpose and wins, such as garnering 142 new users within the first month.

Python Software Engineer Cover Letter Example

• She references her experience as a gamer and a Python software engineer, both of which are focal points in the job description and the company as a whole. 
• Python software engineers must meet specific job requirements, so dive into this stat. Show your interest by citing examples that support it!
• References to the “Twisted Treeline” and her “ultimate ability” show her experience with League of Legends, a Rushdown game, to reinforce her connection with the company.
• The company culture and vision aren’t always as obvious or boldly stated as Rushdown’s, but with some online digging, you can find a company goal, obstacle, or core value to tie to your experience when writing your Python software engineer cover letter.

Senior Software Engineer Cover Letter Example

• Beverly follows up the initial overview of her skills by tying up her senior software engineer cover letter intro with a nod to UCLA Health’s mission statement—a perfect way to connect with the company! 
• UCLA Health emphasizes two major points in its job description: technical skills and the ability to grow and create scalable products. Its website also focuses on cutting-edge technology, so Beverly leverages these points well.
• Remember that researching the company can uncover a gold mine if the job description is sparse.

Senior Software Engineer Resume

Need a resume to pair with your software engineer cover letter?

or download as PDF

Write Your Best Software Engineer Cover Letter

All in all, the best cover letter will demonstrate a strong understanding and connection with the company. A software engineer can do this by using their technical skills to relate to the role in the job description coupled with the company’s overall vision and goals—all with a winning tone and positive message, of course!

Use the following steps to guide your writing process so you can write your best cover letter yet. 

Step 1: Know the company & understand the role

So many cover letters out there are snooze-fests that wind up in the recycling bin. To ensure yours isn’t one of them, pay attention to the details of the specific software engineer position you’re applying for and tailor your cover letter accordingly. 

Read the  software engineer job ad . Keep an eye out for things that set it apart—details like specific programming languages and software strategies, for example.

Research the company, too! Your software engineer cover letter must not only demonstrate a crystal-clear understanding of the role as laid out in the job description but prove that you’re a great fit with the company’s values, goals, and core missions. Just a handful of details showing that you know the company’s vision and software engineer role better than the average applicant will go a long way in setting you apart from other applicants. 

Step 2: Align your successes with the company’s needs

Your  software engineer resume  offers recruiters a quick peek at your skills and professional history. Since it’s less than a page, you don’t have much space within your bullet points to give a more extensive explanation of how your skills and experience make you an ideal candidate for the specific position. That’s the job of your cover letter! 

Touch upon the best points in your software engineer resume but expand upon them with descriptions of how you accomplished said achievements as well as the positive impact they had. Don’t just talk about what you created—talk about what it did to benefit others. 

• Taking this a step further, your resume might list your Python and MySQL skills—but how did you apply them during your last job?
• Did you build an application that boosted profit margins and kept them growing after you departed?
• Did you engineer an analytical or testing application that significantly reduced bug and error reports?
• Maybe you singlehandedly optimized an application to skyrocket customer satisfaction rates: If you did, say so! 

This is your opportunity to show off your greatest accomplishments anecdotally and tie them into what the job description requests. 

Tip 3: Don’t underestimate your tone & message

As you can probably imagine, there’s a lot more that goes into a cover letter for software engineers besides technical information. The overall message of your letter should mirror the qualities that the job listing calls for and demonstrate the values and vision of the company as a whole.  You don’t want to just convey that you’re a software engineer who can work wherever—your message needs to convey that you want to work  there!

As a software engineer with a vast array of technical skills and fascinating professional experiences, it might be tricky—but keep your cover letter to a page. And within that space, consider your tone of voice. 

Your tone should match the role: Senior software engineer candidates should convey confidence and experience, and all applicants (especially entry-level ones) should demonstrate enthusiasm and eagerness to contribute to the company.

Additionally, consider the company culture and vibes. Working for a healthcare company likely means you should take a bit more formal tone while employers at a gaming company will probably appreciate a little pizazz and a more conversational approach.  

Software engineer candidates should convey confidence, experience, and demonstrate eagerness to contribute to the company.

Lastly, set aside time for editing and revising. It may take several tries to get the message and tone of your cover letter just right, but the extra effort is worth it! Ensure you clean up embarrassing typos or copy-paste mishaps in your cover letter, and be deliberate about word choice to refine your tone. 

Start with Our Outline for Your Software Engineer Cover Letter

Outlining your software engineer cover letter is a great way to make sure you don’t forget any key points. And just as  formatting your resume  is important, format matters in your cover letter, too; we’ve got you covered. 

How to start a software engineer cover letter

Your contact info:  List your name, phone number, location, and email (if you’re using a templated cover letter). 

• Formatting:  Leave out your name here if you’re using a business block format for your address.

Date:  Use the exact date that you submit your application materials 

• Formatting:  Write out the full date instead of shortening it, e.g., January 5, 2023.

Inside address:  This is the recipient’s address. Include their name, company and position, and the company’s address.  

Clive Russo, Hiring Manager UCLA Health Human Resources 4562 Larwin Ave Cypress, California 90630

• Formatting:  Each part of the address should be on a new line. Remember to double-space between the inside address and your greeting, too. 

Greeting:  Your greeting/salutation is your crucial first impression! Do your homework and uncover the name of the hiring manager or employer, avoiding generic terms like “To whom it may concern,” and please, at all costs, never start with “Dear Sir or Madam.” Ick!

• Formatting:  Use a colon instead of a comma after your greeting for more formal companies. Companies like Rushdown (see the Python software engineer cover letter sample) are far more casual; a comma will do just fine.

How to write your software engineer cover letter

Body:  The body of your software engineer cover letter should be 3-4 paragraphs that demonstrate your interest, show off your credentials, and exhibit an appropriate level of enthusiasm for future discussion.

• Formatting:  Lines should be single-spaced throughout the body but double-spaced between paragraphs.

Opening paragraph:  Don’t be generic or vague. The last thing you want is for a potential employer to say “Boring!” and toss your cover letter aside.

Bad : I really like gaming, so it’d be great if I could work for your company. I’m familiar with plenty of technical tools that would help your company.

Why It’s Bad : Based on what we just discussed, this cover letter has already been tossed. It’s great that the applicant apparently loves gaming and has technical skills—but exactly how will they help the company . . .? What “technical tools” are they?

Good : As a Python software engineer with 5 years of experience alongside countless more as an avid gamer, I’m confident I would make a skilled and valuable addition to Rushdown’s team. Just as I live for each new gaming challenge in Twisted Treeline, I thrive in environments that challenge my strategic planning and creative use of skills such as PostgreSQL, AWS, and Docker.

Why It’s Good : This introductory paragraph dives into the applicant’s experience and demonstrates a strong personal connection with the company’s passion for gaming—all while exploring technical skills the job description specifically listed in its requirements section. Nice!

Paragraphs 2-3:  These paragraphs are for you to shine the spotlight on your best achievements that align with the job ad and with the company’s goals, values, and mission.

It’s time to put your money where your mouth is—but remember to maintain a clear focus in each paragraph. You don’t have room for all your awesome achievements, so try to stick with one major point per paragraph and include only the most relevant metrics and results.

My talent in engineering and developing large, highly responsive UX-personalization applications that can scale with rapidly growing datasets empowered me to engineer algorithmic software that responded and adapted to customers’ individualized needs based on personal history. This boosted sales by 19 percent, and I’m confident that this experience would translate seamlessly from improving customer experience to streamlining workflow for medical staff to care for patients more effectively.

Why It’s Good : Beverly highlights something from the job description that she’s already done (engineering large-scale algorithmic software) and provides the number as evidence of her claim. She also clarifies exactly how this accomplishment will benefit the place where she’s applying now, even though her past experiences were applied within a very different type of company.

Closing paragraph:  Finish strong with a concise but compelling statement of how your traits and abilities as a software engineer align with what the company or organization needs. And lastly, end with an enthusiastic call to action that encourages future contact with the company.

Bad : As you can see in my letter, I’m well qualified for this position and would do a great job with my skills. Call me anytime for more info and I can tell you more about the other stuff I can do.

Why It’s Bad : Where do we even start with this one? Your cover letter should be specific, adding more tidbits on why you’re an excellent fit whenever possible. This redundant first sentence and boring, informal call to action are inexcusable.

Good : The strong team culture at Chipton-Ross resonates with me as I enjoy thinking analytically to resolve questions of program intent and translating documentation and data into helpful operating instructions for my coworkers. I welcome further discussion, so please contact me for details on how my software engineering experience will benefit your team and maximize client savings.

Why It’s Good : This one works. You can see how the applicant’s traits and experience align with the company’s values, and there are several keywords that came straight from the job description. Additionally, the call to action is welcoming yet professional while reinforcing the candidate’s value to the company. 

How to end a software engineer cover letter

Signature:  Say “thank you” if you didn’t do that in your closing paragraph, and always use a professional close along with your real name.

Thank you for considering me to join your team,

Beverly Hanes

• Formatting:  If you’re handing out hard copies of your software engineer cover letter (anyone out there still doing this?), quadruple-space before your name. This allows space to sign by hand in blue/black ink. 

Enclosure(s):  This part of your cover letter is important since it signals the recruiter to look over any supplemental materials. Pay attention to the job description for requested materials like certifications or letters of recommendation. 

Enclosures:  Resume  Application Letter of Recommendation

• Formatting:  Make sure you use the correct singular or plural form of “enclosure” depending on how many items you’re enclosing!

Before You Land Your Dream Software Engineering Role

We know you’ve probably put a lot of thought into your cover letter as a software engineer—after all, analytical thinking and strategic planning are among your strong suits! However, while your cover letter is important to refine and perfect, you’ll need to  write a winning resume , too.

Even if you already have a resume, chances are it’s gotten a bit dusty. Take the opportunity to  check your resume  over for a quick refresh. Browse through our  software engineer resume examples  or start editing this one here if you’re ready to knock it out. 

Software Engineer Resume

Easing your job hunt and taking your career to the next level is possible with the tools and  resume tips  we offer. Once you nail down the perfect cover letter and resume, recruiters will know why you’re such a great hire. They’ll be hard-pressed to turn you down as a result! 

You’ve already covered coding in your software engineer resume , mentioning languages and frameworks like Python or Angular. Use your cover letter to elaborate on them and show how you leveraged them to make an impact. For example, discuss a project you’re particularly proud of—such as a fully responsive web app—and attach a link to it so the hiring manager can check it out.

Software engineering is a highly dynamic field, so you’re in luck! Emphasize transferable skills and experience in your cover letter to earn brownie points. For instance, express how your background in teaching means you’ll be good at conversing with a non-technical audience or how your previous job in retail taught you attention to detail.

Senior software engineers are no strangers to headhunting, so you may have job offers lined up a lot of the time. However, for a job that you actually care about, you should always attach a cover letter. It shows that you respect the company, and it gives you a chance to express why you want to work there instead of anywhere else.

Graduate Engineer cover letter examples

Are you a recent graduate looking to accelerate your engineering career?

Then you need to effectively showcase the skills and experience you gained during your studies, starting with a creative cover letter.

Find out how to tailor your application and highlight your value with our step-by-step guide below, complete with graduate engineer cover letter examples to shape your own.

CV templates 

Graduate Engineer cover letter example 1

Graduate Engineer cover letter example 2

Graduate Engineer cover letter example 3

These 3 Graduate Engineer cover letter example s should provide you with a good steer on how to write your own cover letter, and the general structure to follow.

Our simple step-by-step guide below provides some more detailed advice on how you can craft a winning cover letter for yourself, that will ensure your CV gets opened.

How to write a Graduate Engineer cover letter

Here’s how to write your own winning Graduate Engineer cover letter

Write your cover letter in the body of an email/message

When you send a cover letter with a job application, you should always write your message into the body of your email – or the body of the messaging system if you are sending via a job website.

Why do this?

Simply because you want to get your message seen as soon as the recruiter opens your application.

If you attach the cover letter as a separate item, this means the recipient will have to open it before they can read it – slowing down the process and potentially causing frustration along the way.

So, write your cover note in the body of your email/message to ensure you make an instant connection with the reader.

Start with a friendly greeting

To build an instant connection with the recruiter reading your cover letter, start with a warm greeting.

It should be friendly but not casual – keeping it professional at all times.

• Hi, hope you’re well
• Hi [insert recruiter name]
• Hi [insert department/team name]

Avoid overly formal greetings like “Dear sir/madam ” unless applying to very traditional companies.

How to find the contact’s name?

Addressing the recruitment contact by name is an excellent way to start building a strong relationship. If it is not listed in the job advert, try these methods to find it.

• Check out the company website and look at their  About page. If you see a hiring manager, HR person or internal recruiter, use their name. You could also try to figure out who would be your manager in the role and use their name.
• Head to LinkedIn , search for the company and scan through the list of employees. Most professionals are on LinkedIn these days, so this is a good bet.

Identify the role you are applying for

Once you have opened the cover letter with a warm greeting, you need to explain which role you are interested in.

Sometimes a recruitment consultant could be managing over 10 vacancies, so it’s crucial to pinpoint exactly which one you are interested in.

Highlight the department/area if possible and look for any reference numbers you can quote.

These are some examples you can add..

• I am interested in applying for the role of Graduate Engineer with your company.
• I would like to apply for the role of Sales assistant (Ref: 40f57393)
• I would like to express my interest in the customer service vacancy within your retail department
• I saw your advert for an IT project manager on Reed and would like to apply for the role.

See also: CV examples – how to write a CV – CV profiles

Highlight your suitability

The bulk of your cover letter should be focused around highlighting your suitability for the job you are applying to.

Doing this will show the recruiter that you are suitable candidate and encourage them to open your CV.

The best way to do this, is by studying the job advert you are applying to, and find out what the most important skills and knowledge are.

Once you know the most important requirements, you then need to highlight your matching skills to the recruiter. In a few sentences, tell them exactly why you are a good fit for the job and what you can offer the company.

Keep it short and sharp

A good cover letter is short and sharp, getting to the point quickly with just enough information to grab the attention of recruiters.

Ideally your cover letter should be around 4-8 sentences long – anything longer will risk losing the attention of time-strapped recruiters and hiring managers .

Essentially you need to include just enough information to persuade the reader to open up your CV, where the in-depth details will sit.

Sign off professionally

To round of your CV, you should sign off with a professional signature.

This will give your cover letter a slick appearance and also give the recruiter all of the necessary contact information they need to get in touch with you.

The information to add should include:

• A friendly sign off – e.g. “Kindest regards”
• Your full name
• Phone number (one you can answer quickly)
• Email address
• Profession title
• Professional social network –  e.g. LinkedIn

Here is an example signature;

Warm regards,

Jill North IT Project Manager 078837437373 [email protected] LinkedIn

Quick tip: To save yourself from having to write your signature every time you send a job application, you can save it within your email drafts, or on a separate documents that you could copy in.

What to include in your Graduate Engineer cover letter

Here’s what kind of content you should include in your Graduate Engineer cover letter…

The exact info will obviously depend on your industry and experience level, but these are the essentials.

• Your relevant experience – Where have you worked and what type of jobs have you held?
• Your qualifications – Let recruiters know about your highest level of qualification to show them you have the credentials for the job.
• The impact you have made – Show how your actions have made a positive impact on previous employers; perhaps you’ve saved them money or helped them to acquire new customers?
• Your reasons for moving – Hiring managers will want to know why you are leaving your current or previous role, so give them a brief explanation.
• Your availability – When can you start a new job ? Recruiters will want to know how soon they can get you on board.

Don’t forget to tailor these points to the requirements of the job advert for best results.

Graduate Engineer cover letter templates

Copy and paste these Graduate Engineer cover letter templates to get a head start on your own.

As a dedicated MEng Structural Engineering graduate with internship experience in large-scale installation projects, feasibility studies, and audits for civil and renewable energy construction companies, I am thrilled to apply for the Graduate Engineer position at Paterson Ltd.

Throughout my academic journey at the University of Glasgow, I consistently maintained a stellar academic record, achieving a 1st Class Honours. I excelled in technical research, report writing, CAD modelling, and cost/benefit analysis, contributing to a feasibility study that led to a successful renewable energy system installation with 20% cost savings for the client during my internship at Source Power. Additionally, my expertise in end-to-end component development and schematic interpretation was pivotal in completing projects 10% ahead of schedule. As a Certified AutoCAD Professional, I utilised computer modelling to conduct complex data analysis and site audits, achieving a 95% accuracy rate during technical drawing inspections. During my internship at Source Power, I led a site audit of a 10-turbine field, identifying an unreported 300 sqm submerged rock area, which was promptly rectified, ensuring compliance, and preventing potential hazards.

I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and look forward to discussing this further.

Kind regards,

Orla Powell ¦ 07777777777 ¦ [email protected]

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to apply for the Graduate Mechanical Engineer position at Sunner Yachts. As a highly competent Engineering Intern pursuing an integrated master’s in mechanical engineering, I possess a profound passion for engineering and a diverse skill set that makes me a suitable candidate for this role.

During my internship at Jameson Boats Ltd, I actively contributed to the development and testing of systems and components for large freight ships. Notably, I played a crucial role in reducing wasted aluminium by one third in a development project, showcasing my resource management and sustainable engineering skills. Additionally, I independently designed an anchor pulley system that was incorporated into a successful final prototype, demonstrating my technical prowess in CAD modelling and end-to-end product development. Throughout my studies at the University of Southampton, I have maintained a 65% grade average and excelled in modules such as Vibrations & Aeroelasticity and Nuclear Systems. My commitment to meeting project deadlines and delivering high-quality results was evident in my distinction-earning third-year project on the ‘Design and fabrication of an S10 submarine engine.’

Thank you for your consideration and I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.

Sam Healy ¦ 07777777777 ¦ [email protected]

Dear Mr Pelton,

As a recent graduate with a BEng in Aerospace Engineering, I am thrilled to apply for the Graduate Aerospace Engineer position at BAE Solutions and I am confident in my ability to make a measurable impact on your team.

During my 12-month industry placement at Airbus Defence and Space, I conducted simulations and analyses on satellite subsystems using MATLAB, leading to a remarkable 30% reduction in design time. Additionally, my innovative MATLAB tool automated the generation of system requirements documents, resulting in an impressive 50% decrease in document generation time, significantly improving overall efficiency. During my time at Rolls-Royce, my contributions to the design and analysis of engine components resulted in a substantial 15% improvement in component performance. Additionally, throughout my academic journey at the University of Liverpool, I maintained a strong academic record and, my final project on the ‘Design and Analysis of a Quadrotor VTOL Aircraft for Urban Delivery’ received the Steinman Prize for its innovative approach and successful completion.

I am excited about the opportunity to join your R&D team and will be available from next month for an interview to discuss further how my skills align with your company’s objectives.

Liam McClean ¦ 07777777777 ¦ [email protected]

Writing an impressive cover letter is a crucial step in landing a Graduate Engineer job, so taking the time to perfect it is well worth while.

By following the tips and examples above you will be able to create an eye-catching cover letter that will wow recruiters and ensure your CV gets read – leading to more job interviews for you.

Good luck with your job search!