Crafting an engineering cover letter can often be a challenging task. You might find yourself deep in the job application process, ready to click 'submit', only to realize a compelling cover letter is required. It’s not a repeat of your resume; think of it as a spotlight on your proudest professional moment, narrating the journey behind it. Strike a balance: keep it formal yet fresh, dodging clichés and aim to make your mark within just one page. Let's dive in.
Read on to find out how to write your engineering cover letter by:
- Including all the must-have paragraphs in your structure for an excellent first impression;
- Learning how to write individual sections from industry-leading cover letter examples;
- Selecting the best accomplishment to tell an interesting and authority-building professional story;
- Introducing your profile with personality, while meeting industry standards.
And, if you want to save some time, drag and drop your engineering resume into Enhancv's AI, which will assess your profile and write your job-winning cover letter for you.
If the engineering isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:
- Engineering resume guide and example
- Automotive Engineering cover letter example
- Petroleum Engineer cover letter example
- Construction Worker cover letter example
- Structural Engineer cover letter example
- Product Engineer cover letter example
- Entry Level Mechanical Engineer cover letter example
- Engineering Project Manager cover letter example
- Controls Engineer cover letter example
- Aerospace Engineering cover letter example
- Systems Engineer cover letter example
Engineering cover letter example
Michael Smith
Los Angeles, CA
+1-(234)-555-1234
help@enhancv.com
Dear Hiring Manager,
I have closely followed the cutting-edge projects at [Company Name] and the commitment to excellence resonates deeply with my professional philosophy and accomplishments. In particular, my role in transforming manufacturing systems aligns with the innovative spirit at [Company Name].
While at Lockheed Martin, I spearheaded a critical initiative that revamped our automated assembly process. This undertaking was not merely a technical enhancement but a strategic overhaul that resulted in a staggering 25% reduction in assembly time. The direct outcome of this project was an annual saving of $100,000, a testament to the potency of diligent process optimization and the deployment of advanced computing in industrial environments.
I am eager to bring my expertise in LEAN manufacturing, advanced automation, and systems integration to [Company Name] and foster a culture of continuous improvement. I look forward to discussing how my background, skills, and innovations can contribute to the exciting endeavors at [Company Name].
Sincerely,
Michael Smith
Industrial Engineer
What makes this cover letter good:
- Quantifying Achievements: The cover letter includes specific metrics, such as a 25% reduction in assembly time and an annual saving of $100,000. This quantification of accomplishments helps paint a clear picture of the candidate's impact in their previous role.
- Relevant Experience: Mentioning the candidate's background in LEAN manufacturing, advanced automation, and systems integration directly correlates with the type of work that [Company Name] likely engages in, showing that the candidate’s skill set is a strong match for the job requirements.
- Connection to Company Values: The candidate has made an effort to align their professional philosophy with the values and innovative spirit of the company, thereby demonstrating a potential cultural fit.
What about your engineering cover letter format: organizing and structuring your information
Here is one secret you should know about your engineering cover letter assessment. The Applicant Tracker System (or ATS) won't analyze your cover letter.
You should thus focus on making an excellent impression on recruiters by writing consistent:
- Header
- Greeting
- Introduction
- Body paragraphs (and explanation)
- Promise or Call to action
- Signature (that's optional)
Now, let's talk about the design of your engineering cover letter.
Ensure all of your paragraphs are single-spaced and have a one-inch margins on all sides (like in our cover letter templates).
Also, our cover letter builder automatically takes care of the format and comes along with some of the most popular (and modern) fonts like Volkhov, Chivo, and Bitter.
Speaking of fonts, professionals advise you to keep your engineering cover letter and resume in the same typography and avoid the over-used Arial or Times New Roman.
When wondering whether you should submit your engineering cover letter in Doc or PDF, select the second, as PDF keeps all of your information and design consistent.
The top sections on a engineering cover letter
- Header: This includes your contact information, the date, and the employer's contact information; it's essential for ensuring that the recruiter knows who you are and how to reach you.
- Opening Greeting: Address the hiring manager or recruiter by name if possible to show that you have done your research and are personally engaged.
- Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself, mention the job you're applying for, and highlight one or two of your most relevant achievements or skills that align with the engineering role to grab the recruiter's attention.
- Body Paragraph(s): Dive deeper into your relevant experience, technical skills, and unique qualifications for the engineering position, and explain how these will benefit the company, showing your added value.
- Closing Section: Sum up your enthusiasm for the role, suggest an in-person meeting or phone call to discuss your application further, and thank the reader for their time and consideration, leaving them with a strong, positive impression of you as a candidate.
Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter
- Relevant technical skills: Proficiency in particular engineering software or knowledge of specific industry standards showcases an ability to perform job-specific tasks efficiently.
- Problem-solving capabilities: Engineering often involves tackling complex problems, and the ability to devise practical and innovative solutions is highly valued.
- Attention to detail: Precision is crucial in engineering to avoid costly mistakes and ensure that projects meet specifications and safety standards.
- Project management experience: Being able to plan, coordinate, and deliver projects on time and within budget is critical for engineering roles.
- Strong communication skills: The ability to articulate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and work effectively in team settings is essential.
- Continuous learning and adaptability: Engineering is a field that constantly evolves with new technologies and methods, so an eagerness to learn and adapt is important for long-term success.
Kick off your engineering cover letter: the salutation or greeting
When writing your engineering cover letter, remember that you're not writing for some complex AI or robot, but for actual human beings.
And recruiters, while on the lookout to understand your experience, would enjoy seeing a cover letter that is tailored to the role and addresses them. Personally.
So, if you haven't done so, invest some time in finding out who's the hiring manager for the role you're applying to. A good place to start would be LinkedIn and the corporate website.
Alternatively, you could also get in touch with the company to find out more information about the role and the name of the recruiter.
If you haven't met the hiring manager, yet, your engineering cover letter salutation should be on a last-name basis (e.g. "Dear Mr. Donaldson" or "Dear Ms. Estephan").
A good old, "Dear HR Professional" (or something along those lines) could work as your last resort if you're struggling to find out the recruiter's name.
List of salutations you can use
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Dear [Employer's Name],
- Dear [Company Name] Team,
- Dear [Department Name] Team,
- Dear [Professional Title],
- Dear [Mr./Ms./Dr. Last Name],
Introducing your profile to catch recruiters' attention in no more than two sentences
The introduction of your engineering cover letter is a whole Catch 22 .
You have an allocated space of no more than just a paragraph (of up to two sentences). With your introduction, you have to stand out and show why you're the best candidate out there.
Set out on a journey with your engineering cover letter by focusing on why you're passionate about the job. Match your personal skills and interests to the role.
Another option for your engineering cover letter introduction is to show you're the ideal candidate. Write about how your achievements and skills are precisely what the company is looking for.
However you decide to start your engineering cover letter, always remember to write about the value you'd bring about. Making it both tangible (with your metrics of success) and highly sought out.
Intro Paragraph
Delving into the cutting-edge projects illustrated in your annual report, I am particularly drawn to how your company integrates sustainable engineering solutions that resonate with the current global needs. My track record in innovative design aligns seamlessly with your commitment to pioneering environmental stewardship within the infrastructure sector.
RIGHT
The middle or body of your engineering cover letter body: a great instrument to tell a story
Now that you've set the right tone with the greeting and introduction of your engineering cover letter, it's time to get down to business.
Hear us out, the body of your engineering cover letter is the best storytelling instrument you have, in your job-hunting arsenal.
Writing the next three to six paragraphs, take the time to reassess the advert to discover job-crucial requirements.
Next, choose one accomplishment that covers those key skills and talents.
Use precisely that achievement to tell an exciting story of how you match the ideal candidate profile.
In the undertones of your story or engineering cover letter body, hint at the difference you'd make and sell your application as the perfect one for the job.
Body Paragraph
In my previous role as a Systems Engineer at Tech Solutions Inc., I spearheaded a cross-functional team to develop a scalable data infrastructure that enhanced our processing capabilities by 35%. This initiative resulted in a 20% reduction in query response times and realized a cost saving of $200K annually. My expertise in optimizing system performance and championing cost-effective solutions aligns seamlessly with the needs of your innovative engineering projects.
RIGHT
Final words: writing your engineering cover letter closing paragraph
The final paragraph of your engineering cover letter allows you that one final chance to make a great first impression.
Instead of going straight to the "sincerely yours" ending, you can back up your skills with a promise of:
- how you see yourself growing into the role;
- the unique skills you'd bring to the organization.
Whatever you choose, always be specific (and remember to uphold your promise, once you land the role).
If this option doesn't seem that appealing to you, close off your engineering cover letter with a follow-up request.
You could even provide your availability for interviews so that the recruiters would be able to easily arrange your first meeting.
Closing Paragraph
I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to discuss how my skills align with the goals of your team. Please contact me to arrange an interview.
RIGHT
Keep this in mind when writing your zero experience engineering cover letter
Even though you may not have any professional experience, your engineering cover letter should focus on your value.
As a candidate for the particular role, what sort of skills do you bring about? Perhaps you're an apt leader and communicator, or have the ability to analyze situations from different perspectives.
Select one key achievement from your life, outside work, and narrate a story that sells your abilities in the best light.
If you really can't think of any relevant success, you could also paint the picture of how you see your professional future developing in the next five years, as part of the company.
Key takeaways
We hope this engineering cover letter writing guide has shown you how to:
- Format your engineering cover letter with the mandatory sections (e.g. header, greeting, intro, body, and closing) and select the right font (P.S. It should be the same as the one you've used for your resume);
- Substitute your lack of professional experience with your most noteworthy achievement, outside of work, or your dreams and passions;
- Ensure recruiters have a more personalized experience by tailoring your cover letter not just to the role, but to them (e.g. writing their first/last name in the salutation, etc.);
- Introducing your biggest achievement and the skills it has taught you in your engineering cover letter body;
- Write no more than two sentences in your engineering cover letter introduction to set the right tone from the get-go.
Engineering cover letter examples
Explore additional engineering cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Engineering Intern
When applying for an Engineering Intern position, underline any engineering projects or lab experience from your studies. Proficiency in CAD software or relevant engineering tools should be showcased, along with particular modules like 'Thermodynamics' or 'Circuit Analysis' you've excelled in. Mention the length of projects or courses to depict your commitment. Use a 'challenge-method-outcome' format to describe instances where your technical aptitude was key in solving problems or innovating in an academic setting.
View Engineering Intern Cover Letter
Engineering Student
When crafting a cover letter as an Engineering Student seeking internships, stress any hands-on project work or lab experiences that relate to the position. Showcase your technical skills, like proficiency in CAD software or knowledge in a specialized field like thermodynamics, with brief examples of coursework or projects. Highlight problem-solving abilities and teamwork by detailing collaborative projects or competitions you’ve participated in. Mention your academic achievements and the relevance of your major to the role, using a 'challenge-method-outcome' format to outline your contributions.
View Engineering Student Cover Letter
Senior Engineer
When applying for a Senior Engineer position, demonstrate a robust track record of engineering projects. Detail your technical expertise, with a focus on specific technologies or methodologies you've mastered. If you've led teams or managed significant components of a project, outline your leadership skills and the outcomes. Mention any advanced degrees or certifications, such as P.E. licensure or Six Sigma Black Belt, to establish credibility. Use clear examples where your engineering solutions yielded measurable improvements, following a 'challenge-solution-impact' format.
Sales Director
In your application for a Sales Director role, highlight your history of sales growth and team leadership successes. Cite quantifiable achievements, like revenue increases or market share expansion that you contributed to or led. Stress your ability to mentor and empower a sales team towards exceeding targets. If you've introduced innovative sales strategies or trained teams in cutting-edge sales methodologies, detail this to showcase strategic thinking and adaptability. Employ a ‘challenge-initiative-effect’ structure to illustrate your impact.
Marketing Manager
Seeking a Marketing Manager position demands showcasing a blend of creative and analytical skills. Reference campaigns you've directed, spotlighting their reach and conversion rates. Include any experience with digital tools, such as Google Analytics or social media platforms, if applicable. Mention leadership roles and how your strategies drove brand growth and engagement. Advanced degrees or qualifications in marketing or related fields, like a CIM certification, could distinguish you. Apply a ‘concept-execution-growth’ angle to portray your influence on business success.
Senior Financial Analyst
For a Senior Financial Analyst role, detail your ability to interpret complex financial data and forecast business trends. Include specific examples of how your insights led to cost savings or informed strategic decisions. Mention familiarity with financial software, such as SAP or Oracle, and any advanced qualifications (CFA, CPA). Emphasize your analytical skills with a ‘problem-analysis-outcome’ framework to convey how your recommendations are actionable and valuable in achieving financial objectives.
Project Manager
In pursuing a Project Manager position, your cover letter should focus on your experience in delivering projects on-time and within budget. Discuss leadership roles and how your direction resulted in successful project outcomes. Acknowledge any proficiency with project management tools like MS Project or Agile methodologies. If certified with PMP or PRINCE2, mention this to underline your commitment to the discipline. Frame your expertise in a ‘situation-task-result’ manner to underline your project management prowess and ability to drive results.
View Senior Engineer Cover LetterBy Role
Aerospace Engineering
When seeking a position in Aerospace Engineering, especially at the entry-level, your cover letter should underscore any academic projects, internships, or coursework relevant to aeronautics and astronautics. Technical proficiency in industry-standard design software, like CAD or MATLAB, is a must. Detail any hands-on experience with model design or simulations and the outcomes, using concise 'task-outcome' examples. In addition, point out your abilities in problem-solving and teamwork, illustrating how those skills have contributed to project successes.
For an Entry-Level Aerospace Engineer role, highlight your strong foundation in physics and mathematics, and describe practical applications from your studies or internships. Exhibiting familiarity with aerospace standards and regulations will give you an edge. Discuss your experience with system testing or any innovative research you've undertaken, showing how your contributions have advanced a project or research you were part of. Mention soft skills like critical thinking that you've applied directly to solving engineering challenges.
View Aerospace Engineering Cover Letter
Audio Engineer
When applying for an Audio Engineer position, it's important to showcase your technical expertise and familiarity with sound equipment. Mention any hands-on experience with mixing boards, microphones, and digital audio workstations. Be sure to include any audio projects or internships that involved audio editing, mixing, or mastering to demonstrate practical skills. If you have formal training in audio engineering, such as a degree or specialized courses, highlight this education along with the program length to show commitment. Use a skill-action-result format to describe how your audio work has positively impacted past projects or teams.
View Audio Engineer Cover Letter
Automotive Engineering
When aiming for an Entry-Level Automotive Engineering position, draw attention to any hands-on experience, such as internships or lab work, with automotive systems. Showcase your proficiency in relevant software like AutoCAD or MATLAB, including the length of your experience with these tools, to display technical competence. Detail your engineering projects or team collaborations to exhibit problem-solving and teamwork abilities. Employ a 'challenge-solution-impact' framework to convey how your innovative thinking and engineering skills have previously led to practical solutions or efficiencies.
For an Automotive Design Engineer job, it's essential to emphasize creative skills alongside technical expertise. Include any experience with design software such as CATIA or SolidWorks, noting the time spent to demonstrate proficiency. Talk about your design portfolio or related project work, stressing attention to detail and a focus on user experience. Remember to use a 'concept-development-implementation' structure to highlight how your design innovations have resulted in tangible products or improvements.
In pursuing an Automotive Test Engineer role, highlight your systematic approach to validation and verification procedures. Mention any relevant experience with testing equipment or simulation software, stressing the precision and analytical skills required. Outline your understanding of industry standards and regulations, displaying knowledge depth. Use a 'problem-testing-outcome' method to describe instances where your testing protocols led to enhanced safety or product performance.
View Automotive Engineering Cover Letter
Biomedical Engineer
When pursuing a Biomedical Engineer position, focus on your technical expertise and problem-solving skills. Highlight your familiarity with biomedical software and any experience with medical device design and testing. If you've completed specialized courses like 'Biomedical Instrumentation' or 'Medical Imaging Systems,' detail these and their duration. Showcase how your abilities led to innovations or improvements in healthcare technology, employing a 'skill-action-result' formula. Mention any collaborative projects to demonstrate teamwork in multidisciplinary environments.
View Biomedical Engineer Cover Letter
Chemical Engineer
When seeking a Chemical Engineer position, stress any internships or lab experiences, especially those involving research or product development. Include proficiency in specific chemical engineering software like Aspen Plus or MATLAB to showcase technical skills. Detail your analytical and problem-solving abilities. If you participated in projects or competitions, such as the AIChE Chem-E-Car Competition, mention those. Illustrate how your technical expertise has led to successful outcomes or innovations in past roles or academic projects with a ‘problem-action-result’ structure.
View Chemical Engineer Cover Letter
Civil Engineer
When seeking a position as a Civil Engineer, it’s essential to showcase any engineering, CAD software, or project management experience. Key competencies like analytical thinking and problem-solving are highly valued. If you've completed courses such as 'Structural Design' or 'Environmental Engineering', be sure to specify these, including the courses’ duration. Use a 'situation-task-action-result' format to illustrate how you've used your skills to navigate challenges and contribute tangible improvements, like cost reductions or increased efficiency in past projects.
View Civil Engineer Cover Letter
Director of Engineering
When seeking a Director of Engineering position, highlight your technical leadership and project management successes. Demonstrate expertise in guiding engineering teams and your ability to drive complex projects from conception to completion. Mention specific engineering disciplines you're proficient in and note any significant achievements like patent filings or product launches. Utilize a 'challenge-solution-impact' model to describe how your strategies led to measurable improvements, whether in reducing costs, enhancing efficiency, or accelerating product development. Include metrics to quantify your contributions.
View Director of Engineering Cover Letter
Engineer In Training
When applying for an Engineer In Training role, it's key to underscore any hands-on experience in engineering projects, whether from internships, academic projects, or volunteer work. Highlight your proficiency in industry-standard software like AutoCAD or SolidWorks, along with any technical skills and knowledge in the relevant engineering discipline. Detailed understanding of engineering principles demonstrated through coursework should be specified. Showcase your problem-solving abilities by listing instances where your innovative solutions have led to tangible improvements or learnings, maintaining a 'challenge-solution-impact' format.
View Engineer In Training Cover Letter
Engineering Manager
In preparing for an Engineering Manager position, underscore leadership and project management experience. Detail your background in engineering with specifics on the types of projects led and technologies used. Demonstration of soft skills such as team building, conflict resolution, and decisiveness is essential. Showcasing professional development through advanced engineering courses or management training is beneficial. Illustrate your successes using a challenge-action-result format to convey your problem-solving capability and positive impact on previous projects.
View Engineering Manager Cover Letter
Entry Level Engineering
For an Entry-Level Engineering position, showcasing any internship or project experience in engineering is essential. Highlight proficiency in relevant technical software, such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks. Detail any engineering courses that have provided a foundation in basic concepts. It’s critical to illustrate problem-solving skills through examples of innovation or improvement you've initiated, adopting a 'problem-solution-impact' method. This approach demonstrates to potential employers the tangible benefits you bring to their operations.
For an Entry-Level Marketing Analyst role, focus on your analytical skills and ability to interpret data to drive marketing strategies. Mention any relevant marketing courses, statistical analysis, or certifications such as Google Analytics. Class projects or internships that involved market research or consumer behavior analysis should be highlighted. Use specific examples where you have turned data into actionable insights, using the 'data-analysis-outcome' format, showing how your contributions can influence a company's marketing decisions.
View Entry Level Engineering Cover Letter
Entry Level Mechanical Engineer
When crafting a cover letter for an Entry-Level Mechanical Engineer position, it's essential to underline any engineering, design, or technical drawing experience. Demonstrating proficiency with CAD software or any hands-on project work involving mechanics is imperative. If you have relevant coursework like 'Thermodynamics' or 'Mechanical Design', ensure it's listed, as well as any internships or lab work. Use clear examples that follow a 'skill-action-result' framework to exhibit how your technical abilities have led to specific achievements or solutions in your academic or internship experiences.
View Entry Level Mechanical Engineer Cover Letter
Mechanical Engineer
When pursuing a Mechanical Engineer position, underscore any hands-on experience in CAD designing, prototyping, or mechanical troubleshooting. Highlight project involvement, emphasizing your technical skills and how they were applied effectively. If you’ve completed relevant coursework such as 'Thermodynamics' or 'Fluid Mechanics', be sure to mention these, signaling your technical foundation. Illustrate your point with a 'challenge-solution-impact' narrative, detailing a specific engineering problem you tackled, the method you used to solve it, and the tangible results your solution provided.
View Mechanical Engineer Cover Letter
Geotechnical Engineering
For an Entry-Level Geotechnical Engineering role, it's essential to showcase any fieldwork or laboratory experience in soil mechanics or foundation engineering. Highlighting your analytical skills, familiarity with geotechnical software like AutoCAD or PLAXIS, and knowledge of industry standards is beneficial. Include details about any relevant coursework such as 'Soil Behavior' or 'Rock Mechanics' and internships. Use a 'skill-application-outcome' method to demonstrate how your academic projects or intern experiences have directly contributed to successful geotechnical assessments or problem-solving scenarios.
View Geotechnical Engineering Cover Letter
Hardware Engineer
In vying for a Hardware Engineer position, spotlight any hands-on experience with hardware design, troubleshooting, or circuitry. Key skills to stress are proficiency in CAD tools like AutoCAD or SolidWorks and understanding of hardware languages such as VHDL or Verilog. Include any relevant coursework like 'Digital Systems' or 'Microprocessor Design' with duration to demonstrate sustained interest. Illustrate how your technical expertise has led to successful projects or problem-solving scenarios using a 'skill-action-result' framework.
View Hardware Engineer Cover Letter
Industrial Engineer
When pursuing an entry-level Industrial Engineer position, focus on your ability to streamline processes and enhance efficiency. Highlight any experience with Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or workflow optimization. Showcasing internships or project work that displays your analytical and problem-solving skills will be beneficial. Mention any relevant courses, such as 'Systems Engineering' or 'Operations Research.' Use a 'challenge-method-outcome' framework to describe how you've implemented improvements or solutions in a practical setting, emphasizing quantifiable results like cost savings or time reduction.
View Industrial Engineer Cover Letter
Petroleum Engineer
When preparing for a Petroleum Engineer position, emphasize your educational background in engineering, specifically any modules or projects related to petroleum engineering. If you have hands-on experience with drilling operations or reservoir management, these should be at the forefront of your cover letter. Include any proficiency in industry-standard software like PETREL or Eclipse and how you’ve used these tools to optimize workflows or model reservoirs. Demonstrate your analytical skills with a 'challenge-solution-impact' narrative, showcasing problem-solving experiences that led to tangible improvements or cost savings.
View Petroleum Engineer Cover Letter
Sophomore Engineering
When targeting a Sophomore Engineering internship, it's important to underscore any hands-on projects or lab work you've been involved in. Demonstrate your problem-solving capabilities and technical proficiency, such as skills in CAD software or programming languages if applicable. Include relevant coursework such as 'Introduction to Engineering' or 'Thermodynamics' and any academic accolades that show your commitment. Point out teamwork experiences and how you've contributed to successful project outcomes using an 'action-result' method to convey your value.
View Sophomore Engineering Cover Letter
Structural Engineer
When seeking a Structural Engineer position at the entry level, highlight any engineering internships or project work focusing on structural design and analysis. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as AutoCAD or SAP2000 is essential to mention. If you've completed courses like 'Structural Mechanics' or 'Materials Science', showcase these along with the skills gained. It's beneficial to cite instances of how your problem-solving abilities and attention to detail contributed to the success of an engineering project, using the 'skill-action-result' framework.
View Structural Engineer Cover Letter
VP of Engineering
When applying for a VP of Engineering role, emphasize leadership in tech projects and team management abilities. Highlight successful product deployments that you’ve overseen and your expertise in software development lifecycles. If you have experience with Agile or Lean methodologies, detail how you’ve implemented these to streamline processes. Quantify achievements with metrics such as reduced time-to-market or cost savings. Showcase how your strategic planning has positively impacted previous organizations by connecting your leadership directly to tangible technological advancements and increased team productivity.
View VP of Engineering Cover Letter
