Writing a programmer cover letter can be tricky, especially if you're already deep into job-hunting and realize it's a must-have for your application. Unlike your resume, your cover letter is your chance to spotlight a crowning achievement—think of it as storytelling with a professional twist. It needs to be formal yet fresh, avoiding the dreaded clichés. And, remember to keep it concise; a single page is your stage to shine. Let's dive into crafting a cover letter that stands out.
- Personalize your programmer cover letter and get inspired by other professionals to tell a compelling story;
- Format and design your programmer cover letter to make an excellent first impression;
- Introduce your best achievement in your programmer cover letter to recruiters;
- How to make sure recruiters get in touch with you, using your programmer cover letter greeting and closing paragraphs.
What is more, did you know that Enhancv's AI can write your cover letter for you? Just upload your programmer resume and get ready to forward your job application in a flash.
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Programmer cover letter example
John Nevermore
San Francisco, CA
+1-(234)-555-1234
help@enhancv.com
What should your programmer cover letter look like - formatting and organizing your information
Have you ever wondered what are the must-have sections you need to include in your programmer cover letter? Our builder sets those up for you with:
- Header - dedicated to your contact information, the role you're applying for, and the date (don't forget to include your name);
- Greeting and opening paragraph - to create a personalized and memorable experience for recruiters;
- Body paragraph - emphasizing your skill set and knowledge that aligns with the role and helps you to stand out;
- Closing paragraph - leaving a great impression and ending with an optional signature.
Use a cover letter template to discover the best formatting for your programmer cover letter: that is single-spaced paragraphs and wrapping your content in a one-inch margin.
Ensure that both your resume and programmer cover letter are in the same font. Stand apart from the crowd by using modern, yet simple fonts, like Chivo and Rubik, instead of the overused Arial and Times New Roman.
Did you know that the Applicant Tracker System (or ATS) won't be assessing your programmer cover letter? Instead, submit your profile in PDF to recruiters to keep the same formatting and the design intact.
The top sections on a programmer cover letter
- Header: Include your contact information, name, address, phone number, email, and the date, which is necessary for the recruiter to know who you are and how to contact you.
- Greeting: Address the letter to the specific hiring manager or recruiter by name if possible, showing that you’ve done your research and are serious about the position.
- Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself with a focus on your programming experience and passion for technology, which is key to capturing the recruiter's interest.
- Body: Provide details about your relevant programming projects, skills, and achievements, stressing how they align with the job description, as recruiters look for candidates who meet the technical requirements and have a proven track record.
- Closing: End with a strong summary of why you’re a good fit for the role, a thank you for the opportunity to apply, and a call to action, inviting the recruiter to contact you to discuss your application further, which leaves a proactive and professional impression.
Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter
- Proficiency in relevant programming languages (e.g., Java, Python, C++): Demonstrates the technical ability to handle the job's coding requirements.
- Experience with software development lifecycle (SDLC): Shows an understanding of the steps involved from conception to deployment and maintenance of software.
- Strong problem-solving skills: Essential for debugging and creating innovative solutions to technical challenges.
- Ability to work as part of a team: Highlights interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with other developers, managers, and stakeholders.
- Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git): Indicates an understanding of important tools for managing code changes and collaborating with other developers.
- Attention to detail: Critical for ensuring code quality, spotting errors, and writing clean, efficient code.
Kick off your programmer cover letter: the salutation or greeting
When writing your programmer 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 programmer 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 [Company Name] Team,
- Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
- Dear [Department Name] Leader,
- Dear [Job Title] Search Committee,
- Dear [Mr./Ms./Dr.] [Last Name],
Introducing your profile to catch recruiters' attention in no more than two sentences
The introduction of your programmer 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 programmer 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 programmer 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 programmer 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.
Storytelling in the middle (or body) of your programmer cover letter
You've got your whole resume sorted, detailing your achievements and skills. What else can you write in your programmer cover letter?
For starters, take the time to re-assess the job requirements and re-discover the most crucial skills and requirements (or keywords).
After making a list of these important keywords, look back on your experience to select just one of your past accomplishments.
Choose the achievement that is the most noteworthy, relevant to the role, and matches the required skills.
Use the next between three and six paragraphs to narrate how:
- you've grown your skill set, thanks to your achievement;
- you'd use the know-how you've gained in your new role;
- your accomplishment could help your potential employers grow.
Remember that recruiters don't need a retelling of your whole resume, but want to find out what makes you, you.
Closing paragraph basics: choose between a promise and a call to action
You've done all the hard work - congratulations! You've almost reached the end of your programmer cover letter.
But how do you ensure recruiters, who have read your application this far, remember you?
Most programmer professionals end their cover letter with a promise - hinting at their potential and what they plan on achieving if they're hired.
Another option would be to include a call for follow-up, where you remind recruiters that you're very interested in the opportunity (and look forward to hearing from them, soon).
Choose to close your programmer cover letter in the way that best fits your personality.
What could you write about in your programmer cover letter when you have no experience
Candidates with zero professional experience often struggle to write their programmer cover letter.
You may lack experience, but your application could still be impressive when you focus on your strengths.
Consider your most relevant talents (and/or one achievement) that align with the role and help you stand out.
Perhaps you spent every summer volunteering at your local dog pound - think of the job-relevant skills this experience taught you.
Sharing your tangible career goals is another good strategy to stand out.
Key takeaways
Your programmer cover letter is your best shot at standing out by showing your motivation and the unique skills you'd bring to the job:
- Chose no more than one achievement, which you'd be talking about in the body of your programmer cover letter, by focusing on skills and outcomes;
- Address recruiters with their first or last name, or "Dear Hiring Manager" in your programmer cover letter greeting;
- Introduce in no more than two sentences what makes your profile unique (perhaps it's your motivation, enthusiasm, or appreciation of the company you're applying for);
- Select the same font you have used in your resume (avoid Times New Roman and Arial, as most candidates tend to invest in them);
- Close your programmer cover letter with a promise of how you see yourself growing in the company and the benefits you'd bring about.
Programmer cover letter examples
Explore additional programmer cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
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