Win your dream job with this back-end developer cover letter guide

Back-end developers are responsible for optimizing the more technically complex aspects of computer programs and other digital products and platforms. Becoming a back-end developer takes time, effort, and commitment. When you are ready to begin applying for jobs in this role, you need a strong cover letter that showcases your talent and experience in the position.

In this guide, we discuss how to land your dream job as a back-end developer by writing an excellent cover letter in 5 key steps. Keep reading to learn more about:

• Creating a visually appealing cover letter header and headline
• Personalizing your back-end developer cover letter properly
• Writing an eye-catching introduction that impresses employers
• Showcasing your top skills and accomplishments as a back-end developer
• Finishing your back-end developer cover letter with an effective conclusion

Senior Software Engineer Cover Letter Sample

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Back-end Developer Cover Letter Example

Software Engineer Cover Letter Sample

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1. Create a visually appealing cover letter header and headline

Before an employer begins to read your cover letter, they will already form a first impression of you based on the appearance of your cover letter.

As such, it is of the utmost importance to give your cover letter visual appeal and a strong visual structure by creating a cover letter header and headline.

Starting with the header, this is a short section of text that includes key identifying information about you and the company you are applying to, such as:

• Your name and professional title (typically, you should make your title the same or similar to the title of the position you are applying for)
• Your professional contact information (whenever listing contact information, such as an email address, avoid including unprofessional or personal information — if you do not have a professional-sounding email, it may be best to create one before applying)
• The name and address of the company you are applying to

Next, you will create your cover letter headline. A headline serves as a title statement, assisting you in creating a great first impression and hooking the reader’s attention.

In a cover letter headline, you should include:

• Relevant keywords (such as the name of the position)
• Memorable trigger words (such as “skills” or “achievements”)
• Powerful adjectives, verbs, or adverbs (such as “benefit” or “employ”)
• Personalized statements (such as “your company” or “your clients”)

2. Personalize your back-end developer cover letter properly

When you read a letter, you want to know that the person who wrote it was thinking specifically of you.

The same goes for employers — they do not want to read generic cover letters that have probably been copied and pasted to ten different companies. They want to read a nicely tailored letter that addresses their specific wants and needs.

To accomplish this, you must personalize your cover letter with details about the exact employer you are writing to. This can include references to their company values, explanations of how your skills can benefit their company, and more.

Additionally, you should always address your letter to a specific person at the company, ideally the person who is most likely to read the letter. This is what we call a personalized greeting.

3. Write an eye-catching introduction that impresses employers

Although your header, headline, and personalized greeting have done some of the work in hooking the employer’s attention, the remainder of the job is handled by your cover letter introduction.

To impress employers, your introduction should include:

• A brief overview of your professional history
• A statement on any specializations in back-end development you possess
• A mutual acquaintance (when possible) who can serve as a professional reference (a former employer, a professional mentor, etc.)

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4. Showcase your top skills and accomplishments as a back-end developer

When you describe your skills, accomplishments, and other qualifications, it is crucial to include information that is highly specific and relevant to the job you are applying to.

For example, if an employer is looking for a back-end developer trained to use Python, you should not only state your experience with Python but also provide an example of how you have used Python in your previous work or place of employment.

5. Finish your back-end developer cover letter with an effective conclusion

Like any good back-end system, a well-written cover letter needs to be finished effectively.

To write an effective conclusion, make sure to include:

• Instructions on how and when an employer can contact you
• When you wish to hear back and when you plan to follow up
• A formal sign-off

If you have ever wondered how a cover letter differs from a resume, this article will tell you everything about the key differences between the two.