How to write an excellent network engineer cover letter
Network engineers are essential to any IT department, helping to design, build, configure, and maintain both new and existing network systems. To become a network engineer, you will need not just a resume that highlights your experience but also a cover letter that showcases your professional drive and dedication.
In this guide, we will teach you everything you need to know about writing a cover letter as a network engineer. Keep reading to learn all about:
- Formatting your network engineer cover letter header & headline
- Creating a personalized greeting on your cover letter
- Writing your network engineer cover letter introduction
- Showcasing your professional value as a network engineer
- Ending your cover letter with a thoughtful closing statement
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1. The best format for your network engineer cover letter header & headline
The first key elements to focus on creating on your network engineer cover letter are a well-formatted header and headline.
A cover letter header is a block of text – commonly found in the top left corner of the document – that details all the identifying information about the applicant and employer.
The cover letter headline follows the header and serves as a brief title statement used to grab the attention of the employer.
To better illustrate how to create each of these cover letter elements, we have included more in-depth explanations and examples below:
Formatting the header
Your cover letter header can vary somewhat in appearance, according to your own style and formatting preferences. However, a good header will always contain between 3 to 4 lines of text that include:
- The name of the company you are applying to (& the department, when applicable)
- Your name and professional title
- Your professional contact information (phone number, email address, LinkedIn, etc.)
Here is an example of a well-formatted header on a network engineer cover letter
To: Paycheck Tech, Network Systems Department
From: Annie Smith, Network Engineer
(123) 456-7890 | anniesmith@email.com | linkedin.com/in/annie-smith
Writing the headline
When writing the headline to your cover letter, you should always use a keyword related to the position, an eye-catching number or trigger word, a powerful adjective or verb, and a promise.
Here is an example of an effective headline from a network engineer cover letter, followed by a brief breakdown of its key components
My 3-Step Approach to Network Engineering & How It Can Benefit Your Company
Trigger Word/Number: 3-Step Approach
Keyword: Network Engineering
Adjective/Verb: Benefit
Promise: Your Company – the addition of this detail indicates to the employer that you will relate your skills directly to the needs of their company.
2. Create a personalized greeting on your cover letter
Whenever you write a cover letter, it is crucial to use a personalized greeting.
Unlike generalized greetings – such as “To Whom It May Concern” – a personalized greeting will address a specific person or department by name. In doing so, you show employers that you have thoroughly researched their company and have excellent attention to detail.
If you cannot pinpoint exactly who will review your cover letter, then try out one of the following alternatives:
To the [Company Name] Team
Or
To the [Company Name] Hiring Manager
3. Craft a compelling network engineer cover letter introduction
Your cover letter greeting and headline work together to hook an employer’s attention. However, to keep them interested in your cover letter, you will need a strong introduction that includes:
- A brief overview of your professional history and goals
- A statement on why you are enthusiastic about applying to this company
- A mutual acquaintance (when possible)
Here is an example to help demonstrate how to write a network engineer cover letter introduction
To the [Company Name] Hiring Manager,
I am a Network Engineer with 5+ years of specialized experience working with payment processing systems. After meeting your company’s Head of Communications – Jack Smith – at a recent business conference, Mr. Smith encouraged me to apply for this position.
4. Showcase your professional value as a network engineer
With your introduction in place and the employer’s attention hooked, it’s time to offer more in-depth insight into your qualifications. A good cover letter will typically contain between 2 to 4 body paragraphs that answer the following key questions:
- What excites you about working at this company?
- What do you hope to learn from working at this company?
- What accomplishments or qualifications make you stand out as an applicant?
- What key skills do you possess that are relevant to the position?
Emphasizing your relevant accomplishments is especially important, as they help to show employers the real-life value you can bring to a company.
Here is an example of how to describe an accomplishment in a network engineer cover letter
As a Network Engineer for [Former Employer], I worked directly with more than 50 clients to ensure their systems were continually updated and met optimal server speed requirements. As a result, I increased the average client’s server speed by 25%.
5. End your network engineer cover letter with a thoughtful closing statement
The final component of your network engineer cover letter is a thoughtful closing statement that includes:
- An enthusiastic sentence saying you are looking forward to hearing from them
- An additional sentence stating you will follow up, including how you will contact them or how they can contact you
- A formal sign-off
Here is an example of a well-written closing statement from a network engineer cover letter
As your new Network Engineer, I am confident I can apply my skills and expertise to help your company reach its goals and satisfy clients. I am eager to further discuss this opportunity and am available to meet Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The best way to reach me to schedule a meeting is at (123) 456-7890.
Many Thanks,
[Applicant Name]
Follow this cover letter outline for maximum success.
