Software Engineering Cover Letter Samples & Examples That Worked in 2024

Cover letters come as part of many software engineering job applications. Use our examples, templates, and samples to write one. It doesn't matter if you're an experienced developer, a new intern, or a student. We can show you how to write a cover letter that helps get you the software engineering job you want.
Martin Poduška — Editor in Chief / Resume Writer
Martin Poduška
Editor in Chief / Resume Writer
Last updated: Jan. 9, 2024
Average: 4.9 (57 votes)
Software Engineer Cover Letter Sample
Created with Kickresume

Average: 4.9 (57 votes)

Even in a field dominated by coding and algorithms, the power of words shouldn't be underestimated. 

In our forthcoming tips, samples, and examples, we'll help you articulate your technical skills and talents in a way that resonates with employers across industries. Let's shift your job search into high gear!

Software Engineer Cover Letter Sample
Software Engineer Cover Letter Sample
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Software Engineering Intern Cover Letter Example
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Keep reading to learn how to:

  • Craft a well-formatted cover letter header and headline
  • Tailor your software engineering cover letter with personalized details
  • Include attention-grabbing information in your cover letter introduction
  • Describe your best software engineering qualifications properly
  • Conclude your software engineering cover letter persuasively
  • Find essential resources for aspiring software engineers

1. Craft a well-formatted software engineering cover letter header and headline

Any great cover letter starts with a well-formatted cover letter header and cover letter headline.

The header is the block of text found at the very top of the page, containing your name and professional contact information, among other things. Making your header look visually appealing is key, as you want your name to stand out and be memorable to employers.

Here is an example of a well-formatted software engineer header

John Doe, Software Engineer
(123) 456-7890 | johndoe@email.com | linkedin.com/in/john-doe

To: Loganson Software Development, Inc.
1234 Street Address
New York, NY 10001

A cover letter headline follows the header and often serves as a title for your cover letter. In this headline, key components to include are a relevant keyword, an attention-grabbing number or trigger word, and a powerful verb or adjective.

It is also wise to include a personalized statement — such as “your business”, “your company”, or “your clients” — that lets the employer know you will address their exact needs within your letter.

Here is an example of a great headline from a software engineer cover letter

My 4 Major Successes as a Software Engineer & How I Can Employ These Talents at Your Business

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2. Tailor your software engineering cover letter with personalized details

All cover letters should be tailored to address the specific needs of each employer — or else they can end up sounding generic, boring, and invaluable to the reader.

Tailoring a cover letter requires you to sprinkle personalized details not just in the headline but throughout the entire letter. This can include references to the company’s values and goals, or explanations of how your skills can assist the company in its current projects or partnerships.

Additionally, you should always include a personalized greeting on your cover letter. This type of greeting addresses a specific person by name and lets them know that your letter is tailored for them.

Here are 3 examples of personalized software engineer cover letter greetings

  • Dear CEO Matt Smith,
  • Dear Mr. Matt Smith,
  • Dear Lead Software Engineer Damon Gary,

3. Include attention-grabbing information in your cover letter introduction

In software engineering, you impress your clients and employers with well-written code — in a cover letter, you impress employers with a well-written introduction.

A strong introduction on a cover letter should include:

  • A brief overview of your professional history (years of experience, specializations, etc.)
  • A statement on why you are enthusiastic about applying to this company
  • A mutual acquaintance (when possible) that can serve as a professional reference

Here is an example of a great introduction from a software engineering cover letter

Dear CEO Matt Smith,

I write to you today with great enthusiasm about the opportunity to join your team of talented software engineers. As a software engineer with more than 10 years of experience in both front-end and back-end development of financial mobile applications, I know I will be the perfect addition to your team. My former coworker, Mr. Damon Gary, now works as one of your lead engineers and strongly recommended I apply.

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4. Describe your best software engineering qualifications properly

Now that you have hooked the employer’s attention with an impressive introduction, strive to impress them further with concise descriptions of your most relevant qualifications.

The best qualifications to discuss in a cover letter are your relevant skills and accomplishments. These types of qualifications are the easiest to relate back to the employer’s specific needs, as well as to demonstrate your professional value.

Here are 6 skills to describe in a software engineer cover letter

  • Programming languages (Python, Ruby, etc.)
  • Analyzing software systems
  • Front-end development
  • Back-end development
  • Software testing processes
  • Clear verbal and written communication

Finished projects are an excellent way to display your talent. Give a clear description of your position on each project, such as "software development team lead". Include data that give further context and demonstrate the project's success.

Here is an example of how to describe an accomplishment in a software engineering cover letter

As a software engineer for [Former Employer], I introduce the concept of DevOps to the development team and created a dedicated in-house DevOps department. After leading this team for just six months, we were able to reduce time-to-completion rates by 65%, resulting in 45% faster deliveries of software products.

5. Conclude your software engineering cover letter persuasively

The last crucial detail to include in your software engineering cover letter is a persuasive conclusion.

In this conclusion, an employer should find:

  • How and when they can best contact you
  • When you intend to follow up
  • A formal sign-off

Here is an example of a persuasive conclusion from a software engineering cover letter

It is with great enthusiasm that I submit this letter and application for your consideration. I am eager to hear from you and hope to receive your call regarding this position within the next two weeks, after which I do plan to follow up if I have not heard back. The best time to reach me is between the hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at (123) 456-7890, Monday through Friday.

With Sincerity,

[Applicant Name]

cover letter conclusion tips

6. Essential software engineering resources for job seekers

Embarking on your software engineering career journey can seem daunting. But worry not; these specially curated resources will put you on the fast track to success:

  1. GitHub: This platform isn't just for storing and sharing your projects. With its numerous open-source projects, you can contribute to real-life applications and grow your skills and portfolio.
  2. Stack Overflow: An invaluable resource for any software developer, Stack Overflow lets you find answers to your coding problems and allows you to engage with a vast community of programmers.
  3. LeetCode: To ace those technical interview rounds, LeetCode offers an array of coding challenges that simulate actual interview problems.
  4. Coursera/Udemy: Coursera and Udemy house a range of courses across different aspects of software development to help sharpen your skills or learn new ones.
  5. LinkedIn: Besides professional networking, LinkedIn lists numerous job openings. Remember to optimize your LinkedIn profile with relevant keywords to attract potential employers. You can even turn your LinkedIn profile into a polished resume within a few seconds.

Leveraging these resources can help navigate your software engineering job search more effectively, bolster your skills and ultimately land that dream job. Onwards and upwards!

Software Engineering Cover Letter FAQ

While it's crucial to showcase your technical skills, including every programming language might make your resume look cluttered. Instead, focus on those languages that are most pertinent to the job you're applying for.

A 'Projects' section can be a great addition, especially if you have relevant work that you can showcase. It would give potential employers a sense of your practical skills and creativity.

While experience and skills are critical, certifications can demonstrate a commitment to learning and mastering your specialty. If you have relevant certifications, by all means, include them.

If you're a recent graduate or if your GPA is strong, then yes, including it can be advantageous. However, with more experience, your abilities and work history become more important than grades.

While an objective is not always necessary, it can be a powerful tool, especially for those new to the field or making a career switch. A well-written objective can articulate your goals and motivations effectively.

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Average: 4.9 (57 votes)

Martin is a resume expert and career advice writer at Kickresume. In his five years at Kickresume, he has written hundreds of in-depth, painstakingly researched resume advice articles and, as chief editor, he has also edited and revised every single article on this website. Tens of thousands of job seekers read Martin’s resume advice every month. He holds a degree in English from the University of St Andrews and a degree in Comparative Literature from the University of Amsterdam.

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