career development cover letter

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How to write an impactful cover letter for a career change

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How to write a cover letter for a career change

Career change cover letter examples.

8 tips to write a successful career change cover letter

Learning to navigate career changes

As a job seeker, your primary objective is to stand out from every other candidate — and writing a strong cover letter is a great way to do this.

But if you’re trying to change careers, it might seem more complicated. Crafting a compelling letter for a career change needs to put your best foot forward while explaining how your experience and transferable skills make you the best fit. 

Luckily, like any application, cover letters give you a unique opportunity to make a strong first impression on a prospective employer. They’re your opportunity to spin a perceived drawback into a valuable asset, showing hiring managers your unique perspective and ability to make a change.

Let’s start with the basics. Like any other professional communication, every word of your career change cover letter counts. Your relevant skill set, work experience, and communication style let a recruiter, hiring manager, or potential supervisor know what it’ll be like to work with you. 

Here’s how to use your cover letter to make an impact: 

1. Start with a powerful introduction

The first few lines of your cover letter set the tone and pique your reader's interest (or spur disinterest). Skip generic introductions and aim for an opening line that quickly encapsulates the value you can bring to the new job. It can also reflect your unique personality, within reason.

Don’t be shy about identifying yourself as a career changer. It’s an opportunity to showcase important soft skills — such as courage, intellectual curiosity , and a resilient mindset — and connect relevant experiences with valuable transferable skills . With the right framing, it may be the key to standing out as an interesting candidate.

Here’s an example: “As a seasoned journalist, I’m eager to transition into public relations. I've spent the last 20 years sharpening my critical-thinking, research, and copywriting skills, which will serve me well in this new role.”

2. Develop your full character

Your opening paragraph should include your previous role and new career ambition. Next, it’s time to offer a glimpse of your professional drive and explain in more detail what you bring to a career switch, especially if you’ve been upskilling, taking classes, or attending trainings. This is an opportunity to blend your established reputation with your new career goals. If you’re making the change to pursue your passion or do more meaningful work, putting that fact on diisplay creates a fuller image of your personal values , mission, and vision for the future. 

For example: “I currently manage a team of 50 sales representatives in the constantly evolving healthcare sector. The most fascinating and fulfilling part of my job has always been developing a deep understanding of my client’s needs. Acting as a bridge to better service, consulting with them about updating their tools and training to focus on providing excellent treatment to their patients is so rewarding. I’m excited by the prospect of leveraging my social skills and years of experience working directly with healthcare providers to move into software development for the healthcare sector.” 

3. Show some emotion

Carefully placed action verbs and feelings help make your experience jump off the page. Potential employers aren’t just looking for a list of key skills — they want to imagine the person behind them. Choose language that conveys enthusiasm, drive, and work motivation , like “I’ve always been passionate about problem-solving and teamwork” or “I immediately connected with your company’s vision and commitment to sustainability.” 

4. Describe your past performance

Your successes in previous roles are the best predictor of the meaningful work you’ll accomplish in the next one — even if you’re moving to a new industry. Focus on accomplishments that demonstrate flexibility and a learning mindset to help the hiring manager envision a successful transition. You need to make the most out of your letter of interest , portfolio , and resume, so put the highlights on your resume and tell the story in your cover letter. 

For instance: “I oversaw a project to automate sales tracking systems, working with our tech team to evaluate the best strategies for the sales department. The project improved efficiency by 25% and decreased overhead costs by 15%.” 

Metrics quantify the value of your growth mindset and show off important skills like team collaboration , project management , and adaptability. 

5. Align your skills with the job description

Even if you’re at the height of your career, a hiring manager needs to know you can bridge the gap between your current role and the new position. Pay careful attention to the soft and hard skills they mention in the job posting and work them into your career transition cover letter. Don’t embellish for the sake of standing out, but do highlight the skills you can back up with valuable, direct experience. 

6. Write a memorable closing

Your closing is your opportunity to reiterate your excitement about the job opening. Adjectives like “eager,” “excited,” and “thrilled” demonstrate you’re ready to hit the ground running. 

Additionally, your cover letter for switching careers should invite further dialogue with a call to action. For example: “I’m eager to learn more about the role and look forward to sharing how I can bring my unique perspective and years of experience in [industry] to your organization.” 

Before digging into your resume or cover letter, a potential employer may peruse your job application or LinkedIn profile to understand your value as a candidate. Your cover letter is your first opportunity to turn a list of skills and experiences into a well-rounded picture of your character. 

The best cover letters balance highlighting your unique personality and perspective with proving you have what it takes to fill the job description. While your letter should represent you, you don’t have to start from scratch. Instead, build your own using a basic structure and templates for inspiration. You can also ask ChatGPT to generate a first draft for you with strategic prompts .

Here’s a general career change cover letter sample to consider:

Dear [hiring manager’s name], 

Thank you for considering my application for [ prospective job title] at [company name]. 

I’ve spent the last [years of experience] learning the ins and outs of [current industry], where I currently work as a [most recent job title]. I gravitated toward [industry] because of my passion for [the factors that pushed you to your current career]. The most fulfilling part of my career has been [transferable skills relevant to the new job posting]. I’ve built my expertise around [relevant skills], which were instrumental in accomplishing [a notable achievement or project]. 

I’m excited to transition into a new career chapter and follow my calling in [new field]. Reading about your company, I immediately connected with [core value]. I’m thrilled by the prospect of contributing [your vision or skills] and am eager to apply my unique perspective as a [current job title] in a new context. 

Attached is my resume. I’m eager to learn more about the company and how my background aligns with your needs.

I look forward to the opportunity to continue the conversation. 

Sincerely, 

[Your name]

When changing careers, you may feel worried about potential red flags in your resume, like career gaps or lack of direct experience . While your technical abilities are important, many recruiters and hiring managers prioritize soft skills , like leadership, critical thinking, and communication. Here’s a cover letter that balances proven soft skills and highlights your excitement to fill the gaps: 

Thank you for the opportunity to apply for [prospective job title] at [company name]. While I’ve developed my career in [industry], my enthusiasm for [relevant interest] combined with my proven [relevant transferable skills] has prepared me for this career path. 

Over the last [years of experience], I’ve cultivated a solid foundation in [relevant skills], which mirror the dynamic demands of [new industry]. 

I’m attracted to [new industry] because of [your interest or inspiration to switch to a new field]. The [specific aspect of your new field] that [company name] embodies deeply resonates with my personal values and professional aspirations. I’ve spent the last [months or years] learning [valuable technical skills or industry knowledge] through [examples of learning experiences, such as a class, seminar, or networking opportunity]. 

Attached is my resume, which underscores my transferable skills and [relevant coursework or certifications]. 

I’m confident that my adaptability, dedication to quality work, and passion for learning position me to hit the ground running and become a strong asset to your team. I look forward to discussing how my excitement and skill set align with your objectives. 

8 tips to write a successful career change cover letter 

Now that you have some cover letter examples for changing careers, let’s get into the fine print. Here are eight tips to help your career change cover letter lead to an interview: 

• Address the letter to the right person: General salutations — like “Dear hiring manager” — may give the impression you’re copying and pasting the same cover letter across several job postings. Likewise, it signals to the reader that you lacked the initiative and dedication to find out more about the role and the hiring team beyond what’s in a brief job posting. Take the time to learn the hiring manager's name and use it to kick off communications. 
• Keep things short: The objective of your cover letter is to spark a hiring manager’s interest and encourage them to read your resume . Keep your cover letter to a few well-curated paragraphs that balance your unique value with the requisites for the job role. 
• Research, research, research: The company’s website, social media, and other branded materials can provide insight into the organization’s mission and core values. Aligning your vision with the company’s is a great way to capture a hiring manager’s attention and let them know you fit the company culture .
• Explain your reasons for changing careers: The courage to take a chance on yourself and switch careers speaks volumes about your character. It’s nothing to shy away from. Highlight the reasons you decided to make the difficult career decision —  your resilience, fortitude, and decisiveness can provide a competitive advantage over more traditional candidates. 
• Mention new skills: Highlight how you’ve learned about your new industry, acquired technical skills, and prepared for the career switch. Whether it’s a one-day seminar or several months with a career coach , your drive for personal and professional development helps make your case for a smooth transition into a new industry. 
• Source references: Having a list of professional references and their contact information ready to send to a hiring manager is always a good idea. Carefully choose colleagues who can speak to your passion for your new industry and ability to adapt to change.
• Align all your communications: Consistency and clarity are important to hiring managers. When your LinkedIn profile, letter of intent , and resume have mismatched skills and work experience, the person reading them may pass you over for a candidate with a profile that’s easier to understand and imagine in the role. Double-check that all your information is up-to-date and consistent across all platforms and lines of communication. 
• Proofread : An enthralling story about your decision to dive into a new field can be thwarted by a misspelled word or poorly placed comma. Spelling and grammar errors can jeopardize your chances of an interview — hiring managers may worry that a lack of attention to detail could show up in more important areas of your work performance. If you’re not a natural copy editor, double-check your work with a proofreading app like Grammarly.

Learning to navigate career changes 

A career change is a big life decision , no matter where you are in your professional journey. After you’ve settled into your niche, shaking things up at 30, changing careers at 40 or following a new calling in your 50s might feel increasingly overwhelming. 

But it’s never too late to embrace change. Your professional life occupies a big part of your time, energy, and personal identity. You deserve to feel fulfilled — even if that means choosing a road less traveled. Carefully crafting a cover letter for a career change is an effective way to capture a hiring manager's attention from the jump and move one step closer to an exciting new opportunity. 

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Career Development Specialist Cover Letter Example

While writing a resume you oftentimes get confined by space, by keywords, by resume space, and so on – you will give up against a lot of technical requirements, whereas in a Career Development Specialist Cover Letter you get an opportunity to craft a descriptive/narrative one that aligns you not just with your position you are applying for, but also with the company you are applying to. Unable to draft this! Use our readymade or customizable Career Development Specialist Cover Letter Samples and get that job interview!

A Career Development Specialist is responsible for helping clients accomplish their career goals through counseling and guidance services. The job description entails meeting clients, identifying their needs and career goals, conducting skills assessments, and helping them connect with potential hiring companies. They also assist clients in finding academic or vocational training programs, teaching clients about finding jobs, locating companies, and conducting interviews.

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What to Include in a Career Development Specialist Cover Letter?

Roles and responsibilities.

• Designing the methodology for assessment and development centers.
• Designing and implementing leadership programs for high potential employees.
• Developing specialized programs for high potential employees.
• Running assessment centers for the selection of high potential employees.
• Discussing career opportunities with high potentials.
• Designing the mentoring and coaching methodology.
• Building the network of internal and external coaches and mentors.
• Designing the leadership programs for young talented graduates.

Education & Skills

Career development specialist skills:.

• Knowledgeable about the social and economic landscape.
• Personable and excellent communication skills.
• The ability to liaison with potential employers.
• Strong facilitation skills.
• Time management and strong influencing skills.

Career Development Specialist Education Requirements:

• Degree in social work.
• Master’s degree in psychology or counseling.
• License to practice the occupation.
• Training in client assessment, OD, or counseling theories.

Career Development Specialist Cover Letter Example (Text Version)

Dear Hiring Manager,

With this enclosed resume and letter, I would like to express my strong interest in the Career Development Specialist role you are looking to fill. As a highly-HR driven professional with extensive experience in workforce and career development, talent acquisition, and client training, I am equipped with a huge range of skills and knowledge that will help me to contribute towards the success of your ***.

I have work experience both in human resources and fundraising and have learned about new techniques that can help me achieve my career goals. My expertise includes assessing client skills, and job requirements, identifying positions for possible employment, and providing vocational guidance and appropriate training. All through my career, I have exhibited a keen interest to connect with various community agencies, and consistently identified optimal steps for clients to exceed their career goals. Besides, my training and developing clients overcome their employment barriers places me to make a significant and positive impact on ****.

The following qualifications highlight my accomplishments –

• Compiling and analyzing client data obtained through records, interviews, tests, and other professional sources, and determining client’s suitability for job opportunities, and vocational training programs.
• Educating and supporting clients, conducting training initiatives, connecting clients with eligible and appropriate employment programs, and evaluating client work interests, and aptitudes.
• Leading and training individual and group orientation sessions, and educating participants on agency-sponsored programs.
• Handling myriad administrative tasks including processing applications, preparing various reports and documents, and maintaining case records.
• Earning a master’s degree in HRM from **** University.

My skills to monitor the effectiveness of training activities, to get the required outcome, and the measures are taken to ensure employees maintain their work skills will be a valuable asset to your organization. My proven dedication in performing surveys to assess employees will contribute immensely to the success of your Career Development Team. I look forward to speaking with you soon. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

An Effective Career Development Specialist Cover Letter can help your hiring employer differentiate between candidates with similar qualifications. Include all your achievements, additional certifications, and other attributes. Also, have a quick look at our Career Development Specialist Resume Sample to get ideas on how to create a good resume for the above-said position.

Customize Career Development Specialist Cover Letter

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How to write an effective cover letter (with samples)

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You will have to prepare a number of materials for employers while looking for a job. One type of document is the cover letter, which is included with your resume when requesting a job interview. An effective cover letter is directed towards a specific position or company, and describes examples from your experience that highlight your skills related to the role.

You want to convince the reader that your interest in the job and company are genuine and specific. You also want to demonstrate ways that your experience has prepared you for the role by sharing a few brief stories that highlight your qualifications. This takes time and research; use the job description and the company’s web site or LinkedIn page to identify traits and skills the company values.

Cover letter structure and format

A cover letter should be no longer than one page with a font size between 10-12 points. Be sure to include your contact information and address it directly to the hiring manager, using their name. If you are not sure who to address the letter to, write “Dear Hiring Manager.” If the role you are applying for has a reference number or code, be sure to include it in your letter so that human resources is able to accurately track your application. The reference code is usually included

Cover letters typically take the following structure:

Introduction (1st paragraph)

• State clearly in your opening sentence the purpose for your letter and a brief professional introduction.
• Specify why you are interested in that specific position and organization.
• Provide an overview of the main strengths and skills you will bring to the role.

Example : I am a second year master’s student in MIT’s Technology and Policy Program (TPP) writing to apply for a consulting position in Navigant’s Emerging Technology & Business Strategy group. After speaking with John Smith at the MIT career fair, I realized that Navigant’s values of excellence, continuous development, entrepreneurial spirit, and integrity align with the principles that guide me every day and that have driven me throughout my career. Moreover, I believe that my knowledge of the energy sector, passion for data analysis, polished communication skills, and four years of consulting experience will enable me to deliver superior value for Navigant’s clients.

Body (2-3 paragraphs)

• Cite a couple of examples from your experience that support your ability to be successful in the position or organization.
• Try not to simply repeat your resume in paragraph form, complement your resume by offering a little more detail about key experiences.
• Discuss what skills you have developed and connect these back to the target role.

Example : As a graduate student in MIT’s Technology and Policy Program, I spend every day at the cutting edge of the energy sector. In my capacity as an MIT Energy Initiative research assistant, I use statistical analysis to investigate trends in public acceptance and regulation related to emerging energy technologies. Graduate classes in data science, energy economics, energy ventures and strategy, and technology policy have prepared me to help Navigant offer the expert services that set it apart from competitors. Furthermore, I will bring Navigant the same leadership skills that I used as the student leader for the MIT Energy Conference’s Technology Commercialization round-table, and as the mentorship manager for the MIT Clean Energy Prize.

Even before MIT, my four years of work experience in consulting—first at LMN Research Group and then at XYZ Consulting—allowed me to develop the skillset that Navigant looks for in candidates. As a science writer and policy analyst at LMN Research Group, I developed superb technical writing and visual communication skills, as well as an ability to communicate and collaborate with clients at federal agencies such as EPA and DOE. As a research analyst at XYZ Consulting, I developed an in-depth understanding of data analysis, program evaluation, and policy design.

Closing (last paragraph)

• Restate succinctly your interest in the role and why you are a good candidate.
• Thank the reader for their time and consideration.

Example : I take pride in my skills and experience in several domains: critical thinking and analysis, communication, and leadership. I note that Navigant values these same ideals, and I very much hope to use my abilities in service of the firm and its clients. Thank you for your time and consideration, I look forward to speaking with you further about my qualifications.

Additional cover letter tips

• Be sure that each cover letter is specifically tailored to the company you are writing to. Research the company to help you determine your approach. Check the company’s website and other resources online. You can also use MIT’s extensive alumni network through the Alumni Advisors Hub to seek first-hand knowledge, advice, and insight about the company.
• Are you seeking a position in a field or industry that does not have an obvious parallel or connection to your academic training? Be explicit about why you are interested in that particular field, organization or job, and what value you bring. For example, if you are an electrical engineer applying to a finance or consulting position, highlight your quantitative skills and ability to problem-solve.
• If you are applying for a summer job or internship and do not yet have any experience that is directly related to the position, focus on transferable skills that will add value to the role – leadership, communication, problem-solving, project management, etc.
• Lastly, cover letters are a chance to demonstrate the communication skills necessary to most jobs. Careful composing and revision are essential. To put your best foot forward and ensure your cover letter will be effective, schedule an appointment with a CAPD career advisor.

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How to Write a Career Change Cover Letter in 7 Steps (+3 Cover Letter Examples)

• Julia Mlcuchova , 
• Updated April 17, 2024 14 min read

How do you write a career change cover letter ? You write it well, of course! After all, the cover letter can make or break your chances at successfully completing a career switch. 

Not that career change is easy to begin with. It can often feel like trying to make your way through an obstacle course — no matter where you turn, new challenges just keep popping out of nowhere. And yet, a staggering 58% of workers are thinking about changing careers , according to a FlexJobs survey .

But inevitably, there comes a moment when you'll need to justify your choice to a new employer and prove that you're more than well-equipped to handle the new responsibilities.  

And what better way to do that than via a cover letter! 

So, if you want to change careers this year, keep reading to discover:

• What is a cover letter;
• Whether you should write a cover letter for career change;
• How to write a cover letter for a career change in just 7 steps;
• And, 3 career change cover letter examples.

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

What is a cover letter?

Should you write a cover letter for career change, how to write a cover letter for a career change in 7 steps, career change cover letter examples, key takeaways: career change cover letter.

A cover letter is a formal document which, together with a resume, makes up the core of any well-rounded job application. 

It serves as the first point of contact between you and the recruiters. And for that reason, it's responsible for making the first impression (good or bad).

Unlike a resume, a cover letter allows you to:

• share a bit of your personality, 
• provide context for your background, 
• and present your career aspirations. 

It's your chance to make a compelling case for why you should be considered for the role, beyond just the bullet points on your resume. 

Yes, you absolutely should!

Let us explain: A resume is great for presenting the numbers and objective facts. But it doesn't offer you much space for creating a compelling narrative . 

When you're applying for a job as a career changer , you're already at a disadvantage - you're missing one of the crucial ingredients for the ideal job candidate.

An average recruiter needs only 6 seconds to look at your resume and recognize your lack of experience as a problem. And that's reason enough to move your application from the list of potential candidates to the bin.  

But it's all about perspective. And perspectives can change based on how you frame it — is your career change really a shortcoming? Or is it a testimony to your passion, dedication, and willingness to leave the comforts of your old job for a new one? 

Changing careers but don't feel like writing your cover letter?

Let our AI Cover Letter Writer handle it for you. Your first draft will be ready in seconds!

Although there isn't any definitive or universal manual on how to write the perfect career change cover letter, following these 7 steps will allow you to craft one which hits all the marks that matter.

Place your contact information ( including: your name; professional email address; phone number; link to your web page/portfolio/social media accounts if relevant) in the top section of your cover letter.

If you can find the name of the hiring manager, simply greet them with “Dear [full name],” or “Dear Mrs/Mr [last name],” . If not, you can address the letter more generally to “Dear Hiring Manager,” or “Dear Recruitment Office,” .

Capture the hiring manager's attention by making your goals and motivation for the new job position known. For example, you can share a personal story or an anecdote that shows your passion for the job in a unique way. 

Despite any possible discomfort, you have to be transparent about the fact that you don't have any previous work experience in the given job position. Any attempt at camouflaging could reflect badly on your professionalism and integrity. 

You must prove that despite not having previous work experience in this particular position, you're still able to handle the responsibilities and duties that define it. For this purpose, use transferable skills that you've picked up in your former profession, during volunteering, through courses, or thanks to your lifelong interest in the job position.

Additionally, establish a sentimental connection between yourself and the potential employer. You can reference, for example, the company's mission, values, recent projects, or any charities/non-profit organization the company promotes.

Finally, in the closing statement you should: 1. Reiterate your desire to work for the company, 2. Thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration, 3. Include a call for action, 4. Sign off professionally.

Now, we'll look at each of these steps in more detail.

Step 1: Start with your contact information

First of all, you need to deal with the basic conventions. After all, a cover letter is still a formal letter, though in digital form. And every formal letter needs to contain details about its sender. 

These include:

• professional email address,
• current phone number,
• link to online portfolio/web page/ social media accounts (if relevant) .

Make sure that all your contact information is updated and spelled correctly . This may seem obvious, but you'd be surprised how easily these small mistakes can creep in. 

Place your contact information at the top of your career change cover letter so that they draw the attention of recruiters immediately. 

Don't forget to also mention the company's contact information or that of its hiring manager. This isn't all that necessary but again…formalities.

Step 2: Open with a polite greeting

If you're lucky, the name of the hiring manager (or recruiter) will be mentioned somewhere in the job posting you're responding to. Unfortunately, that's not always the case. 

But with the power of the internet by your side, this shouldn't be much of a problem. Try to dig up the addressee's name from the company's official website or their LinkedIn profile .

It's always better to address the hiring manager by their name — it helps establish a personal connection between you two. 

But don't overthink it! A simple “Dear [first name] [last name],” or “Dear Mrs/Mr [last name],”  will do just fine. 

In case the hiring manager's name is nowhere to be found, you can use one of these 5 email salutations . 

Step 3: Kick off with a strong introductory paragraph

The purpose of your cover letter's introductory paragraph is to give the reader a little something to make them interested in the rest of your cover letter. 

Normally, you'd try to hook the reader by pointing out that you fulfill the main candidate requirements. Like so:

Opening paragraph example

“As a seasoned professional with a Master’s Degree in Business Economics , I bring four years of comprehensive experience in the finance sector, highlighted by leading a team that successfully increased our portfolio’s annual growth by 20%.”

But since you're switching careers, this formula won't work for you. Instead, you could charm the recruiters with your:

• motivation,
• passion, 
• or purpose. 

These are the cards you need to play when writing a career change cover letter! 

So, don't be afraid to get personal here — share a story that depicts the workings behind your decision to switch careers. Just remember to stay professional! It's a fine line, we know, but you must tread it expertly. 

For example, your introduction could look something like this: 

Opening paragraph for career change cover letter example

“My journey into the world of business finance began unexpectedly, over coffee chats and spreadsheets helping my family’s small business navigate tough financial waters. This experience wasn’t just eye-opening; it became a calling. I realized my knack for numbers and strategic planning could make a real difference beyond the classroom. That’s why I’m thrilled about the opportunity to bring my passion and fresh perspective to [Company Name] as part of your finance team.”

Step 4: Address your career change

And now it's time to acknowledge the elephant in the room!

While it may be tempting to conceal the fact that you're trying to enter a new profession, don't hide it. In the end, it could cause you more harm than good. 

Because the recruiters will know just by taking a single glance at your career change resume . 

Fail to address this, and you're running the risk of giving the impression that you're unprofessional. Or that you're being dishonest. And either of the two can leave a really bad taste. 

So, when writing about your career switch, be upfront, be direct, but don't be apologetic! Remember, you need to persuade the recruiters that you're confident in your abilities.

Step 5: Showcase your potential with transferable skills

Basically, this part of your career change cover letter is all about closing the gap between what you used to do and what you want to do. 

In other words, you must show that you have more to offer besides your unrivaled motivation. 

And the best way to do this is by talking about any relevant transferable skills you've picked up along the way. The keyword being relevant! 

For example, the project manager skills you developed while working in marketing may translate well into leading teams in pretty much any industry. Or the insights into SEO that you've gained as a copywriter can become valuable in your new PR position.

In short, your transferable skills can be anything from hard skills like computer proficiencies , to soft skills like problem-solving , leadership, communication, team management, and so on.  

Besides abilities you've gained from a previous employment, you can also focus on those you've acquired thanks to: 

• volunteering,
• lifelong interest in a specific profession,
• personal projects and ventures,
• and training/certifications/ courses .

But don't just list them! 

Instead, you need to clearly demonstrate how your new employers would benefit from your skills despite coming from a different background. 

Here's a brief how-to:

• Firstly, you need to brainstorm about what skills you possess that might be useful in your new job position. 
• Then, align them with the requirements outlined in the job posting. 
• Out of the bunch pick 2-3 skills that are essential for succeeding in the new position. 
• Finally, provide a proof that you have these skills by giving examples of how you utilized them in your previous job (back your claims by quantifiable data if possible).

Transferable skills on a cover letter example

“In my role as a Project Manager, I led a team of 10 in developing and executing a marketing campaign that resulted in a 25% increase in customer engagement over six months. This experience honed my skills in strategic planning , c ross-functional team leadership , and data-driven decision-making . I am excited to apply these skills to the role of [New Position], where I can contribute to [Company’s] success.”

Step 6: Highlight your interest in the company

And don't just say that you want to work for them because they pay more. In fact, don't mention salary at all! 

In this section of your career change cover letter, you need to show your affinity to this particular company that goes beyond mere financial gain. Why them?

But before you jump into it headfirst, do these three things: research, research, and more research! 

Read their website, stalk their social accounts, go through their quarterly reports, pull up any news articles, look at their LinkedIn page — and do all that without reservations. And try to find answers to the following questions:  

• What is the company culture like?
• What are the company values/mission?
• What projects did they work on? 
• What events did they organize?
• Do they support any non-profit organizations? 

Let the information you learn be your pointers. And then, all you need to do is try to be as honest as you can. 

For your inspiration, consider this example:

Showing affinity with company example

“I’ve always admired the Neverwas Company for not just what you do, but how you do it—especially your support for the Environment Institution in cleaning up local beaches last summer. It’s this kind of work that inspires me. In my last job, I organized community clean-up events, and I see a lot of overlap in our values. I’m excited about the chance to bring my passion and skills to a team that cares so much about making a difference.”

Step 7: Bow out with a strong closing paragraph

And now, all that's left to do is apply a few finishing touches. 

The final paragraph of your career change cover letter should include: 

• A reiteration of your desire to work for the company. But only briefly. 
• An expression of gratitude. Thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration.
• A call for action. Such as expressing your wish for a personal meeting. 
• An appropriate sign-off. Depending on how you greeted the recipient of your cover letter, you can sign off with either “Yours sincerely,” or “Best regards,”. If you addressed the recruiter by their name, sign off with the former; if not, use the latter. 

In case you'd like to see how to close the curtain with finesse, these 8 great cover letter endings are just waiting to be read. 

And now, let's put all these steps together and look at 3 complete cover letters, made with our cover letter templates .

#1 Career change cover letter example

This cover letter was written by our experienced resume writers specifically for this profession.

Why does it work?

• This example does a great job of making the text digestible and easy to follow . Because the last thing you want is to have your cover letter looking cluttered and disorganized. 
• Another interesting element is the inclusion of bullet points . It’s yet another way of making you cover letter visually distinct.

#2 Career change cover letter example

This cover letter was made using Kickresume templates.

What’s good about this example?

• The candidate’s contact information stands apart from the rest of the text, making it easy to spot. 
• Also, this person manages to bridge the gap between marketing and UX design by identifying a principle common for both - customer satisfaction. This motive is then repeated throughout the whole cover letter. 
• Another thing worth pointing out is the detailed description of the candidate's most relevant achievements .

#3 Career change cover letter example

What can you take away.

• This cover letter example opens with a bang ! The candidate communicates his passion for the new job load and clear. From his writing, it's obvious that his career change was inspired by a genuine desire to facilitate memorable events for his clients. 
• Despite the fact that accountancy and event organization have very little in common, Robert was able to draw transferable skills from his volunteering experience . 
• And, to better illustrate the scope of his skills, Bob provided quantifiable data to bolster his competencies. 

For more cover letter samples, feel free to browse our cover letter database .

To sum it all up, a compelling career change cover letter is your best bet at persuading hiring managers to give you a chance. 

As a career changer, you probably have little to no work experience that directly relates to the profession you want to transition to. That's why you should focus your cover letter on: 

• your passion and dedication to the job
• any relevant transferable skills 
• explaining your reasons for the professional pivot

To craft an effective cover letter that addresses all three themes mentioned above, we recommend following these simple 7 steps:  

• Start with your contact information
• Open with a polite greeting
• Kick off with a strong introductory paragraph
• Address your career change
• Showcase your potential with transferable skills
• Highlight your interest in the company
• Bow out with closing paragraph

Finally, if you've just started looking into a career change because you're unhappy in your current job but don't know what profession to focus on, feel free to explore how to become:

• an architect ,
• a real estate agent ,
• a psychologist ,
• a human resources manager ,
• a chiropractor ,
• or a Scrum Master .

As a rule, your cover letter shouldnt exceed one page! Anything longer than that and you're risking discouraging the hiring manager from ever reading it. Your cover letter should recount the best parts of your professional life and your motivation, not the whole story.

By far the biggest mistake you can make is NOT customizing your cover letter to fit specific requirements of the job posting you're responding to. Other minor, but no less significant, mistakes include: spelling errors, grammar mistakes, and typos. So make sure you proofread your cover letter before hitting send. 

Although your cover letter is still a formal document, it's also your chance to establish a connection with the recruiter on a personal level. And your tone of voice should reflect both of these realities. Be professional, but not too stiff; confident but not arrogant; friendly, but not too nonchalant.

That depends.You can name-drop your previous employer if you feel like it will give you more professional credit. But don't dwell on this for too long. And never EVER speak badly about your past employer, colleagues, or team. Such behaviour reflects negatively on your professionalism and integrity.

When you're looking for a new job, every moment is precious. That's why you should consider trying an AI tool that helps you create the first draft of your cover letter. Simply enter your most recent job title, press the “Use AI Writer” button and the AI writer will generate a cover letter for you. And the best thing is, you can try it for free .

Julia has recently joined Kickresume as a career writer. From helping people with their English to get admitted to the uni of their dreams to advising them on how to succeed in the job market. It would seem that her career is on a steadfast trajectory. Julia holds a degree in Anglophone studies from Metropolitan University in Prague, where she also resides. Apart from creative writing and languages, she takes a keen interest in literature and theatre.

Related Posts

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Cover Letter 101

A cover letter is a commonly requested document that you submit when you apply for a job, internship, or other professional experience. Unlike a resume which quickly summarizes your experience in a highly formatted way, your cover letter is more like a persuasive essay that you'll write to convince an employer that you are qualified for a position. 

In order to write an effective cover letter, you will end up customizing it completely for each position. While that may sound daunting, there are steps you can follow to make the process easier.

The 5 Steps of Cover Letter Writing

The purpose of the cover letter is to discover what skills the employer is looking for and demonstrate how your skills match the ones listed in the job description. 

Step 1 : Determine if you meet the basic or minimum qualifications to apply (usually education requirements and years of experience). 

Step 2 : Look for key words/phrases throughout all parts of the job description that match your skills and experiences (not just under “Required or Preferred Qualifications”).  

Step 3 : Retype key words or phrases (transferable skills) from the job description directly onto a new document and highlight them in another color. The highlighting tells you which key words came from the job description, so you won’t change them.  Do not use synonyms – use these exact key words. 

Step 4 : Take each key word/phrase and provide an example of when you used/acquired this skill, which will be unique to you. Ask yourself the following: 

• What Does the Employer Want?:  List the skills, qualities, or values in the job description (or deduce what skills will be needed for such a position): Example: Direct communication skills 
• What Evidence Can You Provide to Highlight Your Skills?:  Unpaid experiences, work, classes, academic projects, internships, jobs, etc.).

Incomplete response : "Demonstrated strong communication skills."

Excellent response: "Demonstrated direct communication skills when assigning five cancer walk volunteers specific set up and break down instructions."

Step 5 : Place these examples into paragraphs in a sensible order for the reader. Begin with the strongest, most relevant examples or skills first. The least relevant (or weakest) will be at the bottom of the cover letter. 

Cover Letter Formatting Tips

First paragraph.

What position are you applying to? (Include a job ID # if there is one) 

Where did you see it advertised? 

Why do you want this job? (Be as specific and unique as possible, and demonstrate enthusiasm) 

Middle Paragraphs (usually between 2-4 sentences) 

Must include words/phrases directly pulled from the job description 

Opening paragraph has the most relevant skills and important qualities, last paragraph has the least relevant 

Use short narrative examples to showcase how your skills and experience match their qualifications 

Several short paragraphs are easier to read and comprehend rather than one long one 

Closing Paragraph and Tone

Include final skill sets, or additional qualities or characteristics that make you stand out

Must include a “Thank you for your time and consideration” phrase 

Professional, positive, direct, enthusiastic

Business Style Design 

Use your resume header, or put your contact information at the bottom only

Use only one white space (aka return) in between all paragraphs 

Minimum of three sentences necessary for a paragraph  

Do not indent paragraphs

Format/Layout 

Font is the same style as your resume and should be same size 

Length - one page  

Keep bolding, all-caps, colors, lines, and italics to a minimum 

Margins between .05 and 1.25 inch  

Final Advice 

Create a NEW cover letter for each application, as the skills and qualifications will vary- don’t waste time with generic phrases or cover letters  

Never mention things you don’t have, such as “While I don’t speak Arabic, I know some Spanish”. Instead, write about how you have utilized conversational Spanish in the past and enjoy learning new languages 

Sample Cover Letter

Your Address Your address

HR Direct 1234 Maple Drive Trumbull, CT 01002

Dear Hiring Committee:

I am writing enthusiastically to apply for your Human Resource Specialist position that I found on Handshake. I am graduating with my bachelor’s degree with a Concentration in Human Resources and am looking to leverage my 10+ years in customer and support services. My background includes experience with problem solving, advanced communication skills, and taking the initiative in multiple settings. I am particularly interested in HR Direct given your focus on innovation, which resonates with my career values.

In my current role at Best Customer Service Company, I utilize advanced skills in multi-tasking, customer service, problem solving and attention to detail to improve my daily workflow. Leadership has given me increasing levels of responsibility over the last few years; they noted how I take the initiative to learn more than just what is required when approaching a new task. I now train most incoming employees, and recently began to manage financial spreadsheets, as my supervisor has noted my strong attention to detail.

Being a customer service success representative can be challenging, and I often utilize strong interpersonal skills. Oftentimes, a customer will have a complicated request that will lead to frustration. The leadership has lauded me publicly in meetings for my ability to problem solve under frustrating or time sensitive circumstances. Recently, my supervisor has asked me to put together a training manual to keep track of all the different customer issues that might arise, and I am excited to standardize these issues in a way that will help all employees.

To advance my knowledge of Human Resources, I recently completed 12 hours of Compensation and Benefits advanced coursework via LinkedIn Learning. My enthusiasm for this work continues, as I am excited to align my academic coursework, independent learning, and strong background in customer service success as a Human Resources Specialist for HR Direct.

Thank you for your consideration, I look forward to hearing from you.

Cover Letters

Your cover letter is just as important as your resume. You have written your resume as a document that represents you, and the recruiting manager has written a position description that reflects the organization’s needs. A cover letter ties them together. It’s more specific than a resume and highlights projects or efforts that align with the requirements of the position or program.

You should plan to submit a cover letter along with your resume (or CV) for every position or program you apply for. The only exception is if the internship/job posting specifically notes not to include one.

• Alignment: Left aligned, after the header
• Length: 1 page and 3-4 paragraphs at maximum

Date, Recipient, Salutation

• Date: This is first after your header. Spell out the month and include the year.
• Recipient: This comes after the date and is usually 3-5 lines. Include the organization’s name, the name and title of the person you are addressing (if you have this information), and the organization’s address or other contact information (if you’re able to find this).
• Salutation or Greeting: If you are addressing a specific person, use their name in the salutation (“Dear Firstname Lastname” or “Dear Mr./Ms. Lastname”). If not, use something generic such as “hiring manager,” “hiring committee,” or “selection committee.”

Letter Body

The body of your cover letter should be a maximum of 3-4 paragraphs and address 3 main points: what you know about the organization, what you are applying for, and what you can do for them.

• Introduction and Interest (paragraph 1): Include what you are applying for, what you know about the organization, and why you are interested
• The Evidence (paragraph 2): Outline what you can do for them, make a case for why you are the candidate to hire
• The Connection (paragraph 2-3): Make the connections between the desired qualifications listed in the posting to your experience and skills.
• The Closing (paragraph 3-4): Reiterate your interest, express gratitude, and note that you look forward to hearing from them. Also, provide contact information if it is not in the header.

Use “Sincerely” followed by your full name on the next line. This is your electronic signature. You can use a script font if you prefer or keep it the same as the rest of the letter.

• Cover letter sample 1 (pdf) , showing paragraph style
• Cover letter sample 2 (pdf) , showing bullet style
• Cover letter sample 3 (pdf) , showing preferred name and bullet style
• Attend a cover letter presentation to get started. Check the calendar for upcoming sessions
• Read more tips and advice on the blog
• Bring a draft in for a cover letter review

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Cover Letter

What is the Purpose of a Cover Letter?

The purpose of the cover letter is to gain the interest of an employer and be invited to an interview. While the resume provides an overview of your background, the cover letter allows you the opportunity to highlight those aspects of your background that are relevant to the position you are seeking. A good cover letter can help heighten the employer's incentive to learn more about you by reading your resume and meeting you for an interview. It also gives the employer a sample of your writing skills.

We have three methods for you to learn how to create your resume and/or cover letter.

Virtual and/or in-person resume and cover letter workshop, virtual resume and cover letter online course .

• Pre-recorded Resume and Cover Letter Workshop

Held twice a month, this workshop will help you to build your resume and cover letter so you can be successful when applying for jobs and internships. Head to  Handshake  to see when the next Resume and Cover Letter workshop will be held and what format it will be (virtual or in-person).

You can view the information from our Resume and Cover Letter Workshop at any time through our self-paced course on Canvas.  Visit this page  and follow the instructions to login.

Pre-recorded Resume and Cover Letter Workshop 

You can view this at any time. This pre-recorded version is the same as our Resume and Cover Letter Workshop, however, you will be unable to ask questions during it. You can find the video here .

To write an effective cover letter, you need to take time to research and write an original letter. The letter should be tailored to each employer and reflect your knowledge of the employer's needs. Researching the organization and position before you write your cover letter will make this task much easier.

There are two primary ways to have your resume and/or cover letter reviewed.

• Career Spot Drop-In
• In-Depth Resume Review

Career Spot Drop-Ins are for brief, 15 minutes or less, consultations to answer any career-related questions you may have, including networking, interview help, job search strategies, resume and cover letter reviews, or an overview of our services. Career Spot Drop-Ins occur from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. every Monday-Friday while the university is open. See how you can visit with us at drop-ins by logging into Handshake.

For a more thorough review of your resume, submit it through Handshake by clicking on ‘Career Center’ then ‘Resources’ and then ‘Resume/Cover Letter Critique Submission Form.’ We will email you feedback within 5-7 business days.

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Cover Letters

What is a cover letter.

The purpose of a cover letter is to convince an employer that your skills and background make you worth interviewing. While a resume summarizes your experience, a cover letter persuasively relates that experience to the specific job to which you are applying. Although a cover letter is not always required, when it is, it gives you the opportunity to explain why you’re interested in that particular company, making you a more attractive candidate to that employer.

CAREER TIP: It’s true that some employers barely glance at cover letters; however, many others review them attentively. View it as an extra opportunity for you to promote yourself and increase your chances of getting an interview by sending a well-written cover letter with every application when requested.

Writing your Cover Letter

A cover letter is your chance to tell YOUR story! Make sure each cover letter is uniquely tailored. It is crucial that you are not simply restating your resume but putting your accomplishments in context. This will give potential employers an insight into your personality, something that’s hard to discover by just skimming your resume.

A strong cover letter will demonstrate:

• Knowledge about the job, the company, and the industry
• The effort you have put into your job search and enthusiasm for the job
• Writing and organizational skills
• Understanding about yourself, your skills, and your potential contributions

Targeting your Cover Letter

There are four main components of writing a cover letter:

This is the most important step to determine your fit for the position, so don’t skip this! Gather background on what the hiring team is looking for through networking, researching, and analyzing the job description, especially keywords in skills/responsibilities sections. Your research can not only help you identify where you can add value to the organization, but more importantly, it can help you determine if the company fits your own values and needs and is a place you could thrive.

CAREER TIP: When it’s a good fit, cover letters are not that hard to write! Examples of matching experiences or stories explaining your motivation to apply should come to mind. If you are twisting yourself into knots to try to explain why you should be hired, this is a sign that it may NOT be a good fit!

As part of preparation, it is important to carefully review the job description and identify the most important keywords and skills categories.

Prepare and organize your thoughts by identifying which of your skills and experiences best demonstrate your fit to the role and the organization. Organize which of your experiences and accomplishments match each skill category or job requirement.  All experiences could be relevant!

Once you have organized your thoughts and have your key themes and stories ready, begin incorporating these into your cover letter. This helps keep your document concise, short, and to the point as employers don’t want to read a lot when they have many candidates’ applications to review.

First, construct 3 – 4 paragraphs organized around key themes of the job description and explaining how your background makes you a good fit for the role/organization. Make sure you date your letter and use the same heading as your resume. When writing your greeting, be sure to address a specific person if possible, or simply write “Dear Hiring Manager”. Stay away from “To Whom It May Concern”, do not use this as a greeting.

Next, open with which position you are applying to and where you found it. This makes it easier for the hiring manager to track your application. Don’t forget to mention why you are applying to that specific company in your introduction. This is critical because it shows them that you’ve seriously considered them, and that you’ve done your research.

Lastly, summarize what makes you an ideal candidate. Avoid the word “perfect” here and try to find a natural way to say this. Here is where you’ll tie in some of that prep work you’ve done to highlight key skills, themes, etc. about yourself – almost like a thesis statement.

One of the most important steps when writing your cover letter is for you and others to review it! Proofread, proofread, and proofread some more! The more reviewing of your document(s), the better! One typo or error might make the difference in being chosen for an interview or not. Review the application instructions carefully and make sure you follow them.

We recommend reading your cover letter out loud to make sure your words sound right as this allows you to pick up on any grammatical issues or sentence errors. Have trusted members of your network (family, friend, advisor, professor, Career Design) read your cover letter. Be open to other’s feedback, but make sure to take in comments and incorporate as you see fit. This is, after all, your own words and body of writing and you need to stand behind it 100%. Give yourself some time for the editing process. This will help reduce any stress for when you are ready to submit your application materials. You will likely revise your cover letter many times before it is good to be sent.

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Main Content

A Cover Letter introduces your resume to the employer, highlights your most significant qualities that apply to the position, and demonstrates your written communication skills.

Basic Principles

Be aware of and understand the employer's needs and requirements laid out in the job description.

Organize the information so that examples demonstrate your background, training, and abilities to meet those needs.

• Getting Started

Research the employer's organization and personalize each letter to demonstrate knowledge and interest in the employer. 

Use a polite, formal style, which demonstrates both self-confidence and respect for the employer.  Be clear, objective, and persuasive.  Keep a positive tone of all descriptions and expectations.

This pdf will help you understand the basic cover letter formatting and what goes in each paragraph.

• Getting Better
• Write to a specific person
• Send an original cover letter for each application
• Demonstrate that you know something about the organization
• Provide information that reflects your employer's interests
• Use powerful action words
• Type it, don't handwrite it
• Keep it at one page
• Give an impression of modest confidence
• Proofread and sign your letter
• Do not use a duplicated form letter
• Do not overuse the pronoun "I"
• Do not repeat the information on your resume, but do reference and expand on it
• Never use company stationery
• Do not make your cover letter two or more pages
• Do not focus too much on yourself, but do focus on what you can do for your employer
• Do not overly repeat yourself
• Getting More

Getting your cover letter perfect can take quite a bit of practice, but you can always come in to see a Career Development Professional who will help you take your cover letter from good to great!  To schedule an appointment 

Call Us: 618-453-2391

Email Us: [email protected]

Schedule Online at Hire A Saluki .

• Login to Hire A Saluki
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Inside Manhattan

Resumes & cover letters.

Knowing how to write effective resumes and cover letters is a critical component of your job search.

Résumé Writing

A resume is a summary of your experience, education, and skills. Resumes are used to screen applicants for interviews and determine which candidates have the background that most closely matches with the employer's requirements.

Before you start writing, think about your experiences and accomplishments, both past and present. Consider work experience, internships, summer jobs, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, research work, course projects, and publications to identify what you have to offer employers. Assess what you have accomplished in each position and which skills you have developed. Tailor your resume by prioritizing this information so that it highlights the skills, accomplishments, and experiences most relevant to the industry and position. You may have more than one version of your resume if you are applying for different types of positions.

When describing your experiences, engage your resume reader with vivid language that captures what you do and why you do it well. See this list of action verbs to increase the strength of your writing and make potential employers take notice.

Résumé Components Explained

There are several components that are important to include in every résumé, no matter the style. The following example reflects the chronological format:

Your most current contact information should be included at the top of the résumé. It is important to provide accurate information so that a potential employer can easily reach you. Use your full name and (college and permanent) address with zip code, telephone number and email.

Academic credentials are very important to an employer, particularly if you are relatively new to the world of work or if you are pursuing a job that requires specific training. Only list institutions you’re currently attending or those from which you have received a degree. In general, avoid listing your high school education.

• Write out institution name, city and state, full degree title and graduation date.
• A GPA of 3.0 or higher should be included in this section.
• List study abroad experience in this section.

An employer will look over your résumé to see what experiences and skills you have gained so far and determine the relevancy to the current position. Do not limit yourself to paid experiences. It is very important for you to develop accomplishment statements that emphasize the skills you have developed, as well as any positive outcomes. List professional experience in reverse chronological order:

• Indicate the company name, city and state, dates of employment (month and year), and title of position held.
• Begin every bullet point with an action verb and be sure to use correct verb tense.
• Develop bulleted accomplishment statements using the formula below to highlight key responsibilities and skills.
• Created and implemented four data systems utilizing Microsoft Access and Excel designed to improve the management of customer contacts
• Responsible for the team development and supervision of three sales associates
• Produced a county-wide marketing campaign for a local restaurant that resulted in 23 percent increase in patronage

Computer skills are essential for success in today’s workplace. Depending on the desired position, the required computer skills may range from a basic knowledge of computer applications to programming abilities. Be specific with your skills and list all relevant software and your competency level with specific programs.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Photoshop and Illustrator
• Working knowledge of Access and Excel
• Familiar with Word, PowerPoint and Access

You may select from the following optional components to add to your résumé. Select the areas in which you are the strongest and that help sell your skills and abilities to a particular employer.

• Honors: Employers are always impressed by accomplishments in the form of honors and awards. Do not list dates, as they tend to appear cluttered. Be sure to list academic honors from the College or any outside organization, scholarships and honor societies.
• Activities and Leadership Experience: Companies often review résumés to determine how a candidate has spent time outside of the classroom or professional arena. Do not list dates, and if you have significant experience in this area, use the same format as in the bulleted experience section. Be sure to list activities in which you are/were involved either at college or at any outside organizations (volunteer, community services, etc.), and any offices held (board member, treasurer, president).
• Languages: In the global marketplace, many companies are looking to hire students and professionals who are fluent in two or more languages. (Do not list English — this is assumed.) Be specific when listing the competency you have in a language. Are you fluent, proficient or do you have a working knowledge?
• Relevant Courses: If you have little experience in a chosen career field, list any relevant coursework that indicates education in the desired area. Also, students who are just beginning their college career find it useful to list relevant experience when trying to gain an internship. Select upper-level courses in a specialized area that set you apart from other applicants.
• Licensure/Certification : If you currently hold a license relevant to your field, it is important for an employer to see this. Accountants, financial planners and teachers are some positions that require licensing.
• Professional Affiliation: Employers like to see how involved you are in your chosen field through professional affiliations. Professional affiliations are an excellent way to network and learn about job opportunities before they are publicly posted.

View Resume & Cover Letter Examples

View our library of resume and cover letter examples that show examples of different ways you can write your resume and cover letters.

Cover Letters

Cover letters are sent out with your résumé, and they should complement, not duplicate, your résumé. A good cover letter will add a personal touch to your résumé and give you the opportunity to add any additional information you would like to share (e.g., start-date availability) or respond to any information requested in the job posting (e.g., salary requirement).

Each cover letter you send out should be tailored to the specific job to which you are applying. Don’t create a form cover letter that you send out for every job application. Your cover letter should give the reasons for your interest in the position, why you are qualified for that position and any specific knowledge you have about it.

There are several types of cover letters (to view examples, see our flipbook):

• Application cover letter: submitted with an application for a posted open position
• Prospecting letter: inquires about possible open positions
• Networking letter: requests assistance in your job search
• Thank you letter: sent after an interview to thank the person you met with
• Acceptance letter: to accept a job offer
• Withdrawal letter: remove yourself from consideration after you have applied for a job
• Rejection letter: decline a job offer

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Write a Cover Letter

A cover letter is a formal business letter that serves as an introduction to your résumé and as a tool to market yourself to employers. A cover letter may accompany résumés you submit to employers during the job search process but is not necessary to distribute at career fairs or other networking events. A good cover letter will describe the reasons why the employer should consider inviting you for an interview. Learn more about writing cover letters by accessing the resources below.

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Resumes and Cover Letters

Samples, tips and resources for perfecting your resume and crafting your cover letter

Sample Resumes, Cover Letters, and Templates

• FIRST YEAR RESUMES
• ENGINEERING RESUMES
• GENERAL RESUMES
• SAMPLE RESUME TEMPLATE
• SAMPLE COVER LETTERS

Resume Reviews

1. VMOCK :  an online resume review tool that uses data science, machine learning and natural language processing to provide instant personalized feedback.

2. Resume workshops and employer resume reviews are offered throughout the year: upcoming RESUME EVENTS  in Handshake.

3. Schedule a Resume/Cover Letter Review appointment with a member of our team through HANDSHAKE .

Resume Format

• 1-page (front only)
• Margins .5-.75 inch on all four sides
• Font 10-12 (a sans serif font, like Calibri, may be more reader friendly on a screen)
• Consistency (with size of dashes, type of bullet point you use, what you choose to bold or italicize throughout, etc.)

Resume Content

• Include keywords and language from the job description in your resume content whenever possible
• List the sections of your resume in order of relevance/interest to the reader - your goal is to have all of your related experience at the top of your resume
• Ditch complete sentences and use phrases beginning with STRONG ACTIVE VERBS instead
• Go beyond simply summarizing your duties – demonstrate impact and results when possible
• Provide the most detail for the related experiences on your resume (3-4 bullet points)
• List your most revelant bullet points first

Engineering Specific Resume Tips

Know your audience to target your resume.

If you're applying to a highly technical positon within your field of study and experience, crafting bullet points with technical language, jargon, acronyms, and details may be very appropriate. When applying to an opportunity that's more inter-discplinary or business-oriented, consider framing technical projects or experiences in a way your audience can understand, perhaps removing some of the techincal jargon. How would you describe the experience to a friend outside of the Engineering School? Sometimes sharing the big picture can help you connect more with readers.

Develop a "Master Resume" from which you can subsequently draw to create "Tailored Resumes" for job applications.

Employers want to read about your projects, including those from the classroom and others you may work on in your free time. Course projects highlight your emerging technical skills and knowledge, as well as your ability to work collaboratively, present your ideas effectively, and meet deadlines. 

Consider including projects in a section titled "Relevant Experience", "Technical Projects", or something similar.

Just as with projects, employers want to learn about the technical skills you've developed in the classroom along with those that are self-taught. Many engineering students have 1-2 lines in their Skills section, for example:

Microsoft Office, experienced in Autodesk Inventor, C/C++, Java, MathCAD, Mathematica, and Eclipse 

SOLIDWORKS, Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD, MATLAB, Java, Minitab, ImageJ, 3D printing

Depending on your interests, you may find it helpful to include sub-categories of skills to help readers skim them more easily. Below are various way to sub-divide your skills section, with samples directly from the resumes of alumni.

Languages : Java, XML, C, C++, JavaScript, SQL, HTML, UML  Tools : Borland JBuilder, Sun ONE Studio (Forte), Macromedia Dreamweaver MX, Rational Rose, UltraEdit-32, Borland CBuilder, Oracle SQL Plus  Operating Systems : Windows (XP, 2000, NT), IBM OS/2 2.0, HP-UX 9.0, DEC VMS 4.1, Unix (Linux and Sun Solaris). Software : Solidworks, MS Office, Autodesk Inventor, Siemens NX 9 Hardware : Electronics prototyping, 3D Printing, Soldering, Oscilloscopes & DMMs for testing/debugging Programming : Java, C, C++, Python, MATLAB, Embedded Systems, Android; Linux & Terminal Program & Data Representation : C++, Linux, Assembly, Data Structures & Implementation Mechatronics : C, Electronics & Prototyping, Debugging, Basic Control Algorithms, CNC Machining

In addition to listing your skills in a stand-alone Skills section, include the skills you most want to highlight ( especially if they're mentioned in the job description ) in your bullet points as well. By doing so, you're showing an employer a specific instance in which you used the skill, versus simply listing it in the Skills section. For example, "Simulated effect of novel device on blood flow through left ventricle using Autodesk CFD and SOLIDWORKS". 

OTHER EXPERIENCES

If you particpate in hackathons, case competitions, or other skill and knowleged-based challenges, include them on your resume. Employers like to see that you pursue your interests outside of the classroom environment. 

Crafting Strong Bullet Points

Start by jotting down any of the tasks you remember performing – big or small – for the master version of your resume.

Then for each of those, ask yourself: WHY did I do this (what was the greater purpose? For example, “Collected and analyzed XYZ data in order to/resulting in/…” and here you continue with sharing what your research is trying to inform or improve – what’s the purpose of the research in terms of knowledge it’s trying to create or what practical application might it have)

WHO did I do this with (highlight examples of teamwork – “Collaborated with a research team of 5…” or “Worked closely with a doctoral student and post-doc to investigate ABC and XYZ in order to…”)

HOW did I do this (share instruments, research/lab techniques, and computer skills you used to complete the task and/or a process you applied)

How can I QUANTIFY this (the number of people you worked with, the number of experiments conducted or pages in a technical report, the % increase or decrease that resulted from your work or the potential % increase or decrease, or a dollar amount – the potential to make, save, fundraise, etc.)

What were the RESULTS of my work and/or what did I ACCOMPLISH ? If you were gathering data this summer and found a small way to improve the process that resulted in more accurate measurements or perhaps it reduced the time required to collect samples, you’ve just improved the results for the company or saved the time and money! Share these small or big wins so that future readers get a sense that you bring results to whatever you work on.

You don’t be able to answer every question for every bullet point, and you don’t need to. But by asking these questions, you can create strong bullet points.

Cover Letter Samples and Tips

A cover letter is a vital tool in marketing yourself to prospective employers for several reasons:  – An effective cover letter will draw attention to your qualifications and experiences that are most relevant to the position for which you are applying.  – Employers often use letters to assess the written communication skills that you will need for any position.  – A letter provides you the opportunity to convey to a potential employer your interest, enthusiasm, and other personal attributes that are not easily expressed in a resume alone.

Cover letters can play an important role in helping you gain interviews. For these reasons, it is important that you prepare your written job search correspondence with as much care as you used when constructing your resume.

What should a cover letter include?

Instead of "To Whom It May Concern" or "Dear Sir or Madam", which you may read elsewhere online, employers tell us that they prefer "Dear Hiring Manager", "Dear (name of company) Recruiting Team", or "Dear FirstName LastName". 

OPENING PARAGRAPH

In the first paragraph, indicate why you are writing and where you heard about the position. Mention UVA and your year and major(s). Make sure to include the specific position title for which you are applying. If an individual or personal contact referred you to the organization, and/or you’ve interacted with company representatives at career fairs, info sessions, or other events, mention their names and events you attended. Consider ending the first paragraph with a sentence that identifies 2-4 skills or experiences you have that will help you contribute to the organization. Keep the first paragraph brief and attention grabbing.

Example 1:   I am a fourth year student at the University of Virginia majoring in Mechanical Engineering as well as minoring in Engineering Business and am writing to apply for the Systems Engineering position at Booz Allen Hamilton. While I have harnessed technical skills through the Mechanical Engineering degree, I am also fascinated by the systems development lifecycle and the integration of product teams and groups that a systems engineering career presents. I enjoyed speaking to ( Recruiter's Name ) at the Engineering Career fair as well as talking to some UVA alumni. After learning more about the company, I believe that I have the strong technical skills, academic background, and enthusiasm to work for and contribute to the successful atmosphere of Booz Allen Hamilton.

Example 2:   Over the last few weeks, I met with you and many of your coworkers to learn about Deloitte and how to become a member of the Deloitte team. After hearing presentations, talking to representatives at events and career fairs and reading about an available position on the firm’s website and through Handshake at the University of Virginia, I am interested in a Federal Business Technology Analyst position with your firm upon completion of my degree. I will be graduating this May with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering. I believe the fit between my skills and interests and your needs would make me an asset to your organization.

Example 3:   I am a senior Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Virginia (UVA), and I have had a strong interest in the automotive community ever since my father first took me out to the garage to work on our vehicles. I've continued to explore this interest during my time at UVA, where I've served as President of our team for the SAE Mini Baja Competition. When I'm not in the classroom, I'm often working on a 1986 K5 Blazer as a personal project. I am emailing you because I am very interested in a full-time entry-level position with International Truck and Engine Corporation and believe that my hands-on project experience, technical expertise, and strong teamwork skills would allow me to be an asset to your team.  

BODY PARAGRAPHS

In one or two paragraphs, detail how you can contribute to the company. Think about concrete examples that illustrate you have the qualifications and skills you identified at the end of the first paragraph. Tell a story about these previous experiences to help the firm understand that you’ll be able to bring these same skills to their team. Make sure not to reproduce your resume in this space, but rather highlight your most pertinent experiences. If you have access to a position description or job listing, specifically address how your background matches the qualifications they are seeking. Your objectives here are to demonstrate that you are a “match” for the position and to stimulate enough interest that the contact person will want to read your resume. Create a “need” for yourself at the company, and indicate your willingness to contribute to the organization.

Example 1:  I have been involved in academic projects that have further helped my teamwork and analytical problem solving skills. In my Introduction to Engineering class, I worked with four other peers to design an off-road baby stroller. We had a customer that introduced himself to the class and gave criteria for the stroller and how it would be tested. As such, we designed, tested, and pitched our stroller to the customer. Through this project I gained valuable design, teamwork, and communication experience that I am excited to utilize in an internship with XYZ company.

Example 2 : 

I initially became interested in consulting because of the opportunity to work with intelligent, driven and creative people. However, it is the fact that consultants utilize their skills to solve real world issues that motivated me to apply for a position at Deloitte. As a BTA, I want to apply my strong problem solving skills and creativity to help clients solve business and IT problems or capitalize on business opportunities. Through my coursework, I have developed the abilities to perform research, integrate information, determine the best solution, and design a plan for its implementation. Many of my courses allowed me to take the work a step further by testing proposals in the real world in areas ranging from medical device design to the improvement of preexisting consumer products. Just as important as the specific abilities I developed through my coursework is the mindset that I formed – a mindset that values practical solutions and visible results. I believe my abilities and mindset would make a career with Deloitte particularly rewarding for me and beneficial for Deloitte’s clients.

My courses often required function as part of a team. This experience helped me develop the skills needed to be an effective team member including the ability to communicate efficiently and effectively with others. I have learned that I possess the flexibility and professionalism necessary to succeed in a group setting, and am excited about the opportunity to draw upon these same attributes when interacting directly with clients and coworkers. As a firm that prides itself on not only developing recommendations but taking the process a step further to deliver tangible results, I believe my experiences are compatible with the mission of Deloitte. I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications with you at your convenience.

Example 3: 

I first learned of International Truck and Engine Corporation through my father, who drove a tractor trailer for years.  He would tell me about all the different types of tractors, who made their engines, and which ones were the best. I later saw advertisements on television for the International Power Stroke Diesel and as I come to a close in my college career I realized that I should further my research into your company. I read on your website that you are a fairly large company with many different disciplines, which truly excited me. The ability to see multiple different aspects of a project and how they interact with each other is very important for younger engineers to gain experience with project management. Through my work on the SAE Baja cars, I have had the ability to manage multiple different teams and integrate their designs into one complete vehicle. Also, as the lead of one of those teams, I have had the opportunity to design, analyze, and fabricate multiple components and then incorporate them into a finalized car.

This past summer, I was granted an internship position with NASA under the USRP program. In this position, I conducted multiple CFD analyses using CFDesign. The skills which I gained from using this program would be immensely useful for setting up and analyzing intake flow rates and exhaust flow rates and EGT’s via the heat transfer capabilities.  I also created multiple CAD drawings of mounting brackets for experimental equipment to fly on a DC-8 aircraft.

CLOSING PARAGRAPH

In the closing paragraph, thank readers for their time and consideration. Share your contact information (one email address and phone number – the same ones you share on your resume) and mention that you look forward to hearing from them.

Example 1:  If there is any other information I can provide you with that would be helpful as you assess my candidacy, please contact me at PHONE or at EMAIL. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your time and consideration!

Example 2:   Attached, please find a copy of my resume.  I will be contacting you in the coming weeks to discuss further opportunities within your company.  Please feel free to contact me at (xxx) xxx-xxxx or by email at [email protected] if you have any questions.  Thank you for your time and serious consideration.

Example 3:  Attached to the Handshake site is my resume for review. Please feel free to contact me at PHONE or at EMAIL if you have any further questions or would like additional credentials. Thank you very much for your time and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

And, be sure to include a professional closing of choice, such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards" before including your first and last name.

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A cover letter is an opportunity to introduce yourself, showcase your writing abilities, and create a compelling application package to show how you're the right candidate for the role. It is a chance to show your personality, strengths, goals, and values.

Important things to remember about a cover letter:

• This serves as a writing sample — make sure you are putting your best foot forward. If you're unsure about your grammatical abilities or writing quality, we encourage you to visit the writing center.
• Your cover letter should be about attitude and your resume should be about aptitude. Your cover provides an opportunity to compliment your resume, not reiterate.
• Focus on the WHY — Why you? Why this job? Why this company?
• Be sure your cover letter is no more than a page. A properly crafted cover letter should be exactly one full page.
• Your resume and cover letter should look like a part of the same application package — use similar formatting, font, and creative design.
• Double check – when you are sending out multiple cover letters it is easy to get your documents confused. Double check youre sending the right cover letter to the right person and company.
• Save as PDF Always.
• Do not address your letter "To Whom It May Concern", if you are unsure of who to submit your materials to, simply greet with "Dear Hiring Manager:"

You are welcome to have your cover letter reviewed at our Career Studio  in the Career Development Center or by appointment with your career coach on Handshake.

Here are some samples and resources to get you started:

• Job Cover Letter Sample
• Internship Cover Letter Sample
• Education Cover Letter Sample
• Cover Letter Checklist
• Cover Letter Writing Tips

In the first paragraph, indicate your reason for writing, the specific position or type of work you are applying for, and how you learned about the position. Mention the name of the person (if any) who referred you to the person, position, or organization. Give information to show your specific interest in the organization.

Your middle paragraph(s) should explain why you are interested in working for this employer; specify why you desire this type of work and showcase your qualifications. Highlight any relevant work experience or related education, but do not reiterate your entire resume. Emphasize your skills, abilities, and personal traits that relate to the job for which you are applying . A useful tip is to look at the job description for the position you are applying for and see what skills and abilities it requires. Make connections between your skills and abilities and what the employer is looking for. Be sure to do this in a confident manner and remember that the reader will view your cover letter as an example of your writing style.

Close your letter by indicating your desire for a personal interview. You might suggest a day or time frame when you will be available. You may refer your reader to your enclosed resume or other media you are using to illustrate your training, skills, and experience. Give a telephone number and/or email address where you can be reached at the employer’s convenience.

Your handwritten signature

Your name typed

Download: Cover Letter Sample for Internships (.doc)

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Cover Letters

The cover letter is a separate document to support the résumé. It’s not a place to repeat items stated in the résumé, but to elaborate on unique qualifications that make you a strong candidate. This is where you tell why you’re excited to work at the organization and what specific experience you bring to it, and where you talk in depth about your top two or three qualifications. Expectations for cover letter format and content vary, but there are some common principles.

View Cover Letter Tips PDF

Check out our cover letter checklist and cover letter examples for more help!

                   Do

• Be concise, original, and direct.
• Promote yourself.
• Focus on the positives

                 Don't

• Be vague, too wordy, boastful, presumptuous, or deceptive.
• Summarize your résumé.

                   Tips

• Proofread at least three times.
• Read it aloud.
• Print it out and have at least two people review format and content.
• Match the header (your name and contact information) to your résumé’s to maintain a consistent, polished look.
• Be careful of your tone; strike a balance between professional, genuine excitement and humility. You don't want to sound like you lack confidence or that you are prideful.

Sample Cover Letter

First Name Last Name Email Address | Phone Number | Physical Address or LinkedIn URL Date

First and Last Name of Recruiter Their Position/Title Organization Street Address City, State Zip

Dear [Director or Coordinator _______ ] or [Hiring Manager]:

Opening paragraph: State your reason for the letter: the position you are applying for, how you heard about it and your interest.

Second/third paragraph : List examples and illustrate how and why you are a qualified candidate. Describe relevant work, volunteer, educational or personal experiences not listed in your résumé or expand on what was listed.

Closing paragraph: Share your desire to meet with them/follow up in person, preferably for an interview. Tell them to refer to your résumé for further review of your qualifications. Thank them and tell them you can be reached at any of your provided contact information.

Sincerely, Best regards, etc. Your signature Your full name

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Professional Software Development Engineer Cover Letter Examples for 2024

Your software development engineer cover letter should demonstrate your technical expertise. Detail your experience with relevant programming languages and development tools. Additionally, showcase your problem-solving capabilities and how you've successfully navigated complex projects. Let the reader grasp your ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

Cover Letter Guide

Software Development Engineer Cover Letter Sample

Cover Letter Format

Cover Letter Salutation

Cover Letter Introduction

Cover Letter Body

Cover Letter Closing

No Experience Software Development Engineer Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

Embarking on your job hunt, you've realized a standout software development engineer cover letter is your golden ticket. This isn't a rerun of your resume—it's your chance to weave a captivating narrative around your proudest professional triumph. As you navigate the fine line between formal and fresh, remember: ditch the clichés and keep your story tight; this page-turner should be a one-pager. Let's engineer a letter that sets you apart.

• Write a software development engineer cover letter that helps you stand out (and get the job);
• Understand how to start and end your software development engineer cover letter with the appropriate greeting;
• What to include in the body of your software development engineer cover letter to put your best foot forward;
• Your most important achievements - how to present them as part of your software development engineer cover letter.

And if you want to make your life even easier, simply drag and drop your software development engineer resume into Enhancv's AI cover letter generator, and it will write your cover letter for you in just a few moments.

If the software development engineer isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:

• Software Development Engineer resume guide and example
• Software Developer cover letter example
• Staff Software Engineer cover letter example
• Freelance Developer cover letter example
• Associate Software Engineer cover letter example
• Software QA Engineer cover letter example
• Backend Engineer cover letter example
• Software Test Engineer cover letter example
• Innovation Engineering cover letter example
• Asp.Net Developer cover letter example
• Software Support Engineer cover letter example

Software Development Engineer cover letter example

Johnatan Wright

San Francisco, CA

+1-(234)-555-1234

[email protected]

• Emphasizing relevant project experience – The cover letter highlights specific achievement in rebuilding a customer-facing system using .NET Core, which is directly relevant to a Software Development Engineer role, showcasing technical expertise and successful project delivery.
• Demonstrating value addition – It mentions quantifiable improvements like 30% faster response times and 50% reduction in code maintenance, which reflects the candidate's ability to drive efficiency and improve systems, an important aspect for a potential employer.
• Expressing company alignment – The candidate expresses enthusiasm for the company's innovative projects and collaborative environment, showing that they have researched the company and are genuinely interested in contributing to its culture and objectives.
• Focusing on professional growth and impact – The applicant conveys a desire for continued growth and making an impact, indicating a forward-thinking mindset that is attractive to tech companies looking for proactive and ambitious team members.

Five tips on formatting your software development engineer cover letter

Do you want to make a good impression on recruiters and, at the same time, follow the best industry advice on writing your software development engineer cover letter?

Make sure to include the following:

• Header and Salutation;
• Introductory paragraph;
• Body paragraph;
• Closing paragraph;
• Signature (this one is up to you).

Remember to use the same modern, simple font for your software development engineer cover letter as you did for your resume (e.g. Lato, Rubik, etc.)

Ensure your software development engineer cover letter is single-spaced and is wrapped around a one-inch margin, like in our cover letter templates .

Once completed, use our cover letter builder to export your software development engineer cover letter in the best format to keep your information intact - PDF.

At the end of the day, your software development engineer cover letter won't be assessed by the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) software, but by the recruiters. Your information should thus be legible, organized, and follow a structured logic.

The top sections on a software development engineer cover letter

• Header: Includes your contact information, the date, and the employer's contact information, establishing the professional format of the cover letter.
• Greeting: Addresses the hiring manager or recruitment team directly, showing that you have done your research and are personally reaching out to the company.
• Introduction: Briefly introduces you as a software development engineer, capturing the employer's interest with a summary of your strongest qualifications related to software engineering.
• Body: Delves into your relevant experience, technical skills, and successful projects in software development, demonstrating how you can contribute to the employer's technical team and resolve their specific needs.
• Closing: Ends with a professional sign-off, a statement of enthusiasm about the opportunity, and a call to action, such as expressing your willingness to further discuss your qualifications in an interview.

Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter

• Proficiency in multiple programming languages (e.g., Java, Python, C++) – necessary for writing clean, efficient, and bug-free code.
• Experience with software development methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum) – important for collaborating effectively within a team and adapting to changing project requirements.
• Strong problem-solving skills – essential for debugging issues and creatively overcoming technical challenges.
• Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git) – critical for code management and collaboration in a shared codebase.
• Knowledge of software testing practices (e.g., unit testing, integration testing) – key to ensuring the reliability and quality of the software.
• Understanding of software design patterns and architecture – helps in creating maintainable and scalable software solutions.

The software development engineer cover letter salutation: how to address hiring managers

After covering the format of your software development engineer cover letter, let's look at the salutation.

Back in the day, the cordial "To whom it may concern" or "Dear Sir/Madam", might have worked out fine.

But, nowadays, your cover letter should approach hiring managers on a more personal basis.

So, what to do about your cover letter salutation ?

If you've messaged the recruiters and are on a first name basis or a more formal one, use the hiring manager's name in the greeting (e.g. "Dear Sophie," "Dear Ms. Givens", or "Dear Mr. Everett,").

Always aim to make the effort to find out the name of the hiring manager, who'd be assessing your application. Search on LinkedIn, double-check the advert on the corporate website, or message the brand on social media to find out more about the role.

If you can't find the hiring manager's name (and still want to sound professional), use "Dear HR Team,", "Dear Hiring Manager,", or the likes.

List of salutations you can use

• Dear Hiring Manager,
• Dear [Company Name] Team,
• Dear [Department Name] Leader,
• Dear Ms. [Last Name],
• Dear Mr. [Last Name],
• Dear Dr. [Last Name],

What to include in those first two sentences, or your software development engineer cover letter introduction

Have you ever wondered what the best way is to present your profile in the software development engineer cover letter introduction ?

There's no right or wrong answer if you're being concise and authentic to yourself.

Some professionals start their software development engineer cover letter by:

• congratulating the company - focusing on something impressive, whether that's an award, an industry-leading project, or a key event;
• aligning their passion for the field or industry with the job - if you're enthusiastic about what you do, you'd thus grow your skill set and value as a professional.

Structuring your software development engineer cover letter body to add more value

You've hinted at your value as a professional (this may be your passion for the job or interest in the company) in your introduction.

Next, it's time to pan out the body or middle of your software development engineer cover letter .

When creating your resume, you've probably gone over the advert a million times to select the most relevant skills.

Well, it's time to repeat this activity. Or just copy and paste your previous list of job-crucial requirements.

Then, select one of your past accomplishments, which is relevant and would impress hiring managers.

Write between three and six paragraphs to focus on the value your professional achievement would bring to your potential, new organization.

Tell a story around your success that ultimately shows off your real value as a professional.

Time to wrap up your software development engineer cover letter

Writing the closing paragraph of your software development engineer cover letter is just as important as the salutation.

You have to make it personalized to the job advert and recruiter.

Experienced professionals advise candidates to end with a request or reminder for follow-up. Write that you're grateful for the opportunity, and, at the same time, hint that you're available for the next steps of the process.

Otherwise, you could also conclude your software development engineer cover letter by facing the future. How do you see yourself, as part of the team? In particular, how would you settle in your new role in the first six months to a year?

Software Development Engineer cover letter advice for candidates with no experience

If you're worried about writing your Software Development Engineer cover letter and have no professional experience , we sure have some advice for you.

Turn recruiters' attention to your transferable or relevant skills gained thanks to your life and work experience.

Instead of writing about past jobs, focus on one achievement (whether from your volunteering experience, education, etc.) and the skills it has helped you build.

Alternatively, you could focus your Software Development Engineer cover letter on your career objectives and goals. Always remember to make those relevant to the job you're applying for by detailing how you see yourself growing as part of the company.

Recruiters would be way more impressed with candidates who fit the job profile and can bring about plenty of skills and vision to the table.

Key takeaways

Creating your software development engineer cover letter should be a personalized experience for the role and the recruiter, where you:

• Format your cover letter using the same ATS-friendly font (e.g. Railway) as you did for your resume;
• Greet recruiters, using their name, and follow up with two sentences to introduce yourself, your interest in the role, and to stand out;
• Map out one key success from your career (or life) that has taught you job-crucial skills;
• Substitute your lack of experience with an achievement from your internships, degrees, or volunteering gigs;
• End with a promise for your potential or your availability for an interview.

Cover letter examples by industry

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• Content tailored to the job posting you're applying for
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How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship (Example)

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How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship (Example) was originally published on Forage .

Trying to figure out how to write a cover letter for an internship can feel like a paradox. How do you explain your professional experience and skills — when you’re applying for an internship so you can gain professional experience and skills? 

>>MORE: What Is an Internship (and Why Should I Do One)?

It is confusing, but luckily, you can still write a successful cover letter without professional experience. This guide will cover:

What Do Employers Look for in an Internship Cover Letter?

Internship cover letter example, how to write a cover letter for an internship with no experience, how to write a cover letter for an internship: the bottom line.

Because you’re applying for an internship, employers don’t expect you to have years of experience and well-established job skills . 

“Prior work experience is always a plus, but what also matters is anything that provides a sense of the person’s character, commitment, passions and interests, drive, ability to overcome challenges, and willingness to learn,” says J.R. Lowry, founder of PathWise.io, a career coaching company. “As an employer, you can teach skills and provide experience, but we’re looking for intern candidates who will work at it.”

Instead, they’re looking for interns with interest, passion, and soft skills .

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Interest and Passion

Employers want to know why you’re particularly interested in the specific role at the company and why it excites you.

“Focus your cover letter on who you are, why the company or what you do is meaningful to you, and what YOU can bring to the organization,” says Ayanna E. Jackson, career and leadership consultant. “That requires research. Many times interns focus on ‘I want, I want, I want,’ versus focusing on what they can give to an organization with their ambition and skill. Usually, it’s a confidence issue, but hiring managers know you don’t possess all the skills. They want to know that you want to work there and not just anywhere. Be specific. Be confident.”

Soft Skills

Wendy Reimann, owner and writer at Lighthouse Writing, a writing and editing services company, emphasizes that soft skills are essential in an internship cover letter. Companies are looking for interns who don’t just have technical skills, but also skills like communication and collaboration that will make them valuable to the team.

>>MORE: Top Communication Skills for the Workplace

“Employers are also desperate for employees who demonstrate emotional intelligence alongside standard skills in their fields so that they can positively add to the company culture ,” she says. “Currently, the biggest skills and experiences needed in most industries are the ability to effectively collaborate and communicate across diverse populations, including gender, race, culture, and socio-economic status.”

Jill Knight Boston, MA 123-456-7890 [email protected]

January 10th, 2023

Charles Callahan VP of Product Company Z Boston, MA

Dear Charles, 

I’m writing to share my interest in the UX design internship at Company Z for summer 2023. I’m a current junior studying psychology at X University, and I believe my unique perspectives on user motivation and experience with user research and graphic design make me a great fit for this role.

In my cognitive psychology course, I learned a human-oriented approach to design, specifically from learning about how humans perceive and process information. As a result, I use an empathetic approach to design that aims to make any product intuitive, clear, and simple to use. I applied this approach in my human-computer interaction course, where I completed mock user research and identified three critical areas for design improvement within the sample product. After those improvements, 93% of users reported higher satisfaction with the product.

Outside of my academic work, I’ve worked independently on graphic design projects for various organizations on campus, using Figma to draft website designs and InDesign for print work. I’ve become the go-to person for designing for theater and music organizations on campus and work collaboratively with directors to produce a design they love. This is why I’m particularly passionate about interning for Company Z — I’m excited to bring my love for designing for arts organizations to Company Z’s innovative music product. 

My coursework in psychology and passion for arts graphic design give me a human-oriented, empathetic, and creative approach to UX design. This approach is not only in-line with Company Z’s mission but would also be an asset in an internship and help the company reach young audiences in new, creative ways. Please let me know if you need anything else from me to move forward in the process. I’ve attached my resume and portfolio and look forward to hearing next steps. Thank you for your consideration.

Best, Jill Knight

Where do you start if you don’t know how to write a cover letter for an internship without experience? Jill, from our example, doesn’t have any professional work experience, but she still writes a convincing cover letter that shows off her skills and passion. So, if you’re like Jill, here’s how to write your internship cover letter.

>>MORE: Should you use ChatGPT to write your cover letter ? Learn what the chatbot gets right (and wrong).

Start With a Header and Greeting

Every cover letter starts with a similar type of header. You write your information at the top, then include the hiring manager’s or company’s information (depending on whether you know who the hiring manager is). 

You don’t need to give your full address in the cover letter; however, even if you’re applying for a remote position, you can just include your city. This will give the recruiter or hiring manager an idea of where you’re located — and help them understand your time zone, whether you’re near one of the company’s offices, or if you qualify for relocation assistance.

Make sure you’re addressing the right person at the top of the letter. This should be the hiring manager for the role. If you don’t know who the hiring manager is, you can get savvy with your search:

• If the role was posted on LinkedIn , look for a “meet the hiring team” section underneath the job description.
• If the job description shares who interns report to, search on LinkedIn for people with that title who work at the company.

If you still can’t find the name, that’s okay — instead, address your letter to whatever team you’re applying for. For example, Jill could have addressed her letter to the product team.

Introduce Yourself

The first paragraph of a cover letter should summarize who you are and why you’re uniquely excited to apply for the role.

If you’re a student or recent graduate, you can include your major (if you’ve declared one), class year, and university. You can also include any other key information about your work. In this example, Jill mentioned she has experience with graphic design. 

Explain Your Experience

You don’t need professional experience to write a cover letter, especially for an internship. You can include:

• Academic experience: Courses you’ve taken that apply to the role, skills you’ve learned, and projects you’ve worked on
• Extracurricular activities: Clubs you’re a part of (or lead!), events you’ve led, projects you’ve worked on
• Volunteer experience: Places you’ve volunteered or community service projects you’ve done
• Personal projects: Independent work you’ve done, even if it’s not formally published or part of a formal project. (Make sure to include an online portfolio so the team can see it!)

“Highlight any clubs, events, or activities that you’ve helped plan,” Jackson says. “Think church, community, school clubs, sororities, fraternities or volunteer experiences. What role did you play? What did you accomplish? Who did it help? How many? How much? I’ve told my interns to think about why they are interested in that particular company or function and hone in on good storytelling. The WHY behind what they want to do is sometimes more important than having direct experience in that space.”

Emphasize Your Skills

When explaining what experiences you’ve worked on, be sure to call out any relevant skills you have. You don’t need to say outright, “I have communication skills” or “I have programming skills .” Instead, infuse these skills naturally into your descriptions.

For example, Jill mentions her hard skills when she says she uses Figma and InDesign, two applications that are relevant to the internship she’s applying for. However, she also mentions a soft skill, collaboration, when describing who she’s designed for. 

Your final paragraph of the cover letter should summarize everything you’ve discussed and show why you’re right for the role. 

You don’t need to parrot back precisely what you mentioned in the first paragraph. Instead, drive home why you’re the best fit. You can include your top experience highlights and say how that aligns with the company’s mission or an initiative you’ve researched. In Jill’s letter, she references the company’s mission and adds that her work could benefit the company by helping them reach a target audience.

“Frame your desire for the role in a way that showcases you’ve done your research on the organization: know a bit about their products, services, recent mergers, or customers and tie your genuine interests to that,” Jackson says.

Ask for Next Steps

End the cover letter with gratitude and a call to action. The reader should know you appreciate their time and understand what next steps you’d like them to take. Like Jill, you can ask them to let you know what else they need from you. You could also ask them when you should expect to hear back from them or tell them you’re looking forward to the next steps.

Finally, include a professional sign-off and your full name.

>>MORE : Unsure what sign-off to use? Learn eight sign-offs to use and six to avoid with How to End an Email Professionally (With Examples) .

Writing a cover letter for an internship when you don’t have any professional experience can be daunting, but employers aren’t looking for experienced interns with advanced skills. Instead, your cover letter can discuss any academic, extracurricular, volunteer, or independent work you’ve done and highlight key hard and soft skills the employer mentions in the job description. 

“Even if you haven’t had a ‘real job’ before, you likely have some relevant experience — what you’ve studied in school, school or other groups you’re involved in, any leadership roles you’ve played in those, sports team you’ve been on, things you’re interested in outside of school that might be relevant, etc.,” Lowry says. “Focus on what’s made you good at those things and what you learned from them.”

In the midst of internship applications? Check out our other internship guides:

• How to Find Internships That’ll Jumpstart Your Career
• Ultimate Guide to Internship Application Deadlines and Open Dates
• How to Apply for an Internship
• How to Ask for an Internship (Email Examples)
• How Long Does an Internship Last?

Image credit: Vlada Karpovich / Pexels

The post How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship (Example) appeared first on Forage .

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Meruelo Family Center For Career Development

Cover Letters

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Tell your story

You have a less than one page to convey your interest and qualifications. Tailor your message and be specific.

Cover letters are a tool to introduce yourself, serving as a bridge between your resume and the specific job to which you are applying. Therefore, there isn’t a “one size fits all” cover letter. A cover letter is also a reflection of your writing skills, so take time and care to proofread and review your document. It needs to be specific to the organization and position --  a generic cover letter will not help you.

When should I send a cover letter?

• Applying through Handshake  or another online database and the employer has requested it
• Responding to a job posting
• Sending a response to a referral provided by an alum, friend, or acquaintance

What content should I include in a cover letter?

An effective cover letter includes three paragraphs:

• Responding to an advertised opening
• Inquiring about a possible opening
• States WHY you are applying to, or are interested in, this employer
• Company’s training program
• Company’s product or service
• Demonstrate your company research
• Mention your contact/referral if you have one
• Highlights two or three experiences or academic achievements that directly relate to the qualifications the employer is seeking
• Proves through examples of experiences and activities that you have key skills for the position—i.e., leadership, communication, problem-solving ability, and analytical skills
• May close with a summary sentence of your qualifications and a confident statement that you can make a contribution to the organization
• May reference your enclosed or attached resume
• Thanks the person and indicates that you look forward to speaking to or meeting with him/her, but indicates flexibility as to time and place
• Optional: You may want to share that you will call the contact person at a certain time/day to discuss scheduling a meeting or an interview

Sample Cover Letters

Examples 1-2:   Mary Flint and Peter Smith

Examples 3-4:  Julie Smith and Anthony Hermann

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Cover letters.

Most professional job and internship postings will ask for a cover letter as part of your application package. The cover letter represents your chance to communicate very specific information as to why you are qualified for a position, and to let your personality show.  While the resume represents the entirety of your relevant education and employment history, the cover letter can be written to focus on your specific qualifications that match a particular job description.

Personalize Accordion Closed

Average cover letters describe how your skills and experience match the requirements of the position; excellent ones demonstrate your knowledge of the organization and why you’re so excited to join them.

Before you write your cover letter, consider: Why are you interested in this organization? In what ways does their mission statement or culture appeal to you? How have you used their products or services? What contributions have they made that you find most impressive? In your first paragraph, be sure to include a brief comment or compliment highlighting your personal connection to the company. This oft-forgotten detail shows that you’ve done your homework. Not only have you thoroughly researched the organization, you’ve taken the time to craft a letter just for them.

Include undeniable proof Accordion Closed

The body of the cover letter, typically three short paragraphs, gives you an opportunity to select three of the key requirements for the position and expand on the most relevant skills or experiences that you have. Carefully read the job description and qualifications, and use the same vocabulary to craft examples that match what they’re looking for.

Be professional Accordion Closed

When reviewing your cover letter, employers are evaluating your communication ability through your writing.  Make sure that your letter flows well and is grammatically correct. Your cover letter should be presented in a business letter format and be no longer than one page. You may also use your resume header instead of the business format. It’s always important to have someone else edit your letter for any typos that might have snuck through spellcheck.

Internships

• Donovan Hill
• Margaret (Peggy) Sims
• Samantha (Sam) Diaz
• Tobias (Toby) Fünke
• Sarah Smith
• Aisha Merriwether
• Bijou Phillips
• Eduardo Montoya
• Hikari Iori
• Kim E. Gibbler
• LeVar Rogers
• Terry O’Shea

For more in-depth information, explore the following Career Steps online lesson:

Developing Application Materials: Writing a Cover Letter

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More From Forbes

A career strategy for turning your side hustle into a job offer.

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Side hustles can be the launchpad to your career advancement. Highlight how your venture has helped ... [+] you grow professionally, and how those skills will benefit the employer.

The side hustle economy is booming, with millions of ambitious individuals leveraging their passions and skills to create additional streams of income. In a survey conducted by Self.Inc, 45% of working Americans currently have a side hustle, and 30% of those with a side hustle said they need the extra money to cover basic costs.

What many do not realize, however, is that their side gig can be a powerful launchpad for jumping into an entirely new career. Whether you’re a freelancer looking to transition into a full-time role or a professional seeking to change industries, your side hustle could be the key to unlocking your dream job. Understanding how to present your side hustle as a compelling asset to potential employers is a strategic move in the modern job market.

The Side Hustle Phenomenon

The concept of a side hustle has evolved dramatically in recent years. Once considered a means to supplement income, a side hustle now represents a personalized platform for honing skills outside the traditional 9-to-5 job. For many, it’s an intimate creative outlet or a profitable testing ground for entrepreneurial endeavors.

The skills and accomplishments gained from a side hustle, such as project management, customer service or financial acumen, are often directly translatable to various professional environments. Don’t underestimate the significant impact your side gig can have on your job search—it might just set you apart from the competition.

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The fallout show appears to have given fallout 4 a canon ending, goldman sachs issues stark bitcoin halving price warning, demonstrate the diverse skills your side hustle has cultivated.

Every side hustle, from graphic design to dog walking, requires a diverse set of skills. Develop a comprehensive list of the skills you’ve refined through your side venture and identify which are the most valuable to your target job. For instance, a freelance graphic designer might possess strong communication skills, an eye for detail, and the ability to work under tight deadlines—assets that are highly sought after in many corporate settings.

Use data and statistics to quantify your impact, emphasizing the results of your work. By doing so, you’re proving your abilities and providing future employers with a glimpse of the value you could bring to their teams.

Craft A Narrative Around The Journey And Lessons Learned

Personal stories are memorable. Discuss the challenges you’ve overcome, the insight you’ve gained and any strategic decisions that have led to your side hustle’s success. This narrative is more than just experiences on paper; it’s a testament to your problem-solving skills and your tenacity in pursuing professional growth.

Ingraining Side Hustle Skills In Your Job Application

Now that you’ve identified the skills and successes of your side hustle, it’s critical to incorporate them into your job application effectively. Here are three key strategies to smoothly integrate your side hustle into the job-seeking process:

Tailor Your Resume To Highlight Side Hustle Skills

Your resume should reflect the skills and experiences most relevant to the job you’re applying for. Create a section dedicated to your achievements in your side hustle and align them with the job requirements. Be sure to use industry-specific keywords and metrics that encompass the breadth and depth of your side hustle contributions.

Use Your Cover Letter To Share Your Side Hustle Story

Your cover letter is an opportunity to tell the personal story behind your side hustle. Relate your experiences to the challenges and opportunities present in the new role you’re pursuing. Additionally, express how your side hustle skills will allow you to hit the ground running and contribute to the success of the company from day one.

Prepare And Share A Professional Portfolio

Portfolios aren’t just for designers or creatives; they’re a powerful tool in any job application. Compile a portfolio showcasing your side hustle work, whether photography, copywriting or blog management. Highlight your best projects and articulate the impact they’ve had. This tangible evidence can be what truly differentiates you as a candidate.

Side hustles provide you with a unique skill set. Make sure you talk about it in the job interview ... [+] to show you are capable and can handle level projects.

Acing The Interview

You’ve landed the interview; now it’s time to shine. Approach the interview with confidence.

Explore Behavioral Interview Techniques

Many interviewers use behavioral interview questions to understand how candidates have managed specific situations in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer these questions, drawing from your side hustle experiences to illustrate your ability to address complex challenges and deliver results.

Engage Your Interviewers

During an interview, take time to get to know your interviewers. Share stories about your side hustle that might resonate with them personally or professionally. Building a personal connection can make your application more memorable and demonstrate your interpersonal skills in action.

Negotiate The Best Offer

You’ve made it to the offer stage, and your side hustle is now closer than ever to directly influencing your career. Highlight the unique value you’ll bring as someone who has successfully managed their own venture and can apply that same dedication to the company’s success.

• Leverage Your Unique Skills and Experiences: Highlight how your side hustle has equipped you with unique skills and experiences that can directly benefit your potential employer. Detail specific instances where these attributes led to success and how they can be applied to solve the company’s challenges.
• Research and Present Market Standards: Come prepared with research on the typical salary range for the position, considering factors like your experience, geographic location and industry standards. Use this data to inform your negotiations and establish a factual basis for your salary expectations.
• Propose a Flexible Compensation Package: If salary flexibility is limited, consider negotiating for other forms of compensation such as bonuses, equity, additional vacation time, or remote work days. These benefits can also significantly contribute to your overall satisfaction and work-life balance.

The impact of your side hustle goes beyond financial returns. It reflects your dedication, innovation and readiness to take on new challenges. Use your side hustle to tell a compelling story about who you are and what you can offer, and watch as it transforms from a personal passion into a professional stepping stone.

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