Crafting the perfect plumber cover letter may seem like a pain. But it really doesn't have to be!
For our homes and businesses to be functional and sanitary, we all rely on you to provide us with the proper installation, maintenance, and repair of pipes. Learn how to communicate your value and potential through your cover letter. Just follow our guide and discover the best writing tips, real-life samples, plenty of detailed examples, and sleek templates.
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In this guide, we teach you the key steps to writing a cover letter as a plumber. Keep reading to learn how to:
- Format a plumber cover letter header & headline
- Create a personalized greeting on a plumber cover letter
- Write an effective plumber cover letter introduction
- Highlight your professional accomplishments as a plumber
- Conclude your cover letter with a thoughtful closing statement
- Access top resources for job-seeking plumbers
Still looking for a job? These 100+ resources will tell you everything you need to get hired fast.
1. Properly format your plumber cover letter header & headline
The first step to take when writing a plumber cover letter is to write a well-formatted header and headline.
A cover letter header refers to the block of text most commonly found in the upper left corner of the document. In this header, the applicant will list out all the necessary identifying information about themselves and the company they are applying to.
While the header establishes the sender and recipient of the letter, the cover letter headline is used to convey the most important information found within the letter.
Below are more in-depth explanations and examples of these crucial cover letter elements:
Formatting the header
The header of your cover letter can vary in format but should always have between 3 to 4 lines of text that include:
- The name of the company you're applying to (& the department, when applicable)
- Your name and professional title
- Your professional contact information (phone number, email address, LinkedIn, etc.)
Here is an example of a well-formatted header on a plumber’s cover letter
To: Piping Solutions, Inc.
From: Joe King, Professional Plumber
(123) 456-7890 | joeking@email.com | linkedin.com/in/joe-king
Writing the headline
For the headline of your cover letter, you should always include a keyword related to the position, an eye-catching number or trigger word, a powerful adjective or verb, and a promise.
Here is an example of a well-written plumber headline, followed by a breakdown of its key components:
My 3 Plumbing Success & How I Can Achieve Them at Your Company
Trigger Word/Number: 3 Successes
Keyword: Plumbing
Adjective/Verb: Achieve
Promise: At Your Company – this detail indicates a promise to the employer that you'll make all of the information found in your cover letter highly relatable to their business.
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2. Create a personalized greeting on a plumber cover letter
Whenever you write a cover letter as a plumber, it's crucial to use a personalized greeting.
A personalized greeting will address a specific person or department by name, showing employers you have thoroughly researched their company before applying. Plus, it shows you have great attention to detail and helps your cover letter stand apart from the competition.
If you've done your due diligence yet cannot pinpoint an exact person or department who will review your cover letter, try out one of the following alternatives:
To the [Company Name] Team
Or
To the [Company Name] Hiring Manager
3. Write an effective plumber cover letter introduction
While the headline and greeting of your cover letter work together to initially grab an employer’s attention, it's the responsibility of your introduction to keep that employer interested.
In your cover letter introduction, you should aim to include:
- A brief overview of your professional history and goals
- A statement on why you are enthusiastic about applying to this company
- A mutual acquaintance (when possible)
Here is an example to help demonstrate how to write a plumber cover letter introduction
To the [Company Name] Hiring Manager,
I am a Professional Plumber with 6+ years working in sanitation and water supply. My mentor and Master Plumber, John Doe, is a professional associate of your company’s CEO and recommended I apply for this position after helping me achieve my Journeyman certification.
4. Highlight your professional accomplishments as a plumber
With your introduction in place, it’s time to write the body paragraphs of your cover letter. A strong cover letter will contain between 2 to 4 body paragraphs that offer in-depth answers to the following questions:
- What excites you about working at this company?
- What do you hope to learn from working at this company?
- What accomplishments or qualifications make you stand out as an applicant?
- What key skills do you possess that are relevant to the position?
Emphasizing your relevant accomplishments is especially important, as they are the most effective examples of the value you have to offer as an employee.
Here is an example of how to describe an accomplishment in a plumber cover letter
As a Lead Plumber for [Former Employer], I developed a new piping installation technique that improved project completion efficiency by 35%. Additionally, I mentored 10 Plumber Apprentices, helping them to earn their full certification and licenses.
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5. Conclude your cover letter with a thoughtful closing statement
For a strong finish on your plumber cover letter, it's essential to have a thoughtful closing statement that includes:
- An enthusiastic sentence saying you're looking forward to hearing from them
- An additional sentence stating you'll follow up, including how you'll contact them or how they can contact you
- A formal sign-off
Here is an example of an effective closing statement from a plumber’s cover letter
As a member of your company’s Plumbing team, I will produce high-quality work with an emphasis on sustainability and efficiency. I would love to speak with you directly about this position and why I am a great fit for it within the next week. The best time and way to reach me is any weekday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (123) 456-7890.
Warm Regards,
[Applicant Name]
Follow this cover letter outline for maximum success.
6. Top resources for job-seeking plumbers
With your plumber cover letter ready, there's just one more thing standing between you and your ideal job — the actual job hunt. Undoubtedly, the process of job searching can be a challenge, but with the right resources, you'll be able to rise to the occasion without any issues:
- PlumbingJobs.com: Dedicated to plumbing careers, this site lists job openings for plumbers across various sectors, including residential, commercial, and industrial.
- Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC): This organization offers a job board as well as numerous training resources and certification opportunities to help you advance in your career.
- LinkedIn: When it comes to networking, no platform does the job quite like LinkedIn. Use it to network with other plumbing professionals and discover job opportunities through your connections and targeted searches.
- HomeAdvisor Pro: This platform is great for independent plumbing contractors looking to find freelance work.
- National Inspection Testing and Certification Corporation (NITC): Being certified can improve your job prospects significantly, as many employers look for certified professionals to ensure competency and compliance with industry standards.
- PlumbingNet.com: This website is a useful resource for plumbers looking to make industry connections or find employment with suppliers and manufacturers in the plumbing sector.
Even though industry-specific organizations and job boards are perfect for finding the right opportunities, don't underestimate the power of general job search engines like Indeed, Monster, ZipRecruiter, or Glassdoor.
Plumber Cover Letter FAQ
Why should I include keywords in my plumber cover letter?
Strategic use of keywords is essential for getting your cover letter through the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). To find out which keywords to use, you need to review the job posting carefully and watch out for phrases such as “commercial plumbing,” “leak repairs,” “fixture installation,” or “water heating systems.” Next, incorporate these naturally throughout your cover letter.
How long should my plumber cover letter be?
A cover letter should ideally be one page long. This is enough space to concisely introduce yourself, explain why you are a good fit for the job, and discuss a few key achievements without overwhelming the reader with too much information. That's why you should stick to 2-4 body paragraphs (+ introductory and closing paragraphs).
How should I showcase my plumbing skills in my cover letter?
You need to focus on specific projects or tasks from your previous jobs that best illustrate your skills. Mention any specialized areas of expertise, such as residential service, commercial plumbing, or pipefitting. And to really drive all your points home, include quantifiable data whenever possible.
How do I tailor my cover letter for different types of plumbing jobs?
Read the job description carefully and adapt your cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position. For example, if you're applying for a commercial plumbing position, emphasize your experience with large-scale plumbing systems and compliance with commercial building codes.
How can I address a career gap in my cover letter?
If you have gaps in your employment history, be upfront about it. Address them briefly and positively! Explain what you were doing during that time that could be seen as beneficial to your career as a plumber, such as furthering your education, volunteering, or freelance projects. This shows proactive behavior and a commitment to your profession.
