How to write a job-winning programmer cover letter
Programmers can fulfill many different roles in a business, from developing artificial intelligence to creating software applications for business clients. With the many different specializations in the field of programming, it is essential to have a cover letter that showcases your area of professional expertise alongside your dedication to the job.
In this guide, we will teach you 5 key tips for writing a cover letter as a programmer. Keep reading to learn all about how to:
- Create a programmer cover letter header & headline
- Include a personalized greeting on your programmer cover letter
- Write an attention-grabbing programmer cover letter introduction
- Showcase your value and accomplishments as a programmer
- Conclude your cover letter with a strong closing statement
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1. Create a proper programmer cover letter header & headline
To begin your programmer cover letter, the first step to take is to create a header and headline.
A cover letter header refers to the block of text – typically found in the top-left corner – that includes all the necessary identifying information about the applicant and employer. Following this is the cover letter headline, a brief title statement that grabs an employer’s attention and previews the information to come.
To help illustrate how to properly craft each of these cover letter elements, we have provided more in-depth explanations and examples below:
Formatting the header
Though it can vary in style and order of information, a cover letter header should always contain between 3 to 4 lines of text that include:
- The name of the employer (& the name of the company 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 programmer cover letter
To: Boxy Software Solutions, Development Department
From: Jane Doe, Programmer
(123) 456-7890 | janedoe@email.com | linkedin.com/in/jane-doe
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 headline on a programmer cover letter, followed by a brief breakdown of its components
My 4 Successes as a Programmer & How I Can Achieve Them at Your Business
Trigger Word/Number: 4 Successes
Keyword: Programmer
Adjective/Verb: Achieve
Promise: Your Business – this detail at the end of the headline tells the employer that you will not only talk about your qualifications but that you will relate them directly to the needs of the business.
2. Include a personalized greeting on your programmer cover letter
Whenever possible, you should always opt for a personalized greeting on your cover letter.
A personalized greeting addresses a specific person or department within a business by name. As a result of including this type of greeting, you show the employer you have put in extra effort to research their company before applying. Additionally, you highlight your excellent attention to detail.
If you have done your due diligence but cannot pinpoint an exact person or department that will review your application, try out one of these alternatives:
To the [Company Name] Team
Or
To the [Company Name] Hiring Manager
3. Write an attention-grabbing programmer cover letter introduction
Following the greeting of your cover letter is your introductory statement. While the greeting and headline work together to initially grab the employer’s attention, your introduction’s primary purpose is to keep them interested and reading.
A strong cover letter introduction generally includes:
- A brief overview of your professional history and goals
- A statement on why you are enthusiastic about applying to this company
- A mutual acquaintance (when possible)
Here is an example to help demonstrate how to write a programmer cover letter introduction
To the [Company Name] Hiring Manager,
I am a Programmer with 3+ years of specialized experience in Web and WordPress development. Previously, I worked as a Freelance Programmer and completed several projects for your company’s communications and marketing department. As a result, your company’s Head of Marketing, Joe King, recommended I apply for a full-time position.
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4. Showcase your value and accomplishments as a programmer
With your introduction now in place, the next step for writing your programmer cover letter is to offer greater insight into who you are and what qualifications you possess. To do so, you will need between 2 to 4 body paragraphs that answer 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?
Focusing on your accomplishments is especially important, as they help to show employers what you are capable of and what you can achieve at their company.
Here is an example of how to describe an accomplishment in a programmer cover letter
As a Programmer in the Mobile App Development team for [Former Employer], I created the primary code used in a mobile app that was sold to Google for $2M. Additionally, I optimized the user interface of the app, leading to a 4.9-star rating on the Google Play store.
5. Conclude your cover letter with a strong closing statement
To finish off your programmer cover letter, you will need a strong closing statement that includes:
- An enthusiastic sentence saying you are looking forward to hearing from them
- An additional sentence stating you will follow up, including how you will contact them or how they can contact you
- A formal sign-off
Here is an example of an effective closing statement from a programmer’s cover letter
As a member of your Programming Department, I will combine my expertise with my collaborative spirit to elevate the quality of your development projects. I would like to meet directly either in-person or via virtual call this upcoming week and am available to schedule a meeting any weekday during normal business hours.
The best way to reach me is at (123) 456-7890. I look forward to hearing from you!
Appreciatively,
[Applicant Name]
Follow this cover letter outline for maximum success.
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