With the many different specializations in the field of programming, you’ll be asked to show a programmer cover letter at some point in your career. It should showcase your area of professional expertise alongside your dedication to the job.
If you’ve found yourself in this situation, don’t worry, our guide is here to help. Master your cover letter writing skills with our professional tips, proven examples, customizable templates, and standout samples.
See more examples like these
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
- Find the best resources for job-seeking programmers
Still looking for a job? These 100+ resources will tell you everything you need to get hired fast.
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.
Let your cover letter write itself — with AI!
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.
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.
Find out your resume score!
6. Top resources for job-seeking programmers
Okay, so you nailed your cover letter. Now what? The thing is, knowing where to look for the right resources and possibilities can be just as impactful as a great cover letter.
Here’s some resources with checking out:
- Industry-specific job boards: A good place to start looking are platforms that are tailored specifically for developers, offering opportunities for programmers like Stack, Overflow Jobs, or Wellfound.
- General job boards: You might also want to give a chance to more general job boards like: Indeed, Glassdoor, or Monster.
- Networking communities: Lots of great opportunities come from networking. And the best way to do that is by connecting with like-minded people from the industry. Join LinkedIn or developer-focused forums and communities like Reddit's Programming Subreddit or DEV Community, where you can share ideas, or even discover hidden job opportunities.
- Continuous education and certification programs: Want to boost your chances and make your resume stand out? Earning industry-recognized certifications from platforms like Coursera, edX, or Udemy is a great way to do it.
- Tech conferences and events: You can expand your knowledge, build your network, or meet new recruiters by attending developer conferences like PyCon, JSConf, or Google I/O.
These resources can give you a career boost, help you connect with potential future employers, and allow you to learn new skills along the way. This makes them beneficial not only for writing a cover letter but also for your overall career.
Programmer Cover Letter FAQ
How can I effectively showcase my programming skills in a cover letter?
Stating your skills is one thing, but demonstrating them with specific examples of your technical achievements is what truly sets you apart. Focus on explaining how you’ve applied your skills to solve problems or overcome challenges in real-world situations. Highlight key programming languages, frameworks, or tools relevant to the job, and provide concrete examples of how you’ve used them. For example, instead of saying, "I am proficient in Python," say, "I developed an automated data pipeline using Python, reducing processing time by 40%."
What’s the best way to stand out from the competition in a programmer cover letter?
Start with researching the company’s recent projects and core company values and goals. If possible, tailor your cover letter and explain how you could contribute and how your skills align with their needs. Try to show enthusiasm for the company’s mission and culture while highlighting unique experiences or accomplishments that set you apart, like contributing to an open-source project or earning a highly regarded certification.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when writing a programmer cover letter?
There are a few common mistakes you should look out for when writing a cover letter. Firstly avoid generic cover letters as they may come impersonal, tailor and customize your cover letter for each application. Another mistake is to focus on listing duties rather than focusing on your achievements. Explain what you learned and what you accomplished, don't just list your job duties. And lastly, keep it simple and easy to read by clear formatting and avoiding grammatical errors.
Should I include soft skills in a programmer cover letter, or just focus on technical abilities?
Include both! While technical skills are critical for any programmer, soft skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and communication are equally valuable. For example, you could say, "In addition to my proficiency in JavaScript and React, I collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver a complex e-commerce platform ahead of schedule." This shows not only your technical expertise but also your ability to work effectively in a team.
How should I use keywords effectively in my cover letter?
Using keywords the right way not only ensures your application passes Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) but also shows that your cover letter aligns with the role. Carefully read the job description and identify keywords related to the skills, tools, and qualifications the employer is seeking. Weave these naturally into your cover letter. For instance, if the role emphasizes "full-stack development" and "agile methodologies," mention your experience with those terms in relevant contexts.
![Webmaster/webmestre Cover Letter Example [FR]](https://d1xn1bcogdo8ve.cloudfront.net/139/thumbnail.webp)
