You’re meticulous and systematic, and your technical skills are second to none, so why does showcasing all of this on your cover letter feel so hard?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone, which is exactly why we’ve created this handy step-by-step guide packed with our top writing tips.
We’ll also share some detailed computer science cover letter examples to help you write your own.
Contents
Computer Science cover letter example 1
Computer Science cover letter example 2
Computer Science cover letter example 3
These 3 Computer Science cover letter examples should provide you with a good steer on how to write your own cover letter, and the general structure to follow.
Our simple step-by-step guide below provides some more detailed advice on how you can craft a winning cover letter for yourself, that will ensure your CV gets opened.
How to write a Computer Science cover letter
A simple step-by-step guide to writing your very own winning cover letter.
Write your cover letter in the body of an email/message
You should write your cover letter in the body of the email (or messaging system if sending via a job board) and never attach it as a document.
The reason for this?
You want your cover letter to start connecting with the recruiter from the moment they open your application.
If they have to open a document to read it, it will slow things down and they may not even bother to open it.
Start with a friendly greeting
To build an instant connection with the recruiter reading your cover letter, start with a warm greeting.
It should be friendly but not casual – keeping it professional at all times.
- Hi, hope you’re well
- Hi [insert recruiter name]
- Hi [insert department/team name]
Avoid overly formal greetings like “Dear sir/madam” unless applying to very traditional companies.
How to find the contact’s name?
Addressing the recruitment contact by name is an excellent way to start building a strong relationship. If it is not listed in the job advert, try these methods to find it.
- Check out the company website and look at their About page. If you see a hiring manager, HR person or internal recruiter, use their name. You could also try to figure out who would be your manager in the role and use their name.
- Head to LinkedIn, search for the company and scan through the list of employees. Most professionals are on LinkedIn these days, so this is a good bet.
Identify the role you are applying for
After you have greeted the recruiter, it’s important to state the job you are applying to.
Recruiters are often managing multiple vacancies, so they need to know exactly which job you are referring to.
Be as specific as possible and use a reference number if you can find one.
Here are some examples you can use;
- I am interested in applying for the role of admin assistant with your organisation.
- I would like to apply for the role of Sales assistant (Ref: 4057393)
- I would like to express my interest in the customer service vacancy within your retail department
- I saw your advertisement for a trainee project manager on Reed and would like to apply for the role.
See also: CV examples – how to write a CV – CV profiles
Highlight your suitability
The main purpose of your cover letter is to excite recruiters and make them eager to open your CV. And you achieve this by quickly demonstrating your suitability to the job you are applying for.
Take a look at the job adverts you are applying for, and make note of the most important skills being asked for.
Then, when you write your cover letter, make your suitability the focal point.
Explain how you meet the candidate requirements fully, and why you are so well suited to carry out the job.
This will give recruiters all the encouragement they need to open your CV and consider your application.
Keep it short and sharp
When sending a job application to a recruiter or hiring manager, it is important to remember that they will normally be very busy and pushed for time.
Therefore, you need to get you message across to them quickly (in a matter of seconds ideally). So, keep your cover letter short and to-the-point. A long waffling cover letter will overwhelm recruiters when they are running through hundreds of emails in there inbox, but a concise one will get their attention.
So, keep your cover letter to just a few sentences long, and save the extensive detail for your CV.
Sign off professionally
To finish off your cover note, add a professional signature to the bottom, stating your important contact details and information.
This not only provides recruiters with multiple means of contacting you, but it also adds a nice professional appearance to the cover letter, which shows that you know how to conduct yourself in the workplace.
Include the following points;
- A friendly sign off – e.g. “Warm regards”
- Your full name
- Phone number (one you can answer quickly)
- Email address
Optional
- Profession title
- Professional social network – e.g. LinkedIn
Here is an example signature;
Warm regards,
Aaron Smith
Customer service professional
075557437373
Aaron@smith.com
LinkedIn
Quick tip: To save yourself from having to write your signature every time you send a job application, you can save it within your email drafts, or on a separate document that you could copy in.
What to include in your Computer Science cover letter
Here’s what kind of content you should include in your Computer Science cover letter…
The exact info will obviously depend on your industry and experience level, but these are the essentials.
- Your relevant experience – Where have you worked and what type of jobs have you held?
- Your qualifications – Let recruiters know about your highest level of qualification to show them you have the credentials for the job.
- The impact you have made – Show how your actions have made a positive impact on previous employers; perhaps you’ve saved them money or helped them to acquire new customers?
- Your reasons for moving – Hiring managers will want to know why you are leaving your current or previous role, so give them a brief explanation.
- Your availability – When can you start a new job? Recruiters will want to know how soon they can get you on board.
Don’t forget to tailor these points to the requirements of the job advert for best results.
Computer Science cover letter templates
Copy and paste these Computer Science cover letter templates to get a head start on your own.
Template 1
Hi Bryan,
As an innovative and analytical Computer Science graduate with 3 years of professional experience, I am thrilled to apply for the Junior Software Developer position at Microsoft.
During my time at Sanco Technology Ltd, I have played a key role in designing and developing software applications for ecommerce retail companies, resulting in a 31% increase in user engagement through the ‘Save Basket’ feature application I spearheaded in 2022. Additionally, my expertise in C# and Python coding contributed to a 28% improvement in workflow efficiency for a high-traffic ecommerce website, leading to the client’s contract renewal.
During an internship at Strike Tech in Birmingham, I honed my technical abilities, conducting complex analysis and writing effective Python, C#, and SQL code to support applications for prominent media companies like BBC, ITV, and Amazon.
I am excited to discuss my experiences and how I can add value to your development team. I am available for an interview from next week and can be reached via phone or email.
Kind regards,
Joe McCloud ¦ 07777777777 ¦ j.mccloud@email.com
Template 2
Hi Aneeqa,
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to express my interest in the Systems Analyst position at Systemi Ltd. With five years of experience in systems analysis and an MA in Computer Science from UCL, I am excited about contributing to your data-driven approach.
During my tenure at Intel Ltd, I successfully led the implementation of a new data management system that streamlined data access for the entire organisation of over 400 employees. I conducted in-depth data analysis, identifying bottlenecks in the workflow, and recommended process optimisations that reduced data processing time by 30%. Additionally, in my previous role in the IT department of Guildford City Council, I collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop new data visualisation templates and procedures which were then implemented across the county.
I am confident that my analytical mindset and expertise in system integration will align well with the innovative and dynamic culture at Systemi and I am available for an interview to discuss this in further detail at your convenience.
Kindest Regards,
Jon Marlow ¦ 07777777777 ¦ jon.marlow@email.com
Template 3
Hi Chris,
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to apply for the position of Director of Technology at Curry’s. As a dedicated IT professional with 17 years of experience in managerial roles, I possess the skills and qualifications necessary to drive technology strategy and innovation within your enterprise.
Throughout my career at SE Electronics, I have successfully developed and implemented technology strategies that have optimised operational efficiency and driven growth. For instance, I introduced an in-house development team to develop domestic software, reducing department expenses by 18%. Additionally, I spearheaded the adoption of SaaS cloud computing solutions, resulting in a 25% reduction in infrastructure costs while improving scalability and system reliability. With an MBA from the University of Glasgow and a strong track record of managing technology departments, I have proven expertise in project management, systems integration, and cybersecurity monitoring. I am confident in my ability to leverage technology and data analysis to contribute to the success of this multinational company.
I am excited for the opportunity to discuss my qualifications and experiences further in an interview for which I am available at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
Salwa Odeh ¦ 07777777777 ¦ s.odeh@email.com
Writing an impressive cover letter is a crucial step in landing a Computer Science job, so taking the time to perfect it is well worth while.
By following the tips and examples above you will be able to create an eye-catching cover letter that will wow recruiters and ensure your CV gets read – leading to more job interviews for you.
Good luck with your job search!