cover letter for new graduate software engineer

The Complete Software Engineer Cover Letter Guide + Examples

You’ve completed your certification and are now on the lookout for a well-paying software engineering job at a competitive company, but it’s daunting to get a foot in the door for an interview.

How do you flex your newfound skills and get noticed, standing out from the cascade of application packets that fall on a hiring manager’s desk (or their inbox)?

Here’s an opportunity to breathe life and personality into your job hunt: the software engineer cover letter .

Think of your application as an ecosystem, one that contains a cover letter, resume, and portfolio. Each piece relies on another to further tell different facets of a story, the story of you. Each is symbiotic to the other two, forming the entire narrative of who you are. For an application to flourish, each must individually thrive and support the other.

While we will be covering the cover letter, it’s only one third of your presentation. You can also find a complete software engineer resume guide for some extra CV spice!

If you’d like to skip ahead to a particular section, simply use the the clickable table of contents:

Should I write a software engineering cover letter?

What should you include in a software engineer cover letter, how long should a software engineer cover letter be, introduction.

Software engineer cover letter examples
Three tips for writing a great software engineer cover letter

1. Software engineer cover letter FAQs

The short answer is yes, absolutely! You should always write a cover letter when applying to software engineering jobs. A cover letter adds depth, context, and nuance in conjunction with your resume and software engineer portfolio . It allows your tone and voice to be heard, adding a human layer to the process.

The job market for software engineering can be quite competitive, with tons of applications bombarding recruiters. According to ResumeLab , 77% of recruiters said that they give preference to those applicants that submit a cover letter, saying further that it helps demonstrate that you’d be a good fit at a company. A cover letter can make an application packet pop and be the determining factor in getting you in the door.

When it comes to what should be included, think of what your resume and portfolio are unable to say about you. These should be essential details.

The list of necessities is actually quite short:

Greeting that’s ideally tailored to the hiring manager
Introduction with an enticing hook that’s also like an elevator pitch
Body with further information tailored to a business’s pain points
Conclusion containing a strong call to action

You don’t want a cover letter to be too long, so be sure to write no more than a single page ; aim for a sweet spot of around 4 or 5 short paragraphs or less.

We’re looking to efficiently tell a story about who you are in the context of your experience displayed on your portfolio and resume. Think of how that story would fit into the company that you’re applying to.

2. How to write a software engineer cover letter

This is where we touch on the nitty-gritty of writing the document.

Before you start writing, deeply research the companies that you plan on applying to. This lets you tailor your information to exactly what they’re looking for. Good research shows that you have both enthusiasm as well as the capacity to dig deeply.

Throughout the document, be sure to mention transferable skills that you’ve picked up along the way. They’re looking for an experienced Software Engineer, of course, but there are soft skills that aren’t mentioned in the job description. Specifically lean into those skills that you learned in your last job.

According to Indeed on what are soft skills : “soft skills … relate to how well you can work with and interact with others.”

Write in the structure and tone of a letter; the document should include an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Be sure to include a greeting that’s targeted toward the hiring manager, preferably by name.

In the introduction, you’ll want an enticing hook to draw the reader in and keep them engaged; get them looking forward to the body and conclusion. Make them want to see the call to action. Remember, in this story, the hiring manager’s your audience.

Think of your intro as an elevator pitch, covering the most important information as succinctly as possible. What’re the essential points that you can get across in that first paragraph? While we’ve made the letter skimmable, be prepared for the reader to only read or remember the introduction.

This is where the bulk of your data is, spanning 2 to 3 short paragraphs. Detail how your experience, especially your soft skills, will be vital to the company that you’re applying to.

Ideally you’ve found a company’s history and pain points; this is where you can insert your experience to meet those needs. Be sure to align your skills with each qualification mentioned in the job posting.

When mentioning work that’s on your resume, it’s always helpful to talk about the last job that you’ve held to display the information that’s still fresh. It may be helpful to include specific, relevant projects that you’ve worked on in the past.

Expound on any major accomplishments that you have, providing quantifiable data where applicable. Data driven points can turn a sentence from, “I saved SoftwareBusiness Inc. a lot of money,” into, “I saved Engineers LLC $7,000 in Q1 2023 by…” Specific metrics highlight the outcomes to hiring you.

This is the story’s resolution! We’ve so far hammered through the introduction and body, but it’s essential that we not go light on this conclusion.

This is a space to reiterate how you would be a perfect fit for the job opening. Briefly thank them for reading. Deliver a strong call to action that encourages them to follow-up with you and hire you for the position.

3. Some software engineer cover letter examples

One of the best ways to compose a cover letter is to look at examples that already exist and apply what you’ve learned. Here are some examples we’ve whipped up:

4. Three tips for writing a great software engineer cover letter

While these aren’t essential components, these three tips will help you compose and polish a strong software engineer cover letter to wow your way into a new job.

Find patterns in companies in order to expedite the composing process for multiple letters. If applying to a lot of jobs, it may be helpful to find some common threads that exist between them and write to that. When you’re sending one out, you can alter a few details to match that specific company.
Take some time to iterate with fresh eyes. We tend to have a few hours of good writing in us a day. Seeing your piece anew may help in picking up mistakes that you have looked over or think of new ideas. Think of writing in the way a sculptor would see a piece of marble. The finished sculpture is in there, and each time you visit, it comes more and more into shape.
Make the document skimmable. As we’ve touched on a few times, hiring managers usually see a lot of applications. Emphasizing and highlighting key points will improve the odds that they see the information that you value the most.

5. Final thoughts

It’s taken a lot of work to get through your coding bootcamp, and the job hunt is still before you! A good cover letter can make or break an application to a hiring manager overwhelmed by packets. After learning how to effectively write a cover letter, you’ll have an edge over your counterparts.

Again, think of your cover letter as a facet of your application ecosystem. What are the things that are important for you to communicate that neither your resume nor portfolio can convey? How can you support your resume and portfolio through communicating your ideas efficiently and with data-driven metrics?

When embarking on the job hunt, having someone to help show you the way can make all the difference. That’s why when students of CareerFoundry’s Full-Stack Web Development Program reach the end of their studies, they get paired up with a career specialist . You’ll work closely with them to connect the dots between your previous accomplishments with your newfound coding skills.

Together, you’ll create a winning software engineer resume that showcases your talent, and carefully craft your online presence to appeal to tech employers. You’ll also fine-tune your interview skills , learning how to confidently market your experience and to prepare for the recruiter phone screen .

If you are interested in reading further about improving your chances during the hiring process for software engineers, check out some of our other articles:

38 of the Best Web Developer Portfolio Examples
Creating the Best Tech Resume: Guide With Tips and Examples
28 Technical Interview Questions Software Engineers Should Expect to Ace

Professional Software Engineer New Grad Cover Letter Examples for 2024

In your software engineer new grad cover letter, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills. Showcase your proficiency in programming languages and tools relevant to the position you're aiming for. Beyond coding expertise, demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Let your passion for continuous learning and problem-solving shine through to set you apart.

Cover Letter Guide

Software Engineer New Grad Cover Letter Sample

Cover Letter Format

Cover Letter Salutation

Cover Letter Introduction

Cover Letter Body

Cover Letter Closing

No Experience Software Engineer New Grad Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

Embarking on your job search journey, you may have realized that a standout software engineer new grad cover letter is not just a formality but a crucial element of your application. Unlike your resume, which lists achievements, your cover letter should weave the tale of your proudest professional moment, highlighting your problem-solving prowess without drowning in clichés. Remember, clarity is key, so keep it concise and let your passion for software engineering leap off a single, engaging page.

Create a software engineer new grad cover letter to persuade the recruiters you're the best candidate for the role;
Use industry-leading software engineer new grad cover letter templates and examples to save time;
Dedicate your software engineer new grad cover letter space to your best achievement;
Make sure your software engineer new grad cover letter meets recruiters' expectations and standards.

Avoid starting at the blank page for hours by using Enhancv's AI - just upload your resume and your software engineer new grad cover letter will be ready for you to (tweak and) submit for your dream job.

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

Software Engineer New Grad resume guide and example
Junior Software Engineer cover letter example
J2EE Developer cover letter example
EDI Developer cover letter example
Azure Devops Engineer cover letter example
Senior Devops Engineer cover letter example
Senior Software Engineer cover letter example
Director of Software Development cover letter example
Cognos Developer cover letter example
Software Test Analyst cover letter example
iOS Developer cover letter example

Software Engineer New Grad cover letter example

Carter Andrade

San Francisco, CA

+1-(234)-555-1234

[email protected]

Highlighting relevant previous experience (e.g., leading a team at Google Inc) effectively showcases the candidate’s proven track record and expertise in similar roles, which is often a primary concern for hiring managers.
Quantifying achievements (e.g., "40% increase in trading efficiency," "25% optimization in SQL transaction speeds") provides concrete evidence of the candidate's impact and ability, helping the application stand out.
Expressing knowledge about the company and aligning personal values and skills with the company’s mission (e.g., "[Company Name]'s commitment to leveraging technology") demonstrates the candidate has done their research and is genuinely interested in the organization.
Mentioning soft skills and teamwork (e.g., "mentoring new hires," "team productivity growth by 30%") addresses the importance of collaboration and leadership in development roles, which is often as valuable as technical skills.

The visual appeal of your software engineer new grad cover letter: format, font, and structure

When using our cover letter builder , make sure to include these vital sections:

Header (with your name, contact details, the role, and date);
Greeting (that's personalized to the recruiter);
Introductory paragraph (to capture attention);
Body paragraph (to tell a story of how you've obtained your job-crucial skills);
Closing paragraph (ending with a nod to the future ahead);
Signature (that is not a must).

Our cover letter templates are already set up for you with the best software engineer new grad cover letter design with single-spaced paragraphs and a one-inch margin.

As for the font of your software engineer new grad cover letter, use the same one as you did in your resume (where modern and simple fonts, like Rubik and Bitter, take precedence over Arial and Times New Roman).

Your software engineer new grad cover letter is created with the recruiters in mind - as no Applicant Tracker System looks over this part of your profile.

When sending over your software engineer new grad cover letter, download it in PDF. This format allows your information and design to stay intact and to keep the same visual quality.

The top sections on a software engineer new grad cover letter

Header: This should include your name, contact information, and the date, which is essential for the recruiter to easily identify and reach out to you.
Greeting: Address the recruiter or hiring manager by name if possible; this adds a personal touch and shows that you have done your research on the company.
Introduction: Introduce yourself as a new graduate in software engineering and briefly mention how you discovered the position, which helps to establish a connection and show your genuine interest in the role.
Body: Elaborate on your relevant skills, projects, and internships, particularly focusing on experiences that involve coding, problem-solving, and teamwork which are crucial for a software engineer position.
Closing: Express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to the company, summarize your qualifications, and include a call to action, such as a request for an interview, to encourage the recruiter to take the next step.

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

Proficiency in relevant programming languages (like Python, Java, or C++): Demonstrates the technical foundation necessary for software development tasks.
Experience with software development methodologies (Agile, Scrum, or Waterfall): Shows understanding of structured approaches to software development and ability to work within these frameworks.
Knowledge of database systems (SQL, NoSQL): Critical for understanding data storage, retrieval, and manipulation which is integral to most software applications.
Familiarity with version control systems (Git): Indicates the ability to work collaboratively on codebases and manage code changes efficiently.
Involvement in coding projects or contributions to open-source communities: Reflects hands-on experience, initiative, and passion for software development which is highly valued by employers.
Understanding of software testing and quality assurance: Demonstrates a commitment to creating reliable and functional software, an essential part of the software development lifecycle.

Kick off your software engineer new grad cover letter: the salutation or greeting

When writing your software engineer new grad cover letter, remember that you're not writing for some complex AI or robot, but for actual human beings.

And recruiters, while on the lookout to understand your experience, would enjoy seeing a cover letter that is tailored to the role and addresses them . Personally.

So, if you haven't done so, invest some time in finding out who's the hiring manager for the role you're applying to. A good place to start would be LinkedIn and the corporate website.

Alternatively, you could also get in touch with the company to find out more information about the role and the name of the recruiter.

If you haven't met the hiring manager, yet, your software engineer new grad cover letter salutation should be on a last-name basis (e.g. "Dear Mr. Donaldson" or "Dear Ms. Estephan").

A good old, "Dear HR Professional" (or something along those lines) could work as your last resort if you're struggling to find out the recruiter's name.

List of salutations you can use

Dear Hiring Manager,
Dear [Company Name] Team,
Dear [Department] Team,
Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
Dear [Job Title] Hiring Team,
Dear [Company Name] Recruiter,

Your software engineer new grad cover letter intro: showing your interest in the role

On to the actual content of your software engineer new grad cover letter and the introductory paragraph .

The intro should be no more than two sentences long and presents you in the best light possible.

Use your software engineer new grad cover letter introduction to prove exactly what interests you in the role or organization. Is it the:

Company culture;
Growth opportunities;
Projects and awards the team worked on/won in the past year;
Specific technologies the department uses.

When writing your software engineer new grad cover letter intro, be precise and sound enthusiastic about the role.

Your introduction should hint to recruiters that you're excited about the opportunity and that you possess an array of soft skills, e.g. motivation, determination, work ethic, etc.

Storytelling in the middle (or body) of your software engineer new grad cover letter

You've got your whole resume sorted, detailing your achievements and skills. What else can you write in your software engineer new grad cover letter ?

For starters, take the time to re-assess the job requirements and re-discover the most crucial skills and requirements (or keywords).

After making a list of these important keywords, look back on your experience to select just one of your past accomplishments.

Choose the achievement that is the most noteworthy, relevant to the role, and matches the required skills.

Use the next between three and six paragraphs to narrate how:

you've grown your skill set, thanks to your achievement;
you'd use the know-how you've gained in your new role;
your accomplishment could help your potential employers grow.

Remember that recruiters don't need a retelling of your whole resume, but want to find out what makes you, you.

A sincere and original way to end your software engineer new grad cover letter

When writing their software engineer new grad cover letter, candidates tend to use one of these phrases, "Sincerely yours" or "I look forward to hearing from you".

Both statements show good manners, but your cover letter should end in a more actionable manner .

Write about:

how you see yourself growing in the role/organization;
the benefits you would bring about (you'd impress even more with tangible metrics);
the next steps in the process (provide your availability for interviews).

What to write on your software engineer new grad cover letter, when you have zero experience

The best advice for candidates, writing their software engineer new grad cover letters with no experience , is this - be honest.

If you have no past professional roles in your portfolio, focus recruiters' attention on your strengths - like your unique, transferrable skill set (gained as a result of your whole life), backed up by one key achievement.

Or, maybe you dream big and have huge motivation to join the company. Use your software engineer new grad cover letter to describe your career ambition - that one that keeps you up at night, dreaming about your future.

Finally, always ensure you've answered why employers should hire precisely you and how your skills would benefit their organization.

Key takeaways

Creating your software engineer new grad 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

AI cover letter writer, powered by ChatGPT

Enhancv harnesses the capabilities of ChatGPT to provide a streamlined interface designed specifically focused on composing a compelling cover letter without the hassle of thinking about formatting and wording.

Content tailored to the job posting you're applying for
ChatGPT model specifically trained by Enhancv
Lightning-fast responses

Product Manager Interview Questions And Answers (Most Recent Trends)

Perfecting your resume header so you get noticed, we analyzed 114,000 resume examples and job offers but couldn't find the skills gap, how to craft & tell a resume story behind your work success, typo on your resume here's what to do., when is the best time to resign from your job.