When writing your software developer cover letter, focus on how you can design high-performing applications for the company that posted the job. Also, emphasize your related skills like customer analytics or complex problem-solving.
This guide will help you write a cover letter that gets you interviews for your next job as a software developer.
Software Developer Cover Letter Templates and Examples
- Entry-Level
- Mid-Career
- Senior-Level
How To Write a Software Developer Cover Letter
Your software developer cover letter should usually have five sections, in this order:
1. Heading
At the top of the page, include:
- Your name and contact information
- The date
- The recipient’s name, title, company, and contact information (when available)
(Note: Feel free to omit this section if you send your letter by email and your contact details are part of your signature.)
Example
Lily Fraser
Software Developer | [email protected] | (789) 012-3456 | 876 Main Street, Charleston, WV 76543
February 19, 2024
Phoebe Wong
Senior Hiring Manager
Guidehouse
(456) 789-0123
[email protected]
2. Salutation
If you can’t find the recipient’s name, use a variation of “Dear Hiring Manager.”
Examples
Dear Mr. Miller,
Dear Cloud Nine Hiring Manager:
3. “Hook” or introduction
Catch the reader’s attention by citing an achievement from your resume or a key credential the company seeks in applicants.
Example
Writing 90% of the code for the most popular business solutions iOS app in 2020 won me the Developer of the Year award in my company. I hope to create the next must-have data warehousing software as the lead software developer at Addison Group.
4. Body paragraph(s)
Explain why the job or employer interests you. Then, cite a few more of your key achievements or qualifications, possibly using bullet points.
Example
Guidehouse’s aim of helping businesses meet their goals and improve their services through intelligent software design is the perfect fit for my skill set and previous experience. I have keen analytical ability and troubleshooting skills that can make me an asset to your company. My recent accomplishments include:
- Collaborating with a client to generate a software solution for his company that boosted its online revenue by 43% in a single fiscal quarter
- Delivering 75% of my projects ahead of schedule and 100% on time without compromising on accuracy or quality
- Receiving praise at every annual performance review for my efficiency and teamwork skills
5. Closing
Finally, request an interview for the position.
Example
I look forward to discussing how my previous experience can benefit Cloud Nine. Please feel free to contact me with a time that works best for you.
Best Regards,
Michael Garcia
Software Developer Cover Letter Tips
1. Show you can design successful software applications
Start your letter strong with an example of your success as a software developer. For instance, maybe you created an interface that helped raise user adoption rates. Or perhaps you developed a popular new data warehousing solution.
Example
Spearheading a project to enhance a major client’s application and reducing its crash rate to less than 0.01% was my most significant professional achievement in 2023. I am excited to apply my extensive technical knowledge and analytical skills in the software developer role at Guidehouse.
2. Explain why you’re drawn to the opportunity
On a separate document or sheet of paper, take 10 minutes to brainstorm why this role or employer interests you, based on the job posting. For example, maybe it centers on careful system documentation, similar to your favorite recent job. Or maybe you’re drawn to the company’s reputation for cutting-edge programs and intelligent client solutions.
When you’re done brainstorming, review your notes: Do any stand out as important or persuasive? Take another 10 minutes to brainstorm and elaborate on them. Repeat this process until you have two or three concise sentences that speak to the job opening. By adding these to your cover letter, you can show managers you’re responding to their job posting directly.
Example
As a seasoned developer with 12 years’ experience and expert knowledge of the latest developments in business intelligence software, Addison Group’s position as a market leader in the analytics industry appeals to me. My achievements in 2023 demonstrate my suitability to become an inspiring leader at your company.
3. Highlight your professional strengths
Add a short list of bullet points to show your success in key work areas for a software developer or your expertise in certain technologies like JavaScript or CSS.
Example
Some of my previous achievements include:
- Introduced customer analytics to provide insight into customer interactions and improve the user experience
- Proven track record of hands-on software troubleshooting to avoid late discovery of flaws
- Led a team of seven software developers to refactor the code and reduce the service loading time by 98%
Software Developer Text-Only Cover Letter Templates and Examples
- Entry-Level
- Mid-Career
- Senior-Level
Michael Garcia
Software Developer | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | San Francisco, CA 09876
February 1, 2024
Eric Miller
Senior Software Engineer
Cloud Nine
(987) 654-3210
[email protected]
Dear Mr. Miller,
In my previous position at XYZ Design Corp, I created a new interface that contributed to a 20% increase in new user adoption rates after two months of rollout. I am experienced in web technologies (such as HTML/DOM, HTTP, JavaScript, and CSS.) I would like to bring my knowledge, abilities, and strong work ethic to Cloud Nine as a Software Developer.
With my eight years of experience and B.S. in Computing Engineering, I look forward to contributing to Cloud Nine’s reputation for cutting-edge programs. Some of my previous achievements include:
- Introduced customer analytics to provide insight into customer interactions and improve the user experience
- Proven track record of hands-on software troubleshooting to avoid late discovery of flaws
- Led a team of seven software developers to refactor the code and reduce the service loading time by 98%
I look forward to speaking with you about how my previous experience can benefit Cloud Nine. Please feel free to contact me with a time that works best for you.
Best Regards,
Michael Garcia
P.S. I’d love to explain how I won DeveloperWeek’s CodeFresh Award in 2019.
Software Developer Cover Letter Frequently Asked Questions
What traits are useful to highlight in my cover letter?-
Desired qualities in software developers include creativity, in-depth analysis, and clear communication. Consider which of these traits best describe you, then give an example or two of how you’ve shown them in a work setting.
What’s the most important part of a cover letter?-
Any explanation you give for why the specific job opening or employer interests you. These details distinguish the cover letter from your resume and other application materials and can help you get past applicant tracking systems (ATS). They also set the stage for a good interview discussion about how you fit the role and the office’s work culture.
How long should my cover letter be?-
No more than one page, or around 250 words. Resist the urge to tell your whole career story, even if you have an extensive background as a software developer. Give just enough detail to pique hiring managers’ interest so they closely review your resume.
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