Computer Science Cover Letter Example (W/ Templates & Tips for 2024)

Computer Science Cover Letter Example

5 Steps for the Perfect Computer Science Cover Letter

You've just had a glimpse of what a winning cover letter should be like, and now it's your turn to craft your own. 

No worries, it's a straightforward process—all you need to do is follow these steps: 

#1. Put Contact Information in the Header

Kick off your cover letter with your contact information in the header, much like your computer science resume

Here's what you should include:

• Full Name: Put your first and last name at the top.
• Job Title: Use the same job title as the computer science job you want. This helps because hiring agents go through lots of applications for different roles.
• Email Address: Use a simple and professional email, like using your name. For example, "codingpro.johndoe@gmail.com" is good, but "codingwhizkid@hotmail.com" is not.
• Phone Number: Give the right phone number so they can call you. If the job is in another country, add the country code before your number.
• Location: Usually, just your city and state or country is enough. But if you can work from anywhere or move for the job, say so.
• Relevant Links (Optional): If you have websites or profiles like LinkedIn that show your work, you can add them.

Now, let's shift our focus to including the hiring manager's information:

• Company Name: Write the name of the company you're sending the cover letter to.
• Hiring Manager's Name: Try to find out who the hiring person is. You can look at the job ad, the company website, or LinkedIn.
• Hiring Manager's Title: If you know their job title (e.g. if they're the department head), use that instead of just saying "Hiring Manager."
• Location: Write down the city and country where the company is. If you know the street address and want to be very specific, you can include it.
• Email Address (Optional): If you find the email of the hiring person, you can add it to talk to them directly.
• Date of Writing (Optional): If you want, include the date you wrote the letter.

#2. Address the Hiring Manager

Once you've included all your relevant contact details, it's important to address your science cover letter to the hiring manager the right way. 

Begin by doing some research. Check the job listing, the company's website, or their LinkedIn profile to identify the hiring manager for the computer science department you're applying to. This way, you can find their name and email address.

When addressing them, avoid the outdated “To Whom It May Concern.” You can use "Ms." or "Mr." followed by their last name for a professional greeting. However, if you're unsure about their gender or marital status, simply use their full name. For example:

If you can't find any information about the hiring manager or head of the computer science department, you can address your letter to the department or the company in general:

This personalized touch will enhance your computer science cover letter and increase your chances of making a positive impression on potential employers.

#3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement

Hiring managers often spend just seven seconds looking at an application before deciding whether it’s worth their time. So, needless to say, your cover letter needs to make a good first impression right from the bat.

This is where your opening paragraph comes in. 

Begin your cover letter by formally introducing yourself and expressing your enthusiasm for the job, the field, or the industry. Showing you're excited about computer science or the job can definitely catch the hiring manager’s attention.

Doing a little homework on the company also helps. The more you know about them, the better you can show you'd be a good fit culture fit. Not to mention, showing you’ve done your homework lets them know you really want this job, not just any job.

If you have professional experience in the field, you can start your cover letter by talking about a specific achievement you’re proud of or some job-related skills. 

But remember - keep this part short. You want to pique the hiring manager’s interest and get them to read the rest of your cover letter.

#4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details

The main part of your computer science cover letter is where you can talk about why you're just the right fit for the job in more detail.

However, don’t just repeat what's on your resume. Use the space on your cover letter to really show off what you can do for the company and how you can fit in with the team. You want to convince the hiring manager that you're the best pick, so, depending on your professional level, elaborate on your big achievements in computer science and your most relevant skills. 

The key here is to let the job ad guide you.

By keeping in mind the exact requirements of the job ad, you can highlight the exact skills the employer is looking for. Like, if the job is about technical skills, talk about those and not something else like your e-commerce experience.

Knowing about the company can also give you a boost. If you know their products or what they do, say so. It shows you care about the job and fit in with their values or company culture. Not to mention, it proves you want that specific job, not any job out there. 

#5. Wrap It Up and Sign It

Wrapping up your computer science cover letter is like fixing the last parts of a tricky code.

You want the person reading it to remember you in a good way and remove any doubts about what you can bring to the table from their minds. So, when you’re finishing your cover letter, reiterate why you're perfect for the job or give a quick summary of the most relevant computer skills that set you apart from the crowd.

Then, include a call to action, like inviting the hiring manager to call you or setting up a meeting to further discuss your application. This can help you get noticed and maybe get a chance to land that coveted interview. 

Finally, end your letter in a proper way. Pick a professional signature line, and then write your full name. Here's how to do it:

And if you prefer a less common closing than "Sincerely," consider these alternatives:

• Kind regards,
• Respectfully yours,
• Thank you for your consideration,

Pick the signature that best resonates with your style and the tone of your computer science cover letter.

3 Essential Computer Science Cover Letter Tips

You've absorbed the basics of crafting a cover letter, and now it's time to fine-tune yours with some essential cover letter tips tailored to the computer science field:

#1. Match Your Resume

If you want to be 100 percent serious about landing your next computer science gig, it's important to keep your application looking the same all through.

This means making sure that your cover letter visually matches your resume. 

For starters, have your cover letter information sit on the page neatly and in an organized way. Use the same font and size throughout both documents, set the same margins, and make sure everything fits on one page.

If you’re using a specific color scheme or design on your resume, then use it on your cover letter, too. Paying attention to these little things can help you look more professional.

Or Use A Cover Letter Template Instead

Why start from scratch? 

Make your life easier and use our free resume builder. 

Then, pick a cover letter template that fits your resume like a glove. 

Crafted with the help of hiring managers worldwide, they're tailored to industry standards and guaranteed to complement your job application seamlessly. 

Let these templates be your shortcut to a standout cover letter!

#2. Mention Skills and Keywords

Here's a valuable tip: mention those key skills and keywords from the job posting in your computer science cover letter. 

Why? Because it shows hiring managers straight to what matters most to them. It showcases you as a candidate who's in tune with their needs and gives you an edge over applicants who skip this step.

#3. Add Any Relevant Links

Don't forget this savvy move — include relevant links in your computer science cover letter, just as you would in your resume. 

Why? It makes it easy for hiring managers to quickly access your portfolio or previous work. Plus, adding a link to your LinkedIn profile or personal website can facilitate direct contact. Make it easy for them!

Key Takeaways

That's the basics for computer science cover letters! We hope you're set to get that dream computer science job soon.

Before you send your cover letter, here are some key points to remember:

• Start your computer science cover letter by adding your contact info and the hiring manager's details. Make sure your information is correct so they can call you for a potential interview.
• Your cover letter's first paragraph should catch the hiring manager's eye and make them want to read more.
• In your cover letter's main part, talk about your big wins and skills that fit the computer science job you want.
• At the end of your cover letter, ask the hiring manager in a clear way to think about calling you or planning an interview.
• Your cover letter should look like your resume. If you're short on time, think about using our matched resume and cover letter templates to make them look alike.