Do software developers need a cover letter?

Click here to directly go to the complete software developer cover letter resume sample

According to a survey, 83% of recruiters agree that cover letters are important during job applications as it gives an insight into your resume.

So, unless the recruiters restrict you from sending one, you should send a software developer resume cover letter.

As a software developer you need to have a clear idea of the following FAQs:

• What are the benefits of a software developer cover letter?
• How to draft a professional software developer cover letter?
• How to include achievements in your cover letter for software developer profiles?
• How to sign off your software developer cover letter?

Importance of Your Software Developer Cover Letter

Recruiters spend 7.4 seconds on a resume which leaves very little time for them to scan through your entire resume.

Now to catch their attention, a cover letter is the best bet as it is straight to the point and contains information while communicating your interest and suitability for the targeted job.

Your software developer cover letters are important and useful for the following reasons:

• It explains your enthusiasm to join the company
• It describes your career objectives
• It clarifies your reasons while changing careers
• It justifies any employment gaps
• It highlights your professional achievements

A professional cover letter for software developer profiles can validate your potential in software development and highlight your expertise in designing, developing, and testing software and applications.

Also Read: How to Create a Shortlist Worthy Software Engineer Cover Letter

What to Add in Your Software Developer Cover Letter?

The following is a list of some important points that you need to remember while drafting your software developer cover letter:

• Add the correct address of the hiring manager or company wherein you are applying for a job
• Your contact details viz phone number, email address, and current location
• Provide the URL to your GitHub, Kaggle, and/or LinkedIn profile
• Highlight your accomplishments by providing achievement figures
• State what role you were/are involved in as a professional

While drafting a software developer cover letter you need to focus on the following points at different levels in your career:

Senior Software Developer Cover Letter

As a senior level developer, you should focus on the points that highlight your achievements and accomplishments as a professional.

Doing so will make the recruiters identify you as an established professional who possesses in-depth knowledge in research, design, implementation, and management of software programs.

Junior Software Developer Cover Letter

As a junior developer, focus on the points wherein you contributed towards building and maintaining applications or software.

This will allow you to exhibit your flexibility in grasping a higher level of development processes through your software developer cover letter.

Entry Level Software Developer Cover Letter

Your entry level software developer cover letter should highlight your enthusiasm in the stated field.

Focus on relevant skills and points that communicate your familiarity with general programming skills.

How to Write a Software Developer Cover Letter?

Your cover letter should be in sync with your resume. It should contain details that have been skipped in the resume along with references that validate your information present in the resume.

Follow the simple steps elaborated below to curate the perfect software developer resume cover letter:

Step 1: Pick a Suitable Software Developer Cover Letter Format

Before you start your resume, keep the following guidelines in check:

• Limit your cover letter to 1 page
• Word count 500-600 words
• Your cover letter design should be the same as your resume template design
• opt for professional fonts like Aria and Calibri
• Use the font size of 10-12

Pick a format that compliments your cover letter.

For a software developer cover letter, you can opt for a format that is visually pleasing for the recruiters to easily identify your potential in creating efficient programs and applications.

Here is a software developer cover letter sample showcasing what an ideal format should look like:

Also Read: How Long Should a Cover Letter Be?

Step 2: Add Contact Details in the Header

Your software developer cover letter header should contain the following details:

Contact Details	Example
Contact Number:	+1 234 232 2324
Email Address:	erenlevi@hiration.com
Current Location:	CA, US
Link to Websites:	linkedin.com/in/eren.levi

Also Read: How to Frame a Perfect Cover Letter Heading?

Step 3: Address the Hiring Manager or Department

Address the cover letter to the hiring manager. It shows that you’ve done your research. If you don’t have the hiring manager’s name, address the cover letter to the department.

Example:

Amelia Livingstone
Hiring Manager
Cobbler Stone Inc.
11, Humming Street
New York, NY 10017

Step 4: Write a Stellar Opening Paragraph

Introduce yourself in the opening paragraph of your software developer cover letter.

Get to the point right away by stating where you stand professionally. State why you are the best candidate for the position and highlight the software development skills that you possess.

Example 1:

Armed with 5+ years of experience in designing and developing high-end applications, I am extremely interested in the software developer profile at JadeStone Technologies. I believe that with my vast knowledge in programming languages and experience in developing API systems, I can add value to your esteemed company.

Step 5: Showcase Your Experience in the Main Body

The main body of your software developer cover letter should contain details of your stint in previous companies with a focus on what position you held and what you achieved.

Providing achievement figures can make it easier for recruiters to identify and assess the level of your expertise.

Example:

In my previous stint as a Software Developer at Everyday Solutions, I developed applications and designed databases to enhance the user experience by 20%. I conducted manual testing and conducted troubleshooting to increase the efficiency of the systems. Additionally, I coordinated with a multi-functional team to develop 10+ applications per the client's requirements.

The goal here is to communicate your competency for the profile by highlighting your efficiency in data structure and algorithms, in-depth knowledge of coding languages, testing procedures, and source control.

Step 6: Explain Your Interest in the Company in the Closing Paragraph

Leave a positive remark on the targeted organization in your closing paragraph.

The best software developer cover letter should communicate what you feel about the company, be it their work culture or the opportunities that they provide their employees.

Example:

JadeStone Technologies never fails to amaze me with its vibrant history in developing engaging applications while providing opportunities to its employees for professional growth. I am positive that with my expertise in developing critical components of the system and catering to client requirements, I will prove to be a valuable addition to your stellar team.

Additionally, add a short paragraph that encourages the recruiters or potential employers to reach out to you for further discussion to proceed with the hiring.

A call to action is the simplest way to encourage the recruiters to reach out to you. Let them know that you are looking forward to hearing from them.

Step 7: End the Cover Letter With a Formal Sign Off

A formal sign-off should be simple and professional with just your name after a polite "thank you".

You can also use "Sincerely" or "Best regards" right before you mention your name.

Software Developer Cover Letter Example of Sign off:

Add an enclosure stating your resume to wrap up your software developer cover letter.

Also Read: How to Write a Cover Letter

Software Developer Cover Letter Sample

Here is a complete software developer cover letter sample:

You can create your software developer cover letter from Hiration's Online Cover Letter Builder. It is AI-powered with auto-suggest options that can enhance the quality of your cover letter.

You can also create cover letter for software developer fresher profiles.

Key Takeaways

• Always pick a suitable cover letter format that is professional and intriguing for the recruiters to notice right away.
• Include your contact details on top of your cover letter for software developer and include the address of the organization.
• Avoid copy-pasting details from your resume as it may seem vague, instead add details that you have missed in your resume.
• Highlight your skills and communicate the achievements you have acquired in your previous companies.

Head over to Hiration's online cover letter builder wherein you can not only create your cover letters but also create resumes and update your LinkedIn or digital portfolio.

Make use of the 24x7 chat support that is provided on the platform to assist you or you can simply drop a mail to us at support@hiration.com.