As a job applicant competing with other applicants to get the civil engineering position, the best way is to use a civil engineering cover letter. You will need to write and add this letter to your application documents. With a cover letter for civil engineering, you stand a better chance of showing the hiring manager that you are qualified and are the ideal candidate for the job.
Most employers and hiring managers will judge you based on your cover letter. This is because this letter, if effectively and adequately written will provide details of your skills, experience, knowledge, and other qualities that help you stand out among other job candidates. So, whether it is an engineering position in the office or the field, you need to know how to write a proper cover letter to increase your chances of getting hired.
How Important is a Cover Letter
An engineering cover letter is not just a 400-word letter that you add to your job application documents. Instead, it is an important letter that you should have with you when you apply for the engineering position. The letter helps to highlight your skills and experience, which aids in convincing your potential employer that you are a qualified candidate for the job.
This cover letter is also a personal yet professional way of explaining the hiring manager the abilities, attributes, and personality that make you a great civil engineer. The letter is meant to introduce you; hence, making it easier for you to land an interview. The best way is to structure your cover letter in a way that tells the hiring manager a story as you are having face to face conversation with them.
Statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labour have good news for job candidates looking to be civil engineers. There is an estimated 2% growth of job opportunities for civil engineers up to the year 2029. To be a civil engineer, you will need to have a Master’s degree and a professional engineer license. In addition, for a supervisor position, you will need to have a bachelor’s degree and experience in engineering.
By 2022, the median yearly salary of a civil engineer is $65,895 and $79,411.. This amount varied depending on the place that the employee was hired. The following top industries paid their civil engineers the median annual salary $87,647 per year “the Federal Government paid $78,615 per year , the Local government paid $99,680 per year.
Writing a Cover Letter for Civil Engineer Job
Just like your line of work requires and observes a proper structure, so does writing a civil engineering cover letter. You will need to follow the step-by-step guide provided below to ensure you write a proper and effective cover letter to apply the civil engineering job.
The essential information include:
Header
The first part of the letter is the header, and it contains the information mentioned below. The header is meant to provide your potential employer with your contact details to make it easier to reach you.
By following the proper format given below, you will be able to grab the hiring manager’s attention from the start:
- Date
You must include the date when you send the letter for official purposes. - Your name and contact details
You should also write your full official name and your contact information. - Recipient’s name and contact details
Apart from your details as the sender, you should also include the name and contact information of the letter’s recipient. - Subject of the letter
This is like the title of the cover letter. It should be brief and clearly state the letter’s purpose, i.e. applying for a civil engineering job.
Greetings
The letter should have an official greeting or salutation like “Dear.” This greeting makes the letter professional and sounds respectful to the letter’s recipient. The best way to write the greeting is “Dear Mr. /Ms. /Mrs. (Last Name).”
You can either address the recipient by their first or last name. However, only use their first name if you know them closely. Ensure that you try and find out the hiring manager’s name as it shows that you pay attention to details, helps to set a proper tone for your letter, and increases the chances of getting an interview.
Introduction
When it comes to the introduction part, try, and focus on grasping the recipient’s attention.The cover letter’s introduction is all about introducing yourself, mentioning that you are applying for a civil engineering job, and including information that presents you as a qualified candidate for the civil engineering job.
When writing a cover letter, you need to have an introduction as it is meant to inform the hiring manager of your interest in being a civil engineer at their company or field. Therefore, the introduction should capture your background, passion, and what encourages you to look for a civil engineering job.
Body
For the body paragraphs, you should focus on the vision and projects you have once you get hired and how you plan to execute them. Again, try and focus on how you will benefit the company and how the company will benefit you. The body or middle section is also where you expound on your skills, experience, and qualifications.
Experience details
It is very important to add the job experience in your cover letter that will increase your chances of getting hired. You will need to share your experience details with the hiring manager to convince them about your expertise.
The best way to achieve this is as a job candidate by focusing on your work record. For example, mention all the places you have worked in before and include the number of years you spent working there. Also, focus on the achievements and projects you had during those periods. For this case, ensure you use numbers and facts to explain your achievements.
Ensure that you also include the challenges and hardships you faced. As you explain these challenges, always include how you overcame them and successfully achieved your goals. The best way is to use a story to share your experience details.
Qualification overview
You also need to include your academic qualifications. As mentioned earlier, a job candidate looking for a civil engineering job needs to have a bachelor’s degree in engineering.
It is also best to mention any other academic achievements and internships you had while in school. Having a professional engineering license is also essential and should be included.
Highlight your technical skills
The final part of the body paragraph highlights your technical and soft skills. Again, a hiring manager needs to know that they are dealing with a qualified individual and a deserving candidate for the job.
That is why, in your cover letter for a civil engineering job, you will need to mention all your skills. For technical skills, you can mention skills like Developing blueprints, technical plans, and models, Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook), ArcGIS, Civil 3D, The MathWorks MATLAB, HEC-HMS, and Geographic information system GIS software.
You will also need to highlight your soft skills, including time management skills, problem solving skills, leadership skills, communication and non-verbal skills, creativity, teamwork, critical thinking, and project planning.
Conclusion
This is the final part of the cover letter. It is meant to inform your potential employer why you are the best and most suitable candidate for the civil engineering job while thanking them and requesting an interview.
Below is the information you should include when it comes to the conclusion part of the cover letter:
Thank the recipient
After you make your final statement about how and why you are the most suitable job applicant, go ahead and thank the recipient for their time. Appreciate them for reading your letter to maintain courtesy and remain professional.
Call to action
You also need to indicate a call to action. Your call of action is meant to inform the recipient that you are waiting for their response. You can also suggest or request an interview.
Sign off
The last part is to sign off the cover letter using phrases like “Sincerely” or “Best regards.” These phrases are polite and professional, as required in an official letter.
Your signature
Remember to include your name and your signature. It is a formal way of finishing up your letter.
Tip: As you write and format your cover letter, keep in mind how you formatted your résumé. These two documents should have similar styles to show that you are professional, coherent, and consistent. Therefore, ensure you use the same font, font sizes, and formatting styles you used in your résumé to write your cover letter.
Template & Samples
Below is a civil engineering cover letter template and samples that you can use as an example to understand what is expected of you as you write a cover letter to secure the civil engineering job:
Template
[Your name]
[Your full address]
[Your phone number]
[Your email address]
[Date]
[Recipient’s name]
[Recipient’s title]
[Company’s name]
[Company’s address]
Subject: Applying for a Civil Engineering Job
Dear Mr. /Mrs. / Ms. [Hiring Manager’s Last Name],
My name is [your name], and I am writing this letter to [state the purpose of wriitng] here at [name of the company]. Currently working with [name of previous company], I believe that my [mention why you think you are a suitable candidate for the job].
I have worked for [number of years] at [name of company]. During this time, I was able to [explain the experience you gained as you worked. Ensure you include the achievement and projects you had at that period. Also, try and mention the challenges you faced and how you overcome them]
With my bachelor’s degree in [mention your academic qualifications], I consider myself a best suit for this post. I also spent [state the period] at [name of company] taking my [mention the fact that you had an internship while at school that helped you achieve all your current qualifications]. Apart from my academic excellence, I am also proud of my [mention all your technical and soft skills]. Expand on how these skills will benefit the company.
I greatly believe that working with you will [mention how the company will benefit you]. Again, thank you so much for your time, and I appreciate [thank the recipient]. I am looking forward to hearing from you soon, and I hope that [include your call to action, which can be requesting an interview].
Sincerely,
[Your signature]
Sample 01
Kate Leslie
345, Everyday Street
777-1212-3333
[email protected]
22nd January 20xx
Anna Goodman
Hiring Manager
STU Company
45 Nowadays, Always
Subject: Applying for a Civil Engineering Job
Dear Ms. Anna Goodman
My name is Kate Leslie, and I am applying for a civil engineering job at STU Company. Based on the advertisement on your website, I believe that I am suitable for the job position. I have six years of experience in this job, and it would be an honor to work at this renowned organization. Furthermore, I believe that your organization will facilitate my career growth and offer me a chance to use my skills and increase my engineering experience.
At XYZ Construction Company, I am currently responsible for project planning, especially in the construction sector. In addition, I am tasked with plumbing, hazard assessment, and submitting soil reports before construction commences. I have been an employee of XYZ for four years now, and during that period, I have been able to use my skills to construct cost-effective buildings in highly regulated environments.
I have a bachelor’s degree in engineering from WYU University and a professional engineering certificate. I was privileged to have my internship at the Engineering School of Excellence, where I practiced all my theoretical work and became an expert in practical work. As a result, I am versatile in both office and fieldwork as a civil engineer at STU Company. I also pride myself on developing blueprints for buildings and coming up with needed modes and technical plans.
As an engineer, I am great at designing, and I have an eye for creativity. Enclosed here are some of the creative works I designed during my internship. I am also a great leader who believes in teamwork and togetherness. Thank you so much for your time and patience. I hope to hear from you soon for an interview to discuss the job more.
Sincerely,
[signature]
Sample 02
May 1, 20xx
Malik Rabb
(123) 456-7891
[email protected]
Dear Hiring Manager,
Subject: Application for the position of a Civil Engineer
I was truly excited to come across the vacancy of a Civil Engineer with your organization. By virtue of possessing a bachelor’s degree in Engineering and having worked in the said capacity for 6 years now, I feel well suited to take up that position.
During my 6 years of working, I have overseen the construction of several structures like roads, highways, buildings, and a couple of diverse amenities. I have also played diverse roles like a foreman, painter, supervisor, and workman.
The combination of all these has made me an all-rounded person. Hiring me in your organization hence lets you tap into an asset which many companies would naturally be envious of. Further to the bare minimum qualifications, I also possess some extra attentiveness to details. At one time, I managed to point out a structural flaw that had eluded the designers and foremen. This forestalled an accident which would have undoubtedly endangered many lives.
I sincerely look forward to an interview and discuss my qualifications in further detail.
Sincerely,
(Your Signature)
(Your Name)
Sample 03 (Email Format)
(e-mail address)
Subject: Applications for the Position of a Site Foreman
Dear Hiring Manager,
I have noted from many job searches sites that you do have a vacancy of site foreman in your firm. Well, I am thrilled to offer my applications for the same. I do hold a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree from the leading TTR University.
On top of that, I have also been employed severally in the capacities of foreman and chief supervisor with many building and construction firms. My total years of work amount to 10! With this vast wealth and experience, I am confident to be able to do a good job at your site.
I do understand that inspection is not the only thing that a foreman is expected to do. Yes indeed, from time to time, I normally put in some effort to construct and handle the building like any other ordinary worker. I am never shy about tackling manual tasks at all.
You really have no better bet than me because I have proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that I am truly qualified for the role. Feel free to ask for any further support or clarifications from me.
Sincerely,
(Your Name)
How to Compile?
As you write your cover letter, remember to show your professional side. An engineering cover letter is technical, but you must remember that the hiring manager is a human being you must convince using your personality. Therefore, ensure you maintain both a rational and emotional tone.
Hiring managers will be more interested in hiring you if they understand your technical skills and passion for being a civil engineer. Therefore, as you write the cover letter intending to secure the civil engineering job, make sure you establish a balance between your personality and expertise as you compile all the needed information.
Free Templates
Here’s a collection of Civil engineering cover letter templates that you can use by easily downloading from our site:
Do’s and Don’ts
Whether you are applying in a private or a government sector, remember and follow the the essential elements to write a compelling and convincing cover letter for a civil engineering job.
Do’s
Here are some tips that you should observe and follow as you write your civil engineering cover letter:
Consider the cover letter as a sales pitch
Write your cover letter as you prepare a sales pitch. That means that you should make your cover letter enjoyable in a way that will grasp their attention from beginning to end. Focus on why the company should hire you, how you would benefit if hired, and the qualification you have that make you an excellent civil engineer.
Research the company properly
You also need to express your passion for the company you are applying to, which is only possible if you have done your research. Ensure that you find out about your civil engineering position, the person in charge of hiring you, and any other relevant information about the company. You can also research the company’s culture by looking at their website. This way, you will be able to shape your cover letter to suit the company’s expectations.
Show your dedication
Try and find out more about the company as that will also attract the attention and interest of the hiring manager. Show the hiring manager that you are a dedicated individual and will benefit the company by creating a link between your skills, expertise, and qualifications with the company’s operations and goals.
Use suitable keywords
In the case of large companies, you will need to use the right keywords in your cover letter to ensure that those automated applicant tracking systems select you. These systems help hire managers to sort out piles of cover letters easier and faster. Without the right keywords, you are likely to be eliminated from the pool of potential job candidates.
Use data in numbers
You can demonstrate your expertise and describe your skills better if you give examples with numbers. In addition, providing your potential employer with statistics increases your chances of getting hired as it shows them that you are beneficial to the company.
Be concise
Your engineering cover letter should be brief and straight to the point. Find a way to trim your details and compile your information into an effective one-page cover letter. It is all about grasping the hiring manager’s attention, and that can be effectively done by writing a brief and concise letter.
Don’ts
The following are some things that you need to avoid as you write your civil engineering cover letter:
Typos and other mistakes
Avoid spelling and grammar mistakes in your cover letter. Such mistakes make you look unprofessional and might decrease your chances of getting hired.
Irrelevant information
Avoid including information that does not relate to the civil engineering job you are applying for. Your cover should only contain relevant facts and details.
Use of fluff and generic words
Your cover letter should not have complex and useless wording. For example, professional and technical terms are expected for a civil engineering cover letter. However, do not include phrases and terms that do not have a clear meaning.
Unattractive formatting
Ensure your letter is attractive and appealing to the reader by using correct formatting. With the correct formatting styles, you will be able to convince the hiring manager of your creativity and ability to design.
Mass mailings
Avoid using the same cover letter for different job applications. Every company has its expectations, and that means you should customize your civil engineering cover letter to suit that particular company instead of mass mailing the same letter. Your cover letter should always be unique due to the competitive nature of the job.
Conclusion
As a candidate looking for a civil engineering job, the best way to increase your chances of getting hired in this competitive industry is by writing a cover letter. With a civil engineering cover letter, you will be able to pitch yourself and your experience to the hiring manger successfully.
The best way to write your cover letter is by crafting it the same way you would prepare a sales pitch. It is all about convincing the recipient of the letter to hire you by showing them that you are a qualified job applicant. Use the template and sample given here as a guide as you write your civil engineering cover letter.
