An electrical engineer cover letter is a formal introductory letter written by an individual applying for an electrical engineering position.
It shows employers the applicant’s qualifications and experience and why they should be considered potential candidates for the position.
A cover letter accompanies a resume. In the case of an electrical engineer, it would help to show why you are the best person for this job. Many electrical engineers have worked on projects or tasks.
Therefore, they can offer specific examples of skills and experiential knowledge in their cover letters. Since a resume cannot cover all this information, a cover letter is an applicant’s chance to show their experience, skills, projects, etc.
Cover letters are one of the few documents employers use to decide whom to hire. A well-written cover letter can help you get an interview with recruiters, as long as it conveys all the strong points you want to emphasize before meeting with the employer face-to-face. This article has discussed various topics concerning an electrical engineer cover letter.
These include:
- How to write the cover letter
- Tips for writing an effective cover letter
- What to include in the cover letter
- The cover letter sample is for your reference
Electrical Engineer Cover Letter Checklist
A cover letter for the position of electrical engineer is a formal document that should follow the standard business letter format.
Below is a checklist of the outline:
- A header with your contact details. The header on your cover letter should have the same details as the header on your resume.
- Date
- Hiring manager’s name and contact details
- Company contact details
- The salutation, i.e., Dear (Name of Human Resources Manager),
- A paragraph describing your interest and any achievements that fit the position.
- A paragraph highlighting previous employment experience and skills.
- A paragraph highlighting your education/coursework.
- A paragraph stating what you bring to the company.
- A gratitude paragraph thanking the hiring manager for reading your cover letter.
- Signing off with your name
- An easy-to-read font such as Arial, Calibri, or Verdana and a font size of 10-12.
- Margins of 1 inch on both sides of the page.
- Double spacing between paragraphs and 1 to 1.15 spacing between lines.
- Left-aligned content.
Five Easy Steps for Writing an Electrical Engineer Cover Letter
The key to writing a great cover letter is knowing precisely what to incorporate in the letter. You can write the cover letter following proper writing guidelines.
Below are step-by-step guidelines on how to write a perfect cover letter for the position of an electrical engineer:
Step 1: Showcase why you want this particular job
Start your letter with a strong statement highlighting why you want this job. State that you are qualified and interested in the position. Read the job description carefully and customize each letter with specific keywords selected from the job posting to associate your skills with the requirements.
You can also mention if a family member or friend inspired you to study electrical engineering. This is especially important for fresh graduates who want to show why they are passionate about electrical engineering or why they took the course.
Furthermore, electrical engineering is a course that requires dedication and hard work, which is what employers look for in an applicant’s cover letter.
EXAMPLE
“I am looking for a job as an electrical engineer in your company because I believe my skills are compatible with the projects the company is currently working on. I am confident I can contribute to your success and help you meet your goals.”
Step 2: Include your relevant coursework
If you are a fresh graduate, formal school experience may be your best work experience, especially if you have never had an internship or other work experience. State any schooling experience that has prepared you for this position.
EXAMPLE
“I have a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from [state school]. During my college studies, I worked as a teaching assistant for two professors who were among the best in the field. They taught me much about the industry and gave me valuable knowledge that will greatly benefit your department.”
Step 3: Include your work experience
To make your electrical engineer cover letter as effective as possible, include all of your relevant experience. Newly graduated electrical engineers should take advantage of their academic achievements since their only experience is what they have done during their studies. They should find a way to show how their college work prepared them for this role.
The more experienced electrical engineers should discuss their employment history with all previous companies up to date. They should also mention how their extensive experience has prepared them for the current role they want to take.
EXAMPLE 1:Experienced electrical engineers
“I have four years of work experience in electrical engineering. I was an engineer at ABC from 2013–2017 and then worked as a lead engineer for DEF from 2017 to date. I have helped redesign the company’s current product throughout my career to lower costs and increase efficiency. During this period, the profitability rate of our company has doubled.”
EXAMPLE 2: Fresh graduates
“In my studies, I learned about all electrical laws, codes, and standards of practice and experience using industry-specific tools and applications through internal school attachments.”
PRO TIP
Only state your salary requirements in the cover letter if asked to. Otherwise, stating salary requirements will make your letter unappealing to recruiters, who may not consider your application.
Step 4: Highlight your electrical engineering skills
As an electrical engineer, you have developed and perfected many skills that are specific to the field. Make sure that you highlight these skills in your cover letter.
EXAMPLE
If you have led a design team, mention that you have managed a design team. If you are an expert at designing telecommunication circuits, then mention it.
Include soft skills such as leadership and people management, problem solving and critical thinking, troubleshooting, and creativity. This will demonstrate your value to the employer as a potential employee.
Some of the skills that you should include are:
- Knowledge of specific production processes like quality control, costs, etc.
- Computer skills, i.e., Microsoft skills such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Technological skills such as programming.
- Project management software skills, such as Microsoft Project.
- Software design skills such as ARCHICAD
- Programming skills such as Java, python, etc.
- Architecture software and system requirements analysis skills such as Unified Modeling Language.
EXAMPLE
“My expertise in systems engineering will make me an asset to your company’s development of new products and its operations as it grows and expands. I am extremely confident that my ability to facilitate change and develop innovative new projects is something that your company values highly.”
Step 5: Provide examples of your achievements (in numbers)
Use numbers to quantify your achievements. This gives you an advantage over other applicants as you can show quantified results from your previous experience. It also shows that you delivered good results in your previous employment.
EXAMPLE
“I have successfully designed and implemented a test automation system that reduced lead time to test equipment by 25%. The system reduced the failure rate of equipment testing by 42% and increased the level of design test coverage by 21%.”
TIP
Adding a postscript always captures the attention of hiring managers. Write the P.S. at the bottom of the page, two lines below your name and signature. Write the abbreviation of the postscript as P.S
EXAMPLE
“My exceptional coding skills will significantly help when the company opens a new office in Barcelona, Spain.”
Electrical Engineer Cover Letter Template
TEMPLATE
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Today’s Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Full Name]
[Position Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Full Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the Electrical Engineer position listed on [where you found the job posting, e.g., your company’s careers page, a job board]. With a [degree type, e.g., Bachelor’s/Master’s] in Electrical Engineering from [Your University] and [number] years of hands-on experience in [specific fields or areas, e.g., power systems design, circuitry, renewable energy solutions], I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to [Company Name]’s projects and objectives.
Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a keen ability to manage and execute projects from conception through completion. Notably, at [Previous Employer], I led a team in designing and implementing a [describe a significant project or achievement], which resulted in [describe the outcome, e.g., improved efficiency, cost savings, innovation]. This experience honed my skills in [mention relevant skills or software, e.g., AutoCAD, MATLAB, project management] and fostered a deep understanding of the complexities associated with modern electrical systems and infrastructure.
What excites me most about the opportunity at [Company Name] is your commitment to [mention what you admire about the company, e.g., innovation, sustainable practices, specific projects]. I am particularly drawn to [mention any specific project or aspect of the company], and I am eager to bring my background in [mention any specific area of expertise] to your team. My goal is to contribute to innovative solutions that enhance [Company Name]’s offerings and drive progress in the electrical engineering field.
In addition to my technical competencies, I bring strong problem-solving skills, creativity, and a collaborative spirit, which I believe will make me a valuable asset to your engineering team. I am enthusiastic about the possibility of discussing how my education, experience, and skills could be beneficial to your team.
Enclosed is my resume, which provides more details about my qualifications and accomplishments. I welcome the opportunity to further discuss how I can contribute to the success of [Company Name]. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and can be reached at [Your Phone Number] or via email at [Your Email Address].
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your esteemed engineering team and to the innovative projects at [Company Name].
Warm regards,
[Your Full Name]
Electrical Engineer Cover Letter Sample
Dear Ms. Miller,
I am writing to express my keen interest in the Electrical Engineer position advertised on LinkedIn for Innovative Tech Solutions. Holding a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Tech City and possessing over 5 years of experience specializing in power systems and renewable energy solutions, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team’s cutting-edge projects.
During my tenure at GreenTech Industries, I spearheaded the development and deployment of a large-scale solar power project that successfully reduced the operational costs by 25% while increasing energy efficiency. This project not only demonstrated my proficiency in solar energy systems but also my skills in utilizing software tools such as AutoCAD and MATLAB for design and simulation purposes. My leadership in this project reflects my capability to manage complex assignments, ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget.
The aspect of Innovative Tech Solutions that captivates me the most is your leadership in the realm of sustainable energy innovations, particularly your ventures into smart grid technologies. Your commitment to not only advancing the efficiency but also the sustainability of energy solutions resonates deeply with my professional aspirations and expertise in renewable energy systems. I am keen to leverage my knowledge and experience to contribute to your trailblazing projects, aiming to drive the industry towards a greener and more innovative future. My goal is to collaborate with your team, bringing a fresh perspective and dedicated expertise to support Innovative Tech Solutions in setting new benchmarks for eco-friendly and advanced energy solutions.
I am confident that my background in designing and implementing electrical systems, combined with my passion for sustainability, aligns well with the goals of your team. I am enthusiastic about the possibility of bringing my unique blend of skills and experience to Innovative Tech Solutions. My commitment to excellence and continuous improvement drives me to seek out new challenges and contribute to the success of impactful projects.
Enclosed with this letter is my resume, detailing my professional achievements and the diverse skill set I bring to the table. I am keen on discussing in further detail how I can contribute to your team. I am available for an interview at your convenience and can be reached at 555-789-0123 or via email at alex.johnson@email.com.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my application with you and explore how I can contribute to the innovative projects at Innovative Tech Solutions.
Warm regards,
Alex Johnson
Key Takeaways
The letter effectively showcases the candidate’s qualifications and enthusiasm for the Electrical Engineer position at Innovative Tech Solutions. Here’s a brief analysis:
Introduction: The candidate expresses keen interest in the position and provides a brief overview of their qualifications and experience, establishing a strong opening statement.
Qualifications Highlighted: The candidate highlights their Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, 5+ years of experience in power systems and renewable energy, and specific achievements at GreenTech Industries, demonstrating their relevant skills and expertise.
Alignment with Company Values: The candidate expresses alignment with Innovative Tech Solutions’ focus on sustainable energy innovations and smart grid technologies, showcasing their understanding of the company’s goals and their own professional aspirations.
Enthusiasm and Commitment: The candidate demonstrates enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to the company’s trailblazing projects and emphasizes their commitment to excellence and continuous improvement, showcasing their dedication and motivation.
Call to Action: The candidate expresses readiness for an interview, provides contact information, and includes their resume for further review, making it easy for the employer to proceed with the hiring process.
Overall, the letter effectively communicates the candidate’s qualifications, alignment with the company’s values, and enthusiasm for the position, making a strong case for consideration.
Electrical Engineering Cover Letter Templates
An electrical engineering cover letter template is a document with various formats and designs that you can use to create a new document with detailed elements. The primary purpose of a template is to make your job easier and reduce any chance of errors in formatting or content. Using a pre-made template is much easier than writing from scratch.
We have provided customizable cover letter templates that you can use for free:
Best Practices
An electrical engineer cover letter can make all the difference between getting you an interview with a potential employer or not. Therefore, we have provided you with some tips for writing a cover letter that will make hiring managers see you as the perfect fit for a position.
These include the following:
Research the company
It is important to research the company you are applying to if you want your cover letter to stand out. This will give you an idea of how the company has developed and what it does. It will also give you an idea of the type of people you will be working with. Well-conducted research also shows potential employers that you are serious about the position.
You can also use recent headlines as research material.
EXAMPLE
The company you are applying to might have launched a new product that you are familiar with recently. You can highlight your experience working with it and how it benefited your previous company.
Be clear and write complete sentences
Your cover letter should be written in complete sentences and contain a clear flow of information. Avoid writing sentences that are incomplete or unclear. Many employers make a judgment about candidates based on the clarity of their writing and whether or not the sentences are grammatically correct.
Therefore, you should avoid using slang, contractions, fragmented sentences, and unclear writing.
Divide the text into paragraphs
When writing your letter, you should break the letter into separate paragraphs. This will make the letter easier to read and understand. Each paragraph should focus on one important point so the hiring manager can easily understand what you are trying to say.
Avoid common, overused cover letter phrases
Certain overused phrases may make your letter seem unoriginal. Therefore, you should avoid using phrases such as “I am a hard worker” or “I have the qualities to be a great asset to your company.”
Proofread
Lastly, you should always carefully proofread your cover letter before sending it. Read the letter aloud to check for grammatical and spelling errors. If you are having difficulty identifying mistakes, ask a friend or relative to read through the letter and help you identify them.
Final Thoughts
Applicants use a cover letter to apply for electrical engineering positions in various companies. Both experienced and freshly graduated electrical engineers can write a cover letter. Since freshly graduated engineers have no working experience in the field, they highlight their relevant coursework and how their learning experience has prepared them for the job market. On the other hand, experienced engineers highlight their working experience with previous companies and show how they have earned skills that have prepared them for a new position. The cover letter should be well formatted and include all the relevant information for an electrical engineering position. It should also be tailored to the specific company and position an applicant is applying for.
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