Engineering is one technical field that requires you to convince recruiters of your aptitude outside of the classroom and the ability to tie learned knowledge with the daily challenges in this field. Hence, a cover letter and your résumé give the potential employer an overview of your skills, experiences, and technical knowledge that will benefit them as an organization. In addition, it gives them a general first impression of what you have to offer them.
Writing a cover letter is therefore essential to your resume since it launches your engineering career off to a great start. Thus, this article has outlined significant points, which you must include in it to represent you as skilled in your field.
Free Sample Letters
Importance
The cover letter aims to introduce you to a potential employer and sell you to them as the best candidate for the available job. In about 400 words, the document summarises your skills, work experiences, and benefits that you can bring to the organization. In addition, and although this is part of your résumé, the cover letter allows you to interact with the employer and gives the feel of physical interaction.
Most résumés only cover the essential highlights of your career achievements. Still, a cover letter is an opportunity for you as an engineer to vie for the position by addressing the employer personally and making a case for why you deserve the employment. Therefore, it should always go with your résumé, unless the hiring company specifically asks you not to include one.
Cover Letter Format and Layouts
Research has shown that we can convey about 7% of our message through physical interactions and only communicate most of our message through non-verbal interactions. Hence, you must maximize your cover letter as a medium to sell yourself to a potential employer as a competent engineer. To keep your employer interested in your letter, the presentation of the cover letter is just as crucial as its wording. In this way, you ensure that your letter fulfills all the rules of a formal business letter format and still gives an outstanding and unique description of your best qualities.
As an engineer, you must apply the following rules in your cover letter format:
- It would be best to keep a one-inch margin at the end of the document.
- You should align your work on both sides to improve ease of reading.
- Professional font styles such as Calibri, Ariel, and Times New Roman must be used.
- You can use a single line or 1.15 line spacing for a professional letter.
- There should be a blank space following each section that separates it from the next. These sections include your contact information, a greeting/salutation, significant paragraphs within the body of the letter, and then a closing/sign-off.
- You must save your documents as PDF files to prevent misalignment when opening the letter on devices other than Word applications.
tip
Research the company. To further engage the potential employer, investigate the company‘s current projects and mention parts of these projects, that match your interests. This will earn their interest and improve your chances of earning employment. You can also state specific areas in ongoing projects within the company where your skills and experience can be helpful and how the company can benefit from employing you.
Writing a Cover Letter
The cover letter is a formal business document and therefore should follow a set pattern and contain significant points that employers look out for.
The following are steps for writing an excellent cover letter:
Provide a formal header
The header should have your name, address, contact information, date, the manager or employer’s name, and the name and address of the employing company. The formal header also includes greetings and a subject line.
EXAMPLE
Gerald Foster
011-980-3256
geraldfoaster@gmail.com
Bruxal Lane, Laisy County
September 23, 20xx
Michael Lod
Head Engineer,
Daisy Mines & Engineers Ltd.,
02 Street, Laisy County
Subject: Engineering cover letter
Dear Lod,
Introduce yourself and identify the job
The introduction determines how you can hold the employer’s interest. Hence, you have two to three lines to make an impression. You must set your letter apart from many other applicants by conveying aptitude and diligence in introducing yourself and the specific job you want to hold in that company.
EXAMPLE
I am writing this letter in response to the ad in today’s daily newspaper for the civil engineer position at Daisy Mines & Engineers Ltd., as I am interested in this position. Having held the position of Head Civil Engineer at Tom Field Engineering, I am confident that my skills and experience will benefit your company.
Mention your relevant skills and strengths
Talk about your skill set as an experienced engineer that makes you qualified for the vacant position, alongside positions that you have held in various past organizations. This will sell you to the potential employer as a driven, focused, and experienced engineer.
Also, if you recently graduated from college, you may not have sufficient experience. However, this does not limit you. You can expound on your experience during project and field attachments or internships and talk about the skill set and experience you garnered during these periods.
EXAMPLE
I led the Cout gold mine project in Cout. This enhanced my team management and leadership abilities and my ability to moderate and modify plans for the project. It has also improved my experience in task management and implementation
Explain why you want to work with this particular company
Employers often have many graduate engineers with beautiful curriculum vitae who need something refreshing and unique. Hence, in the cover letter, you must convince them of your interest in their company and the benefits that they would gain from having you as their employee. This requires background research about the company and its project’s vision and mission.
EXAMPLE
Engineering is a work field that amalgamates several parts of science, realistically defining imagination. Daisy Mines and Engineers Ltd. has shown this to be true for all facets of engineering. I want to be a part of this great movement and contribute all that I can to create new and clear paths in mining engineering, using this company as the platform for change.
Give details of your accomplishments and educational background
You must state the name of your school and the milestones of your education. In addition, it would be best to highlight the achievements during your studies or previous employment that are relevant to this job and state all additional workshops and training you had, such as additional degrees, industrial training, and workshops.
EXAMPLE
I acquired a Bachelor in Engineering from Michigan State University and obtained a Master’s degree and a doctorate in Mining Engineering from the Chicago School of Engineering. In addition, I have committed to a yearly refresher course in civil engineering and maintain a standard of diligence and knowledge.
Mention the attached documents
Most employers will ask for an attachment of the cover letter to curriculum vitae and other necessary documents. You must state that you have attached all documents to this letter and clearly state what documents you have attached.
EXAMPLE
I have attached all requested documents to this cover letter. These include my resume and recommendation letters from previous places of employment.
Write a call to action statement and sign off
The call to action should include your personal phone number and a request that the employing company call or contact you to arrange an interview. This is the final paragraph of the cover letter and, therefore, should convey enthusiasm and professionalism as you wrap up the letter without seeming rude or cold. However, remember that the end of your letter is just as important as the body, so you must take care to address the employer professionally and courteously.
EXAMPLE
Don’t hesitate to contact me at 011-980-3256 between 9 am and 7 pm to schedule an interview. I look forward to getting a pleasant response and hope to work for this esteemed organization soon.
Yours sincerely,
Gerald Foster
Engineering Cover Letter Template
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Today’s Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Their Job Title, if known]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Application for [Specific Engineering Position, e.g., Civil Engineer, Mechanical Engineer] – [Your Full Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the [Specific Engineering Position] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [where you found the job listing]. As a [Your Degree, e.g., Bachelor’s/Master’s in Civil/Mechanical Engineering] graduate from [Your University] with [number] years of experience in the [specific field, e.g., construction, automotive, manufacturing] industry, I am excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise in [mention specific areas, e.g., structural analysis, product design, project management] to your team.
Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a strong aptitude for solving complex engineering problems, contributing to successful project completions, and driving innovation within my roles. At [Previous Employer], I was instrumental in [describe a significant project or achievement], which resulted in [mention the outcome, e.g., enhanced efficiency, cost savings, improved safety]. My hands-on experience with [mention specific tools/software, e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks, MATLAB] has enabled me to deliver high-quality work efficiently.
What draws me to [Company Name] is your commitment to [mention what you admire about the company, e.g., cutting-edge technologies, sustainable engineering solutions, innovative product development]. I am particularly impressed by [specific project/initiative of the company], and I am eager to contribute to such impactful work. My background in [mention a relevant skill or area] aligns well with your needs, and I am confident that I can bring value to your team by [mention how you plan to contribute, e.g., enhancing design processes, optimizing project workflows].
I am known for my [mention key personal qualities or professional skills, e.g., analytical thinking, leadership, collaboration], which have been pivotal in managing projects efficiently and fostering teamwork. I am enthusiastic about the chance to leverage my skills at [Company Name] to contribute to your projects and help achieve your strategic goals.
Enclosed is my resume, which further outlines my achievements. I am excited about the chance to talk about how my experience, abilities, and passion meet [Company Name’s needs]. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and can be reached at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address]. Thank you for considering my application. I am keen to bring my passion for engineering and my dedication to excellence to the [Company Name] team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Cover Letters for Engineers
Sample Cover Letter Civil Engineer
Subject: Experienced Civil Engineer Seeking New Challenges
Dear Ms. Green,
I am writing to express my interest in the Civil Engineer position advertised on the ASCE Career Center, which caught my attention due to Greenway Infrastructure Solutions’ reputation for innovative and sustainable engineering projects. With over ten years of experience in the civil engineering field, specializing in urban infrastructure and water resource management, I am eager to bring my expertise in project management and design optimization to your esteemed team.
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of leading diverse projects from conception through completion, demonstrating a strong capacity for solving complex engineering challenges, enhancing operational efficiencies, and achieving significant cost savings. Notably, while at Urban Engineering Innovates, I spearheaded the redesign of the City Central Water System, a project that not only improved the water efficiency for over 500,000 residents but also resulted in a 20% reduction in project costs due to innovative design solutions.
My professional journey has equipped me with a profound understanding of the intricacies of civil engineering, including, but not limited to, comprehensive site evaluations, detailed design development, and the integration of sustainable practices. I am particularly drawn to Greenway Infrastructure Solutions’ commitment to creating eco-friendly and community-centric infrastructure projects. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to such impactful work, aligning with my passion for advancing sustainable engineering solutions.
Key highlights from my career that I believe would benefit your team include:
- Successful management and delivery of multi-million-dollar infrastructure projects, ensuring completion on time and within budget.
- Expertise in the latest civil engineering software, including AutoCAD Civil 3D, Revit, and HEC-RAS, enhancing project visualization and design accuracy.
- A collaborative leadership style, fostering team cohesion and driving cross-functional teams towards shared project goals.
I am keen to further discuss how my background, skills, and passion for civil engineering can contribute to the innovative projects at Greenway Infrastructure Solutions. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and can be reached at (503) 555-0198 or via email at alex.johnson@email.com. Enclosed is my resume, which provides a detailed overview of my achievements.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your team and playing a key role in the success of future projects.
Sincerely,
Alex Johnson
Sample Cover Letter Mechanical Engineer
Subject: Application for Entry-Level Mechanical Engineer Position
Dear Mr. Turner,
I am writing to express my interest in the Entry-Level Mechanical Engineer position at Innovative Solutions Inc., as advertised on your company website. As a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Texas Tech University, I am eager to apply my academic knowledge and passion for mechanical design and analysis to real-world applications.
During my academic career, I had the opportunity to engage in a comprehensive project focused on the design and optimization of a solar-powered water purification system. This project not only honed my skills in CAD software like SolidWorks and AutoCAD but also taught me the importance of sustainable engineering solutions. My role involved conducting detailed design analyses, simulating fluid dynamics, and collaborating with a team to refine our prototype, which ultimately received recognition at the university’s engineering showcase.
I have also completed an internship with MechTech Solutions, where I gained hands-on experience in product testing, data collection, and analysis. This experience provided me with a solid foundation in the practical aspects of mechanical engineering, including troubleshooting mechanical issues, improving product designs for efficiency, and working closely with senior engineers to implement innovative solutions.
What excites me about the opportunity at Innovative Solutions Inc. is your commitment to pushing the boundaries of engineering to develop cutting-edge products. I am particularly impressed by your recent launch of the EcoDrive engine system, which aligns with my interest in sustainable engineering and innovation. I am keen to contribute to such projects that challenge conventional design limits and drive technological advancement.
I am confident that my academic background, coupled with my internship experience, has equipped me with the skills necessary to make a meaningful contribution to your team. I am particularly adept at:
- Utilizing mechanical design software to create and analyze designs.
- Conducting research and applying engineering principles to solve complex problems.
- Collaborating effectively with team members to achieve project goals.
I am enthusiastic about the chance to bring my unique skills to Innovative Solutions Inc. as an Entry-Level Mechanical Engineer. I am available for an interview at your convenience and can be reached at (555) 678-1234 or via email at elena.martinez@email.com. Enclosed is my resume, which provides further detail on my accomplishments and skills.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to the innovative projects at Innovative Solutions Inc.
Sincerely,
Elena Martinez
Analysis
Both cover letters effectively introduce the candidates and convey their enthusiasm for the respective positions. They start with a professional greeting and clearly state the position they are applying for. Both candidates demonstrate their understanding of the company’s values and projects, showing that they have done their research. They highlight their relevant qualifications and experiences, showcasing specific achievements to support their claims.
Additionally, both candidates emphasize their alignment with the company’s goals and values, indicating their enthusiasm for contributing to the organization’s success. They provide concrete examples of their skills and accomplishments, such as project management, design optimization, and proficiency in relevant software. Moreover, they both express their eagerness to discuss further and provide their contact information for convenience.
Overall, both cover letters effectively present the candidates as qualified professionals who are passionate about their respective fields and eager to contribute to the success of the companies they are applying to. They strike a balance between showcasing their skills and experiences while also demonstrating their understanding of and alignment with the company’s mission and objectives.
Essential Tips to Stand Out
The trick is to capture and maintain the employer’s interest throughout your letter. To do this, you must create an appealing yet professional cover letter. To draft an excellent cover letter, you must ensure to do the following:
Emphasize attention to detail
Companies are always keen on employing people who are so ardent that they recognize little details in the construction and needs of society. Hence, as part of your skills, you must emphasize and show that you are keen on detailed work.
Be specific
This shows the employer that you know exactly what you want and that you were diligent enough to perform a background check on the employing company. This improves your chances of getting the job by almost 50%. Always write out the specific position for which you are applying and the roles you can fill in the ongoing company projects.
Proofread the letter
An engineering cover letter is a letter that represents you and gives the employer a first impression of who you are. Therefore, it must be void of errors and have the proper sentences and technical terms. You must proofread the letter as many times as it takes to get it to a state of perfection.
Things to Avoid Including in the Letter
You must not include the following:
- Including interests or projects that are not relevant to the position you are applying for is not a sensible act. This will add to the bulk of the letter without being of interest to the potential employer
- You must avoid repeating all that is in your curriculum vitae. This will be a total waste of time because it should complement the resume and not duplicate it.
- You should not recall negative experiences in your cover letter. The employer aims to recruit the best employees, not those with sob stories. Hence, you must be professional and enthusiastic in your voice as a potential employee.
- You must also avoid making negative comments about your former superiors on the cover letter.
- Never show unprofessional excitement about the job to not come off as desperate, but enthusiasm is always welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
A cover letter summarizes your professional skills and experiences that are beneficial to the job position you are seeking to hold. Therefore, most cover letters do not exceed 400 words or one page.
In general, you may only include skills necessary to the job, such as design software, analytical and mapping software skills, and soft skills such as initiative, people management, attention to detail, communication skills, teamwork, project management skills, and critical thinking skills.
Yes. Most businesses are faced with a large pool of overqualified engineers vying for available positions. However, a cover letter allows you to sell yourself and state your case as the company’s best option for that position. Therefore, as much as it depends on you, always provide a cover letter alongside other credentials when applying for a job.
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