When applying for a job, especially a highly competitive one like mechanical engineering, you need to find a way to increase your chances of getting the job. First, you need to write a proper and compelling cover letter to make you stand out and convince the hiring manager to employ you.
A mechanical engineer’s cover letter is about expanding your resume and integrating the skills, work experience, and accomplishments that make you the best job candidate.
The mechanical engineering job is in high demand, which means more job applicants are struggling to get this job. Therefore, you need to present yourself as a qualified individual who can design, develop, and test systems, tools, machinery, engines, and other devices. Therefore, your cover letter must be exceptional if you are to land the job interview.
With this article, you will learn how to write a proper mechanical engineer’s job cover letter to help you stand out from the competition. Whether you are a job applicant looking for an internship or full-time employment, you will need to learn the elements you must include in the letter and the tips you need to observe when writing it.
Free Templates
Essential Skills Required to Qualify
You must have skills as a mechanical engineer to qualify for the position. Therefore, when reading your cover letter, the hiring manager will be looking for the following skills to see if you qualify as a mechanical engineer:
Engineering fundamentals
- Solid Mechanics: Understanding the behavior of solid materials under various stresses.
- Thermodynamics: Knowledge of energy transfer and the principles governing the systems.
- Fluid Mechanics: Understanding the behavior of fluids in motion and at rest.
- Heat Transfer: Ability to analyze and design systems for heating and cooling processes.
Design and manufacturing
- CAD (Computer-Aided Design): Proficiency in CAD software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or CATIA for designing mechanical components and systems.
- CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing): Knowledge of manufacturing processes and the ability to plan, simulate, and control manufacturing systems.
- Rapid Prototyping: Familiarity with techniques like 3D printing for quickly fabricating a scale model of a physical part or assembly.
Material science
Understanding the properties and applications of materials like metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites to select the right material for each application.
System analysis and simulation
Proficiency in simulation software
EXAMPLE
ANSYS, MATLAB
To predict how a design behaves in the real world and to optimize it before physical prototyping.
Project management
Ability to plan, execute, and oversee projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
Format of the Cover Letter
A formal cover letter must therefore be written using the official format used for business letters.
Here is how you should format your letter when applying as a mechanical engineer:
- Ensure that you use the correct font type and font size. The font should be similar to the one used in your resume. A proper font ensures that your cover letter is readable.
- The most preferred professional fonts are Times New Roman and Arial, which should be adjusted to a font size of 10 to 12.
- Align your text to the left of the page with no justification.
- Ensure that you space out your section and paragraphs by skipping a line using 1.15 line spacing.
- When formatting your cover letter, your margins should be all-around with at least a 1-inch measurement.
- Like most professional letters, ensure that your cover letter is one page long.
- Your header should have your name, contact details, and complete address; skip a line and include the recipient’s name, company’s name, and company address.
- Do not forget to include a date in your header.
- For the signing-off section, you need to include a complimentary close such as “Sincerely” or “Best Regards,” followed by your signature.
What to Include?
There are essential elements and contents that you must include in your cover letter as you apply to be a mechanical engineer.
Using the appropriate business format, ensure that you include the following information in your cover letter:
Make an introduction and identify the position you are applying for
For the first paragraph, introduce yourself and identify the job you are applying for. Ensure that you go straight to the point; be detailed but remain as brief as possible. Try to find out the hiring manager’s name since addressing them using their name presents you as an intentional individual. While highlighting the job position you want as a mechanical engineer, ensure that you include an outstanding achievement or project that makes you the most suitable candidate for the company and the job.
EXAMPLE
I am writing this letter regarding the open position as a mechanical engineer at your company, ABC Company. I have 12 years of experience working as a mechanical engineer. I am proud to say that my engineering skills and mechanical knowledge enabled me to create an effective floor cleaner robot that is used in most households. I believe that I am skilled, talented, and knowledgeable, which means that I can significantly contribute to your company if hired as a mechanical engineer.
Explain why they should hire you
The following paragraph should focus on why they should hire you. You aim to be unique and, hence, stand out from the competition. Therefore, use the job description provided by the company to highlight the most important requirements you have that make you qualified for the job. Also, focus on presenting yourself as a solution that the company needs. Finally, ensure that the hiring manager can relate to you so that they can be interested in hiring you as their mechanical engineer.
You can breakdown the content in this section as shown below:
Focus on specific experience
As a mechanical engineer, you must deal with machinery and create practical, efficient, functional, and safe products. That means a company will hire you if your cover letter contains details of your work experience as a mechanical engineer. Your prospective employer will only hire you if you have the right expertise and experience. Ensure that this letter also contains a list of your work experience and candid examples of the contributions you can bring to the company as a mechanical engineer.
Highlight your mechanical engineering skills
It would be best to show your future employer that you have the right skills that make you qualified to be a mechanical engineer in your cover letter. The aim is to interest them in calling you for an interview and hiring you based on your exceptional technical and soft skills.
Some of the technical skills you need to have include knowledge of design principles, blueprints, drawings, or models, MathWorks MATLAB, Minitab, Autodesk Revit, Bentley Micro-Station, and knowledge of C++ Python plus G-code.
For soft skills, you need to have the following: time management skills, organizational skills, decision-making, leadership skills, project management, analytical and critical thinking skills, communication skills, and teamwork.
Quantify your achievements
The final detail you must include in this section is quantifying your achievement. It is not enough for you to mention your achievements. Your cover letter should include examples of your achievements with numbers. Including data in your letter will present you as a mechanical engineer focused on results.
EXAMPLE
Your company is looking for an experienced mechanical engineer who can handle projects to make life easier by designing and creating robots. With my expertise and experience, I believe that I am suitable for that position. I am great at designing blueprints and models while applying mathematical principles to create efficient machinery and appliances. In addition, I believe in teamwork, and I have excellent leadership skills, project management abilities, and time management skills.
I believe that I am qualified for the mechanical engineering position in your company. I have a great deal of experience with robot projects, as you will see in my résumé, where, together with my team, we created an effective floor robot cleaner. I am also result-oriented. I completed all projects in my previous workplace on time and to the required specifications, which reduced the budget by 15%. This way, we had a great product and still saved the company money.
Describe why you chose them to apply
Your next paragraph in the cover letter should include information about why you chose to apply for the mechanical engineer position at that particular company. It would be best to convince the hiring manager that you are genuinely interested in their company. To explain your reasons, you can use details like the company’s profile, what they focus on, and how they achieve it. Ensure that what you list about the company relates to you, your work values, and your beliefs. Your prospective employer will be interested in working with you if you relate well with the company.
EXAMPLE
I have chosen to apply to ABC Company since it focuses on helpful and futuristic machinery and appliances. Working with you will help me further my career ambitions and goals. Also, your work values and discipline as a company when it comes to creating machines and appliances that do not pollute the earth resonate significantly with me. That is why I am interested in working with you to help you achieve your organizational goals.
Write a call to action
The final part is a call to action. Ensure the last part is as intriguing as the first part of your cover letter. Avoid ambiguity with a statement like “I hope to hear from you…” and go straight to /point by confidently asking for the mechanical engineering position.
EXAMPLE
Thank you very much for your time and consideration. Please feel free to call me on my given phone number or invite me for an interview for more information about my skills, experience, and knowledge of being a mechanical engineer.
Mechanical Engineer Job Application Letter Template
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[LinkedIn Profile (optional)]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, Zip]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the [specific job title or position] at [Company Name], as advertised on [where you found the job posting, e.g., company website, job board]. With a Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and [number of years] years of comprehensive experience in [specific industry or area, e.g., automotive, aerospace], I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team. Enclosed with this letter is my resume, which details my professional background and accomplishments.
My professional journey has equipped me with a multidisciplinary skill set, making significant contributions to [Previous Employer Name], where I excelled in designing, developing, and implementing mechanical solutions that propelled efficiency and innovation. Highlights of my tenure include [Briefly describe an achievement, project, or responsibility that had a significant outcome, e.g., “leading a project that resulted in a 20% increase in efficiency”].
What excites me most about the opportunity at [Company Name] is your dedication to [mention what you admire about the company, such as innovation, commitment to quality, or a specific project]. I am particularly drawn to this role because of my interest in [explain how your skills and interests align with the job and company, e.g., working on cutting-edge projects or contributing to sustainable practices].
In addition to my experience and personal qualities, I have a solid educational foundation and a passion for mechanical engineering. I am extremely enthusiastic about [Company Name]’s focus on [specific focus or project of the company] and would welcome the opportunity to contribute to your team’s success. My resume attached provides further detail about how my qualifications and background are a match for your team’s needs in a [specific job title or position].
Key strengths I possess for success in this position include:
- Proven ability to design and optimize mechanical components for [mention specific applications, e.g., automotive systems, manufacturing processes].
- Proficiency in [list relevant software/tools, e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, ANSYS] for detailed engineering analyses and designs.
- Strong project management skills, demonstrated by [briefly mention a project or achievement].
- Excellent communication skills, vital for teamwork and effective collaboration with stakeholders across departments.
I look forward to discussing in further detail how I can contribute to the excellence and innovation at [Company Name]. 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 and reviewing my resume. I am eager to bring my background in mechanical engineering to [Company Name] and make a positive impact.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Mechanical Engineer Cover Letter
Dear Alex Rivera,
I am excited to submit my application for the Mechanical Engineer position at Innovatech Solutions Inc., as advertised on LinkedIn. With a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and over 5 years of experience in the aerospace and automotive industries, I bring a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of delivering innovative solutions and improvements. My resume, attached to this letter, outlines my accomplishments and professional trajectory in more detail.
At my current position with AeroDynamic Solutions, I spearheaded a team in the redesign of the cooling system for our flagship project, which resulted in a 30% increase in efficiency and a significant reduction in maintenance costs. This achievement not only highlights my ability to lead and motivate a team but also underscores my commitment to engineering excellence and innovation. I am particularly proud of this project because it demonstrates my capacity for combining creative problem-solving with rigorous engineering analysis—a skill I am eager to bring to the team at Innovatech Solutions Inc.
Your company’s reputation for pushing the boundaries of technology and sustainable engineering aligns perfectly with my professional aspirations. I am particularly drawn to your recent initiatives in renewable energy solutions, and I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to these innovative projects. My background in utilizing cutting-edge engineering software, including SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and MATLAB, coupled with my hands-on experience in product development and project management, positions me well to make a significant contribution to your team.
Key strengths I can bring to your company include:
- Innovative Design: Proven track record of developing high-efficiency mechanical systems and components.
- Project Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams to meet project deadlines and exceed expectations.
- Analytical Skills: Expertise in performing complex analyses to improve product design, reduce costs, and solve engineering challenges.
- Communication: Effective communicator, adept at presenting complex engineering concepts to non-technical stakeholders to facilitate informed decision-making.
I am excited about the possibility of joining Innovatech Solutions Inc., where I can contribute to impactful projects and further your company’s commitment to innovation and quality. I am looking forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background, skills, and enthusiasm align with the needs of your team. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and can be reached at 555-123-4567 or via email at jason.lee@email.com.
Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to bring my blend of experience, expertise, and passion for mechanical engineering to Innovatech Solutions Inc. and look forward to the possibility of contributing to your team’s success.
Warm regards,
Jason Lee
Analysis
This letter effectively showcases the candidate’s qualifications and enthusiasm for the Mechanical Engineer position. Highlighting a Master’s degree and over five years of experience in relevant industries, the candidate demonstrates both educational background and practical expertise. A specific achievement—leading a team to redesign a cooling system resulting in increased efficiency and reduced costs—emphasizes leadership skills and a commitment to engineering excellence. The candidate’s alignment with the company’s focus on technology and sustainable engineering further strengthens the application, showing not just compatibility but also passion for the company’s projects. Mentioning proficiency in essential engineering software and hands-on experience in product development and project management showcases a comprehensive skill set. The inclusion of key strengths provides a concise overview of what the candidate brings to the table, making the letter a compelling case for the candidate’s potential contribution to Innovatech Solutions Inc. The call to action, expressing eagerness for an interview and providing contact information, wraps up the letter on a proactive note, reinforcing the candidate’s interest in the position.
Essentials Letter Writing Tips
If you want to be considered for the position of mechanical engineer at the company, you should follow professional advice when composing your letter.
The following are some pointers:
Focus on the future
When writing your cover letter, it is crucial to focus on the future and what you will bring to the company as their mechanical engineer. Inform your future employers of the projects, research, or products you have in mind to develop the organization and help them achieve their company goals. Ensure that your future interests align with the company’s interests.
Be relevant
Write your cover letter to portray you as relevant to the company. It would be best if you displayed your abilities when handling all the responsibilities that come with the job. Also, display your relevancy by adequately including your skills and experiences as a mechanical engineer. Being relevant will encourage the hiring manager to hire you for the position.
Check for grammar mistakes
Once you are done writing your cover letter, you need to proofread it to check for grammar and spelling mistakes. Eliminating mistakes from your letter presents you as a creative individual who pays attention to detail and is professional. You can use spell check on your computer or ask for help from a friend to correct any grammar mistakes in your cover letter.
Key Points
To make your application stand out from the crowd, consider the following crucial points:
- When applying for a mechanical engineering job, it is essential to include a cover letter alongside your other application documents.
- A cover letter for mechanical engineers is a professional document meant to briefly highlight your personal and professional skills that help you stand out among the other job candidates.
- Since it is an official letter, ensure you use a business format that includes a header, body paragraphs, and sign-off.
- Ensure that your letter is captivating and exciting and includes examples that present you as a solution the company needs.
- Use the three tips provided in this article to ensure you write a proper and effective letter for such a job.
- Ensure that the information in your cover letter is honest and is written genuinely.
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