If you’re ready to secure your next engineering role, you need an engaging application that helps you to stand out.
But when you’re working with similar skills and qualifications to other candidates, you need to go one step further to grab the hiring manager’s attention.
To help you do this, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide, complete with several detailed engineering cover letter examples to shape your own.
The example cover letters here should give you a good general idea on how your Engineering cover letter should be formatted and written.
The rest of this guide gives more specific guidance on how to create your own cover letter in this format, and even includes some templates you can copy and paste.
Here’s a simple process to write your own interview-winning cover letter.
Type the content of your cover letter directly into the email you are sending, or if you are applying via a job board, directly into their messaging system.
The reason for doing this it to ensure that your cover letter gets seen instantly and you can start connecting with the recruiter as soon as they open your message.
If you attach your cover letter as a separate document, the recipient will have to open up the document, which will slow the process down, or make them less likely to even open your cover letter – which could mean your application gets skipped over.
To start building rapport with the recruiter or hiring manager right away, lead with a friendly greeting.
Try to strike a balance between professional and personable.
Go with something like…
Stay away from old-fashioned greetings like “Dear sir/madam” unless applying to very formal companies – they can come across as cold and robotic.
Addressing the recruitment contact by name is an excellent way to start building a strong relationship. If it is not listed in the job advert, try to uncover it via these methods.
Once you’ve opened up the cover letter with a warm greeting to start building a relationship, it is time to identify which role you want to apply for.
Recruiters are often managing multiple vacancies, so you need to ensure you apply to the correct one.
Be very specific and use a reference number if you can find one.
The sole objective of your cover letter is to motivate recruiters into to opening your CV. And you achieve this by quickly explaining your suitability to the roles you are applying for.
Take a look at the job descriptions you are applying to, and make note of the most important skills and qualifications being asked for.
Then, when crafting your cover letter, make your suitability the central focus.
Explain why you are the best qualified candidate, and why you are so well suited to carry out the job.
This will give recruiters all the encouragement they need to open your CV and consider you for the job.
It is best to keep your cover letter brief if you want to ensure you hold the attention of busy recruiters and hiring managers. A lengthy cover letter will probably not get read in full, so keep yours to around 3-6 sentences and save the real detail for your CV.
Remember the purpose of your cover letter is to quickly get recruiters to notice you and encourage them to open your CV, so it only needs to include the highlights of your experience.
To finish off your cover note, add a professional signature to the bottom, stating your important contact details and information.
This not only provides recruiters with multiple means of contacting you, but it also adds a nice professional appearance to the cover letter, which shows that you know how to conduct yourself in the workplace.
Include the following points;
Here is an example signature;
Aaron Smith
Customer service professional
075557437373
Aaron@smith.com
LinkedIn
Quick tip: To save yourself from having to write your signature every time you send a job application, you can save it within your email drafts, or on a separate document that you could copy in.
So, what type of information should you write about in your Engineering cover letter?
The specifics will obviously depend on your profession and the jobs you are applying to, but these are the key areas you should be covering.
Copy and paste these Engineering cover letter templates to get a head start on your own.
I would like to express my sincere interest in the Senior Civil Engineer position you have available at Jacobs Engineering Group. With my 15+ years of experience, including 10 years in management roles, I have a proven record of driving a variety of small and large-scale construction projects.
In my current role as a Civil Engineer at Marx Group, I have consistently lowered expenses, accomplished high revenue, and optimising client satisfaction. Over the past 8 years, my initiatives have led to 25% reduction in costs, 40% boost in profits through winning numerous tenders, as well as a 15% increase in CSAT due to delivering projects ahead of schedule. I am commitment to the quality, safety, and sustainability of operations, as well as complying with relevant codes, regulations, and best practices.
I am excited about the opportunity to meet you at your earliest convenience to further discuss how my skills and experience could add value to your department.
John Hamilton ¦ 07777777777 ¦ john.hamilton@gmail.co.uk
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Graduate Civil Engineer position at Gannett Fleming, as advertised on LinkedIn. As a recent graduate with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of London, I am eager to begin my professional career and make a meaningful contribution to your esteemed establishment.
I have developed a solid foundation in engineering principles and gained hands-on experience through 13 projects during 3 internships, where I contributed towards lowering material costs by 10% and bolstering client satisfaction levels by 15% as a result of fostering strong communication efforts. My dedication to learning, coupled with my strong analytical and problem-solving skills, has equipped me with the necessary competencies to excel in this field. I am proficient in using industry-standard software, such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and SAP2000 for design, drafting, and analysis purposes.
I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how my career aspirations align with your objectives. I am available for an interview at your convenience.
Christopher Brown ¦ 07777777777 ¦ christopherbrown@gmail.co.uk
Good morning, Amanda
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing in response to AE Yates’ advertisement for a Civil Engineering Manager on your website. As a seasoned civil engineer with 20+ year of experience in the industry, I have efficiently spearheaded and delivered a wide range of complex construction project solutions.
I have been a Senior Civil Engineer for the past 10 years with PT Construction Corporation, where I have obtained 100% regulatory approvals and permits for 200+ projects, decreased delays by 25% through effective resource allocation, as well as implemented sustainable design practices which reduced in energy consumption by 35%. I am highly skilled in using engineering software to streamline processes and enhance efficiency, while fostering strong communication and collaboration with team members and clients. My strategic mind-set has enabled me to excel in identifying risks and opportunities that drive business continuity.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of joining your team and I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.
Adam Jenkins ¦ 07777777777 ¦ adamjenkins@gmail.co.uk
Writing an impressive cover letter is a crucial step in landing an Engineering job, so taking the time to perfect it is well worth while.
By following the tips and examples above you will be able to create an eye-catching cover letter that will wow recruiters and ensure your CV gets read – leading to more job interviews for you.
Good luck with your job search!
