- What should your civil engineer cover letter include?
- What can you write in the introduction of your cover letter?
- What should be mentioned in the cover letter body for a civil engineering position?
- How to write a cover letter closing
Take the next step in your engineering career with our expert guide for creating an effective Civil Engineer cover letter. Learn how to articulate your skills and experience to position yourself as the top candidate for any job for which you apply.
A stereotype of a civil engineer is that all they do is build bridges. While that is indeed within the scope of the job, civil engineers do so much more. Civil engineers are responsible for the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of a whole host of building and infrastructure projects—including bridges! And while you may be an ace at project management or drafting, the idea of writing an effective cover letter that highlights your ample skills might be a bit intimidating.
Just like doing calculations or rendering complex plans, creating a cover letter that gets you noticed requires a step-by-step system. The final project should give the reader a precise concept of your unique value as a civil engineer.
In this cover letter guide, along with the corresponding civil engineer cover letter example, we’ll examine how to write a cover letter that can get you interviews, including:
What should your civil engineer cover letter include?
What to write in the introduction of the cover letter
What information should you provide in the body of the cover letter?
How to write a cover letter closing
What should your civil engineer cover letter include?
Think of your cover letter as a set of blueprints that shows the reader all the important points that they need to see in one document. There are several sections of a cover letter, including a header with your contact information and the information of the company to which you’re applying. After that, you write a greeting. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered: in our article on how to address a cover letter, we’ll give more tips and examples on how to do this. After the header and greeting, you’ll provide an introduction, a body and a closing, and we’ll review all of these sections in detail in the following paragraphs.
What can you write in the introduction of your cover letter?
The introduction of your cover letter should have a “hook” that grabs the reader by the lapels, in a manner of speaking. Think of your most valuable skills; they are the building blocks of a great introduction.
You don't have to use flowery words in your introduction: you can get right to the point and express your interest in the position. Then, you can lay a foundation with your proven track record, quantifiable accomplishments, or an example about how you got a project completed on-time and under budget. The most important thing is that you want to express that you’re the “real deal” and that you are excited for a new challenge.
Dear Mr. Bob Williams,
ABC, Inc.’s opening for a Civil Engineer immediately captured my attention since the required qualifications are a strong complement to my skills and experience. Confident I will quickly prove myself as a vital member of your team, I have enclosed my resume for your review.
What should be mentioned in the cover letter body for a civil engineering position?
The body of the cover letter is where you expand on your qualifications as an civil engineer, your technical skills and experience, and your Unique Selling Points (USP).
An effective method is to break it down into three different sections:
Why you? Briefly map out your skills and experience, including your education, training, and accomplishments. Highlight your Professional Licensed Engineer (PLE) certification or military background, using them as a transition into your work history. Incorporate accomplishments into your description, including quantifiable data when possible. If you managed multi-million dollar service utility contracts or doubled the storage capacity of key resources, these are great professional accomplishments to include. Do you have a track record of exceeding expectations? That’s your USP.
Why here? What appeals to you about this particular company? Have you always wanted to work for the government, or are you former military who wants to transition to the private sector? Is there something about this consulting firm that interests you? Express your enthusiasm for the company and how you’d fit into the team structure.
Why now? Why is this position perfect for you right now? Is this a step on your way to becoming a public works director? Are you looking for new challenges? You can absolutely mention your career goals, and the steps you’ve taken throughout your career to reach them.
Need more in-depth information? Check out our blog: What should you write in a cover letter body
- Highlight your experience with engineering software such as AutoCAD.
- Mention a professional referral, if you have one.
- Use commonly known engineering terminology.
- Provide a point-by-point summary of your entire resume.
- Use jargon or military terminology that might not be understood by the company or person reading your cover letter.
- Let your cover letter be longer than one page.
As evidenced by over eight years of experience with the United States Air Force, I offer a talent for overseeing civil engineering operations administration functions–such as materials acquisitions, budget management, and project coordination–as well as proven success improving and streamlining processes. Operating in rigorous and demanding environments that include emergency facility repair situations, I continuously demonstrated the ability to exercise sound judgment, quick thinking, and decisive action.
Please consider a few more of my qualifications:
Coordinated diverse projects from start to finish, scheduling regular meetings, ensuring availability of materials, and staying within budget.
Led improvements to water mains and heating systems in arctic conditions; doubled the storage capacity of key resources by overseeing a major facility renovation project.
Managed service utility contracts valued at $46M for a 360K-acre military compound.
Repeatedly promoted and recognized for performance excellence and initiative.
How to write a cover letter closing
The final lines of your civil engineering cover letter have a specific purpose: to encourage the hiring manager to get in touch with you. Keep it brief—1-2 sentences max—and express gratitude for their time and attention. Don’t skimp here, as your closing can help you land an interview.
Connect your skills and experience to the position. Create a link between your experience and how you can help the company: “In me, (Company Name) will gain a resourceful, adaptable, and results-driven Civil Engineer with a tireless work ethic and an unwavering focus on meeting and exceeding your expectations.”
Include a Call to Action. Motivate the reader to act on your application: “I would greatly appreciate the opportunity for an interview. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.”
Learn how to end your cover letter on a positive note. Read more here: How to close a cover letter.
In me, ABC, Inc. will gain a resourceful, adaptable, and results-driven Civil Engineer with a tireless work ethic and an unwavering focus on meeting and exceeding your expectations. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity for an interview. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Kimberly Adler
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