Software Developer cover letter example & writing guide

If you’re applying for software developer roles, you may wonder if you even need to submit a cover letter. While it might seem tempting to skip it, a well-written cover letter that shows off your technical expertise and problem-solving skills can improve your chances of landing an interview.

This guide and software developer cover letter example will show you everything you need to know about writing a cover letter, including:

• What a software developer cover letter should include

• How to write an attention-worthy introduction

• What information to provide in the cover letter body

• How to close a cover letter in a memorable way

What should your software developer cover letter include?

When you write code for a software application, it needs to be clean, accurate, and logical. Your cover letter should follow those same principles. Begin your software developer cover letter with a header that provides your contact information and details about the company where you’re applying.

Next, address your cover letter to the hiring manager using their full name, such as “Dear Teresa Smith.” This extra attention to detail in your greeting can help capture a hiring manager’s attention.

The rest of your cover letter should include an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. In the following paragraphs, we’ll go over each part in more detail.

What can you write in the introduction of your cover letter?

The first paragraph of your cover letter needs to make a strong statement, so that an employer feels motivated to keep reading about your qualifications. In the introduction, immediately communicate your interest in the role and highlight an impressive detail or two about your software development experience.

Make yourself a standout candidate by describing an achievement you’ve had in your career. For example, you might mention how you built an app that got over 10,000 downloads or improved the database performance for a past employer. Details like this can set you apart from other candidates with similar skill sets and experiences.

If another colleague referred you to the role, you should also include their name in the introduction (with their permission, of course). A referral gives your application more weight, so don’t hesitate to name drop in your cover letter.

What should be mentioned in the cover letter body for a software developer vacancy?

In the body of your software developer cover letter, expand on the skills and qualifications you’ve outlined on your resume. This section should convince an employer that you’re a candidate worth interviewing.

It’s helpful to think about three questions as you write the cover letter body:

1. Why you? Explain how your experience, education, and technical skills make you qualified for the open position. Describe specific software you’ve built or improved, and the problems you’ve solved for past employers. Include specific details and measurable outcomes that show your impact as a developer. For example, you may discuss how well you’ve reduced load times, minimized errors, or improved efficiency.

2. Why here? Address why you want to work at the company where you’re applying. Prove you’ve done your research by referencing specific information, such as the company’s software products, users, or mission, and how your values make you a good match. For example, you might mention how you stay up to date on emerging technology and want to work for a company known for innovative development.

3. Why now? Finally, your cover letter should explain why you’re choosing to apply for the job now. How does the new role fit into your career goals? For instance, you can explain how you want to specialize in a particular programming language or area like mobile app development. Let an employer know that you’re ready for the new role and excited about the opportunity to grow in your career.

For more advice, check out our article on what to write in a cover letter body.

Do

• • Highlight the specific programming languages and frameworks you’re comfortable using, such as Python, Java, and React.
• • Describe how you’ve used your technical and problem-solving skills in action.
• • Keep the cover letter to one page, even if you have a lot of experience.

Don't

• • Repeat your resume. Your cover letter should provide real-world examples to back up the skills and qualifications listed on your resume.
• • Use any complicated or overused technical jargon that a hiring manager might not be familiar with.
• • Exaggerate your skills or experience to sound more impressive. Always be truthful and authentic.

How to write a cover letter closing

Keep the closing paragraph of your software developer cover letter short and sweet. Restate your interest in the position and thank the hiring manager for their time.

Follow these additional tips to close your cover letter:

• Align your skills to the role. Take this opportunity to remind an employer why you’re a great candidate for the role: “I’m confident that my background in full-stack development and Agile processes will make me a valuable addition to your development team.”

• End with a call to action. Convince an employer to take the next steps with your application: “I look forward to discussing my skills and experience in more detail at an interview soon.”

Get more tips on writing a persuasive conclusion with our article on how to close a cover letter.

Ready to code your next career move? Check out career.io’s advanced job board to find opportunities and track your progress for your next software developer role!