Web Developer cover letter example & writing guide

Web developers do so much more than just sitting in front of a computer writing code all day. Any organization with a web presence (or a desire for one) needs web developers. Here’s the thing: you might be a whiz at writing in Python, but writing an effective cover letter could feel overwhelming.

No worries; we’re here to help. Just like creating a killer web application, when it comes to crafting a great cover letter, you need a plan for how to show the reader your value as a web developer.

In this guide, and corresponding web developer cover letter example, we’ll look at how to write a cover letter that can meet this objective, including:

• What your web developer cover letter should include

• What to write in the cover letter introduction

• What information to give in the body of the cover letter

• How to write a cover letter closing

What should your web developer cover letter include?

A well-crafted cover letter is designed to make sure the reader sees the key points you need them to see, much like a well-designed website. To this end, your web developer cover letter should contain a few distinct sections, starting at the top with a header that includes your contact information and the contact information of the company where you’re applying. 

Then below the header, you’ll say hello to the hiring manager—professionally, of course. We provide more info on how to write this cover letter greeting in our article on how to address a cover letter.

The other parts of your web developer cover letter are an introduction, a body, and a closing, all of which we will review in the following paragraphs.

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

Hiring managers see hundreds of cover letters every week, so you want yours to stand out. Grab their attention right away by placing your most valuable skill or accomplishment right up front, much like creating an enticing “click here” button,

Sure, you can start out by letting them know you’re interested in the position. But so will everyone else applying for the position. So then you need to up the ante by following with your knack for increasing web performance and user engagement, or your proven track record of reducing lead times. 

If you’ve been referred to the job, mention it in the first paragraph. Remember, it’s your enthusiasm and the unique value you bring to the table that will get the hiring manager to keep reading, which is your ultimate goal for a cover letter.

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

The body of your web developer cover letter is where you go into more detail about your qualifications, skills, and unique selling points (USP) that makes you special as a tech professional.

A good way to do this is to break your cover letter body into three sections:

1. Why you? Give a concise overview of your education, training, and relevant work experience. Mention any industry-specific certifications, and how you’ve used them on the job. Incorporate quantifiable data into your accomplishments to show the impact you’ve had for your previous employers. For example, share how you were able to implement a program that decreased the bug rate for a new product. Companies want to hire web developers who bring tangible results, and the cover letter is a great place to show how you’ve done that.

2. Why here? Describe what made you decide to apply for this particular job. Do you like the idea of working with a big tech company, or is a start-up more your speed? Are you intrigued by this company’s recent projects? Praise the company (but don’t go overboard!), while letting them know exactly how you’d fit into their current company culture.

3. Why now? Explain why this is the right position for you at this point in your career. Are you excited to use a new programming language you recently learned? Do you want to narrow your focus to a certain specialty in web development, such as front end or back end? Talk briefly about your career goals, how you’ve worked to achieve them, and why the road you’ve taken makes you the perfect fit for this position. It’s not bragging—it’s quiet confidence.

Need more advice? Check out our article on what you should write in a cover letter body.

Do

• • Put your key tech skills front and center.
• • Share quantifiable data like metrics or revenue numbers with your accomplishments.
• • Include examples of your soft skills, such as communication and collaboration.

Don't

• • Mention skills or programming languages that you don’t actually know.
• • Duplicate your web developer resume in your cover letter.
• • Use specific technical jargon that a hiring manager might not be familiar with.

How to write a cover letter closing

By the end of your web developer cover letter, the reader should be motivated enough to get in touch with you. Keep the closing brief—one to two sentences at most—and thank them for their time. These last few lines can be vital in securing an interview.

Follow these tips to close your cover letter:

• Connect your talent to the position. Reiterate how your skills and expertise offer unique value: “I am confident that my strong PHP, CSS, and Python skills will be of immediate benefit to your development team.”

• Include a call to action. Don’t just hope for the best; ask them to contact you: “I look forward to meeting you and discussing how I can best support ABC Technology's goals. Thank you for your time and attention.”

End your cover letter on a strong note. Learn more in our article on how to close a cover letter.

If you’re looking for an edge in landing your next web development opportunity, check out career.io’s state-of-the-art job board with advanced tracking metrics!