Get Results With a Computer Science Cover Letter

Computer science needs plenty of experience and talent. How can you leverage your qualifications in a cover letter for a computer scientist job?

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Computer science cover letter example

Computer science cover letter sample

A cover letter is a great tool for any job application, and this especially includes science and engineering fields. If you’re going into computer science, then a cover letter allows you to express your talents and skills, argue why you’re the best person for the job, and even ask for a job interview outright.

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Best computer science cover letter example

So, what should a cover letter sample for a computer scientist look like? Here’s a good starting point.

Dear Mr. Smith,

When I first wrote an algorithm for a company that resulted in them seeing a 1,000% increase in click-through rates for their advertisement, I was ecstatic. I realised that with my knowledge of programming languages like JavaScript, SQL, and Python, I had the technical skills I needed to help companies extend their reach to people who actually seemed interested. This is why I’m excited to apply for the information technology job at [Company Name].

Today, as a computer scientist, I do more than just function as a programmer. I also help people with troubleshooting hardware, I am a web developer, and I help people untangle problems with their algorithms. My ability to pinpoint where an algorithm went wrong has saved multiple companies from having to rewrite their code from the ground up.

I am excited to talk to you more about how my skills could potentially help your company use its time more wisely. I look forward to bringing my computer science skills to your organization.

Sincerely,

Phyllis Kincade

This is generally a pretty short cover letter sample, so if you were to use it, then you’d likely want to expand upon it. However, it’s a great starting point.

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Tips for writing your computer science cover letter using this example

To start your cover letter, you’ll need a professional header and salutation. This header will include your contact information, including your phone number, and any related professional links, such as your LinkedIn profile. Remember to also use the hiring manager’s name rather than a generic introduction like “Dear hiring manager.” Then you can get into the rest of the cover letter.

First paragraph: Introduce yourself with a hook and list your best achievements.

In the first paragraph, you need to hook the hiring manager as quickly as possible. This applicant tells a story about her software development skills, noting that she wrote an algorithm for a company that increased its click-through rates by 1,000%. This is a huge number, likely the biggest in her computer science CV, and it’s definitely something that will keep a recruiter reading. She lists a few programming languages, targeting the requirements of the job description for the position she’s applying for. Not only does this establish her credentials, but it also connects to her work experience.

Second paragraph: Give more information about how you’re the best fit for the job.

Now that the hiring manager is reading, you can continue to discuss why you’re the best fit for this specific job position. The applicant mentions the top skills she’s gained through her years of experience. She specifically notes how these make her unique, indicating that she has a great ability to tell where an algorithm went wrong and untangle the problem. These problem-solving skills can be incredibly helpful to a company. If you have other key achievements to list, like a computer science internship, then put them in bullet points underneath this paragraph.

Third paragraph: Call to action

Finally, the applicant includes a call to action for a job interview at the end of the letter: “I am excited to talk to you about how my skills could help your company.” This assumes that the job interview is a done deal, which is a great way to encourage a hiring manager to actually schedule the job interview with you.

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FAQ: Computer science cover letters

Q: Do I really need a cover letter to get a computer science job?

Yes. A computer science CV can significantly benefit from a professional cover letter because it helps you indicate who you are to your hiring manager. Additionally, it can help to answer some questions that would be asked at an interview, such as “What is your biggest achievement?” You can write your own cover letter with the cover letter builder at CVHelp.

Q: How long should my cover letter be to get a computer science job?

You should aim to have a cover letter that’s anywhere from half a page to 3/4 of a page. The perfect cover letter needs to be long enough to explain your best qualifications but short enough that a recruiter won’t lose interest. Around 3/4 of a page or just under it is the right length for a job search.

Q: Does this cover letter example work if I don’t have a lot of experience?

Even if you don’t have much experience, you can still use this cover letter format. You just need to substitute whatever experiences you do have. Maybe you have freelance gigs, personal projects, or academic experience that you can include. As long as previous experience features important skills or abilities, you can use this cover letter example.

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