The world of IT is vast, ever-changing and an integral part of today’s business and commerce. As a job seeker in the field, you’re in high demand, but still face competition. A great IT cover letter can set you apart from dozens of candidates with the same degree and skills.
There’s nothing to fear when it comes to writing a great cover letter. It’s about clearly showing the reader how your career background connects with the IT job you want.
IT full text-only cover letter example
Dear Mr. Driver,
Nine years of pharmaceutical IT experience have taught me that scientific advances are intimately connected with the (optimal) performance of cutting-edge technology.
Whether it is integrating a new logistics system to improve product deviation metrics by 28%, working with geneticists on their data science models to speed up their pipeline, or implementing new demand planning software, I have worked diligently to translate technical possibilities into practical outcomes which put patients first.
I understand that you have a number of products that are coming to market this year and that your recent warehousing investment will need to be supported with best-in-class IT solutions. I give regular keynotes on the biotech conference circuit around logistics tech.
As an avid student of agile development methodologies, I have developed and implemented long-term IT strategies that have had a business-wide impact:
- Designed logistics software for controlled drugs warehouse ($22m annual revenue)
- Sourced demand planning tool to improve forecasting accuracy by 19%.
- Managed all aspects of IT provision in pharma manufacturers of 50-120 employees
Scientists are very specific with their technology requirements and I am adept at explaining the possibilities and limitations of any given solution to my stakeholders. I leverage close vendor relationships from my conference circuit to develop best-in-class solutions.
I am passionate about talking about the impact of technology in science and would welcome the chance to discuss further at interview.
Sincerely,
Jackie Elliot
Sections of an IT cover letter
No matter where you fall in the spectrum of IT jobs, the cover letter format remains unchanged between positions or fields.
The format of an IT cover letter should contain the following elements:
- Header. Begin by listing your contact details and the date. This helps set a professional tone.
- Greeting. Address the hiring manager by name if you can. This shows you've done your homework.
- Introduction. Start with enthusiasm for the IT role and briefly mention why you're excited about the position.
- Body. Focus on your relevant experiences and skills. Highlight specific achievements that make you a great fit for the job, aligning with the company’s needs.
- Conclusion. Wrap up by summarizing your qualifications and reaffirming your interest in the role.
- Signature. Finish with a professional sign-off, including your name.
Each section of your cover letter is important in highlighting your dedication and expertise in IT.
Recruiters and hiring managers don’t have much time, so keep it brief. Keep your cover letter to one page, making sure it's clear and impactful. Showcase your skills by telling a story that matches the company’s mission. It’s not just about listing qualifications; it's about showing why you’re a perfect fit for the company and how your values and experiences align with theirs.
Need more inspiration? View our other IT related cover letter examples:
- IT director cover letter sample
- Programmer cover letter sample
- IT technician cover letter example
- IT manager cover letter sample
- Software developer cover letter sample
- System administrator cover letter sample
- Software tester cover letter sample
- DevOps engineer cover letter sample
- Full stack developer cover letter sample
For more general information and details that cover every section, view our article on how to write a cover letter.
Introduction of an IT cover letter
No one like reading or writing cover letters because they tend to be mundane and boring. Spice up your cover letter and capture the reader’s attention with a compelling opening.
Dear Jane Smith,
As an IT specialist with a solid background in network security and system optimization, I have improved network efficiency 30% for global fintech companies. The opportunity to apply my skills in a tech-forward company like Chime Financial aligns perfectly with my career aspirations.
To Whom It May Concern:
I am excited to apply for the IT specialist position at your company. My experience in various IT settings has prepared me well for this role. I am eager to bring my skills and dedication to your team.
Instead of starting with the standard run-of-the-mill introduction, highlight a specific achievement that demonstrates your IT skills. For example, if you improved network efficiency by 30%, lead with this accomplishment. Using concrete data like this enhances your credibility and shows how your work directly impacts the company’s performance.
Personality counts!
In a survey of a range of hiring professionals, almost 80 percent of respondents listed “personality” as their most sought-after trait for potential hires. While your skills are important, especially in a field like IT, don’t underestimate the importance of conveying energy, charisma and passion in your cover letter.
Dear Mr. Driver,
Nine years of pharmaceutical IT experience have taught me that scientific advances are intimately connected with the (optimal) performance of cutting-edge technology.
IT cover letter body
In the body of your cover letter, follow a clear outline:
- Highlight your skills and experience
- Show how you're a perfect fit for the hospital’s culture.
- Wrap up with a strong conclusion that leaves a lasting impression
- End with a compelling call to action that makes the hiring manager eager to contact you
First body paragraph: your suitability for the role (skills & experience)
Kick off with a powerful introduction of your main skills and real-world experience that directly match the IT role's requirements.
Here’s are some recommendations on how you can weave your expertise into your cover letter:
- Emphasize your education and training. Highlight how your studies in computer science or information technology have equipped you with in-depth knowledge of software engineering, cybersecurity, or network management.
- Demonstrate leadership and collaboration skills. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led IT initiatives and worked with cross-functional teams.
- Detail your tech savviness and innovation. Describe your proficiency with the latest IT tools and technologies, and how you've used these in the past.
- Show your technical troubleshooting and support abilities. Explain your role in resolving technical problems, providing user support, and maintaining IT systems.
Writing for hiring managers
Keep in mind, most hiring managers are not IT experts. They understand the basic terminology if they recruit IT specialists, but don’t expect them to know every abbreviation and coding language.
If a friend who is not an IT expert has some difficulty understanding your letter, it’s possible a hiring manager will as well.
Second body paragraph(s): alignment with the organization
Employers love it when candidates have done their homework and taken the time to research their organization. Most people don’t. To align your cover letter with the company's needs, start by connecting your achievements directly to their goals.
For example, if the company focuses on improving operational efficiency and data-driven outcomes, highlight your experience with integrating logistics systems, enhancing data science models, or implementing software solutions. Demonstrate how these accomplishments showcase your ability to turn technical solutions into practical results that benefit the organization.
Tailoring your cover letter this way shows that you understand their needs and are prepared to deliver impactful solutions.
Whether it is integrating a new logistics system to improve product deviation metrics by 28%, working with geneticists on their data science models to speed up their pipeline, or implementing new demand planning software, I have worked diligently to translate technical possibilities into practical outcomes which put patients first.
I understand that you have a number of products that are coming to market this year and that your recent warehousing investment will need to be supported with best-in-class IT solutions. I give regular keynotes on the biotech conference circuit around logistics tech.
As an avid student of agile development methodologies, I have developed and implemented long-term IT strategies that have had a business-wide impact:
- Designed logistics software for controlled drugs warehouse ($22m annual revenue)
- Sourced demand planning tool to improve forecasting accuracy by 19%.
- Managed all aspects of IT provision in pharma manufacturers of 50-120 employees
Scientists are very specific with their technology requirements and I am adept at explaining the possibilities and limitations of any given solution to my stakeholders. I leverage close vendor relationships from my conference circuit to develop best-in-class solutions.
Call to action & conclusion: finish off strong
Now that you’ve laid out the best case for yourself, it’s time to close out your letter with an effective conclusion. Express your enthusiasm for the position and invite the hiring manager to get in touch. Then, close out your letter with a cordial signature.
I am passionate about talking about the impact of technology in science and would welcome the chance to discuss further at interview.
Sincerely,
Jackie Elliot
How to write an IT cover letter with no experience
If this new job will be your first IT position, your best strategy is to highlight relevant abilities from previous jobs, even if they weren’t IT related.
Consider using some of these strategies to strengthen your candidacy with little to no experience:
- Highlight your transferable skills by demonstrating how experiences from other roles enhance your ability to communicate effectively and engage with diverse stakeholders.
- Showcase your organizational prowess through examples of event coordination or project management, illustrating your capacity to streamline IT operations.
- Highlight your proficiency in technological tools such as database management and AI applications, underscoring your adaptability to evolving digital landscapes.
- Express your passion for continuous learning and technological innovation, aligning your interests seamlessly with IT roles.
- Include relevant volunteer experiences to showcase your community engagement and academic background in IT-related fields to demonstrate your theoretical foundation.
Key takeaways
A cover letter is an essential part of any complete application. Unless a job posting asks you not to submit one, it’s always a smart idea to include a thoughtful letter in your application. Include a header, greeting, introduction, body, conclusion, and signature, making sure to tailor each one to your needs.
Use our cover letter builder and/or a template to make sure you avoid common pitfalls and improve your chances of landing your next IT role.
