Software Tester cover letter example

Hiring the ideal software tester means finding a professional with an analytical mind, an eye for detail, and the ability to easily convey complex ideas. So, when it comes to writing your software tester cover letter, how can you show that you tick all of those boxes?

Also known as a quality assurance (QA) tester, software testers play a central role in the world of technology. However, competition in this field is tough, so you’ll have to work hard to stand out from the crowd. Writing an impressive cover letter is a good place to start.

In this software tester cover letter guide and the cover letter example, we’ll cover the following topics to help you get started:

• How to choose the best cover letter format
• What paragraphs your software tester cover letter should include
• How to maximize the effect of each cover letter paragraph
• What tone to use when writing a cover letter
• The core mistakes to avoid when creating your cover letter.

Before you sit down and put pen to paper, you need to know the basics. Understanding what your cover letter should include is the first step. Take a look at this guide — and check out some of our cover letter examples — to get the inspiration you need. 

Best format for a software tester cover letter

As a software tester, you will naturally have a high threshold for organization. Now is the time to use it. You shouldn't make the mistake of writing your cover letter without a plan. As you can see from our cover letter sample, it follows a clearcut structure. 

The format of a software tester cover letter should contain the following elements:

• Cover letter header
• Greeting
• Cover letter intro
• Middle paragraphs (body of the letter)
• Closing paragraph of your cover letter (conclusion and call-to-action)

Recruiters need to know that you have the acumen to test new software. While your resume will do the heavy lifting, you can use your cover letter to further demonstrate your expertise. Don’t be afraid to toot your own horn. The letter body is a good place to showcase how you’re an exemplary candidate. 

If you’re looking for some general advice on how to write cover letters, take a look at our comprehensive guide. To give you the inspiration you’re looking for, check out our software tester cover letter sample here: 

Cover letter header

First, let’s talk about the cover letter header. It is the basic information a recruiter needs about you — i.e. your name, email address, and phone number. While it may not sound like a big deal, without this a hiring manager won’t be able to get in touch with you.

If your software tester cover letter is strong, a recruiter will be itching to pick up the phone. That’s why positioning your contact details front and center is an absolute must. However, you don’t want to get fancy here. Keep things simple by including the information clearly.

Cover letter greeting

Before you start reeling off your accolades, you need to greet the reader. Since a software tester is a serious profession, you want the tone of your cover letter to match. That means avoiding casual greetings such as “hey,” “hi,” or “howdy” in favor of formal salutations.

When in doubt, go with the tried and tested “Dear” followed by the hiring manager’s title and surname. For example, you might open your cover letter with “Dear Mr. Smith,”  should that be the hiring manager’s name. 

Of course, companies don’t always disclose who the hiring manager is. If you’re going in without a name, try using the company name or department in the greeting. When in doubt, “Dear (Company Name) Hiring Manager” is better than the outdated and impersonal “To Whom It May Concern.”

Cover letter introduction

A smart cover letter introduction can hook the reader. Think about it — the recruiter will have to read through a load of applications. This is your opportunity to pique their interest. Within the first paragraph, you want to answer one question: Why are you right for the job?

You may choose to use this space to talk about how your previous experience connects to the role at hand. As a software tester, many of the skills you have used in past roles will be transferable. You may decide to highlight your previous work and how it applies now.

Alternatively, you can use the paragraph to showcase your expertise. You may choose to talk about the projects you’ve worked on or systems with which you’re familiar. Whichever way you choose to go, your tone should be formal and knowledgeable. See our adaptable cover letter sample below.

Cover letter middle part (body)

The middle paragraphs of cover letters contain the most relevant information. It’s where you will find the meat of your achievements. You want to grab the hiring manager’s attention. Use these paragraphs to detail your previous experience, highest achievements, professional milestones, and even future goals.

Talk about the technical side of things — e.g. testing systems and record creation — but don’t stop there. Recruiters don’t want a robot. With that in mind, you also need to cover what has drawn you to this ever-changing field and demonstrate your passion. Share your enthusiasm for the world of software and delve into how you aim to develop your career.

How to close a software tester cover letter (conclusion and sign-off)

The closing lines of your software tester cover letter matter. When the recruiter’s eyes glide down the page, they will pause on this final statement. Make it count. Within our cover letter sample, we’ve used a strong closing argument. You need to do the same here.

Conclude by recapping what it is that makes you an awesome candidate. You might want to pick out your top skills, highest achievements, or how you will transform the business. It doesn’t end there. You should also include a call to action, e.g. ‘I look forward to the possibility of telling you more in person’. You don’t want to presume you will land an interview as no one likes arrogance, but this statement leaves the reader wanting more.

Software tester cover letter with no experience

Within our cover letter sample, we have presumed you have experience. However, it is possible to land a software tester position as an entry-level job. There are a few things to mention if you want to boost your chances of getting an interview: 

• Your educational background/any training you have
• Your working knowledge of the software industry
• Any other work experience where you used analytical skills
• Extracurricular activities that link to technology (e.g. your love of building robots!)

When you’re applying for a software tester role with no experience, there’s not much room to explain why on your resume. However, your cover letter is free-form. Connect the dots for the hiring manager and let them know that you have what it takes to excel.

Key takeaways

1. The tone of your cover letter should be formal and professional at all times.
2. Showcase your technological know-how and mention any systems you use.
3. Relate your previous work experience to the role for which you’re applying.

Here at Resume.io, we make writing your cover letter straightforward. Quickly create an impressive page design by starting with one of our free cover letter templates.