As a computer scientist, you’ll likely have a lot of skills and expertise to showcase in your cover letter, and it can be tricky to present this without getting overly complicated.
When it comes to a job search, you never know who will review your computer science cover letter first. Of course, it could be your potential boss who is well-versed in the intricacies of AI and machine learning. However, it could also be HR, senior leadership, or an applicant tracking system (ATS) completing this initial scan.
So, how do you tackle this issue and advance your job search? By using a well-crafted cover letter that reflects your technical knowledge and computer science achievements as well as your wealth of transferable skills.
Computer science full text-only cover letter example
Dear Mr. Blackwood,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Senior Software Engineer position at Skyscanner, as advertised on your company website. With my extensive experience in full-stack development and my passion for creating innovative travel technology solutions, I believe I would be a valuable addition to your team.
For the past five years, I have been working as a Software Engineer at FreeAgent in Edinburgh, where I have honed my skills in Ruby on Rails, React, and AWS. During my time there, I led the development of a new invoicing system that increased processing speed by 40% and reduced errors by 25%. I am particularly proud of my contribution to implementing machine learning algorithms to improve our financial forecasting features.
I am excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise to Skyscanner and contribute to your mission of making travel more accessible and enjoyable for millions of users worldwide. Your recent expansion into the Asian market and your focus on developing sustainable travel options align perfectly with my professional interests and values.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experience could contribute to Skyscanner's continued success. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Yusuf Aziz
Sections of a computer science cover letter
Much like a software development project, a good cover letter for a computer science job goes through different stages until it becomes a shiny final product. Here are the key sections to consider:
- Cover letter header. Select a distinctive header that details vital information, including your name, contact details, and main job title.
- Greeting. Personalise your cover letter greeting by finding out the hiring manager's name so you can address them directly.
- Introduction. Pique the reader's attention with an intriguing opening to your computer science cover letter, that hints at why you will be a perfect addition to the team.
- Body. Every hiring manager wants to know what you have done and what you have achieved as a computer scientist. More importantly, can you bring your strengths and capabilities to their organisation and deliver similar results?
- Conclusion. Wrap up your letter by reinforcing your suitability and interest in the role. Don’t forget a polite call to action to encourage the hiring manager to contact you.
- Signature. Sign off with a professional goodbye, including your name.
Each section in your computer science cover letter plays an integral role in developing a compelling cover letter that could encourage employers to invest time in reading your CV.
While you may have a wealth of information to include in your cover letter, it’s best to stick to a short and snappy one-page cover letter. Hiring managers receive hundreds of applications after posting a job, so make their lives easier by getting straight to the point.
Looking for some inspiration? View our library of unique cover letters, including the following cover letter examples relatable to computer science:
If you need more general information and details covering each section, read our article on how to write a cover letter.
Introduction of a computer science cover letter
Your first chance to hook the reader is via your introduction. When starting your cover letter, generate some interest by mentioning a notable achievement, anecdote, or backstory.
This section of your cover letter is also a golden opportunity to show how you align with the prospective employer’s goals and objectives.
Dear Ms. Bell,
As a dedicated computer scientist, I’ve been fascinated by the power of technology from a young age. This inspired me to complete my degree in computer science and secure global experience in software development. I’m now keen to bring these skills and more to the role of Senior Software Engineer with ABC Tech and contribute to your groundbreaking work in AI and machine learning.
Dear Sir or Madam
I am writing to inform you of my interest in the computer science role with ABC Tech. I consider myself to have the ideal blend of skills and experience to excel in the role and would prove an asset to the team.
The trick here is to adopt a professional and confident tone. Avoid a generic introduction that the hiring manager has probably read a thousand times. Mentioning your back story can really strike a chord with the hiring manager and motivate them to learn more about you.
Dear Mr. Blackwood,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Senior Software Engineer position at Skyscanner, as advertised on your company website. With my extensive experience in full-stack development and my passion for creating innovative travel technology solutions, I believe I would be a valuable addition to your team.
Computer science cover letter body
In the body of your cover letter, follow a clear template:
- Highlight your computer science skills and experience
- Demonstrate that you’ll be a great fit for team culture, whether you’re targeting a small, niche tech company or a major multinational
- Wrap up with an impactful conclusion
- End with a persuasive call to action that compels the hiring manager to contact you
First body paragraph
Pack some punch with a first body paragraph that highlights your technical expertise and achievements. Here’s how you can present this information in the best possible light:
- Highlight key projects. Select a couple of notable projects relevant to the job opening and spotlight your contributions, challenges overcome, and any positive outcomes. This will demonstrate the value you can bring to the prospective employer.
- Emphasise your technical expertise. Dive into your specific technical expertise, such as a deep understanding of programming languages including Java, Python, and C++.
- Collaboration. Highlight your collaborative approach, including success working closely with cross-functional teams and engaging with key stakeholders.
- Showcase your industry knowledge. Demonstrating an understanding of company products, market position, opportunities, and threats will help you stand out.
- Motivational leadership. If applicable, reference specific examples of how you have motivated and provided guidance to project teams or new hires.
Avoid too much technical jargon in your cover letter
Your computer science cover letter will inevitably include a fair amount of technical language but try to balance this with a humanised approach. Aside from your industry-specific skills, you’ll also have a wealth of soft skills that employers will value. Attention to detail, problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and adaptability to name but a few.
Second body paragraph
Building a connection with an employer can make a real difference. Researching the company, website, and social media platforms can help you achieve this goal.
As a computer scientist, you’ll want to show the hiring manager that you can deliver results but also be a welcome addition to the team and company.
In this example from Adobe, some key points that can be taken from their values and culture include:
- Create the future by being constantly creative and celebrating new ideas
- Own the outcome by taking the initiative and owning results
- Raise the bar by aiming high and playing to win
- Be genuine by being yourself and embracing diversity
Include details from the company mission statement so your application hits the right note. Mentioning a specific example of where you were recognised as a creative thinker and collaborator on a cutting-edge software development project could strike a chord with Adobe recruiters.
For the past five years, I have been working as a Software Engineer at FreeAgent in Edinburgh, where I have honed my skills in Ruby on Rails, React, and AWS. During my time there, I led the development of a new invoicing system that increased processing speed by 40% and reduced errors by 25%. I am particularly proud of my contribution to implementing machine learning algorithms to improve our financial forecasting features.
I am excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise to Skyscanner and contribute to your mission of making travel more accessible and enjoyable for millions of users worldwide. Your recent expansion into the Asian market and your focus on developing sustainable travel options align perfectly with my professional interests and values.
Call to action & conclusion
Your closing paragraph is an opportunity to wrap up your cover letter with a final flourish. Delivering a compelling end to your cover letter can ensure they quickly move on to read your enclosed computer science CV.
Highlight how your unique skills and experience can add value to the team and contribute toward the company’s ongoing success.
Make sure to thank the employer for reviewing your application. This shows you respect their time and may improve your chances of an interview.
End with a proactive call to action. This shows your eagerness to move forward in the recruitment process and your enthusiasm for the role.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experience could contribute to Skyscanner's continued success. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Yusuf Aziz
Finally, sign off with a professional closing, such as ‘Sincerely.’ Remember to proofread your letter and ensure that it is error-free.
Key takeaways
If you’re looking for your dream computer science job, you’ll need to highlight your technical expertise, stellar project management capabilities, and collaborative approach.
A cover letter is the perfect place to tell the backstory of how you became a computer scientist and your workplace achievements. Facts, statistics, recognition, and awards all help build your credibility and make you stand out in the hiring manager’s mind.
Try our cover letter builder to create a compelling computer science cover letter and boost your job interview prospects!
