ToC

Be sure you use the proper cover letter format to make your cover letter readable and professional.

Copy-and-Paste Computer Science Cover Letter Template (Text Format)

(Your Address)

(Today’s Date)

(Contact Person’s Name)
(Company Address)
07123 456 789
contact.person@email.co.uk

Dear (Mr/Ms/Mx) (Contact Person’s Surname),

I’m writing to express my enthusiasm for the (specific job title) position at (Company Name), as advertised. With 7+ years of experience in computer science and IT project management, I bring a proven track record in engineering scalable applications, optimising IT systems, and leading technical innovations that drive measurable results.

In my current role as a Computer Scientist at Redian Software, I spearheaded efforts to replace ageing systems with scalable software solutions, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing hardware support needs. By leveraging my expertise in Python and data visualisation tools like Tableau, I cut data load times by 68% and boosted data quality to 99.9%. Furthermore, I resolved 300+ software bugs, leading to a 20% drop in customer complaints.

My academic foundation, including a Master’s in Advanced Computer Science (Distinction) from the University of Manchester, complements my practical experience and proficiency in programming languages such as Java, SQL, and R, and skills in cloud technologies and machine learning. I’m eager to bring innovative solutions to (Company Name).

I would be delighted to discuss how my technical expertise and problem-solving skills align with your team’s goals. Thank you for considering my application.

Yours sincerely,

(Your Name)

How to write computer science cover letter

Before you begin writing, make sure you know how to write a cover letter in a way that makes you seem like the best candidate for the job.

Your technical skills might be the focus of your computer science job application, but a strong cover letter often sets you ahead of similarly qualified applicants.

A cover letter aims to bridge the gap between the technical knowledge you offer and the value you can deliver. It goes beyond your computer science CV by addressing the employer’s needs and illustrating the positive impact of hiring you.

Here are my top three tips for writing a strong cover letter to stand out from the competition.

1. Write for your reader

From my experience, tailored applications stand out because they show genuine interest, identify the employer’s current needs, and connect the applicant’s strengths to those skill requirements.

Tailored letters also make it easier for non-technical readers (e.g., recruiters, and non-technical managers) to clearly see the value you bring to their organisation.

I recommend starting by thoroughly researching the company and role. Study the job description to identify key skills needed, and review the company’s website, projects, or recent news to understand its niche, market, challenges, and goals.

Use this information to position yourself as the solution. For example, if they focus on cloud computing, highlight your experience with AWS or Azure and explain how you’ve used these tools to solve similar problems.

2. Highlight relevant technical skills

Mention the programming languages, frameworks, or knowledge areas most relevant to the role in your cover letter’s introduction and body paragraphs.

For example, if the role requires cloud computing skills, you could grab the employer’s attention with the following introduction:

I’m excited to apply for the Cloud Support Engineer role at [Company Name]. With 8 years of industry experience, I’ve honed my expertise in cloud computing, most recently leading the migration of a legacy system to AWS. I’m excited about the opportunity to bring my skillset to your team.

When writing about your skills in your body paragraphs, think about action and impact. Your technical skills will be much more compelling if you show the employer how you apply them in the workplace:

In my previous role, I successfully led the migration of a legacy system to AWS, a project that demonstrated my expertise in cloud computing and strategic problem solving. By streamlining the migration process, I reduced system downtime by 20% and achieved a 15% reduction in infrastructure costs.

3. Use clear, concise language

Computer science roles often involve complex work, and it’s tempting to describe that work in equally complex terms. However, you need to remember your audience. A recruiter or hiring manager might not have a technical background or be familiar with the specific tools you use. If they can’t understand your accomplishments, they won’t appreciate them.

For instance, instead of writing something like, “Developed a distributed system with linear scalability,” simplify it by explaining the value that the achievement delivered:

Developed a system using AWS Auto Scaling that effortlessly handled a 300% increase in users, maintaining smooth performance and zero delays during peak demand.

In my experience, the candidates who communicate their skills clearly, even to a non-technical audience, are the ones who stand out. Clear language also shows that you’re thoughtful about how you communicate—a valuable skill in any professional setting.

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Lauren Mastroni, a CV expert with CV Genius.
Written by

Lauren Mastroni

Lauren Mastroni is a CV expert and careers counsellor dedicated to crafting engaging content and providing actionable advice that empowers people in their job searches. An enthusiastic contributor to the CV Genius team, Lauren has a passion for developing valuable resources for job seekers. Lauren holds an MSc in Psychology from the University of Derby. She enjoys learning all she can about the career space, and is committed to helping job seekers of all experience levels navigate the job hunt and advance their careers. You can reach Lauren at [lauren] AT [resumegenius.com].