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

Copy-and-Paste Engineering Graduate Cover Letter Template (Text Format)

(Your Address)

(Today’s Date)

(Contact Person’s Name)
(Company Name)
(Company Address)

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

I’m writing to express my keen interest in the Graduate Civil Engineer position at [Company Name]. With a First-Class Honours degree in Civil Engineering from Cardiff University and three years of hands-on internship experience at Arup and Balfour Beatty, I bring a strong foundation in technical skills and a passion for creating sustainable, future-focused engineering solutions.

During my internships, I honed my expertise in CAD design, site inspections, and technical reporting. At Arup, I contributed to 10+ site visits and prepared detailed reports that streamlined project approvals by 20%. At Balfour Beatty, I applied these skills to large-scale construction projects, supporting the design of drainage systems and roadworks while ensuring compliance with engineering and safety standards. These experiences, coupled with my ability to conduct environmental impact assessments and manage project documentation, align closely with your requirements for innovative, sustainability-driven engineers.

Beyond technical expertise, my role as a Student Assistant at Cardiff University sharpened my organisational and communication abilities. Collaborating with diverse teams and supporting 200+ students has equipped me with the interpersonal skills essential for contributing to [Company Name]’s dynamic and collaborative environment.

I’m particularly inspired by your commitment to pushing the boundaries of sustainable design and am eager to apply my knowledge of drainage engineering, flood resilience, and water strategies to deliver creative solutions. Joining your ICE Training Scheme further excites me as I work towards professional chartership with the Institution of Civil Engineers.

Thank you for considering my application. I’d welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with your vision.

Yours sincerely,

(Your Name)


How to write an engineering graduate 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.

Whether you’re applying for your first full-time engineering role or a structured graduate programme, your cover letter is a key accompaniment to your engineering graduate CV.

Employers want candidates who have the right technical skills and growth mindset to advance quickly through the industry.

To get this image of yourself across, your cover letter should highlight your career goals, academic expertise, and enthusiasm for the company.

Here are four of my top cover letter expert tips to help you write a job-winning cover letter.

1. Start with a clear, goal-oriented introduction

State your degree, specialisation, and the specific programme or role you’re applying for. Follow with a motivation statement that explains why you’re applying for the opportunity — perhaps you have specific career goals or an interest in the employer’s niche.

As a recent MEng Mechanical Engineering graduate from [University Name], I am excited to apply for the [Company Name] Graduate Engineering Programme. My passion for sustainable design, combined with my academic foundation and hands-on project experience, positions me to contribute meaningfully to your team.

This approach establishes your qualifications while making a strong connection between your background and the company’s work. It shows clarity of purpose, which is exactly what hiring managers are looking for in graduates.

2. Emphasise your academic achievements and technical expertise

As a graduate, your academic experience is your most valuable asset — use it for what it’s worth by clearly connecting your university project, research, and achievements to the job requirements.

My coursework in thermodynamics and fluid dynamics, coupled with my final-year project on optimising energy efficiency in HVAC systems, has provided me with a strong technical foundation to tackle engineering challenges at [Company Name].

 

What’s great about this example is its relevance. The applicant has chosen coursework that developed the same skills that the job opportunity requires. In doing so, they show how their academic background aligns with the role, demonstrating their readiness to contribute.

3. Demonstrate passion for the industry and company

Standing out as a graduate applicant often comes down to showing genuine enthusiasm. Research the company’s projects, values, and recent achievements and weave your findings into your cover letter.

I am particularly inspired by [Company Name]’s leadership in renewable energy innovation. Your recent [specific project or achievement] resonates deeply with my ambition to drive engineering solutions that support a sustainable future.

A line like this shows that you’ve done your homework and that you care about the company’s mission. That personal connection can make your application memorable.

Build a standout cover letter in just a few clicks using our cover letter builder.


Lauren Mastroni, a CV expert with CV Genius.

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].