ToC

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

Copy-and-Paste Software Developer Cover Letter Template (Text Format)

(Your Address)

(Today’s Date)

(Hiring Manager’s Name)
CV Genius
(Company Address)

Dear (Mr/Ms/Mx] (Hiring Manager’s Surname),

I’m writing to express my interest in the Software Engineer role within the CV Genius Business Intelligence (BI) team. With over seven years of experience in software development and a proven track record in delivering efficient, data-driven solutions, I’m confident in my ability to contribute to your team’s mission of enabling data-driven decision-making across the organisation.

As a Senior Software Developer at Lorien, I’ve honed my skills in optimising database performance, creating intuitive user interfaces, and leading teams to success. I increased database effectiveness by 21% through innovative design iterations and debugging processes, and mentored 25 junior developers in identifying and resolving performance bottlenecks. My experience aligns with the BI team’s focus on developing and managing data warehouses, as well as creating impactful dashboards and reports using advanced tools like SQL and Python.

I bring deep experience in designing and delivering data warehousing and business intelligence solutions. At Résumé Companion, I monitored the development of 15 high-profile projects and implemented in-cloud technologies to enhance functionality. This mirrors your team’s commitment to leveraging tools like Snowflake, Sisense, and Microstrategy for seamless BI delivery.

I’m particularly impressed by CV Genius BI’s commitment to cross-functional collaboration, a principle I share. I’ve consistently liaised with diverse teams to gather business requirements, translating them into actionable technical solutions. With a solid foundation in dimensional data modelling, database management, and agile methodologies, I’m excited to bring my expertise to your innovative environment.

I’d welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background can contribute to the success of your team. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the possibility of joining CV Genius’s transformative BI efforts.

Yours sincerely,

(Your Name)


How to write a software developer 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.

A well-crafted cover letter goes beyond the technical details in a software developer CV, demonstrating not just what the applicant has done but how they’ve delivered measurable impact and solved complex problems.

Below, I explain why the example above works and how to write a software developer cover letter that sets you apart:

1. Personalise it for the role

Personalisation is the cornerstone of an effective application letter. By explicitly referencing the company, the BI team, and their mission to enable data-driven decision-making, the above cover letter immediately demonstrated a connection to the role.

The candidate went beyond just mentioning CV Genius and its tools like Snowflake, Sisense, and Microstrategy; they tied these to their own experience with cloud-based technologies and BI solutions. This made it clear that the candidate not only understood the role’s requirements but also aligned with the company’s goals and values.

Including these specifics signals to the hiring manager that you’re genuinely interested in this position, not just sending out a generic application.

2. Highlight key achievements

A standout cover letter emphasises results rather than responsibilities, and this was done strategically by the above candidate. By highlighting their 21% improvement in database performance at Lorien, they showcased their ability to deliver measurable impact.

This kind of quantifiable achievement grabs the reader’s attention because it proves value in a way that’s easy to understand and remember.

Additionally, they included their leadership in mentoring 25 junior developers, which not only demonstrated technical expertise but also showed a capacity to lead and develop others.

These achievements were selected to align with the role’s requirements, making the candidate’s experience highly relevant to CV Genius’s goals.

3. Emphasise relevant technical skills

In a field as technical as software development for BI, showcasing the right skills is crucial.

The candidate made sure that their proficiency in SQL, Python, data warehousing, and database management systems was clearly emphasised. These skills were not just listed; they were woven into the narrative to show how they had been applied effectively in past roles.

For example, the candidate’s ability to design and deliver data warehousing solutions directly addressed CV Genius’s needs.

By aligning the technical skills mentioned in the job description with their background, the applicant underscored that they had the precise expertise required for the role. This approach demonstrated both their qualifications and their readiness to hit the ground running.

4. Showcase problem-solving abilities

Problem-solving is at the heart of software development, and this quality was central to the candidate’s cover letter. They included specific examples that demonstrated their ability to identify and resolve challenges effectively.

For instance, their success in debugging and improving database performance, which led to a 21% boost in efficiency, highlighted both their technical acumen and their methodical approach to solving problems.

Including this example not only showcased the candidate’s skills but also reassured the hiring team that they could handle the type of challenges the BI department might face.

5. Keep it concise and professional

The structure of the cover letter was deliberately concise and professional, ensuring that every word served a purpose. While the letter included a wealth of detail about the candidate’s background, it avoided unnecessary repetition or fluff.

Instead of reiterating the CV, the cover letter focused on bringing the candidate’s most relevant experiences to life through a compelling narrative.

For example, the cover letter’s closing paragraph succinctly expressed the candidate’s enthusiasm for joining CV Genius and contributing to their transformative BI efforts, leaving a strong and positive impression. The result was a polished letter that maintained the reader’s interest from start to finish.

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


Samuel Johns
Written by

Samuel Johns

Samuel Johns is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and senior career counsellor on the CV Genius team, with almost 5 years of experience in the career space. He has helped countless job hunters craft high-quality CVs and cover letters, exceed expectations at interviews, and obtain their dream jobs. Born and raised in County Durham in the beautiful North East of England, he graduated with a BA (Hons) in French Language and Literature from the University of Bristol in 2013 and has worked in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, London, Paris, and Taipei as a French–English translator. He’s determined to use his native English and fluent French skills to help UK and French candidates get the jobs they deserve. In addition to the British and French versions of CV Genius, Samuel’s job-hunt advice has been published on numerous websites, including Careers.org, the University of Warwick, the Enterprisers Project, and HR.com. If you’d like to collaborate, please reach out to Samuel through LinkedIn. Please note, we don’t accept guest posts and won’t reply to such requests.