Formatting your cover letter
Looking for help to create a professional cover letter? We've got you covered! With our comprehensive cvapp.nz cover letter writing guide, we'll help you create a job-winning cover letter with ease. In this guide, we'll explore how to best showcase your engineering skills and experience, how to impress potential employers and increase your chances of landing your dream engineering job. Sound good? We think so, too!
In general, all cover letters contain the following elements:
- Header
- Greeting
- Introduction
- Body Paragraphs
- Conclusion
Don’t worry, we’ll explore each section with you. Ready? Let’s get started!
Dear Mr. Carter,
Engineers are the architects of innovation: take a little expertise and combine it with the power of problem-solving and a society can flourish. It is with great excitement that I am applying for the civil engineering position at Carter & Court Engineering. My name is Jack Kahuroa, and I'm a dedicated, passionate civil engineer currently based in Wellington.
I recently graduated from the University of Auckland where I obtained my Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering. During my time at the university, I developed a passion for various aspects of civil engineering, including structural analysis, surveying, construction management, and geotechnical engineering. My education has provided me with the knowledge and skills to excel in engineering, and I am eager to join a company with the commitment to excellence that Carter & Court Engineering is known for.
Throughout my academic journey, I've consistently ranked at the top of my class at the University of Auckland, and actively participated in various projects and extracurricular activities. These experiences not only enhanced my technical engineering know-how, but also radically improved my ability to work effectively as part of a team and successfully manage complex projects. I have a strong theoretical understanding of engineering principles which I am eager to apply in a practical setting.
Following graduation, I undertook an internship at Glasshill Engineering in Wellington where I had the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects. This experience allowed me to apply my knowledge to real-world engineering scenarios, collaborate with professionals from different disciplines, and further develop my problem-solving abilities. I'm proficient in industry-standard software such as AutoCAD and Civil 3D and can complete design and analysis tasks efficiently. I've attached my updated work portfolio for your convenience.
I believe that what sets me apart as a civil engineer is my strong communication skills, adaptability, and dedication to delivering high-quality work. I'm always determined to find innovative and sustainable solutions to challenges, and I believe in the importance of continually updating my skills and keeping up with the latest advancements.
With my solid educational background, practical experience, and passion for civil engineering, I am confident that I can make a valuable contribution to the Carter & Court Engineering team.
I believe that engineers are the architects of innovation, and I would love discuss how to drive innovation and excellence at Carter & Court Engineering. Thank you immensely for your time and consideration.
Yours sincerely,
Jack Kahuroa
Cover letter header
Ok, first thing's first: Your cover letter header should contain essential contact information to ensure easy and convenient communication with potential employers. This includes your full name, professional title or the position you are applying for, your phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile if you have one. Sometimes you can include your mailing address, but this isn’t always necessary – especially if you’re submitting your application online.
When crafting your cover letter, it's important to select an appropriate header that represents your professional persona effectively. At cvapp.nz, we offer a wide range of header designs tailored specifically for engineers just like you. Our diverse collection of cover letter templates ensures that you can find the perfect design to showcase your engineering skills and experience. Pretty awesome, we know!
Cover letter greeting
When it comes to your cover letter greeting, it’s important to choose a greeting that is
appropriate, warm and professional. Choosing the right (or wrong) greeting can influence how your employer perceives you, meaning you can leave either a positive or negative first impression on employers. Ultimately, your cover letter greeting sets the tone for the rest of your cover letter. Again, choosing an impolite or informal cover letter greeting can damage your chances of employers reaching out: so it's important we get it right!
When in doubt, you can choose a more traditional greeting, such as "Dear Mr. Muriwai" or "Dear Miss Ling." Remember to use the appropriate title and name when addressing the recipient to create a positive first impression, and always use the recipient's name when it's known!
Cover letter introduction
Your cover letter introduction summarises your professional background and helps potential employers understand why you're the best candidate for the job. As an engineer, it is crucial to include key details that will grab the attention of potential employers. These details might include your educational background, technical skills, relevant work experience, and a brief description of your career goals. Don’t worry about expanding on the details – this is what your body paragraphs are for. When it’s done right, an introduction should encourage employers to read the rest of your cover letter. Wanna see how it’s done? Check out a great example of a cover letter introduction below!
Dear Mr. Carter,
Engineers are the architects of innovation: take a little expertise and combine it with the power of problem-solving and a society can flourish. It is with great excitement that I am applying for the civil engineering position at Carter & Court Engineering. My name is Jack Kahuroa, and I'm a dedicated, passionate civil engineer currently based in Wellington.
Cover letter body paragraphs
Body paragraphs are the most important part of a cover letter: they allow you to expand on your qualifications and showcase your engineering skills. Employers want to know why you’re a great candidate for the role – we know you’re impressive, but how can you convey this to employers? Your body paragraphs should focus on highlighting the specific skills, projects, and achievements you possess that can help you add value to the company you’re applying to. You can start your body paragraphs by explaining your interest in engineering, expand upon your technical expertise, or emphasise any specialised skills or certifications that you possess. It’s also a great idea to discuss any relevant projects you have successfully completed. By including these key elements in the body paragraphs, you can effectively demonstrate your professional value and increase your chances of getting that much anticipated call back. Winning!
I recently graduated from the University of Auckland where I obtained my Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering. During my time at the university, I developed a passion for various aspects of civil engineering, including structural analysis, surveying, construction management, and geotechnical engineering. My education has provided me with the knowledge and skills to excel in engineering, and I am eager to join a company with the commitment to excellence that Carter & Court Engineering is known for.
Throughout my academic journey, I've consistently ranked at the top of my class at the University of Auckland, and actively participated in various projects and extracurricular activities. These experiences not only enhanced my technical engineering know-how, but also radically improved my ability to work effectively as part of a team and successfully manage complex projects. I have a strong theoretical understanding of engineering principles which I am eager to apply in a practical setting.
Following graduation, I undertook an internship at Glasshill Engineering in Wellington where I had the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects. This experience allowed me to apply my knowledge to real-world engineering scenarios, collaborate with professionals from different disciplines, and further develop my problem-solving abilities. I'm proficient in industry-standard software such as AutoCAD and Civil 3D and can complete design and analysis tasks efficiently. I've attached my updated work portfolio for your convenience.
I believe that what sets me apart as a civil engineer is my strong communication skills, adaptability, and dedication to delivering high-quality work. I'm always determined to find innovative and sustainable solutions to challenges, and I believe in the importance of continually updating my skills and keeping up with the latest advancements.
With my solid educational background, practical experience, and passion for civil engineering, I am confident that I can make a valuable contribution to the Carter & Court Engineering team.
Cover letter conclusion
When ending your cover letter, it’s best to express your gratitude to the potential employer for considering your application and include an effective call-to-action. A call-to-action statement is a prompt that encourages employers to reach out to you at a later date. For example, you can say, "Thank you for considering my application. I am really excited about the possibility of discussing how my engineering qualifications meet the needs of the role. Can we schedule a time next week to talk about the job requirements?" This will make the employers more motivated to contact you and increase your chances of getting in touch with them.
To close your cover letter, we recommend using phrases such as "best wishes," "kind regards or "ngā mihi nui." Need some inspiration? Check out our example of a cover letter conclusion below:
I believe that engineers are the architects of innovation, and I would love discuss how to drive innovation and excellence at Carter & Court Engineering. Thank you immensely for your time and consideration.
Yours sincerely,
Jack Kahuroa
Good luck – you got this!
