Let’s talk about writing a tech job cover letter. But first, imagine your typical first conversation with a new acquaintance at a business meeting.
Hello, it’s nice to meet you!
What’s your name?
What do you do?
What do you want to do?
It was really nice meeting you, I’d love to talk to you again sometime.
Much like the first conversation you have with someone, a tech job cover letter should provide a high-level view of who you are and leave the reader wanting more. Your tech cover letter, along with a strong resume, will set the stage for why you would be great for a specific technical job. You should stand out without showing all your cards the first time they hear your name.
Why is a Tech Job Cover Letter Important?
The first impression given by a cover letter for a tech job leaves a greater impact than simply describing your previous employment and qualifications. Side by side, a resume of two individuals is easy to compare, allowing the hiring manager or IT recruiting firm to see who is qualified or not.
However, a strong cover letter for a technical position can move you to the top of the pile for multiple reasons.
Bullets points on a resume leave little room to apply communication skills. On a tech job cover letter though, you have to articulate the highpoints of your technical experience that make you the best candidate for the job. Especially if the job you are applying for is client-facing, clients with the strongest communication skill will stand out among the masses.
The other reason that a tech job cover letter is so important when partnered with a resume is that it’s the first sign an organization has as to whether or not you will fit in their company culture. The way in which you write your cover letter and the tone you use if done correctly can make you seem like a great fit on paper, giving you a leg up when you come into the office.
For example, if you are joining an IT firm, then a more technical/ professional tone could be appropriate. However, if you are looking to do web design for a marketing firm, being a bit more conversational may strike the proper cord. So do some research on the company before you submit your tech job cover letter.
What to Put on the Cover Letter for a Technical Job
Always keep your tech job cover letter short and simple!
The Intro
First, address the hiring manager by name if possible or simply address it, Dear Hiring Manager of the (insert position your applying for and their name) and introduce yourself. Follow that with personal anecdotes and your profession. If possible, include an anecdote that is unique or ties you to the business or company.
The Middle
Here, explain your technical career work history and accreditations that make you a strong candidate for the tech job. Describe the leadership positions that you have held while detailing the growth you have seen over the course of your career. The key is to focus on information that is NOT in your resume.
Now you don’t have to detail every single event in your professional life, but detailing your development and growth through various technical jobs and accreditations will help the hiring manager understand who you are and lay a solid groundwork for your interview. If the tech recruiter or hiring manager sees something intriguing in the letter that he wants to know about, he can ask you in an interview. This alone would set you apart from the crowd because he will remember you when you walk in and after you walkout
‘Ohhh you’re the guy that did that one thing that one time, tell me more about it’
See? You stand out!
The Conclusion
In the end, you want your tech job cover letter to articulate the mutually beneficial relationship that hiring you would make. Detail what about them as a company is attractive to you, or why the technical position you are applying for is intriguing to you. Couple that with a statement on how you would be an asset to their organization and boom you have the perfect tech job cover letter!
Need Help Finding a Tech Job?
If you are looking for that next opportunity to put your new tech job cover letter to use, please send your résumé to GTN Technical Staffing to be contacted by a recruiter. If you’re not sure if you are ready or not, browse our search technical jobs website and see if anything interests you.
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