Engineering cover letters are similar in format to general cover letters. Remember that the cover letter should do more than simply introduce or rehash your resume. It needs to explain your experiences in a story-like format using the information that is included in your resume. The cover letter allows you to go into more detail about the important experiences and skills that you have which are pertinent to the job requirements.
Your cover letter needs to include your contact information so that an employer knows how to get hold of you. Be sure to include your physical address and an email address
Company contact information follows your information. In this section be sure to list the name and title of the person who is doing the hiring. If you don't know, call the company or go to the website and get the information. Sending a letter to an anonymous person generally doesn't work.
In the salutation line, give the name of the person who has the hiring authority. Do something like this: Dear Mr. /Ms. LastName. Don't be informal and use a first name.
What follows is the opening paragraph. In this paragraph tell the name of the specific job for which you are applying and where you learned of the position. You also need to create a powerful hook in this opening to make the reader interested enough to continue reading the letter. State your motivation for getting this job or convey your excitement about being able to work for this specific company. Tell them that you think you are the best candidate for the job.
In the body of the letter you need to demonstrate why your skills and talents make you the best person for the job. Don't just repeat what is in your resume. Instead mention specific qualifications that fit the employer's needs. Give examples of things that you have accomplished to show that you have the ability to meet the job requirements.
At the end of the body, in the closing paragraph indicate that you will follow up. Further, ask for an interview or say that you are looking forward to the opportunity to talk with the employer in more depth about why you are a good fit for the company and the job. Offer to schedule a visit and say that you are going to follow up.
Sign off using "Sincerely" or "Respectfully". Type your full name and be sure to sign the letter in blue ink.
Here is a sample of what a letter for a civil engineer might look like.
Ryan Parks
456 Jefferson Street
Anywhere, MA 56789
555-123-8894
(rparks@yahoo.com)
Director of Hiring
Happy Engineering Company, Inc.
987 Jackson Ave.
Somewhere, CA ##### (zip)
March 17, 2010
Dear Ms. James,
I am extremely excited to have the chance to apply for the job as Civil/Structural Engineer that was advertised on JobFinders.com. I am certain that my qualifications and experience make me an ideal match for your company.
Your job description indicated that you are looking for someone with knowledge of ground engineering projects and strong communication skills. I am confident that I meet all of your criteria.
I have 11 years of experience working on projects such as the Central copper mine, the Appalachia Coal mine, and the BigCity Office Building Project. My knowledge of Auto CAD and Space Gass have led to the successful and on-time completion of all my projects. As senior engineer, it is my job to talk with both the clients and other engineers to make sure that all needs are met and problems communicated. I have always been able to work well with people in all areas of the projects and my ability to explain and negotiate has won praises from engineers and clients alike.
I look forward to the opportunity to talk with more in person about how my qualifications and experience make me an ideal candidate for this job. Please feel free to contact me at 555-123-8894 any time during the next two weeks. I am very excited to have a chance to work for one of the best engineering companies in the country.
Sincerely,
Ryan Parks
This is a good general outline for your engineering cover letter. It tells why you are sending my resume and how you learned about the job. It has a powerful hook and suggests you are the perfect person for the job. It gives examples of projects on which you have worked and shows the results. It asks for an interview and provides contact information.
Now, all you have to do is sign this in blue ink, send it off and wait for that interview!
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/
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