Computer Science Cover Letter: Free Examples & Writing Guide

You’re in luck. 

The robots and the algorithms running them will soon take over the world.

As a computer scientist with a glowing CV, you stand a chance of working on these projects—

And making bank for yourself before the world descends into a robotic Armageddon.

To make it before the clock strikes apocalypse—

You need a computer science cover letter that would make Terminator develop human feelings.

In this article, you’ll get:

• Two computer science cover letter examples: for experienced and entry-level candidates.
• Step-by-step tips on how to write a cover letter for computer science that will land you more interviews.
• A cover letter sample you can copy, adjust, and have ready in 15 minutes.

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Looking for other cover letter examples for technical positions? See:

• IT Cover Letter
• Software Engineer Cover Letter
• Web Developer Cover Letter
• Engineering Cover Letter
• Engineering Internship Cover Letter
• Data Analyst Cover Letter 

Haven't found what you're looking for? Check all our Cover Letter Samples.

With great opportunities, comes a great volume of applicants. Let’s observe what factors work best when writing a cover letter by analysing two samples. 

Here are two standout computer science cover letter examples:

1. Computer Science Cover Letter Examples

The first computer science cover letter example comes from a candidate with several years of computer science experience, Natasha. 

The job posting calls for experience with machine learning packages in languages such as Python, R, and C++, as well as expert technical writing and documentation skills.

See how well this computer science cover letter shows she’s the right match:

Example #1: Mid-Level Computer Science Candidate

With a computer science cover letter like Natasha’s, she can be sure she will not get an automated reply. 

Was this overwhelming? Do you feel like you don’t have as much experience as Natasha?

Wait.

You can still write a computer science cover letter that will impress even the coldest of neural networks, let alone the recruiter.

Here’s another candidate, Jim. He’s applying for a computer science internship which calls for experience in Python or Java, as well as familiarity with Agile methodologies, code repositories like GitHub and team tools such as JIRA.

Jim doesn’t have work experience to describe on his computer science cover letter, but the letter still clearly displays the skills he will need to make a great intern.

Example #2: Entry-Level Candidate (Computer Science Internship)

There it is.

Now, let’s compose your own computer science cover letter that’s even better than those. 

If you don’t have much time, there will be an easy-to-fill template for each paragraph of your computer science cover letter that you can adapt with your information.

Don’t have a CV ready yet? See a dedicated example and expert hints on getting it right: Computer Science CV Sample

Expert Hint: If you are about to graduate, don’t stress. The National Association of Colleges and Employers reports that 76.4% of computer science graduates find a job within 6 months after graduation (and another 9% continue education).

2. How to Write a Cover Letter for Computer Science, Step by Step (Template)

Here’s how to ace your computer science cover letter:

1. Follow the Rules of Cover Letter Formatting

Sometimes, the people with the messiest desks produce the cleanest code—

But first, you need that desk.

Not only is a cover letter necessary for you—it must be presentable, elegant, but most of all: readable.

These are the key things to keep in mind when formatting your cover letter:

• Always use equal margins on all sides—at least 1 inch.
• Pick a professional looking font without being fancy—Verdana, Helvetica, Georgia.
• Use “Align Left.” Indentation is okay for paragraphs, but not doing it will save space.
• Use 1.15 line spacing, and a space between each section and each paragraph.
• 1 page is king for a cover letter. Respect people’s time.

Expert Hint: The Bureau of Labour Statistics predicts that in the next ten years, Computer and Information Research Scientist jobs will grow at 16%—over 3 times the average growth rate for all sectors. Of course, Software Development is still king, with over 1.3m jobs and a projected growth of 21% until 2028.

2. Use a Neat Cover Letter Header with Your Contact Information

Use the header you used for your CV—containing your full name, job title and contact info. 

Leave a space, and enter the city and date, another space, and the company address of the recruiter.

Use this template:

Computer Science Cover Letter Header Template

Expert Hint: Of course, as a computer scientist, there is a wide range of things you could be doing with both hardware and software. However, if applying for a position that involves a lot of coding, GitHub links are becoming more and more expected by recruiters. This is even more key for candidates with not much professional experience—having a few interesting projects there will show passion and enthusiasm for your craft.

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Want to try a different look? There’s 18 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here.

3. Make an Introduction and Identify the Job to Which You’re Applying

First of all, you need to assure the hiring manager of your purpose—

You don’t want to look like you just used ‘Find and Replace’ to produce 50 cover letters.

Please, please—

Do not “To whom it may concern” the hiring manager. 

Address the hiring manager by name. It shows genuine engagement, especially if that name wasn’t listed on the job posting. LinkedIn is usually a good friend in finding this information.

Now, here’s a few key aspects to include in your cover letter.

Kick off your cover letter by identifying which position your application is for, with a brief description of the skills and experiences that make you perfect for it. 

Use this template if you’re in a rush. Just adapt the blanks with your information.

Computer Science Cover Letter Sample: Introduction

4. Explain Why It Should Be You

The best way to ace the second paragraph of your computer science cover letter is to reverse engineer the job posting that you have in your sights.

Of course, they may have a very long list, and the space here is limited. Plus—you don’t want to randomly pack your cover letter full of whatever’s expected of you. (Yes, I’m subtly suggesting that you don’t lie.)

Pick the most key requirements and give examples of your past achievements that show you can handle those aspects of your new job.

Use this fill-in-the-blank example:

Cover Letter for Computer Science: Middle Paragraph

5. Explain Why It Should Be Them

The last paragraph of your computer science letter should run along the lines of the answer to an interview question that will surely crop up later—

“Why do you want to work here?”

Believe or not, they want you to be satisfied, too.

Show them you know what you’re getting into, and that you’re there to stay.

You can fill out this template:

Computer Science Cover Letter Example: Your Motivation

6. Sign off With a Clear Call to Action

When wrapping up your cover letter, don’t be passive.

Be confident in asking for a meeting or a call, after all, you have just shown you are the perfect candidate.

This is a strong computer science cover letter closing you can use:

Sample Cover Letter for Computer Science: Call to Action & Formal Closing

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Key Points

If you want an interview invitation, not an automated response, keep this in mind when writing a computer science cover letter:

• Find the name of the recruiter and address the computer science cover letter accordingly. 
• Identify the position you are targeting, and give a short overview of how you’re the perfect match in the introduction.
• Address the job requirements directly with your achievements in these aspects in the second paragraph. 
• Answer “Why do you want to work here?” in the third paragraph—show enthusiasm and interest in the company.
• Sign off with a confident request to set up a meeting or call. 

Need more cover letter resources? Check these out:

• General Cover Letter That’s Not Generic
• How to Write a Cover Letter
• Free MS Word Cover Letter Templates

Are any of your questions left unanswered? Need further help with writing your cover letter for computer science jobs? Let me know in the comments, I’ll be more than happy to help!