IT Cover Letter Example (w/ Templates & Tips for 2024)

IT Cover Letter Example

5 Steps for the Perfect IT Cover Letter

Now that you've glimpsed what makes a job-winning IT cover letter, it's your turn to write an IT cover letter that shines.

We've got your back with these easy-to-follow steps:

#1. Put Contact Information in the Header

Start preparing your cover letter by creating a header where you can put your contact information, just like you would on your resume.

Here's what to include:

• Full Name. Ensure your first and last names take center stage at the top of the page.
• Professional Job Title. Match your job title on the cover letter with the specific position you're applying for. This clarity helps the hiring manager streamline reviewing your application process since they sift through dozens of applications for different roles.
• Email Address. Select a professional and straightforward email address. Ditch the quirky addresses from your younger days. (For example, kennythekentaur@hotmail.com won't cut it, but kenneth.brockton@gmail.com is perfectly suitable.)
• Phone Number. Verify that your phone number is written down accurately so the hiring manager can easily reach you. If you're applying for an international role, you can include the dialing code before your phone number.
• Location. Typically, specifying your city and state/country is enough. However, if you're looking for remote work or relocation, make that clear in your resume and cover letter.
• Relevant Links (optional). Feel free to add links to relevant websites or social media profiles, such as your LinkedIn or GitHub.

With your contact details in place, it's time to focus on the hiring manager's contact information:

• Company Name. Always add the name of the company you're applying to.
• Hiring Manager's Name. If possible, identify the name of the hiring manager for the department you're interested in.
• Hiring Manager's Title. If you find the hiring manager's name and see they're the head of the department, use their official title instead of simply "Hiring Manager."
• Location. The company’s location, such as city, state, or country, is crucial. This goes double for organizations that operate globally. Optionally, you can even include the exact street address if they have more than one location in the same city.
• Email Address (optional). If available, include the hiring manager's email address.
• Date of Writing (optional). To add a professional touch, you can include the date you wrote your cover letter.

#2. Address the Hiring Manager

Once you've got the contact details in order, it's time to make it personal by addressing the hiring manager in your cover letter.

So steer clear of the generic "To Whom It May Concern."

Addressing the hiring manager directly can leave a much stronger first impression if you do it right.

Start with some research. Dive into the job ad, explore the company's website, or take a peek at their LinkedIn profile to discover who's leading the department you're applying for. Find their name and email address if possible.

Now, let's talk about formality. We always suggest using "Ms." or "Mr." followed by their last name. But if you're uncertain about their gender or marital status and don’t want to risk messing this up, using their full name works just as well. For example:

In those instances where you can't unearth details about the hiring manager or the head of the IT department, you can still address your letter thoughtfully:

#3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement

Hiring managers typically take a few seconds to skim over an applicant's document before deciding whether to read further.

So, making a strong first impression at first glance is crucial to a successful IT cover letter. This is where your cover letter’s opening paragraph comes in.

Your IT cover letter should start by introducing why you’re writing and expressing your genuine interest in the position. Conveying your enthusiasm for the industry or the specific job can pique the hiring manager's curiosity.

Researching the company can pay off here, too. The more insights you have about the employer, the better you can emphasize your alignment with their company culture and mission statement. This shows that your application isn't just a random submission; you are genuinely interested in this specific role.

Depending on your experience level, you can also start your IT cover letter by mentioning a significant achievement or skill that makes you an ideal fit for the position. Just remember to keep this paragraph brief. Your goal here is to engage the hiring manager's interest and encourage them to explore your IT cover letter in more depth.

#4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details

At the core of your IT cover letter is the opportunity to show the hiring manager what truly distinguishes you as a qualified candidate.

But don’t just repeat what it says on your IT resume. Instead, use this space to really tie in your professional expertise with what the employer is looking for.

You want to persuade the hiring manager that you’re the best choice among hundreds of applicants with similar skills and experience. So, your best bet is to highlight your most relevant achievements by referencing the job ad.

Tailoring your IT cover letter to align with the job requirements is your cheat code. Pay attention to what skills and experience the job description is looking for in its candidates, and jot down the most important ones you have under your belt.

For example, if you're eyeing an IT role in a company that specializes in cloud storage, highlight your proficiency in cloud storage architectures, data migration strategies, or your familiarity with leading cloud providers like AWS or Azure.

Showing your familiarity with the company, its business model, or its industry can be a huge plus, too. If you’ve used the company's products or services, don't hesitate to mention it in your cover letter. This shows your alignment with their mission and possibly their work culture.

Lastly, make sure your IT cover letter is filled with enthusiasm. Convey your genuine excitement for the role and how confident you are that you can contribute to their success.

#5. Wrap It Up and Sign It

Getting the end of your IT cover letter right is like the final line of code that makes your application run smoothly.

You want to conclude your cover letter in a way that leaves the hiring manager confident that you’re a great candidate for the role. Start by adding a brief summary of the skills that make you stand out from the rest and how you’re confident you can contribute to the company.

Then it’s time to add a compelling call to action. Just encourage the hiring manager to take the next step, such as calling you for an interview or discussing your application further. This proactive approach can leave a memorable mark and enhance your chances of securing an interview.

Finally, don’t forget to sign your IT cover letter. Choose an appropriate signature line followed by your full name. Here's an example:

If you feel that "Warm regards" is a bit overused, consider these alternative sign-off options:

• Sincerely,
• Kind regards,
• Respectfully,
• Thank you for considering my application,

3 Essential IT Cover Letter Tips

You've got the basics covered.

Now, let's take your IT cover letter to the next level with these top tips.

#1. Match Your Resume

Design can’t be underestimated when you’re applying for a job in IT.

It shows forward thinking, innovation, and consistency. To give hiring managers a great first impression from the start, make your cover letter as consistent with your resume as possible.

Your cover letter’s layout should align well with your resume; otherwise, you might come off as disorganized.

Just keep the information on the page aligned neatly, and make sure you’re using consistent font styles and sizes throughout. Carefully set the page margins and line spacing, and whatever you do, don’t let your cover letter extend to a second page.

Or Use A Cover Letter Template Instead

Feeling overwhelmed?

Crafting a cover letter from scratch can be a daunting task, and we get it. That's where our cover letter templates come to the rescue. Use them along with our free resume templates and create a matching application in minutes!

We've collaborated with hiring experts worldwide to create templates that check all the boxes when it comes to industry requirements and visual appeal. Try them now for a stress-free application process!

#2. Mention Skills and Keywords

Your IT cover letter should immediately show hiring managers that you’ve got exactly what they’re looking for in a candidate.

The best way to show them you’re the right person is by weaving in keywords from the job ad throughout your cover letter. And since hiring managers have to comb through hundreds of applications for every job position, this approach makes their job a lot easier, too.

Of course, this doesn’t mean you should just add random words you recognize from the job advertisement. You want to build a narrative that shows you have the right expertise. Focus on the most important skills from the job ad that match the ones you already have, and explain how those skills helped you excel at your job.

#3. Add Any Relevant Links

Don’t underestimate the power of a well-placed link on your IT cover letter.

Just like your resume should include any relevant links that can back up your computer skills, so should your cover letter. If the hiring manager reads something in your cover letter about your previous projects or employers, make it convenient for them.

By adding links to your LinkedIn and GitHub in your cover letter, hiring managers don’t have to circle back to your resume to see what they need. Plus, having a ready hyperlink to your LinkedIn profile could encourage the hiring manager to directly reach out to you through that platform if your IT cover letter impressed them. 

Key Takeaways

And you’re all set for that IT cover letter!

We hope you feel more confident after reading our guide and that you go out there and land that IT job you’ve been after.

But before we part ways, let’s recap some key points from our article:

• Start your IT cover letter by including all the necessary contact information. This means making sure your own contact details are accurate and hunting down the hiring manager so you can address them appropriately in your letter.
• The body of your IT cover letter should elaborate on relevant accomplishments and address keywords from the job ad. Be as specific as possible about how the skills they’re looking for in a candidate have helped you excel in your work.
• Make your cover letter as similar to your resume as possible, and keep the length under one page. Use our online resume builder and cover letter templates to save time.
•  Don’t forget to add an appropriate closing line to your cover letter. It might seem like an insignificant detail, but forgetting it can look sloppy and ruin all your hard work so far.