Crafting the perfect freelance programmer cover letter can be a perplexing challenge, especially after realizing it's a key requirement in your job application process. It's crucial not to echo your resume; instead, weave a narrative around a professional triumph you wear like a badge of honor. Remember to maintain a balance between formality and originality, steering clear of clichés that dull your shine. And keep it concise—your story should unfold in less than a page.
- Create a freelance programmer cover letter to persuade the recruiters you're the best candidate for the role;
- Use industry-leading freelance programmer cover letter templates and examples to save time;
- Dedicate your freelance programmer cover letter space to your best achievement;
- Make sure your freelance programmer cover letter meets recruiters' expectations and standards.
Avoid starting at the blank page for hours by using Enhancv's AI - just upload your resume and your freelance programmer cover letter will be ready for you to (tweak and) submit for your dream job.
If the freelance programmer isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:
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Freelance Programmer cover letter example
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- Illustrating relevant experience: The cover letter mentions the successful completion of a high-performance analytics dashboard project, highlighting the candidate's proficiency with AI-driven systems and modern JavaScript frameworks, relevant to a front end engineering role.
- Demonstrating impact: The cover letter specifies achieving a 40% increase in customer engagement and reducing page load times, indicating the candidate's contribution to significant improvements, a desirable outcome in user experience (UX) design and web development.
- Expressing alignment with company values: The candidate effectively aligns their work ethic and project experience with the innovative and community-impact focus of the company, suggesting a cultural fit and a shared vision.
The format of your freelance programmer cover letter: structure, fonts, margins, and more
Your freelance programmer cover letter should include a header (with your name, position, and date); a greeting and introductory paragraph; a body and closing paragraphs; and an optional signature.
Remember that you're writing your freelance programmer cover letter for recruiters - as the Applicant Tracker System won't scan this content.
Here are a few more tips and tricks to keep in mind when formatting your freelance programmer cover letter:
- Use the same font in your freelance programmer cover letter and resume. We recommend modern fonts, e.g. Lato and Rubik, to help you stand out, instead of the stereotypical Arial and Times New Roman.
- Each paragraph should have single spacing, which is already set up for you in our cover letter templates.
- Our cover letter builder follows industry standards for your freelance programmer cover letter formatting - with a one-inch margin, surrounding your content.
- Always export your freelance programmer cover letter in PDF to ensure the image or text quality stays the same and your writing isn't moved about.
The top sections on a freelance programmer cover letter
- Header: This should include your name, contact information, and the date, ensuring the recruiter can easily reach out to you and knows when the letter was written.
- Greeting: Address the hiring manager or the team by name if possible, which shows that you've done your research and are genuinely interested in the position.
- Introduction: Start with a compelling opening line about your passion for programming and freelance experience, immediately capturing the reader's interest.
- Project Highlights: Include a section where you specifically highlight past projects and programming achievements that showcase your skills and experiences relevant to the freelance role.
- Call to Action & Closing: End your cover letter with a polite call to action, indicating your enthusiasm for a personal interview, and a professional closing salutation.
Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter
- Proficiency in relevant programming languages and technologies: Demonstrates the candidate's technical expertise and readiness to contribute to projects immediately.
- Strong portfolio of previous freelance projects: Showcases the quality of work and practical experience with real-world applications.
- Effective communication skills: Essential for understanding clients' needs, collaborating with teams, and managing remotely.
- Time management and the ability to meet deadlines: Indicates that the candidate can handle the flexible and often tight schedules of freelance work.
- Problem-solving abilities: Critical for handling unexpected challenges that may arise during development work without immediate support.
- Adaptability and continuous learning: Reflects the freelancer's willingness to keep up with new technologies and methodologies in a rapidly evolving field.
What greeting should you use in your freelance programmer cover letter salutation
A simple "Hello" or "Hey" just won't work.
With your freelance programmer cover letter salutation, you set the tone of the whole communication.
You should thus address the hiring managers by using their first (or last name) in your greeting.
But how do you find out who's recruiting for the role?
The easiest way is to look up the role on LinkedIn or the corporate website.
Alternatively, you could also contact the organization via social media or email, for more information.
Unable to still obtain the recruiter's name?
Don't go down the "To whom it may concern path". Instead, start your cover letter with a "Dear HR team".
List of salutations you can use
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Dear [Company Name] Team,
- Dear [Department] Team,
- Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
- Dear [First Name] [Last Name],
- Dear Project Manager,
First introductions in your freelance programmer cover letter
Within your freelance programmer cover letter introduction, genuinely state what you like about the organization.
Research the latest company projects, honorary awards, company updates, etc.
Write up to two sentences to let recruiters know what impresses you about the company,
This would help you to set a good tone for the rest of the communication.
Storytelling in the middle (or body) of your freelance programmer cover letter
You've got your whole resume sorted, detailing your achievements and skills. What else can you write in your freelance programmer cover letter?
For starters, take the time to re-assess the job requirements and re-discover the most crucial skills and requirements (or keywords).
After making a list of these important keywords, look back on your experience to select just one of your past accomplishments.
Choose the achievement that is the most noteworthy, relevant to the role, and matches the required skills.
Use the next between three and six paragraphs to narrate how:
- you've grown your skill set, thanks to your achievement;
- you'd use the know-how you've gained in your new role;
- your accomplishment could help your potential employers grow.
Remember that recruiters don't need a retelling of your whole resume, but want to find out what makes you, you.
Two ideas on how to end the final paragraph of your freelance programmer cover letter
Closing your freelance programmer cover letter, you want to leave a memorable impression on recruiters, that you're a responsible professional.
End your cover letter with how you envision your growth, as part of the company. Make realistic promises on what you plan to achieve, potentially, in the next six months to a year.
Before your signature, you could also signal hiring managers that you're available for the next steps. Or, a follow-up call, during which you could further clarify your experience or professional value.
Is it beneficial to mention that you have no experience in your freelance programmer cover letter?
Just be honest that you may not have had roles in the industry, but bring about so much more.
Like, your transferable skills, attained thanks to your whole work and life experience (e.g. the skills your summer spent working abroad taught you).
Or, focus on what makes you, you, and that one past success that can help you stand out and impress recruiters (think of awards you've attained and how they've helped you become a better professional).
Alternatively, write about your passion and drive to land the job and the unique skill set you would bring to enhance the workplace culture.
Key takeaways
Within this Enhancv guide, we've provided you with plenty of advice and inspiration on writing your freelance programmer cover letter:
- Always make sure your freelance programmer cover letter is tailored to the role you're applying for to make a good impression on recruiters;
- In your freelance programmer cover letter include a header (with your name, the role you're applying for, date, and contact details) and an introduction of up to two sentences that highlight your key accomplishment or why you'd fit the role;
- Focus your freelance programmer cover letter body on one sole achievement through your career and all the valuable lessons, skills, and know-how you've learned (that are relevant to the role);
- Ensure your freelance programmer cover letter closing statement isn't generic and includes either a call to action or a promise;
- If you lack professional experience, shift recruiters' focus to a relevant achievement (thanks to your academic or versatile experience) or toward your dreams and goals for professional growth.
