Crafting a compelling PHP developer cover letter can be a snag, especially if you're deep in the job-hunting trenches and realize it's not just an echo of your resume. You know it's your stage to spotlight a crowning professional triumph, to weave that narrative that captivates a hiring manager. But how do you strike the perfect balance between formality and originality, dodging the hail of clichés, all within the confines of a single page? Let's dive into the art of crafting a cover letter that tells your story, succinctly and memorably.
- Introduce your profile to catch recruiters' attention;
- Use professional templates and examples to make sure your php developer cover letter follows the best industry standards;
- Settle on your most story-worthy achievement to shine a light on what makes your application unique;
- Write a php developer cover letter, even when you lack professional experience.
Ready to start with the basics: upload your resume to Enhancv's AI, below, to see the php developer cover letter it would write for you.
If the php developer 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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PhP Developer cover letter example
John Pearson
Los Angeles, California
+1-(234)-555-1234
help@enhancv.com
- Quantifiable Achievements: The cover letter showcases specific, measurable accomplishments like a 30% increase in customer base and a 20% reduction in delivery timeframes. This method of showcasing success through metrics can significantly bolster a candidate's appeal.
- Relevance to Role: Mentioning the development of an ecommerce platform is crucial when applying for a role as a Senior Full Stack PHP/Laravel Developer, as it directly demonstrates experience in building complex, real-world applications relevant to the job.
- Value Proposition: The cover letter provides a clear value proposition by outlining how the candidate's skills and experience can specifically benefit the company, signaling a candidate's understanding of the company's needs and how they can fulfill them.
- Alignment with Company’s Objectives: The candidate makes a point to show an understanding of the company's commitment to innovation and user experience, aligning their personal achievements and goals with the company's vision.
Structuring and formatting your php developer cover letter
Here's what the structure of your php developer cover letter should include:
- Header (with your name, the position you're applying for, and the date);
- Salutation (or greeting);
- Introductory paragraph (or your opening statement);
- Body paragraph (or further proof of your experience);
- Closing paragraph (with a call to action);
- Signature (that is optional).
Use the same font for your php developer resume and cover letter - modern fonts like Lato and Rubik would help you stand out.
Your php developer cover letter should be single-spaced and have a one-inch margins - this format is automatically set up in our cover letter templates and our cover letter builder.
When submitting your cover letter, always ensure it's in PDF, as this format keeps the information intact (and the quality of your document stays the same).
On one final note - the Applicant Tracker System (ATS or the software that is sometimes used to initially assess your application) won't read your php developer cover letter.
The top sections on a php developer cover letter
Header: Include your contact information, the date, and the employer's contact details, because it makes it easier for the recruiter to know who you are and how to contact you for further discussion about the PHP developer position.
Greeting: Address the hiring manager by name if possible, as it shows that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in the PHP developer role at their company.
Introduction: Briefly mention your PHP development experience and express your enthusiasm for the role, as it sets the tone for the letter and gives the recruiter a snapshot of your fit for the position.
Body: Highlight your key PHP projects, technical skills, and accomplishments, being sure to address specific requirements listed in the job description, as recruiters look for clear evidence of your ability to handle the job's responsibilities.
Closing: Reiterate your interest in the PHP developer position, express your desire for a personal interview, and thank the recruiter for considering your application, conveying your proactive and polite approach to professional opportunities.
Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter
- Proficiency in PHP, including understanding of modern PHP frameworks (such as Laravel, Symfony, or Zend Framework), to demonstrate an ability to build and maintain scalable web applications.
- Experience with database technologies (like MySQL, PostgreSQL or MongoDB), as well as the ability to design efficient database schemas, which is critical for backend development.
- Knowledge of front-end technologies (JavaScript, HTML5, CSS3, and libraries or frameworks such as React, Angular, or Vue.js), showing versatility and the ability to work on full-stack development if necessary.
- Familiarity with version control systems (such as Git), which is essential for collaborating with other developers and maintaining code consistency across team projects.
- Understanding of software development best practices, such as SOLID principles and design patterns, to ensure code is maintainable, scalable, and adheres to industry standards.
- Experience with RESTful API design and development, demonstrating the candidate’s ability to create services that can be consumed by various clients and ensuring interoperability between different systems.
Personalizing your php developer cover letter salutation
Always aim to address the recruiter from the get-go of your php developer cover letter.
Use:
- the friendly tone (e.g. "Dear Paul" or "Dear Caroline") - if you've previously chatted up with them on social media and are on a first-name basis;
- the formal tone (e.g. "Dear Ms. Gibbs" or "Dear Ms. Swift") - if you haven't had any previous conversation with them and have discovered the name of the recruiter on LinkedIn or the company website;
- the polite tone (e.g. "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear HR Team") - at all costs aim to avoid the "To whom it may concern" or "Dear Sir/Madam", as both greetings are very old-school and vague.
List of salutations you can use
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Dear [Company Name] Team,
- Dear [Department] Director,
- Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
- Esteemed [Position Title],
- Respected Recruiter,
The php developer cover letter introduction: focusing on your unique value, with a creative twist
You are not the only one wondering how to start your php developer cover letter. Those first two sentences introduce your profile and should be memorable.
No pressure.
When beginning your php developer cover letter, immediately point out the unique value of working with you. In other words, what you promise to bring to the role by using your past track record of success.
Start your php developer cover letter with a creative twist by telling a joke or stating something relatable. Select this type of introduction only if it aligns with the company culture.
What to write in the middle or body of your php developer cover letter
Here's where it gets tricky.
Your php developer cover letter body should present you in the best light possible and, at the same time, differ from your resume.
Don't be stuck in making up new things or copy-pasting from your resume. Instead, select just one achievement from your experience.
Use it to succinctly tell a story of the job-crucial skills and knowledge this taught you.
Your php developer cover letter is the magic card you need to further show how any organization or team would benefit from working with you.
Thinking about the closing paragraph of your php developer cover letter
Before your signature, you have extra space to close off your php developer cover letter.
Use it to either make a promise or look to the future.
Remind recruiters how invaluable of a candidate you are by showing what you plan to achieve in the role.
Also, note your availability for a potential next meeting (in person or over the telephone).
By showing recruiters that you're thinking about the future, you'd come off as both interested in the opportunity and responsible.
Lacking experience: here's how to write your php developer cover letter
As a candidate with no experience, it's important to be honest from the get-go of your application.
Use your php developer cover letter to sell your unique talents. Choose an accomplishment from your academic background or your volunteer work to show the skills that are relevant to the role.
Focus on your career objectives and how you see the job to align with them. Be specific and, at the same time, realistic about where you picture yourself in five years.
Key takeaways
Your php developer cover letter is your best shot at standing out by showing your motivation and the unique skills you'd bring to the job:
- Chose no more than one achievement, which you'd be talking about in the body of your php developer cover letter, by focusing on skills and outcomes;
- Address recruiters with their first or last name, or "Dear Hiring Manager" in your php developer cover letter greeting;
- Introduce in no more than two sentences what makes your profile unique (perhaps it's your motivation, enthusiasm, or appreciation of the company you're applying for);
- Select the same font you have used in your resume (avoid Times New Roman and Arial, as most candidates tend to invest in them);
- Close your php developer cover letter with a promise of how you see yourself growing in the company and the benefits you'd bring about.
