Congratulations on completing your first cover letter. However, as you look back, you realise it’s simply a copy-paste of your CV.
Repeating your curriculum vitae is a common pitfall that many candidates encounter, making the cover letter redundant.
Your cover letter should provide fresh insights, adding more value to your application. It’s also the ideal space to address career gaps or major transitions that might not be covered in your CV.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to use your cover letter to demonstrate why you’re the best candidate for the role, while confidently addressing your career history and key achievements.
Cover letter examples for engineering student
Explore additional engineering student cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Entry-Level Engineering Student
- Highlighting Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively showcases leadership and analytical skills by detailing the candidate's success in enhancing team efficiency by 25% and achieving cost savings of 10% across multiple projects.
- Certifications: The inclusion of certifications like the "Advanced Project Management Techniques" from the Project Management Institute and "OSHA 10-hour Construction" conveys the candidate’s commitment to safety and resource management, crucial for construction roles.
- Technical Skills: The letter emphasises essential technical skills such as CADD, Cost Estimation, and Delay Analysis, which are directly applicable to the construction project analyst position.
- Achievements and Recognitions: Highlighting awards like the "Construction Project Award" and "Volunteer of the Year" underscores the candidate's proven track record in project management and community engagement.
By Role
Civil Engineering Student
- Highlight practical experience: The cover letter effectively underscores relevant experience at Arup and Mott MacDonald, emphasising practical application of engineering skills and collaboration in real-world projects, which is crucial for civil engineering roles.
- Emphasize technical skills: It showcases proficiency in AutoCAD and CAD software, critical tools for civil engineering design and drafting, by mentioning course completion and practical application in projects, adding substantial value to the candidate's profile.
- Demonstrate impact with metrics: The cover letter utilises quantifiable achievements such as improving project efficiency by 15% and enhancing proposal acceptance rates, which clearly demonstrate the candidate's impact and effectiveness in previous roles.
- Commitment to sustainability: Expressing a strong passion for sustainable engineering and community engagement highlights the candidate's alignment with industry trends and the growing importance of environmentally responsible engineering practices.
Mechanical Engineering Student
- Emphasise academic achievements and relevant coursework that align with HVAC systems and energy efficiency, such as the "Building HVAC Systems Design" and "Energy Efficiency in Buildings" courses.
- Highlight leadership and collaborative experience, as demonstrated in roles like Team Lead at the ASME Student Chapter, which involved coordinating complex projects and increasing chapter engagement.
- Showcase hands-on experience in relevant projects, like the design and implementation of renewable energy systems through the Engineers Without Borders UK role, impacting real-world energy issues.
- Demonstrate passion for sustainability through volunteer efforts with organisations like Habitat for Humanity UK, exhibiting a commitment to integrating energy-efficient technologies in practical settings.
Electrical Engineering Student
- Highlighting Certifications: Sophia Brooks showcases her "Advanced 3D CAD Modelling Certification", relevant to the role for a CAD Specialist, emphasising her proficiency in specialised 3D modelling techniques.
- Demonstrating Leadership and Project Management: Mentioning achievements as a "Student Engineering Group Leader" at the Mechanical Engineering Society and coordinating teams effectively exemplifies her leadership and project management skills, which are crucial in engineering projects.
- Showcasing Relevant Experience: Sophia effectively highlights her direct experience with a "Heriot-Watt University Robotics Society," indicating her practical skills in enhancing robotic systems, making her a strong candidate for engineering roles focused on mechanical systems.
- Emphasising Communication and Presentation Skills: Highlighting the experience of presenting project findings and conducting seminars illustrates her strong communication skills, which are key for collaborating and conveying complex ideas within engineering teams.
Chemical Engineering Student
- Emphasising specialised skills such as "Phage Display Technology" and "Bioconjugation", which are highly relevant for the role in targeting glycans and advancing diagnostics.
- Showcasing specific achievements like the "Innovative Research Award" and the publication in a high-impact factor journal, which highlight expertise and recognition in the field of chemical engineering research.
- Highlighting experience as a "Phage Display Research Lead", where expertise in managing teams, securing funding, and presenting research contributes to credibility and leadership potential in similar roles.
- Incorporating educational advancements and specialised courses such as "Advanced Techniques in Phage Display" which reinforce the candidate's ongoing commitment to professional development and applied research methodologies.
Aerospace Engineering Student
- Experience Relevance: The cover letter effectively highlights past experiences directly related to aerospace systems engineering, such as the Aerospace Systems Project Lead at BAE Systems, which demonstrates leadership and technical skills pertinent to the role.
- Educational Background: Emphasises a strong educational foundation with a Bachelor of Engineering in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Leeds, complementing the professional experiences detailed in the letter.
- Notable Achievements: Incorporates specific awards and recognitions, such as the University Innovation Award and the Best Research Paper Award, showcasing a record of achievement and dedication to the field.
- Technical Skills: The cover letter outlines a comprehensive set of applicable technical skills, including Systems Engineering, Verification & Validation, and Technical Programme Management, aligning well with the job requirements.
Biomedical Engineering Student
- Highlighting analytical and technical troubleshooting skills is crucial, as these are essential in managing laboratory equipment and solving complex problems that arise in biomedical settings.
- Emphasising the development of lab safety protocols and an increased safety compliance rate is particularly relevant for roles that require meticulous attention to detail and risk management in a laboratory environment.
- The mention of educational and teaching experience, particularly in enhancing student engagement and supporting complex concept comprehension, underscores the candidate’s ability to communicate effectively and foster a learning environment.
- Including the completed certification in Biomedical Equipment Technology serves as a specialised asset, showcasing the candidate's practical experience and understanding of essential equipment management within biomedical engineering.
Environmental Engineering Student
- Highlight Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively underscores experience in radiation experiments and nuclear physics through roles such as Physics Research Assistant, showcasing alignment with a medical physics career.
- Relevant Certifications: Mentioning the Radiation Safety Officer Training course highlights the candidate's commitment to safety standards in radiation, crucial for roles in medical physics.
- Demonstrating Technical Proficiency: Emphasising skills in MATLAB and Python signifies technical proficiency essential for data analysis and simulations in medical physics.
- Showcasing a Passion for the Field: The candidate's passion for applying physics in medicine, as outlined in their aspirations, strengthens the narrative of dedication and aligns with the role's requirements.
Software Engineering Student
- Passion and Expertise Alignment: Clearly articulate your enthusiasm for the role and how it aligns with your skills and passions, such as leveraging your JavaScript, React, and AI expertise to innovate in educational technology.
- Impactful Experience: Highlight your role in tech workshops and research positions, emphasising tangible outcomes such as the development of AI tools and the enhancement of student learning experiences.
- Commitment to Education and Diversity: Demonstrate a commitment to widening participation and access in tech fields through volunteer work with underrepresented groups and community-building initiatives.
- Continued Learning: Showcase your dedication to personal development and staying abreast of industry advancements by listing relevant coursework, such as the Full-Stack Web Development and Deep Learning specialisations.
Structural Engineering Student
- Relevant Experience: The applicant highlights their experience as a Structural Design Team Leader at National Grid, which is directly related to their application for a civil/structural engineering internship, showcasing leadership and project management skills.
- Technical Skills: Emphasises proficiency in MATHCAD and AUTOCAD, which are critical tools for the role, indicating the capability to contribute effectively to technical projects.
- Educational Background: Mentions current pursuit of a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, providing a solid educational foundation relevant to the internship position.
- Achievements and Awards: The mention of receiving the Innovative Structural Design Award and being a Student Engineering Challenge Winner demonstrates recognition of expertise and dedication in the field.
Industrial Engineering Student
- Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively highlights Leo Brown's experience with reputable engineering companies like Rolls-Royce and Siemens, showcasing his relevant industry exposure and contributions to engineering projects.
- Skill Emphasis: Emphasises critical skills such as CAD design, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration, making Leo a suitable candidate for roles requiring technical competence and teamwork.
- Education and Certifications: The mention of a Bachelor of Engineering degree and completion of relevant courses like "Advanced CAD Design and Modelling" underlines the candidate's theoretical knowledge and technical proficiencies.
- Problem-Solving Abilities: Demonstrates concrete achievements in problem-solving, such as enhancing aerodynamics by 10% and reducing production time, which are valuable for any engineering role.
Automotive Engineering Student
- Highlighting achievements such as the 15% improvement in car assembly line efficiency showcases tangible impact and results, which is crucial for the role of a Manufacturing Engineer.
- Mentioning relevant skills like Manufacturing Process Optimisation and Statistical Failure Analysis aligns well with the technical requirements of an engineering position, demonstrating expertise in key areas.
- Including voluntary experience focused on sustainability, such as the work with GreenFleet Trust, underscores a commitment to current industry trends in sustainable automotive practices.
- Emphasising involvement in teamwork projects, like overseeing a team at AutoTech Innovators, reflects essential collaboration skills for engineering roles, which often require working within cross-functional teams.
Marine Engineering Student
- Certifications and Courses: Highlighting the "Maritime Safety and Regulations Certification" and the "Advanced Marine Engineering Simulation" course is crucial for an aspiring lecturer in marine engineering, demonstrating expertise in safety protocols and simulator technologies.
- Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively illustrates hands-on experience through roles such as "Marine Engineering Trainee" and participant in the "Maritime Simulator Workshop", showcasing practical skills and leadership capabilities in marine engineering projects.
- Achievement and Recognition: Mentioning awards and achievements such as the "Top Scorer in Marine Engineering Exam" and the "Simulator Excellence Award" helps demonstrate credibility and competence in specialised marine systems and simulations.
- Commitment to Education and Training: The applicant’s experience as a "Maritime Educator Volunteer" and their focus on innovative teaching methods through various roles signify a strong commitment to shaping the future of marine engineering professionals.
Petroleum Engineering Student
- Emphasises relevant experience by detailing specific roles at BP and Shell, providing concrete examples of contributions to data management and analysis in the oil and gas sector.
- Draws attention to the Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Leeds, which is significant for a technical role in drilling and well engineering.
- Highlights technical skills such as analytical technologies, API keys usage, and technical data analysis, which are critical for enhancing data-driven decision-making in the industry.
- Mentions professional courses such as "Advanced Data Analytics for Oil & Gas" and "Petroleum Data Management Certification," indicating a commitment to continuous learning and industry relevance.
Materials Engineering Student
- Showcase Relevant Experience: Highlighting the role as a Materials Science Project Contributor, particularly in cable accessory development at Cable Innovations Inc., strengthens the candidate’s suitability for roles in energy transition and technical innovation.
- Emphasise Specialised Skills: Detailed mention of polymer science expertise, including resin technology and technical data analysis, aligns well with the proposed contributions to energy transition technology advancements.
- Highlight Educational and Professional Development: Featuring courses such as "Advanced Polymer Science Techniques" and certifications like "Electrical Material Testing Certification" can give the candidate an edge for materials science roles.
- Incorporate Career Goals: The inclusion of a career objective focused on energy transition and eco-friendly practices reflects a proactive and forward-thinking attitude, appealing to industries focussed on sustainability.
Geotechnical Engineering Student
- Emphasising a strong analytical skill set and passion for field investigations aligns well with the role of a Geotechnical Engineer, highlighting a dedication to the technical demands of the job.
- Mentioning the EIT Certification is crucial as it demonstrates a commitment to professional development and compliance with industry standards, an important aspect of roles in engineering sectors.
- Showcasing previous leadership experience as a Geotechnical Project Leader at a well-known company like Balfour Beatty adds credibility and highlights the applicant’s ability to handle significant responsibilities and contribute to high-stake projects.
- Highlighting the achievement of a Research Publication in Soil Mechanics demonstrates expertise and thought leadership in a specialised area, which can set the applicant apart in a competitive job market.
Nuclear Engineering Student
- Highlight the candidate's experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and projects, which is crucial for a Teacher of Engineering role focused on classroom practice and ensuring positive student outcomes.
- Emphasize the ability to develop innovative curricula, such as the renewable energy module that increased student enrolment, demonstrating expertise in curriculum development relevant to the position.
- Focus on the proven track record of mentoring students and organising engagement activities, evidenced by the high student satisfaction rating and successful engineering fair, which aligns with promoting student welfare and outcomes.
- Mention skills such as collaboration with industry partners and engineering software proficiency, which are essential for integrating real-world engineering applications into teaching.
Agricultural Engineering Student
- Emphasise on the integration of technology in agriculture, showcasing any relevant courses or projects that highlight this skill.
- Highlight mentoring abilities, especially with evidence of successful student engagement and project completion rates, to demonstrate leadership and influence.
- Showcase collaborations and networking with industry leaders or companies, as these connections can significantly impact practical learning and innovation.
- Mention any awards or recognitions received, such as the Excellence in Engagement Award, to validate your effectiveness and passion in your field.
Transportation Engineering Student
- Effective use of technical skills: Highlighting skills such as Process Simulation, Aspen HYSYS, and Change Management, which are directly relevant to the chemical engineering field and valuable in the Oil and Gas sector.
- Emphasis on industry experience: Detailing experience with leading companies like BP and Shell, which not only adds credibility but also showcases familiarity with industry standards and collaboration in a professional setting.
- Inclusion of specialised coursework: Mentioning courses such as Advanced Process Simulation Techniques and Change Management in Engineering Projects demonstrates a commitment to expanding expertise and staying current with engineering challenges.
- Showcasing passions and achievements: Expressing interest in sustainable practices in the Oil and Gas industry and innovation, alongside notable achievements like the Best Process Simulation Project, aligns the applicant’s goals with industry demands.
Systems Engineering Student
- Highlighting the position of Project Lead at Rolls-Royce and the accomplishments in design cycle reduction and aerodynamic efficiency demonstrates leadership and practical application of skills in a high-profile industry setting.
- Emphasising the Certified Systems Engineering Professional certification shows commitment to the specialised field of systems lifecycle management, aligning with the technical focus required in aerospace engineering roles.
- Mentioning achievements such as co-authoring a research paper and winning an engineering hackathon reveals innovation and a strong potential for contributing to cutting-edge projects.
- The inclusion of volunteering as a STEM Ambassador underscores a commitment to the broader engineering community, indicating strong communication skills and the ability to inspire and lead future engineers.
Engineering Student cover letter example
Harry Williams
Edinburgh
+44 1234 567890
help@enhancv.com
Dear Hiring Manager,
With a commitment to advancing electrical engineering through technical innovation, I am drawn to the opportunity to contribute my expertise to your dynamic team. Witnessing your company's focus on sustainability and efficiency aligns perfectly with my career dedication to creating smart and sustainable systems.
During my tenure at Siemens as a Senior Electrical Engineer, I led a team of ten in developing cutting-edge power distribution systems for industrial clients, achieving a 20% efficiency enhancement. This role honed my skills in predictive maintenance and project management, emphasizing the importance of structured methodologies and its direct impact on reducing industrial downtime by 15%. The smart grid platform I pioneered not only optimized operational performance but also demonstrated my ability to deliver tangible results under budget constraints.
I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss how my skills and experiences align with your organization's goals. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to schedule an interview. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your esteemed team.
Sincerely,
Harry Williams
Electrical Systems Specialist
Here’s why this cover letter works well:
- Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasize previous roles that directly correlate with the job description, such as leading a team in a similar capacity and achieving specific targets, as demonstrated by the candidate’s leadership at Siemens.
- Focus on Achievements and Metrics: Use quantifiable outcomes to showcase expertise, such as achieving a 20% efficiency enhancement and reducing industrial downtime by 15%, which substantiates claims of technical proficiency.
- Align with Company Goals: Demonstrate alignment with the prospective employer’s vision, like highlighting a commitment to sustainability and innovation in powering systems, which mirrors the company’s core values.
- Illustrate Problem-Solving Abilities: Outline specific projects or innovations, such as developing a smart grid platform, indicating the capacity to address complex challenges effectively.
Importance of cover letters in the United Kingdom
Cover letters are a crucial part of your application, offering additional details beyond your CV.
Here’s why they’re essential:
- Supporting your CV: Now's your opportunity to provide some context for your experience, with more information on your key achievements and how your profile could benefit the position and organisation to which you're applying.
- Showcases your character: Taking the time to write a cover letter demonstrates that you’re proactive, organised, ambitious, and genuinely interested in the role.
- Reflects your career goals: Use the cover letter to outline your long-term career career aspirations and how this role aligns with your broader plans.
What UK employers expect from a cover letter
You only have one chance to impress your potential UK employers, so be wise about writing your cover letter.
When doing so, follow these three simple but essential steps:
- Do your research: Begin by researching the company and the role you're applying for. Check their website, social media pages, and relevant news to understand what drives their business.
- Highlight company values: Identify the company's core beliefs and explain how your personal and professional experiences resonate with them. For instance, if the organisation prioritises innovation, provide examples where you've demonstrated creative thinking.
- Match your skills to the job: Analyse the job description carefully and pick out the most important skills or qualifications they’re seeking. Be sure to mention your relevant achievements that prove you're the perfect fit for the position.
How to format a engineering student cover letter
Have you ever wondered about the formatting and structure of your cover letter?
Read on to discover some guidance from industry-leading professionals:
- Within the header, include your address and contact details, the employer's name and address, and the date, followed up by a personalised salutation.
- The body should should consist of an opening paragraph, middle paragraphs expanding on your unique experience and skills, and a closing paragraph.
- End with a formal sign-off and your signature.
- Choose modern fonts such as Volkhov, Chivo, or Bitter instead of the more traditional Arial or Times New Roman.
- All of ENhancv's templates maintain single-spacing with approximately 1-inch (2.5 cm) margins on all sides to ensure a neat presentation.
- Always send your cover letter as a PDF to keep the formatting intact and prevent any edits once submitted.
Your CV and cover letter maintain consistent formatting. Use the same fonts, margins, and style to create a professional and cohesive look for your application.
Finally, remember that Applicant Tracking Systems (the software some companies use to align job keywords to your experience, also known as ATS) do not read cover letters–it's intended solely for recruiters. Make it stand out by highlighting your achievements and relevant skills for the role.
How to write your engineering student cover letter salutation
In a world of AI and instant prompts, taking the extra time to personalise your cover letter truly makes a difference.
Address the hiring manager directly with a customised greeting (e.g., 'Dear Mr Bond', 'Dear Ms Penny').
You can often find their name on LinkedIn (under the job listing or by searching) or in the ‘About’ or ‘Meet the Team’ section of the company's website. If in doubt, you can also contact the reception for assistance.
If you can't find the name, rather than using 'Dear Sir or Madam', opt for something more personal, such as 'Dear [Company Name] Hiring Manager'.
How to write your engineering student cover letter intro
While your cover letter should remain professional, adding a touch of personality or humour can make you stand out.
Hiring managers sift through countless applications, day in and day out. Anything unique or personable that grabs their attention could give you a competitive edge.
But do your homework first to ensure a dash of creativity would be appropriate and suitable to the company culture.
Cover Letter Intro
Having followed your groundbreaking projects in renewable energy and admired your commitment to sustainable solutions, I am eager to contribute my engineering skills and fresh perspectives developed during my recent university projects to Advance Green Engineering's mission.
RIGHT
How to write your engineering student cover letter body
You’ve personalised your greeting and introduction—now it’s time to focus on writing the body of your cover letter.
Instead of listing off skills and responsibilities from your CV, focus on one career highlight that’s relevant to the role.
Use your hard and soft skills, success metrics (e.g., percentages or sales figures), and the long-term impact it had on the company.
A concise, well-told story centred on your value as a candidate will make a strong impression.
Cover Letter Body
During my internship at Tech Innovations Ltd., I spearheaded a project focused on improving the efficiency of the automated production line, which previously faced recurring downtime issues. By utilising Lean Manufacturing principles and collaborating with a cross-functional team, I successfully reduced machine downtime by 35% within a three-month period. This achievement not only enhanced the line's productivity but also resulted in a cost saving of approximately £50,000 annually for the company. The experience honed my problem-solving skills and reinforced the importance of data-driven decision-making, both of which I am eager to apply in the engineering role at your esteemed organisation.
RIGHT
How to write a closing paragraph
When ending your cover letter, you have two options:
Option one is to promise how you’d contribute to the organisation—whether that’s improving a target or achieving a specific goal—or how the company could help you grow professionally. Always emphasise the tangible impact you can deliver.
The second option is to close by asking when you can expect to hear back from the hiring managers, whether for an update or to arrange an interview.
Cover Letter Closing
In conclusion, I am eager to contribute to your team with my engineering skills and enthusiasm for innovation. I am confident that my background and drive make me a strong candidate for this role. I am very much looking forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to the success of your organisation. Please feel free to contact me to arrange a time for an interview. Thank you sincerely for your time and consideration.
RIGHT
Conclusion
Crafting an engaging cover letter can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your job application. Always personalise your letter by addressing the hiring manager directly and linking your qualifications to the role's requirements.
Highlight relevant achievements that set you apart and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the company. Maintain a professional format that complements your CV, creating a cohesive and polished application.
