When you start applying for jobs, you quickly realise that including a cover letter with your CV is a excellent way to stand out. But what should your cover letter focus on?
Should it emphasise your key achievements or simply list your responsibilities? And how can you effectively demonstrate that you're the ideal fit for the role?
One of the most common mistakes candidates make is either underselling themselves or overstating their experience.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to craft a compelling cover letter by showcasing your most significant professional achievement and telling the story behind it.
Cover letter examples for php developer
Explore additional php developer cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Senior PHP Developer
- Leadership and Team Collaboration: Highlighting the experience of leading a team and successful project management, essential for a role that requires technical leadership.
- Technical Skills and Achievements: Emphasising core PHP and MySQL expertise, coupled with significant achievements like reducing system downtime and enhancing customer satisfaction, demonstrates the applicant's direct value to potential employers.
- Educational Background and Certifications: Mentioning a Master's degree in Computer Science along with relevant courses such as “Advanced Object-Oriented Design with Software Development Patterns” and “Microservices Architecture and Implementation” underscores the candidate's advanced technical knowledge and professional development.
- Project Experience: Including notable projects like the development of an E-commerce platform for local stores showcases practical application of skills and successful project implementation, pertinent to the software engineering role.
Junior PHP Developer
- Highlight Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively details Edward Mitchell's roles and accomplishments as a Junior PHP Developer and PHP Development Intern, demonstrating his experience in improving software performance and database optimisation, crucial for a PHP Developer role.
- Emphasise Technical Skills: Specific technical skills such as PHP, mySQL, and Microservices Development are prominently outlined, aligning with the typical requirements for a PHP Developer position.
- Showcase Achievements and Contributions: Notable achievements like the 30% performance improvement and a 40% reduction in defects provide evidence of Edward's capability to deliver impactful results, making his cover letter stand out.
- Relevancy of Education and Certifications: Mention of a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and certifications in Advanced PHP Programming and Database Design reinforces his qualification for the role.
Lead PHP Developer
- Highlighting extensive experience: The candidate emphasises over 5 years of experience in PHP development, which is crucial for roles that require a deep understanding and proven track record in this field.
- Emphasising measurable achievements: Specific improvements, such as increasing eCommerce platform speed by 20% and user engagement by 40%, demonstrate the candidate's ability to deliver tangible results.
- Showcasing technical proficiency: By listing a wide range of skills, including PHP, Laravel, and full-stack technologies, the candidate assures potential employers of their comprehensive technical capabilities.
- Emphasising collaboration and leadership: The candidate's roles involved leading teams and collaborating with UI/UX designers, showcasing both leadership and teamwork skills that are essential in development projects.
Entry-Level PHP Developer
- Emphasising experience in optimising code and processes, such as the 25% efficiency boost through code optimisation, which demonstrates a direct impact on performance improvements.
- Highlighting collaborative efforts and leadership, showcasing teamwork skills and initiative in leading code review sessions and workshops that led to measurable improvements in productivity and quality.
- Detailing achievements in security enhancements and system performance improvements, reflecting a strong commitment to maintaining high standards in software reliability and security.
Mid-Level PHP Developer
- Emphasising Expertise: Highlighting being a Vue & Symfony expert in the title emphasises a specific proficiency, immediately capturing the interest of potential employers looking for specialists in these technologies.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Including specific metrics such as a 40% performance improvement and 30% increase in user engagement showcases tangible impacts, demonstrating the candidate’s ability to deliver measurable results.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Noting experience working with cross-functional teams to introduce innovative design features highlights the candidate’s ability to collaborate effectively, a crucial skill in a dynamic tech environment.
- Mentorship and Leadership: Mentioning the mentoring of junior developers and the resulting improvements underscores leadership qualities and the potential for future managerial roles.
By Role
PHP Web Developer
- Emphasises full stack development and cloud solutions expertise, crucial for a Senior Software Developer role focusing on complex digital projects.
- Highlights leadership experience, managing teams and improving project delivery efficiency, which is valuable for positions requiring team coordination and project oversight.
- Showcases advanced certifications such as "Advanced Laravel Mastery" and "AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials", demonstrating commitment to specialised skill enhancement.
- Incorporates notable achievements in reducing operational costs and enhancing application performance, key metrics that can attract potential employers.
Full Stack PHP Developer
- Technical Skills Highlight: The cover letter effectively showcases relevant technical skills such as PHP development, server management, and API integration, which are essential for a PHP Developer/Back-end Systems role.
- Quantifiable Achievements: It includes impressive metrics like improving platform performance by 25% and enhancing server efficiency by 30%, which demonstrate the candidate's ability to tangibly enhance system operations.
- Relevant Experience: The candidate's experience in leading redevelopment and integration projects is pertinent, illustrating their capability to manage complex tasks and deliver improved system functionalities, crucial for back-end development roles.
- Continuous Learning: By listing relevant certifications and courses such as "Advanced PHP Programming," the cover letter communicates a commitment to professional growth and staying updated with industry practices, which is highly valuable in tech roles.
PHP Software Developer
- Specific Technical Skills: The cover letter effectively highlights well-rounded technical skills such as PHP, JavaScript, React, and Agile methodologies, showcasing the applicant's capability in both back-end and front-end development.
- Performance and Experience Metrics: It effectively presents quantifiable achievements like reducing app load time by 25% and increasing user bases by 40%, providing tangible evidence of success and impact in previous roles.
- Team Collaboration and Leadership: The mention of leading cross-functional teams, mentoring junior developers, and effective collaboration reflects strong interpersonal skills, which are crucial for a software developer role that often requires teamwork.
- Relevant Certifications and Continuous Learning: Discusses specific courses and certifications such as 'Advanced JavaScript Concepts' and 'Agile Software Development', indicating a commitment to continued professional development and staying updated with industry trends.
PHP Application Developer
- Relevant Expertise: The cover letter effectively highlights Harry's expertise as a Software Developer with special mentions of OpenCRM specialisation and Full-Stack development, showcasing his fit for roles requiring these skills.
- Security and Efficiency Improvements: Emphasising achievements in reducing data breach risks and improving project times aligns well with highly valued abilities in software development roles, especially those prioritising secure systems.
- Educational Background: Highlighting a Master of Science in Computer Science complements the technical skills and provides a strong foundation, reinforcing his qualifications for advanced roles.
- Proficiency in Essential Skills: Mentioning proficiency in PHP, MySQL, HTML, and CSS, alongside secure development and API connections, supports his capability to manage complex software projects across the full stack.
PHP Developer in Data Analysis
- Highlighting SQL expertise and achievements in improving data retrieval efficiency, which is critical for a Data Warehouse Developer role.
- Emphasising the completion of an MSc in Data Science, showcasing advanced education pertinent to the field.
- Mentioning certifications in Advanced SQL and Business Objects demonstrates commitment to continuous learning and proficiency in tools relevant to the position.
- Including past project experiences, such as the Open Source ETL Framework, displays hands-on experience and success in practical applications.
PHP Developer in Cyber Security
- Specific Experience: Highlighting roles at reputable companies like Moodle, Udemy, and Pearson Education demonstrates Samuel's extensive experience in PHP and Laravel, which adds credibility to his senior developer status.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Using precise metrics such as reducing technical debt by 40% and increasing deployment speed showcases Samuel’s impact and effectiveness in past roles.
- Specialised Skills: Emphasising skills like Test Driven Development, Continuous Integration, and Software Design Patterns are crucial for the role of a Senior PHP/Laravel Developer, indicating a comprehensive understanding of industry best practices.
- Passions and Contributions: Mentioning clean code advocacy and substantial open-source contributions to the Laravel community illustrates Samuel's commitment to the industry beyond his employment, making him a standout candidate for the role.
PHP Developer in Artificial Intelligence
- Experience and Achievements: Highlighted substantial achievements like improving system efficiencies by 20% and reducing release times by 40%, which are crucial metrics for a PHP/SQL Web Developer role.
- Technical Skills: Emphasised skills in PHP, SQL, and web application security, specifically mentioning experience with key frameworks like Symfony and Docker, aligning with the requirements of a Financial Technology sector.
- Educational Background: Highlighting a Master of Science in Computer Science from a prestigious institution like the University of Cambridge, which can add significant value to a role in a specialised domain like financial tech.
- Leadership and Team Collaboration: Demonstrated leadership skills by mentioning successful management and deployment of cross-functional team projects, crucial for roles that require collaboration and innovation.
PHP Developer in Fintech
- Highlighting Relevant Experience: Freya effectively outlines her extensive experience in PHP development, particularly with CMS plugins and Open Banking, ensuring potential employers understand her expertise in areas crucial to the role she is applying for.
- Quantifying Achievements: The cover letter includes specific metrics such as enhancing client transaction processes by 30% and reducing average load times by 50%, which provides concrete evidence of Freya's success and impact in her previous roles.
- Emphasising Continuous Learning: By listing recent courses taken such as "Advanced PHP Programming" and "Mastering CMS API Integration", Freya demonstrates her commitment to keeping her skills current and relevant, which is particularly important in the ever-evolving tech industry.
- Showcasing Awards and Recognitions: Freya includes her achievements such as the "Tech Innovation Award" and "Employee of the Year", highlighting her recognition by peers and employers, which serves as a testament to her contributions and excellence in her field.
PHP Developer in Healthcare
- Highlight Specific Technical Skills: Emphasise proficiency in PHP, Laravel, and Vue.js as these are critical for a PHP Developer role. Additionally, underline familiarity with AI and Machine Learning technologies like TensorFlow and PyTorch to appeal to AI-focused positions.
- Showcase Relevant Experience: Detail achievements and contributions using quantitative data, such as improving user engagement by 50% and enhancing operational efficiency by 35%, to demonstrate tangible impact and expertise.
- Incorporate Relevant Projects and Achievements: Include significant projects like the 'Open Source Conveyancing Bot' and awards such as 'Award-Winning Developer' to provide proof of skills and innovation in the field.
- Demonstrate Continuous Learning: Highlight the completion of relevant courses, such as 'Advanced Machine Learning' through Coursera, to show commitment to ongoing professional development and staying updated with industry trends.
PHP Developer in E-commerce
- Highlighted Specialised Experience: The cover letter effectively emphasises Daniel's extensive experience in e-commerce payments, a key requirement for a Backend Developer in this sector.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Specific percentages, such as a 40% reduction in response times and zero security breaches, provide a clear indicator of Daniel's impact and success in previous roles.
- Relevant Certifications and Education: Mentioning certifications like "Certified Symfony Developer" and relevant degrees supports Daniel's qualifications and specialisation in backend development.
- Projects and Contributions: Highlighting projects like "OpenEcom Payment Gateway" and contributions to open-source developments demonstrates initiative and expertise in creating secure and functional API solutions.
PHP Developer in EdTech
- Emily effectively highlights her extensive experience in backend engineering and system architecture across multiple high-profile companies, demonstrating her capacity to handle similar roles in the future.
- The cover letter succinctly showcases her technical prowess in key skills such as Node.js and TypeScript, which are crucial for a Senior Backend Engineer position.
- It outlines her leadership experience by detailing her role leading a team of developers on major projects, emphasising her ability to manage and drive results in collaborative environments.
- Emily strategically mentions her certification courses, such as the "Advanced Node.js Development," to substantiate her advanced knowledge and commitment to staying current in her field.
PHP Developer in AgriTech
- Highlighting Technical Expertise: The cover letter effectively showcases technical skills in .NET Development and SQL Server, which are critical for a Senior .NET Developer role, reinforcing the applicant's suitability for the position.
- Demonstrating Leadership and Management: Emphasises experience leading cross-functional teams and managing projects efficiently, underlining the applicant's ability to handle complex projects and improve team productivity.
- Showcasing Achievements and Impact: Documents quantifiable achievements, such as a 30% reduction in system error incidents and a 25% increase in project completion rates, providing concrete evidence of past performance and potential contributions to future employers.
- Relevant Certifications: Mentions the "Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate" certification, adding credibility and demonstrating commitment to staying updated with industry standards, which is particularly relevant in a specialised field.
PHP Developer in Gaming
- Relevant Experience: Ava highlights her significant experience in the tech industry, working at globally renowned companies such as Google, Amazon, and BBC. This showcases her capability to work in high-pressure environments and her familiarity with industry standards.
- Technical Expertise: The cover letter underscores Ava's proficiency in programming languages like PHP and Java, as well as her knowledge of JavaScript Frameworks and Software Design. These key technical skills are essential for a Senior Software Engineer role.
- Project Achievements: Ava quantifies her accomplishments with precise figures, such as increasing data processing speed by 45% and boosting conversion rates by 20%. This provides concrete evidence of her impact and value in previous roles.
- Leadership and Mentorship: Emphasising her leadership skills, Ava notes her experience mentoring junior developers and leading teams to achieve significant milestones. This portrays her as a candidate capable of fostering team growth and improving overall team performance.
PHP Developer in Logistics
- Keyword Optimization: The cover letter effectively aligns with industry-specific keywords such as "PHP," "AWS," "CI/CD," and "Agile," which are essential for a Senior Developer role, enhancing visibility in automated recruitment systems.
- Quantifiable Achievements: It includes detailed metrics in past experiences, such as "improving customer satisfaction by 18%" and "reducing deployment error rates by 30%," providing a concrete demonstration of the applicant’s impact and value.
- Leadership and Mentorship: The mention of mentoring junior developers and reducing onboarding time by 25% underscores the applicant's leadership skills, which are crucial for senior roles that involve team oversight and development.
- Continuous Learning: Highlighting courses like "Advanced PHP: MVC Frameworks" and "AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials" showcases a commitment to professional development and staying up-to-date with technological advancements.
PHP Developer in Travel Tech
- Highlighting Relevant Experience: Olivia's cover letter effectively summarises her 7+ years of experience in the EdTech sector, specifically in timetabling solutions, making it immediately clear she is well-suited for the role.
- Quantifiable Achievements: The letter includes specific metrics, such as a 30% increase in timetabling system efficiency and a 40% improvement in scheduling module performance, which demonstrate her ability to deliver tangible results.
- Technical Expertise: It emphasises her technical skills in PHP Laravel and React, crucial for a software engineering role, alongside her involvement in complex project integrations with third-party APIs.
- Leadership and Mentorship: By mentioning her role in mentoring junior developers and leading agile transformations, Olivia showcases her leadership qualities and her ability to enhance team productivity.
PhP Developer cover letter example
William Hall
Leicester, UK
+44 1234 567890
help@enhancv.com
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the Senior PHP Developer role at your company. Having researched your commitment to state-of-the-art web technologies and innovative solutions, I am keen to contribute my extensive expertise in PHP and system integration to support your team’s goals.
One of my notable achievements at Tech Solutions Ltd was spearheading the revamp of our e-commerce platform, where I achieved a 30% increase in conversion rates by integrating advanced PHP features. By collaborating with cross-functional teams, I was able to design a custom MVC framework, which not only enhanced maintainability but also reduced code redundancy significantly. These experiences honed my skills in PHP, MySQL, and JavaScript, enabling the delivery of high-quality, responsive digital solutions.
I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss how my background, skills, and certifications can contribute to your team. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing this exciting opportunity with you. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
William Hall, Senior PHP Developer
What makes this cover letter effective:
- Highlight Relevant Achievements: The cover letter effectively mentions a specific project where the candidate achieved a 30% increase in conversion rates. This immediately demonstrates their capability to deliver tangible results in similar situations.
- Showcase Technical Expertise: Emphasizing skills in PHP, MySQL, and JavaScript, along with experience in designing a custom MVC framework, highlights the candidate's technical proficiency, which is crucial for the Senior PHP Developer role.
- Emphasize Collaboration: The mention of working with cross-functional teams demonstrates the candidate's ability to collaborate, which is often essential in development roles where teamwork can drive more successful outcomes.
- Express Enthusiasm and Fit: Showing enthusiasm about the company's commitment to "state-of-the-art web technologies and innovative solutions" aligns the candidate’s interests with the company’s mission, suggesting a cultural fit.
Importance of cover letters in the United Kingdom
Cover letters provide recruiters with the opportunity to learn more about your career aspirations, hinting at how you’d integrate within the organisation over the long term.
Here are three additional reasons why cover letters are important:
- Making an excellent first impression (and a formal introduction): Your cover letter is often the employer’s first introduction to you, showcasing your personality, communication skills, and motivation for the role.
- Complementing your career history: While your CV lists qualifications and experience, a cover letter provides the context, explaining how your background fits the role.
- Demonstrates your genuine interest: A well-crafted cover letter reflects the effort you’ve put into researching the company and role as well as your attention to detail.
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 php developer cover letter
Keep in mind that your cover letter is intended for the recruiters' eyes only, not for the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) software that aligns your job application with role requirements. That's why it's essential to concentrate on the quality of the content and presentation to make a memorable first impression.
Don’t forget to include:
- Your address and contact details
- The employer’s name and address
- Date
- Greeting
- Introductory paragraph
- Body paragraphs
- Closing paragraph
- Sign-off and signature
Now for some formatting tips and tricks: choose modern fonts such as Rubik, Volkhov, or Raleway instead of traditional ones like Arial. Keep your cover letter single-spaced with margins of around 1-inch (2.5 cm). To maintain a professional and consistent look, ensure that both your CV and cover letter use the same font style.
Lastly, always send your cover letter as a PDF to preserve its formatting and prevent any edits once it's sent, ensuring your design and layout remain intact for the recruiters.
How to write your php developer cover letter salutation
Now it's time to make it personal—in your cover letter greeting, you should always address the hiring manager directly. Whenever possible, use their name, depending on how well you know them (e.g., 'Dear Mr Smith', 'Dear Abbie').
You can find their name by searching on LinkedIn (start by looking for the job posting and the recruiter), visiting the 'About' page of the company's website, or by calling reception or administration to enquire.
How to write your php developer cover letter intro
It's never a bad time to show enthusiasm about the role, company, or team in your cover letter introduction.
Begin by sharing one or two aspects that genuinely excite you about the position—whether it's the company culture, specific responsibilities, or the team's past achievements.
Your enthusiasm demonstrates that you'll bring a strong work ethic, are eager to contribute, and are motivated to succeed.
Cover Letter Intro
Having closely followed the innovative projects at [Company Name], I am drawn to the opportunity to contribute my PHP development skills to a team that places a strong emphasis on sustainability and community impact. Your commitment to driving technological solutions that align with ethical values resonates deeply with my professional ethos.
RIGHT
How to write your php developer cover letter body
As you reach the body of your cover letter, you might wonder what to write in it.
Our advice? Don’t just copy your CV—choose your greatest achievement and tell its story.
Focus on how you got there using hard and soft skills, describe your involvement, and quantify the results with concrete outcomes.
Remember, recruiters aren’t looking for an epic tale of your career—they want something concise, relevant, and directly addressing their needs.
Cover Letter Body
During my tenure at XYZ Solutions, I spearheaded the development of a task automation system using PHP, which resulted in reducing manual workload by 70% for our operations team. This system integrated seamless automation workflows that optimised our data handling processes. My strategic approach involved employing advanced PHP techniques and robust testing protocols to ensure high reliability and performance. This achievement not only streamlined our efforts but also increased our operational efficiency significantly. The initiative enhanced our project turnaround times by 30%, demonstrating my commitment to leveraging technology to drive substantial business improvements.
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
Thank you for considering my application for the PHP Developer position at your esteemed company. I am eager to bring my skills in PHP development to your team and contribute to your ongoing success. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience and skills align with the goals of your organisation. Please feel free to contact me to schedule an interview at your earliest convenience. I am enthusiastic about the possibility of contributing to your team and am looking forward to the opportunity to discuss my application further.
Thank you once again for your time and consideration.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
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.
