Writing a strong cover letter requires close attention to detail, from the tone of voice to avoiding those pesky spelling or grammar mistakes.
Overlooking similar small details can weaken your application.
Many candidates also struggle with how to address the letter, often opting for 'Dear Sir or Madam' when they can’t find the correct contact. This can make your cover letter feel impersonal.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to perfect these crucial elements, ensuring your cover letter is polished and professional without relying on clichés.
Cover letter examples for software engineer intern
Explore additional software engineer intern cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Junior Software Engineer Intern
- Specialised Skills: Emphasises strong Java skills and Android Development expertise, aligning with the expectations of a Jr Software Developer role focused on mobile applications.
- Open Source Contribution: Highlights experience in contributing to and enhancing a popular open-source application, showcasing real-world coding skills and collaboration in a global team.
- Tech Community and Leadership: Demonstrates leadership by co-founding a coding club and coordinating with local industry professionals, reflecting initiative and passion for fostering a tech-savvy community.
- Achievements and Recognition: Recognition through various achievements, such as the Top Student Award and Public Speaking Recognition, suggests dedication and excellence both academically and professionally.
Associate Software Engineer Intern
- The applicant highlights specialised certifications, such as the "Automated Software Testing Certification" and "Full-Stack Web Development Specialisation," which are beneficial for a Software Engineering Intern position, demonstrating a commitment to broadening technical skills.
- Mentorship and facilitation experience, exemplified by the role as a "Tech Workshop Facilitator" and "Coding Mentor," illustrate strong leadership and communication skills crucial for collaborative project environments.
- The inclusion of a notable achievement in developing a successful application with over 5,000 downloads within three months highlights both technical proficiency and a proven track record in project execution.
- By detailing specific skills like Java, Python, and C++, along with relevant industry tools such as Jira, the applicant emphasises the comprehensive technical toolkit sought after in software engineering roles.
By Role
Software Engineer Intern in Cybersecurity
- Highlighting the practical experience in cybersecurity through the role of Cyber Security Research Assistant at the University of Oxford demonstrates relevant hands-on skills in security automation and threat response.
- Emphasising leadership capabilities through the position of Tech Lead at the Student Cyber Security Club, showcasing the ability to organise events and enhance collaboration with industry partners.
- Mentioning certifications like the AWS Certified Solutions Architect highlights knowledge in designing scalable cloud applications, which is valued in cybersecurity roles that involve cloud security.
- Including volunteering as a Cybersecurity Awareness Advocate indicates a commitment to community engagement and education, which reflects well on personal initiative and communication skills.
Software Engineer Intern in Data Analysis
- Demonstrate Practical Experience: Florence highlights her role as a Data Science Project Lead at Goodyear, where she led a team to develop a predictive model, showcasing her practical application of data science skills.
- Effective Results and Impact: The cover letter effectively quantifies achievements, such as improving tyre performance accuracy by 15% and lab process efficiency by 30%, clearly showing the impact of her contributions.
- Relevant Skills and Tools: By listing skills in Python, R, SQL, and MATLAB, alongside relevant courses like "Advanced Python for Data Science," Florence signals her readiness for technical challenges in engineering and data science roles.
- Alignment with Role Objectives: Her passions, such as developing sustainable materials and data visualisation, align with industry trends in engineering, positioning her as a forward-thinking candidate.
Software Engineer Intern in Web Development
- Showcases a strong foundation in programming languages such as Python, Java, and C++, which are essential skills for any aspiring software engineer.
- Emphasises hands-on experience in algorithm design and problem-solving, demonstrated through leadership roles in coding competitions, an attractive qualification for software development roles.
- Highlights active involvement in coding communities and mentoring roles, such as volunteering at Code Club UK, which underscores commitment to technology and education.
- Includes noteworthy achievements such as winning coding championships and publishing research papers, enhancing credibility and demonstrating expertise and innovation in the field.
Software Engineer Intern in Mobile Applications
- Emphasise relevant skills by highlighting proficiency in programming languages such as Swift, Kotlin, and Python, which are crucial for mobile development and IoT projects.
- Showcase practical experience by detailing hands-on projects, such as contributions to the Google Summer of Code and leading hackathon teams to success.
- Highlight leadership and collaborative abilities gained from roles such as Hackathon Team Leader and Tech Workshop Facilitator, essential for an aspiring software engineer.
- Illustrate passion for the field by mentioning specific interests like TV streaming technologies and engagement in coding challenges, demonstrating commitment to continual learning and innovation.
Software Engineer Intern in Artificial Intelligence
- Highlighting the applicant's specialised experience in scalable systems at both BBC Research & Development and Best Failed Startup demonstrates targeted expertise relevant to a Software Engineer Intern role.
- Emphasising the "Best Paper Award" at the 2023 UK Computer Science Conference showcases recognition from a respected academic community, underlining the candidate's accomplishments in distributed systems.
- Showcasing proficiency in multiple programming languages (C++, Java, Python, PHP) and other relevant technical skills reassures potential employers of the candidate’s ability to handle various technological challenges.
- Including volunteering experience with Age NI illustrates the candidate's commitment to community engagement, complementing their technical skills with strong interpersonal and training abilities.
Software Engineer Intern in Machine Learning
- Highlighting a strong academic foundation in machine learning concepts and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from a reputable institution like the University of Edinburgh showcases the applicant’s relevant educational background for the role.
- Emphasising practical experience in machine learning and design automation, such as the implementation of a Python-based framework that improved efficiency by 30%, demonstrates significant achievements and skills acquisition relevant to the internship.
- Noting experience with advanced tools and frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and CAD highlights technical competencies in machine learning and design automation, which are crucial for a role focused on integrating AI into design processes.
- Listing achievements such as presenting at conferences and conducting community workshops illustrates not only technical expertise but also strong communication skills and an ability to engage with the broader technical community, which are valuable for a collaborative engineering role.
Software Engineer Intern in Game Development
- The cover letter effectively highlights Rosie's experience in automated testing, including her role as a Software Automation Project Coordinator at the BBC, which emphasises her skills relevant to a Quality Assurance position.
- Rosie's academic background is well-presented, linking her Bachelor's in Computer Science from the University of Warwick to her career aspirations, enhancing credibility for the software automation role.
- Her volunteer experience, especially with prestigious organisations like the NHS and the British Heart Foundation, reinforces her commitment to quality assurance and her ability to make substantial contributions to impactful projects.
- Listing relevant courses such as "Automated Testing Foundations" and "QA Essentials for Software" demonstrates a proactive approach to professional development, indicating a strong foundation in test automation tools and methodologies.
Software Engineer Intern in Embedded Systems
- Relevant Experience: Clearly highlights relevant experience in embedded systems and C/C++ tutoring, showcasing practical application of skills and a commitment to teaching and mentoring.
- Education and Certifications: Emphasises the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and completed courses enhancing knowledge in modern C++ and embedded systems, demonstrating continuous learning and technical expertise.
- Achievements: Mentions successful projects and improvements in client satisfaction and system scalability, proving ability to deliver impactful solutions and collaborate effectively in professional teams.
- Passion and Career Goals: Indicates a passion for software development and AI with a specific career interest in tech solutions for the media streaming industry, aligning personal interests with professional aspirations.
Software Engineer Intern in Cloud Computing
- Emphasise programming proficiency in Golang and Python, which are essential for cloud-native solutions and financial application development.
- Highlight leadership and team collaboration skills demonstrated during the role with Code First Girls, showcasing experience in project management and team dynamics.
- Showcase involvement in relevant open-source contributions, like the Mozilla project, to demonstrate commitment to the tech community and continuous learning.
- Mention specific achievements such as the Kaggle Competition Finalist and Code Fest Champion to provide concrete evidence of problem-solving abilities and competitive performance.
Software Engineer Intern in DevOps
- Highlight leadership experiences in data projects, such as the role of Data Projects Leader at the Big Data Institute, demonstrating the ability to lead teams and manage complex tasks effectively.
- Emphasise technical skills in containerisation and automation, specifically with Docker and CI/CD pipelines, which are crucial for a Big Data Engineer role.
- Include examples of hands-on experience with cloud platforms like Google Cloud, showcasing the capability to manage and optimise cloud-based resources efficiently.
- Mention voluntary contributions and open-source engagements, which illustrate a commitment to community involvement and continuous learning in technology.
Software Engineer Intern in QA Testing
- Emphasise your experience with automated testing frameworks like Cypress, as it aligns closely with the specialist requirements of a QA role and showcases your expertise in modern testing methodologies.
- Highlight practical project experience, such as coordinating a team for manual testing and implementing real-world web applications, which demonstrates your ability to handle responsibilities in actual work environments.
- Showcase your leadership in enhancing QA processes, such as leading a pilot automated testing framework, to reflect your contribution towards improving software quality and efficiency.
- Include relevant volunteering experience in tech education, which showcases your commitment to technology and mentoring, qualities that are valuable in fostering a collaborative team environment.
Software Engineer Intern in UI/UX
- Personal Branding: The opening section clearly defines Harper Webb as a Full Stack Engineer with a passion for cyber security and UI/UX, which establishes a strong personal brand relevant to the role.
- Experience Highlights: Detailed bullet points under the 'Open Source Contributor' and 'Freelance Web Developer' roles effectively showcase hands-on experience, such as leading a team and achieving a 30% increase in user satisfaction at Mozilla Foundation.
- Technical Skills and Tools: A dedicated skills section lists comprehensive technical proficiencies, crucial for a Full Stack Developer role, including expertise in Java, JavaScript, DevOps practices, and version control with Git.
- Education and Continued Learning: Highlighting a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science along with relevant online courses from Coursera and Duke University demonstrates a commitment to continuous professional development.
Software Engineer Intern in Network Systems
- The cover letter effectively emphasises advanced programming skills and technological curiosity, aligning with the goals of an aspiring engineer focusing on data platform development and system architecture.
- Highlights key achievements in previous roles, such as enhancing computational models and implementing machine learning algorithms, demonstrating a proven track record of increasing data processing and predictive accuracy.
- Showcases relevant educational achievements and additional certifications in machine learning and distributed systems, underscoring a commitment to continuous learning and alignment with the role requirements.
- Includes a strong focus on cross-functional collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and effective communication as critical skills, highlighting the ability to contribute to and thrive in a team-based work environment.
Software Engineer Intern in Database Management
- Highlight the academic background in Computer Science from the University of Sussex, which establishes foundational knowledge critical for a Software Engineering Intern position.
- Mention the hands-on experience as an Open Source Contributor with Mozilla Foundation, demonstrating practical application of skills and the ability to collaborate in a global tech environment.
- Emphasise proficiency in key programming languages like JavaScript and SQL, as well as skills in Object-Oriented Programming, which are essential for solving real-world problems within the software engineering domain.
- Showcase the Hackathon Winner achievement, illustrating innovation and problem-solving capabilities through the development of a machine learning app, aligning with the intern role's emphasis on impactful projects.
Software Engineer Intern in System Architecture
- Alignment with Industry: Emphasising a passion for healthcare and innovation directly aligns with the internship role's expectations, showcasing the candidate's genuine interest in the industry.
- Technical Skills: Highlighting expertise in Java, AWS, and relational databases underscores the candidate's readiness to handle technical responsibilities expected of a Software Engineer Intern.
- Leadership and Team Experience: By mentioning experience leading team projects and collaborating in agile environments, the cover letter demonstrates the candidate's ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- Community Engagement and Volunteering: Presenting involvement in tech workshops and community engagement emphasises the candidate's commitment to professional growth and knowledge sharing, which are valuable traits in a collaborative workplace.
Software Engineer Intern in Firmware
- Emphasising specific technical skills: Highlighting expertise in C++, UML, and communication protocols aligns well with the requirements for an Aspiring Embedded Firmware Engineer position, showcasing relevant capabilities.
- Demonstrating real-world impact: Discussing specific achievements such as a 20% efficiency gain in energy management systems and successful IoT protocol integration illustrates the potential to make significant contributions to future projects.
- Showcasing collaboration and leadership: Describing experiences leading agile sprint planning sessions and coordinating with global teams highlights strong teamwork and leadership skills, which are valuable in engineering environments.
- Incorporating relevant education and projects: Mentioning an ongoing BEng in Electronic Engineering and involvement in open-source projects reinforces a commitment to continuous learning and innovation in the field.
Software Engineer Intern in Blockchain
- Emphasise the real-world experience gained through the Software Development Project at TechMAT, showcasing the improvement in efficiency and team leadership skills crucial for a software engineering role.
- Highlight the achievement of being in the top 10% of algorithm design contests, demonstrating competitive edge and proficiency in problem-solving and algorithm development.
- Underscore the relevant coursework such as "Advanced C++ Algorithms" and "Introduction to Embedded Systems," which align with the technical requirements of embedded programming and real-time control roles.
- Mention voluntary experience with STEM Learning UK, which highlights mentoring skills and a commitment to fostering technological learning in the community.
Software Engineer Intern in Bioinformatics
- Certifications and Courses: Highlighting specific courses, such as "Advanced React and Redux" and "AWS Certified Solutions Architect," demonstrates the individual's commitment to continuous learning and mastery of skills essential for cloud and software development roles.
- Relevant Experience: Detailing contributions to the Cancer Research UK project and the Open Bioinformatics Foundation showcases the candidate's ability to work effectively in a remote, collaborative environment, which is crucial for software development roles, particularly in genomic data analysis.
- Technological Proficiencies: Emphasising skills with Python, JavaScript, and cloud platforms like AWS illustrates the technical prowess necessary for handling complex software development tasks, such as genomic data analysis and patient care improvement.
- Impactful Contributions: Mentioning achievements like a "20% increase in data accessibility" and a "40% reduction in deployment time" provides concrete evidence of the individual's impact and ability to drive tangible improvements in projects.
Software Engineer Intern cover letter example
James Lewis
Glasgow, United Kingdom
+44 1234 567890
help@enhancv.com
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in contributing my skills and experience as a Full-Stack Software Engineer at your company. Having closely followed the trailblazing work your team is doing in [industry or specific area], I am particularly drawn to your commitment to innovation and technological advancement, which aligns perfectly with my professional ethos.
During my tenure at Arm Holdings, I led a team in redesigning the data processing pipeline using parallel computing, which resulted in a remarkable 40% reduction in processing time. This achievement underscores my ability to identify inefficiencies and implement solutions that significantly enhance operational performance. My experience in integrating IoT data solutions also speaks to my aptitude for collaborative, cross-functional work, resulting in an enhanced user experience and leading technologies.
I look forward to the possibility of discussing how I can contribute to your team, bringing my skills in software engineering and 3D visualization to your innovative projects. Thank you for considering my application. I hope to speak with you soon to schedule a meeting to discuss this exciting opportunity further.
Sincerely,
James Lewis, Full-Stack Software Engineer
Why this cover letter stands out:
- Alignment with Company Goals: Highlight how your professional ethos aligns with the company's commitment to innovation and technological advancement. This demonstrates that you are not only interested in the role but also in contributing to the company's larger objectives.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Mention specific accomplishments, like a 40% reduction in processing time due to redesigning a data pipeline. Numbers provide concrete evidence of your impact and effectiveness in previous roles.
- Relevance of Skills: Discuss skills that are directly relevant to the role, such as experience with IoT data solutions and 3D visualization, to show you have the practical expertise needed to excel in the position.
- Collaborative Experience: Emphasize your ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams, which is crucial for roles that require integration across different technical areas and departments.
Importance of cover letters in the United Kingdom
Cover letters are a crucial tool in making your application personal and engaging.
Here are three reasons why they matter:
- Personalisation: Unlike a CV, a cover letter allows you to show your enthusiasm for the role, giving a more personal insight.
- Addresses details about your career: Whether you’re changing careers or have gaps in employment, your cover letter offers a space to explain these in a constructive way.
- Meeting the job requirements: Your cover letter should be unique and tailored, clearly showing how your skills align with the role requirements.
What UK employers expect from a cover letter
A great cover letter can set you apart when applying for jobs in the UK.
Follow these tips to ensure you make a strong impression:
- Research thoroughly: Spend time delving into the company’s website, social media, and industry news to understand their projects, awards, and future plans. The more specific your knowledge, the better you’ll be able to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
- Reflect their values: Every UK company has its own set of values that guides their culture. Once you’ve identified them, make sure your cover letter reflects how your values and work ethic align with theirs. If they’re known for integrity, emphasise your commitment to ethical practices.
- Tailor your skills: Focus on aligning your most relevant skills with the job description. Look for key terms and priorities mentioned in the advert, and make sure to provide examples of how you excel in those areas.
How to format a software engineer intern cover letter
Your cover letter is your opportunity to make a strong impression, so its structure must be professional and clear.
Here's an overview of how a UK cover letter should be structured:
- Begin with your address and contact details at the top.
- Include the employer’s name and address directly below.
- Add the date to the left or right of the page.
- Use an appropriate greeting, such as 'Dear Mr Smith' or 'Dear Sir/Madam.'
- Open with a strong introductory paragraph.
- Develop your points in the middle paragraphs, focusing on relevant skills and experience.
- Close with a concise conclusion, reiterating your interest and suitability for the role.
- Sign off formally with your name and signature.
The software used to match your profile to the job, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), won’t scan your cover letter. Instead, the cover letter reads as a more personalised note to the recruiter.
When it comes to choosing a font, consider modern options like Lato, Rubik, or Chivo, which should also be applied to your CV to maintain a consistent appearance.
Additionally, your cover letter should be single-spaced with 1-inch (2.5 cm) margins on all sides (our templates are pre-set with these specifications so you can focus on your cover letter content).
Finally, always send your cover letter as a PDF to preserve the formatting and prevent edits.
How to write your software engineer intern cover letter salutation
Imagine you're a hiring manager reading through countless cover letters—which would catch your attention: being addressed directly by name, or reading 'Dear Sir or Madam'?
The first option shows you've made the effort to learn about the company and the role.
To find the hiring manager's name, try LinkedIn, check the company's website, or even reach out to the organisation on social media.
How to write your software engineer intern cover letter intro
One of the best ways to grab a hiring manager's attention? Show them the unique value you'd add to the team.
Review the skills or requirements listed in the posting and draw connections to your previous work experiences.
Focus on specific (and quantifiable) accomplishments and qualifications that align with the job description to make a strong first impression.
Cover Letter Intro
Having admired Tech Solutions Ltd for its commitment to sustainable technology and its recent community-driven Open Source Initiative, I am keen to contribute my programming and problem-solving skills as a Software Engineer Intern within your innovative and inclusive team.
RIGHT
How to write your software engineer intern cover letter body
A well-written cover letter body goes beyond the content of your CV, expanding on your greatest achievement to form your compelling case.
The narrative you tell within it could focus on a few key elements:
- A concrete and noteworthy achievement: Backed by data and relevant to the job.
- Your hard and soft skills: Presented with measurable outcomes and results.
- A successful project: Showing how you contributed to the final result.
The goal is to tell a story that aligns with the company’s needs and adds a more human touch to your application.
Cover Letter Body
During my penultimate year at university, I spearheaded a team project that involved developing a cloud-based application designed to streamline communication for remote teams. The initiative enhanced internal communication efficiency by 30%, as measured by our end-users' feedback surveys. My primary contribution was designing and implementing a scalable backend infrastructure using Python and AWS, which supported over 1,000 concurrent users. This experience honed my programming skills and taught me the importance of teamwork and adaptability in bringing a project from concept to reality. By thoroughly documenting each phase of the development process and maintaining open lines of communication among team members, we were able to deliver the project two weeks ahead of schedule. This project not only reinforced my technical abilities but also underscored the value of strategic planning and collaboration in achieving tangible outcomes.
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
I am eager to bring my passion for technology and problem-solving skills to the talented team at [Company Name]. I am confident that my background and enthusiasm make me an ideal candidate for the Software Engineer Intern position. I would be thrilled to further discuss how my contributions can support your team and look forward to the opportunity to interview at your earliest convenience. Thank you for considering my application. I am enthusiastic about the prospect of contributing to [Company Name] and am keen to explore how I can be a valuable asset to your team.
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.
