Writing a Cover Letter as a Fresh Electrical Engineering Grad

Electrical engineers may rely on their technical skills more than their writing skills, but every professional should be able to communicate effectively.

Before you join the working world, drafting a well-written cover letter is essential to getting the job you want. But don’t worry, with a little guidance and revision, a cover letter for an entry-level electrical engineer can impress any hiring manager.

To write the best cover letter for an electrical engineer fresh graduate, here are a few simple tips to keep in mind.

1. Start with clear formatting

The cover letter format for electrical engineers should contain the five main components of a cover letter. Most importantly, it needs to be well written and carefully edited.

The obvious

Make sure to write in complete sentences.
Keep your sentences clear and simple; avoid descriptions and run-on sentences.
Correctly punctuate and double-check your spelling ― especially the names of the hiring manager and the company where you’re applying. Having a typo on a cover letter is like having a typo in your firmware libraries ― it ruins everything.

The not-so-obvious

Do not format your cover letter as one solid block of text ― the body of your letter should consist of three or four distinct paragraphs. Multiple sections make it easier to read and less daunting, especially if you’re writing about technical information or experience.
Include your contact information in the header and your signature at the bottom. Whether you list a phone number, email address or both, check your messages often.
Use reasonable spacing, paragraphs and a professionally formatted document such as a formal letterhead or cover letter template. For sample cover letter templates, view our Cover Letter Templates.

For an in-depth guide on writing and formatting your cover letter, check out our guide on how to write a cover letter.

2. Talk about your (relevant) coursework

If you are writing a cover letter as an entry-level electrical engineer, draw on your academic performance. The best professional experience you have may be your formal schooling experience, especially if you haven’t had internships or other time on-the-job.

Of course, you shouldn’t list every engineering class you took. Instead, find a way to show that your college experience specifically prepared you for this position.

If you’re applying for a job in a specific sub-field of electrical engineering, relate your coursework in that sub-field to how you will use that information to excel in that job. Check out these tips to highlight your college experiences in your cover letter.

3. Make your cover letter unique

Every job candidate is unique, whether it’s their personal style, sense of humor, or even the pitch of their voice.

Each job is unique too, with specific skills, requirements and experience. Your cover letter is a place to show who you are and how you’re the right fit for the opening.

The best cover letters for electrical engineers stand out and let the hiring manager know that you’re much more than a name on a page.

This is your chance to show off some personality and demonstrate that you’ll be pleasant, and even fun, to work with – in addition to having the right skills. You cover letter should:

Effectively communicate your personal and technical skills.
Showcase why you want this particular job, at this specific company. This tip is particularly critical for electrical engineers, as there are so many subfields of electrical engineering. Applicants need to show that they are both qualified and interested in a position. Read job descriptions carefully and customize each letter with specific keywords chosen from the posting to make an obvious connection between your skills and the requirements.
Differentiate you from other applicants. One easy way to stand out from the competition is to avoid common, overused cover letter sayings. Our Cover Letter Builder helps you nail your cover letter’s structure and content while still injecting your personal writing style. You also might be interested in advice on how to avoid common cover letter phrases and personalize your cover letter.

4. Share what motivates you

Cover letters for electrical engineer fresh graduates should address why they want to begin their careers in the engineering industry. Did a family member or friend inspire you to study the subject, or have you been designing robots and other devices since childhood? Tell a little bit about your story.

As recent grads know, earning an electrical engineering degree requires an astounding amount of dedication and hard work. The good news is that both of those traits are incredibly desirable to future employees. Your cover letter is your opportunity to talk about why you are motivated to pursue the field. Employers that hire entry-level engineers may care as much about your passion and goals as your direct experience.

If you’re hoping to land your first job as an electrical engineer, check out our Cover Letter Samples for step-by-step instructions on creating a letter that will get you noticed.