How to Write a Cover Letter for a Tech Job
Tech hiring varies significantly by company and role. Some engineering-led organisations deprioritise cover letters almost entirely. Others use them as a meaningful filter. Understanding the context helps you invest your effort appropriately.
When Cover Letters Matter in Tech
At large tech companies running volume graduate or early-career hiring: cover letters may be read at the shortlisting stage but are rarely the primary filter. ATS and CV screening come first.
At product companies, startups, and scale-ups hiring for specific roles: the cover letter is often more carefully read, particularly if the role involves product thinking, communication, or leadership.
For senior engineering and product leadership roles: the cover letter is usually read and may be the factor that determines whether a technically strong candidate gets progressed.
What Tech Hiring Teams Want to See
Tech cover letters that land well demonstrate:
- Specific knowledge of the product or engineering problem the company is working on
- A genuine reason for interest in this company at this point in your career
- Technical credibility without over-explaining every technical choice you have made
- Evidence of impact — not just what you built, but what it achieved
What they do not want: excessive focus on enthusiasm over evidence, or lengthy descriptions of technical architecture that belong in a portfolio or technical interview.
The Reference to Their Stack
If you know the company's technology stack and you have relevant experience, mention it briefly. This is both genuinely relevant and ATS-useful. But do not lead with "I see you use React and I also use React" — connect your experience to the problem they are solving.
A Note on Portfolios and GitHub
For developer roles, a portfolio or GitHub link is often more valuable than an extended cover letter. Keep the cover letter brief and direct, and let your portfolio do the technical work.
Structure for a Tech Cover Letter
Paragraph 1: Why this company (specific — product, mission, technical approach).
Paragraph 2: What you have built and what it has achieved. One to two specific examples relevant to this role. Mention specific technologies where directly relevant.
Paragraph 3: What you are looking for in the next role and why this opportunity fits.
Brief close.
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