Programmer Cover Letters

Approved by real hiring managers, these Programmer cover letters have been proven to get people hired in 2023. A hiring manager explains why.

Hiring Manager for Programmer Roles
Compiled and approved by: Carlson Tyler-Smith
Senior Hiring Manager - Programmer Roles
18+ Years of Experience
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Programmer Cover Letter Example

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the Programmer position at Google. I have always admired Google's innovative spirit and commitment to making a positive impact on people's lives through technology. In fact, it was during a visit to the Googleplex for the Google I/O conference a few years ago that I knew I wanted to contribute my programming skills to a company that truly values creativity and collaboration.

At Resume Worded, I led a project to optimize the codebase, resulting in a 30% reduction in page load time and a more enjoyable user experience for our clients. I believe this experience in performance optimization aligns perfectly with Google's focus on creating fast and efficient products. Additionally, I have a strong background in agile development methodologies, having successfully implemented Scrum at my previous workplace, which led to a 20% increase in overall team productivity. I am confident that my experience with agile practices would be a valuable asset to Google's programming teams.

As someone who is passionate about technology and its potential to improve the world, I am particularly excited about Google's commitment to using AI for social good. I am eager to contribute my programming skills to projects that have a positive impact, and I know that Google provides the perfect environment to do just that.

Thank you for considering my application,
[Your Name]

Why This Cover Letter Works in 2023

Quantifiable Accomplishment

By highlighting a specific project and including a quantifiable outcome, this sentence demonstrates the value the candidate brings to the table. It's important to showcase your achievements with real-world examples.

Showcasing Relevant Skills

This sentence effectively highlights the candidate's experience with agile development methodologies and how it led to an increase in productivity. It's crucial to connect your skills and accomplishments to the company's needs.

Simple and Polite Closing

A brief and courteous closing sentence shows appreciation for the hiring manager's time and consideration. It's essential to maintain a professional and polite tone throughout the cover letter.

Programmer Cover Letter Example

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to apply for the Programmer role at Amazon, a position that perfectly aligns with my professional expertise and career goals. I've long admired Amazon's commitment to innovation and customer-centric ethos, it is this drive to constantly push the boundaries that resonates with my own passion for programming.

In my current role at Resume Worded, I've had the opportunity to work closely with a team of talented developers, creating and implementing complex algorithms that improved system efficiency by 25%. My knack for solving complex problems and effective communication skills have allowed me to excel in collaborative environments, breaking down complex technical jargon into understandable language for stakeholders.

One of my proudest achievements was when I successfully led a project which increased code efficiency by 30%. This project not only improved the performance of our software but also significantly reduced the processing time for our end-users. I believe these experiences and accomplishments make me a strong fit for the Programmer role at Amazon.

I am particularly excited about the opportunity to work on projects that directly impact millions of users worldwide. The chance to contribute to Amazon's mission of being the earth's most customer-centric company is a thrilling prospect for me.

I am eager to bring my technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and passion for programming to Amazon. Thank you for considering my application, I look forward to the possibility of discussing this opportunity further.

Best Regards,
[Your Name]

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Why This Cover Letter Works in 2023

Showcase Specific Achievements

When you highlight a specific achievement like 'improving system efficiency by 25%', it creates a solid impression about your ability to deliver results. It's not just about what you did, but about the impact you had. Using measurable data makes the assertion concrete and gives the hiring manager a clear picture of your capability and potential contribution.

Highlight Leadership in Achievements

By mentioning that you 'led a project which increased code efficiency by 30%', you're not just showing that you're a capable programmer, but also a leader. Employers love to see candidates who can take charge and deliver results. It suggests that you can handle responsibilities and drive initiatives, making you a valuable addition to the team.

Senior Programmer Cover Letter Example

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the Senior Programmer position at Google. I am drawn to Google's mission of organizing the world's information, and the company's commitment to developing innovative solutions that transform how people interact with technology.

As the lead Programmer at Resume Worded, I've had the privilege of overseeing a team of developers, where we successfully designed and deployed software applications that improved business productivity by over 40%. My leadership skills, coupled with my ability to inspire my team, have greatly contributed to our success.

One of my most memorable accomplishments was leading the development of a machine learning algorithm that accurately predicted user behavior, thereby increasing customer engagement by 35% on our platform. This experience, coupled with my extensive technical skills, make me an ideal candidate for the Senior Programmer position at Google.

The opportunity to work with Google's talented team of developers and contribute to projects that have a global impact is incredibly exciting to me. I am especially interested in bringing my expertise in machine learning algorithms to aid Google's ongoing initiatives in advancing search technology.

I appreciate your time in considering my application. I am looking forward to the prospect of bringing my technical skills, leadership abilities, and passion for innovation to Google.

Best Regards,
[Your Name]

Why This Cover Letter Works in 2023

Demonstrate Impact on Business Productivity

When you mention 'improved business productivity by over 40%', you're showing that your work has tangible benefits beyond the technical realm. It implies that you understand how your role fits into the business's larger goals, and that you're capable of making meaningful contributions to its success. It's a strong selling point, especially for senior roles where a broader business perspective is often required.

Connect Technical Skills with Business Outcomes

By stating that you 'led the development of a machine learning algorithm that accurately predicted user behavior, thereby increasing customer engagement by 35%', you effectively bridge your technical skills with business outcomes. It hints that you're not just technically competent, but also capable of leveraging those skills to drive user engagement and business growth. This shows that you're a holistic candidate who can contribute significantly to the company's goals.

Alternative Introductions

If you're struggling to start your cover letter, here are 6 different variations that have worked for others, along with why they worked. Use them as inspiration for your introductory paragraph.

1
As an avid daily user of Microsoft products, I am excited to apply for the Programmer position at Microsoft. In my experience, no other company consistently delivers top-notch software that empowers individuals in their personal and professional lives quite like Microsoft. For me, it all started when I learned to code using Visual Studio, which sparked a passion for programming and a deep appreciation for the elegant design behind Microsoft products.
This intro demonstrates the candidate's genuine passion for the company and their appreciation for the company's product quality, making it more relatable and memorable.

2
When I was a teenager, I remember visiting an Apple Store and being captivated by the seamless blend of design and technology. This moment inspired me to pursue a career in programming, and today, I am thrilled to apply for the Programmer position at Apple. As a company that is renowned for marrying function and design, I believe Apple aligns perfectly with my own values as a programmer.
Personal anecdotes, like the one shared here, help make a strong connection between the candidate's experiences and the company's values, showing that the candidate is a great cultural fit.

3
As someone who has a keen interest in cutting-edge technology and the gaming industry, the opportunity to apply for the Programmer position at NVIDIA is incredibly exciting. Your commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in gaming, AI, and high-performance computing deeply resonates with my own ambitions as a programmer and enthusiast.
By emphasizing the unique aspects of NVIDIA and how they align with the candidate's interests, this introduction highlights the candidate's excitement for the industry and the company's position as a leader in the field.

4
When I found out that there was an opening for a Programmer at IBM, I couldn't help but think back to the time when I first learned about Watson and its extraordinary AI capabilities. As a programmer passionate about harnessing the power of AI, I am eager to work with a company that has such a strong, storied history and is a pioneer in the field.
This intro shows the candidate's respect for the company's history and innovations in AI, emphasizing their interest in joining a team of pioneers in the industry.

5
As a programmer passionate about making a positive impact on people's lives, I am thrilled to apply for the Programmer position at Salesforce. Your dedication to not only developing innovative software solutions but also focusing on social responsibility and sustainability is truly inspiring. This unique combination is precisely what draws me to Salesforce as the perfect place to contribute my programming skills and grow professionally.
By highlighting the company's focus on both innovation and social responsibility, this introduction demonstrates that the candidate shares similar values and is interested in contributing to the company's positive mission.