Writing a civil engineering cover letter is not as hard as it sounds, but it will take a bit of patience and research. The first step is to research the proper format for a cover letter and stick to it carefully. Be sure to include all of your contact information, and print the letter on high quality paper and ink. Be sure to proofread your civil engineering cover letter carefully before sending it, and if possible, have a friend or family member look it over for errors. The key to a good cover letter is brevity: keep your letter short and to the point.
Before writing the letter, be sure to read the job description carefully. Look for key words that will indicate what the employer is looking for in a job candidate, and focus your civil engineering cover letter on these needs. Think about one or two skills and experiences that will demonstrate your ability to fill the employer's needs above all other candidates, and focus your cover letter on those skills and experiences. Try to avoid going into too much detail when describing these skills and experiences, as you will have an opportunity to talk more about them when you are in the job interview.
Keep your civil engineering cover letter to about two to three short paragraphs. Do not run too long, as an employer is unlikely to go through the effort of reading a long cover letter when he or she will likely have numerous letters to sort through. Try to grab the employer's attention quickly in the first paragraph by noting an example of how you will make the best candidate for the job. The first paragraph is a good place to mention any references within the company that you may have, but be sure to ask for permission before using anyone's name in your civil engineering cover letter.
If you have civil engineering experience, you should choose your most relevant job or skill to talk about in your cover letter. If you are fresh out of college and do not have a significant amount of experience, be sure to talk about any internships you may have done, awards you may have won, or specific skills that will help you be the best candidate for the job. Use examples, and be sure to write with firm speech; try to avoid statements such as "I think" or "I believe," and instead say things like "I know" or "I will."