How do I Write a Civil Engineering Cover Letter?
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."
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![Civil engineering cover letters should demonstrate an understanding of the role the field plays in everyday life.]()
By: bibiCivil engineering cover letters should demonstrate an understanding of the role the field plays in everyday life. -
![Writing a civil engineering cover letter takes a bit of patience and research.]()
By: AikonWriting a civil engineering cover letter takes a bit of patience and research. -
![A civil engineering cover letter should mention any experience on job sites.]()
By: viappyA civil engineering cover letter should mention any experience on job sites. -
![Civil engineers may be responsible for planning entire cities.]()
By: ollyCivil engineers may be responsible for planning entire cities.
Discussion Comments
I just graduated and I don't have any other work experience. If I get this civil engineering job I'm applying for, it will be my first.
I'm sure that there are tens or even hundreds of other civil engineers applying for this job. How can I make my cover letter stand out from the rest?
Sometimes employers specify some of the information they want to see in the cover letter, like dates you would be available to interview with them and so forth. I always check for this first in the job announcement because if I miss that, it won't be a very good first impression at all. They might think that I am careless or don't take them very seriously.
I always write about dates I'm available in the last paragraph along with my contact information (phone and email address). I also say something along the lines of "I look forward to hearing from you" to show that I'm in anticipation.
By the way, one of the most important tips I received about writing a civil engineering cover letter is to never go beyond a single page. I agree with the article that it should be short and to the point.
@alisha-- I just graduated, I did do an internship during college but I don't have any other work experience. If I get this civil engineering job I'm applying for, it will be my first.
I'm sure that there are tens or even hundreds of other civil engineers applying for this job. How can I make my cover letter stand out from the rest?
Oh, and is it all right to mention a contact that's working for the same company in the cover letter as reference?
When I'm writing cover letters, I try to keep in mind that this is meant to be a very brief introduction about myself to the employer. I used to write way too much and include too many details about my education and experiences which I later learned is unnecessary.
All you need to include is that you are a perfect fit for the position you are applying to and why. Also mention about why you are impressed with this company or organization in the first paragraph. Employees like to know that you have learned about the company before applying for a job there.
The cover letter is meant to be a tease. It's suppose the intrigue the employer into actually taking a look at your resume or CV and considering you for the position. The resume or CV has all the details about your education and work experience, so you don't need to go into too many details about it in the cover letter. I just mention where I graduated from and my most important work experience.
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