Mechanical Engineer Cover Letter

Mechanical Engineer Cover Letter (With Examples)

A cover letter is an important companion to a resume, especially when applying for a mechanical engineer position. A good cover letter may earn you a phone call for an interview, while a poor one will likely result in your application being set on the “pass” pile.

Luckily, there are resources and templates available to help with crafting a solid cover letter.

Although it’s not uncommon for many job applications to make a cover letter optional nowadays, including one is a good idea so you can show that you’re serious about the job and want to stand out.

What Is a Cover Letter and Why Is It Important?

A cover letter is a brief letter of introduction that typically accompanies a resume. It gives you an opportunity to introduce yourself, showcase your skills, accomplishments, and goals, and explain what you hope to bring to the company if hired.

One critical benefit to a cover letter is the ability to elaborate and provide more information that may not be as easily conveyed in the typical bullet-point format of a resume. A cover letter may be paired with a letter of intent, which is more generalized and geared toward any position at a desirable company, not necessarily a specific job opening.

Parts of a Mechanical Engineer Cover Letter

Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest types of engineering jobs. A mechanical engineer may work with engines, air conditioning systems, robotics, thermal devices, generators, and more. These engineers are responsible for creating prototypes, testing systems for functionality, and identifying any faults.

The engineering field in the civil service job market is robust with many opportunities and a lot of competition. This field ranks as one of the highest-paying jobs for women in the workforce, and it’s a common non-combat Military Occupational Service (MOS) as well.

When writing a cover letter, there are key parts you need to include:

1. Your contact information

2. The organization’s information

3. Dear [Manager Name],

4. First paragraph: intent and opening hook

5. Second paragraph: main body with key skills and accomplishments concerning the job requirements

6. Third paragraph: closing lines with a compelling call to action

7. Best regards, followed by name and title

You have only one page to make your case and grab a hiring manager’s attention, so every sentence must count. Your cover letter should also be formatted correctly. If you’re concerned about having a professional-looking layout, take advantage of free cover letter templates.

Mechanical Engineer Cover Letter Opening

You want to make it as easy as possible for a hiring manager to contact you, so it’s important to include the basic contact information for both you and the company you are applying at the top of the letter.

If possible, address your cover letter to the hiring manager by name. If you don’t know the hiring manager’s name, use a gender-neutral greeting such as “Dear [Company Name] Recruitment Manager.”

Start with a bang — the first two sentences of your opening need to grab a hiring manager’s attention immediately. Assertively announce your application to the position and then follow with an impactful accomplishment.

Numbers are particularly eye-catching, so if you can quantify your claim with statistics, percentages, or dollar amounts, your letter is much more likely to garner a full read and avoid the reject pile.

Note that the applicant in the example used specific growth measurements instead of relying on market buzzwords and empty, generic claims about increasing revenue and cutting costs.

Mechanical Engineer Cover Letter Body

Now that you have a hiring manager’s attention, you need to prove that you’re a worthy candidate for the position. The cover letter body should explain:

1. Why you want this job

2. The skills that qualify you for the specific requirements of the job

3. Why you are the perfect fit for the position

You might be surprised by how many applicants drop the ball here by prattling off a list of general skills and accomplishments that have nothing to do with the specifics of the job listing.

To stand apart from the noise of the competition, you need to prove that you did your research and fully understand what’s expected of you in this job position, then directly tie your skills to the company’s needs.

The applicant clearly understands what is expected in the job description and breaks down her exact qualifications to meet every requirement in a concise, easy-to-read format.

Mechanical Engineer Cover Letter Closing Lines

Hopefully, by now, the hiring manager is thoroughly invested in what you have to offer, but you have to keep up the momentum and cross the finish line with a strong closing. The ending may not seem as relevant as the initial pitch and body of the letter, but you have to ensure that you leave a lasting impression if you want that interview.

That being said, don’t drag it out with unnecessary fluff. You’ve made your point; now drive it home with a quick recap and optimistic closing to remind the hiring manager why you are the right candidate for the job.

Note that the applicant didn’t just say “Thanks for your time” and leave her strong pitch hanging. She wrapped up her closing in a way that demonstrates her knowledge, enthusiasm, desire for the company’s success, and goal of being with this company long-term.

Example of a Mechanical Engineer Cover Letter

Putting all the parts together illustrates how the ideal cover letter should start with an attention-grabber right off the bat and keep that same level of energy and competency throughout the entire pitch.

Tips for a Mechanical Engineer Cover Letter

• Use confident language. A degree of authority and expertise is expected from an engineer, so instead of using timid words and phrases like “may” or “could” to undermine your skills, employ absolute phrases.

• Use numbers. When listing your greatest accomplishments, cite quantifiable achievements to make a more significant impact. For example, instead of saying, “I helped my previous company grow its annual revenue,” provide a specific number: “I facilitated an annual 32% growth increase.”

• Expand on relevant experience and skills listed in your resume. A cover letter provides an opportunity to elaborate and put resume points into a grander context.

• Emphasize teamwork. Engineering often involves working in a team. Providing specific examples of how you incorporated your hard and soft skills in a teamwork environment will carry greater weight than simply bulleting out those points on a resume.

  You should seriously consider using trusted teammates as references or asking them for a letter of recommendation if appropriate.

Final Thoughts

In a competitive job market, you need to stand apart from other applicants, so you can’t afford to opt out of a cover letter even if it isn’t required to apply. Rather than dreading the cover letter, think of it as an extra opportunity to introduce yourself and make your best pitch.

Even if you have a great resume filled with all the right skills of a mechanical engineering master, the cover letter just might be that final wow factor that elevates your application above someone who either didn’t send a cover letter or didn’t put the same level of time and care into drafting it as you did.

A cover letter is like a virtual handshake. Could you still get the job if you sit down for the interview without shaking the hiring manager’s hand and giving a proper introduction? Sure. But the candidate who walks in after you, smiles, and confidently extends a hand in greeting is going to make a much better first impression.

Every aspect of the job application and interview process adds up to a cumulative decision influenced by your skills, experience, and how you choose to present yourself. Start by tipping the scale in your favor with a powerful and compelling cover letter.