Technical writer cover letter

Technical Writer Cover Letter (With Examples)

With technology so prevalent in our society, it is no wonder we all need help understanding how certain processes work. From signing up for health care policies to reading computer software manuals, much of those needs is aided by complex technology. It’s impossible to understand the ins and outs of everything, which is why we need technical writers.

Technical writers help a predetermined audience understand the technological processes of products and services. Through collaboration with the designers and engineers of the product, along with thorough independent research, a technical writer makes sure that their words are completely effective with the target audience.

It is no surprise that a technical writer has to be good with words and this is an important skill to highlight during job applications. So, if you are a technical writer looking for work, then your cover letter must be exceptional. Not only does the cover letter explain why you are a qualified candidate, but how it is written will also reveal your skills to the hiring manager.

Your technical writer cover letter must show your ability to construct a clear and concise message with a logical progression. However, unlike most technical documents, your words should not be dry and impersonal. You want to craft a message that tells your story in such a way that the reader is interested in learning more about you.

Parts of a Technical Writer Cover Letter

First, break down what your cover letter should look like and how you plan to structure it. To achieve the greatest impact, make sure the parts of your cover letter build off one another to strengthen your message. A cover letter is like an elevator pitch, so yours must be tight, focused and use between 200 and 400 words.

Like most cover letters, a technical writer cover letter can be broken down into four main components. They are:

1. Heading. Your heading will provide your contact information as well as address the letter to the reader. Headings will change depending on the format of your letter.

2. Opening statement. An opening statement needs to grab the reader’s attention and pull them into your pitch. This is your first chance to distinguish yourself among the other applicants.

3. Body. The body of your cover letter does two things. First, it should explain how you are qualified for the position based on your skills and previous experience. Second, it should underscore your interest in the position and how you can be a meaningful member of the organization.

4. Closing statement. The closing statement concludes your message and leaves the door open for further inquiry. This is accomplished with a confident yet modest call to action.

Technical Writer Cover Letter Heading

Your cover letter will begin with whatever relevant contact information you can provide along with the accurate address of the reader. Your contact information can be found either in the header of your document or else at the top of the letter. Then the reader’s information will follow. However, if this is an email, disregard the contact information and begin with the greeting.

You should also do your best to address the letter to a specific person. This will help you stand out and will show that you have a vested interest in the position. Sometimes the job description will list who you are to contact, but if you cannot find it, do some research online. If you cannot find anything, address the letter to the hiring manager.

Here is an example for a technical writer cover letter heading:

Technical Writer Cover Letter Opening Statement

Your cover letter needs to begin in such a way that the reader will want to learn more. As a technical writer, you should clarify what you are applying for and why you are qualified for the position. Most cover letters begin this way, however, do not be generic with words. A stale statement risks losing the interest of the reader at the very beginning.

Instead, find a way to make your case unique. You are a writer and a communicator looking for work in a profession that demands effective word choice. Pick the right words in your opening statement that balance your needs. To do so:

1. Be professional. Professional does not mean stiff or boring. However, it does mean a certain formality. Be respectful with your words. Depending on the company’s culture, you may need to be more conservative or should be more relaxed with your tone.

2. Use the information that proves your worth. The best way to hook the reader is to state right away what makes you qualified. This could either be tangible results of a relevant experience, a statement of passion for the role or some other statement that lets the reader know you offer value to the position.

After reading the opening statement, the reader will see that you have potential as a qualified technical writer. Within just a few words, you have already shown how your writing skills can communicate an idea, in this case, why you deserve the attention of the reader.

An opening statement for a technical writer cover letter will look like this:

Technical Writer Cover Letter Body

After you have started off with a strong lead, the reader will want to see why you are a great candidate for the technical writing position. This is where the body of your cover letter makes a case for you. The body of a technical writer cover letter will tell your story through past experience and future interest.

A body of a cover letter is essentially broken down into these two parts, generally as two separate paragraphs. The first paragraph will talk about your previous experience, while the second paragraph will focus on your interest in the new job. The second paragraph should also tie in your skills to the skills found in the job description, so use the right buzzwords.

Be careful about word length and make sure to cover the following in your body:

1. Tell a story with tangible results. What makes a cover letter unique is the tone and topic. Avoid platitudes and restating your resume. Instead, use your interest and past experiences to highlight your personality. As a writer, this is an opportunity to show the reader what makes you such a valuable candidate in an engaging way.

2. Refer to the requirements of the job listing. Make sure to connect back to the job description. This is how you help build a case for yourself. You want to show that you can provide the skills and fulfill the responsibilities required. Especially in the second body paragraph, connect your interest with that of the company.

3. Show passion and engagement. Keep your tone interesting through a passion for the position. The hiring manager will want someone interested in the position and the company. Write so that your words reveal yourself to be this person.

The body of your cover letter should leave no doubt that you are the best technical writer for the position. The experience and skills you share, your interest in the position and your writing itself will define you as a highly capable communicator.

An example of a body to a technical writer cover letter will look like this:

Technical Writer Cover Letter Closing Statement

Your closing statement is the strong conclusion to the pitch, the story about yourself that defines you as the best candidate for the technical writer position.

To do so, make sure to do the following:

1. Restate your qualifications and interest with passion. Tie up your interest in the position and why you are a great candidate.

2. Provide a call to action. Leave the door open for further discussion by including a call for action to meet in the future. Be assertive but also humble in your assumption that further steps will be taken.

3. Finally, end with a professional sign off. Some examples include:

   • Sincerely

   • Best Regards

   • Yours Truly

An example of a technical writer cover letter closing statement would be like this:

Example of a Technical Writer Cover Letter