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Cover letter example

Software developer cover letter example

Many tech recruiters skim cover letters, but hiring managers do read them when the profile is unusual. Use it to link your experience to their product and stack, mention one technical problem you solved, and keep it short.

For an ESN, show that you are comfortable joining client teams.

Cover letter example

Replace the parts in brackets with your own details.

Subject: Application: Backend Developer (Java) position

Hello [Recruiter's Name],

I am applying for the backend developer position at [Company]. I have been working for [x] years as a Java developer on payment services, and your product, which handles invoicing for small businesses, deals with the kind of reliability problems I enjoy working on.

In my current team, I build Spring Boot APIs used by our mobile app and by partner banks. Last year, I worked on our main transaction endpoint, which slowed down at peak hours. After profiling, I rewrote several PostgreSQL queries and added the missing indexes, and the timeouts reported by support stopped. I also added integration tests to our GitLab pipeline so that this kind of regression is caught before release.

Your job description mentions a move towards event-driven services with Kafka. I have used Kafka on two services and would be glad to share what I learned about message ordering and retries. I am used to code reviews in English and in French.

I would be happy to talk about your architecture and team in a call.

Best regards,[First Name Last Name][GitHub link]

What to highlight

  • Main stack and level of experience
  • One technical problem you solved and its effect
  • Interest in the company's product or sector
  • How you work in a team: code reviews, agile practices
  • Work authorisation and languages if you are relocating

Mistakes to avoid

  • Repeating the stack listed in the CV without saying what you did with it.
  • A letter longer than the job ad.
  • Generic enthusiasm for technology with no link to the company's product.
  • Not mentioning your work permit status when relocating from outside the EU.

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Frequently asked questions

Is a cover letter necessary for developer jobs in France?

Often optional, especially on tech job boards. It helps when you are changing careers, relocating, or applying to a company you particularly want. A short message of a few paragraphs is enough; a link to your code is often more convincing.

Should I write in English or French?

Follow the language of the job ad. Many French tech companies publish ads in English and work in English; if the ad is in French, write in French, even simply, as it shows you can handle specifications and meetings in French.

How should I present a career change into development?

Explain your training (bootcamp, professional title, self-study), show one or two projects with links, and connect your previous job to the business domain of the employer. Recruiters are more open to career changers when the domain knowledge is relevant.

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