How To Write A Test Engineer Cover Letter In 7 Steps

Updated 6 February 2023

Test engineers are experts who assess mechanical, electrical and technical systems for flaws and potential improvements. They evaluate products and find methods for improvement to ensure the customer receives a functional and error-free experience. If you are applying for test engineer positions, learning to write an exceptional cover letter can help you convince the hiring team you are the best candidate for the job. In this article, we list the steps you can follow to write a test engineer cover letter, offer helpful tips and provide a template and example letter you can use when writing your own.

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are associated with Indeed.

How To Write A Test Engineer Cover Letter?

These are some steps you can follow to write a test engineer cover letter:

1. Format your document

The first step to writing a cover letter for a test engineer position is formatting your document. Choose a word processor you are comfortable using and open a new document. Consider using a font like Times New Roman, Arial or Georgia for a professional look. Font sizes between 10 and 12 points can make it easier for hiring managers to read the document. If you do not want to format the document yourself, you can likely use a template from the word processor's library.

2. Include your contact information

The hiring team may use the information on your cover letter to call or email you and schedule an interview. If you do not include the information or if the information is not accurate, the hiring manager may contact another candidate in your place. These are some pieces of information to include in your cover letter:

Phone number: When listing your phone number on your cover letter, check each digit to ensure you have not mistyped. Even one wrong number can make it impossible for the hiring manager to reach you.
Location: You do not require to include your full street address on your cover letter. The employer likely just wants to know you are in the right area, so you can include just the city in which you live.
E-mail address: List your professional email address, rather than a personal one. Professional email addresses are often some combination of your first and last name without any additional numbers or characters.

3. Specify your interest in the test engineer role

In the first line of your cover letter, you can specify your interest in the role. You may include specific details that make you interested in the role or in the organisation. In the rest of the first paragraph, you can detail how the role fits into your career plan.

Example: Please accept this letter as my official statement of interest in the Testing Engineer role at Western Mumbai Technologies. I interned with WMT as a college student and I have been waiting for an opportunity to return in a professional capacity. I enjoyed the spirit of learning and innovation WMT had to offer during my time there and I believe I have the skills and knowledge necessary to help elevate products and services through engineering testing.

4. Highlight your test engineer experience

In the second paragraph of your letter, you can highlight your test engineer experience. Try to focus on roles that are relevant to the test engineer position. If the positions are not inherently linked, consider providing an explanation of transferrable skills that you can use in the test engineer role. For example, if you had a previous role as a stocking assistant at a grocery store, you may describe how you learnt attention to detail skills that transfer to the test engineer role. These are some experiences you may include in your cover letter:

Engineering intern
Test engineering assistant
Software engineer
Coding specialist
Technology intern

5. Emphasise your test engineer skills

Prior to writing your cover letter, review the job listing and identify the skills listed there. Compare them with the skills you possess and include them in your cover letter. This helps you show the hiring manager you have the qualifications to perform as a test engineer. These are some skills you may include in your cover letter:

Testing procedure knowledge
Communication skills
Circuit understanding
Agile or kanban boards
Attention to detail
Testing tool usage
Problem solving

6. Thank the reader for their time

To conclude your letter, you can thank the reader for their time and attention. This can help you show your gratitude and begin developing a relationship with the hiring team. It is best to leave this sentence until the end of your letter, rather than including it at the end.

Example: I want to thank you for taking the time to read my letter today. I look forward to hearing from you, as I am very excited about this opportunity with Grounded & Floated Testing Inc.

7. Include a complimentary close and your signature

Close your letter with a simple statement and your signature. If you are submitting your document digitally, you can print it, sign it with a pen and scan it to your computer. You can also use online signature and document editing programmes to add your signature. Before signing, write your complimentary close. These are some closing statements you can use:

Regards
Best regards
Best wishes
Sincerely
Best
Thank you
With gratitude

Tips For Writing An Effective Letter

These are some helpful tips you can use when writing a cover letter as a test engineer:

Thoroughly edit and proofread prior to submission. Attention to detail is a vital part of the test engineer role and you can show these skills by submitting a cover letter that is free from errors. Be sure to check for commonly misspelt words and minor grammatical errors.
Ask a friend or colleague to review your letter. If you are unsure of the tone or quality of your cover letter, consider asking a friend or colleague to review it for you. They may identify mistakes you missed or offer insights using their unique perspective.
Include important test engineer keywords. A keyword is a term or phrase that appears frequently on the job listing or on the company's website. You can identify these words and include them naturally in your letter to help it perform better in applicant tracking systems.
Align your cover letter and resume design elements. Your cover letter and resume are a package, so it can be a good idea to ensure they align. Consider using the same font, design and colours for both documents but avoid repeating information.

Cover Letter Template

Here is a cover letter template for a test engineer you can use when creating your own:

[First name] [Last name], [Degree or certification if applicable]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City], [State or Union territory]

[Date]

[Company name]

Dear [Hiring manager's first name] [Hiring manager's last name],

[Express excitement for the position including the role title and the company name]. [Introduce yourself by explaining why you are applying for the job and how the job aligns with your career goals and what specifically draws you to the company].

[Explain your relevant experience and qualifications without repeating what is in your resume]. [Highlight one to two relevant achievements with facts and data when possible]. [Explain why you are a good fit for the company]. [Optional - address employment gap or career transition].

[Express gratitude]. [Summarise qualification]. [Restate interest in the role]. [Call to action + availability and preferred contact method]

[Complimentary close],
[Signature]

Sample Test Engineer Cover Letter

Here is a sample cover letter for a test engineer you can use as inspiration when writing your own:

Anuradha Dhananjay, Certified Test Engineer +91-2274839571 | adhanajay@email.com | Mumbai, Maharashtra

09 January 2023

Mandeep & Asha Technologies Co.

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the Test Engineer position with Mandeep & Asha Technologies Co. As a Certified Test Engineer with more than five years of experience, I believe I have the skills and qualifications necessary to excel in the role. I have long admired Mandeep & Asha's work in the technology field and I would be honoured to join the team and help design and test new technologies to improve the future.

In my previous position as Test Engineer Assistant, I aided in the effort to prepare technical proposals, asses test results and refine analysis protocol. The new design I suggested for a product resulted in 81% fewer error codes than the previous model. I am committed to continuous learning and I am currently taking a course to earn my Test Engineer Team Lead Certification, with the goal to develop my leadership and advance my career.

Thank you for taking the time to review my materials. If you have any questions for me or require additional information, please send me an email at adhanajay@email.com. I am available during normal business hours.

Sincerely,
Anuradha Dhananjay