Mechanical Engineer Cover Letter Example
Making an impression with your Mechanical Engineer cover letter is essential if you want to get picked for the best jobs. Find how to get your document on point with ResumeCoach’s example cover letter and writing tips.
Mechanical Engineer Cover Letter
If you’ve been searching for a new Mechanical Engineer role and have finally found an opening or 2 with great conditions, then you’re probably bursting with excitement!
However, there’s one thing that usually gets job candidates to quickly lose their enthusiasm and that’s writing a cover letter.
It may not always be fun to do but adding a cover letter is still seen as a positive by HR professionals and can give your chances of landing a job a serious upgrade.
As a Mechanical Engineer trying to land your dream job, you should put in the extra effort and write a well-structured cover letter.
That means you need to do the following:
- Describe any engineering projects that you have worked on
- Mention your knowledge of CAD software
- Promote your expertise in mechanical design and analysis
There are ways to show off these attributes as an entry-level Mechanical Engineer and as an experienced professional, which we’ll get into.
First off, having an organized resume will help you draft your cover letter.
Use our easy-to-use resume builder to structure your resume, and you’ll have an even easier time preparing your letter thanks to having all of your most important data presented to you in a structured way.
Keep reading for all of our tips to create a helpful Mechanical Engineer cover letter for your application.
Sample of a Mechanical Engineer Cover Letter
Many times you just don’t know where to start when it comes time to write your letter. To get the gears turning, it would be a great idea to look over a well-written example before you start your own.
Review the following example and check out our effective writing guide to learn compelling ways to outline your letter.
Hiring Manager’s name
Company name
Company address
Date
Dear Mr/Ms. [Hiring Manager Name]
I am excited to apply for the Mechanical Engineer position being offered by [Company]. With over 3 years experience in the automotive sector and an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from M.I.T., I am certain that I am just the candidate that you are looking for.
In my career up to this point, I have been able to adapt my skills to multiple projects that encompass the entire mechanical design process. I am adept at bringing my creative and technical abilities to the process of optimizing car engines and improving manufacturing costs.
During my previous role, I developed a new automation system that increased operational efficiency by 15%. In fact, working with [Current Company] I have been able to achieve several successes. I developed and introduced new crankshaft components that led to savings of over $80,000 annually in manufacturing costs. I have also successfully identified fuel chamber improvements that could help engines run with 16% more efficiency.
Please find my resume enclosed along with this cover letter. I would of course be more than happy to discuss any information in more depth in a face-to-face interview.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to speaking more about the role in the future.
Sincerely,
Name
Address
Phone number
Email address
Building the Perfect Mechanical Engineer Cover Letter
We get it, candidates want to apply quickly. In fact, according to the Society for Human Resource Management, 92% of applicants never even submit their applications.
This is due to the number of barriers that some websites include such as the need to set up an account to apply.
While cover letters are not one of the main reasons people avoid applying, some people just don’t like to do them.
However, in reality, it can be quick and easy to draft a cover letter if you know what you’re going to add beforehand.
You just need to know how to
- Start your letter the right way
- Mention your productivity in prior roles
- Show off any accomplishments
By addressing these topics in your letter along with your skills and education you’ll give yourself a better chance of being called in for an interview.
Show Off Your Productivity
Your experience and productivity will be your best friend. Throughout your letter, you should look for ways to demonstrate how you handled your responsibilities and improved productivity.
Here are different topics that you can discuss that will showcase your past productivity:
- Process improvement
- Cost savings
- Design optimization
- Technical innovations
- Quality assurance
- Process documentation
- Team collaboration
For example, here is how you can mention your productivity in the area of technical innovation:
During my previous role, I developed a groundbreaking automation system that reduced production time by 40% and increased overall operational efficiency. This technical innovation, which was awarded a patent, showcases my ability to think outside the box and deliver tangible solutions in the field of mechanical engineering.
Grabbing a Hiring Manager’s Attention With a Great Intro
Just like with a well-written resume summary or objective, a strong introduction to your cover letter will set the tone for your entire application.
You should look to add any key information and data about how productive of a Mechanical Engineer you are. After all, hiring managers want to know everything that you are going to bring to the table.
For instance, you can add something like the following:
With 5 years of experience as a Mechanical Engineer, during which I played a key role in designing and implementing advanced HVAC systems that reduced energy consumption by 30% and saved over $200,000 in annual operating costs, the Mechanical Engineer position at [Company Name] immediately captured my attention as an ideal platform to further excel and apply my specialized skills.
An opening like this will say how long you’ve worked, what you did, and how you were efficient in your previous role or roles.
List Any of Your Engineering Accomplishments
If you have any awards or were recognized for your work, your cover letter is a great time to mention them!
Receiving an award in your field or special recognition from your previous employer will make you look like a much better candidate.
Take the following example for instance:
I am proud to have received recognition for my contributions to the field of mechanical engineering. Recently, I was awarded the [Award] for my design work on an innovative product that exceeded performance expectations while reducing production costs by 25%.
This is a great example to draw inspiration from. It’s clear and mentions specific data, things that make it easy to impress a potential employer.
Cover Letter Blueprint for Entry-Level Mechanical Engineers
If you’re a newbie when it comes to professional Mechanical Engineering it can be stressful trying to find the right position.
You may be wondering if you can compete with more experienced candidates.
While it may be difficult to go up against someone else’s experience, including the right information in your cover letter can still wow a hiring manager, even without a lengthy work history.
There are a few things you should highlight:
- Educational background
- Memberships in engineering organizations
- Relevant skills
However, it’s really important to know not only what to list but how to list them.
Best Ways to Mention Your Engineering Education
When you never worked a full-time Mechanical Engineering position, the natural thing would be to mention your education.
If you had a great GPA and took part in different projects and internships then this section of your letter can be a huge help.
You can present your educational background like this:
I took advantage of specialized coursework in advanced mechanical design, where I gained expertise in utilizing software such as SolidWorks to create complex 3D models and perform structural analysis. These courses further developed my technical skills and provided me with a deep understanding of mechanical systems.
It’s crucial to mention any relevant engineering courses that you took!
Say you also want to mention a project or internship you worked on, here’s how you can do it:
Throughout my internship, I worked closely with a team of experienced engineers, collaborating on the design and development of a cutting-edge robotic automation system.
By including your college experience like this you can earn some valuable points with a hiring employer.
Mentioning Organizations and Memberships
One way you can get a potential employer to look over your lack of experience is to show that you really love Mechanical Engineering.
If you are part of any organizations you should mention them on your cover letter.
Take a look at how you should add that you’re part of an organization and that it is helping you to become a better Mechanical Engineer.
Through my involvement with [organization], I have attended numerous technical conferences, workshops, and seminars where I have gained insights into emerging technologies, best practices, and innovative solutions in the field.
Adding a few lines like these can show you are determined to become a great Mechanical Engineer.
It’s Time to Show Off Your Skills
Whether you are fresh out of college or changing careers, you should think about the skills you can bring to the table.
That means considering all the skills you can list on your cover letter that are relevant to being a successful Mechanical Engineer.
Here are some skills that you should bring up in your cover letter:
- CAD software knowledge
- Ability to evaluate manufacturing feasibility
- Mechanical testing proficiency
- Project management
- Data analysis
Using the right keywords is always helpful and should also stand out to the applicant tracking system which can help get you to the interview part of the process.
Key Takeaways
Whether you are an experienced or entry-level candidate you’ll have the same goal. Impress the hiring manager.
While you may have different areas that you should highlight you’ll want to keep some key ideas in mind:
- Use quantifiable data whenever possible
- Add the right keywords and relevant skills
- Show that you are a motivated Mechanical Engineer
- Ensure your resume is organized
Using tools like a resume template or builder will help you organize your work history, skills, and data.
With the right Mechanical Engineer resume, you can go on to draft a well-written and impressive cover letter.
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