Civil engineering is a field with many different specialties and niches. But no matter what you’re specializing in, one thing remains true: Civil engineers are responsible for a significant portion of our modern infrastructure.
Think of any man-made landmark – whether it’s the Brooklyn Bridge, the Eiffel Tower, or the Erie Canal – and you can almost certainly trace it back to civil engineers. And it’s not just the big things. Civil engineers are behind visualizing, designing, and executing many projects that we take for granted as part of our daily lives, from roadways to airports to drainage systems.
On top of all that, civil engineering is an extremely promising career field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7% growth rate for civil engineering positions over the next 10 years. Plus, the median income for a civil engineer is $88,050, which is significantly higher than the country’s overall median income of around $31,000.
So how can you build a career in this ever-growing field? To generate traction in the competitive job market associated with civil engineering, it’s crucial that you craft a standout cover letter to supplement your resume.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the different sections within a cover letter and what each should entail. We’ll also provide guidance and examples of cover letters for a range of different candidates, regardless of experience level. By the time you’re finished reading, you’ll feel
well-equipped to tackle your civil engineering job search.
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What Should Be in Each Section of a Cover Letter for a Civil Engineer?
You might be wondering why you need to write a cover letter when you’ve already got a resume. In short, a cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants for the same job. It functions as an opening introduction and can be a helpful way to highlight your most relevant experience and show a little bit of your professionalism and personality.
Each section of a cover letter for a civil engineer has different requirements. We’ll cover the unique components of each section so that you’re set up for success as you embark on the journey of crafting an effective cover letter. Follow along with this guide to build a civil engineering cover letter that will shine, helping you win that job you’ve got your eye on.
Heading
A key word in the term cover letter is “letter.” While it might feel nonintuitive, especially in the modern digital age, a cover letter should begin with some typical letterhead information. You’ll want to include your name, title, and other contact information, as well as the name, title, and contact information of the person you’re addressing it to.
It’s also typical to include the date on which the cover letter was sent. Make sure to update that piece of information each time you send out a cover letter so that it doesn’t look dated and appears to be customized for each job – whether or not it is.
When you’re deciding what contact information to include, you might consider the following:
- Name
- Job title (either of your previous job or of the job you’re looking to obtain)
- Physical address
- Email address
- Phone number
- Link to your LinkedIn profile
- Link to your personal website
Remember that cover letters are a place to be professional. An appropriate heading might look something like the following, which includes the necessary information for both the applicant and the employer.
John Smith, Civil Engineer
123 Main St, San Francisco, CA 12345
(123) 456-7890
jsmith@emailaddress.com
www.johnsmithengineer.com
January 11, 2023
Mark Murphy, Hiring Manager
California Environmental Engineering
456 Hartford St, San Jose, CA 23456
(123) 576-9876
mark@caengineering.com
In the above example, the applicant included his information first. He shared his position title, his address, his phone number, and his email address. That gives the employer multiple ways to contact him. He also included a website.
If you’re going to include a website in your header, make sure it’s a professional one that’s well put together and showcases your work. If you don’t have a professional website, there’s no need to include a different website like a Facebook page or other social media channel. It’s better to just leave it out.
The applicant also succeeded in finding the name and contact information of a specific person to whom he’s addressing the cover letter. While finding the right person can sometimes be difficult, you can often find the information of a hiring manager or other HR employee for the company you’re looking to work at through the “Our Team” section of a business’ website.
You may also have been provided with this information somewhere in the job application, so make sure that you double-check. If you’re not sure of the exact person’s name whom you’re trying to reach, you can omit a first name and go with a generic title like “Hiring Manager.”
The following is an example of how NOT to write a cover letter header:
Tom Patterson
(908) 876-2345
tom.patterson@comcast.net
December 23, 2022
To Whom It May Concern
Bluestream Piping
65 Edison Way, Fresno CA 78654
(897) 143-7643
There are a few different errors in this example. First of all, the applicant didn’t include much information about himself. He didn’t share a title or his physical address, and he hasn’t provided a website or a link to his LinkedIn profile. The hiring manager who reads this cover letter may be unsure of the applicant’s qualifications without a title or other information.
The applicant also used “To Whom It May Concern” rather than finding the name or title of the person to whom he should be addressing the cover letter. There is a place for that kind of vague salutation, but in the header, it’s better to opt for a nonspecific title rather than a phrase like the one this applicant used. “Hiring Manager” may have been a better option.
Salutation
After the cover letter heading should be the salutation. This is another place where you’ll want to greet the hiring manager by their name when possible. You can use their job title instead if you don’t know their name or aren’t exactly sure to whom the letter should be addressed.
One excellent way to find the name of a hiring manager is through LinkedIn. When you’re on a company’s LinkedIn page, you can click on the “People” tab and browse through any employees that the company is associated with on LinkedIn. These employees will often have their job titles listed, making it easier to pinpoint the hiring manager.
If you’re still unable to find the name of the hiring manager, you should still use their job title. “Dear Hiring Manager” is a much better salutation than a simple “Hello” or “Good Morning.”
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Introduction
In your introductory paragraph, you have an opportunity to let your accomplishments shine. You should highlight your key accomplishments, focusing on one that has actual metrics that you can point to. Providing a tangible statistic can be a great way to capture an employer’s interest, prompting them to continue reading your cover letter and learning why you’d be great at the job you’re applying for.
For example, an entry-level candidate might write a cover letter introduction that looks something like this:
As you can see from the resume I’ve attached, I have three years of experience in the civil engineering field working with drainage systems at the Northampton Watershed Project. I created designs and construction plans for five different projects that came to fruition during my tenure. One of my projects helped develop a new filtration system that removed more than 99% of contaminants from the environment. I am confident that the skills I’ve gained from this position will set me up for success working as a civil engineer for your company.
There are several reasons why this introduction is especially successful. The applicant references her resume, but rather than summarizing it, she points to one professional experience in particular. She also cites two numerical statistics: that she did five projects at her previous job and that the water filtration system she created was 99% effective.
Numbers catch the eye early on, and they show a propensity for data-driven analysis that’s essential in the civil engineering field. The applicant also mentioned the name of the position that she’s looking to hold: a civil engineer. Including the name of the position is a great way to remind the person reading your cover letter what specific job you’re applying for.
Unfortunately, not all introductions to cover letters are created equal. The following is an example of a much less effective introductory paragraph:
My name is John Smith, and I’ve been a civil engineer for two years. While I was working at the Charles River Group, I decided I wanted to leave the position and look for something new. I worked on numerous projects in my previous position, and I enjoyed all of them. My skills and knowledge are sure to complement the work you’re doing at your company.
Let’s start at the beginning: There’s no need to include your name in your introductory paragraph. If you’ve done your cover letter header correctly, it should already be at the top of the page. Don’t waste valuable space by including it again. It can feel repetitive and unnecessary to the person reading your letter.
This applicant also did not include relevant information about his previous job. While he said that he worked on many different projects and enjoyed them, he failed to share data about his success or any other specific details. Employers are generally looking for a more compelling hook than this one when it comes to cover letters – remember, you’re trying to stand out.
It’s rarely a good idea to talk about why you left a previous job in your opening paragraph. That line of discourse may open a whole can of worms that could leave a bad taste in an employer’s mouth. Rather than talking about why you left an old job, focus on what you can bring to your new one.
Paragraphs
In the subsequent paragraphs of your cover letter, you’ll have even more space to talk about your achievements. Make sure to be specific and add value to your narrative, highlighting areas in which you excelled and projects that you contributed to uniquely or effectively.
You’ll also want to show that you’re familiar with the company that you’re asking to hire you. Employers want to know that you’re interested in their company in particular and not just sending out a whole batch of form-style cover letters. It can be useful to do some research about the company’s typical projects, core values, and mission.
That way, you can show that you’re aligned with what the company is looking for. If you’ve done any projects that are related to what the company you’re applying to does on a regular basis, you should capitalize on that. Don’t be afraid to brag a little – your cover letter is a place to sell yourself, not sell yourself short.
The following is an example of what the body paragraphs of your cover letter might look like. In this example, imagine that the candidate is applying for a job at a company called California Environmental Engineering.
My three years working on drainage systems and flood control plans have given me valuable experience that I am excited to parlay into success at California Environmental Engineering. After reading about your company’s innovative solutions for the upkeep of the Clinton Dam, I was drawn to apply for the civil engineering position.
I have collaborated on numerous tasks that have given me insight into the world of environmentally conscious civil engineering:
- Transformed designs into technical drawings to present to stakeholders for projects valued up to $2 million
- Provided recommendations to improve constructions plans with a focus on sustainability for both public and private infrastructure projects
- Conducted inspections of project sites to ensure compliance with EPA regulations
These paragraphs are successful because they demonstrate an interest in the company’s existing work as well as a drive to succeed in the areas that the company prioritizes. It’s acceptable to use bullet points in your paragraphs, as long as they’re concise and relevant. Bullet points make your cover letter easier to skim, especially if a hiring manager is reading lots of them.
There are plenty of cover letters out there, however, that just aren’t quite up to par. The following is an example of how NOT to write the body paragraphs of your cover letter.
California Environmental Engineering is a company that I’ve always wanted to work for. Being part of the world of civil engineering is very important to me. Although my previous job was not in the civil engineering industry, I have many experiences that could be relevant to a civil engineering position. These are tasks that I performed at my last job:
- Talking on the phone to customers in order to help solve problems
- Organizing schedules of administrative company members
- Editing newsletters for grammatical clarity
You can probably pick out a number of errors in this example already, but let’s run through them. While the applicant did mention being interested in the company, he wasn’t particularly specific. It reads as though he’s sent out a number of these cover letters and just plugged in the name of each company, which is not an attractive feature for hiring managers reading it.
The applicant shared experiences at his previous position, but none of them sound particularly relevant for a civil engineering job. So what should you do if you haven’t worked in the civil engineering field before and are trying to get into it?
One thing you might want to emphasize is your education. You can also reference skills from a previous position, but make sure you put a spin on them so that it’s clear how they could relate to the job you’re applying for.
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Closing
Once you’ve written about what you’ll bring to the table, it’s time to wrap up your cover letter. Don’t submit cover letters longer than one page. Remember, they’re supposed to be a short introduction, not an essay. The hiring manager will still look at your resume, which can add more color to what you’ve mentioned in your cover letter.
When you’re closing out your cover letter, you’ll want to include a call to action that asks the hiring manager to schedule a time to interview you. It’s also important to thank the reader for the time that she’s spent learning about you in your cover letter. Finally, you’ll sign your name at the bottom of the letter.
Here’s an example of what a successful cover letter closing might look like:
I would like to schedule an interview with you to further discuss how my background in drainage systems will improve project execution at California Environmental Engineering. I am available to answer any questions you might have at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
John Smith
This closing is short and to the point, which is exactly how it should be. You can mention one last time what you’ll be bringing to the table and suggest that the hiring manager reach out for an interview. This applicant remembered to thank the reader and then signed off in a professional manner.
We’ll also review what a cover letter closing should NOT look like:
Please reach out as soon as you can to talk about the civil engineer position. You can get in touch with me at (123) 456-7890 or via email at mbrown@myemail.com. I’m excited to speak with you when you have some free time.
Cheers,
Matt Brown
While this closing is also an appropriate length, it misses a few crucial pieces of what a successful closing should look like. It does include a call to action, but it’s not necessary to restate your contact information in the closing – remember, you’ve already included that in your heading at the top of the page.
This applicant also forgot to thank the reader. Finally, their closing signoff was a little bit unprofessional. The safest options are usually “Sincerely” or “Best” rather than something like “Cheers” or “Peace.”
Your cover letter is the first thing a hiring manager will read when they’re considering you for a position, so make sure that you present yourself in a good light. While it’s always important to tell the truth, you can simultaneously describe your achievements in a way that makes them shine and shows the reader how your prior experience is relevant to the job you want.
Example Cover Letters for a Civil Engineer
The following examples can be helpful resources for anyone seeking a civil engineering job. If you’re looking to write a compelling cover letter, look no further than these three examples, which apply to candidates with varied levels of experience.
Cover Letter for Entry-Level Candidates
John Smith, Civil Engineer
123 Main St, San Francisco, CA 12345
(123) 456-7890
jsmith@emailaddress.com
www.johnsmithengineer.com
January 11, 2023
Mark Murphy, Hiring Manager
California Environmental Engineering
456 Hartford St, San Jose, CA 23456
(123) 576-9876
mark@caengineering.com
Dear Mark,
As you can see from the resume I’ve attached, I recently completed my Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering Technology at MIT. While my degree was in progress, I completed a rigorous internship with the Charles River Group, where I learned about water filtration, drainage, and floodplain systems. I collaborated on a project that rerouted contaminated water away from a public swimming area, leading to a 88% reduction of water contaminants in that portion of the river. I am excited to apply the skills that I’ve gained through the course of my degree and with the Charles River Group to success as a civil engineer for your company.
My experience working on drainage systems and flood control plans has given me valuable experience that I am excited to parlay into success at California Environmental Engineering. After reading about your company’s innovative solutions for the upkeep of the Clinton Dam, I was drawn to apply for the civil engineering position.[Text Wrapping Break]
I have contributed to numerous tasks that have given me insight into the world of environmentally conscious civil engineering:
- Completed an honors thesis investigating the impact of dams on the west coast
- Provided recommendations to improve constructions plans with a focus on sustainability for both public and private infrastructure projects
- Conducted inspections of project sites to ensure compliance with EPA regulations
I would like to schedule an interview with you to discuss how my education and internship experience will lead to success at California Environmental Engineering. I am available to answer any questions you might have at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your time.
Best,
John Smith
Cover Letter for Mid-Level Candidates
Tom Watkins, Environmental Consultant
123 Park St, San Diego, CA 12345
(123) 456-7890
tomwatkins@emailaddress.com
www.watkinsconsulting.com
January 12, 2023
Sheila Turner, Hiring Manager
California Environmental Engineering
456 Hartford St, San Jose, CA 23456
(123) 576-9876
sheila@caengineering.com
Dear Sheila,
As you can see from the resume I’ve attached, I have five years of experience in the civil engineering field working with drainage systems at the Northampton Watershed Project. I created designs and construction plans for five different projects that came to fruition during my tenure. One of my projects helped develop a new filtration system that removed more than 99% of contaminants from the environment. I am confident that the skills I’ve gained from this position will set me up for success working as a civil engineering consultant for your company.
My three years working on drainage systems and flood control plans have given me valuable experience that I am excited to parlay into success at California Environmental Engineering. Your company’s continued commitment to environmentally conscious engineering sparked my interest in applying for the consulting role.
Throughout my time as a civil engineer and then as an environmental consultant, I worked on numerous projects with direct applications to work at California Environmental Engineering:
- Transformed designs into technical drawings to present to stakeholders for infrastructure projects valued up to $2 million
- Provided recommendations to improve constructions plans with a focus on sustainability for both public and private infrastructure projects up to $5 million
- Oversaw irrigation system development and pipe routing on a $3 million project that contributed to an 86% increase in crop viability in the area
Please reach out at your earliest convenience to further discuss how my experience working on environmentally focused projects will translate into success. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Tom Watkins
Cover Letter for High-Level Candidates
Ashley Parker, Environmental Consultant
98 Slope Avenue, Baltimore, MD 12345
(123) 456-7890
aparker@emailaddress.com
www.ashleyparkerengineering.com
January 13, 2023
Chris Chandler, Hiring Manager
California Environmental Engineering
456 Hartford St, San Jose, CA 23456
(123) 576-9876
chrischandler@caengineering.com
Dear Chris,
As you can see from the resume I’ve attached, I have a combined 22 years of experience in the civil engineering and environmental consulting fields. While in a management position with Sacramento Public Works, I oversaw projects that resulted in wetland preservation, roadway redesign, and efficient, safe bridge maintenance. I’ve advocated for sustainability in all of my projects, and I’m excited to bring that focus with me as a civil engineer at California Environmental Engineering.
I’m impressed by your company’s continued commitment to environmentally conscious engineering. Throughout my time as a civil engineer and then as an environmental consultant, I worked on numerous projects with direct applications to your mission:
- Designing a water filtration and pipe routing plan that enabled an additional 79% of wetlands in the site area to remain untouched
- Provided recommendations to improve constructions plans with a focus on sustainability for both public and private infrastructure projects up to $60 million
- Oversaw bridge maintenance tactics and designed a safety program that reduced accidents by 63% from the industry average
I would like to schedule an interview with you to discuss how my prior experience in civil engineering and consulting leadership roles will contribute to improved project execution at California Environmental Engineering. I am available at your earliest convenience to answer any questions you may have. Thank you for your time.
Best,
Ashley Parker
Final Thoughts
Cover letters help to single you out as a strong candidate and they’re a great place to showcase skills you have that aren’t normally included in a resume. Writing a cover letter shows employers that you took the time to create it because you’re very interested in the job and that you will be an employee who will put in the extra effort to get the job done right.
