By context, a technical cover letter could be any application letter that seeks a job opportunity in a technical, or IT field. This represents professions in the industry of Computer Science, Programming, Development, Information Technology, and so on and so forth.
There are no significant differences with technical cover letters and cover letters in general. All cover letters follow the same procedures, formats and styles and all are guided by the same principle of conciseness and comprehensiveness for any business letter.
The writing guidelines are as follows:
A clear and concise explanation of the applicant's intentions for writing and the position sought
A highlighted list of the key information that is relevant to the position sought
A statement(s) that actively sell the applicant's qualifications
A statement(s) that actively seeks an interview
The common misinterpretation say 2technical cover letters are more detailed. As a rule, all cover letters should be detailed. However, as what is being defined in the opening statement, technical cover letters are very information-specific and individualized. They are presented in a way so as to make specific technical detail stand out.
A clear example of a cover letter for technical job would be if Bill Gates applies for a job, in the same time when Juan de la Cruz applies for the same job. Bill Gates' cover letter would only need to list out one item on his qualification list:
Bill Gates would only have to write:
Qualification:
Wrote Microsoft Windows.
--whereas Juan de la Cruz would have to detail several of the most pertinent aspects of his knowledge. Because a cover letter for technical jobs needs a broad discussion on this detail, technical cover letters are usually longer than conventional application letter, and may extend up to the second page.
Here are 5 techniques in writing a technical cover letter:
List out your major IT work experience first. List your achievements second. Then list your certifications as third.
Discuss in detail your job description. In the IT field, job description can be several items long.
List your additional IT skills as last but also in a prominent manner. Be sure to let your prospective employer know every last bit of your expertise.
Be concise but comprehensive. Use phrases - not sentences when itemizing details.
Write intelligently. It speaks of good education and superb intellectual faculty. It also implies effective communication skill - one thing employers consistently list as one of their major requirements.
