Embarking on the job hunt, you've likely discovered that a stellar PLC programmer cover letter can make or break your application. While avoiding the pitfalls of repeating your resume, you're tasked with crafting a compelling narrative that showcases your crowning professional achievement. Striking the right balance between formality and originality, all within the confines of a one-page story, can seem daunting. Let's tackle these challenges together and write a cover letter that not only stands out but speaks volumes about your expertise.
- Including all the must-have paragraphs in your structure for an excellent first impression;
- Learning how to write individual sections from industry-leading cover letter examples;
- Selecting the best accomplishment to tell an interesting and authority-building professional story;
- Introducing your profile with personality, while meeting industry standards.
And, if you want to save some time, drag and drop your plc programmer resume into Enhancv's AI, which will assess your profile and write your job-winning cover letter for you.
If the plc programmer isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:
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PLC Programmer cover letter example
Ava Johnson
Washington, D.C.
+1-(234)-555-1234
help@enhancv.com
- Demonstrating Relevant Experience: The cover letter highlights the applicant's relevant experience in PLC programming and their success in leading a team to integrate machine vision systems, which aligns with the company's focus on industrial automation.
- Quantifying Past Achievements: The applicant effectively quantifies past achievements by mentioning specific figures, such as the 15% drop in defect rates and the 20% rise in productivity, thereby illustrating the impact of their work.
- Aligning with Company Goals: The cover letter indicates the applicant's awareness of the company's vision for technological leadership and expresses a desire to contribute to that vision, showcasing their alignment with the company's objectives.
- Call to Action: The applicant concludes the cover letter with an invitation for an interview, actively seeking the next step in the hiring process and showing eagerness to discuss their potential contribution in more detail.
Structuring and formatting your plc programmer cover letter
Here's what the structure of your plc programmer cover letter should include:
- Header (with your name, the position you're applying for, and the date);
- Salutation (or greeting);
- Introductory paragraph (or your opening statement);
- Body paragraph (or further proof of your experience);
- Closing paragraph (with a call to action);
- Signature (that is optional).
Use the same font for your plc programmer resume and cover letter - modern fonts like Lato and Rubik would help you stand out.
Your plc programmer cover letter should be single-spaced and have a one-inch margins - this format is automatically set up in our cover letter templates and our cover letter builder.
When submitting your cover letter, always ensure it's in PDF, as this format keeps the information intact (and the quality of your document stays the same).
On one final note - the Applicant Tracker System (ATS or the software that is sometimes used to initially assess your application) won't read your plc programmer cover letter.
The top sections on a plc programmer cover letter
- Header: Include your name, contact information, and the date at the top of the cover letter to ensure the recruiter can easily reach out to you for further discussion on your application as a PLC Programmer.
- Greeting: Address the cover letter to a specific person if possible, showing that you've done your research on the company and are serious about your interest in the PLC Programmer position.
- Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and explain why you are applying for the PLC Programmer role, including a succinct summary of your relevant experience and skills, to quickly grab the recruiter's attention.
- Professional Experience and Technical Expertise: Detail your previous work experience and knowledge in PLC programming, including specific platforms or languages you are proficient in, to demonstrate your competence and ability to meet the technical demands of the role.
- Closing and Call to Action: Conclude with a strong closing statement that reaffirms your interest in the position and invites the recruiter or hiring manager to contact you for an interview, leaving a positive impression and prompting the next step in the hiring process.
Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter
Proficiency in PLC programming languages: Recruiters look for candidates with a strong command of languages such as Ladder Logic, Function Block Diagram (FBD), or Structured Text (ST), as these are critical for developing and troubleshooting PLC programs.
Experience with specific PLC brands and platforms: Knowledge of popular PLC systems like Siemens SIMATIC, Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, or Mitsubishi FX is important because employers typically have established systems in place and need programmers who can work with their specific hardware.
Understanding of industrial communication protocols: The ability to work with protocols such as Modbus, Profibus, or Ethernet/IP is crucial for integrating PLCs within a larger industrial network.
Familiarity with Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI) and SCADA systems: Recruiters seek candidates who can not only program PLCs but also interface with HMIs and SCADA systems for comprehensive control and monitoring of automated processes.
Troubleshooting and problem-solving skills: The ability to diagnose and resolve issues quickly is highly valued because downtime can be extremely costly in industrial settings.
Safety and regulatory knowledge: An understanding of industry-specific safety standards and regulations, such as those from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), is important for ensuring that PLC programming complies with all safety guidelines.
How to start your plc programmer cover letter: with a greeting, of course
Have you ever considered just how powerful a personalized salutation can be?
We sure have news for you! Your plc programmer cover letter should start with the right salutation to recruiters, nurturing a sense of respect and individuality.
Greet recruiters by using their first name (e.g. "Dear Tom" or "Dear Patricia") if you've previously established contact with them.
Otherwise, opt out for the less familiar, "Dear Ms. Peaches" or "Dear Ms Kelsey", if you've found the recruiter's name on LinkedIn or a corporate website.
"To whom it may concern" is never a good option, as it creates a sense that you've been sending out your plc programmer cover letter to anyone. Instead, use "Dear HR team" or "Dear (company name) recruiter" for a feeling of exclusivity.
List of salutations you can use
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Dear [Company Name] Team,
- Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
- Dear Ms./Mr. [Last Name],
- Dear [Department] Hiring Committee,
- Dear [Department] Department,
The plc programmer cover letter intro: aligning your interest with the company culture
You only have one chance at making a memorable first impression on recruiters with your plc programmer cover letter.
Structure your introduction to be precise and to include no more than two sentences.
Here are some ideas on how to write a job-winning plc programmer cover letter introduction:
- get creative - show off your personality from the get-go (if this aligns with the company culture);
- focus on your motivation - be specific when you say what gets you excited about this opportunity.
Structuring your plc programmer cover letter body to add more value
You've hinted at your value as a professional (this may be your passion for the job or interest in the company) in your introduction.
Next, it's time to pan out the body or middle of your plc programmer cover letter.
When creating your resume, you've probably gone over the advert a million times to select the most relevant skills.
Well, it's time to repeat this activity. Or just copy and paste your previous list of job-crucial requirements.
Then, select one of your past accomplishments, which is relevant and would impress hiring managers.
Write between three and six paragraphs to focus on the value your professional achievement would bring to your potential, new organization.
Tell a story around your success that ultimately shows off your real value as a professional.
Finishing off your plc programmer cover letter with what matters most
So far, you've done a fantastic job in tailoring your plc programmer cover letter for the role and recruiter.
Your final opportunity to make a good impression is your closing paragraph.
And, no, a "Sincerely yours" just won't do, as it sounds too vague and impersonal.
End your plc programmer cover letter with the future in mind.
So, if you get this opportunity, what do you plan to achieve? Be as specific, as possible, of what value you'd bring to the organization.
You could also thank recruiters for their interest in your profile and prompt for follow-up actions (and organizing your first interview).
Lacking experience: here's how to write your plc programmer cover letter
As a candidate with no experience, it's important to be honest from the get-go of your application.
Use your plc programmer cover letter to sell your unique talents. Choose an accomplishment from your academic background or your volunteer work to show the skills that are relevant to the role.
Focus on your career objectives and how you see the job to align with them. Be specific and, at the same time, realistic about where you picture yourself in five years.
Key takeaways
Creating your plc programmer cover letter should be a personalized experience for the role and the recruiter, where you:
- Format your cover letter using the same ATS-friendly font (e.g. Railway) as you did for your resume;
- Greet recruiters, using their name, and follow up with two sentences to introduce yourself, your interest in the role, and to stand out;
- Map out one key success from your career (or life) that has taught you job-crucial skills;
- Substitute your lack of experience with an achievement from your internships, degrees, or volunteering gigs;
- End with a promise for your potential or your availability for an interview.
