You’ve just sent the same cover letter to 60 different job roles, all beginning with “Dear Sir or Madam” and ending with 'Yours sincerely.'
Bad news: you may have just missed your chance to stand out, as generic cover letters are a very common pitfall in job applications.
Did you know recruiters typically shortlist candidates based on how well they meet the job criteria? Failing to address the key requirements can cost you the role.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to tailor your cover letter to align with the job advert or company, ensuring you showcase your value as a candidate.
Cover letter examples for manual tester
Explore additional manual tester cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Entry-Level Manual Tester
- Showcasing Technical Expertise: Clearly highlighting proficiency in LTE and connectivity testing along with specific technical skills such as ADB, Logcat, and working in Linux environments, which are crucial for a QA Manual Tester position.
- Demonstrating Impact and Achievements: Quantifying improvements and achievements such as the 30% increase in testing efficiency and 40% reduction in post-deployment issues shows direct impact and value added to previous employers.
- Emphasising Cross-functional Collaboration: The ability to work with cross-functional teams to integrate testing plans and conduct training sessions signifies strong teamwork and leadership capabilities, highly important in QA roles.
- Continuing Professional Development: Listing relevant courses such as "Advanced Android Testing Techniques" and "Linux System Administration" indicates a commitment to ongoing education and staying updated with industry trends.
Senior Manual Tester
- Highlighting leadership skills by emphasising the role of team management and the ability to lead a group of analysts, which is crucial for a Senior Test Analyst position.
- Mentioning automation expertise, as evidenced by the implementation of solutions that reduce testing time, aligns with the role's focus on efficiency and innovation.
- Including specific achievements, such as reducing defect rates by 30% and enhancing process efficiencies, demonstrates a proven track record of successfully improving quality assurance outcomes.
- Citing relevant certifications, like the Certified Agile Tester from the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB), adds credibility and highlights a commitment to ongoing professional development.
Junior Manual Tester
- Specialised Experience: The cover letter highlights Sophia's experience in cardiac devices, which is crucial for a QA Tester role in medical technology, showcasing her familiarity with industry-specific challenges.
- Relevant Achievements: Mentioning key achievements like reducing resolution time by 40% demonstrates her effectiveness and contribution to improving team productivity, directly aligning with the role's objectives.
- Contemporary Skills & Courses: The inclusion of recent courses like 'Advanced Software Testing' and 'Health Informatics Certificate' emphasises Sophia's commitment to staying current with the latest industry trends and methodologies.
- Passion for Innovation: Sophia's passion for 'Innovation in Health Tech' aligns her personal interests with the company's goals, potentially indicating greater job satisfaction and motivation to excel in her role.
Lead Manual Tester
- Highlighting Relevant Experience: The candidate effectively showcases over 8 years of Quality Assurance (QA) experience, emphasising proven expertise in SDLC and Agile methodologies, making it highly relevant for QA roles.
- Emphasising Technical Skills and Tools: The cover letter mentions the use of specific tools such as JIRA and HP ALM for defect management and communication, which are critical for enhancing QA processes and efficiency.
- Certification and Continuous Improvement: By listing relevant courses and certifications, such as the Agile Testing Certification, the candidate demonstrates a commitment to staying current with industry practices and a proactive approach to professional development.
- Demonstrating Impact on the Organisation: The cover letter includes quantitative achievements, such as improving test efficiency by 30% and reducing bug resolution time by 25%, showcasing the candidate’s ability to make significant contributions to an organisation.
Mid-Level Manual Tester
- Certifications: Highlighting the "Certified Software Test Professional" certification from ISTQB is crucial, as it underscores the candidate's proficiency in software testing approaches and methodologies.
- Technical Skills: Emphasising skills like "Selenium", "ServiceNow", "Jira", and proficiency in "Agile Methodologies" is beneficial in showcasing the candidate's capability in both manual and automation testing, essential for a Quality Assurance Analyst role.
- Leadership and Impact: Mentioning achievements like leading a testing initiative that cut release times by 30% and managing a team to boost efficiency highlights leadership qualities and tangible impact on past projects.
- Educational Background: The educational background, including a Master's from the University of Oxford, adds to the candidate's credibility and indicates a strong foundation in computer science and information technology.
Principal Manual Tester
- Highlighting the "Certified Professional in API Testing" certification to demonstrate specialised skills in API testing, which is a key component of the role.
- Emphasising over 6 years of experience and a proven track record of reducing manual testing time by 30%, showcasing both longevity and impact in the QA field.
- Mentioning specific achievements like improving bug discovery rate by 40% and reducing defect resolution time by 20%, which illustrates effectiveness in enhancing software quality and operational efficiency.
- Including languages and passions provides a more complete picture of the candidate's skills and personal interests, aligning with both professional capabilities and cultural fit within a diverse team.
Associate Manual Tester
- Relevant Certifications: The cover letter highlights specialised credentials such as the Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL), demonstrating commitment to professional development in software testing.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Clearly outlines significant accomplishments, like raising bug detection rates from 80% to 92% and enhancing system stability by 30%, which provides concrete evidence of effectiveness in previous roles.
- Technical Skills: Emphasises a strong proficiency in essential skills like SQL, test automation, and regression testing, illustrating an alignment with key requirements for a Test Engineer position.
- Leadership and Team Collaboration: Describes effective leadership roles such as leading a team to integrate automated testing and coordinating with developers, showcasing both leadership and teamwork capabilities.
By Role
Manual Tester for Mobile Applications
- Highlighting the "Certified Associate in Software Testing (CAST)" certification showcases the candidate's foundational knowledge and dedication to professional development in testing methodologies, which is crucial for a Manual Test Engineer role.
- Emphasising the achievement of enhancing application reliability by 30% through tailored test scripts effectively demonstrates the candidate’s impact and value, aligning with the role's requirement for improving software quality.
- Showcasing expertise in conducting comprehensive 508 accessibility testing and improving compliance by 40% underlines the candidate’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in software applications, which is significant in today’s digital environment.
- Detailing the reduction of testing cycle time by 25% highlights the candidate's efficiency in streamlining processes, which is highly beneficial for maintaining agile and efficient testing procedures.
Manual Tester in Software Development
- Role-Specific Skills: The cover letter effectively highlights specialised skills such as proficiency in Selenium WebDriver and Python, which are crucial for a QA Automation Engineer role.
- Continuous Learning and Certifications: Mentioning courses like "Advanced Selenium WebDriver with Python" and certifications like "Certified Jenkins Engineer" demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and expertise in the field, which is particularly important for a rapidly evolving industry.
- Impact on Projects and Teams: Emphasising accomplishments such as reducing testing times by 20% or integrating automated tests into CI/CD pipelines showcases problem-solving abilities and leadership, giving a quantitative measure of contributions.
- Agile and CI/CD Experience: Highlighting experience in Agile methodologies and CI/CD integrations indicates an understanding of modern development environments, which is essential for collaboration and efficiency in software development cycles.
Manual Tester for Web Services
- Certification Highlight: Mentioning the "AWS Certified Solutions Architect" certification showcases the candidate’s expertise in cloud platforms, which is a valuable asset for Test Engineers working with cloud environments.
- Leadership Skills: The cover letter effectively highlights leadership experience, such as mentoring juniors and leading projects, showcasing the ability to manage and enhance team performance.
- Specific Achievements: Detailing measurable achievements like reducing testing errors by 40% through automated testing scripts and achieving 100% on-time project delivery enhances credibility and demonstrates impact.
- Technical Skills: Emphasising skills in both automated and manual testing, along with proficiency in tools like Selenium and JIRA, aligns well with the technical demands of a Test Engineer role.
Manual Tester in Telecommunications
- Emphasising Relevant Expertise: Highlighting specific expertise in penetration testing, web security, and cybersecurity aligns with the specialised nature of the role.
- Showcasing Achievements: Quantifiable success stories such as a 35% enhancement in client web application security and a 40% decrease in security breaches demonstrate tangible results, emphasising effectiveness in previous roles.
- Leveraging Education and Certifications: The inclusion of a Master of Science in Cybersecurity and certification in Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) reinforces a strong foundation in technical knowledge crucial for the role.
- Skills Alignment: Featuring technical skills such as Python, Bash, and knowledge of OWASP Top 10 ensures alignment with key competencies required for penetration testing and cybersecurity tasks.
Manual Tester for Video Games
- Industry Experience: Highlighting over three years of experience in the gaming industry showcases depth of knowledge and reliability, crucial for a QA Focus Tester.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Including specific metrics such as a 30% improvement in game stability and a 25% increase in player retention provides tangible evidence of past success.
- Diverse Skill Set: Emphasising skills in communication, game design feedback, and competitive analysis demonstrates a well-rounded ability to contribute across various facets of game development.
- Cross-departmental Collaboration: Mentioning collaboration with different company departments highlights teamwork skills essential in a role that interfaces with multiple game development stages.
Manual Tester in E-commerce
- Specific Experience: The cover letter effectively highlights Noah's experience at leading companies like Amazon and ASOS, demonstrating a high level of workplace quality assurance exposure and relevant industry experience.
- Technical Skills: Emphasising proficiency in multiple programming languages such as Python, Java, and C++ is a crucial aspect, signalling technical versatility and capability in automation and software testing.
- Quantifiable Achievements: The document includes specific achievements, such as reducing production issues by 20% and increasing defect detection rates by 35%, providing concrete evidence of past success and potential future impact.
- Education and Continuous Learning: The mention of formal education at reputable institutions and completing advanced courses underlines a commitment to continuous learning and professional development which is valued in evolving tech fields.
Manual Tester for Desktop Applications
- Highlighting the candidate's quantifiable achievements in reducing defect leakage and enhancing test coverage, which demonstrate a strong track record in improving software quality.
- Emphasising a mix of technical skills such as automation and manual testing, alongside specific tools like Selenium, to showcase expertise relevant to a QA Tester role.
- Mentioning leadership experience, such as leading a team to resolve significant software defects, illustrates capability in handling large-scale projects and improving delivery outcomes.
- Referencing specialised courses, such as Advanced Selenium WebDriver, conveys ongoing commitment to professional development and staying updated with industry tools and practices.
Manual Tester in Financial Services
- Emphasise Relevant Experience: Highlight Chloe's specialised experience in QA Guidewire Manual Testing and IT Transformation, which is crucial for a role focused on financial services and software implementations.
- Specific Achievements: Include quantifiable successes, such as improving test efficiency by 25% and increasing client satisfaction, to demonstrate the impact of Chloe's work on previous projects.
- Highlight Certifications: Make sure to mention Chloe's Guidewire Software Certification and Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), as these certifications validate her expertise in industry-specific technologies and Agile methodologies, which are vital for the role.
- Core Skills: Focus on skills like Test Automation, Agile Test Management, and User Acceptance Testing, which are highly relevant for a QA Tester role within the financial services sector.
Manual Tester for Network Systems
- Highlight industry-specific certifications and licences, such as the "Signalling Tester in Charge Licence 1.3.190" and "Signalling Electronic Tester Licence 1.3.260," which are crucial for specialised roles in railway signalling.
- Emphasise proven track record in leading teams and enhancing testing efficiency, demonstrated through roles such as the "Senior Systems Tester" at Siemens Mobility.
- Showcase a comprehensive understanding of safety standards and regulatory compliance, evidenced by achievements like the "Compliance Excellence Award" for attaining a 95% compliance rate.
- Underscore the applicant’s commitment to innovation and technological advancements within the railway sector, as outlined in achievements and passions related to "Innovative Testing Method Development" and "Railway Technology Innovation."
Manual Tester in Healthcare Technology
- Highlighting Certifications: Ruby's cover letter effectively emphasises certifications relevant to the role, such as the 'Advanced Test Automation with Selenium' course, demonstrating her specialised knowledge in automated test scripting.
- Key Skills Integration: The cover letter underlines essential skills like HP Quality Center, Selenium, and requirements analysis, showcasing Ruby’s expertise in automation and quality assurance, which are critical for a Test Scripts Writer.
- Achievements and Impact: Ruby successfully describes the significant impact of her work, such as improving software quality by 30%, which substantiates her contributions and efficacy in previous roles.
- Experience Detailing: Her cover letter meticulously details her role in collaborating with cross-functional teams and significant achievements in past positions, which demonstrates both her ability to work collaboratively and her leadership skills in quality assurance.
Manual Tester for Database Systems
- Emphasising expertise in Database and ETL testing with over five years of practical experience aligns with the specific role of Software Test Engineer and demonstrates the candidate's direct relevance to the field.
- Quantifying achievements, such as leading projects that resulted in a 30% reduction in testing time and 25% boost in processing efficiency, provides concrete evidence of the candidate's ability to deliver impactful results.
- Highlighting collaboration using Agile methodologies underlines teamwork and project management skills, which are crucial for roles that require coordination with development teams.
Manual Tester in Cybersecurity
- Industry-Specific Certifications: Highlighting the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification is crucial as it underscores the candidate’s deep understanding of ethical hacking and penetration testing strategies, setting them apart in the cybersecurity field.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Using specific figures, such as a 40% reduction in vulnerabilities and a 25% reduction in potential breaches, effectively demonstrates the candidate’s ability to significantly improve security measures at previous roles.
- Skills in Demand: Featuring proficiency in essential tools and languages like Burp Suite, Python, and JavaScript, which are highly relevant and sought after in penetration testing and cybersecurity positions.
- Leadership and Mentorship: Emphasising the candidate’s experience in leading teams and mentoring junior engineers, which is critical for a senior role that not only demands technical prowess but also leadership qualities.
Manual Tester for Embedded Systems
- Emphasising the achievement of improving test efficiency by 40% demonstrates a significant impact on product quality and aligns with the role's responsibilities in enhancing testing processes.
- Mentioning experience with both white and black box testing techniques showcases the candidate's comprehensive skill set, crucial for a Quality Assurance Specialist role.
- Highlighting the successful implementation of functional API testing strategies indicates expertise in project management and process improvement, all valuable for this position.
- Pointing out advanced certifications, such as the ISTQB Advanced Software Testing Certification, underscores the candidate's commitment to continuous learning and expertise in software testing.
Manual Tester cover letter example
Mia Ward
Reading, UK
+44 1234 567890
help@enhancv.com
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the Senior Test Engineer position within your esteemed company. With over 10 years of experience in functional and non-functional testing, particularly in the media sector, I am captivated by your commitment to innovation and quality. Your focus on delivering user-centered digital solutions strongly aligns with my values of enhancing accessibility and operational efficiency.
At Broadcast Tech Innovations, I successfully led a team of five testers and implemented agile methodologies, increasing testing efficiency by 25%. One of my notable achievements was the development of a comprehensive user acceptance testing strategy for a high-profile content management system rollout, which reduced post-launch issues by 20%. My proactive approach in pioneering the use of JAWS for accessibility testing also helped increase product accessibility compliance to over 98%. These accomplishments reflect my ability to drive results by combining expertise in testing methodologies with a passion for accessibility and process improvements.
I would be thrilled to bring my skills in scenario and exploratory testing to your team. I am confident that my background and expertise align well with your organization’s goals. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team and help forward your mission of excellence. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Mia Ward
Senior Test Engineer
Why this cover letter makes an impact:
- Highlight relevant leadership experience: Emphasizing the candidate's experience leading a team of testers can showcase their ability to manage and execute complex testing projects efficiently.
- Demonstrate measurable achievements: Discussing specific achievements, like increasing testing efficiency and reducing post-launch issues, provides concrete examples of the candidate's impact and effectiveness.
- Showcase expertise in specialized tools: Mentioning the use of specific tools like JAWS for accessibility testing indicates specialized skills that are valuable in creating inclusive digital solutions.
- Align personal values with company goals: Expressing how personal values align with the company's mission can demonstrate enthusiasm and cultural fit, which are crucial for such roles.
Importance of cover letters in the United Kingdom
Cover letters are a crucial tool in making your application personal and engaging.
Here are three reasons why they matter:
- Personalisation: Unlike a CV, a cover letter allows you to show your enthusiasm for the role, giving a more personal insight.
- Addresses details about your career: Whether you’re changing careers or have gaps in employment, your cover letter offers a space to explain these in a constructive way.
- Meeting the job requirements: Your cover letter should be unique and tailored, clearly showing how your skills align with the role requirements.
What UK employers expect from a cover letter
Want to make an excellent first impression on your UK employers with your cover letter?
Here are three handy tips and tricks to keep in mind when creating yours:
- Take the time to research: Invest in learning about the company and role by exploring their website, social media, and doing a thorough Google search. Focus on the products and services they offer, as well as awards and industry recognitions.
- Focus on the company's values: Refer back to your research and to uncover what the company believes in. Integrate those values into your cover letter by explaining how you embody them. For example, if they value diligence, highlight how you’ve consistently met tight deadlines or successfully managed heavy workloads.
- Align your skills with the job requirements: Read the job advert carefully and identify the most sought-after skills. Select the top three skills that you can substantiate with your most noteworthy achievements, to demonstrate your expertise in those areas.
How to format a manual tester cover letter
Have you ever wondered about the formatting and structure of your cover letter?
Read on to discover some guidance from industry-leading professionals:
- Within the header, include your address and contact details, the employer's name and address, and the date, followed up by a personalised salutation.
- The body should should consist of an opening paragraph, middle paragraphs expanding on your unique experience and skills, and a closing paragraph.
- End with a formal sign-off and your signature.
- Choose modern fonts such as Volkhov, Chivo, or Bitter instead of the more traditional Arial or Times New Roman.
- All of ENhancv's templates maintain single-spacing with approximately 1-inch (2.5 cm) margins on all sides to ensure a neat presentation.
- Always send your cover letter as a PDF to keep the formatting intact and prevent any edits once submitted.
Your CV and cover letter maintain consistent formatting. Use the same fonts, margins, and style to create a professional and cohesive look for your application.
Finally, remember that Applicant Tracking Systems (the software some companies use to align job keywords to your experience, also known as ATS) do not read cover letters–it's intended solely for recruiters. Make it stand out by highlighting your achievements and relevant skills for the role.
How to write your manual tester cover letter salutation
First impressions often start with the greeting and in the case of your job application, 'Dear Sir or Madam' simply won't suffice.
Find out who’s hiring for the role—by calling or emailing the company, searching online, or using LinkedIn—and address them correctly.
Generally, you should address them by their surname (e.g., 'Dear Mrs Weasley'), but if you've spoken to them before, you might use their first name (e.g., 'Dear Albus').
How to write your manual tester cover letter intro
It's never a bad time to show enthusiasm about the role, company, or team in your cover letter introduction.
Begin by sharing one or two aspects that genuinely excite you about the position—whether it's the company culture, specific responsibilities, or the team's past achievements.
Your enthusiasm demonstrates that you'll bring a strong work ethic, are eager to contribute, and are motivated to succeed.
Cover Letter Intro
Having admired Tech Innovations Ltd for its commitment to quality and customer-centric solutions, I am drawn to the opportunity to contribute to your dynamic team as a Manual Tester, ensuring the software products maintain their renowned excellence.
RIGHT
How to write your manual tester cover letter body
Your cover letter body is the most spacious and vital part of this document—it highlights your true value and the impact you can bring as a candidate.
Remember, your cover letter serves a different purpose to your CV. Here, you need to show your skills in context by telling the story of one significant achievement, hinting at how you’ll help your future employer achieve their goals.
So, when writing your cover letter body:
- Use concrete achievements to demonstrate your personality and impact.
- Support your achievements with quantifiable data and metrics.
- Tell the story of a successful project you’ve worked on and explain how you contributed to the outcome.
- Highlight both hard and soft skills to make your story more engaging.
- Focus on skills that are most relevant to the role and align with the company’s needs.
Cover Letter Body
During my tenure at XYZ Solutions, I had the remarkable opportunity to spearhead a critical project aimed at enhancing software reliability and user satisfaction. One notable achievement was leading a team that implemented a comprehensive testing framework for our flagship application, resulting in a 30% increase in defect detection rate. This was accomplished through meticulous test case design and rigorous execution, leveraging both manual testing expertise and automated techniques where applicable. Our team's efforts were instrumental in reducing production issues by 40%, significantly elevating customer satisfaction scores over the subsequent release cycle. This success not only underscored my attention to detail and analytical acumen but also reaffirmed my commitment to delivering exceptional quality products in alignment with organisational goals.
RIGHT
How to write a closing paragraph
There’s a wrong and a right way to close your cover letter. Here’s how.
The wrong way is to end with a signature or a formal 'Thank you in advance.'
The right way is to either promise how you’d make a positive impact on the company or ask when you can expect a response. This will highlight you as a forward-thinking candidate who’s enthusiastic about securing the role.
Cover Letter Closing
I am eager to bring my skills as a manual tester to [Company Name] and contribute to your team's success. I am confident that my attention to detail and methodical approach will enable me to make a significant impact. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss my application in further detail and am available at your earliest convenience for an interview. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward enthusiastically to the possibility of joining your team.
RIGHT
Conclusion
Your cover letter is an opportunity to showcase your personality and skills to potential employers. Start by addressing the hiring manager by name and tailoring your content to reflect the role’s requirements.
Include a specific example of your greatest achievement to illustrate your suitability for the position, while also expressing your enthusiasm for the company. Remember to format your letter professionally, ensuring it aligns seamlessly with your CV.
