Programmer Analyst Cover Letter Example and Writing Tips

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Are you applying for a job as a programmer analyst? Programmer analysts do the work of both a systems analyst and computer programmer. Systems analysts develop and design software and computer systems. Computer programmers implement those designs by writing new programs along with updating and repairing existing programs.

Review a sample cover letter for a programmer analyst, advice on what to include in your letter, and how to write and send it.

Job Duties of a Programmer Analyst

The work of a programmer analyst begins by meeting with a team to determine a company's computer system needs and then designing a system to fulfill them.

They may also create cost analyses to determine the financial viability while working with project managers to create a timeline. After designing the software, a programmer analyst will test it for problems and debug as needed. Programmer analysts are expected to stay current with knowledge about new technology and trends to incorporate into their existing systems. Here's a more in-depth look at their duties and skill set:

  • Requirements Analysis: During this initial phase, computer program specifications are developed. A successful programmer can also communicate well in terms of gathering and analyzing program requirements.
  • Program Design: Sometimes, a programmer will build a graphical view of the process flow so that the team can see and understand his thinking.
  • Program Coding: Once the design is approved, a programmer analyst will proceed to write programs in one of several languages.
  • Program Testing: The programmer analyst tests the code to see if it functions according to plan. This “alpha” testing locates any obvious software bugs before the official testing team takes over.
  • Program Maintenance: Maintenance may not be the most exciting part of programming, but it keeps programs running efficiently, while offering a good learning experience for newer programmer analysts who can gain experience debugging code written by more seasoned programmers.

Tips for Writing a Winning Cover Letter

Review tips for how to highlight your most relevant skills and get your cover letter to stand out from the crowd of applicants.

Be Specific and Results-Oriented

Numbers, statistics, and percentages are more persuasive than vague claims. Whenever possible, quantify your achievements by providing concrete examples of them.

Write a Targeted Cover Letter

Look closely at the job description in the listing before you start your cover letter, and target your message to the requirements advertised. A good cover letter is a sales pitch, not a biography. It shouldn’t regurgitate your resume or waste time and space on skills that are unrelated to the job listing.

Write a New Cover Letter For Every Job, Even if the Roles are Similar

It’s fine to work off a template. It’s not fine to send the same cover letter to every job, even if the duties and description are similar. Customize your cover letter each and every time.

Sending Your Cover Letter via Email?

Make sure you proofread and test your email before you hit send. Attention to detail is important for any job seeker, but it’s especially important for programmer analysts, whose jobs depend on their ability to bash bugs, not create them. 

Programmer Analyst Cover Letter Example

Here's an example of a cover letter written for a senior programmer analyst role. The candidate highlights their skills that are most relevant to the role, explaining why they are a good match for the job.

Programmer Analyst Cover Letter Sample

Sarah Jones
28 Sunview Drive
Carson, CA 11213

January 5, 2022

Mr. James Smith
Human Resources Director
ABC Company
123 Main Street
Carson, CA 12213

Dear Mr. Smith,

I'm writing to express my interest in the Senior Programmer Analyst position posted on your company website. I believe that my strong technical experience and education make me a competitive candidate for this position.

My key strengths that would be a good match with the position include:

  • Successfully designing, developing, and supporting live use applications.
  • A self-starter and eager to learn new things. I continuously seek to build my skill set and thrive in high-paced environments.
  • Striving for continued excellence. My contributions to the team during my senior year internship led to an offer with the company after graduation, and I’ve continued to assume new responsibilities and challenges during my tenure.
  • Providing exceptional contributions to customer service. In my previous role, I improved first call resolution rates by 8% last quarter, while keeping talk time flat.

With an MS degree in Information Systems Management, I have a complete understanding of the full life cycle of a software development project. I also have experience in learning and mastering new technologies. My experience includes:

  • Customer service and support
  • Programming both new applications and maintenance work
  • Problem isolation and analysis
  • Software quality testing
  • Application and requirement analysis
  • Process improvement and documentation

Please see my resume for additional information. I can be reached any time at 555-555-5555 or sarah.jones@email.com. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you about this employment opportunity.

Sincerely,

Signature (hard copy letter)

Sarah Jones

When you're sending an email cover letter, include your contact information in your signature.