What makes this cover letter great
This cover letter is a great example because it is tailored to the Machine Learning position, clearly outlines relevant education and experience, and quantifies achievements (e.g., 15% increase in customer retention, 10% improvement in model accuracy). It demonstrates technical proficiency with specific tools and technologies, and shows familiarity with the end-to-end machine learning workflow. The candidate also expresses passion for the field and highlights soft skills like collaboration and continuous learning.
Cover letter example for Machine Learning
Strong cover letter
I am excited to apply for the Machine Learning position, as my background in computer science and hands-on experience with data-driven projects make me a strong candidate for this role. I hold a Master’s degree in Computer Science from the University of California, Berkeley, where I specialized in artificial intelligence and machine learning. My coursework included advanced topics such as deep learning, natural language processing, and reinforcement learning. In my previous role as a Data Scientist at TechNova Solutions, I developed and deployed machine learning models for customer segmentation and predictive analytics, resulting in a 15% increase in customer retention. I am proficient in Python, R, and SQL, and have extensive experience with libraries such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, and scikit-learn. I have also worked with cloud platforms like AWS and Google Cloud for scalable model deployment. My research internship at AI Labs involved building a convolutional neural network for image classification, which improved accuracy by 10% over baseline models. I am comfortable with the full machine learning pipeline, from data preprocessing and feature engineering to model evaluation and hyperparameter tuning. I am also familiar with MLOps practices for maintaining and monitoring models in production. I am passionate about leveraging machine learning to solve real-world problems and am eager to contribute my skills to your team. My strong analytical abilities, collaborative mindset, and commitment to continuous learning make me confident that I can add value to your organization.
Weak cover letter
I am applying for the Machine Learning position. I have a degree in computer science and have worked with some machine learning projects. I know Python and some libraries. I am interested in working at your company and hope to learn more about machine learning. Thank you for considering my application.
Cover letter best practices
Tailor Each Cover Letter to being a Machine Learning
Avoid generic letters. Customize your content to reflect the specific job description, company values, and how your experience aligns with their needs.
Use a Professional Format
Stick to a clean, business-like layout with consistent fonts, spacing, and margins. Match the formatting of your resume for a cohesive application package.
Address the Right Person
Whenever possible, address the letter to a specific individual (e.g., “Dear Ms. Johnson”). Use LinkedIn or the company website to find the hiring manager’s name.
Start with a Strong Opening
Capture attention in the first paragraph by stating the position, expressing genuine interest, and previewing the value you’ll bring to the role.
Highlight Relevant Achievements
Focus on 1–2 specific accomplishments that relate directly to the job. Use metrics, outcomes, or project details to demonstrate impact.
Show You Understand the Company
Demonstrate knowledge of the company’s mission, recent news, or culture. This shows you’ve done your homework and care about where you work.
Explain Career Transitions Briefly
If you’re changing industries, roles, or returning to work, provide context for your move and highlight transferable skills.
Keep It Concise and Focused
Limit your letter to one page and avoid repeating your resume. Aim for clarity and brevity—ideally 3–4 paragraphs.
Use a Confident, Professional Tone
Write assertively without arrogance. Avoid overused buzzwords unless supported by real examples.
Close with a Clear Call to Action
End with a confident statement of interest, and invite the employer to connect or schedule an interview.
Proofread Carefully
Typos and grammatical errors can ruin a strong letter. Review it multiple times, and consider reading it out loud or asking someone else to check it.