As a front-end web developer, you’re in a good spot if you’re looking for a new job. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that web developer jobs will grow 8% between 2019 and 2029—much faster than average.
In addition, web developers earn a good salary. The median annual pay in 2020 was $77,200. Not bad for a job that you might be able to land with an associate degree.
But while this occupation doesn’t require years of formal education, it is a highly skilled profession. To be a front-end developer, you’ll need core skills like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Depending on the job, you might also need to know back-end languages like Ruby. Your cover letter and resume should show that you have the skills and experience required to do the job.
What to Include in Your Cover Letter and Resume
Highlight your skills. Include keywords from the job listing, especially those related to technical skills. Again, front-end developer roles will require knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Be sure to include soft skills as well, like the ability to communicate technical issues and solutions to non-technical staff.
Emphasize your most relevant experience. Depending on your work history and the job requirements, you may want to choose a resume type that highlights your related experience. For example, if your work history shows a linear progression toward this role, you might choose to use a chronological resume. On the other hand, if your career path has taken some zig-zags, you might choose a functional or combination resume that shows off your skills.
Tips for Writing a Cover Letter and Resume
Customize your cover letter and resume for each job. When you are applying for a new position, it’s important that you tailor your cover letter and resume to the job you’re seeking. Carefully analyze the job requirements listed in the job posting, and match your skills as closely as possible.
Prepare a portfolio to show your work. When applying for a job as a front-end developer, your goal is to demonstrate that you can solve the company’s problems and perfect their product. An online portfolio is an easy way to display your past work and show what you can you do.
If you’re emailing your cover letter and resume, list your name and the job title in the subject line of the email message:
Subject: Front-End Web Developer Position - Your First and Last Name
Include your contact information in your email signature, and don’t list the employer contact information. Start your email message with a salutation. Here’s an example of a formatted email cover letter.
Subject: Front-End Web Developer Position - Your First and Last Name
Subject: Front-End Web Developer Position - Your First and Last Name
Front-End Web Developer Cover Letter
Here’s an example of a cover letter for a front-end web developer position. Download the cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples, including a sample resume for a front-end web developer, along with tips for emailing your cover letter and resume.
Download the Word Template
Front-End Web Developer Cover Letter (Text Version)
Rita Applicant123 Main StreetAnytown, CA 12345 555-555-5555rita.applicant@email.comSeptember 1, 2021James LeeChief Web OfficerAcme WebTech123 Business RoadBusiness City, NY 54321Dear Mr. Lee,This letter is to express my interest in the job posted on your website for an experienced, detailed-oriented, front-end web developer. As you’ll see, I have six years of hands-on experience efficiently coding websites and applications using modern HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.Building state-of-the-art, easy to use, user-friendly websites and applications is truly a passion of mine and I am confident I would be an excellent addition to your organization. In addition to my knowledge base, I actively seek out new technologies and stay up-to-date on industry trends and advancements. This has allowed me to stay ahead of the curve and deliver exceptional work to all of my employers, including those I’ve worked for on a project basis. I’ve attached a copy of my resume detailing my experience, along with links to websites and applications I’ve had the honor of working on.I can be reached anytime via my cell phone, 555-555-5555 or by email at rita.applicant@gmail.com.Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you about this opportunity. Best regards,Signature (hard copy letter)Rita Applicant
Front-End Web Developer Resume
This is an example of a resume for a front-end web developer. Download the web developer resume template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.
Front-End Web Developer Cover Letter (Text Version)
Rita Applicant123 Main StreetAnytown, CA 12345 555-555-5555rita.applicant@email.comSeptember 1, 2021James LeeChief Web OfficerAcme WebTech123 Business RoadBusiness City, NY 54321Dear Mr. Lee,This letter is to express my interest in the job posted on your website for an experienced, detailed-oriented, front-end web developer. As you’ll see, I have six years of hands-on experience efficiently coding websites and applications using modern HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.Building state-of-the-art, easy to use, user-friendly websites and applications is truly a passion of mine and I am confident I would be an excellent addition to your organization. In addition to my knowledge base, I actively seek out new technologies and stay up-to-date on industry trends and advancements. This has allowed me to stay ahead of the curve and deliver exceptional work to all of my employers, including those I’ve worked for on a project basis. I’ve attached a copy of my resume detailing my experience, along with links to websites and applications I’ve had the honor of working on.I can be reached anytime via my cell phone, 555-555-5555 or by email at rita.applicant@gmail.com.Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you about this opportunity. Best regards,Signature (hard copy letter)Rita Applicant
Rita Applicant123 Main StreetAnytown, CA 12345 555-555-5555rita.applicant@email.com
Front-End Web Developer Resume (Text Version)
Hank Applicant123 ABC Street • Seattle, WA 99999 • (555) 555-5555 • hank.applicant@email.comFRONT-END WEB DEVELOPERTranslating designs to front-end code and determining developer requirementsRespected Front-End Web Developer with 10-plus years of experience in collaborating with creative and development teams on the execution of ideas and projects.Key skills include:● Promoting and communicating new ideas● Creating process improvements● Instituting new technologies● Writing maintainable cross-browser code● Estimating time and costs for projects● Ensuring code is scalable and responsivePROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCESCOTTIE TECH COMPANY, Seattle, WAFRONT-END WEB DEVELOPER (February 2016 – Present)Translate designs to front-end code, estimate project time and costs, determine developer requirements and specifications, and work with cross-functional team to define and develop product roadmaps.Notable accomplishments:● Increased scalability, maintainability, and responsiveness of cross-browser code by 47%.● Implemented process improvement that doubled system speed within two years.MALCOLM TECHNOLOGY, Seattle, WAFRONT-END WEB DEVELOPER (June 2011 – February 2016)Updated and streamlined existing code to improve site performance for entire company.Notable Accomplishments:● Utilized cutting-edge JavaScript and HTML 5 techniques, frameworks, and libraries.● Wrote support documentation and provided training to internal and external users.EDUCATION & CREDENTIALSABC COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Seattle, WAAssociate of Science in Computer Science (Emphasis: Web Development, Code Writing), 2011CertificationsHyper Text Markup Language (HTML) and CSS Certified • National Code Writing Alliance (NCWA)Information Technology SkillsGit • WordPress • JavaScript • iOS • Android
How to Get Your Application Noticed
Highlight Your Skills: Front-end web developers must know HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Don’t forget about soft skills like communicating concepts to non-technical team members.Customize Your Cover Letter and Resume: Match your skills and experience to the job lighting and emphasize the qualities that make you an exceptional candidate.Show Your Work: Prepare a portfolio with work samples that demonstrate what you can do.
Front-End Web Developer Resume (Text Version)
Hank Applicant123 ABC Street • Seattle, WA 99999 • (555) 555-5555 • hank.applicant@email.comFRONT-END WEB DEVELOPERTranslating designs to front-end code and determining developer requirementsRespected Front-End Web Developer with 10-plus years of experience in collaborating with creative and development teams on the execution of ideas and projects.Key skills include:● Promoting and communicating new ideas● Creating process improvements● Instituting new technologies● Writing maintainable cross-browser code● Estimating time and costs for projects● Ensuring code is scalable and responsivePROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCESCOTTIE TECH COMPANY, Seattle, WAFRONT-END WEB DEVELOPER (February 2016 – Present)Translate designs to front-end code, estimate project time and costs, determine developer requirements and specifications, and work with cross-functional team to define and develop product roadmaps.Notable accomplishments:● Increased scalability, maintainability, and responsiveness of cross-browser code by 47%.● Implemented process improvement that doubled system speed within two years.MALCOLM TECHNOLOGY, Seattle, WAFRONT-END WEB DEVELOPER (June 2011 – February 2016)Updated and streamlined existing code to improve site performance for entire company.Notable Accomplishments:● Utilized cutting-edge JavaScript and HTML 5 techniques, frameworks, and libraries.● Wrote support documentation and provided training to internal and external users.EDUCATION & CREDENTIALSABC COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Seattle, WAAssociate of Science in Computer Science (Emphasis: Web Development, Code Writing), 2011CertificationsHyper Text Markup Language (HTML) and CSS Certified • National Code Writing Alliance (NCWA)Information Technology SkillsGit • WordPress • JavaScript • iOS • Android
Hank Applicant
How to Get Your Application Noticed
Highlight Your Skills: Front-end web developers must know HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Don’t forget about soft skills like communicating concepts to non-technical team members.Customize Your Cover Letter and Resume: Match your skills and experience to the job lighting and emphasize the qualities that make you an exceptional candidate.Show Your Work: Prepare a portfolio with work samples that demonstrate what you can do.
Highlight Your Skills: Front-end web developers must know HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Don’t forget about soft skills like communicating concepts to non-technical team members.
