executive cover letter example

18 Professional Executive Cover Letter Examples for 2024

Your executive cover letter must reflect your commanding leadership and strategic vision. Showcase concrete examples where your leadership directly contributed to your previous company's success. Demonstrate in your letter how your innovative thinking has solved complex problems. Ensure you highlight your ability to inspire teams and drive them towards achieving corporate goals.

All cover letter examples in this guide

Alliance Manager

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Financial Officer

Chief of Staff

Department Head

Department Manager

Executive Director

Executive Manager

Fractional CEO

Functional Manager

Vice President

Board of Directors

Cover letter guide.

Executive Cover Letter Sample

Cover Letter Format

Cover Letter Salutation

Cover Letter Introduction

Cover Letter Body

Cover Letter Closing

No Experience Executive Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

By Experience

Starting your job hunt, you've hit a snag: crafting an executive cover letter that stands out. It's not just a repeat of your resume—it's your chance to showcase a shining professional moment, woven into a compelling narrative. Yet, the task can be daunting. How do you strike the perfect balance of formality without falling into the trap of tired clichés? Keep it concise; one page is your limit. Let's unravel these challenges and help you pen an executive cover letter that captivates and convinces.

• Personalize your executive cover letter and get inspired by other professionals to tell a compelling story;
• Format and design your executive cover letter to make an excellent first impression;
• Introduce your best achievement in your executive cover letter to recruiters;
• How to make sure recruiters get in touch with you, using your executive cover letter greeting and closing paragraphs.

What is more, did you know that Enhancv's AI can write your cover letter for you? Just upload your executive resume and get ready to forward your job application in a flash.

If the executive isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:

• Executive resume guide and example
• CIO cover letter example
• Chief Executive Officer cover letter example
• Fractional CEO cover letter example
• Board of Directors cover letter example
• Functional Manager cover letter example
• Managing Director cover letter example
• Chief Human Resources Officer cover letter example
• Director cover letter example
• Director of Finance cover letter example
• Assistant Branch Manager cover letter example

Executive cover letter example

Jordan Smith

San Francisco, California

+1-(234)-555-1234

[email protected]

• Emphasizing previous leadership experience and the successful management of a sizable team highlights the applicant's capability to handle responsibility, a crucial aspect for managerial roles.
• Detailing a specific achievement, such as the development of a strategic communication plan that resulted in a measurable increase in brand visibility, showcases the applicant's ability to deliver results and their expertise in strategic planning.
• Expressing the desire to apply past experience to drive growth and explore new opportunities demonstrates forward-thinking and an understanding of the need for innovation in technology-related positions.
• Demonstrating an understanding of the value of strategic media relations in the technology sector suggests specialized knowledge that is directly relevant to the role they are applying for.

What about your executive cover letter format: organizing and structuring your information

Here is one secret you should know about your executive cover letter assessment. The Applicant Tracker System (or ATS) won't analyze your cover letter.

You should thus focus on making an excellent impression on recruiters by writing consistent:

• Introduction
• Body paragraphs (and explanation)
• Promise or Call to action
• Signature (that's optional)

Now, let's talk about the design of your executive cover letter.

Ensure all of your paragraphs are single-spaced and have a one-inch margins on all sides (like in our cover letter templates ).

Also, our cover letter builder automatically takes care of the format and comes along with some of the most popular (and modern) fonts like Volkhov, Chivo, and Bitter.

Speaking of fonts, professionals advise you to keep your executive cover letter and resume in the same typography and avoid the over-used Arial or Times New Roman.

When wondering whether you should submit your executive cover letter in Doc or PDF, select the second, as PDF keeps all of your information and design consistent.

The top sections on a executive cover letter

• Header: This section includes the candidate's contact information, the date, and the employer's details, which is crucial for establishing a professional tone and ensuring the letter reaches the appropriate person.
• Opening Greeting: A personalized salutation addresses the hiring manager directly, demonstrating the candidate's attention to detail and respect for proper business etiquette.
• Executive Summary: This introductory paragraph should showcase the candidate's high-level experience and strategic vision, aligning with the executive role's requirement for leadership and decision-making capabilities.
• Leadership and Achievements: A dedicated section to highlight past leadership experiences, quantifiable accomplishments, and the impact on previous organizations, which is essential for an executive position.
• Call to Action and Closing: A strong concluding statement that invites further discussion and expresses enthusiasm for the role, leaving a lasting impression on the recruiter and reinforcing the executive's proactive approach.

Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter

• Strategic vision and foresight: To demonstrate the ability to steer the company towards future growth and to anticipate industry trends.
• Leadership and team-building skills: To show that the executive can inspire, manage, and unify teams to achieve company goals.
• Proven track record in achieving results: To provide evidence of past accomplishments and successes in improving company performance, meeting targets, and driving growth.
• Financial acumen: To emphasize the capability to manage budgets, investments, and financial strategies efficiently.
• Relationship-building and networking abilities: To illustrate the potential to cultivate partnerships, negotiate deals, and represent the company in various circles.
• Adaptability and crisis management: To indicate readiness to handle change, resolve conflicts, and guide the company through challenging times.

What greeting should you use in your executive cover letter salutation

A simple "Hello" or "Hey" just won't work.

With your executive cover letter salutation , you set the tone of the whole communication.

You should thus address the hiring managers by using their first (or last name) in your greeting.

But how do you find out who's recruiting for the role?

The easiest way is to look up the role on LinkedIn or the corporate website.

Alternatively, you could also contact the organization via social media or email, for more information.

Unable to still obtain the recruiter's name?

Don't go down the "To whom it may concern path". Instead, start your cover letter with a "Dear HR team".

List of salutations you can use

• Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
• Dear [Mr./Ms./Dr. Last Name],
• Dear [Search Committee or Department Name],
• Dear [Title/Position],
• Dear Hiring Team,
• Dear [Company Name] Team,

First introductions in your executive cover letter

Within your executive cover letter introduction , genuinely state what you like about the organization.

Research the latest company projects, honorary awards, company updates, etc.

Write up to two sentences to let recruiters know what impresses you about the company,

This would help you to set a good tone for the rest of the communication.

What comes next: your executive cover letter middle paragraphs

In the next three to six paragraphs (or the body of your executive cover letter) you have to prove your unique value .

Most candidates tend to mess up at this stage. They tend to just copy-paste information from their resume.

That's one big no-no.

Remember that when writing your executive cover letter, it has to be personalized. And, your ultimate aim is to catch the recruiter's eye.

So, look back on key job requirements and write down a list that includes the ones you cover.

Next, select just one key achievement from your professional (or personal) history that meets those advert keywords.

Narrate a story around how you've grown your skill set and knowledge. Also, aim to show the unique understanding or soft skills you bring about, thanks to your past success.

Final words: writing your executive cover letter closing paragraph

The final paragraph of your executive cover letter allows you that one final chance to make a great first impression .

Instead of going straight to the "sincerely yours" ending, you can back up your skills with a promise of:

• how you see yourself growing into the role;
• the unique skills you'd bring to the organization.

Whatever you choose, always be specific (and remember to uphold your promise, once you land the role).

If this option doesn't seem that appealing to you, close off your executive cover letter with a follow-up request.

You could even provide your availability for interviews so that the recruiters would be able to easily arrange your first meeting.

Addressing limited to no experience in the executive cover letter

There's nothing to worry about if you lack professional experience .

Your executive cover letter could bridge the gaps in your professional history by focusing on what matters most to recruiters, that's either:

• skills - focusing on transferable ones you've gained, thanks to your life experience (e.g. volunteering, certificates, etc.);
• achievements - select the most relevant and noteworthy one from your history (e.g. education, projects, etc.);
• motivation - describe how you envision your professional growth in the next up to five years, thanks to this opportunity.

Key takeaways

Writing your executive cover letter has never been easier, so remember to:

• Select a executive cover letter template that automatically meets industry formatting (e.g. has one-inch margins, is single-spaced, is in PDF, etc.);
• Make your executive cover letter personal by mentioning the recruiters' first or last name;
• Within the introduction, describe what you like best about the company in no more than two sentences;
• Use your executive cover letter body to tell a story of your greatest achievement, backed up by job-relevant skills and technologies;
• If you have no professional experience, be honest about it in your executive cover letter, but also write about your unique talents.

Executive cover letter examples

Explore additional executive cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

Cover letter examples by industry

AI cover letter writer, powered by ChatGPT

Enhancv harnesses the capabilities of ChatGPT to provide a streamlined interface designed specifically focused on composing a compelling cover letter without the hassle of thinking about formatting and wording.

• Content tailored to the job posting you're applying for
• ChatGPT model specifically trained by Enhancv
• Lightning-fast responses

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5 Executive Cover Letter Examples Making Waves in 2024

• Executive Cover Letter
• Executive Cover Letters by Experience
• Executive Cover Letters by Type
• Write Your Executive Cover Letter

You’re a well-versed leader who can set company goals and strategies in the right direction. Financial statements are analyzed, processes are improved, and meetings are led effectively with you on the executive leadership team.

Did you write a cover letter to complement your executive resume and show you have the right business sense for the job?

Every company goes through a careful selection process when hiring executives. If you’re wondering how to stand out, our executive cover letter examples and AI cover letter generator will provide a great template for success.

Executive Cover Letter Example

USE THIS TEMPLATE

Microsoft Word

Google Docs

Block Format

Copy this text for your executive cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Denver, CO 80201 (123) 456-7890

October 30, 2023

Abigail Clark DISH Network Corporation 123 Fictional Lane Denver, CO 80201

Dear Ms. Clark:

I’m unequivocally drawn to DISH Network Corporation’s commitment to providing innovative entertainment and communication solutions. My unquenchable thirst for grappling with unfamiliar challenges makes the chief executive officer position an exceptional match for my skill set. In independent and collaborative settings, I’m at ease taking charge and leveraging feedback data to shape strategic decisions.

My tenure as chief financial officer at Ready Foods sharpened my financial analysis skills. By enforcing budget constraints and optimizing resource allocation, I effectively drove costs down by 18%, leading to improved profits and healthier financial standing for the company.

As a project management officer at Salem Media Group, I steered an initiative to digitize our broadcast services. Capitalizing on advanced project management software, I ensured the seamless transition of our services to a digital platform. This initiative increased our viewership by approximately 12% and advertising revenues by 22%.

Through market research and analysis during my tenure at Xfinity, I identified untapped regions in Denver, leading to an expansion strategy that increased the subscriber base by 36.8%. I supported this growth by implementing new quality control procedures to effectively manage the influx of new demands.

Given the opportunity to serve as the CEO of DISH Network, I’m excited by the possibilities that merging my skills with the company’s vision can unfold. Leveraging these experiences, I’m enthusiastic about piloting DISH to nurture ventures like Dish Wireless and explore new opportunities in the entertainment landscape. Looking forward to discussing how my leadership and drive can elevate DISH Network’s standing in the competitive broadcasting market. Thank you for considering my application.

Enclosures: Resume Application 2 letters of recommendation Academic transcript

Why this cover letter works

• Choose something professional and modern with a perfect balance between visual appeal and word delivery. Overly flashy graphics can distract from your narration, though.

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Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your senior executiv director cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Cleveland, OH 44102 (123) 456-7890

October 20, 2024

Mason Adams KeyBank 123 Fictional Lane Cleveland, OH 44102

Dear Mr Adams:

Looking at how KeyBank has shaped the future of financial services, I am glad to be applying for the senior executive role. Your company’s goals to deliver exceptional customer experiences align with my professional ethos. With a decade of experience in strategic leadership and account management, I am eager to join your company’s formidable team.

At MG Consumer Services, I led multiple initiatives that increased annual client retention by 11% and surpassed pre-set targets while growing the firm’s yearly revenue to $1.6M+. This success stemmed from my client management skills and ability to expand business networks through digital platforms like LinkedIn.

During my tenure at Johnson & Johnson, I organized agile processes on Jira to refine client feedback mechanisms, resulting in a $47 decrease in customer acquisition cost. My dedication to advancing professional development ensured that I consistently hired 8 effective business employees via Indeed, mitigating the company’s previous employee turnover rate by 31%.

While working for Alvaria, I oversaw multiple critical operations with Asana and helped the company improve its market share by 7%. My extensive professional experience is backed by a credible Certified Sales Leadership Professional certificate.

I look forward to discussing how my background aligns with your organizational needs. Please let me know a suitable time for an interview.

William Jansen

Enclosures: Resume Transcript Application form Certified Sales Leadership Professional (CPSL) certificate

• Using phrases like “grew the company’s annual revenue by $1.6M+” or “decreased customer acquisition cost by $47” shows that you don’t just sit in meetings or goof around but get things done.

Executive Secretary Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your executive secretary cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Memphis, TN 38101 (123) 456-7890

Lily Baker Amazon 123 Fictional Lane Seattle, WA 98101

Dear Ms. Baker:

As someone who’s always been astounded by Amazon’s organizational efficiency and dedication to innovating new e-commerce solutions, I seek to help the company’s C-suite as an executive secretary.

During my most recent role at the University of Pittsburgh, I oversaw schedules for 4 executive counseling members and coordinated detailed travel arrangements. Using Kayak for flight bookings, I compared rates from various airlines, helping the university save $28,281 in travel expenses. I also established a career-focused LinkedIn group which grew student enrollment by 21% within one quarter.

My virtual assistant role at Blue Origin involved coordinating major web conferences for 7 executives. With the help of Google Calendar and Zoom, I ensured zero mishaps during meetings. I was also responsible for facilitating communication between 3 departments and introduced Slack which helped them shorten the average response time by 19 minutes.

Starting in the workforce as a server at La Palapa, I sharpened my interpersonal communication skills and highlighted the importance of exceptional customer service. While managing 35+ tables during peak hours, I upsold beverages, which increased the average order value by 14%.

I am well-equipped to manage sensitive information and support executives with their traveling needs, so I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to Amazon.

Clara Duval

• Choose a design that oozes professionalism and lets you pack all the juicy details about your stellar career. Also, don’t forget to leave some breathing room—trust us, no one wants to read a letter as cramped as a Black Friday warehouse, so keep some space between your enclosures, cover letter, and personal details.

Executive Director Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your executive director cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Washington, DC 20001 (123) 456-7890

Jackson Rodriguez The Urban Institute 123 Fictional Lane Washington, DC 20001

Dear Mr. Rodriguez:

As an enthusiast in data analytics and IT infrastructure, I derive joy from delving into complex troves of data and streamlining IT processes during my weekdays while also immersing myself in the unfolding tech narrative of Washington, DC, outside work hours. Balancing a career built on enhancing operational efficacy with my deep-rooted interest in data privacy and compliance, I’m keen to bring my expertise to the executive director role at The Urban Institute.

An IT manager role at TechFlow sharpened my database management and IT infrastructure proficiency. My tenure witnessed the implementation of a novel cloud-computing architecture that saw a 17% decrease in inoperability incidents.

At another Washington DC institution, SecureData, I excelled in ensuring data privacy and compliance. I introduced a multi dimensional protection plan with automation tools that decreased security breaches by a promising 8%. I also initiated robust GDPR compliance, securing a 79% consent response rate, surpassing our goal of 72%.

Beyond technical expertise, I successfully managed a team of IT professionals at TechFlow and SecureData. By leaning into my leadership role, I inspired my team to exceed their potential, improving IT service delivery by 6% and 12%, respectively.

My affinity for problem-solving and broad-spectrum IT skills can be valuable for your team. I’m eager to see how my unique perspective and hands-on approach can advance your organization’s vision. Thank you.

Gabriel Santos

Sales Executive Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your sales executive cover letter!

Emily Lewis FedEx Corporation 123 Fictional Lane Memphis, TN 38101

Dear Ms. Lewis:

I’m captivated by FedEx Corporation’s dedication to creating seamless and efficient experiences, demonstrated by your unwavering reputation for exceptional customer service. Your team excels at forging comprehensive global connections and has shaped today’s fast-paced logistics industry. As an ardent pursuer of customer-centric sales strategies, I thrive on harnessing the power of data-driven insights and cutting-edge approaches when I’m not exploring the vibrant Memphis business scene. These passions, combined with my professional experiences, fuel my excitement to contribute as a sales executive within your distinguished corporation.

During my tenure at Smith & Nephew, the sales account manager role allowed me to fine-tune my sales analytics skillset. Deploying CRM systems and leveraging data-driven insights enabled me to grow our client base by 12% and improve sales conversion rates by 8%.

Within Grizzly Sales Force, another Memphis enterprise, I laid the groundwork for my competency in social selling. The production and execution of creative LinkedIn campaigns saw our company’s lead generation surge by 14% and website traffic grow by 22.7%.

Serving as a sales team leader at Neon Canvas unveiled my proficiency in managing sales funnels for enhanced client relationships and deal closures. By revamping our existing sales pipeline and further optimizing the standard lead scoring system, we witnessed a 7% surge in average deal size and a 19% reduction in sales cycle time.

My unwavering passion for sales, fortified by my diverse skills, can champion FedEx Corporation’s ambitious growth objectives. I’m eager to discuss how my sales acumen and accomplishments align with your vision, offering a chance to contribute to your success. Thank you for considering my application.

Zainab Khan

• Fortify your sales executive cover letter with quantified facts to prove your sales prowess and that you’re a force to be reckoned with when it comes to spurring profit growth. Examples include “drove costs down by 18%” and “increased the subscriber base by 36.8%.”

Related cover letter examples

• Executive Resume
• Executive Assistant
• Office Manager

How to Write an Executive Cover Letter That Stands Out

Standing out as an executive requires more than just presenting the analytical and leadership skills that will help you succeed. It’s also important to show how you’ll fit in with the company culture and help them achieve their mission.

The best way to optimize is to review the job description to identify the company’s goals and the essential skills they seek. That way, whether the company needs help with strategic planning or creating a team-focused environment, you can write a custom cover letter that grabs their attention.

Catch attention with the greeting and intro of your executive cover letter

When leading a meeting, you’d want to start with key information that grabs employees’ attention and relates directly to their needs. You can do the same in your executive cover letter to get off to an excellent start.

That usually includes two things. The first is addressing someone by name if you can find a hiring manager listed in the job description or company website.

Then, you’ll want to craft an intro paragraph directly related to the company’s needs and mission. For example, how you’ll use your abilities in management information systems to help the business achieve a data-driven and efficient work environment.

The opener below falls a bit short on that since it doesn’t get into enough detail about the skills that will make the applicant a great fit for the account executive role.

Try to get more specific than this!

Hello Mr. Brenton,

I’m pleased to be applying for your account executive job opening. With years of management experience under my belt, I think my skills will make me a great fit for your needs.

The opener below does a much better job of showing how the applicant fits in with DISH Network’s strategic leadership needs while relating to their mission of innovative entertainment solutions.

A highly specific opener for the win!

Dear Ms. Clark,

I’m unequivocally drawn to DISH Network Corporation’s commitment to providing innovative entertainment and communication solutions. My unquenchable thirst for grappling with unfamiliar challenges makes the chief executive officer position an exceptional match for my skill set. In independent and collaborative settings, I’m at ease taking charge and leveraging feedback data to shape strategic decisions.

Provide more evidence of your skills in the body of your executive cover letter

Once you have the hiring manager’s attention, it’s time to show why you’re the best fit for the executive position with data-based examples of past achievements.

One of the best ways to do that is leveraging the numbers you know companies care about the most, like costs saved or increases in conversion rates.

It’ll also be important to show how you’ve led teams, such as providing employees with coaching to boost productive efficiency.

A great body paragraph showcasing leadership skills!

Make a lasting impact with the closing of your executive cover letter

As you close out your executive cover letter, it’ll be important to think about what elements will make a lasting impact on hiring managers as they decide on applicants to bring in for an interview.

One of the best ways to optimize will be relating back to key skills and elements of the company mission you emphasized. For instance, how your e-commerce management skills will help create a top-notch online shopping experience for customers.

It’s also an excellent idea to close out by thanking the hiring manager for their time and ending with a light CTA, just like you’d do when trying to boost conversions on a sales page.

The closer below is missing many of those details since they don’t give enough information about their executive leadership skills or use a CTA.

Include more details than this!

Overall, I believe my years of sales experience will make me a great fit for the position. Thank you for considering my application for your sales executive role.

Vincent Benjamin

The closer below does a much better job relating to a hands-on approach and problem-solving skills aligning with the company’s culture and mission.

A well-rounded closer relating to company needs!

My affinity for problem-solving and broad-spectrum IT skills can be valuable for your team. I’m eager to see how my unique perspective and hands-on approach can advance your organization’s vision. Thank you.

Executive Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid

• You’re operating on a high level here as an executive, so you’ll sound much more professional and confident if you establish a personal connection with the company’s vision. Immediately showing that you understand their values solidifies your preparedness to improve things as a decision-maker.
• At an executive level, your cover letter simply can’t afford to go without quantifiable, solid measurements of the professional impact you’ve made during your career. With each example or accomplishment, seek to include a strong metric that backs it up. What ROI improvements have you made? By what percentage did you enhance customer engagement by approving the right projects with high-level market knowledge and agility?
• Again, it’s time to get specific and indisputable about those achievements you worked so hard for, or else they might fall flat. Concisely state the business factors that drove your decisions in past roles, and don’t be afraid to list those previous employers by name.
• While you’re applying as an executive and have worked with many other high-level professionals as your peers, you don’t want to drop formality (or, worse—sound like you’re “talking down” to) your reader. Your writing tone should be highly professional and convey confidence in your abilities to boost KPIs and improve performance, but present your abilities tastefully.
• While many of your qualifications speak for themselves, you still want to express your interest in the job and include a call to action. Invite questions and offer to provide more details on your candidacy or alignment with their mission statement.
• Your examples and success stories should directly apply to how you can improve things where you’re going. Be careful about your writing tone, and make sure you aren’t crafting a letter about how the company can make things better for you!

Every company will be seeking different skills from executives and have a unique work culture. Writing a custom cover letter for each role will show your passion for their mission and how specific job skills like business intelligence or change management will help them achieve their goals.

The best way to optimize the tone of your executive cover letter is to review the job description and try to match the tone they use. For instance, if they use a formal and educated tone, you can match that and show why you’re the knowledgeable leader who’s right for the company’s culture while helping them boost conversions during client acquisition.

Aim for around three to five skills you emphasize that are highly relevant to company needs. For instance, if the company wants you to be proficient in business intelligence, you can explain how your skills in Microsoft Power BI will be an excellent fit for their data analytics system.