cover letter for new manager

75 Sample Phrases and 3 Examples of Manager Cover Letters

By Status.net Editorial Team on March 7, 2024 — 15 minutes to read

Crafting an effective manager cover letter can dramatically increase your chances of landing an interview. This document is your first opportunity to showcase your leadership skills, industry knowledge, and personal qualifications. Whether you’re applying for a role in project management, retail management, or any leadership position, your cover letter should be tailored to demonstrate your ability to handle the specific responsibilities of the job.

Writing a strong cover letter means highlighting your achievements and how they align with the job description. You should detail experiences that show your expertise in managing teams, overseeing projects, and driving results. Your cover letter is also a chance to express your enthusiasm for the role and explain why you’re a good fit for the company’s culture.

Understanding the Manager Role

Key responsibilities.

In any organization, your responsibilities as a manager include overseeing operations, leading a team, and ensuring that your department or group meets its goals. You’ll be expected to plan, execute, and track projects to successful completion. Examples of specific responsibilities might include:

• Setting goals: You define objectives for your team that align with the company’s strategy.
• Delegating tasks: You identify the strengths of your team members and assign tasks accordingly.
• Performance monitoring: You evaluate both team and individual performance and provide feedback.

Essential Skills

To be successful in a manager role, certain skills are fundamental. These skills enable you to perform your responsibilities effectively. Key skills include:

• Leadership: Your ability to motivate and guide your team is paramount.
• Communication: You need to be able to clearly convey information and instructions as well as listen to feedback.
• Problem-solving: You’ll often find yourself in situations where quick thinking and decision-making is required to resolve issues.

Having a firm grasp of these roles and skills will help you create a compelling cover letter that demonstrates your suitability for a managerial position. Try to provide real-world examples that illustrate how you’ve successfully applied these skills in your past experiences.

Crafting Your Cover Letter

When you apply for a managerial position, your cover letter is your opportunity to make a memorable first impression. Here’s how to personalize and tailor your message to stand out.

Addressing the Hiring Manager

Start with a personal touch by addressing the hiring manager directly:

• “Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],”
• “Hello [Hiring Manager’s Name],”
• “To [Hiring Manager’s Name],”
• “Good day [Hiring Manager’s Name],”
• “Greetings [Hiring Manager’s Name],”
• “Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],”
• “[Hiring Manager’s Name], I am writing to you because…”
• “I hope this message finds you well, [Hiring Manager’s Name].”
• “[Hiring Manager’s Name], I am excited to connect with you regarding…”
• “I have been looking forward to discussing with you, [Hiring Manager’s Name],”

Opening Statement

Your opening statement should grab attention and introduce your intent:

• “I am thrilled to apply for the role of [Managerial Position].”
• “I’ve always admired [Company’s Name] and am excited about the [Managerial Position].”
• “With a proven track record in [Industry], I am eager to bring my experience to [Company’s Name].”
• “The chance to lead your team as a [Managerial Position] intrigues me because…”
• “Applying for [Managerial Position] at [Company’s Name] feels like a natural next step in my career.”
• “Your opening for [Managerial Position] immediately caught my eye.”
• “I am keen to leverage my skills in [Specific Skill] to benefit [Company’s Name].”
• “With [Number] years of experience, I am well-prepared to meet [Company’s Name]’s challenges.”
• “Aligning with [Company’s Name]’s values, I see a great fit for the role of [Managerial Position].”
• “Harnessing my expertise in [Specialization], I am interested in the opportunity at [Company’s Name].”

Why You’re the Best Fit

Demonstrate why you are the ideal candidate for the position:

• “My background in [Specific Sector] uniquely positions me to lead [Company’s Name]’s team.”
• “Having led a team of [Number], I understand the importance of [Specific Skill].”
• “Driving [Specific Result] at [Previous Company] prepares me to contribute similarly to [Company’s Name].”
• “Your mission to [Company’s Mission] resonates with my professional philosophy because…”
• “I am adept at [Specific Skill], which aligns with the needs of the [Managerial Position].”
• “My hands-on experience with [Specific Tools/Software] would be an asset to your team.”
• “An increase of [Specific Statistic] under my leadership is testament to my managerial capabilities.”
• “My ability to [Specific Achievement] fits perfectly with the responsibilities of the role.”
• “[Unique Personal Attribute] is something I bring to the table, enhancing team dynamics.”
• “I am deeply committed to continuous improvement, a key aspect for the [Managerial Position].”

Highlighting Your Achievements

When crafting your manager cover letter, you want to draw attention to the professional milestones you’ve reached during your career. Here’s how you can highlight your achievements in a way that is upfront and engaging.

Start by quantifying your accomplishments to make a stronger impression. This means specifying numbers, percentages, or other figures that accurately represent the impact you’ve made in previous roles.

• Boosted sales by 20% within the first quarter of implementation.
• Reduced operational costs by 15% through strategic supplier negotiations.
• Spearheaded a project that increased customer satisfaction ratings by 25%.
• Led a team of 10 and successfully completed 4 major projects on time.
• Implemented a new CRM system, increasing lead conversion rates by 30%.

Next, demonstrate how you have excelled in leadership roles by providing concrete examples.

• Directed a cross-functional team to streamline workflow processes.
• Mentored 5 junior managers who have since been promoted.
• Orchestrated the turnaround of an underperforming department.
• Established and led weekly team meetings that enhanced project communication.
• Initiated a leadership workshop that developed the skills of 15 team members.

Lastly, showcase innovations or initiatives you have introduced in your past roles. Share the outcomes to paint a picture of your creativity and strategic thinking.

• Created an employee incentive program that reduced turnover by 20%.
• Designed a customer feedback system that identified key areas for improvement.
• Launched a cost-saving initiative that saved the company $50K annually.
• Pioneered a digital marketing strategy that doubled online engagement.
• Developed a risk management plan that mitigated potential losses by 40%.

You can tailor these examples to suit your own experiences and the job you’re applying for. Personalizing your cover letter is key to showing your potential employer why you’re the perfect fit for the position.

Conveying Leadership Qualities

When you’re writing a cover letter for a managerial position, showcasing your leadership skills is key to standing out. Your cover letter offers a prime opportunity to highlight your ability to lead and inspire teams, manage projects, and drive results.

Start by reflecting on past experiences where you demonstrated leadership. Maybe you spearheaded a project, mentored new team members, or resolved a conflict. Now, think about how you can describe those instances with strong, active verbs and specific details.

• Directed a team of 10 sales associates to exceed sales targets by 15% quarter over quarter.
• Innovated cost-saving measures that reduced operational expenses by 20%, enhancing overall profitability.
• Cultivated a collaborative environment that increased project efficiency and improved team morale.

Communication and Vision

You understand that clear communication and translating your vision into actionable goals are fundamental to leading effectively.

• Articulated strategic objectives that increased market share by 5%.
• Championed a customer service initiative that improved satisfaction ratings by 10%.
• Energized the team by clearly outlining achievable milestones aligned with the company’s vision.

Problem-Solving and Decision-Making

Leaders are often faced with challenges. You show your ability to navigate these with:

• Devised innovative solutions to streamline workflow and increase productivity by 30%.
• Judiciously allocated resources to prioritize high-impact projects and optimize ROI.
• Negotiated key contracts, balancing firmness and fairness, to secure advantageous terms.

Team Building and Development

A true leader knows their team’s value.

• Fostered a culture of continuous learning that reduced staff turnover by 25%.
• Mentored high-potential employees, preparing them for leadership roles and ensuring succession planning.
• Orchestrated team-building activities that reinforced mutual trust and collaboration.

By directly linking your leadership successes to tangible outcomes, you give potential employers a clear glimpse of the value you bring to the table.

Final Touches

In crafting your manager cover letter, the final enhancements you make can be pivotal to leaving a lasting impression. These tweaks ensure your cover letter is action-oriented and ends on a courteous, professional note.

Call to Action

The call to action in your cover letter encourages the hiring manager to move forwards with your application. It’s important to convey your excitement about the job and to invite further discussion.

• “I look forward to the possibility of discussing how I can contribute to your team.”
• “Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to schedule an interview.”
• “I am excited about the opportunity to discuss my fit for the role in more detail.”
• “I would be thrilled to provide further insights into my approach to management in a personal meeting.”
• “I am eager to discuss how my skills can benefit your company and would welcome an interview at your convenience.”
• “I invite you to consider my application and am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.”
• “I am ready to bring my expertise to your team and would be delighted to discuss this in an interview.”
• “I welcome the chance to explore how I can make a positive impact on your team.”
• “I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how my experiences align with your needs.”
• “I am available to discuss this exciting opportunity with you at a time that suits your schedule.”

Professional Closing

Closing your cover letter professionally helps maintain a lasting positive impression. Choose a closing that reflects your professionalism and respect for the recipient’s time.

• “Warm regards,”
• “Sincerely,”
• “Best regards,”
• “Kind regards,”
• “With appreciation,”
• “Respectfully,”
• “Thank you for considering my application,”
• “With sincere thanks,”
• “Looking forward to your reply,”
• “Thank you for your time and consideration,”

Integrating these elements into your manager cover letter will likely enhance the document’s effectiveness and increase the probability of securing an interview.

Examples of Manager Cover Letters

When you’re applying for a management position, your cover letter needs to reflect your leadership experience and your ability to meet the demands of the role.

Manager Cover Letter Example 1

Dear (…),

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position listed on [Where You Found the Job Posting]. With over [Number] years of experience in [Industry or Field], I have developed a comprehensive skill set that I believe aligns perfectly with the goals of [Company Name].

During my time at [Previous Company], I successfully [Specific Achievement or Task], which resulted in [Positive Outcome]. I bring a unique combination of [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3] that I am eager to contribute to your team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my experience and vision can drive success at [Company Name].

Best regards, [Your Name]

Dear Mr. Smith,

I am writing to express my interest in the General Manager position listed on Linkedin. With over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, I have developed a comprehensive skill set that I believe aligns perfectly with the goals of Prestige Hotels & Resorts.

During my time at Oceanview Retreat, I successfully spearheaded a comprehensive staff training program, which resulted in a 40% improvement in guest service satisfaction scores and contributed to a 20% increase in repeat customer visits. I bring a unique combination of strategic leadership, operational excellence, and customer service expertise that I am eager to contribute to your team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my experience and vision can drive success at Prestige Hotels & Resorts.

Best regards, Jordan Morris

Manager Cover Letter Example 2

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

As an accomplished professional with extensive experience leading teams and driving business growth, I am thrilled to apply for the role of [Job Title] with [Company Name], as advertised on [Where You Found the Job Posting]. My [Number] years in [Industry or Field] have equipped me with a solid foundation in [Related Field or Skill], making me a strong fit for your company’s exciting goals.

At [Previous Company], one of my key accomplishments was initiating a [Specific Project or Initiative] that enhanced [Specific Aspect of the Business], leading to [Quantifiable Result or Achievement]. This experience honed my skills in [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3], all of which are directly relevant to the [Job Title] role.

I am particularly drawn to the opportunity at [Company Name] because of its commitment to [Something You Admire About the Company]. I am enthusiastic about the chance to bring my unique blend of skills and experience to contribute to your team’s success.

Enclosed is my resume for your review. I am looking forward to the possibility of discussing this exciting opportunity with you. Thank you for considering my application.

Warmest regards, [Your Name]

Dear Ms. Thompson,

As an accomplished professional with extensive experience leading teams and driving business growth, I am thrilled to apply for the role of Regional Sales Manager with Apex Dynamics, as advertised on your company careers page. My 12 years in sales and marketing have equipped me with a solid foundation in customer relationship management, making me a strong fit for your company’s exciting goals.

At Global Tech, one of my key accomplishments was initiating a targeted outreach program that enhanced our market share in the Midwest region, leading to a 25% increase in annual sales revenue. This experience honed my skills in strategic planning, team motivation, and market analysis, all of which are directly relevant to the Regional Sales Manager role.

I am particularly drawn to the opportunity at Apex Dynamics because of its commitment to innovation and excellence in the industry. I am enthusiastic about the chance to bring my unique blend of skills and experience to contribute to your team’s success.

Warmest regards, Daniel Smith

Related: 3 Examples: What’s the Ideal Cover Letter Length?

• 5 Key Parts of an Effective Cover Letter (with Examples)

3 Examples of Cover Letters That Stand Out (with Tips)

Manager Cover Letter Example For Career Changers

If you’re shifting into a management role from a different career, your cover letter should highlight your transferable skills and enthusiasm for the new field:

The opportunity to work as [Job Title] at [Company Name] excites me due to my strong interest in transitioning into [Industry or Field]. Despite my background in [Previous Industry or Field], I possess skills that are highly applicable to management roles, including [Transferable Skill 1], [Transferable Skill 2], and [Transferable Skill 3].

My experience at [Previous Company] has taught me the importance of clear communication and team leadership, and I’m skilled in [Relevant Skill or Task]. I am confident in my ability to leverage these skills in a way that benefits your team and propels [Company Name] forward.

Thank you for considering my different background as a strength for the diversity and innovation it can bring to your team. I am keen to bring my passion and unique perspective to [Company Name].

The opportunity to work as Operations Manager at Widget Corp excites me due to my strong interest in transitioning into the technology sector. Despite my background in retail management, I possess skills that are highly applicable to management roles, including strategic planning, team development, and operational efficiency.

My experience at Trendy Apparel Ltd. has taught me the importance of clear communication and team leadership, and I’m skilled in driving sales growth and managing large-scale operations. I am confident in my ability to leverage these skills in a way that benefits your team and propels Widget Corp forward.

Thank you for considering my different background as a strength for the diversity and innovation it can bring to your team. I am keen to bring my passion and unique perspective to Widget Corp.

Best regards, Jane Smith

Related: How to Write a Resume With No Experience (Examples)

45 Strong Career Change Statement Examples

With these templates, you can demonstrate your readiness for the management position, whether you have a traditional background or are taking a bold step into new territory. Tailor these examples to fit your experiences and the specific job you’re applying for.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the essential components of a cover letter for a management role.

Your cover letter should start with a personal greeting and an engaging opening paragraph. You’ll want to highlight your leadership experience, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities. Tailoring your cover letter to the job description ensures you’re addressing the specific needs of the company.

How can someone craft an effective manager cover letter when they lack prior experience?

Focus on your transferable skills that are relevant to the management role, such as team coordination, project planning, or any leadership roles you’ve handled in other contexts. Use examples of times you’ve led a project or motivated a team to achieve certain goals, even if it wasn’t in a conventional workplace setting.

What tips can help when writing a cover letter for a promotion within the same company?

You should build on your existing knowledge of company processes and culture. Detail specific achievements in your current role and how they’ve prepared you for new responsibilities. Demonstrate your commitment to the organization’s goals and your readiness to step into a more challenging position.

Where can one find free templates or samples for management cover letters?

Many online resources offer free templates and samples for manager cover letters, such as career advice websites, job boards, and university career centers. These samples can help you see different formatting options and give you ideas for structuring your own cover letter.

What content should be included in a manager’s cover letter when applying for a hotel position?

When applying for a hotel management position, be sure to discuss your customer service skills, ability to manage and coordinate staff, and experiences with hospitality management. Emphasize any experience you have managing budgets and any specific hotel industry knowledge you possess.

How should one structure an application letter for the post of a manager?

Your application letter should include an engaging introduction, a body that highlights your management skills and achievements, and a closing paragraph where you express your enthusiasm for the role. Always thank the reader for their time and include a professional closing.

• 2 Detailed Examples of Product Manager Cover Letters
• 3 Inspiring Nonprofit Cover Letter Examples
• Resume vs. Cover Letter (Thoughtful Tips)
• 6 Examples: How To Address a Cover Letter Without a Name
• How to Send an Email Cover Letter (Examples)

• See All Courses >
• SUCCESS STORIES

• GET YOUR FREE LINKEDIN HEADLINE SCORE >>

• GET YOUR FREE RESUME SCORE >>

• GENERATE YOUR JOB-WINNING COVER LETTER >>

• FIND ANY CONTACT’S EMAIL ADDRESS >>

• ResyMatch.io Scan and score your resume vs. any target job.
• ResyBuild.io Build a job-winning resume using proven templates and advice.
• CoverBuild.io Have AI generate a personalized, job-winning cover letter in
• HeadlineAnalyzer.io Transform your LinkedIn headline into a job-generating machine.
• ResyBullet.io Scan, score, and upgrade your resume bullets.
• Mailcoop.io Find anyone’s professional email address in seconds.
• The Job Search Email Playbook Our 100+ page guide to writing job-winning emails.
• Value Validation Project Starter Kit Everything you need to create a job-winning VVP.
• No Experience, No Problem Learn how to change careers with no experience.
• The Interview Preparation System A proven system for job-winning interview prep.
• The LinkedIn Launch Formula A proven system for six-figure success on LinkedIn.
• See All Blog Posts Check out all of our job search articles & posts.
• HeadlineAnalyzer.io Scan your LinkedIn Headline and turn it into a job-generating machine.
• LinkedIn Profile Optimization Our comprehensive guide to optimizing your LinkedIn profile.
• LinkedIn Headlines Learn how to write a crazy-effective LinkedIn headline.
• LinkedIn Profile Picture Learn how to create a job-winning LinkedIn profile picture.
• LinkedIn About Section Write a job-winning About section (with examples!)
• LinkedIn Cover Photos Learn how to create a job-winning LinkedIn cover photo.
• GET YOUR FREE LINKEDIN HEADLINE SCORE >>
• ResyMatch.io Scan your resume and turn it into a job-generating machine.
• ResyBuild.io Build a beautiful, job-winning resume using recruiter-approved templates.
• Resume Examples Check out example resumes for a range of job titles and industries.
• How To Write A Resume Learn how to write a resume that actually wins job offers.
• Resume Summaries Our guide on writing a job-winning resume summary.
• Resume Tips & Action Words 175+ tips & examples to supercharge your resume.
• GET YOUR FREE RESUME SCORE >>
• CoverBuild.io Use our tool to generate a personalized, job-winning cover letter in
• Cover Letter Examples Check out example cover letters for a range of job titles and industries.
• How To Write A Cover Letter Learn how to write a cover letter that actually wins job offers.
• Cover Letter Templates Check out our proven, job-winning cover letter templates.
• Addressing A Cover Letter Learn how to start a cover letter the right way.
• GENERATE YOUR JOB-WINNING COVER LETTER >>
• Mailscoop.io A tool to help you find anyone’s professional email in seconds.
• How To Get A Job Without Applying Online Our flagship guide for effective job searching in today’s market.
• How To Network Our comprehensive guide on learning how to network.
• Tips For Better Networking Emails 6 tips for writing networking emails that actually get results.
• What To Ask In An Informational Interview 10 great questions to ask during a networking conversation.
• FIND ANY CONTACT’S EMAIL ADDRESS >>
• How To Prepare For Interviews Our proven preparation framework for turning more interviews into offers.
• How To Create A Job-Winning Interview Presentation Learn our “silver bullet” Value Validation Project presentation strategy.
• Interview Questions & Answer Examples Job-winning example answers for common interview questions.
• What To Wear To An Interview A simple guide to dressing for the job you want.
• How To Write A Job-Winning Thank You Note Learn how to write a post-interview thank you that wins job offers.

Manager Cover Letter Examples For 2024 (20+ Skills & Templates)

• LinkedIn 10
• Pinterest 0

Are you looking to land more Manager job offers?

You're going to need a strong cover letter. This comprehensive guide is packed with everything you need to know in order to write a job-winning Manager cover letter. It's got everything from effective strategies and essential skills to helpful templates and real-life examples.

You can trust that all the insights and tips in this guide are based on data from coaching thousands of job seekers, just like you, who have gone on to secure positions at some of the world's most reputable companies.

Whether you're an experienced manager or just starting out, reading this guide from start to finish can help you land your dream role. But if you're short on time and looking for specific information, here's a breakdown of what's included:

• What To Know About Writing A Job-Winning Manager Cover Letter
• The Best Skills To Include On An Manager Cover Letter

How To Address A Manager Cover Letter

• 3 Manager Cover Letter Examples

The 8 Best Manager Cover Letter Templates

3 tips for writing a job-winning manager cover letter.

Here's the step-by-step breakdown:

Manager Cover Letter Overview: What To Know To Write A Cover Letter That Wins More Job Offers

What do companies look for when hiring for a manager role?

When hiring for a manager role, companies look for candidates with a combination of technical expertise, leadership skills, and interpersonal abilities. Effective communication, decision-making, problem-solving, and organizational skills are also essential for success in a managerial position.

Managers should also possess technical knowledge that's relevant to the industry, and have strong interpersonal skills that are necessary for building strong relationships and working effectively with others.

Typically, organizations also look for candidates with prior management experience, as it demonstrates a track record of success in a leadership role. However, this isn't a requirement. Overall, companies seek candidates who can lead their team to achieve organizational goals, communicate effectively, and make timely and effective decisions.

Your resume should show your potential employer that both your personality and your experience encompass all of these things.

Additionally, there are a few best practices you want to follow to write a job-winning manager resume:

• Highlight your leadership and management skills.  Include examples of how you have motivated and led teams to achieve organizational goals.
• Emphasize your communication and interpersonal skills. Provide examples of how you have effectively communicated with team members, stakeholders, and clients.
• Include keywords from the job description:  ensure your resume is optimized for applicant tracking systems (ATS).
• Highlight your problem-solving and decision-making skills.  Provide examples of how you have addressed complex issues and made effective decisions.
• Include any relevant certifications, awards or professional development courses.  Demonstrate your expertise in your industry or field.
• Quantify your work:  Use numbers to showcase the impact of your leadership on your team's performance. Some examples include improvements in employee productivity, increased team morale,  and boosts in overall team performance.
• Proofread:  Carefully proofread your resume for errors and typos, as these can give a negative impression to potential employers (I recommend using the  Hemingway App ).

Let's dive deeper into each of these so you have the exact blueprint you need to see success.

The Best Manager Skills To Include On Your Cover Letter

Keywords are one of the most important factors in your cover letter. They show employers that your skills align with the role and they also help format your cover letter for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

If you're not familiar with ATS systems, they are pieces of software used by employers to manage job applications. They scan cover letters for keywords and qualifications and make it easier for the employers to filter and search for candidates whose qualifications match the role.

If you want to win more Manager interviews and job offers, you need to have a keyword-optimized cover letter. There are two ways to find the right keywords:

1. Leverage The 20 Best Manager Keywords

The first way to find the right keywords is to leverage our list of the best keywords and skills for an Manager cover letter.

These keywords were selected from an analysis of  real Manager  job descriptions sourced from actual job boards. Here they are:

• Communication
• Team Member
• Performance
• Development
• Consistency
• Interpersonal Skills
• Accountable
• Organization

2. Use ResyMatch.io To Find The Best Keywords That Are Specific To Your Cover Letter And Target Role

The second method is the one I recommend because it's personalized to your specific cover letter and target job.

This process lets you find the exact keywords that your cover letter is missing when compared to the individual role you're applying for.

Here's how it works:

• Open a copy of your target Manager job description
• Head over to  ResyMatch.io
• Select the “Job Description Scan” from the scan type selector in the upper right corner of the tool
• Copy and paste the Manager job description into the field on the left
• Hit scan and review the results

ResyMatch is going to scan the target job description and show you the exact keywords and skills that are relevant for the role and that you should weave into your cover letter.

Here's a video walking through this whole process:

Adding a personal touch is what makes a cover letter stand out, and that starts from the very first sentence! You should always greet the person reading your cover letter and there are two ways to do this well:

1. Use The Hiring Manager's Name

The first, and best, is by including the hiring manager's name. Let's say that you discovered the hiring manager's name from a post on LinkedIn or via an informational interview.

This is the jackpot! All you need to do is use their name in the introduction, like this:

2. Use This Formula: To The [Department] Team at [Organization]

If you don't have the hiring manager's name, no problem! You can address your cover letter to the team that you're applying to.

For example, if you're applying to for a Product Marketing Manager role at Discovery Education, you might start you cover letter like this:

This shows the reader that this letter has been written specifically for them and the content inside of it will support that.

It's much more relevant and personal than  “To Whom It May Concern!”

For more advice on writing a strong opening to your cover letter, check out this guide.

3 Manager Cover Letter Examples For 2023

Now let's take a look at all of these best practices in action. Here are three cover letter examples for different situations from people with different backgrounds that are all applying for Manager roles:

Manager Cover Letter Example #1: A Traditional Background

Our first example is a cover letter written by a candidate with traditional Manager experience. Here is what an example of their cover letter might look like:

Manager Cover Letter Example #2: A Non-Traditional Background

Our second cover letter example comes from a candidate looking to make the leap from an individual contributor role to a management position. While this person doesn't have traditional management experience, they do a good job of speaking to their relevant leadership skills and how they can transfer to this new role.

Manager Cover Letter Example #3: Landing a Senior Management Role After a Career Gap

Our third example highlights a candidate with extensive management experience who has been freelance consulting during a career break. Addressing a gap in your employment history can feel tricky, but this person does a good job of demonstrating their value as a leader and what they can bring to this new role.

At this point, you know all of the basics you'll need to write a Manager cover letter that wins you more interviews and offers. The only thing left is to take all of that information and apply it to a template that's going to help you get results.

We made that easy with  our CoverBuild tool . It has 8 proven templates that were created with the help of recruiters and hiring managers at the world's best companies. These templates also bake in thousands of data points we have from the job seekers in our audience who have used them to land job offers.

You're off to a strong start! But I've got a few more tips to help you take your cover letter to the next level:

1. Use ChatGPT To Write Your Cover Letter In <30 Seconds

All of these tips and best practices work, but you still have to implement them. Normally, that'd mean you sitting down and spending hours brainstorming ideas, typing, deleting, and typing again, and then feeling absolutely drained.

Now there's a way to work around all of that so you save your best energy for the writing and edits that matter most. Here's how it works:

• Head to ChatGPT (you'll need to create an account – it's free)
• Ask ChatGPT,  “Please write me a cover letter for an Manager role. The role I'm applying for is [Job Title] role at [Company]. Here is the job description: [Paste Job Description]. And here is my resume: [Paste Resume].
• Watch ChatGPT write up a pretty darn good cover letter base!

Here's a video of me doing this with a real cover letter if you want to see the steps in action:

Note:  I  do not recommend or advise that you simply copy and paste the content from ChatGPT into your cover letter and submit your application. ChatGPT is great for doing 80% of the baseline work, but you still need to review, revise, and personalize the content yourself.

2. Include Measurable Metrics And Outcomes

Too many job seekers only focus on the actions that they took and not the outcomes that resulted from those actions. As a campus principal, it's impossible to differentiate between a dozen candidates who were all “Responsible For Creating a Safe Learning Environment.” 

If you want to win, your cover letter should speak to the specific outcomes that you drove in previous roles. That could be:

• The percentage by which your team increased revenue under your leadership.
• The average reduction in overall expenditures.
• The average employee satisfaction rate.
• The rate at which your employee retention increased from year to year.

These numbers will show hiring teams what you're capable of and make your value crystal clear!

3. Match Your Cover Letter And Resume Design

They're the exact same car, down to the year, make, and model. The only difference is the way the product was presented. Like I said, quality impacts perceived value.

One of the best ways to boost the quality of your cover letter is to make it look clean, professional, and have it match your resume. That's why the resume templates in our resume builder tool match the cover letter templates in our cover letter builder:

If you use both tools to create your cover letter and your resume, your entire application is going to be top notch.

Key Takeaways To Wrap Up Your Job-Winning Cover Letter

You made it! We packed a lot of information into this post so I wanted to distill the key points for you and lay out next steps so you know exactly where to from here.

Here are the 5 steps for writing a job-winning Manager cover letter:

• Start with a proven cover letter template from CoverBuild.io
• Use  ResyMatch.io to find the right keywords and optimize your cover letter for each Manager role you apply to
• Start your manager cover letter with a personalized greeting for the hiring manager or Human Resources representative.
• Emphasize the measurable outcomes and value you drove in previous roles (include metrics!)
• Compare the draft of your manager cover letter to the examples on this page to make sure you're on the right path
• Use a tool like  Hemingway App to proofread your cover letter before you submit it

If you follow those steps, you're going to be well on your way to landing more Manager interviews and job offers.

Laura Lorta

Laura is an Editor at Cultivated Culture. She transitioned from teaching into the world of content so she's no stranger to career pivots. She also has a bachelors in Entrepreneurship and a Masters in Curriculum & Instruction / Bilingual Education. She currently shares job search advice to help people like you land jobs they love without applying online.

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Most Popular Posts

YOU’VE SEEN AUSTIN IN

WHAT CAN I HELP WITH?

Welcome Back To Cultivated Culture!

Log into your Cultivated Culture account using one of the options below:

Forgot your password? Click here to reset.

Need a free acount? Click Here To Sign Up

By logging in, you agree to Cultivated Culture's Terms of Use , Privacy Policy , and agree to receive email updates.

One Free Account, Four Job-Winning Tools

Sign up for a free Cultivated Culture account and get access to all of our job search tools:

Your Bullet Score is:

Sign up for a free Cultivated Culture account to get the full breakdown of your bullet along with suggestions for improving it:

Sign Up To Save & Export Your Resume

Sign up to create, save, and export your resume and get access to our suite of job search tools!

Sign Up To Get More Free Email Searches

Create a free account to unlock more email searches and get access to all four of our job-winning tools:

Your Headline Score is:

Sign up for a free Cultivated Culture account to get the full breakdown of your headline along with suggestions for improving it:

Already have an acount? Click Here To Log In

We Just Need You To Verify Your Email.

We just emailed you a 6-digit code. Please check your email and enter it below.

Note: Your progress will not be saved until your email is verified. Closing this pop up or window might cause you to lose your progress.

Invalid Code

Choose one of the options below to get the verification code we sent you!

We'll need you to verify your email address before you're able to unlock free scans.

We'll need you to verify your email address before you're able to unlock free templates, saves, and exports.

We'll need you to verify your email address before you're able to unlock free email searches.

We sent a verification code to your email, all you have to do is paste that code here and submit to get full access!

Looks Like You Still Need To Verify Your Email Address!

Whoops! Looks like you still haven't verified your email address. We'll need you to do that before granting free, unlimited access to our tools.

If you can't find the original verification email, click the link below and we'll send a new one:

Sent! Please check your email.

Oops you've hit your credit limit..

Looks like you've used all 10 of your free credits for the month. Your credit limit will refresh in days. You can learn more about your credit limit here.

Want to stop worrying about credits?

Sign up for our Unlimited plan to get instance unlimited access to all of our jon search tools for one low price. Click below to learn more:

Go Unlimited!

Change plan.

Upgrade your plan to get unlimited access to all 5 of our offer-winning job search tools and 200 email searches / week:

Go Unlimited (& Save 10%)!

Upgrade to get unlimited access to our resume tools, 200 email searches / week, and 10% off our regular pricing thanks to your friend :

Your Unlimited plan comes with...

Unlimited access to all 5 of our resume tools

200 Mailscoop searches per week

No obligations - cancel any time

By clicking "Upgrade My Plan," you agree to Cultivated Culture's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

By clicking "Change Plan," you agree to Cultivated Culture's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Confirm Your Plan Change

Here is a summary of your plan change:

Current Plan:

Please note the following for plan changes:

Your new plan and rebill date will be effective immediately

The number above depict retail plan pricing, any adjustments or credits will be available in the Invoices section of your Billing tab

If you're moving to a lower cost plan, the difference will be credited to your account and applied towards your next payment

By clicking "Confirm Plan Change," you agree to Cultivated Culture's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Unlimited Plan Upgrade

Change payment method.

Promo code has been applied to your purchase!

Note: This is a monthly subscription, your card will be automatically charged every month until you cancel your plan.

Terms of Use | Privacy Policy

(C) 2024 Cultivated Culture

Note: You will not be charged for updating your credit card using this form. After your new card is added, you will be billed on the date of your next billing cycle.

Upgrade Complete!

You are officially a

Unlimited Member

Invoice Details

Paid Today:

Start Date:

Subscription:

Next Bill Date (Est.):

Note: This receipt and future invoices will be available in the Billing Tab of your Account Dashboard .

Do You Want To Secure Your Account?

Increase your account security with one of our multi-factor authentication options:

Choose An Authentication Method

Awesome! Let's make your account more secure.

Choose your preferred authentication method:

Text Message Authentication

Enter the phone number that you want to use to set up text-based authentication for your account:

Text Message Verification Code Sent!

Please check your phone for verification code and enter below:

Email Verification Code Sent!

Please check your email for verification code and enter below:

No problem, we'll skip this for now. Do you want us to remind you to secure your account?

Manager Cover Letter Example

Get an employer’s attention with an optimized Manager cover letter. Prepare your document today with the help of ResumeCoach’s example cover letter and guidance tips. Get started on securing the management job of your dreams now.

Resume and Cover Letter Experts

You may have some doubts about how effective a cover letter is, but we can tell you it offers any candidate a great chance to make a great first impression. That is also true if you are applying for a Manager role. 

But, are you unsure of how to start your letter, or what to include ? 

If that’s the case, our guide will help you out by explaining:

• How to start your Managerial cover letter
• Tips for entry-level Manager cover letters
• Leadership keywords to include to grab an employer’s attention
• Interesting ways to mention how you’ve tracked KPIs in the past
• How to show that you are motivated to keep learning

It’s essential to show that you’re aware of the responsibilities of a Manager in any sector and that you are capable of handling them. 

Remember, that any cover letter must be accompanied by a resume , and our free builder can ensure that you get the job done for both parts of your application.

If you’re a Manager, keep reading to find out all the secrets to writing a captivating cover letter and get one step closer to your dream job.

Before getting started, you need to understand how your letter should be structured and what details to write about. 

You can also use an extensive cover letter guide to make the process even simpler.

Hiring Manager’s name

Company name

Company address

Dear Mr/Ms. [Hiring Manager Name]

I am writing to express my interest in the Senior Manager Position at XYZ Company. With over 10 years of experience in the technology industry, I have a proven track record of leading, managing, and directing teams to achieve organizational goals. My expertise in monitoring KPIs and implementing problem-solving strategies has consistently enhanced operational efficiency.

As Operations Manager at ABC Corporation, I directed a team of 20, and organized the implementation of a new inventory management system, reducing inventory holding costs by 30% and increasing order fulfillment speed by 15%. Additionally, I navigated a supply chain disruption by executing a contingency plan, resulting in a 20% increase in customer satisfaction.

I am impressed by XYZ Company’s commitment to innovation and am confident that my skills make me a strong candidate for this position.

Enclosed is my resume with additional details about my professional experience. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to XYZ Company’s success. Thank you for considering my application.

Address Phone number Email address

Experienced Managers: Tips to Help You Write Your Cover Letter

If you’ve already been working as a Manager you know what it takes to be successful on the job. However, understanding how to explain your previous duties and triumphs in a cover letter is a completely different story.

We’ll explain some great ways of showing your success in prior roles and your dedication to being a great manager. 

How to Begin Your Manager Cover Letter

First things first, the beginning of your cover letter is crucial for setting a positive first impression . 

Always personalize your cover letter by addressing the hiring manager by their name, and express your enthusiasm for the position and the company.

As an experienced Manager, you should:

• Point out how long you have been a manager
• Include achievements with quantifiable data 

Take a look at the example below to see how you can include this information in your cover letter opening sentences.

I am writing to express my interest in the Manager position at XYZ Company. With over 15 years of experience as a manager in the retail industry, I have successfully led teams of up to 50 members, achieving a 25% increase in overall productivity and a 30% reduction in employee turnover during my tenure at ABC Company.

Demonstrate Your Leadership and Team Management

Your ability to lead and manage a team is one of the most important skills to highlight in your cover letter.

That means mentioning the projects you oversaw and how you got the best of your team. To do that, it’s essential to choose eye-catching keywords that will jump off the page and help those skills get noticed. 

You’ll want to add words in the text that demonstrate your ability to lead, be respected, and increase productivity . 

Manager Leadership Keywords 

You can use the following keywords to help explain your management abilities:

• Facilitated
• Coordinated

In my previous role as Manager at XYZ Organization, I directed a team of 5 to achieve a 30% increase in productivity over six months, and successfully managed the completion of a critical project two weeks ahead of schedule.

Include Your Experience Setting and Monitoring KPIs

Recruiters and the ATS will also be scanning your cover letter to see if you have experience monitoring and improving Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) .

This is another crucial skill that can speak to your ability as a Manager. Be sure to mention the specific KPIs you were responsible for, and how you achieved or exceeded them.

Some examples of KPIs that you can mention in the body of your letter include:

• Achievement of Sales Targets
• Employee turnover rate 
• Operational efficiency 
• Conversion rate
• Inventory turnover

In my recent role as a Sales Manager at XYZ Corporation, I successfully led my team to exceed sales targets by 20% consecutively for four quarters. This achievement was a result of strategic initiatives that not only enhanced operational efficiency but also improved our conversion rate. Additionally, my focus on employee satisfaction and development resulted in a notable reduction in employee turnover rate by 15% over the past year.

As you can see, this part of the letter mentions the applicant’s experience with KPIs and briefly explains the results. It is concise and to the point, which is exactly how you should draft your text.

Highlight Problem-Solving and Crisis Management

Another sign of a capable manager that employers will be on the lookout for is how you solve problems when they arise. These are skills that any employer wants their employees to have.

This is especially true for when the work environment is in full-blown crisis mode. 

In your Manager cover letter try to mention how you’ve handled any of the following situations:

• Data breaches
• Regulatory compliance issues
• Product defects
• Communication breakdowns
• Supply chain disruptions
• Client complaints
• Employee conflicts
• Underperformance
• Project delays

For example:

In my previous role as Operations Manager at ABC Corp, I faced a significant challenge of high employee turnover, which was affecting our productivity and increasing our recruitment costs. I addressed this issue by implementing a comprehensive employee engagement and development program, which resulted in a 30% reduction in turnover within the first year and improved overall team morale and productivity.

This is a great example of a cover letter section as it doesn’t only show what the problem was but also how it was addressed . 

Entry Level Manager Cover Letter Sample

If you’re trying to become a Manager and lead other employees for the first time, it may be a bit more difficult to get your foot in the door. 

However, by including the right details you can win over a recruiter and land a manager role.

The example below shows how you can format your letter. 

Hiring manager’s name

Dear Mr./Ms. [Hiring manager’s name],

I am writing to express my interest in the vacant Manager role.  After working as an accountant at ABC Enterprises for 5 years, I feel ready to take up the Managerial Position at XYZ Company.

As an accountant, I have developed strong analytical, organizational, and decision-making skills. By using different tools such as Jira, I have been successful in managing financial records, preparing financial statements, assisting in budget planning, and communicating with my coworkers. 

Additionally, I have had the opportunity to lead small teams on various projects, which has helped me develop my leadership and team management skills. This has motivated me to take up a course on time management and productivity which I am scheduled to complete at the end of the month.

Enclosed is my resume, which provides additional details about my education and professional experience. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to the continued success of XYZ Company. Thank you for considering my application.

Phone number 

Email address

How to Write an Entry-Level Manager Cover Letter

When you sit down to write your entry-level resume and cover letter you’ll have to face the facts. It’s nearly impossible to show your past success as a Manager, especially if you are up against more experienced candidates.

But, don’t worry that doesn’t mean your cover letter is ultimately doomed to fail! You can still land an interview if you talk about:

• Your motivation to keep improving and succeed
• Your knowledge of Managerial software 

Apart from displaying the typical data such as how many years you’ve been working adding these details can state that you have a lot to offer thanks to your motivation and knowledge .

Talk About Your Commitment to Improve

If you’re trying to break into the managerial world, proving that you are driven will boost your application. 

One way of doing that is by mentioning any relevant courses or certifications you have completed or are currently taking.

If you aren’t sure what courses to take, you can take courses that focus on the following topics:

• Time management 
• Data analysis 
• Business strategy
• Emotional intelligenc
• Financial management capabilities
• Change management

Mentioning your certifications shows that you have advanced knowledge , so if you have for the topics above be sure to list them in your cover letter. 

Include Your Knowledge of Management Tools

In 2023, Managers should have a good idea of how to use project management software . It helps tremendously and if you can point out that you have a firm grasp of using these types of tools you can earn some points with a recruiter. 

If you have any experience with the following tools, list them in your cover letter.

Project Management Tools

Communication tools.

• Microsoft Teams
• Google Workspace

Data Analysis Tools

• Microsoft Excel
• Google Sheets

Managing the structure and content of your cover letter is not an easy thing to do. But, with the advice in this article, you should knock your application out of the park if you remember to:

• Use the right words to put the spotlight on your leadership skills
• Show how you monitored KPIs
• Mention how you dealt with problems
• Include certifications and tools if you’re applying to become a Manager for the first time

If you can touch on these points in your letter and submit it along with a well-written resume , there’s a good chance you’ll be managing at a company instead of more applications. 

Trouble getting your Cover Letter started?

Beat the blank page with expert help.

How to Write a Cover Letter in 2024 + Examples

After weeks of heavy job search, you’re almost there!

You’ve perfected your resume. 

You’ve short-listed the coolest jobs you want to apply for.

You’ve even had a friend train you for every single interview question out there.

But then, before you can send your application and call it a day, you remember that the job ad requires a cover letter.

Now you’re stuck wondering how to write a cover letter ...

Don’t panic! We’ve got you covered. Writing a cover letter is a lot simpler than you might think. 

In this guide, we’re going to teach you how to write a cover letter that gets you the job you deserve.

• What’s a cover letter & why it’s important for your job search
• How to write a convincing cover letter that gets you the job (step-by-step!)
• How to perfect your cover letter with the Novoresume free checklist
• What excellent cover letter examples look like

New to cover letter writing? Give our resumes 101 video a watch before diving into the article!

So, let’s get started with the basics!

What is a Cover Letter? (and Why It’s Important)

A cover letter is a one-page document that you submit as part of your job application (alongside your CV or Resume). 

Its purpose is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. On average, your cover letter should be from 250 to 400 words long .

A good cover letter can spark the HR manager’s interest and get them to read your resume. 

A bad cover letter, on the other hand, might mean that your application is going directly to the paper shredder. So, to make sure this doesn’t happen, it’s essential to know how to write a convincing cover letter.

How does a good cover letter look, you might ask. Well, here’s an example:

Keep in mind, though, that a cover letter is a supplement to your resume, not a replacement. Meaning, you don’t just repeat whatever is mentioned in your resume.

If you’re writing a cover letter for the first time, writing all this might seem pretty tough. After all, you’re probably not a professional writer.

The thing is, though, you don’t need to be creative, or even any good at writing. All you have to do is follow a tried-and-tested format:

• Header - Input contact information
• Greeting the hiring manager
• Opening paragraph - Grab the reader’s attention with 2-3 of your top achievements
• Second paragraph - Explain why you’re the perfect candidate for the job
• Third paragraph - Explain why you’re a good match for the company
• Formal closing

Or, here’s what this looks like in practice:

How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter (And Get Hired!)

Now that we’ve got the basics out of the way, we’re going to guide you through the process of writing a cover letter step by step. 

Step #1 - Pick the Right Cover Letter Template

A good cover letter is all about leaving the right first impression.

So, what’s a better way to leave a good impression than a well-formatted, visual template?

You can simply pick one of our hand-picked cover letter templates , and you’ll be all set in a jiffy!

As a bonus, our AI will even give you suggestions on how to improve your cover letter on the go.

Step #2 - Start the Cover Letter with a Header

As with a resume, it’s important to start your cover letter with a Contact Information section:

Here, you want to include all essential information, including:

• Phone Number
• Name of the hiring manager / their professional title
• Name of the company you’re applying to

In certain cases, you might also consider adding:

• Social Media Profiles - Any type of profile that’s relevant to your field. Social Profiles on websites like LinkedIn, GitHub (for developers), Medium (for writers), etc.
• Personal Website - If you have a personal website that somehow adds value to your application, you can mention it. Let’s say you’re a professional writer. In that case, you’d want to link to your blog.

And here’s what you shouldn’t mention in your header:

• Your Full Address 
• Unprofessional Email - Make sure your email is presentable. It’s pretty hard for a hiring manager to take you seriously if your email address is “[email protected].” Whenever applying for jobs, stick to the “[first name] + [last name] @ email provider.com” format.

Step #3 - Greet the Hiring Manager

Once you’ve properly listed your contact information, you need to start writing the cover letter contents.

The first thing to do here is to address the cover letter to the hiring manager .

That’s right, the hiring manager! Not the overly popular “Dear Sir or Madam.” You want to show your future boss that you did your research and are really passionate about working with their team.

No one wants to hire a job seeker who just spams 20+ companies and hopes to get hired in any of them.

So, how do you find out who’s the hiring manager? There are several ways to do this. 

The simplest option is to look up the head of the relevant department on LinkedIn. Let’s say you’re applying for the position of a Communication Specialist at Novoresume. The hiring manager is probably Head of Communications or Chief Communications Office.

So, you do a quick lookup on LinkedIn:

And voila! You have your hiring manager.

Or let’s say you’re applying for the position of a server. In that case, you’d be looking for the “restaurant manager.”

If this doesn’t work, you can also check out the “Team” page on the company website; there’s a good chance you’ll at least find the right person there.

Here are several other greetings you could use:

• Dear [Department] Hiring Manager
• Dear Hiring Manager
• To whom it may concern
• Dear [Department] Team

Step #4 - Write an Attention-Grabbing Introduction

First impressions matter, especially when it comes to your job search.

Recruiters get hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of applications. Chances are, they’re not going to be reading every single cover letter end-to-end.

So, it’s essential to catch their attention from the very first paragraph .

The #1 problem we see with most cover letter opening paragraphs is that they’re usually extremely generic. Most of them look something like this..

• Hey, my name is Jonathan and I’d like to work as a Sales Manager at XYZ Inc. I’ve worked as a sales manager at MadeUpCompany Inc. for 5+ years, so I believe that I’d be a good fit for the position.

See the issue here? This opening paragraph doesn’t say pretty much anything except the fact that you’ve worked the job before.

Do you know who else has similar work experience? All the other applicants you’re competing with.

Instead, you want to start off with 2-3 of your top achievements to really grab the reader’s attention. Preferably, the achievements should be as relevant as possible to the position.

So now, let’s make our previous example shine:

My name’s Michael and I’d like to help XYZ Inc. hit and exceed their sales goals as a Sales Manager. I’ve worked with Company X, a fin-tech company, for 3+ years. As a Sales Representative, I generated an average of $30,000+ in sales per month (beating the KPIs by around 40%). I believe that my previous industry experience, as well as excellence in sales, makes me the right candidate for the job.

See the difference between the two examples? If you were the hiring manager, which sales manager would you hire, Jonathan or Michael?

Now that we’ve covered the introduction, let’s talk about the body of your cover letter. This part is split into two paragraphs: the first is for explaining why you’re the perfect person for the job, and the latter is for proving that you’re a good fit for the company.

So, let’s get started...

Step #5 - Explain why you’re the perfect person for the job

This is where you show off your professional skills and convince the HR manager that you’re a better fit for the job than all the other applicants.

But first things first - before you even write anything, you need to learn what the most important requirements for the role are. So, open up the job ad and identify which of the responsibilities are the most critical.

For the sake of the example, let’s say you’re applying for the position of a Facebook Advertiser. You scan the job ad and see that the top requirements are:

• Experience managing a Facebook ad budget of $10,000+ / month
• Some skills in advertising on other platforms (Google Search + Twitter)
• Excellent copywriting skills

Now, in this section, you need to discuss how you fulfill these requirements. So, here’s how that would look for our example:

In my previous role as a Facebook Marketing Expert at XYZ Inc. I handled customer acquisition through ads, managing a monthly Facebook ad budget of $20,000+ . As the sole digital marketer at the company, I managed the ad creation & management process end-to-end. Meaning, I created the ad copy , images, picked the targeting, ran optimization trials, and so on.

Other than Facebook advertising, I’ve also delved into other online PPC channels, including:

• Google Search

Are you a student applying for your first internship? You probably don’t have a lot of work experience to show off in this section. Learn how to write an internship cover letter here.

Step #6 - Explain why you’re a good fit for the company

Once you’ve written the last paragraph, you might be thinking - I’m a shoo-in for the job! What else do I need to write? I’ll just wrap up the cover letter and hit that sweet SEND button.

Well, no. You’re not quite there yet.

The HR manager doesn’t only look at whether you’ll be good at the job or not. They’re looking for someone that’s also a good fit for the company culture.

After all, employees that don’t fit in are bound to quit, sooner or later. This ends up costing the company a ton of money, up to 50% of the employee’s annual salary . 

Meaning, you also need to convince the HR manager that you’re really passionate about working with them.

How do you do this? Well, as a start, you want to do some research about the company. You want to know things like:

• What’s the company’s business model?
• What’s the company product or service? Have you used it?
• What’s the culture like? Will someone micro-manage your work, or will you have autonomy on how you get things done?

So, get to Googling. Chances are, you’ll find all the information you need either on the company website or somewhere around the web.

Then, you need to figure out what you like about the company and turn that into text.

Let’s say, for example, you’re passionate about their product and you like the culture of innovation / independent work in the organization.

You’d write something like:

I’ve personally used the XYZ Smartphone, and I believe that it’s the most innovative tech I’ve used in years. The features such as Made-Up-Feature #1 and Made-Up-Feature #2 were real game changers for the device. 

I really admire how Company XYZ thrives for excellence for all its product lines, creating market-leading tech. As someone that thrives in a self-driven environment, I truly believe that I and Company XYZ will be a great match.

What you don’t want to do here is be super generic for the sake of having something to write. Most job seekers tend to mess this one up. Let’s take a look at a very common example we tend to see (way too often):

I’d love to work for Company XYZ because of its culture of innovation. I believe that since I’m super creative, I’d be a good fit for the company. The company values of integrity and transparency really vibe with me.

See what’s wrong here? The example doesn’t really say anything about the company. “Culture of Innovation” is something most companies claim to have. 

The same goes for “values of integrity and transparency” - the writer just googled what the values for the organization are, and said that they like them.

Any hiring manager that reads this will see through the fluff.

So, make sure to do a lot of research and come up with good reasons why you're applying.

Step #7 - Wrap up with a call to action

Finally, it’s time to finish up your cover letter and write the conclusion.

In the final paragraph, you want to:

• Wrap up any points you couldn't in the previous paragraphs. Do you have anything left to say? Any other information that could help the hiring manager make their decision? Mention it here.
• Thank the hiring manager for their time. It never hurts to be courteous, as long as you don’t come off as too needy.
• Finish the cover letter with a call to action. The very last sentence in your cover letter should be a call to action. You should ask the hiring manager to take some sort of action.

And now, let’s turn this into a practical example:

So to wrap it all up, thanks for looking into my application. I hope I can help Company X make the most out of their Facebook marketing initiatives. I'd love to further discuss how my previous success at XYZ Inc. can help you achieve your facebook marketing goals.

Step #8 - Use the right formal closing

Once you’re done with the final paragraph, all you have to do is write down a formal “goodbye” and you’re good to go.

Feel free to use one of the most popular conclusions to a cover letter:

• Best Regards,
• Kind Regards,

And we’re finally done! Before sending off the cover letter, make sure to proofread it with software like Grammarly, or maybe even get a friend to review it for you.

Does your cover letter heading include all essential information?

• Professional email
• Relevant Social Media Profiles

Do you address the right person? I.e. hiring manager in the company / your future direct supervisor

Does your introductory paragraph grab the reader's attention?

• Did you mention 2-3 of your top achievements?
• Did you use numbers and facts to back up your experience?

Do you successfully convey that you’re the right pro for the job?

• Did you identify the core requirements?
• Did you successfully convey how your experiences help you fit the requirements perfectly?

Do you convince the hiring manager that you’re passionate about the company you’re applying to?

• Did you identify the top 3 things that you like about the company?
• Did you avoid generic reasons for explaining your interest in the company?

Did you finalize the conclusion with a call to action?

Did you use the right formal closure for the cover letter?

5+ Cover Letter Examples

Need some inspiration? Read on to learn about some of the best cover letter examples we’ve seen (for different fields).

College Student Cover Letter Example

Middle Management Cover Letter Example

Career Change Cover Letter Example

Management Cover Letter Example

Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

Want to discover more examples AND learn what makes them stand out? Check out our guide to cover letter examples .

Next Steps in Your Job Search - Creating a Killer Resume

Your cover letter is only as good as your resume. If either one is weak, your entire application is for naught. 

After all, a cover letter is just an introduction. Imagine going through all this effort to leave an amazing first impression, but flopping at the end because of a mediocre resume.

...But don’t you worry, we’ve got you covered on that end, too.

If you want to learn more about Resumes & CVs, we have a dedicated FREE guide for that. Check out our complete guide on how to make a resume , as well as how to write a CV - our experts will teach you everything you need to know in order to land your dream job.

Or, if you’re already an expert, just pick one of our resume templates and get started.

Key Takeaways

Now that we’ve walked you through all the steps of writing a cover letter, let’s summarize everything we’ve learned:

• A cover letter is a 250 - 400 word document that convinces the hiring manager of your competence
• A cover letter goes in your job application alongside your resume
• Your introduction to the cover letter should grab the hiring manager’s attention and keep it all the way until the conclusion
• There are 2 main topics you need to include in your cover letter: why you’re the perfect candidate for the job & why you’re passionate about working in the company you’re applying to
• Most of the content of your cover letter should be factual , without any fluff or generalizations

At Novorésumé, we’re committed to helping you get the job you deserve, every step of the way! Follow our blog to stay up to date with the industry-leading advice. Or, check out some of our top guides…

• How to Write a Motivational Letter
• How to Write a Resume with No Work Experience
• Most Common Interview Questions and Answers

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

How it works

Transform your enterprise with the scalable mindsets, skills, & behavior change that drive performance.

Explore how BetterUp connects to your core business systems.

We pair AI with the latest in human-centered coaching to drive powerful, lasting learning and behavior change.

Build leaders that accelerate team performance and engagement.

Unlock performance potential at scale with AI-powered curated growth journeys.

Build resilience, well-being and agility to drive performance across your entire enterprise.

Transform your business, starting with your sales leaders.

Unlock business impact from the top with executive coaching.

Foster a culture of inclusion and belonging.

Accelerate the performance and potential of your agencies and employees.

See how innovative organizations use BetterUp to build a thriving workforce.

Discover how BetterUp measurably impacts key business outcomes for organizations like yours.

A demo is the first step to transforming your business. Meet with us to develop a plan for attaining your goals.

• What is coaching?

Learn how 1:1 coaching works, who its for, and if it's right for you.

Accelerate your personal and professional growth with the expert guidance of a BetterUp Coach.

Types of Coaching

Navigate career transitions, accelerate your professional growth, and achieve your career goals with expert coaching.

Enhance your communication skills for better personal and professional relationships, with tailored coaching that focuses on your needs.

Find balance, resilience, and well-being in all areas of your life with holistic coaching designed to empower you.

Discover your perfect match : Take our 5-minute assessment and let us pair you with one of our top Coaches tailored just for you.

Research, expert insights, and resources to develop courageous leaders within your organization.

Best practices, research, and tools to fuel individual and business growth.

View on-demand BetterUp events and learn about upcoming live discussions.

The latest insights and ideas for building a high-performing workplace.

• BetterUp Briefing

The online magazine that helps you understand tomorrow's workforce trends, today.

Innovative research featured in peer-reviewed journals, press, and more.

Founded in 2022 to deepen the understanding of the intersection of well-being, purpose, and performance

We're on a mission to help everyone live with clarity, purpose, and passion.

Join us and create impactful change.

Read the buzz about BetterUp.

Meet the leadership that's passionate about empowering your workforce.

For Business

For Individuals

3 cover letter examples to help you catch a hiring manager’s attention

Ace your job search

Explore effective job search techniques, interview strategies, and ways to overcome job-related challenges. Our coaches specialize in helping you land your dream job.

Jump to section

What’s a cover letter?

What does a cover letter include, 3 cover letter samples to make your own, 3 more tips for a winning cover letter, letter for success.

You studied the job application, polished your resume, and are ready to hit “send.” But before you do, you need to craft a cover letter to support your candidacy. 

A hiring manager’s job is to quickly gauge whether you have the know-how to fit the roles and responsibilities of a job. And they also want to know if you possess soft skills that bring value to company culture and the business as a whole. Every document you send to a potential employer should prove you’re the best person for the job. 

Your resume or CV showcases your professional development based on skills and work experience. But the best resumes are concise, with bullet points that lead the reader to the most important information. You often don’t have enough space to truly express your value.

A good cover letter is an opportunity to highlight your experience and display your workplace personality . It gives a hiring manager a taste of what it’ll be like to work with you — and going the extra mile shows you’re genuinely interested in the job description.

To help you write a successful application for your dream job, here’s information around cover letters plus three cover letter examples to adapt to your needs. 

A professional cover letter is a document you submit to a hiring manager or recruiter with your application. It’s a persuasive letter that dives deeper into your skills and experience. 

But an effective cover letter should do more than just copy and paste the content of your resume. It describes how you’ll use those skills on the job. You can highlight your most relevant personal achievements and speak directly about the value proposition you’ll bring to the company.

Think of your cover letter like a movie trailer. It should make an engaging first impression , tell an exciting story , and entice the hiring manager to learn more about you. 

Many people dread writing cover letters . They take time to compose, and you never know if hiring managers will actually take the time to read them. But submitting one at all shows the company that you’re serious about earning a position , proving you’re a high-quality applicant who cares about the job.

Most professional emails and letters follow the same format, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Typically, a cover letter is between 250 and 400 words and fits onto one page. 

You can send a cover letter in three ways: as an email attachment, in the body of an email, or as part of an online application. Pay careful attention to the instructions in the job posting .

Some companies may prefer a specific file attachment for easy internal sharing, and sending the right format tells the hiring manager you have an eye for detail and take direction. 

Here’s an example of what you’ll find in a basic cover letter template:

Header with contact information: Let your reader know who you are, with your full name and professional email address at the top of the page. You may include additional information like a personal website or LinkedIn profile , location, and contact information like a phone number. 

Opening paragraph: Begin with a professional salutation . Research the company and try to find the hiring manager or recruiter's name to demonstrate professionalism and due diligence. Your opening paragraph should be a quick show of gratitude that thanks them for their time and consideration. 

Body: Your second and third paragraphs should tell an engaging story introducing you as a person and an employee.

This might include a relevant anecdote about why you’re interested in the company and a personal achievement that connects the role to your professional development goals .

Always tie in skills and keywords from the job posting, and consider researching the company’s core values and wrapping them into the text. 

The closing sale: Your final paragraph should reiterate your main selling points, demonstrate your enthusiasm for the job, and thank the person for their consideration. Conclude with an appropriate email sign-off . 

Professional communication should be short and to the point, whether you’re writing an out-of-office message , letter of interest , or promotion announcement . Developing a cover letter format that self-promotes your best qualities without losing your reader’s attention requires careful, purposeful writing. 

To write your own, here are three examples to edit based on your needs and the new job's requirements:

1. Simple cover letter template for an entry-level job

This basic application letter tells a hiring manager or recruiter what they need to know about your potential, even without years of experience.

It shows off important soft skills like enthusiasm, initiative , and goal-setting that provide insights into the type of worker you are. This cover letter also highlights necessary information and your unique value proposition. 

[your name]

[email address]

Dear [hiring manager’s name], 

I hope this letter finds you well. Thank you for considering me for the [position] at [company name]. As a recent college graduate with a [degree title], I’m eager and excited to enter the workforce. 

I’m a creative and innovative person who excels in [type of work]. When deciding what major to choose, I found that [topic] was a career path that allowed me to nurture my natural critical thinking abilities and find out-of-the-box solutions.

At school, I balanced my coursework between [subject], [subject], and [subject], whic h helped grow my passion for [industry]. That led me to find [company name], an organization I really admire for its [attributes and company goals].

While wrapping up my degree, I completed an internship at [company name] as part of [department]. The experience tested my understanding of [topic] with real-life scenarios and proved that I excel equally in independent research and fast-paced, collaborative environments.

It cemented my motivation to continue to push my career in this direction, and I hope to continue my work with your team.

Thank you again for taking the time to read my application. I hope to have the opportunity to interview and discuss more about the job, along with how I can contribute to [company name]’s goals. I have attached my resume and am happy to provide you with professional references . 

Sincerely, 

[LinkedIn profile URL]

2. Creative cover letter template for an internal promotion

A great cover letter grabs a hiring manager's attention like a gripping story, and this is especially true when you’re already passionate about the company you work for.

This cover letter provides an emotional hook and supports itself with specific examples that promote the right experience level, attitude, and know-how for an internal promotion .

Thank you for the opportunity to apply for the [job title] opening. Having dedicated the past [number] years to working on [previous team], I feel deeply connected to [company name]’s mission and culture.

I’m ready to take the expertise I’ve learned in my current [title] role to contribute to the success of the business in new ways while also pushing my own career growth forward.

If you’re unfamiliar with my work, last summer, I supported [project] and used my [skills] to bring it to fruition. Building a [type of project] from the ground up and working strategically across [fields] was an eye-opening and formative new experience, and it taught me [more specific skills].

I’m proud to say we [achievements with metrics], and I know I can bring that expertise to [new position],

While I have enjoyed the challenge of [previous title], that experience taught me that I excel with [skills], which I know I can apply to [new title]. I'm ready to translate my knowledge of [topic] to a more wide-reaching role handling [new responsibilities].

The creativity , collaboration, and flexibility I’ve shown in my current role show that I’m up for the next challenge. 

Thank you again for inviting me to apply. I look forward to this opportunity to continue pushing our company toward success. 

3. Best cover letter template for a freelancer or contractor

For a contract or freelance job, a hiring manager wants to know that you’re thoughtful, competent, and independent enough to finish your work on time without too much guidance.

Similar to a letter of intent , researching the company and drawing parallels to your skills and experience will capture the hiring manager’s attention.

I hope you’re doing well. I’m excited to apply for the [contract role] you’ve posted. 

With [number] years of experience working independently for a wide range of companies, including startups, small businesses, and national brands, I have a proven ability to adapt my skills to any business model and complete [type of work] that meets your goals. 

Throughout my career, I’ve always prioritized working with companies that emphasize impact beyond their bottom line. Your commitment to [company values] speak directly to the values guiding my work.

I’m confident we can develop the solutions you’re looking for [cite goal listed in the job post, like increasing market share] while respecting the ethos of our work philosophies.

As a [job title or topic], I’ve worked with nearly [number] brands and continue to regularly consult with [number]. My approach is [describe work ethos]. I value quality over quantity. Building trust and long-term relationships while contributing truly valuable work is what matters most. 

I’m fluent in [skill], stay on top of emerging AI technologies, and thrive on [skill/topic]. My top concern is always making the right recommendation for the client, not the market.

I pride myself on my adaptability and ability to tease out the best strategy for my clients. Over the past year, my work has contributed to over [number] in net profits for clients of a similar size to your own. 

I’m eager to hear more about your long-term objectives and bring my expertise to your mission. 

Best regards,

[professional website URL]

Remember that a cover letter is specific to the job and to your experience, and even putting in just five extra minutes of effort can show a potential employer you care. Here are some extra tips to make sure your application is perfect:

Prepare ahead of time: There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all application. The perfect resume is specific to the job search, responsibilities, and company you’re applying to — and the same goes for your cover letter.

Read the job post thoroughly for keywords and use them to guide your writing. Incorporating company language into your own will show that you fit the team. 

Double-check your work: Misspellings, grammar mistakes, and inconsistent formatting can ruin your chances of getting an interview . Small or consistent errors insinuate that you lack effort and care.

Ask a colleague to give it a read-through to make sure you're effectively representing yourself. Likewise, run your final draft through a grammar app to ensure punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure are perfect. 

Use a cover letter builder: If you’re drawing a blank on the best cover letter design or can’t find the right words, lean on available online tools. You can use a professional cover letter template on a resume builder site to guide you and ensure you check off all the right boxes for a hiring manager. 

While your resume highlights your skills in a structured format, the cover letter gives you more freedom to showcase your positive personality traits , celebrate your achievements, and impress a potential employer. While not every job will require a cover letter, it’s never a bad idea to go the extra mile to make a case for yourself as the best candidate. 

Now that you have several cover letter examples, it’s time to get writing. Research the company, study the role, and draw the right parallels between its needs and your abilities. It could be just the motivation for a hiring manager to give your resume a little extra attention — and for you to land your next job. 

Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

ChatGPT cover letters: How to use this tool the right way

How to write a great cover letter in 2024: tips and structure, character references: 4 tips for a successful recommendation letter, send a thank you email after an internship to boost your career, how to write an impactful cover letter for a career change, write thank you letters after interviews to stand out as job applicant, how to quit a part-time job: 5 tips to leave on good terms, how to ask for a letter of recommendation (with examples), use professional reference templates to make hiring smoother, similar articles, what is a letter of intent examples on how to write one, tips and tricks for writing a letter of interest (with examples), learn to sweat the small stuff: how to improve attention to detail, how to write a letter of recommendation (with examples), 3 essential traits for leaders in turbulent times, stay connected with betterup, get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research..

3100 E 5th Street, Suite 350 Austin, TX 78702

• Platform Overview
• Integrations
• Powered by AI
• BetterUp Lead
• BetterUp Manage™
• BetterUp Care™
• Sales Performance
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Case Studies
• Why BetterUp?
• About Coaching
• Find your Coach
• Career Coaching
• Communication Coaching
• Life Coaching
• News and Press
• Leadership Team
• Become a BetterUp Coach
• BetterUp Labs
• Center for Purpose & Performance
• Leadership Training
• Business Coaching
• Contact Support
• Contact Sales
• Privacy Policy
• Acceptable Use Policy
• Trust & Security
• Cookie Preferences