How To Write A Manager Cover Letter (With Examples And Tips)

Updated 4 August 2023

A cover letter is an essential job application document that gives the hiring manager an insight into your experience and qualifications as a manager. An impressive cover letter that shows your managerial skills can make a positive first impression on your potential employer. Knowing how to write a manager's cover letter and how to structure it can help you highlight your skills and expertise effectively. In this article, we define a manager's cover letter, discuss how to write a manager cover letter, list what to include in it and share a resume template and example for your reference.

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are associated with Indeed.

What Is A Manager Cover Letter?

A manager cover letter is a document you send to potential employers along with your resume when applying for a management job. The cover letter helps create a favourable first impression on a recruiter, as this is the first document they usually review before looking at your resume.

A manager cover letter highlights your strengths and how you can contribute to the company's growth. It can also mention your academic background, experience and professional achievements. The letter can also include your leadership qualities and other essential soft skills. When applying for a management job, it can be necessary to highlight your experience leading teams and other skills like being a self-starter and problem-solver.

Related: What Is The Role Of A Manager?

How To Write A Manager Cover Letter?

Knowing how to write a manager cover letter can help you highlight relevant skills and present yourself as a suitable candidate for the job. Writing a manager cover letter can depend upon several factors, including the position you are applying for, your prior experience and your potential employer. It is important to customise your letter every time you apply for a job. Here are a few steps to help you write an impactful manager cover letter:

1. Write a fresh manager's cover letter for each application

Instead of having a common cover letter for all manager job applications, try to craft a new cover letter for each application. This can help you ensure that the cover letter focuses on the job requirements adequately. It also adds value to your cover letter and highlights your effort. You can have a basic template and write unique manager cover letters each time you apply for a management job.

2. Address your cover letter by the hiring manager's name

You can try to customise the cover letter by addressing the hiring manager by their name. Instead of using phrases like to whom it may concern as a salutation, try to use Dear along with the hiring manager's last name. Avoid using Ms or Mr before the name unless you are sure about the hiring manager's gender.

3. Write the introduction to keep the recruiter engaged

Ensure that the cover letter's opening is engaging enough to keep the recruiting manager interested and reading. You can start by mentioning the job you are applying for and add simple phrases like this: I am looking forward to joining your organisation. You can also discuss why you are the right candidate for this job and how can you add value to the company in the first few sentences.

4. Talk about why you would be a fantastic hire for the job

A significant portion of the cover letter can focus on your experience as a manager in your current or previous jobs. Recruiters typically want to know how competent you are as a manager and whether you have the qualities and skills to fulfil the responsibilities of the role effectively. For this, you can take cues from the job description and include specific skills and requirements in your cover letter to establish your suitability for the job.

5. Include your previous experiences and achievements

When you talk about your previous experiences, try to quantify them with numbers. For example, you can mention any increase in the company's sales and revenues due to your actions. When mentioning such achievements, try to use the most accurate figures. Try to focus on one or two main professional achievements that can impress the hiring manager.

What To Include In A Manager's Cover Letter?

Here are some important components of a manager's cover letter:

Education

Your educational qualification can be one of the most critical aspects of your profile, and it helps employers assess you better. Ensure that you mention your highest qualification in the cover letter to give the recruiters an honest assessment of your academic background. For example, if you have a master's degree in management or a related field, be sure to mention it. You can also list any relevant coursework or training that you have completed.

Management experience

Your work experience can make a lot of difference if you apply for mid and senior-level jobs. As you apply for a management job, make sure you highlight your experience in managing projects and teams in the cover letter. Be sure to include information on the size and scope of the teams you managed, your top accomplishments and any challenges you overcame.

Skills

Ensure that you mention only industry-relevant skills in the cover letter instead of including a long list of skills that may not be relevant for the role. These skills can be in-sync with the job description. Use the exact phrases and terminology. Listing your skills at the beginning of your cover letter gives employers an overview of your professional abilities and can help make a favourable first impression.

Achievements

Include data points quantifying your achievement and growth in your current or previous jobs. This helps employers analyse your past performance and adds value to your overall profile. This is an excellent opportunity to show any awards or recognition you may have received in your career. You can also highlight any successful projects you have managed or any other professional accomplishments relevant to the role.

Salutations

Your cover letter can start with a salutation and a greeting. For a more formal letter, Dear Mr/Ms Last Name can be appropriate. If you are writing to someone you know well, or if the tone of your letter is more casual, consider using Hello First Name. Similarly, you can close the cover letter by thanking the recruiter for considering your application before mentioning your contact information.

Cover Letter Template For A Manager

Here is a manager's cover letter template to help you draft the right cover letter when applying for a management job:

[First name] [Last name], [Degree or certification if applicable]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City], [State]
[Date]
[Company name]

Dear [Hiring manager's first name] [Hiring manager's last name]

Paragraph 1
[Express excitement for the position, including the role title and the company name.] [Introduce yourself by explaining why you are applying for the job and how the job aligns with your career goals and what specifically excites you about the company.]

Paragraph 2
[Explain relevant experience and qualifications without repeating information already in the resume.] [Highlight one to two relevant achievements with achievements and data if possible.] [Explain why you can be a good fit for the company]. [Optional - address employment gap or career transition.]

Paragraph 3
[Express gratitude.] [Summarise qualification.] [Restate interest in the role.] [Call to action + availability and preferred contact method.]

[Complimentary close],
[Signature]

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Cover Letter Example For A Manager

Here is an example of a manager's cover letter for your reference:

Anis Paul
+91-998877662211 | anis.paul@email.com | Surat, Gujarat
7-May-2022
Wavehood Industries

Dear Sandeep Thakkar,

My name is Anis Paul, and I am writing to apply for the position of Assistant Manager at Wavehood Industries. With over four years of professional experience, I am excited to apply for this position. As a graduate of Red Mount School of Business Management, I am confident that my skills and experience can enable me to make an immense contribution to the growth of Wavehood Industries.

I am currently working with FPG Ltd. and managing a team of 15 people. I am responsible for delegating tasks to ensure the results align with the company's overall growth. As attached in my resume, I have significant experience in strategic planning, project management, leading a team, revenue growth, minimising escalations and implementing growth plans in a streamlined manner.

As a manager, I aim to add value to an organisation through effective organisation, strategic leadership and team motivation. I am thrilled to apply for a job at Wavehood Industries, as this job can allow me to leverage my skills and experience in helping the company achieve its business objectives.

I would be thrilled to further discuss this opportunity in person or over a call. You can reach out to me at +91-998877662211 at your disposal. I am also attaching my resume for your kind perusal.

Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,
Anis Paul