good cover letter for management position

Here is a short video about my story with activism. The nonprofit organization Invisible Children made it for a youth conference I spoke at this year. It is about four minutes. As you’ll see from the video, I’ve had a lot of success as a student fundraiser, raising over $200,000 for Invisible Children. I’ve since gone on to work as a consultant for Wellspring International and have recently concluded my studies as a Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholar.

In each of the cover letters, Emily also made clear how much she wanted to work for IRC. “To convey enthusiasm is a vulnerable thing to do and can come off as naivete, but, when it came down to it, my enthusiasm for the organization was genuine and expressing it felt right,” she says.

This is how Emily conveyed her interest in working for IRC:

You should also know that I have a sincere appreciation of the IRC. I have enjoyed learning about your programs and have personally visited your New York headquarters, the San Diego New Roots farm, the We Can Be Heroes exhibit, and the Half the Sky exhibit in Los Angeles. The IRC is my top choice and I believe I would be a valuable addition to your fundraising team.

Emily learned throughout the process that the organization had hundreds of applicants for each position and it was extremely competitive. “I appreciated that I wouldn’t be the best for every opening but also remained firm that I did have a significant contribution to make,” she says. Eventually, Emily’s persistence paid off. She was hired as a temporary external relations coordinator, and four months later she moved into a permanent role.

Editor’s note: The author updated this article, which was originally written in 2014, to reflect the latest advice from the experts and the reality of job-seeking during the pandemic.

Amy Gallo is a contributing editor at Harvard Business Review, cohost of the Women at Work podcast , and the author of two books: Getting Along: How to Work with Anyone (Even Difficult People) and the HBR Guide to Dealing with Conflict . She writes and speaks about workplace dynamics. Watch her TEDx talk on conflict and follow her on LinkedIn . amyegallo

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Manager Cover Letter Example

Good leadership is vital to the success of any company or organization. Managers who are focused, goal-oriented and adept at motivating their employees can help propel a business forward in numerous ways.

Whether you already have extensive experience or you’re looking to land your first senior role, a professional cover letter is one of the best ways to show a recruiter you’re the type of candidate they’re looking for.

Since manager positions often come with better salaries, more responsibility and greater access to advancement opportunities, it’s understandable that competition for these jobs is high. To land your dream job and put yourself on the path to success, you’re going to need a stand-out application that highlights your strengths.

Luckily with Resume.io’s collection of resources, including free templates and our cover letter builder tool, you’ll learn the tips and tricks of creating a cover letter that makes your application shine.

This guide, along with our manager cover letter example will:

Now it’s time to create a cover letter that separates your application from the rest.

Free manager cover letter sample and writing tips

Primary purpose.

You’ve probably noticed that your resume doesn’t leave much room for personality or explanation, aside from a few lines of profile summary. And while it’s great for conveying important names and dates, that’s certainly not all you have to offer as a candidate.

That’s where your cover letter comes in. This 200 to 400 word document (or the length of one page), is perfect for expressing your most formative experiences and greatest achievements. Your cover letter allows you to create a personal connection and make a great first impression with an employer before ever setting foot in the door for an interview.

What if the job application DOESN’T require a cover letter?

Sometimes, a job posting won’t make mention of a cover letter or it will describe the document as “optional.” Is that a free pass to save yourself the effort of writing a cover letter?

If you’re serious about getting the manager job, then you should ALWAYS write and send a cover letter, unless the job posting specifically asks you not to. While others on the job search may take the easy way out, you’ll be putting yourself miles ahead of the competition by investing a bit of time to make a case for yourself as the right fit for the company’s next management position.

Secondary purpose

The perfect cover letter is all about maximizing your chances. Sure there may be dozens of other applicants, but if only a handful write a convincing cover letter, you’ve automatically put yourself in the final round.

While you need both a cover letter and a resume to land your next position, one of the cover letter's greatest advantages is that it helps to level the playing field. There may be other job seekers with more experience, but the heart and dedication you convey in your cover letter can quickly be what sets you apart.

Tailoring your cover letter for success.

Writing and submitting a cover letter is a start, but the truth is a bland cover letter just won’t cut it when the competition is fierce. Luckily, you can quickly polish a generic cover letter by tailoring it to each individual position you apply to.

That means doing a bit of background research about your potential employer. What are their goals? What is their mission? What can you learn about their workplace culture and internal organization? A solid base understanding of the company and their needs can help you effectively convey your potential contributions if you were to land the role.

You should also tailor your cover letter with the statistics, numbers, and facts that backup your achievements as related to the company’s needs. The goal is to show – without being presumptive – that you can make a difference based on your proven track record.

If you're looking for more ideas before you get started, look to our other Business & Management cover letters:

Best format for a manager cover letter

The time you invest in writing a great cover letter will pay you back twofold. First, it will help you to land your desired position, but secondly, the more cover letters you create, the faster and more effectively you’ll be able to write them. Since cover letter structure remains relatively unchanged between positions and industries, this skill can benefit you for the rest of your career.

Here are the key components of a cover letter:

You can learn more about each of these sections and get writing tips and examples in our overall guide on cover letters.

The comprehensive cover letter guide offers more general advice about how to go about compiling cover letters, but below you will find specific advice on how to maximize the effectiveness of each specific letter paragraph and section.

This manager cover letter example is a good foundation to develop your own professional application:

Dear Ms. Cass,

Both expectant and experienced parents alike tend to stop for that little bit longer in the baby section of RetailMart. 34% longer, according to the research. Analyzing customer flow patterns and product sales data, I estimate that over the past thirteen years, I have helped over half a million of them make the best decisions for their little people.

That is a lot of baby chat. At an average of 16% YOY sales growth.

As people increasingly turn to shopping online, it is this intimate relationship with the in-store staff that keeps customers coming back. I offer reassurance, help them select the right products and my add-on sales are consistently at the top of the store rankings. I have no qualms in persuading people to buy better products for their children.

I understand the rigors of big box retail and would love to tell you about my awards for operational excellence. My merchandising solutions have been featured in the retail press and my stock management and shrinkage targets were rarely missed. You can’t rave to a parent about a product if it isn’t on the shelf.

My commercial and operational highlights would serve me well at Walmart:

Managing varying sized teams of sales associates has taught me the value of a cohesive target-led working environment, where every sale is celebrated as making a little life that bit better. I cannot abide working with people who don’t care and try to ensure that my own passion is as contagious as possible.

I became aware of the role from your department manager Joanne Grey, who is a personal friend, so I have an insider understanding of your culture and would love the opportunity of an interview to discuss how I might fit in.

Grace McKenna

Cover letter header

In medium to large companies, hiring is often done by a team of HR professionals. This means that your application is likely to float from desk to desk while multiple people review it. The main purpose of your cover letter header is to ensure that no matter who comes across the document they know it belongs to you and how to get in touch should they want to set up an interview. Make sure to include only the necessary personal data like your phone number, email address and LinkedIn.

The secondary purpose of your cover letter is to provide an attractive design and keep your name front and center.

The goal of this section: Identify your cover letter as belonging to you and keep your phone number and email address at the hiring manager’s fingertips, create attractive formatting so that your document catches the employer’s attention.

Align document styles!

One of the best things you can do to create a polished and professional application is to align the document styles of your cover letter and resume. This will help to create a “personal brand” – a consistent look and feel that visually identifies the document as belonging to you.

The header is one of the few places you can add color or other design elements to an otherwise bland sheet of paper. Before choosing a style, however, it’s a good idea to take into account the branding of your potential employer. Are they fun-loving and casual or do they seem to take themselves quite seriously? A few minutes spent poking around their website and social media feeds can help you make the determination.

Once you’ve got a good idea of what color palette and designs would best fit the feel of the company, you can create a header for your documents. If you’re a graphic designer you can do this yourself. If not, professional formatting tools can help. Check out Resume.io’s collection of easily customizable templates to create an attractive and cover letter and resume in just a few clicks.

Cover letter greeting

Your greeting is one of the most important ways you can establish a personal connection and a respectful tone right from the start. Choose the greeting that’s most appropriate for your potential workplace. “Dear” followed by the correct salutation and the last name of the letter reader works in almost all formal situations, but some companies prefer more casual communication like “Hello” or even a first name. Our cover letter example goes with "Dear" to be on the safe side.

The goal of this section: Establish rapport with the letter reader by addressing them with the appropriate greeting and by using their name.

The importance of names and addressed greetings.

It’s been scientifically proven that we have a positive neurological response upon hearing our own names. Monogrammed key chains and towels have been capitalizing on this fact for years – and you should too – in your cover letter, of course!

Using the name of the hiring manager or other person most likely to read your letter is a great way to show you’re truly interested in the position and you’ve done a bit of research to make a great impression.

However, in some medium to large companies, hiring is handled by a team of people. Even if you were to find their names, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to tell exactly who will be reading your letter. Instead of addressing the wrong person, opt for a collective greeting with the company name like “Dear XYZ Company Hiring Team,” or “Dear Hiring Manager.” These options are much more effective than the impersonal “To Whom It May Concern.”

Cover letter introduction

Hiring managers are busy people. Your cover letter introduction is your chance to grab their attention and increase the odds that the reader will finish your letter. It’s a good idea to include the name of the position you’re applying for, but avoid bland introductions at all costs. An interesting anecdote, relevant fact or exciting statement are all good options to create a captivating and memorable cover letter.

The goal of this section: Pique the hiring manager’s interest right from the start by using an anecdote, fact or other exciting statement to create a bold introduction.

Our cover letter example text leaps right into statistical details of the writer's achievements.

Both expectant and experienced parents alike tend to stop for that little bit longer in the baby section of RetailMart; 34% longer, according to the research. Analyzing customer flow patterns and product sales data, I estimate that over the past thirteen years, I have helped over half a million of them make the best decisions for their little people.

Cover letter body

The body of your letter is where you can finally explore all the achievements, skills and milestones that make you a great fit for the position. While you’ll want to avoid a presumptive or arrogant tone, there’s no need to be shy about highlighting your strengths since the whole purpose of this section is to make the best case for yourself.

To make the writing process easier, you can break down the body into two subsections. In the first, you can use the STAR method to describe a Situation, the Task required, your Action and the positive Result you achieved.

In the second section, you can expand upon your management skills and potential contributions to the employer allowing them to imagine the benefits you’d bring to their company.

The goal of this section: Use specific, relevant examples to show off your variety of skills and potential contributions to the employer.

Our manager cover letter sample body text uses a bulleted list to break up the blocks of type and highlight successes.

How to close a manager cover letter (conclusion and sign-off)

Now that you’ve finished discussing all your selling points, it’s time to finish off the letter strong with a great conclusion and signature. To encourage a hiring manager to contact you, try creating a Call to Action. This sentence expresses your enthusiasm for the position and invites the hiring manager to get in touch. You can also leave your phone number and email again here, space permitting.

Then, finish the letter with the appropriate signature. “Best regards,” “Sincerely,” or even “Thank you” in less formal situations can all work well.

The goal of this section: Create an effective Call to Action that encourages the hiring manager to contact you, sign off with the appropriate closing.

Writing psychology – cover letter tools and strategies

As a manager, there are a few key qualities you’ll want to convey in your cover letter.

Communication: Managers need to have clear and effective communication skills, both written and oral, with customers and employees alike. Examples of times when you communicated the company position with positive results can help hiring managers envision what kind of asset you’d make to their workplace.

Initiative: Strategic thinking and the ability to step up when needed are essential skills for managers at any level. Times when you took responsibility or picked up the slack can really show how you invest yourself in the success of the company.

Confidence: As the manager, it’s your job to delegate tasks and handle big issues. Confidence in decision-making and communication can go a long way to keep projects and teams running smoothly.

Problem-solving: In any potential management job, you’ll likely be asked to handle problems that arise while implementing larger strategies. Examples of times you made game-time decisions or used your best judgment can help show a potential employer that you’d make a dedicated and effective manager.

Getting down to the details

In their book “Made to Stick,” brothers Chip and Dan Health discuss several principles that make one idea more memorable than another. One of the key qualities they mention is the law of specificity.

This principle states that the more details we know about something, the more likely it is to stand out to us as interesting and worth remembering .

The law of specificity is particularly relevant when it comes to creating a stand-out cover letter. There may be other candidates with management experience, but there’s only one of YOU. When writing anecdotes about your training and work experiences, make sure to give enough detail so that a recruiter can imagine how you could be effective in this potential role.

Statistics, facts, numbers and details can all give a hiring manager a clearer picture of what you know how to do and how well you can accomplish your goals. Remember to choose the most relevant examples for the position and only include the specifics that really help to build a case for yourself – no need to include everything .

In my most recent assistant manager role, I was responsible for 8 associates per shift. I created a system of delegating precise, manageable tasks at the top of each hour to make sure my store was continuously organized and progress was made throughout the day. Under my leadership, we increased sales by 5 percent over four months and were recognized with the Teamwork Award by regional management.

Now check out the same example but without any concrete facts or numbers.

In a previous store manager role, I was responsible for several associates per shift. I made sure we all worked together to keep the store clean throughout the day. Under my leadership, we increased sales and were recognized by regional management.

Can you see the difference a handful of well-placed details can make?

Management cover letter format and common mistakes

Here are some pitfalls candidates for manager positions often run into:

Generic letters: It might seem easiest to write one catch-all letter that can be used for a variety of companies, but that’s certainly not the best way to land a position. Make sure to tailor your letter to each company with the right names, facts and examples that make the best case for you in that specific role and workplace.

Formatting errors: Formatting should never be an afterthought. Be sure you have the right fonts and sizes with a good balance of white space to text. Professional formatting tools like Resume.io’s templates and cover letter builder can make this process much easier.

Grammar and spelling mistakes: For a role that requires excellent communication, typos and writing mistakes make you look sloppy and unprofessional. Use spell check, or better yet, have a friend proofread your cover letter before you submit.

Poor tone: It can be difficult to find the right balance between confidence and modesty, but it’s important that a cover letter for a manager conveys authority and vision. If you struggle getting the tone just right, it might be worth asking a friend to help, or check out our collection of pre-written example sentences inside of our free cover letter templates.

Key takeaways

With resume.io, you can create a perfect cover letter in just a few minutes. No uncertainty, no hassle. Go out there and win!

Free professionally designed templates

As the first impression that the hiring manager has of you, the cover letter is an important piece of your job application. You want to show that you have what it takes to manage a large group of individuals and operate at a high executive level, but you also want to appear respectful, friendly, and easy to work with. It can be challenging to strike this balance while also showcasing your enthusiasm for your potential future job. This professional senior manager cover letter sample is here to help you identify the features of a strong cover letter so that you can implement them in your own writing.

Professional Senior Manager Cover Letter Sample

Senior Manager Cover Letter Must-Haves

A strong cover letter should be businesslike, concise, and leave an impression of you as a competent candidate. As in the professional senior manager cover letter sample, remain focused on the topic and use friendly but respectful language. Address the hiring manager by first and last name rather than the impersonal To Whom It May Concern. You can also leave out any mention of references, as these are expected by default.

Best Active Verbs for a Senior Manager Cover Letter

To keep the language in your letter as varied and interesting, as in this professional senior manager cover letter sample, use powerful verbs such as delegated, oversaw, communicated, advised, coordinated, motivated, trained, streamlined, and reorganized.

Cover Letter Text

Dear Dan Park,

I am writing to express my interest in the senior manager position that just opened at New Idea Enterprises. As an efficient and strategic planner with strong interpersonal skills and well-developed leadership qualities, I believe that I would be a good fit for your team.Multilevel management can get confusing, and I am dedicated to making sure that I operate as smoothly as possible within my position. By remaining organized and enforcing order within my team, I am able to deal with the complexity of higher level management responsibilities. Your job posting mentioned that you are looking for candidates with the skills and ambitions to develop their team. I strongly believe that when working together, a group of individuals can be so much more than the sum of their parts. As such, I am dedicated to fostering effective and positive relationships between team members, developing talent through mentorship and coaching, and providing space in which everyone can feel motivated and valued. My strong communication skills allow me to both express my ideas and listen actively to the ideas of others, and my experience has taught me how to strike the perfect balance between considering outside opinions and making firm, resolute decisions.I hope you will agree that my experience and skills would make me well suited for this position. I look forward to speaking with you further about how my leadership and organization could contribute to New Idea Enterprises. Thank you for your consideration.

In addition to the Professional Senior Manager Cover Letter example, be sure to check out our Senior Operations Manager resume example .

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Management Cover Letter Examples

How to write an impressive management cover letter.

Working as a manager can be a high-stakes position, with teams of people relying on your leadership to keep a business operating effectively. To write an impressive management cover letter, you must include key details about your relevant skills, accomplishments, and qualifications for the role.

In this guide, we will teach you 5 key steps for writing a management cover letter. Keep reading to learn all about:

1. Formatting your management cover letter header & headline

As you begin crafting your management cover letter, the first essential step is to give your cover letter structure via two key elements: a header and a headline.

Your header and headline both need to be well-formatted and concise, as this is the first information an employer will encounter and gain an impression from.

Starting with your cover letter header , this element should include:

Here is an example of a well-formatted management cover letter header

John Doe , Upper Management

(123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/john-doe

To: The Broiler Company Management Department 1234 Street Address San Francisco, CA, 94016

Once you have completed your header, the next step is to write a compelling cover letter headline that grabs the employer’s attention.

To write your management headline, include:

Here is an example of a well-written management headline, followed by a brief breakdown of its main components

My 3-Step Approach to Leadership in Management & How I Will Use it to Support Your Team

Trigger Word/Number: 3-Step Approach Keyword: Leadership, Management Adjective/Verb: Support Promise: Your Team

Still looking for a job? These 100+ resources will tell you everything you need to get hired fast.

2. Tailoring your cover letter for a role in management

When you apply for a position in management, employers want to see clear indications of your work ethic, commitment, and effort. The best way to showcase these right off the bat is by tailoring your cover letter to each specific job you apply to.

Tailoring a cover letter requires you to fully research the company beforehand . As you complete this research, key details to search for include:

Here are 3 examples of personalized cover letter greetings:

Dear CEO Jane Mills,

Dear Chief Manager Jack Smith,

Dear Mr. Jack Smith & the Management Department,

Find out your resume score!

3. Writing an effective cover letter introduction as a manager

Once you have the necessary information for tailoring your cover letter, it’s time to dive into writing the actual content. The first paragraph you write is your introduction , which should include:

Pro Tip: Mutual acquaintances can be a golden ticket into the hearts of employers. By naming a mutual acquaintance, you immediately build rapport by offering a trusted professional reference. If you lack a mutual acquaintance, try using LinkedIn to connect with relevant professionals.

Here is an example of an effective management introduction

I am a management professional with more than 10 years of specialized experience in financial risk management. With a proven track record of developing effective risk budgets, I know I can bring the level of expertise needed to this position. My mentor, Mr. Joe King, is a professional associate of your CEO and highly recommended I apply for this opening, as my professional personality and leadership style match perfectly with your existing workplace culture.

4. Featuring your management skills & accomplishments with specific details

After you have written a strong and effective introduction, you will move on to writing the body paragraphs of your cover letter. These body paragraphs should focus on your most relevant skills , accomplishments, and qualifications in management.

As you describe your skills and accomplishments, make sure to include information that is:

Here are 6 examples of management skills to describe in a cover letter

Here is an example of how to describe an accomplishment in a management cover letter

As the head manager in a corporate office at [Former Employer], one of my key responsibilities was assessing my team members’ performance each month. By utilizing a personalized approach to performance management, I achieved an average 45% increase in productivity with my assigned team.

5. Concluding your management cover letter persuasively

To conclude your management cover letter , you need a strong closing statement that persuades the employer to contact you promptly.

This closing statement should include:

Here is an example of a persuasive closing statement from a management cover letter

I thank you for taking the time to review my application and greatly look forward to hearing from you regarding this position, ideally within the next week. If I have not heard back by next Friday morning, I plan to follow up at that time. To best reach me, call me at (123) 456-7890 any weekday between the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Many Thanks,

[Applicant Name]

If you have ever wondered how a cover letter differs from a resume, this article will tell you everything about the key differences between the two .

Nikoleta Žišková

A journalist by trade, a writer by fate. Nikoleta went from writing for media outlets to exploring the world of content creation with Kickresume and helping people get closer to the job of their dreams. Her insights and career guides have been published by The Female Lead , College Recruiter , and ISIC, among others. When she’s not writing or (enthusiastically) pestering people with questions, you can find her traveling or sipping on a cup of coffee.

Subcategories

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Customer Success Manager at Descartes Systems Cover Letter Sample

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COMMENTS

Manager Cover Letter Examples and Templates
Writing a great Manager cover letter is an important step in your job search journey. When writing a cover letter, be sure to reference the
Manager Cover Letter Examples, Samples & Templates
[Your Name]. Dear Hiring Manager,. I am writing in application for the position of Manager at your company. With an extensive experience backed by excellent
Cover Letter Examples for Management Jobs
Cover Letter Sample (Text Version) ... Dear Mr. Lee,. I was glad to see your job posting for the new Store Manager position because I have all the
Manager Cover Letter: Samples for Management Positions
Use a 1” margin all around your cover letter for management positions. · Don't double space when writing the text within. · Pick the best font for
Cover Letter for Manager Position Examples + Writing Tips
How to write a cover letter for a management position · 1. Header and contact information. At a minimum, include your name, the date, your phone
Free Manager Cover Letter Example
As a manager, I strive to add value to my company through effective organization and team motivation. I am highly interested in bringing my extensive managerial
How to Write a Cover Letter
“It's your best chance of getting the attention of the HR person or hiring manager and an important opportunity to distinguish yourself from
Manager Cover Letter Examples & Expert tips [Free]
It's a good idea to include the name of the position you're applying for, but avoid bland introductions at all costs. An interesting anecdote, relevant fact or
Professional Senior Manager Cover Letter Example
I hope you will agree that my experience and skills would make me well suited for this position. I look forward to speaking with you further about how my
Management Cover Letter Examples
Here is an example of a well-formatted management cover letter header · A keyword related to the position · An eye-catching number or trigger word