Cover Letter Examples for Management Jobs

Cover letter for a management job
Photo:

Nick Correia / Getty Images

The goal of a cover letter is to show that you're a strong candidate and should be brought in for an interview. When you are writing cover letters for a management position, you'll want to clearly define your management skills and experience to help differentiate you from the competition. In particular, make sure your cover letter focuses on your leadership abilities, mentioning any accomplishments as a manager in previous roles.

Below is information on how to write a successful management-level cover letter. It includes an example, a template to download, and a list of management cover letters sorted by job type for inspiration in writing your own. 

What Employers Look for in a Cover Letter

Companies want to see evidence of what you have accomplished in your previous positions. It's important to highlight your credentials that are a close match for what the employer is seeking in the ideal candidate.

Experience and Qualifications

Your objective is to write a compelling cover letter that highlights your management and leadership experience, achievements, and qualifications. For management-level positions, they will be eager to see that you've led teams and projects successfully in the past. 

Quantifiable Achievements

Rather than stating a list of tasks that you did in previous positions, share specific and quantifiable examples of accomplishments

For example, if you reduced employee turnover by 10%, share that statistic. If you’re interviewing for a sales manager position and you’ve hired some of the company’s top salespeople, mention it. When you’ve led a company to record-breaking growths and profitability, share as much of that information as you can without breaching confidentiality. 

Note

Sharing specifics about accomplishments is far more compelling than simply saying you managed a team of 15 people, performing annual one-on-one reviews. 

What You Have to Offer

Along with detailing your past management experience, you can also touch on what you would be able to accomplish in the role you're seeking. Remember, employers are most interested in how you will perform once you're in the position at hand.

Your previous experience is relevant for two reasons: to predict your future success and to show that you have the necessary background and experience to step into the position. Use your cover letter to share how your skills and abilities will benefit the company.

What to Include in Your Cover Letter

Salutation

Open your cover letter with a salutation. Then, in the first paragraph of your cover letter, mention the specific job for which you're applying and your interest in working for the company. 

Body of Letter

Use the second and third paragraphs of your letter to explain why you are a strong candidate for the position. You can use bullet points to express some of your accomplishments. Regardless of format, this middle section needs to demonstrate that you are a good candidate with relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments. Close the letter by thanking the company for considering you for the role.

Avoid being generic in your cover letter; the most effective letters are customized for each job application. A compelling letter will show why you are the best-qualified candidate for this management position in particular. Take the time to match your qualifications to the requirements listed in the job posting. Researching the company to get a sense of their needs and goals can also help you write a persuasive letter. 

Note

Use this as a space to tell a story about yourself, expand on your resume, or highlight important skills/accomplishments that may be buried in the bottom half of your resume. While the tone should be professional, you can show some of your character and voice in your letter. 

Letter Closing

In the final paragraph of your letter, thank the employer for their consideration and include your contact information, followed by your signature.

Cover Letter Sample

This is an example of a cover letter for a management position. Download the management job cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Screenshot of a management job cover letter example

Cover Letter Sample (Text Version)

Wendy Applicant
123 Main Street
Anytown, CA 12345
555-555-5555
wendy.applicant@email.com 

July 12, 2021

Norman Lee
Regional Manager
Bubbles
123 Business Road
Business City, NY 54321

Dear Mr. Lee,

I was glad to see your job posting for the new Store Manager position because I have all the qualifications you are seeking. I will be moving to Cherry Grove in two weeks and I believe I am a perfect fit for the Bubbles store.

I have four years of retail experience as an assistant manager, and my skills include the ability to train and schedule employees effectively, to manage payroll, and to track and control inventory. I also have solid written and verbal communication skills, enjoy working with people, and I have a very flexible schedule.

In addition, I have extensive experience with bath and body care products and an eye for setting up enticing product displays. In fact, at my current store, I was given the responsibility for visual merchandising, including new displays, and sales of featured products increased by 25% over the past three months.

I’ve included my resume so you may review my experience and education. If you have any questions, please contact me. My cell phone number is 555-555-5555, and my email is wendy.applicant@email.com. I look forward to hearing from you so we can arrange an interview.

Sincerely, 

Wendy Applicant (signature for a hard copy letter)

Wendy Applicant

Sending an Email Cover Letter

When you are sending your letter via email include your name and the job title in the subject line of your message:

Subject: FirstName LastName – Manager Position

List yourcontact information in your signature, rather than in the body of the letter:

Sincerely,

FirstName LastName
Your Email
Your Phone Number
Your LinkedIn Profile (optional)

More Cover Letter Examples for Management Jobs

Here are some examples of management-level cover letters to draw inspiration from:

Note

Sample letters can help you write your own letter. Another helpful tool is a template, which helps you structure your letter. Here is a template for hard copy cover letters, and one for email cover letters. Finally, here are Microsoft Word cover letter templates you can use to get your own cover letter started.

Management Resume Examples

In addition to looking at cover letter examples, review resume examples for inspiration on how to make your management resume the best it can be. For management-related resumes, you may include your management philosophy, examples of accomplishments and quotes from others regarding your management skills, in addition to your work history and other relevant information.

Was this page helpful?
Related Articles