ask a hiring manager cover letter

To Whom It May Concern? How to Address a Cover Letter

We’ve put together a few tips to help you personalize your cover letter, whether you know the hiring manager’s name or not.

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In our modern age of personalization, To Whom It May Concern is both an antiquated and detached way to address a cover letter . It may also imply that you haven’t researched the company or that you assume the letter can be read by anyone. If you’re wondering how to address a cover letter, we’re here to help.

“As a hiring manager, if I were to see ‘To Whom It Might Concern,’ it would frankly concern me,” says Monique Montanino , a former Fortune 500 hiring manager. “If not readily apparent in a job posting who the recruiter or hiring manager is, then search with keywords in LinkedIn for the potential person.”

Below, we’ve put together a few tips to help you personalize your cover letter , whether you know the hiring manager’s name or not.

When it comes to addressing a cover letter, advice columns frequently spotlight these two pitfalls:

• Mistake 1 : Failing to address your cover letter to a specific person
• Mistake 2 : Addressing a cover letter to the wrong person

Most job postings don’t specify who will be reading your cover letter. This puts job seekers in a tricky situation. Fixing the first mistake could cause you to make the second. So what’s the best way to replace “To Whom It May Concern” on your cover letter?

3 key tips for addressing your cover letter

Below, the following tips will guide you through the best practices for addressing your cover letter and help you avoid common pitfalls.

Read more: How to Use ChatGPT to Generate a Cover Letter That Will Actually Get You An Interview

1) Don’t address your cover letter to the recruiter

For many job openings, the first person you need to impress is a corporate recruiter. You should create a cover letter that a recruiter will actually read . That doesn’t mean you should address your cover letter to them.

“Recruiters do not read cover letters,” a long-time healthcare recruiter told Jobscan . “Bottom line.”

That might be an overstatement — most don’t, some do — but many recruiters would admit that they aren’t the intended audience of a cover letter. “It’s mostly for the hiring manager,” said a recruiter in the non-profit industry. “For us [recruiters], it’s just an extra step in an already elongated process.”

The healthcare recruiter agreed: “If you’re sending it straight to a hiring manager who’s looking at a much lower number of applicants, they might actually read that.”

Stand out from the competition and land more job interviews.

2) Search for the hiring manager’s name

The best way to personalize your cover letter is to address the hiring manager by name. However, it can be difficult to identify the hiring manager, and your educated guess could cause you to address your cover letter to the wrong person. Here are some tips for finding the hiring manager.

Search the company website

With a little detective work, you can find the name of the hiring manager.

Start off by browsing the company’s website. Look for an about page, company directory, or contact page. These pages are frequently linked at the very bottom of the website. Companies that feature employees on their about page make it much easier to figure out who will be reading your cover letter.

You can also try searching the website. If the website doesn’t have a built-in search bar, use this syntax in Google:

“[position you’ll be reporting to]” site:company website

This will reveal hard-to-find about pages or other mentions of the position in the company’s blog posts, press releases, and other pages.

Search LinkedIn

If a company doesn’t list the hiring manager on their website, LinkedIn is your next best resource.

Start off by searching for the company page on LinkedIn. Once you’re on the company’s LinkedIn page, click “See all X employees on LinkedIn” near the top.

Search for the “reports to” position from the job listing. If it wasn’t provided in the listing, search for keywords related to your prospective department (e.g. “marketing”). If the company uses an intuitive corporate hierarchy  you should be able to determine who will be reading the cover letter.

Contact the company directly

There is nothing wrong with calling or emailing the company to ask for the name of the hiring manager. Be polite and honest with the administrative assistant or customer service representative. Explain that you’re about to apply for a job and you’d like to know who you should address in your cover letter.

If they aren’t able to provide an answer or transfer you to someone who knows, let it go. The last thing you need is word getting back to the hiring manager that you were pushy with one of their colleagues.

3) Use a more personalized “To Whom it May Concern” alternative

You can still personalize your cover letter, even when you don’t know the identity of the hiring manager. Instead of “To Whom It May Concern,” which casts a wide net and is specific to no one, try addressing your cover letter to one specific person.

The most generic version of this is:

Dear Hiring Manager,

But job seekers can often be more specific. Take a look at these examples:

Dear Customer Experience Manager, 

Dear Customer Experience Hiring Team Manager, 

Some other alternatives include addressing your cover letter to an entire department:

• Dear Engineering Department,

Dear Engineering Team, 

OR addressing the entire team:

Hi Jobscan Team,

Dear Jobscan Team,

As with many aspects of the job application process, demonstrating that you put in some extra effort can make a difference. Doing some research before addressing a cover letter contributes to a positive first impression.

10 more cover letter salutation examples

Here are ten more standard cover letter openings you can choose from. Select the one that best suits the energy of the company you’re applying to and use either a specific name or department depending on the information you have available.

• Hi Mr. Smith,
• Hello Jobscan Team,
• Dear Ms. Whittaker and Team,
• Good morning, Mr. Kennedy
• Good afternoon, Louise,
• To the Jobscan hiring manager,
• Dear [Department] Hiring Team,
• Dear [Job Title] Manager,

Common mistakes to avoid when addressing a cover letter

Starting your cover letter is an important step, but it’s important to do it the right way. You want to do everything right at every step. When addressing a cover letter, there are several common mistakes that can undermine your efforts. Here are some errors to watch out for:

Using the wrong name or title: Double-check that you have the correct spelling of the hiring manager’s name and their appropriate title.

Being too generic: Avoid overly generic salutations like “To Whom It May Concern” when you can use more specific alternatives.

Overly informal salutations: Keep the tone professional. Avoid overly casual greetings like “Hey” or “Hi there.”

Why does addressing your cover letter correctly matter?

Writing a cover letter worth writing starts with how you address it.

A correctly addressed cover letter is essential in making a strong first impression. It shows that you’ve done your homework and that you care about getting the details right. In a competitive job market, small details like this can set you apart from other candidates. It also demonstrates your respect for the hiring manager and your understanding of the importance of personalization in the job application process.

One final note on addressing your cover letter

Cover letters don’t introduce your resume, they supplement it.

In order to get your cover letter into the hands of a hiring manager who cares, your  resume has to get past the recruiter and, in many cases, the applicant tracking system they’re using.

With our helpful cover letter generator tool, the job description is listed, and your resume will already have been generated or created. Then, you just click “Generate Cover Letter”, it analyzes everything, and in seconds you have a brand new cover letter.

Try analyzing your resume below to receive instant optimization tips and recruiter insights from Jobscan so that the time you spend crafting your cover letter isn’t a waste.

Frequently asked questions

When addressing an email cover letter, use the same level of formality as you would in a traditional printed cover letter. Start with a professional salutation such as “Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],” and include the job title or department if you don’t know their name. If the hiring manager’s name is unknown, “Dear Hiring Manager,” is an acceptable alternative.

Ideally, you should address your cover letter to the hiring manager responsible for filling the position. If the job posting doesn’t provide a name, do some research by checking the company’s website or LinkedIn, or by calling the company directly to ask for the appropriate contact.

If you cannot find the hiring manager’s name after thorough research, address your cover letter to a specific department or team. Examples include “Dear Hiring Manager,” “Dear [Department] Team,” or “Dear [Job Title] Hiring Team.”

A good way to address a cover letter is by using the hiring manager’s full name, preceded by “Dear” and followed by a colon. For example, “Dear Jane Doe:” If the name isn’t available, use a title like “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear [Job Title] Team.”

The proper greeting for a cover letter is “Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],” followed by a colon. If you don’t have the name, “Dear Hiring Manager,” is a professional and widely accepted alternative.

If you don’t have the hiring manager’s name, here’s a sample salutation: “Dear Hiring Manager,” “Dear Marketing Team,” “Dear [Job Title] Hiring Team,” These options show you’ve put in some effort to personalize your cover letter even without a specific name.

To find the right recipient, start by reviewing the job posting for any clues. Next, visit the company’s website to check the “About Us” or “Team” pages. LinkedIn is also a valuable resource—search for the company and use job titles to narrow down potential hiring managers. If all else fails, consider contacting the company’s HR department directly to ask for the appropriate contact.

A cover letter is a personalized document submitted with your resume as part of a job application. It introduces you to the employer, highlights your qualifications, and explains why you’re a good fit for the role. A well-written cover letter can make a strong first impression and set you apart from other candidates by showing your enthusiasm and professionalism.

When formatting the company’s address on your cover letter, include the following: The recipient’s name (if known) The company’s name The company’s street address City, state, and ZIP code This format is typically placed at the top left of the cover letter, below your contact information.

Content Writer at Jobscan.

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The 3 Rules of Addressing Your Cover Letter in 2023

You’ve finally sat down to write that cover letter (good for you!), but immediately you run into a roadblock: How do you even start the darn thing? Who do you address it to? Should you use Mr. or Ms.? Do you include a first name? And what if you’ve searched high and low, but can’t find the hiring manager’s name? 

Don’t fret! Follow these three rules for cover letter salutation salvation.

Rule #1: Address your cover letter to the hiring manager using a formal, full-name salutation (if possible).

For a cover letter, you should always default to addressing it to the hiring manager for the position you’re applying to. Unless you know for sure that the culture of the company is more casual, use the hiring manager’s first and last name. You can include a title, such as “Mr.” or “Ms.” (never Mrs. or Miss). But if you aren’t crystal clear on whether to use “Mr.” or “Ms.” and can’t find their pronouns with a little Google and social media searching (and you don’t have an easy way out with a “Dr.”), just drop the title. Omitting it is infinitely better than accidentally misgendering someone .

Most letters I see still use the “Dear” greeting, though I’ve seen a growing trend of people dropping it and starting with “Hello” or just the name. Any of these works. The most important part is having the actual name . Never use “ To Whom it May Concern ” or “Dear or Sir or Madam”—nothing could be more generic (not to mention archaic). Your cover letter could be the first opportunity you have to make an impression on the hiring manager, so make sure you show that you did your research .

For example, you can address your cover letter by saying:

• Dear Ms. Jacklyn O’Connell,
• Hello Mr. Kevin Chen,
• Dear Niko Adamos,
• Hello Jean Butler,
• Tiana Richards,

Rule #2: If you don’t know the hiring manager, guess.

Sometimes, even after hours of online searching ( try these tips ), you still might not be able to definitively figure out who exactly the hiring manager for the position you’re applying for is—and that’s OK.

If you can only find a list of the company’s executive team, use the head of the department for the position you’re applying for. In the end, no one will fault you for addressing the letter higher up than necessary. This approach is definitely better than not using a name in your cover letter, because it still shows the time and effort you took to find out who the department head is.

Rule #3: Be as specific as possible.

So you’ve done your due diligence and after an exhaustive search—nothing. You just can’t find a single name to address your cover letter to. If that’s the case, don’t worry. The company is likely privately held with no reason to share who its employees are—and, more importantly, is aware of this.

If this is the case and you don’t have a name to use, try to still be as specific as possible in your greeting. Consider using “Senior Analyst Hiring Manager” or “Research Manager Search Committee”—something that shows that you’ve written this letter with a particular audience in mind and aren’t just sending the same generic letter for every job opening.

For example:

• Dear Software Developer Search Committee,
• Hello XYZ Co Marketing Team,
• Dear Junior Accountant Hiring Manager,

Ultimately, you want your cover letter to convey your interest in the position. To start off on the right note, make your salutation as specific as possible—ideally with the name of the hiring manager. Of course, that can’t always happen, but as long as the effort is clearly made, you’ll be showing whoever reads your cover letter that you’ve put time into your application and are truly excited about the opportunity. 

Regina Borsellino contributed writing, reporting, and/or advice to this article.

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

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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. 

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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.

How to write a great cover letter in 2024: tips and structure

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

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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.

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Management Cover Letter Example (With Full Guide for 2024)

From your early days orchestrating playground games to leading group projects in school, you've always had a knack for leadership.

You've nurtured that innate ability, and now you're building a career out of it.

Your ambition is crystal clear, but there's a stumbling block: crafting that compelling cover letter.

We get you. Writing about your strengths and managerial abilities to a hiring manager is not the easiest thing to do. 

But worry not!

In this article, we’re going to show you how to show off your managerial expertise, step by step.

Here’s what we’ll cover: 

An Inspiring Management Cover Letter Example

5 Steps to Drafting Your Management Cover Letter

3 Essential Management Cover Letter Tips 

...and so much more!

Let's chart the course to your next leadership role!

Management Cover Letter Example

5 Steps for the Perfect Management Cover Letter

We just showed you what a job-winning cover letter looks like. 

Feeling ready to whip up your own cover letter ? Just follow these steps: 

#1. Put Contact Information in the Header

Let's dive into how you can format a management cover letter that stands out:

Always kick off your management cover letter with your contact details. Position these at the top, mirroring how you've set them out on your resume .

Here's the rundown:

• First and Last Name. Lead with your full name.
• Job Title. Align the job title on your cover letter with the specific management position you're aiming for. Hiring managers handle a ton of applications for various roles; being precise about the job you're referencing streamlines things.
• Email Address. Opt for an email that's straightforward and professional, often a blend of your names. Leave the fun, old-school email addresses out of it. So, instead of [email protected], go with something like [email protected].
• Phone Number. Ensure the number you list is current so they can contact you without hiccups. If you're hunting for an international role, don't forget the dial code.
• Location. Typically, your city and state or country will suffice. If you're in the market for a remote role or contemplating a move, state that on your contact info.
• Relevant Links (optional). Toss in links to relevant sites or profiles, like your LinkedIn profile .

Once your details are in order, write down the company's information::

• Company Name. Start with the company’s exact name.
• Manager's Name. Try to get the name of the department's manager. The job listing, company site, or LinkedIn might help you find the information.
• Manager’s Title. If you pinpoint the specific manager, and discover they helm the department, list their title rather than the generic “Manager.”
• Location. The city and state or country are key, especially for multinational firms. If you wish to be more detailed, you can include the full address.
• Email Address (Optional). If you can, include the manager’s professional email.
• Date of Writing (Optional). Pin the date on your cover letter for that polished feel.

Need some help writing your resume, too? Read our guide to help you write the perfect office manager resume . 

#2. Address the Hiring Manager

After jotting down all your essential contact details, take a moment to tailor your greeting to the person who’ll be reading your cover letter.

Steer clear from the old "To Whom It May Concern." Trust us; a personalized touch can set the right tone and make your cover letter stand out.

So, do some digging. Check the job advert, navigate the company's website, or skim through LinkedIn to identify the hiring manager for the management role you're aiming for. This could help you find their name and perhaps even their email.

If you find the hiring manager’s name and title, address them with a touch of formality. "Mr." or "Ms." followed by their surname, for example, is a perfectly acceptable greeting. But if you're treading murky waters concerning their gender or marital status, it's perfectly fine to use their entire name. 

• Dear Mr. Thompson,
• Dear Alex Thompson,

Drawn a blank on the hiring manager? No worries! Direct your letter to the broader management team or the company as a whole:

• Dear Management Department,
• Dear Management Hiring Team,
• Dear Human Resources  Team,
• Dear Head of Management,

#3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement

Hiring leads typically spend seven seconds to decide whether a prospective manager's application is worth a thorough read.

So, making a stellar first impression is pivotal for an effective management cover letter.

Your opening statement should state your name and express your keen interest in the managerial position. Demonstrating genuine enthusiasm for the sector or the specific role can significantly enhance the hiring lead's eagerness to learn more about you.

Doing your homework about the organization is also beneficial. The deeper your knowledge about the company, the better you can emphasize how harmoniously you'd fit into their company culture. This shows the hiring manager that you’re not just applying left and right, you're genuinely drawn to this specific role.

Depending on your professional experience , consider launching your cover letter with a significant accomplishment or the skills that make you the ideal candidate for the managerial role.

However, it's essential to keep your opening statement short and sweet. Your aim here is to pique the hiring manager’s curiosity and get them to go through the rest of your cover letter. 

Oh, and whatever you do, steer clear of these typical cover letter mistakes that job seekers make while looking for jobs. 

#4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details

You can use the body of your cover letter to delve deeper into why you're the right fit for the position.

The key here is not to just repeat your resume. This is your chance to elaborate on your managerial prowess and distinctive qualifications. Your mission is to convince the hiring manager that you stand out from the other candidates. 

Hence, write about your notable achievements and leadership initiatives that align with management. The job ad can help you mention just the right things. 

Customizing your cover letter to the specific demands of the advertised role is a winning strategy. If the job calls for experience in project management or a knack for team leadership, hone in on these aspects rather than, for instance, your expertise in a non-management-related area.

In addition, showing that you know the organization, its operations, or its industry dynamics can substantially enhance your appeal. If you have prior interactions with the company's projects or have insights into its market strategies, weave that into your cover letter. This portrays your alignment with their objectives and organizational culture.

Lastly, use the space in your cover letter to explain in more detail anything you didn’t have space for in your resume. For example, you can explain why you’re looking for a remote role and how you’ve successfully worked remotely in the past. 

Are you worried about that employment gap on your resume ? Your management cover letter is your chance to talk in more detail about it. 

#5. Wrap It Up and Sign It

Wrapping up your cover letter the right way is the cherry on top of your job application. 

It's crucial to leave the hiring manager with a lasting impression that you’re a good fit for a role, by reiterating your most relevant skills and enthusiasm.

This is where you can also include a call to action. Encouraging them to give you a callback or send you a follow-up email to further discuss your candidacy and what sets you apart from other candidates can land you that coveted interview .

Finally, end your cover letter with poise. Use a professional but also personal signing line and then add your full name. 

I'm eager to share more about how my managerial experiences align with your team’s goals. Please feel free to reach out at the contact details provided for a deeper discussion. Anticipating the possibility to delve into how I can contribute.

Warm regards,

If you feel “Warm regards” is too commonplace, consider these alternatives:

• Yours sincerely,
• Best regards,
• In appreciation,
• Thank you for your time and consideration,

3 Essential Management Cover Letter Tips

You've got a solid grip on cover letters by now! Let's fine-tune it with some top-tier cover letter tips tailored for the management arena. 

#1. Match Your Resume

Stepping into the management world means presenting your best foot forward.

Make sure your cover letter's look and feel match your resume . Applying with an aesthetically and visually aligned resume and cover letter is sure to show off your professionalism and attention to detail. 

Keep your text and details neatly organized on the page, maintaining uniform font styles and sizes. And don't forget to set those margins and line spacings just right. 

A quick tip: always aim to keep your cover letter concise and on a single page. It makes a world of difference!

Or Use A Cover Letter Template Instead

Wanna skip all the hassle? Use our free resume builder. 

After you create the perfect manager resume, you can pick a cover letter template that fits it like a glove. 

All our templates are created in collaboration with global hiring pros, they're not just snazzy – they're spot on. 

Snag one, align it with your resume, and complete your application in the blink of an eye. 

#2. Emphasize Your Achievements

Here's the thing: a long list of tasks you've handled isn't as gripping as the wins you've scored. 

When writing your cover letter, spotlight your achievements instead of your responsibilities. It tells hiring managers you're result-oriented and adds weight to your application. 

But remember — don't merely regurgitate your resume. Weave those accomplishments into a compelling story, painting a clear picture of why you're the right fit for the role. It's about connecting the dots for them and strengthening your case.

#3. Keep It Relevant

In the management world, time is gold. So, when writing your cover letter, get straight to the point. 

This means highlighting experiences and skills that directly relate to the role you're eyeing. By keeping things concise and relevant, you show the hiring manager that you understand what the role requires and can prioritize effectively. 

Not to mention, it respects their time but hits at your ability to identify and focus on what truly matters. 

Key Takeaways

And there you have it! An amazing management cover letter example to inspire you to write your own. 

Before you start, here is a quick recap of what we covered:

• Kick off your cover letter with a captivating opening paragraph to pique the hiring manager’s interest and get them to read the rest of it. 
• Use the main body of your cover letter to elaborate on what makes you the best fit for the job, including your specific skills and achievements. 
• Conclude with a strong call to action that will encourage the hiring manager to give you a callback. 
• Make sure to match your cover letter to your resume so that your entire job application is visually appealing and reader-friendly.

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Sample Email Cover Letter Message to a Hiring Manager

What to Include in an Email to a Hiring Manager

Tips for writing an email cover letter, email cover letter example, frequently asked questions (faqs).

Luyi Wang / The Balance

One way to apply for a job is to send an email with your resume attached to a hiring manager. But what should you include in your message? An email cover letter should include the same basic information as a written cover letter. The only differences are how you format your cover letter and how you include your contact information.

Review the guidelines here for what to include in the email cover letter message you plan to send to the hiring manager. You'll also find a sample message you can use as inspiration for your own letters and emails.

Key Takeaways

• Your cover letter should include a subject line, a greeting, a two- or three-paragraph body, a professional closing, a signature, and contact information.
• Learn the name of the hiring manager by calling the company or looking at its website. 
• Researching the company and its corporate mission will also help you to match the qualifications you mention in your cover letter to the employer's specific needs.
• Use a professional email address and consider setting up an email account dedicated solely to your job search so that you can easily keep track of new correspondence.

Watch Now: 8 Hiring Manager Secrets You Should Know

Subject: The subject line of your message should include your name and the job title. For example, “Michael Jameson - Marketing Director Position.”

Greeting: The message should include a professional greeting . If you have a contact person, use his or her name. Otherwise, use “Dear Hiring Manager.”

It’s a smart strategy to learn the name of your contact person when at all possible. You can do this, perhaps most simply, by calling the organization and asking the receptionist to direct you to their human resources department. Someone in this department should be able to tell you the name of the person coordinating their search.

You can also learn the hiring manager’s name through the organization’s website or LinkedIn.

The Body of the Message: Your message doesn’t need to be long, but it does need to capture the reader’s attention and convince them of why you’re a strong applicant for the job. The goal of the letter is to “sell” yourself as a desirable candidate and get a job interview, not just to say that your resume is attached.

Write two or three paragraphs, carefully matching your qualifications to the job requirements. The closer you reflect these stated qualifications in your cover letter , the higher your chances are of being chosen for an interview.

Closing: Close your message with a professional closing like “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” or “Yours truly.”

Signature: Your signature is where you will include all of your contact information: full name, address, phone, email, and your LinkedIn URL if you opt to include it. Make sure your email address sounds professional: In the best-case scenario, it will be your name: “[email protected].” Never use a “cutesy” email (“KatyCatWoman” or “Roger_ShadowMage”). 

You may want to create an email account dedicated solely to your job search to keep close track of your applications and employer responses.

To make sure your email cover letter makes a good impression on the hiring manager :

Begin with an email cover letter template or sample. Review cover letter samples for a variety of career fields and employment levels, including an internship cover letter sample, as well as entry-level, targeted, and email cover letters.

Customize your cover letter for each job. Make sure to highlight the skills and qualifications listed in the job description within the ad. 

Follow directions. Attach your resume to your email message in the format requested by the employer. If a specific format isn't required, send the resume as an attached PDF or Word document.

Subject: Editorial Assistant Position - Jane Jones

Dear [Name of Hiring Manager or “Hiring Manager”]:

I would like to express my deep interest in entering a position as an editorial assistant for your publishing company.

As a recent graduate with writing, editing, and administrative experience, I believe I am a strong candidate for a position at the 123 Publishing Company.

You specify that you are looking for someone with strong writing skills. As an English major at XYZ University, a writing tutor, and an editorial intern for both a government magazine and a college marketing office, I have become a skilled writer with extensive publication experience.

My maturity, practical experience, attention to detail, and eagerness to enter the publishing business will make me an excellent editorial assistant. I would love to begin my career with your company and am confident that I would be a beneficial addition to the 123 Publishing Company.

I have attached my resume to this email and will call within the next week to see if we might arrange a time to speak together.

Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Jane Jones Email: janejones@gmail.com Cell: (718) 555-6433 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janejones

Do you send an email cover letter in the body of the message or attach it?

Check the job listing to see whether the employer wants you to send your cover letter in the body of the email or as an attachment. If the job listing doesn’t provide instructions, you may choose either option: Cut and paste your message into the email or attach it as a separate document. 

How do you start an email cover letter?

Start your email cover letter with a polite salutation, e.g., Dear Ms. Brown or Dear Hiring Manager. Omit the address paragraphs that you’d include in a written cover letter. 

Rutgers Career Exploration and Success. " Cover Letter and Email Etiquette ." 

Purdue University. " Purdue Online Writing Lab ." 

More From Forbes

How to write a cover letter that hiring managers will read.

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In recent years, there has been more and more speculation about how cover letters are becoming irrelevant and are soon to be obsolete. Don’t believe it. Maybe this will one day be the case, but it is not the case yet, and my experience tells me that it won’t be for a very long time yet. Many companies—including my own—won’t even look at résumés or interview people who don’t include cover letters.

This is not to say that some hiring managers, jobs or professions rely less on cover letters than others, but unless the job announcement specifically requests that you leave the cover letter out, you really should take the time to include one whenever possible.

The cover letter is your opportunity to convert your résumé or curriculum vitae (CV) into a story about how you are uniquely positioned to address the organization’s needs. It helps you stand out from the crowd and promote the best of what you offer for a specific position within a specific organization. It is also an opportunity to show the prospective employer your writing skills, your ability to persuasively communicate a concise message and your professionalism and willingness to put forth the extra effort.

If you want your cover letter to land you the interview and increase—rather than reduce—your perceived value, you’ll want to pay attention to the following guidelines.

To whom should you address the cover letter?

This is not the time for laziness. Make a sincere effort to find the name of the individual for whom the position reports, and use that name and title in the letter. Sometimes, the person to whom you should address the letter is actually listed directly in the job announcement, but often it isn’t. When you can’t determine the person from the job announcement, start digging.

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Start with the company’s website, and check for the division, department or unit that the position works. Maybe you can see a department head’s name there. Also, check for any organization charts to see if you can learn the name there. You could even call the organization directly to ask for the name of the hiring manager or supervisor for the position that has been posted.

If you still have no luck, locate the human resource executive or manager from the HR section of the website, and address the letter to that person. If all else fails, address your letter to the company’s chief executive. Though the position you’re submitting for may not directly report to this person, indirectly it will because everyone in an organization ultimately works for the CEO.

The key point here is to address your letter to a human being. Address it to a real person who works in the organization, and the closer you can get to the position, the better.

How long should your cover letter be?

Just as with an effective resignation letter , your cover letter should typically be one page in length so go in with the idea to draft the best narrative you can in as few words as possible. In rare instances, such as in academia , it’s appropriate to submit a longer (up to two pages) letter of interest along with your CV.

Be sure to tailor a narrative that best advances your message, and eliminate redundancies or duplicate content that can be found verbatim on your résumé (or CV). The cover letter should serve as an enhancer to your résumé and a supplemental marketing or promotional tool. It shouldn’t just restate everything on your résumé or CV.

What should your cover letter include?

You cover letter should include approximately three or four paragraphs. What works for most job applicants is an introductory paragraph, the body of the letter and a closing paragraph.

The introductory paragraph:

This is where you indicate the position for which you are applying and how you learned about it. If you were referred by a company employee or some notable figure to the organization, go ahead and drop this name in this first paragraph. The Muse provides some examples of attention-grabbing openers that help your cover letter stand out from crowd and ensure it doesn’t sound cookie cutter.

You’ll also want to include a sentence or two in this first paragraph to describe what aspect(s) of the job matters most to you and how you’d immediately focus your attention to lighten the load or burdens of the team, the supervisor or the organization. The goal here is to pique the reader’s interest and compel him or her to continue reading. These details send the message that you have done your homework. You want to show that you understand the strategic aspects of the job and how your background and experience make you uniquely qualified to deliver.

The body of the letter:

You will want about two paragraphs here or one paragraph and graphics, lists, etc. Focus your message on the employer’s needs (not your own). The cover letter should tell a compelling story for how you are best positioned to make immediate contributions and address the employer’s challenges and concerns. Based on the job announcement and other details you learn after conducting research about the company, figure out how you could stand out from the competition.

Use your cover letter to tell the hiring manager about the value you can bring to alleviate the organization’s pain points, advance its strategic priorities, increase performance outcomes and support a high-performance culture.

You don’t have to stick to old rules that call for nothing but paragraphs. You can include creative formatting whereby your letter presents information in paragraph form as well as column, table, bullets or boxes. It’s okay to add some eye candy that will draw the reader in on a special point or specific piece of information that you want to be sure he or she can’t possibly miss.

To highlight your understanding of the organization’s strategy, its current successes and challenges, its operating model or organizational structure, etc., you could get away from regular narrative and use promotional design tools like boxes, tables, charts, graphs or columns to make your point. These tools are also great for emphasizing quantifiable data or metrics to demonstrate major successes.

The closing paragraph:

This is where you remind the reader that you are prepared to make immediate contributions to the team in a specific area or two and then express that you welcome a meeting to share more about your background and learn more about the position. Finally, tell the reader that you appreciate his or her time, and give details for how you can be reached.

Close it with something like “sincerely” or “respectfully” and then put your name and the enclosure notation to indicate that you are including your résumé/CV and any other material you will be attaching.

What shouldn’t be included in your cover letter?

Here are a few things you really should not include in the cover letter.

• Again, don’t copy and paste sections of your résumé. You can highlight specific skills, but the cover letter is where you embrace and communicate the value that your talents, education and experience provide for the specific position you are seeking. Your cover letter’s purpose is to weave a narrative your résumé/CV doesn’t so resist all temptation to just copy and paste the résumé on different paper.
• Don’t include your home address in full. It’s not necessary, and there is too much risk to doing so. People are stealing identities and violating the privacy of others. If you must include anything about your address, stick with your city and state only. You can provide your full address as you advance in the process to the next step.
• Don’t include any references within your cover letter, and don’t bother adding the statement that says “references upon request.” If you move along in the process as a candidate, you can give this information at a more appropriate time.
• Don’t leave typos or grammatical errors in your cover letter. Check this again and again, and after you have proofread it three or four times, have someone else proof it for you if you can.

Yes, you really should include a cover letter.

In times where you don’t have the ability or time to include a cover letter, either ask a friend or hire someone. Unless the job posting specifically directs you to exclude a cover letter, you really should include it. Also, some jobs or companies are more lenient about cover letters than others. If you really have decided that you absolutely don’t want to do the work to include a cover letter, and the job posting doesn’t specifically say to leave it out, give the company a call and ask if they have a preference.

Most people actually don’t take the time to add a cover letter, and many others don’t take the time to ensure their letters add value to the résumé or CV and elevate them as candidates. It’s up to you to use your best judgment to decide whether to move forward without the cover letter. When you decide it’s in your best interest to include this letter, I recommend that you follow the above guidelines to ensure your cover letter does the job you need it to do for you.

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4 Templates for Emails to Hiring Managers

How to write a professional email to a hiring manager? Writing an email to a potential employer is a nerve-wracking task. Workable has put together useful sample emails you can use for various job application situations. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

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• The email address you use should include your name and surname. Preferably not the “ [email protected] ” profile you created in the eighth grade. 
• The subject line is important and should clearly state the intent of your email. For example, if you are applying for a job, you should include your name, the job you are applying for, and the job reference number (if available).
• Keep your tone formal, to the point, and avoid lengthy paragraphs. Don’t use emojis or emoticons.
• Include all the relevant documentation as appropriately-named attachments. This could be your cover letter, resume or CV , or character reference letter . Save them as PDFs unless otherwise stated.

Template email for a job application 

Your application email gives you the opportunity to address the hiring manager in a way that your resume cannot. The content of your email should include the reason you’re writing, what interests you about the position , and why you’re a great match for the role .

Subject: Your Name – Position – Reference Number

Dear Hiring Manager [or their name if you know it]:

I wish to apply for the position of _______ as advertised on (website). I am confident that my education, analytical skills , and prior experience make me a suitable fit for the role. The prospect of working in a position like this that aligns with my career goals is an exciting one.

I am currently working for _______ in the position of ________. In the past five years, I have led teams in projects similar to those of your organization with successful outcomes. I have also increased subscription rates by over 30% through my marketing initiatives. 

My cover letter and resume are attached for your perusal. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you need further information regarding my qualifications.

Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely, 

Email Address

Telephone Number

LinkedIn Profile

Template email for a cold outreach with no job opening

This type of email is used to introduce yourself to a company for networking purposes. There are no advertised vacancies, but you’d like to appear on their radar if something comes up. It shows initiative and a willingness to put yourself out there – admirable traits in a candidate.

Subject: Your Name – Interested in Opportunities at (company name)

Dear Hiring Manager (or their name if you know it)

My name is _______, and I recently came across an article on LinkedIn outlining the advances your company has made in (add detail). I have followed and admired the evolution of (company name) for many years, and I’m finally in a position to offer my services to you.

I recently graduated with (qualification) from (educational institution). During my college years, I interned at _______, furthering my practical experience in this field. Having received commendations from my professors on my innovations and original ideas, I believe I would be an asset to your company.

I would love to schedule a meeting at your convenience to discuss the possibility of employment at (company name). My cover letter, resume, and letters of commendation are attached for your perusal. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you need further information regarding my qualifications.

Template for a thank-you email to a hiring manager  

Following up an interview with a thank-you email shows that you are very  interested in the job and that you have good etiquette. If you made a good impression in the interview, this email would further enhance that image.

Subject: Thank you for the interview 

Dear (interviewer’s name as mentioned in the interview)

Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today to discuss the position of _______. I was inspired by our conversation about the role, and have since thought of more initiatives that could be introduced while staying within (company’s name) excellent guidelines.

I believe that my (name your qualifications) and years of experience in the field make me ideal for the role. My innovations and dynamism would fit your company’s culture well while allowing me to attain my career goals .

Please do not hesitate to contact me for a follow-up interview. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you.

Template for a thank-you email following a rejection

It’s not the most pleasant task but think of it as an opportunity to show your graciousness in adverse circumstances and keep the door open for future employment. You may even get some feedback on how you can improve your interview skills.

Subject: Thank you 

Thank you for meeting with me to discuss the position of _______. The tour of your facility made me all the more eager for an opportunity to work there, and I appreciate the time you took to show me around.

I was disappointed to learn that the role has been offered to another candidate, but I am grateful to have learned more about the inner workings of (company name), an organization I admire. I will be watching with keen interest as (company name) grows.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should future opportunities arise, as I believe I would be a great fit for your company.

Writing an email to a hiring manager : final thoughts 

When sending an email to a hiring manager , it’s important to keep your email brief but informative. Try not to duplicate the wording of your resume, and don’t use casual language or slang. In addressing your email, be aware of assuming gender, so keep your salutation neutral. While it’s not the place to go into detail about your positive character traits , don’t be afraid to mention what makes you unique . 

You can also follow our guidelines to create the perfect cover letter (link to cover letter template article) and prepare for the job interview .

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Land your dream job, 5 cover letter tips | get noticed by your dream social-impact organization.

Idealist Guest

Resumes are important for any job application but for nonprofits and social-impact organizations, cover letters are the place where a hiring manager should be able to easily determine whether a candidate is a strong fit.

What can you include in your cover letter to impress employers hiring for social-impact jobs ? Read on to find out!

Tip #1: It's all about the mission

A mission statement describes an organization’s main purpose. Everything that nonprofits and social-impact organizations do is mission-based, so it makes perfect sense that these employers look to hire people who are passionate about the organization's mission. Make sure your cover letter reflects your connection to the mission.

If an organization’s mission focuses on strengthening the rights of people living in slums, they will want to hire people who are passionate about helping disadvantaged populations.

So, how do you capture that in a cover letter?

When crafting a nonprofit cover letter , provide examples that demonstrate your passion for the organization’s mission and a related experience.

Compare a cover letter that says, “I found your job posting on your website and I am highly qualified for this role” with one stating, “I am passionate about helping disadvantaged people. I started a club to raise funds for kids experiencing homelessness when I was a teenager, and more recently spent three years working for human rights organizations in the outreach department.”

Put yourself in the shoes of a hiring manager. Which candidate’s cover letter better demonstrates that they are a good fit for your organization’s poverty rights-focused mission?

Tip #2: Say why you are passionate about the organization or its work

In a past career, I worked for the National Wildlife Federation on projects to protect the Great Lakes and was often part of the hiring team. I can very specifically recall one cover letter in particular (this candidate was submitting a cover letter and resume in application for a spot on the Lake Superior project team) that read:

" My family had a cabin on Lake Superior and I spent every summer swimming and kayaking there. I would be thrilled to devote my passion and relevant skills to protect this truly great lake.”

This cover letter was memorable. It showed that the candidate had a strong personal connection to Lake Superior. Ultimately, this cover letter won the candidate an interview.

Tip #3: Highlight successes you have had using skills critical for the position

Resume bullets are good for succinctly highlighting relevant skills but often cannot do justice in providing the details that bring a success story to life.

If, for example, you are applying to a position that requires relationship building and fundraising skills, You may have a resume bullet that says: " Cultivated relationships with new foundations resulting in $1 million new funding."

In a cover letter you can elaborate:

“I would be thrilled to help XYZ organization strengthen relationships with foundations and to increase funding levels. While working at ABC organization, I took the time to develop strong relationships with leaders at three new foundations and to understand their giving priorities. As a direct result of my efforts, all three foundations invited us to submit grant proposals totaling $1 million which we were ultimately awarded thereby doubling our funding.”

Tip #4: Name-dropping

These days having a strong resume and cover letter is not a guarantee that you will be selected for a highly competitive interview slot. Outside candidates are often competing against candidates that may have interned or worked previously at the organization. In other cases, candidates may know someone in the company that can vouch for them .

It can be a big gamble for employers to hire a candidate that looks good on paper but who has not been vetted by staff, board, or others whose opinion the organization respects. Hiring managers do not want to take this gamble.

What can an outside candidate do to compete?

Consider who you know that either works at the organization or whose opinion would be respected, and mention that person in your cover letter.

Of course, this tactic will only work if the person knows you fairly well and can say good things about you, so make sure that is the case before you mention their name in your cover letter.

Pro tip: Ask the person whose name you’ll be including to make sure they are okay with you mentioning their name and send them a copy of your cover letter as an added courtesy.

What would this look like in a cover letter?

Perhaps your professor has collaborated on research with a targeted employer and they would value her opinion. You might mention in your cover letter:

“I heard about this position from Professor X who recently collaborated with your organization on ABC project. She strongly encouraged me to apply because I have worked on similar projects.”

So what happens when I mention a person’s name in my cover letter?

The hiring manager will likely reach out to that person if they are interested in you as a candidate. They will ask them questions to “ground-truth” the type of person you are. Do you get along with others? Are you an effective team member? Any issues?

It is difficult for a hiring manager to assess your character from your application alone so it is extremely helpful for them to have a trusted person that they can consult. When you provide them with a name, it makes their job easier and can elevate your candidacy.

Tip #5: Highlight a major challenge for the organization and suggest solutions

Finally, if you really want to impress the hiring manager, identify a major challenge for the person in the role and suggest some innovative solutions.

How do I determine what might be a big challenge for someone in that role?

Set up an informational interview (a brief chat) with someone working in that department and ask them.

What does this tell the hiring manager?

It shows that you would be an outstanding staff member, someone who is a creative problem solver and who takes the initiative to make the organization better.

In your cover letter, you might say:

“I understand that one of the major challenges for the person in this role is to build local community support for this new project. If hired, I would identify key leaders in the community that may be supportive and look to engage them to help build community support. I would also use social media to educate the community about the project. Finally, I would develop an incentive program to get local business and organizations on board.”

Follow these five tips for making your cover letter stand out and get hired by your dream social-impact organization.

About the Author | Lisa Yee-Litzenberg is a certified career coach and President of  Green Career Advisor , helping individuals find their career niche and secure their dream jobs in the environmental and social-impact sectors. Prior to her current role, Lisa led the environmental career services at the University of Michigan for 10 years and spent 12 years working for the National Wildlife Federation.

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How To Approach Hiring Managers For Internal Opportunities (Tips + Examples)

Internal job postings are for current employees, offering them a chance to advance within the company.

Evaluate your work history, performance, and skills before applying. 

Research the role thoroughly and tailor your resume and cover letter to fit the job requirements.

Dress professionally and send a thank-you note after the interview.

Write a professional cover letter , avoid errors, and use company-specific language. 

Have you been eyeing an exciting new role within your company for a while now? You know you’ve got the skills, the experience, and the passion for the job. But there’s just one thing standing in your way: reaching out to the hiring manager. Do you send an email? Should you just walk up and ask? It can feel a little awkward, right? 

In this post, we will explain how to approach hiring managers for an internal opportunity, with helpful tips and real-world examples to make the process smoother.

What is an Internal Job Posting?

An internal job posting is a job opening available only to current employees of the company. Many businesses and government organizations use this to help their employees grow professionally. 

Since these employees already know the company’s policies and work culture, they may need less training than someone from outside.

Applying for an internal job is different from applying for an external one. You’ll still need to submit an application and interview, but the questions might differ from what you’d expect in an outside interview . It’s important to be prepared and present yourself well at each step to show you're the best person for the job.

How to Prepare Before Applying for Internal Job Posting?

Most of you complain that I applied for an internal opportunity but did not receive an interview. To avoid this, you need to prepare before applying. 

So, before writing a message to hiring manager, take some time to reflect on these important questions:

Work History: Have I been in my current job long enough to show my skills and build strong connections? Most hiring managers look for at least 6 months to a year in a role before considering a candidate for a new position.

Performance: How well am I doing in my current job? If my performance isn’t great, what can I do to improve? It’s important to show that you can get things done and work well with others.

Skills and Passions: What are my top skills and interests? Take an honest look at your strengths and what you enjoy doing. This will help you find a job that’s a good match.

Application Materials: Are my resume and cover letter current and professional? Make sure your documents are polished and ready to go. Have a list of references, and make sure your LinkedIn profile is updated.

Interview Readiness: Am I prepared for an interview ? Practice ahead of time, dress appropriately, and learn about the department and job to speak confidently and show enthusiasm.

How To Approach Hiring Manager For Internal Opportunity?

Follow these steps to apply for an internal job posting :

1. Research the Open Position

Start by learning as much as you can about the unique job opportunities . Talk to people who currently work in that role to understand:

Their view of the job and responsibilities.

Key aspects of the job, like duties and salary.

What skills and qualifications are most important for success.

Consider meeting with the HR manager or the department manager where the job is. Ask them about the role, how your skills match, and what the application process looks like. Engaging with the team before applying can help make your application stand out.

2. Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter

Update your resume and cover letter to fit the specific job you’re applying for. Use the information you learned about the job to highlight the skills and experiences the company values.

In your resume, focus on what you’ve achieved in your current role at the company, and remove any details that don’t relate to the new job. In your cover letter, mention specific projects or successes that show you fit the role well.

3. Get Ready for the Interview

Prepare for the interview just like you would for an external job. The interviewer may not know your work history, so be ready to explain your background clearly.

Research the department and any recent news related to it. Review common interview questions and think about how you’ll answer them. This preparation helps you give thoughtful answers during the interview.

Dress professionally for the interview to make a strong impression and show that you take it seriously.

4. Follow Up After the Interview

The day after your interview, send a thank-you note to the interviewer. A handwritten note adds a personal touch, but an email is also a good option. Make sure the subject line is clear and noticeable.

If you get the job, send another thank-you note to your new manager. Let them know you appreciate the opportunity and are excited to give your best. Be sure to thank anyone else who helped you during the process, like co workers or managers, to show your appreciation.

Are you on the hunt for a new role? Explore Yulys, the best place to find remote jobs that fit your lifestyle and career goals. Whether you're seeking flexible work from home opportunities or remote positions across various industries, Yulys connects you with top employers worldwide.

Best Format for an Internal Position Cover Letter

The cover letter format for an internal job application should follow the usual professional structure, showing that you are a strong candidate without expecting special treatment. Here's how you can format it:

1. Cover Letter Header

Keep your header clean and simple. Include your full name, personal email, and mobile number. Even though you’re applying internally, it’s important to use personal contact information, not your work email or phone.

Goal: Provide contact information without using work-related details.

2. Cover Letter Greeting

Address the hiring manager respectfully using "Dear" followed by their last name. Keep it formal to show professionalism and respect.

Goal: Use a formal greeting and correct the name's spelling.

3. Cover Letter Introduction

Begin by focusing on the value you bring to the new role. Mention your past achievements and why you're excited about the move. Be clear about your motivations and how your skills from previous roles make you a great fit.

Goal: Explain why you're applying, highlight relevant successes, and express your motivation.

4. Cover Letter Middle Part (Body)

In this section, provide examples that show your qualifications and why you’re the best candidate for the internal role. Leverage your insider knowledge, highlight key achievements, and refer to colleagues who can vouch for your skills and work ethic.

Goal: Show how you fit the role through specific examples, demonstrate how your experience gives you an edge, and let your personality shine through.

5. Conclusion and Sign-Off

End your cover letter enthusiastically, indicating your readiness for the next steps. Mention any references who can support your application and express confidence in contributing to the new role.

Goal: Leave a positive impression and show excitement about the opportunity.

Message To Hiring Manager Example

Subject: Application for [Position Name] – [Your Name]

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

I hope this message finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I recently applied for an internal opportunity with [Company Name]. I’m excited about possibly joining your team, as I believe my experience in [mention relevant skills or experience] makes me an excellent candidate for this position.

If you need any additional information from me or would like to discuss my application further, please feel free to reach out. I would also be happy to connect and stay in touch. Would you be open to adding me to your LinkedIn network?

Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

[Your Contact Information]

Mistakes To Avoid When Writing An Internal Position Cover Letter

1. Grammar and Spelling Errors

Ensure your cover letter is free from typos and grammatical mistakes. Rushing through the process and overlooking basic errors can create a negative impression, even if you are a strong candidate. Use tools like Grammarly to catch mistakes and carefully proofread your letter before submitting it.

2. Failing to Incorporate Company Language

Since you’re applying internally, leverage your understanding of the company’s culture and communication style. Avoid using language that feels detached or foreign. Instead, reflect the internal tone and values of the company to show that you’re already aligned with the organizational culture.

3. Assuming the Job is Yours

Do not assume that being an internal candidate guarantees success. Avoid overconfidence in your letter. Instead, approach the application with the same professionalism and humility as an external applicant.

4. Being Too Informal

Even though you’re applying for an internal position, your cover letter should be formal. Managers from other departments or senior executives may be involved in hiring, and a casual tone can be unprofessional. Treat the application process with the same level of seriousness you would if you were an external candidate.

5. Not Customizing Your Letter

Don’t rely on your internal status to speak for your qualifications. Customize your cover letter like any other job application to align with the specific position and requirements. Moreover, tailor your skills and experiences to the role you’re applying for, highlighting relevant accomplishments that show why you’re the right fit for the job.

Are you looking for talented employees to join your team? Look no further than Yulys! Our platform makes it easy to post a job and connect with top candidates from around the globe. With our quality staffing services , you’ll find skilled professionals ready to make an impact. 

Understanding how to approach hiring managers for internal opportunities is crucial for success. By thoroughly preparing, researching the role, and tailoring your application materials, you demonstrate your commitment and suitability for the position. Professionalism and confidence are key during the application and interview process. Don’t forget to follow up with a thank-you note to reinforce your enthusiasm and leave a positive impression. 

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