Learn to write a business cover letter that means business! Take inspiration from our cover letter examples, templates, and samples, created for everyone — experienced executives, interns making their first moves, or business students. Create a cover letter that shows your passion for business, making your job application stand out from the rest.
Julia Belak Certified Professional Résumé Writer Last updated: Jan. 24, 2024 Average: 4.9 ( 142 votes )
Creating a business cover letter that's convincing enough to provoke interest and spark curiosity requires a certain finesse. It's definitely not a walk in the park, but with the right guidance, you can pen an excellent cover letter that stands out.
Account Executive Cover Letter Example
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Hired by: Bupa health insurance Coop Project Manager Cover Letter Sample [SV] ![Coop Project Manager Cover Letter Sample [SV]](https://d1xn1bcogdo8ve.cloudfront.net/231/thumbnail.png)
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Hired by: COOPIn this comprehensive guide, we’ll expose you to the secrets of crafting a compelling business cover letter that gets results. Filled with useful tips, examples, and well-articulated guidelines, this guide promises to be your trusty companion in your job hunt journey.
Now, let’s delve into:
A well-structured business cover letter goes beyond impressive content. Equally crucial is how you package your message, here's how to do it right:
Lastly, don't forget to proofread your letter to catch any errors or typos. Remember, your business cover letter is your first impression. Make it count!
Keeping these formatting tips in mind will ensure your business cover letter is both smooth to read and easy to navigate.
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The header of your business cover letter sits at the topmost part of the document. It contains crucial contact details and sets the tone for your letter. So, what exactly should your header contain? Let's delve in.
Your header should include:
Now, let's have a look at a couple of examples to differentiate the correct and incorrect ways of formatting:
JohnDoe@email.com
1234567
ABC Company
Today’s date
Why is this a weak header? It lacks essential information such as your full name, your and the employer's address, and the proper positioning of these details. It's also missing the hiring manager's name and lacks structure.
John Doe
167 My Street
My City, State, Zip
Phone: (123) 456-7890
Email: JohnDoe@email.com
[Today’s Date]
To: Ms. Jane Smith
ABC Company
123 Their Street
Their City, State, Zip
Why is this a strong cover letter header? In this example, all necessary information is included. The contact information for both the jobseeker and hiring manager is well laid out with clear structure, making it easy for the recruiter to reach out if necessary.
Remember that the header sets the stage for your business cover letter. And so, it’s definitely worth spending some time getting it right!
After shaping a professional header, let's focus on the next crucial element: your cover letter headline. This component, particularly important in email applications, serves as your letter's "front door," enticing the reader to enter and explore further. Here's how to make it impactful:
Now, let's look at a few examples of weak and strong cover letter headlines:
Why are these incorrect? They lack specificity. These examples don't mention the role you're applying for and are overly generic ("Job Application", "Resume Attached"). What’s more, "Hello! Ready to Get to Work!" is simply too informal and unprofessional.
Why are these examples correct? These headlines are not only concise but also indicative of what's to come in the letter body. They mention the role targeted, offer a quick peek into the candidate's qualifications or unique selling points (certification, bilingual skills, industry specific experience), and thus add an intriguing layer to the professionalism.
Remember, a powerful headline is essentially your “elevator pitch” — it should succinctly celebrate your most relevant strengths and hint at the potential value you could bring to the role.
Personalizing the greeting in your business cover letter is more than just a polite formality — it's a subtle yet powerful way to convey respect and show that you've put in the effort to research the company.
Why is it important? A personalized greeting creates a connection, demonstrating that you're not just sending a generic application but you've taken the time to tailor your letter to this specific job and company.
But where do you find the name of the hiring manager? Here are some sources:
Now, what if you've searched everywhere and still can't find a name? Here are some general, yet respectful, greetings you could use:
Remember, the goal of a personalized greeting is to start the letter on a respectful note, conveying your attention to detail and respect for the reader.
The opening lines of your business cover letter carry a weighty task. They serve as a gateway into your professional story and set the stage for what's to follow. This section, typically includes:
Let's delve into examples showcasing what to avoid and tips for both experienced professionals and fresh graduates:
I'm writing to apply for the Business Analyst position. I have a degree in Business and I’d love to get this job.
Why is this a weak intro? This introduction lacks enthusiasm and fails to convey any unique skills or reasons why the candidate wants the specific job.
As a seasoned Business Analyst with a Master’s in Business Analytics and over 10 years of experience in improving operational efficiency, I was excited to find the opening at XYZ Corporation. Having long admired your commitment to innovation, I am eager to contribute my strategic insights and implement solutions that drive growth.
Why is this a strong cover letter introduction? This example showcases the candidate's qualifications, explains why they are applying, and reflects an understanding of the company's values, showing both purpose and passion.
Swinging the spotlight over to fresh graduates now, let's examine how your intro can become a dynamic showcase of your academic prowess and enthusiasm for professional growth:
Greetings, my name is Susan and as a recent Business Graduate from ABC University, top of my class, I am eager to apply my theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. The entry-level Business Analyst role at XYZ Corporation seems like the perfect opportunity because of your focus on mentorship and professional growth.
Why is this a great opening? Fresh graduates may not have much professional experience, but this intro turns that into a positive. It highlights academic credentials, explains why the specific role is appealing, and showcases understanding of the company's ethos.
Remember, your introduction isn't just about stating who you are. It's about grabbing attention, sparking interest, and compelling the hiring manager to continue reading.
Maersk Business Partner Cover Letter Example 
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Hired by: New York UniversityThe heart of your business cover letter lies in its body — it's where the spotlight falls on your skills, achievements, and qualifications.
Format it as a concise and easy-to-read narrative, spanning one to two paragraphs. Make use of bullet points to showcase multiple achievements, but keep it down to a maximum of three to five. Your aim is to make a strong case for why you are the right person for the job.
When highlighting your skills, focus on those most relevant to the position you're applying for and which align with the main requirements listed in the job ad.
When it comes to achievements, quantify them wherever possible. Use numbers, percentages, or other specific metrics to demonstrate the impact you've made.
In my role as Business Development Manager at ABC Corp, I implemented strategic initiatives that resulted in a 20% increase in annual revenue. My passion for fostering profitable relationships helped secure four major account contracts. I also led a team that successfully introduced a new product line, which boosted our market share by 15%.
Now, if you're a newbie without extensive experience, don't fret. Focus on your academic achievements, internships, or voluntary work that demonstrate transferable skills. Mention relevant coursework, projects, or case studies you've worked upon during your studies.
During my final year at XYZ University, my group won the top prize in the business strategy competition. We formulated a comprehensive go-to-market strategy for a hypothetical product, which was praised for its innovation and detailed understanding of market dynamics. Additionally, my internship at DEF Ltd. allowed me to work on a potentially disruptive business model and honed my analytical skills.
Remember, the body of your cover letter should not just echo your resume; it should supplement it with a narrative that brings out your passion, personality, and professional strengths.
Wrapping up your business cover letter with a strong conclusion is as essential as a dynamic opening. It's your final pitch, your closing argument that reinforces your interest in the role and leaves a lasting, positive impression.
Your conclusion should include:
Remember, the aim of this closing part is to reinforce your eagerness for the role, politely push for the next steps, and provide easy ways for the employer to contact you.
In conclusion, I'm excited about the opportunity to bring my unique mix of experience, skills, and passion to XYZ Corp as your new Business Analyst. I'm ready to leverage my analytical abilities and strategic insights for the growth and success of your team.
You can reach me at JohnDoe@email.com or (123) 456-7890. I hope to hear from you by next week, but if I don’t, I will take the initiative to follow up.
Thank you once again for considering my application.
In essence, a conclusion is the ribbon that ties your cover letter together, creating a neat, persuasive, and memorable package for the recruiter. Make it count!
Despite good intentions, many business professionals unwittingly fall into traps that weaken their cover letters. But with a little caution, these common missteps can be avoided. Let's explore:
Remember, an effective business cover letter is not just error-free, but also personalized, focused, and reflective of your professional brand.
For those angling their career compass towards business and financial sectors, the future looks promising. Drawing from the freshest data, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a growth rate in this sector that outpaces the average across all professions from 2022 through 2032.
This positive trend signals a sea of job opportunities in the industry. The numbers speak volumes, with a whopping 911,400 job openings predicted annually on average in these fields.
Rewarding compensation comes hand in hand with these opportunities. As of May 2022, business and financial professionals could expect a median annual wage of $76,850. As a comparison, this figure notably surpasses the median yearly wage for all occupations, which is pegged at $46,310.
In a nutshell, for those looking at a career in business, the rising job prospects coupled with lucrative salaries make this sector a promising and fulfilling path to consider in the foreseeable future.
In the competitive landscape of business, having a stellar resume and cover letter is just the starting point. To stay ahead, you need to tap into resources that can help you not only land your dream job but also pioneer your ongoing professional journey. Here are a few resources you should be considering:
Remember, it’s vital to stay agile and open to opportunities in today’s dynamic business world. These resources can provide you with the edge you need to navigate the business career landscape successfully, keeping you informed, connected, and ready to seize opportunities with both hands.
Keep your business cover letter concise and impactful; ideally, it should be no more than one page long and contain three to four short paragraphs.
No, it's typically not recommended to include a photo on your cover letter. Stay professional by focusing on your skills and qualifications.
Even if not explicitly requested, it's a good idea to include a cover letter. A well-written cover letter provides an opportunity to showcase your motivation, skills and qualifications in a personalized narrative.
While it's good to demonstrate your knowledge of the industry, avoid using excessive jargon. Keep your language clear, professional, and accessible — remember, the person reading your letter might not be familiar with industry-specific terminologies.
No, it's important to tailor each cover letter to the specific job you are applying for. Highlight skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job at hand, and take the opportunity to show your knowledge of and interest in the specific company.
