How to Write a Project Manager Cover Letter?
BrainStation’s Project Management career guide is intended to help you take the first steps toward a lucrative career in project management. Read on for an overview of how to write a Project Manager cover letter to help you get the job.
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What are Project Manager Cover Letters?
A cover letter is an important document submitted during the Project Manager job search process. It is a brief letter to the employer that outlines your most relevant and impressive experiences and qualifications. The cover letter accompanies your resume and its content should explain why you would be a valuable asset to the company. Job seekers can use a cover letter as a means of demonstrating how past actions positively impacted business operations.
Project Manager Cover Letters – A Step-by-Step Guide
To write an outstanding Project Manager cover letter, follow these steps:
- Review the job posting
- Research the company
- Highlight and quantify your achievements
- Show the value you would add to the company
- Express your enthusiasm and explain why you’re applying
- Edit and proofread
There are also a few best practices to keep in mind when writing your cover letter.
Refer to the job posting
Your cover letter highlights a few of your top achievements. To determine which achievements to include, refer back to the job posting to see what the company is seeking. For example, if they require a candidate that has experience with Agile methodologies, share an example of a time you succeeded with Agile.
Showcase hard and soft skills
The world of project management requires job seekers to have a mix of technical skills and knowledge, combined with key soft skills. Use your cover letter to express that you have the range of skills required. It is worth listing skills even if you aren’t sure they directly relate to the position — for instance, it can only work in your favor if you have programming skills or have attended a coding bootcamp.
Be concise
Your Project Manager cover letter should be one page maximum.
Customize each cover letter
Write a new cover letter for every position you apply to. Employers are looking for a candidate with a genuine interest in and enthusiasm for the company. Consider mentioning specific work or projects from the company that excites you.
Quantify your achievements
A successful Project Manager delivers results, so you’ll want to share the extent of your achievements. A Project Manager cover letter should make use of numbers where possible to show employers your impact on past assignments.
Make your cover letter about the company
Your skills and experiences should relate back to the employer—how could you help their company? Describe why hiring you would be valuable for the company’s goals and objectives.
Edit and review
Before submitting any cover letter, remember to double check for spelling, grammar or typographical errors.
Getting Started – What Is the Purpose of the Cover Letter?
The cover letter is meant to introduce yourself to an employer and persuade them to invite you for an interview. It complements (but does not replicate) your resume. In your cover letter for a Project Manager position, you can expand on key achievements. The cover letter is your chance to tell the employer your story. Your cover letter should explain what makes you a great Project Manager and how your skills and experience would make you a valuable addition alongside their existing new team members.
How to Create an Outline for a Project Manager Cover Letter
A cover letter, just like any project, requires careful organization. To keep your cover letter well organized, follow this general outline as a template:
- Heading, including your name and contact information
- Date
- The Hiring Manager’s name and title, and the company’s name and address
- Greeting
- Brief introduction
- Paragraph(s) that describe your qualifications and skills
- Paragraph that explains why you are applying
- Polite closing
What to Include in Your Project Manager Cover Letter?
Your Project Manager cover letter should highlight your most relevant accomplishments. The content will vary depending on the role and company, but there are a few common elements to include.
Heading
The heading should include your name and contact information. You can also list your website and LinkedIn.
Greeting
Avoid using generic terms, such as “To Whom It May Concern”. Look at the job posting, company website or LinkedIn to find the Hiring Manager’s name.
Introduction
Hiring Managers read hundreds of cover letters. Write a powerful and engaging opening paragraph to capture their attention. Introduce yourself and highlight some of your top skills or achievements.
Qualifications and skills
In one or two paragraphs, showcase your experience and strengths. Make sure your skills and experience match what is listed on the job description. Include examples of the results or impact of your work, and show the employer how you have met or exceeded expectations.
Reasons for applying
In a few sentences, explain why you want to join their team. Employers are seeking candidates that will fit their company culture. Express your passion for their product/service or values.
Closing
Reiterate the value you can bring, and invite the employer to contact you for an interview.
Project Manager Cover Letter Examples
Here are a few examples to get you started with your Project Manager cover letter.
Example #1
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
In my current project management role, I helped reduce costs by 30% and increase revenue by $100,000 in 6 months. I am skilled in project planning, communication and risk management. I am eager to bring my passion and expertise to the Project Manager role at XYZ Company.
Over the past 2 years, I have been the Assistant Project Manager at 123 Technologies. I used my expertise with Agile methodologies and various project management software to successfully complete over 30 projects. One of my most successful projects was building a new online tool for a medical company. This project involved collaboration with various stakeholders and careful management of time and resources. Using my expertise in project scheduling and process management, we successfully launched the tool and came in at $2,000 under budget.
Now that XYZ Company will be expanding its operations, I am ready to bring my skills working with global clients to the XYZ Company team. I admire your commitment to customer service, and I am eager to take on your portfolio of stellar work.
I’m eager to discuss how this position is the perfect fit for my career and skills. Please feel free to contact me to chat further. Thank you kindly for your consideration.
Best Regards,
[Name]
Example #2
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I was ecstatic to find the opening for a Project Manager at XYZ Company. With my strong attention to detail and experience managing projects of all sizes, I believe I have the right skills to be an excellent member of your team.
As the Project Manager at 123 Services, I consistently plan, execute and deliver projects on schedule and on budget. Most recently, I led a project that standardized work across all 15 of our departments, raising efficiency by 22%. I have experience handling all aspects of the project cycle, and I am passionate about working with team members to achieve results.
I have followed XYZ Company for some time now, and I was blown away by your recent campaign for City Services. With my business, technical and management skills, I am confident I can plan and execute high-quality projects for XYZ Company.
I look forward to managing XYZ Company’s projects with care and expertise. Please feel free to contact me (555) 555-5555 to set up a meeting. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
[Name]
Project Manager Cover Letter Template
[Full Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email]
[Website]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Hiring Manager’s Job Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I was so excited to see an opening for [job title] position with [company]. With my expertise in [list relevant skills] and experience in [list relevant experience], I believe I can help [company] achieve its upcoming goals.
Currently, I work as a [current/previous job title] at [current/previous company]. In my role, I [list duties and responsibilities]. During my time in this role, I successfully [list achievements]. I have gained valuable skills in [list relevant skills] that I look forward to bringing to [company].
I am impressed by [company]’s [list qualities you admire about the company]. As a part of your team, I am excited to [list ways you can help the company].
You are very welcome to contact me at [email] or [phone]. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Full Name]
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