Calling your business development cover letter the unsung hero of your job application really isn't a stretch. Besides showcasing your most impressive skills and achievements, it's also responsible for communicating your passion and motivation for the job at hand.
So, if you want to make sure that your cover letter really sticks the landing, delve into our comprehensive guide and discover all the best writing tips, sleek cover letter templates, and detailed examples you'll need.
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Keep reading to discover our tips:
- Review essential business development cover letter samples
- Format your cover letter properly
- Create an effective cover letter header & headline
- Personalize the greeting on your business development cover letter
- Write an effective business development cover letter introduction
- Show your professional value through your skills and accomplishments
- Include powerful action verbs throughout your cover letter
- End your cover letter with a strong closing statement
- Avoid common mistakes in a business development cover letter
- Pair your cover letter with a relevant resume
- Explore the average salary and job outlook for business developers
- Access top resources for job-seeking business developers
Still looking for a job? These 100+ resources will tell you everything you need to get hired fast.
Business development officer cover letter example
Why does this cover letter example work?
- Quantifiable achievements: The candidate highlights tangible accomplishments from a previous role, such as reducing operating expenses by 15%, expanding the international client base by 120%, and increasing brand awareness by 500%. These specific metrics provide clear evidence of impact and effectiveness, making them a compelling candidate for the Business Development Officer position.
- Relevant qualifications: The candidate emphasizes relevant educational background and professional certifications, including a degree in Business & Management with Economics and a Business Development Certificate. By showcasing these qualifications, the candidate demonstrates the necessary knowledge and skills for the role.
What could be improved?
- Varied sentence structures: While the content of the letter is strong, many sentences begin with "I," which can make the letter feel repetitive and less engaging. Varying sentence structures would make the cover letter more attention-grabbing and smoother to read.
Business development intern cover letter sample
Why does this cover letter example work?
- Comprehensive educational background: The candidate highlights their relevant academic experience as a third-year Business Administration student at Princeton University. By mentioning specific coursework in marketing, finance, and business law, the applicant effectively shows a solid educational foundation directly applicable to the business development position.
- Multilingual proficiency and technical skills: The candidate showcases fluency in three languages (Hindi, English, and German) and proficiency in technical tools like HubSpot, Asana, Trello, and Slack. This array of skills highlights versatility and an ability to operate in diverse environments, which are highly valuable traits for a business development intern.
What could be improved?
- Specify how skills were used: While the candidate lists valuable skills such as communication, leadership, and problem-solving, it would be more impactful to provide specific examples of how these skills were applied. For instance, detailing a project or situation where their leadership or problem-solving skills led to a successful outcome would make these attributes more concrete and relatable.
Business development specialist
Why does this cover letter example work?
- Diverse experience and skill set: The candidate highlights a diverse range of experiences, from identifying sales opportunities to developing strategies and managing accounts. By showcasing skills gained during their tenure at Kiewit Corporation, the candidate provides a well-rounded view of their expertise in business development.
- Relevant certifications and technical proficiency: The applicant mentions holding a degree in Business Administration from the University of St Andrews and being a Certified Business Development Professional. Additionally, their proficiency with industry software programs like Bitrix24, airfocus, FreshBooks, TimeCamp, WPS Office, and QlikSense demonstrates their technical capabilities, which are again essential for the role.
What could be improved?
- Missing quantifiable data: While the candidate showcases a range of relevant experiences and skills, the letter lacks specific, quantifiable achievements that provide evidence of their impact. Including data such as percentage growth, increased revenue, or number of accounts managed would make their accomplishments more compelling. The cover letter could, for instance, mention: "At Kiewit Corporation, Inc., I identified sales growth opportunities that resulted in a 25% increase in annual revenue."
1. Format your business development cover letter properly
Properly formatting your business development cover letter is crucial to making a positive first impression. A well-formatted cover letter is not only visually appealing but also easy to read and navigate, ensuring that the hiring manager can quickly identify key information and understand your suitability for the role.
Here are our handy tips to help you format your cover letter effectively:
- Keep it professional and clean: Use a professional and clean design with a simple, easy-to-read font such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Maintain a font size between 10 and 12 points to ensure readability. Avoid using overly decorative fonts or colors that can distract from the content.
- Maintain proper margins and spacing: Use standard one-inch margins on all sides of your cover letter. Maintain consistent spacing between different sections, such as between the greeting, body paragraphs, and closing. Single-space the text within paragraphs and leave a blank line between each section to enhance readability.
- Align text to the left: Left-align all text in your cover letter to make it easy to read and professional-looking. Right-aligned or centered text can be hard to follow and may appear unprofessional.
- Use a clear structure: Organize your cover letter in a clear and logical structure. Start with your contact information and date at the top, followed by the employer's contact information. Then include a greeting, an introduction, body paragraphs, and a closing. This structure helps guide the reader through your letter smoothly.
- Stick to one page: Keep your cover letter to a maximum of one page. This ensures that you communicate your key points concisely and respect the hiring manager’s time. Focus on the most relevant experiences and achievements that align with the job you're applying for.
- Incorporate bullet points (if necessary): If you need to highlight specific achievements or skills, consider using bullet points. Bullet points can break up large blocks of text and make your key points stand out, making it easier for the reader to scan your letter.
By following these simple formatting tips, you can create a business development cover letter that is smooth to read, easy to navigate, and makes a strong impression on potential employers.
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2. Create an effective cover letter header & headline
Before diving into the introduction and body paragraphs of your cover letter, the first step you need to take is to create a properly formatted header and headline.
A cover letter header is a short block of information that generally contains between 3 to 4 lines of text. The header will include all necessary details about the applicant and the company they're applying to.
As for the cover letter headline, this is a brief title statement that leads into the introduction and body of the cover letter, as well as helping to hook the employer’s attention.
Check out the following breakdowns of each of these elements for a more in-depth explanation and examples of each:
Formatting the header
The header of your cover letter can vary in format and order of information, depending on the overall style and visual flow you are trying to achieve.
No matter what aesthetic or style you opt for, you should always include:
- Your name and professional title
- Your professional contact information (phone number, email address, LinkedIn profile link)
- The name of the hiring manager, the company name, and the company address
Let's take a look at two contrasting examples:
Bad example of a cover letter header
From: John Doe
johndoe@email.com
To: Hiring Manager
Why is it bad? This header lacks important details such as the applicant's professional title, phone number, and LinkedIn profile link. Additionally, it doesn’t include the name of the hiring manager, the company name, or the company address, making it less personalized and professional. It fails to provide sufficient information for the hiring manager to contact the applicant easily or understand their professional standing.
Good example of a cover letter header
From: John Doe, Business Development Professional
(123) 456-7890 | johndoe@email.com | linkedin.com/in/john-doe
To: Mary Biden, Hiring Manager
Devorg Corporation
1234 Street Address
Naples, FL, 34108
Why is this header effective? This header is well-organized and professional. It includes all essential information, making it easy for the hiring manager to identify and contact the applicant. The layout is clear and ensures that the necessary details are both prominent and accessible.
Writing the headline
A strong cover letter headline is crucial for grabbing the hiring manager’s attention right from the beginning. It serves as the first impression and can determine whether your cover letter will be read further or not. For a business developer, the headline should be impactful, showcasing your value proposition and aligning with the job requirements.
What should a strong headline contain?
- Relevance: Your headline should be directly relevant to the role you are applying for. It should hint at your qualifications and what you bring to the table.
- Specificity: Be specific about what you can achieve or how you can contribute to the company. Avoid vague or generic statements.
- Engagement: Use engaging language that compels the reader to continue. It should spark curiosity or interest about what follows in your cover letter.
- Value proposition: Highlight a key selling point such as your experience, skills, or a notable accomplishment that aligns with the job description.
Bad example of a cover letter headline
Applying for Business Developer Position
Why does it fall short? This headline is too generic and doesn't offer any specifics about the candidate's qualifications or what they can bring to the role. It fails to engage the reader or entice them to read more.
Good example of a cover letter headline
Proven Business Developer with 5+ Years of Experience in Driving Revenue Growth and Building Strategic Partnerships
Why does it work? This headline is engaging and specific, clearly stating the candidate's experience and key strength. It highlights the value the candidate brings to the table, encouraging the hiring manager to read on and learn more about their accomplishments and skills.
Remember, a strong headline can be the difference between your cover letter being read or sent to the "no pile".
3. Personalize the greeting on your business development cover letter
Whenever you write a greeting on a cover letter, you should opt for a personalized salutation over a generalized one.
Generalized greetings — such as “To Whom It May Concern” — are too vague and don't help you in catching the eye of your preferred employer. On the other hand, personalized greetings address a specific person or department within the company, showing the reader you have great attention to detail.
Examples of personalized greetings include
- Dear Hiring Manager Mary Biden,
- Dear Hiring Manager Mary Biden & the Business Development Department,
- Dear Mrs. John Krasinsky, Head of the Business Development Department,
If you have thoroughly researched the company and are unable to uncover the exact person who will be reviewing your application, try out one of the following alternatives:
General, yet acceptable, greeting examples
- Dear Hiring Committee,
- Dear Business Development Hiring Team,
- Dear [Company Name] Recruitment Team,
Taking the time to personalize your greeting can significantly enhance your cover letter, demonstrating your genuine interest in the company. This small effort can set a positive tone for the rest of your application and make a strong first impression on potential employers.
4. Write an effective business development cover letter introduction
Once your header, headline, and greeting are in place, your next key step is to write a compelling cover letter introductory paragraph. In this introduction, you should include:
- A brief overview of your professional history and goals
- A statement on why you are enthusiastic about applying to this company
- A mutual acquaintance (when possible)
Bad example of a business development cover letter introduction
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to apply for the Business Development position at your company. I have some experience in sales and think I could do well at your organization. I found your job posting online and thought it might be a good fit.
Why does it fall flat? This introduction is weak because it's vague and lacks specificity. It doesn't provide any concrete details about the candidate's experience, goals, or connection to the company. It also uses a generic greeting, which doesn't grab the hiring manager's attention.
Good example of a business development cover letter introduction
To the [Company Name] Hiring Manager,
As a Business Development professional with more than 5 years of experience in the technology industry, I am highly adept at moving customers through high-value sales cycles. I met with your company’s Senior Business Analyst — Jack Smith — last week to discuss your current openings and company objectives, at which point Mr.Smith recommended I apply for this position.
Why is this introduction strong? This introduction is strong because it provides a clear overview of the candidate's experience and skills, specifically mentions a mutual acquaintance, and expresses genuine interest in the company. It sets a positive tone and encourages the hiring manager to read further.
Crafting a strong introduction is your chance to make a memorable first impression. By being specific, personal, and engaging, you show that you’ve done your research and are genuinely excited about the role. Remember, this is your opportunity to set yourself apart from other candidates right from the start — make it count!
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5. Show your professional value through your skills and accomplishments
Following the introduction of your cover letter are the body paragraphs. Ideally, your business development cover letter should contain between 2 to 4 body paragraphs, providing in-depth answers to each of these questions:
- What excites you about working at this company?
- What do you hope to learn from working at this company?
- What accomplishments or qualifications make you stand out as an applicant?
- What key skills do you possess that are relevant to the position?
Placing extra emphasis on accomplishments is crucial, as your real-life achievements help to show employers the quantifiable value you can bring to their company.
Here are a few examples of how to describe accomplishments in a cover letter
- As the Business Development Assistant Manager at [Former Employer], I assisted in the acquisition of 6 new business assets that led to a 110% growth in revenue, with a market value of more than $2M annually.
- I spearheaded a market analysis project that identified emerging trends, resulting in the development of a new sales strategy that increased market share by 15%.
- By collaborating closely with the marketing and product development teams, we successfully launched three new products that generated an additional $500K in quarterly revenue.
In addition to your accomplishments, make sure to highlight specific skills that are relevant to the business development position.
Here's a list of key skills for your business development cover letter
- Market Analysis
- Strategic Planning
- Sales Forecasting
- Client Relationship Management
- Negotiation and Persuasion
- Lead Generation
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Project Management
- Data Analysis and Reporting
- Budget Management
Remember to provide context that shows how you've applied these skills effectively in previous roles. For instance, rather than simply stating that you have skills in "strategic planning," describe a specific scenario where you used this skill to achieve a significant result. This helps employers understand the practical value you bring to their team.
6. Include powerful action verbs throughout your cover letter
Using powerful action verbs in your business development cover letter is essential. Not only do action verbs make your writing more dynamic but they also help to paint a vivid picture of your skills and experiences, making your cover letter more engaging and persuasive.
Here's why they're crucial:
- Convey confidence and proactivity: Action verbs demonstrate your proactive approach and assertiveness, showing that you take initiative and get results.
- Enhance readability: These verbs make your sentences more concise and impactful, making your cover letter easier to read and more compelling.
- Highlight achievements: Using action verbs to describe your accomplishments makes them stand out, emphasizing the tangible value you brought to your previous roles.
- Pass ATS: Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes and cover letters. Action verbs can help your application get noticed by these systems, increasing your chances of moving on to the next stage of the hiring process.
List of powerful action verbs for a business development cover letter
- Analyzed
- Accelerated
- Achieved
- Boosted
- Captured
- Developed
- Directed
- Enhanced
- Expanded
- Facilitated
Remember, by strategically using action verbs, you make your cover letter more compelling and likely to capture the attention of hiring managers.
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7. End your business development cover letter with a strong closing statement
The final component of any well-written business development cover letter is a strong closing statement. This closing statement should include:
- An enthusiastic sentence saying you are looking forward to hearing from them
- An additional sentence stating you will follow up, including how you will contact them or how they can contact you
- A formal sign-off
Bad example of a business development cover letter conclusion
I hope to hear from you soon. Please contact me if you are interested in discussing my application further. Sincerely,
[Applicant Name]
What's wrong about this conclusion? This closing statement falls short because it simply lacks enthusiasm and specificity. It doesn't convey the candidate's interest in the role or the company and provides no information about availability or contact details, making it less engaging and memorable.
Good example of a business development cover letter conclusion
The innovative approach of [Company Name] excites and inspires me. I know that as your Business Development Associate, I will help you to exceed growth expectations and increase your revenue with high-quality acquisitions and growth strategies. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to speak in person and am available all weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The best way to reach me is at (123) 456-7890 or via email at johndoe@email.com.
Warm Regards,
[Applicant Name]
Why does it work? This closing statement is compelling and professional. It expresses genuine enthusiasm for the company and clearly states availability and contact information. Providing specific details about how and when you can be reached ensures that the potential employer knows you are serious and accessible.
Remember, your closing statement is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression. Be enthusiastic, specific, and proactive. Show your excitement about the opportunity, clearly state your contact details, and express your eagerness for a follow-up.
Follow this cover letter outline for maximum success.
8. Avoid common mistakes in a business development cover letter
Avoiding common mistakes in your business development cover letter is essential for making a strong impression. Here are some typical errors and tips on how to sidestep them:
- Using a generic greeting: Starting your cover letter with a generic greeting like “To Whom It May Concern” can come off as impersonal and lazy. Instead, personalize your greeting by addressing it to a specific person or department. Research the hiring manager’s name or, if it's not available, use a targeted greeting like "Dear Hiring Committee" or "Dear Business Development Hiring Team."
- Being too vague about your skills: Statements like "I have experience in sales" are too general and don't show your true value. To avoid this, be specific and provide real examples. For instance, "I managed a sales portfolio worth $2 million and consistently exceeded quarterly targets by 15%." Concrete details make your claims more credible and impactful.
- Focusing too much on what you want: It’s common to express what you hope to gain from the position but overemphasizing this can divert attention from what you can offer. Balance your enthusiasm for the role with a focus on how you can contribute to the company's success. Highlight your skills and achievements, illustrating how they align with the company’s goals.
- Repeating your resume: Simply restating information from your resume does little to differentiate your application. Use your cover letter to provide context and tell a compelling story. Expand on the most relevant accomplishments and explain how your experience will translate into success in the new role.
- Including irrelevant information: Mentioning hobbies or unrelated experiences can clutter your cover letter and distract from your main message. Stick to information that directly relates to the position. Focus on your professional skills, experiences, and achievements that demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Avoiding these common mistakes ensures your business development cover letter is professional, focused, and compelling. Remember, your cover letter is your first opportunity to impress — make it count by presenting a clear, personalized, and relevant narrative that highlights your unique qualifications.
9. Pair your startup cover letter with a resume
Pairing your startup cover letter with a well-crafted business development resume is crucial for creating a cohesive and professional job application.
While both documents serve the purpose of showcasing your qualifications, they do so in different ways. Your cover letter provides a narrative that highlights your passion for the business development and explains how your experiences make you an ideal fit, whereas your resume offers a structured overview of your skills, accomplishments, and professional history.
Maintaining a consistent design between your cover letter and resume creates a harmonious and professional look that can leave a lasting impression on hiring managers. Here’s why it’s essential:
- Professional unity: Using the same fonts, color schemes, and formatting styles in both documents creates a unified, polished appearance. This consistency reinforces your personal brand and demonstrates your attention to detail.
- Visual appeal: A matching design enhances the visual appeal of your application. Hiring managers can easily navigate your documents, which makes your application more user-friendly and professional.
- Branding: Consistent design signals that you are organized and meticulous, qualities highly valuable in a startup environment. It helps in building your brand image, making you memorable to the hiring team.
In short, pairing a compelling cover letter with a well-designed resume helps your application stand out. When your documents look professional and put-together, it shows you're detail-oriented and serious about the job. This can surely boost your chances of catching the hiring manager’s attention and moving forward in the hiring process.
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10. Average salary and job outlook for business developers
As of 2023, the average yearly salary for business developers was $76,784, according to the most recent data from Indeed. This figure highlights the competitive compensation available for professionals in business development, reflecting the vital role they play in driving growth and forging new opportunities for companies.
Looking at the job outlook, the future for business developers appears promising. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for training and development managers — and roles closely aligned with business development— is projected to increase by 7% through 2031. This growth rate indicates a steady demand for skilled professionals who can help organizations expand and succeed.
Overall, a career in business development offers not only a competitive salary but also strong job security and growth prospects. For those adept at strategic planning, market analysis, and relationship building, this field presents numerous opportunities to thrive and advance.
11. Top resources for job-seeking business developers
As you put the finishing touches on your business development cover letter, it's crucial to complement it with a strategic job search. To navigate the competitive landscape of business development opportunities isn't exactly a walk in the park. But these resources can give you a solid head start:
- Industry-specific job boards: The best way to find roles tailored to your expertise and interests is by visiting websites like AngelList, Business development Crossing, or Startup Jobs. These list work opportunities specifically for business developers.
- General job search platforms: Websites like Glassdoor, Indeed, SimplyHired, or ZipRecruiter offer a wealth of suitable job postings too. Just narrow down your search by entering relevant keyphrases and setting your desired location.
- Networking: In the world of business, networking is key! Don't miss any opportunities to mingle with fellow professionals and potential employers. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is always in top shape.
- Professional associations: Networking events, work opportunities, access to further training, and business news — all that under one roof. That's what organizations like the National Business Development Association (NBDA), the European Association for Business Development (EABD) , or the Global Business Development Association (GBDA) can do for you.
- Specialized publications: Keeping in the loop about the latest business news, trends, and strategies is crucial for succeeding in the job market. Consider following media like “Bloomberg Businessweek,” “Harvard Business Review,” and “Fast Company.”
- Continuous learning: Hone your skills and gain new knowledge with online learning platforms like Coursera, edX, LinkedIn Learning, or Udemy, which offer a wide selection of courses and certifications.
Once you've started sending out your job applications, it's just a matter of time until you start getting your first job interview invitations. Be persistent, patient, and always custom tailor your business development cover letter to fit the unique requirements of each job posting you apply for.
Business Development Cover Letter FAQ
How can I effectively highlight my skills in a business development cover letter?
Saying you're skilled simply isn't enough. You need to prove it! Start by thoroughly reading the job posting. Identify 3 skills that are the most important for the job. And then proceed to showcase that you have them (provided that you do) by writing about specific instances where you utilized them and what result you achieved. If possible, strengthen your claims with quantifiable data.
Should I mention the salary expectations in a cover letter?
Is your job posting asking you to do that? If so, then yes, mention them (but we recommend mentioning a range instead of a fixed number). But if not, we advise against it. Talking about salary expectations (and any financial rewards, in fact) is a topic best reserved for later stages of job interviews. Unless the hiring manager brings it up himself/herself.
How long should my cover letter be?
There's an unwritten rule that your cover letter shouldn’t exceed one page. The point of a cover letter is to offer the recruiters enough information to pique their interest and pay attention to your resume. Not to get into your whole professional story. Anything longer than that could discourage recruiters from ever reading it.
What's the best format for my business development cover letter?
Stick to a simple and clean layout to let your content shine. Avoid cramming your text into one solid wall — make use of white space to make your cover letter easy to read. Don't be afraid to use bullet points to break up the text and highlight your achievements. And stick to professional fonts. If you want to save yourself the time and nerves spent formatting, feel free to use one of our cover letter templates.
How can I demonstrate my enthusiasm for the role and company?
Make it personal! Show you understand the company and its culture (this bit requires you to do research on the company's culture, values, and projects past or ongoing). Then, you can demonstrate how the role aligns with your own career aspirations. And don't forget to mention why you love the industry itself!
