Do you want to craft a project manager cover letter that impresses even the most demanding recruiters? Why don't you try our best tips and examples! Simply follow our guide, packed with classy templates and real-life samples, and make your writing process feel seamless.

Maersk Business Partner Cover Letter Example

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Hired by: Maersk_lines

IT Project Manager Cover Letter Example

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Hired by: Save the Children

Associate Project Manager Cover Letter Sample

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In this guide, we teach you all there is to know about writing an excellent project manager cover letter. Keep reading to learn how to:

• Navigate successful project manger cover letter examples
• Properly format your project manager cover letter
• Craft an effective cover letter header & headline
• Personalize the greeting & content of your project manager cover letter
• Craft a compelling project manager cover letter introduction
• Highlight your best skills & accomplishments as a project manager
• Include powerful action words in your project manager cover letter
• Finish your project manager cover letter with a strong conclusion
• Avoid common mistakes in a project manager cover letter
• Pair your cover letter with a relevant resume
• Explore the average salary and job outlook for project managers
• Access top resources for job-seeking project managers

Project manager cover letter example

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Why does this project manager cover letter example work?

• Tangible achievements: The candidate effectively outlines key accomplishments and responsibilities, providing quantifiable evidence (e.g., "Successfully exceeded every single project milestone in 2019; saved $8m in costs by identifying efficiencies"). This approach effectively demonstrates their competence and impact.
• Alignment with job requirements: The applicant skillfully shows how their experience maps to the job description. They highlight their expertise on specific software (Microsoft Project, Monday.com, and Asana) matching the job requirement.

What could be improved?

• Personalize to the company: Despite the professionalism and solid content, the letter could benefit from more specific references to the company being applied to. Expanding upon the candidate's interest in the company and potential contributions to ongoing projects can further enhance the connection. This not only presents the applicant as highly competent, but also as someone genuinely interested in the specific company and role.

Project secretary cover letter example

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Why does this project secretary cover letter example work?

• Abundance of skills: The candidate outlines multiple skill sets, including proficiency in relevant software and languages, which present a well-rounded view of their abilities.
• Match with job requirements: The applicant specifically refers to the job post and explains how their skills align well with the stated requirements, demonstrating a targeted application.

What could be improved?

• Impersonal greeting: The greeting "To whom it may concern" is generic. The applicant should take the effort to find out the hiring manager's name, as this is more personal and engaging.
• Highlighting achievements: The candidate primarily focuses on the responsibilities they've held in past roles. It can be more impactful to also mention some key achievements in past roles, highlighting specific examples where they applied their skills to contribute positively to the company.

Project leader cover letter sample

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Why does this project leader cover letter example work?

• Relevant qualifications: Mentioning the MBA and the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification demonstrates commitment to continued professional development.
• Detail about current role: The specific tasks and responsibilities stated show the candidate understands the role of a Project Leader.

What could be improved?

• Company-specific focus: The letter could do more to tie the applicant's abilities to the specific company or role. Understanding the unique challenges, ethos, or goals of the company and referencing them could make the letter more compelling.
• Show don't tell: Rather than stating they provide a "positive and motivational environment," the applicant could give specific examples of how they do this. This would provide more evidence of their skills.

1. Properly format your project manager cover letter

Establishing a clear, professional format for your cover letter can make it smoother to read and easier for recruiters to find the information they need. Here are some general tips:

• Choose a standard font: Utilize a professional, easy-to-read font like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri. A size between 10 and 12 points is generally acceptable.
• Keep the margins uniform: A standard one-inch margin on all sides of your letter ensures neatness and legibility.
• Use a clean layout: Break your text into brief, clearly defined paragraphs or bullet points to make your letter more digestible. Ideally, paragraphs should contain 2-3 sentences.
• Maintain consistency: Ensure that the overall appearance is consistent in terms of heading sizes, bullet styles and font sizing. Continuity can make your cover letter easier to follow.
• Length matters: Keep it brief — a one-page cover letter is the industry standard. It's challenging but crucial to present your case succinctly.
• Gaps are good: Don't be afraid of white space. When used judiciously, it can provide visual breaks, improving readability.

Good formatting not only improves readability but also shows your attention to detail. It's your first impression, so make it a good one.

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2. Craft an effective cover letter header & headline

A well-formatted header and headline gives your cover letter structure, as well as provides all the essential information about who you are and what the main focus of your letter is.

Your cover letter header comes first, located in either the top left or center of the document. In your header, you should include:

• Your name and professional title
• Your professional contact information
• The name of the hiring manager
• The name of the company you're applying to
• The address of the company (this detail is particularly important if the company has more than one location)

Why does this header fall short? The casual nature of the email could be seen as unprofessional. What's more, the lack of further contact details such as phone number and LinkedIn profile limits the communication avenues for a potential employer. Not addressing a specific person can make the cover letter seem impersonal, and excluding the job title omits a crucial piece of information about the candidate's qualifications. 

Why does this header example work? It's clear, professional, and provides all crucial details. It uses formal job titles and the correct company name. Information about Jane Doe, including contact details and professional title, is presented neatly and professionally. Details about the receiver, including the company address, are complete and correctly formatted. This header is likely to leave a positive first impression.

Once you have your header in place, the next step is to write an attention-grabbing cover letter headline. A strong headline should include:

• Job title: Clearly state the specific position you're applying for in your headline.
• Value proposition: Include your unique selling point or how you can provide value to the company.
• Personal brand: Showcase your personal brand, which might include your extensive experience or areas of specialization.

Why is this headline weak? This headline lacks the essence of a compelling hook — it doesn't include the applicant's name and misses out on the opportunity to showcase unique value or expertise. This diminishes its potential impact on the reader.

Why is this headline strong? It clearly mentions the applicant's job title, area of specialization, and a specific achievement. It captures attention and encourages the reader to learn more about the applicant's past successes and how they can achieve similar results in this new role.

All in all, a compelling headline effectively serves as your cover letter's hook. It combines your job title, personal brand, and unique value proposition to concisely outline what you bring to the table. Craft it wisely, for it holds the potential to grab the hiring manager's attention and set the tone for the rest of your cover letter.

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3. Personalize the greeting & content of your project manager cover letter

When you write a cover letter as a project manager, one of the best ways to make your letter stand out from competing applicants is to personalize the greeting and content.

Personalizing a cover letter requires you to thoroughly research the company you are applying to, looking for key pieces of information such as:

• What the company’s current goals and objectives are
• Any projects the company is currently involved in
• Who at the company is responsible for reviewing applications

Using this last detail, you can create a personalized greeting that addresses this specific person by name. This immediately reveals to the employer that you have taken the time to tailor your cover letter and research the company, showing your excellent attention to detail.

But what to do in cases where the hiring manager's name is impossible to find? it can be a bit tricky to decide on the right greeting. Despite this, there are suitable alternatives which maintain professionalism.

4. Craft a compelling project manager cover letter introduction

With your greeting, headline, and header in place, your next key step is to write a compelling project manager cover letter introduction.

In this introduction, make sure to include:

• A brief overview of your professional history (years of experience, specializations, etc.)
• A statement on why you are enthusiastic about applying to this company
• A mutual acquaintance (when possible) — including a mutual acquaintance helps build immediate rapport and trust with an employer. If you do not have a mutual acquaintance, try using LinkedIn to expand your professional network.

Let's take a look at two contrasting examples:

Why is it so bad? This introduction falls short on several points. It's overly casual and lacks any specific details, giving no indication of your exact experience or areas of expertise. The mention of John Doe is abrupt and unclear, failing to effectively communicate the nature of your mutual connection or how it's relevant to your application. Overall, it doesn't engage the reader or provide a compelling reason for them to continue reading your cover letter.

Why does this cover letter opening work? This example effectively outlines the candidate's level of experience and specialty, showcasing enthusiasm for the role and company. It successfully weaves in the connection to a mutual acquaintance adding credibility and providing a professional impression right from the start. The overall tone and language employed add to the compelling nature of the introduction. 

In summary, the introduction of your project manager cover letter should entice the reader to continue. It's crucial to include specifics of your professional background, show genuine enthusiasm, and where possible, leverage mutual connections. Get this part right, and you're off to a strong start in crafting a compelling project management cover letter.

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5. Highlight your best skills & accomplishments as a project manager

Following your introduction are the remaining body paragraphs of your project manager cover letter. These body paragraphs should dive into more in-depth detail about your best professional skills and accomplishments to help show employers the value you have to offer.

When describing your key skills and accomplishments, ensure that all the information you include is highly relevant, contextual, and quantifiable.

For instance, do not just state that you have strong communication skills — instead, describe how your communication skills have benefited your project management capabilities.

Keep consistency and relevance in mind. While it's good to highlight your accomplishments from different roles or industries, it's even better if you can draw a direct connection to the challenges that the hiring company might be facing. Avoid generic statements; instead, infuse your narrative with specifics of your accomplishments, matching them to the job requirements to create a compelling case.

Remember, embedding your skills and accomplishments into your cover letter is essential. The key here is to be specific, quantifiable, and relevant. When you showcase your ability to drive results and meet objectives tangibly, you create a compelling argument for your fit as a project manager.

6. Use powerful action verbs in your project manager cover letter

Action verbs play an integral role in framing your experiences and accomplishments convincingly. They present you as a take-charge kind of person — the energetic manager who gets things done.

Here's why they're important:

• Add punch: Action verbs give your writing force, making your abilities and accomplishments stand out.
• Show leadership: They paint a picture of your leadership style without you explicitly detailing it.
• Match job description: Many employers use these action words in their job listings, so it's an excellent opportunity to align your language with theirs.

Remember, these verbs are just the beginning. Depending on your unique experiences, there could be other action words that more accurately describe what you've achieved. Be sure to choose verbs that portray your skills, experience, and, most importantly, your impact as a project manager.

7. Finish your project manager cover letter with a strong conclusion

To complete your project manager cover letter effectively, you need a strong conclusion that includes:

• A summary of your competence for the role
• An enthusiastic sentence saying you are looking forward to hearing from them
• An additional sentence stating how and when you can be contacted, as well as when you plan to follow up about your application
• A formal sign-off

Why is it ineffective? This closing is too brief and lacks the necessary details that make a strong conclusion. It doesn't express enthusiasm about the role, doesn't demonstrate the value the candidate brings to the role, and fails to mention a specific plan for follow-up. 

Why does it hit the mark? This closing is tailored specifically to the role, shows high levels of enthusiasm, and demonstrates a clear follow-up plan. It also includes definitive contact details and a professional sign-off. 

Crafting a strong conclusion is as important as starting off on the right note. It's your final chance to leave a lasting impression and spur your prospective employer into action. And so, make sure to state your value, show your enthusiasm, and end with a plan for the next steps. Re-read, and avoid ending on a whimper.

If you have ever wondered how a cover letter differs from a resume, this article will tell you everything about the key differences between the two.

8. Avoid common mistakes in a project manager cover letter

Writing a successful project manager cover letter entails not only what to include, but also what to avoid. Let's explore a few common pitfalls:

• Too much jargon: Using overly technical language or industry-specific acronyms can make your cover letter hard to understand. Keep it professional but accessible. Ensure that anyone, even those outside the project management field, can understand your points.
• Neglecting soft skills: Remember that project management isn't just about technical skills. Team coordination, leadership, and communication are vital aspects too. Don't solely focus on hard skills; showcase your ability in these softer aspects as well.
• One-size-fits-all approach: Each cover letter should be tailored to the job listing. A generic cover letter can seem impersonal and show a lack of genuine interest in the role.
• Being too long-winded: Your cover letter should be concise and impactful. Long, unbroken blocks of text can be daunting to read. Keep your sentences short and your points clear.
• Missing evidence: Simply stating that you're good at something is not as powerful as proving it with concrete achievements. Use quantifiable achievements to back up your claims.
• Typos and errors: Poor grammar and spelling can leave a negative impression of carelessness. Always proofread your cover letter, or better yet, have someone else do it for accuracy.

By being aware and avoiding these common mistakes, you can craft a project manager cover letter that is compelling, clear, and sets you apart from other applicants. Remember, your cover letter should tell a story — a story that embodies your professionalism, competence and unique suitability for the role. So, make every word count!

9. Pair your project manager cover letter with your resume

The project manager cover letter and resume make a dynamic duo in job applications. Both are fundamental to your application but serve distinct purposes.

The role of a cover letter is to provide narratives about your experiences, demonstrate your passion, and to make an argument why you're the right fit for the role.
   
Your resume, on the other hand, is a concise presentation of your experiences, skills, and qualifications. Pairing the two documents effectively can strengthen your application tremendously. Here are some tips:

1. Maintain consistency: Use the same design, fonts, and color scheme on both the cover letter and resume. This consistency in design helps to brand your application, making it more visually appealing and professional.
2. Reference your resume in your cover letter: Don't just replicate what's written in your resume. Instead, use your cover letter to expand upon key points in your resume.
3. Match your skills: Ensure the skills you highlight in your cover letter match the ones in your resume, offering a seamless narrative of your qualifications.

By harmonizing your project manager cover letter with your resume, you create a complete, well-rounded package that offers potential employers a full and appealing picture of you as a candidate.

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10. Average salary and job outlook for project managers

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for project managers was $98,580 per year as of May 2023. This goes to show the value and potential of this profession.

What's more, the job outlook for project management specialists is quite positive. It's set to grow at a rate of 6% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average growth rate for all industries. This trend reflects the integral role project managers play in effectively executing company strategies, streamlining business operations, and ensuring the successful completion of projects in various organizations.

More opportunities are on the horizon for project managers. Approximately 68,100 job openings in project management are projected every year over the next decade. So for those aspiring or currently working in the field of project management, the road ahead is filled with plenty of opportunities to grasp.

11. Top resources for job-seeking project managers

Congratulations, now you know how to craft the perfect cover letter! But this alone won’t be enough to secure your dream job. You also need to know where to look for job opportunities. We've gathered a list of resources that might help you with this: 

• Industry-specific job boards: Your first steps may lead to job boards like Project Manager Jobs, PMjobs, or PMI Jobs that are especially curated to cater for project managers of all industries.
• General job boards: Then you can try searching through engines that aggregate a broad spectrum of job postings. For example: Indeed, Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter, or SimplyHired. 
• LinkedIn: A job-seekers staple! Use LinkedIn to discover project management opportunities, connect with industry professionals, and learn about companies.
• Professional associations: Associations like the Project Management Institute (PMI), the Association for Project Management (APM), or the International Project Management Association (IPMA) can bring you job listings, networking opportunities, training programmes, and access to specialized publications. 
• Continuous learning: Working as a project manager means that you need to learn constantly. To upskill and expand your knowledge, consider taking on new courses, such as those offered by Coursera, edX, LinkedIn Learning, or Udemy. 
• Specialized publications: To keep up with industry news, innovations, trends, and methodologies, consider reading media like “Project Management Journal,” “Project Manager Today,” and “Project Times.”

Final reminder: No matter how many job postings you end up responding to, always remember to custom tailor each and every single cover letter you send. Good luck with your job search!