Project Manager Cover Letter Example for 2024 (W/ Guide!)

Project Manager Cover Letter Example

5 Steps for the Perfect Project Manager Cover Letter

You've seen what a killer cover letter looks like. 

Now, you're more than ready to craft your own masterpiece. No need to stress; just follow a few simple steps, and you'll nail it.

Here’s what you need to start with: 

#1. Put Contact Information in the Header

Kick off your project manager cover letter by getting your contact details up top, just like you would on your resume.

Here's what that entails: 

• Full Name. Your name should be the first thing the hiring manager sees when they look at your cover letter.
• Job Title. Make sure your job title aligns with the job you're aiming for. Hiring managers are swamped with applications for various roles, so being precise about the job you want can only help.
• Email Address. Opt for a straightforward and professional email. Ditch the quirky one you made years ago for something clean and simple. For instance, swap out 'gavinthegoose@hotmail.com' for 'gavin.jones@gmail.com'.
• Phone Number. Double-check that your phone number is correct. If you're applying from another country, include the dial code.
• Location. Your city, followed by the state or country, will do. If the job is remote or you're willing to move, make that clear.
• Relevant Links (optional). Feel free to include any links to professional sites or your LinkedIn profile.

Next, list the hiring manager's contact information:

• Company Name. List the name of the company you're applying to.
• Hiring Manager’s Name. Do a little research to find the name of the hiring manager for the department you're interested in. Check the job ad or the company's website.
• Manager’s Job Title. If the hiring manager is also the head of the department you’re applying for, use that title on your resume.
• Location. State the city and country where the company is based. You can be more specific if you like, but this is usually enough.
• Email Address (optional). If you can find it, include the hiring manager's email.
• Date (optional). You can add the date you wrote the cover letter to make it look even more polished.

#2. Address the Hiring Manager

Once you've got all your contact information in place, focus on addressing your cover letter the right way. And, by the right way, we mean skip the outdated ‘to whom it may concern.’

Getting the addressee right can set a positive tone for your cover letter.

Start by doing some homework. Look at the job posting, company website, or LinkedIn to locate the hiring manager in charge of project management roles. This will likely help you find their full name and email address. 

When you know their name, go ahead and address them formally. We suggest using "Ms." or "Mr." along with their last name. If you're uncertain about their gender or marital status, using their full name works too. For example:

If you hit a dead end and can't find details about the hiring manager or the head of the project management department, no worries. You can direct your letter to the department or company at large:

#3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement

Hiring managers often spend just a few seconds scanning an application before deciding if it's worth a full read. So, grabbing their attention right away is key to a winning project management cover letter.

Kick off with your name and clearly state why this particular role excites you. Showing you’re passionate about project management or the specific project can make the hiring manager interested in learning more about you.

Doing your homework on the company can also pay off. The better you understand them, the more you can show you'd be a great fit for their culture. This tells the hiring manager you're not just sending out applications at random—you're genuinely interested in this role.

Depending on how seasoned you are, you might also want to start your cover letter by pointing out a significant achievement or skill that makes you ideal for the job.

Keep this paragraph short and sweet. The goal is to spark the hiring manager's interest and prompt them to read the rest of your cover letter in detail.

#4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details

The core section of your project management cover letter is your chance to delve into what makes you the right pick for the job.

Here's the key: Don't just rehash your resume. This section is your chance to elaborate on your unique skills and know-how. Your task is to convince the hiring manager that you're a cut above the rest. So, expand on any relevant accomplishments you listed on your project manager resume by explaining just how you did them.

Next, align your cover letter with the job ad by discussing particular abilities they're after or precisely how you'll add value to their team. For instance, if the job requires experience with Agile methodologies, focus on that instead of your general management skills.

Knowledge of the company or the industry they're in can also make you stand out. If you're acquainted with the company's projects or methodologies, don't hold back—explain just how you align with their goals or culture.

End on a high note. Show your eagerness for the role and how sure you are that your skills and experience make you the person they need.

#5. Wrap It Up and Sign It

Ending your project management cover letter on the right note is like nailing the project deliverables before the deadline.

Make sure your closing remarks keep the hiring manager's interest and don't undermine your previous points. Recap why you're the ideal choice for the project management role or sum up the unique skills that give you an edge.

Next, it's call-to-action time. Encourage the hiring manager to move forward, like arranging an interview, to leave a memorable impact and boost your odds of getting a callback. 

Lastly, cap it off with a polished closing line, followed by your full name. Here's an example:

If "Best regards" feels played out, consider these alternatives:

• Sincerely,
• Kind regards,
• Yours truly,
• Appreciate your time,

Choose one that aligns well with your style and the job you're applying for.

3 Essential Project Manager Cover Letter Tips

You've got the rundown on what makes a standout cover letter for a project manager. Now, let's dive into some key cover letter tips to put the final touches on yours.

#1. Match Your Resume

A great manager has exceptional presentation skills. 

As such, your cover letter’s style and layout should be in sync with your resume. A mismatch might hint at a lack of attention to detail or presentation skills. 

Ensure your details sit tidily on the page and stick to a consistent font choice. Just as you'd manage project timelines, be mindful of the margins and spacing. And aim for a concise cover letter that fits just right within a single page.

Or Use A Cover Letter Template Instead

Want to skip all the hard work?

Check out our cover letter templates. They're designed in close collaboration with global hiring managers, ensuring top-notch industry standards. Best of all, they match the templates our free resume builder has to offer.

Pop in your information, and there you have it—a professional letter that pairs perfectly with your resume. Simple, right?

#2. Mention Skills

Talking about your skills in your project manager cover letter is more than just a checkbox—it's a golden opportunity. When you lay out your skills, you're telling hiring managers what you bring to the table. And let's face it, they want to know what you can do, not just who you are. 

But don't just toss in a random list of skills. Tie them back to why you're the best fit for that job. For example, if the job ad mentions that teamwork is a priority, don't just say you're a "team player." Go further. Explain how you've led teams to consistently complete projects ahead of schedule. That's your ticket.

When you thoughtfully mention skills, it shows you're not just throwing your hat in the ring—you're seriously eyeing the role. It tells hiring managers you've read the job description, understand it, and are ready to hit the ground running. 

#3. Save It to the Right Format

So you've crafted the perfect project manager cover letter—nice!

But before you hit that 'send' button, take a moment to consider the file format. Saving your document the right way might sound like a minor detail, but it can make a world of difference. 

The golden standard is PDF. It keeps your formatting intact, no matter what device the hiring manager uses to read it.

So those bold headlines and bullet points you spent time perfecting? They'll look just as good on a phone as they do on a computer screen.

Now, there's one key exception: if the job ad asks for something else.

Sometimes employers might specify a particular format, like DOC or RTF. In those cases, stick to the instructions. Otherwise, PDF is your best bet for making a professional first impression. It's a simple step, but it shows you're someone who pays attention to the little things—and in project management, those little things often make all the difference.

Key Takeaways

That’s all there is to a project manager cover letter!

Hopefully, you feel inspired to write your own and land that dream job on the horizon.

But before we part ways, let’s recap what we mentioned:

• Addressing your cover letter to the hiring manager can make a great first impression. Do some research on the job ad and company to find out who’s doing the hiring, and greet them by name.
• One of the things hiring managers want to know about is your skills, so tailor them accordingly. Use the job ad as a reference for what they’re looking for, and focus on that.
• Present a gorgeous application by matching your cover letter to your resume. You can make this step easier on yourself by using an online resume and cover builder instead of starting from scratch.
• Once you’re all set, save your cover letter as a PDF. This way, all your formatting will stay intact, no matter what device or software the hiring manager uses to open it.