Crafting an effective MBA application cover letter can be a daunting task, especially if you’re already juggling job applications. You might be tempted to rehash your resume, but your cover letter should instead highlight a single, shining professional success story. It's a fine balance—formal yet fresh, avoiding worn-out phrases, and all under one page. Let's tackle these challenges together and create a cover letter that stands out, just like your achievements.
- Step your best foot forward in the mba application cover letter introduction;
- Be inspired by other professionals' certified cover letters;
- Structure your mba application cover letter to feature what matters most;
- Close off your mba application cover letter to make a memorable impression on recruiters.
But where to start writing? Upload your resume into Enhancv's AI, which will prepare your mba application cover letter (all you need to do is personalize it, and you'll be good to go).
If the mba application isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:
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MBA application cover letter example
Carla Jensen
New York, NY
+1-(234)-555-1234
help@enhancv.com
- Highlighting specific, relevant accomplishments - The cover letter includes an example of leading a team and successfully managing a $500 million portfolio, showcasing leadership skills and direct experience in handling large-scale financial operations.
- Quantifying achievements - The writer quantifies their achievements by stating the percentage of time saved due to their initiatives, which demonstrates the tangible value they bring to a team.
- Aligning past roles with the job application - The applicant emphasizes their strategic planning and financial modeling skills, which are directly applicable to the Senior Financial Analyst role they are applying for.
- Mentioning reputable education and previous employer - References to Harvard Business School and Bank of America provide credibility and a sense of the candidate’s background, suggesting a high level of professionalism and performance.
What should your mba application cover letter look like - formatting and organizing your information
Have you ever wondered what are the must-have sections you need to include in your mba application cover letter? Our builder sets those up for you with:
- Header - dedicated to your contact information, the role you're applying for, and the date (don't forget to include your name);
- Greeting and opening paragraph - to create a personalized and memorable experience for recruiters;
- Body paragraph - emphasizing your skill set and knowledge that aligns with the role and helps you to stand out;
- Closing paragraph - leaving a great impression and ending with an optional signature.
Use a cover letter template to discover the best formatting for your mba application cover letter: that is single-spaced paragraphs and wrapping your content in a one-inch margin.
Ensure that both your resume and mba application cover letter are in the same font. Stand apart from the crowd by using modern, yet simple fonts, like Chivo and Rubik, instead of the overused Arial and Times New Roman.
Did you know that the Applicant Tracker System (or ATS) won't be assessing your mba application cover letter? Instead, submit your profile in PDF to recruiters to keep the same formatting and the design intact.
The top sections on a mba application cover letter
Header: This includes your name, address, contact information, and the date, ensuring that the admissions committee can easily identify and contact you.
Greeting: Addressing the cover letter to a specific person, such as the Director of Admissions, shows that you've done your research and are serious about your application.
Introduction: Here you should clearly state your intent to apply for the MBA program and mention how you learned about it, making a strong and personalized first impression.
Body: This section should highlight your relevant experiences, academic achievements, career goals, and why you are a good fit for the program, showcasing your potential to contribute to and benefit from the MBA.
Closing: Summarize your qualifications, reiterate your enthusiasm for the MBA program, and include a call to action, prompting the admissions team to consider your application and contact you for further discussion or an interview.
Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter
- Leadership Experience: Recruiters look for candidates who have demonstrated leadership skills, as MBA programs often focus on developing leaders for the business world.
- Analytical Abilities: Strong analytical skills are essential for MBA candidates, as they will need to assess complex business situations and make data-driven decisions.
- Teamwork and Collaborative Spirit: The ability to work well in a team and foster collaboration is highly valued, as much of MBA coursework involves group work and projects.
- Professional Accomplishments: Recruiters prioritize candidates with a track record of professional success and achievements that show their potential to excel in business management.
- Strategic Thinking: Applicants who exhibit strategic thinking are preferred because this quality is important for driving business innovation and long-term planning in management roles.
- Global Mindset: International experience or a demonstrated understanding of global business markets is advantageous, as businesses increasingly operate in a globalized economy.
How to start your mba application cover letter: with a greeting, of course
Have you ever considered just how powerful a personalized salutation can be?
We sure have news for you! Your mba application cover letter should start with the right salutation to recruiters, nurturing a sense of respect and individuality.
Greet recruiters by using their first name (e.g. "Dear Tom" or "Dear Patricia") if you've previously established contact with them.
Otherwise, opt out for the less familiar, "Dear Ms. Peaches" or "Dear Ms Kelsey", if you've found the recruiter's name on LinkedIn or a corporate website.
"To whom it may concern" is never a good option, as it creates a sense that you've been sending out your mba application cover letter to anyone. Instead, use "Dear HR team" or "Dear (company name) recruiter" for a feeling of exclusivity.
List of salutations you can use
- Dear Admissions Committee,
- Dear [Business School Name] Admissions Team,
- Dear Director [of Admissions],
- Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
- Dear MBA Admissions Board,
Your mba application cover letter intro: showing your interest in the role
On to the actual content of your mba application cover letter and the introductory paragraph.
The intro should be no more than two sentences long and presents you in the best light possible.
Use your mba application cover letter introduction to prove exactly what interests you in the role or organization. Is it the:
- Company culture;
- Growth opportunities;
- Projects and awards the team worked on/won in the past year;
- Specific technologies the department uses.
When writing your mba application cover letter intro, be precise and sound enthusiastic about the role.
Your introduction should hint to recruiters that you're excited about the opportunity and that you possess an array of soft skills, e.g. motivation, determination, work ethic, etc.
How to write an achievement-focused mba application cover letter body
We've got the intro and greeting covered. Now, comes the most definitive part of your mba application cover letter - the body.
In the next three to six paragraphs, you'd have to answer why should recruiters hire you.
What better way to do this than by storytelling?
And, no, you don't need a "Once upon a time" or "I started from the bottom and made it to the top" career-climbing format to tell a compelling narrative.
Instead, select up to three most relevant skills for the job and look back on your resume.
Find an achievement, that you're proud of, which has taught you these three job-crucial skills.
Quantify your accomplishment, using metrics, and be succinct in the way you describe it.
The ultimate aim would be to show recruiters how this particular success has built up your experience to become an invaluable candidate.
Time to wrap up your mba application cover letter
Writing the closing paragraph of your mba application cover letter is just as important as the salutation.
You have to make it personalized to the job advert and recruiter.
Experienced professionals advise candidates to end with a request or reminder for follow-up. Write that you're grateful for the opportunity, and, at the same time, hint that you're available for the next steps of the process.
Otherwise, you could also conclude your mba application cover letter by facing the future. How do you see yourself, as part of the team? In particular, how would you settle in your new role in the first six months to a year?
Which story should you tell in your mba application cover letter when you have zero experience
Candidates, lacking professional experience in the field - this one is for you.
Your mba application cover letter is an exercise of integrity, honesty, and, above all, spinning a positive narrative around your strengths.
And what better way to capture recruiters' attention than with your most job-relevant achievement (this could be from your internship or volunteering experience)?
Make sure to back up your success with transferrable skills that are relevant to the job (e.g. how your year, studying abroad, has taught you to be more motivated and handle multicultural environments).
Another safe card you can bet on is your career dream: in the body of your mba application cover letter, go into the details of how your ambitions would help make the company you're applying for better.
Key takeaways
Your mba application cover letter is your best shot at standing out by showing your motivation and the unique skills you'd bring to the job:
- Chose no more than one achievement, which you'd be talking about in the body of your mba application cover letter, by focusing on skills and outcomes;
- Address recruiters with their first or last name, or "Dear Hiring Manager" in your mba application cover letter greeting;
- Introduce in no more than two sentences what makes your profile unique (perhaps it's your motivation, enthusiasm, or appreciation of the company you're applying for);
- Select the same font you have used in your resume (avoid Times New Roman and Arial, as most candidates tend to invest in them);
- Close your mba application cover letter with a promise of how you see yourself growing in the company and the benefits you'd bring about.
