When you start applying for jobs, you quickly realise that including a cover letter with your CV is a excellent way to stand out. But what should your cover letter focus on?
Should it emphasise your key achievements or simply list your responsibilities? And how can you effectively demonstrate that you're the ideal fit for the role?
One of the most common mistakes candidates make is either underselling themselves or overstating their experience.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to craft a compelling cover letter by showcasing your most significant professional achievement and telling the story behind it.
Cover letter examples for business development
Explore additional business development cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Head of Business Development
- Highlighting Major Achievements: The cover letter effectively showcases key accomplishments such as leading a £75M contract win and increasing service efficiency by 30%, reflecting the candidate’s ability to drive substantial results in business development within the healthcare sector.
- Emphasis on Strategic Growth and Partnerships: The candidate emphasises their role in orchestrating strategic partnerships and expanding market reach, crucial aspects for a Head of Business Development position focussed on strategic growth and market presence.
- Specialised Skills in Tender Management and Market Intelligence: By underscoring their expertise in tender management and market intelligence, the candidate aligns their skills perfectly with the requirements of the role, showcasing their capability to secure and manage substantial healthcare contracts.
- Relevance of Education and Continuous Learning: Including advanced courses and a Master of Business Administration demonstrates a commitment to professional development, while also providing assurance of the candidate's knowledge and adaptability in the dynamic field of healthcare business development.
Vice President of Business Development
- Emphasise Major Achievements: Highlighting significant achievements, such as securing a £15M RPO contract, demonstrates the ability to impact company growth and success significantly.
- Utilise Relevant Certifications: Mention the Certified RPO Professional certification to underline proficiency in recruitment process outsourcing, essential for roles focused on business development and sales strategy.
- Showcase Leadership Skills: Discussing experiences in leading cross-functional teams and driving improvements, such as a 30% boost in sales conversion rates, showcases strong leadership and strategic planning capabilities.
- Highlight Industry-Specific Expertise: Convey expertise in client relationship management and negotiation, essential for successfully navigating complex sales strategies and maintaining long-term client partnerships.
By Role
Business Development Manager
- Industry-Specific Expertise: The cover letter effectively emphasises Alice's expertise in fire safety solutions, which is particularly relevant for roles requiring technical knowledge in specialised sectors.
- Achievement-Driven Narratives: Alice outlines specific achievements, such as a 35% increase in client acquisition and £500,000 revenue growth, providing concrete evidence of her impact and success in previous roles.
- Strategic Growth Focus: The emphasis on strategic planning and market expansion demonstrates Alice's ability to contribute to the overarching goals of the business, which is crucial for a business development role.
- Professional Development and Recognition: Listing awards and relevant certifications, like the Best Sales Performance Award and Fire Safety Training Certificate, illustrates her commitment to excellence and continuous professional growth.
Business Development Analyst
- Highlighting the specific certifications such as the "Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification" underlines the candidate's expertise in project management, which is crucial for ensuring seamless execution of business development projects.
- Emphasising key achievements such as the "40% Revenue Growth" and leading digital sales initiatives serves to quantify the candidate's tangible impact on business outcomes, demonstrating their capability in driving fiscal performance.
- Mentioning the proficiency in specific skills such as "CRM software" and "Sales strategy" are essential for the role of Business Development Analyst, as these skills are directly related to enhancing client relationships and improving sales performance.
- Including the course "Advanced Digital Marketing Strategies" indicates an up-to-date knowledge of current industry tools and frameworks, which aligns with the candidate's focus on digital prospecting and client engagement.
Director of Business Development
- Highlighting specific certifications such as "Advanced Drug Development Strategies" from Cambridge Executive Education is crucial for a role focused on drug development, as it underscores advanced expertise in the field.
- Emphasising achievements related to market penetration and revenue growth is beneficial for a business development role, showcasing the candidate’s ability to drive substantial business results.
- Including specific leadership experiences and outcomes, such as leading a team to close deals valued at over £50 million, illustrates strong leadership skills and the ability to handle significant financial responsibilities.
- Demonstrating proficiency in relevant tools like Salesforce, alongside cross-functional collaboration skills, indicates capability in improving client satisfaction and operational efficiency, which are critical in strategic growth roles.
Business Development Consultant
- Emphasise quantitative achievements: Including specific figures such as "18% growth in quarterly sales" and "£1.2 million in new contracts" showcases measurable success and demonstrates effectiveness in business development roles.
- Showcase strategic skills: Highlighting courses like "Strategic Business Development" reinforces a commitment to continuous improvement and strategic thinking, which is valuable for informed decision-making in client acquisition and market expansion.
- Demonstrate collaboration and leadership capabilities: Providing examples of training new recruits, managing cross-functional teams, and organising industry networking events reflects an ability to lead, collaborate, and strengthen team dynamics.
- Refer to industry-specific knowledge: Mentioning participation in tech industry events and networking meet-ups signals a strong understanding of recruitment trends and the evolving needs of the IT sector.
Business Development Associate
- Highlighting the implementation of data-driven sales strategies aligns well with the role, showcasing an ability to adapt and optimise sales through refined methodologies.
- Emphasising leadership in spearheading teams and cross-departmental collaboration demonstrates capability in managing and improving team performance, which is critical for management roles.
- Mentioning certifications such as "Advanced Sales Techniques" and "Data-Driven Sales" highlights commitment to ongoing professional development, which is valuable for staying current in sales methodologies.
- Showcasing achievements in sales growth and process optimisation illustrates a strong track record of results and efficiency improvements, key metrics for success in sales-focused roles.
Business Development Coordinator
- Highlight Specific Achievements: The cover letter effectively showcases specific achievements such as the "Top Sales Performer Award 2022" and the "Business Growth Specialist Recognition," which align well with the business development role.
- Utilisation of Relevant Skills: The letter underscores key skills crucial for the role, like "CRM Systems Implementation" and "Strategic Planning," demonstrating the candidate's readiness for the challenges of a business development coordinator.
- Experience in Related Positions: Detailing experience as a Senior Business Development Executive and a Business Development Executive provides strong evidence of relevant expertise and a professional progression in the field.
- Emphasis on Measurable Outcomes: Including specific metrics, such as a "45% increase in year-on-year sales" and "30 new key accounts acquired," provides concrete evidence of the candidate's impact and effectiveness in previous roles.
International Business Development Manager
- Quantifiable achievements: The cover letter effectively uses statistics to demonstrate past success, such as a 15% increase in regional sales, which provides concrete evidence of the candidate's impact.
- Focus on strategic skills: The inclusion of "strategic planning" and "market development" aligns well with the role and highlights the candidate's suitability for a position aimed at sales growth and market expansion.
- Relevant experience and education: The role-related experience at renowned companies like Unilever and Diageo emphasises strong industry knowledge, supported by a Business Administration degree from the University of Edinburgh.
- Highlighting relevant courses and skills: Mention of courses such as "Advanced Export Sales Strategies" and skills like "Salesforce" and "SAP" directly relate to the responsibilities of the role, enhancing applicant relevance.
Business Development and Partnerships Manager
- Highlight Relevant Experience: Grace Bailey wisely emphasises her current role as Business Development Manager at Binance, showcasing her ability to significantly increase trading volume and secure institutional partnerships, which aligns well with the requirements of similar positions in the crypto sector.
- Detail Achievements with Metrics: The cover letter includes quantifiable achievements, such as a 35% increase in trading volume and a 25% growth in B2B clients, which provide concrete evidence of her success and impact, demonstrating her value to potential employers.
- Showcase Educational Background: Mentioning her MSc in Finance from the University of Oxford leverages her strong educational background, which supports her expertise in the financial and crypto markets.
- Include Key Skills and Certifications: The highlight of skills such as OTC trading, blockchain technologies, and strategic partnerships, alongside specific courses completed, effectively positions Grace as a knowledgeable and well-rounded candidate in the domain.
Business Development Specialist
- Highlighting Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively showcases Sophia's experience in business development and investment, underlining positions held at notable companies like Aberdeen Standard Investments, Fidelity International, and Legal & General, which establishes her credibility and relevance to the role.
- Quantifying Achievements: Each role includes specific, quantifiable outcomes such as a 20% increase in sales opportunities and a 15% rise in client retention, demonstrating Sophia's concrete contributions and impact in her previous roles.
- Mentioning Relevant Certifications: The inclusion of certifications like the Certified Business Development Professional and the Investment Management Certificate highlights her continued professional development and expertise in specialised areas relevant to the business development field.
- Demonstrating Diverse Skills: The cover letter effectively emphasises a broad range of skills from data analysis to relationship building, underscoring Sophia's versatility and capability to contribute to various aspects of business development and investment projects.
Business Development Operations Manager
- Emphasise your accomplishments in increasing pipeline and conversion rates, as these outcomes are directly relevant to the role of Business Development Operations Manager.
- Highlight proficiency in CRM tools and specific platforms like Salesforce and HubSpot, underscoring your ability to enhance lead management and sales processes.
- Mention language skills, especially fluency in English and French, which can be beneficial in international markets and cross-cultural communications.
- Include specifics regarding your strategic planning and experience in crafting successful email marketing campaigns, showcasing your capability to boost engagement rates and secure meetings.
Business Development Representative
- Highlighting Results: The cover letter effectively showcases a results-driven approach with quantifiable achievements like increasing prospective engagements by 35%, improving conversion rates by 20%, and ensuring a 15% revenue growth quarter over quarter.
- Relevant Experience and Roles: The candidate highlights experience in roles directly related to business development, notably at well-known companies like Zendesk, HubSpot, and Salesforce, each with specific achievements that demonstrate their capability.
- Emphasising Skills and Education: Key skills such as CRM Management, Prospect Qualification, and Salesforce are aligned with the role of a Business Development Professional. The educational background with an MBA further supports this alignment.
- Certifications and Courses: The inclusion of relevant certifications, such as the Advanced Sales Strategies Certification and CRM Software Implementation and Mastery, highlights a commitment to continual professional development, which is valuable in a rapidly evolving field.
Business Development Officer
- Emphasising quantified achievements, such as the 25% increase in third stream income and the successful £500k research contract, clearly demonstrates the candidate's capability to deliver tangible results in business development.
- Mentioning strategic programmes and initiatives, like the implementation of CRM systems or spearheading outreach programmes, adds credibility and highlights the candidate's ability to execute complex projects.
- Highlighting past roles and responsibilities, from partnering with industry leaders to delivering market analysis, showcases a breadth of experience that is directly applicable to the desired role.
- Incorporating passions and interests, such as commitment to sustainable development and community engagement, outlines the candidate's alignment with broader organisational goals and values.
Business Development Strategist
- Proposal Success Demonstration: Highlighting the achievement of a 20% increase in proposal acceptance rates and a £2 million revenue boost effectively showcases the ability to deliver measurable outcomes.
- Client Satisfaction Emphasis: Discussing a 95% client satisfaction rate and enhanced client retention demonstrates a strong track record of maintaining and fostering client relationships, essential for a business development role.
- Market Expansion Experience: Detailing successful market entry strategies that increased market share by 10% reflects the capacity to drive business growth into new sectors, aligning with business development goals.
- Template and Process Optimisation: Mentioning the implementation of template systems that reduced proposal preparation time by 35% underlines expertise in process improvement and strategic communication.
Business Development and Marketing Manager
- Strategic Experience and Achievements: The cover letter effectively highlights major achievements such as a 35% increase in brand visibility and securing £2 million in new contracts annually, showcasing the candidate's capability to drive successful outcomes in business development and marketing management.
- Professional Certifications: The inclusion of certifications such as the Digital Marketing & Strategy by Google demonstrates the candidate's commitment to staying abreast of industry best practices and continuously enhancing their skill set, essential for a dynamic role in marketing strategy.
- Cross-Sector Collaboration Skills: Key experiences like collaborating with construction and real estate teams to integrate marketing strategies highlight the candidate's ability to drive synergistic relationships, important for a business development role that requires coordination across different sectors.
- Focus on Innovation and Sustainability: Expressing a passion for real estate innovations and sustainable development aligns the candidate’s personal interests with professional practices, which is beneficial for roles that value forward-thinking and environmentally conscious strategies.
Regional Business Development Manager
- Focus on Achievements: The cover letter effectively highlights significant achievements such as securing £5 million in new accounts and increasing regional sales by £3 million. This demonstrates the impact the applicant can bring to the role.
- Relevant Skills and Tools: Emphasising proficiency in Salesforce and CRM systems is crucial as these are key tools in business development and sales roles, showcasing the applicant's technical competence.
- Client Relationship Management: Highlighting client retention strategies and successful relationship-building with key opinion leaders reflects the applicant's adeptness at maintaining and nurturing important business relationships.
- Educational Background: The inclusion of an MBA specifically in Business Administration supports the applicant's capability in strategic planning and management, valuable for a business development role.
Business Development and Sales Manager
- Highlight Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively emphasises the applicant's extensive experience in the aerospace industry, showcasing a history of increasing customer bases and revenue growth, which is pivotal for a Business Development & Sales Manager role.
- Technical Skill Emphasis: Proficiency in NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) techniques, a specialised skill in aerospace sales, is highlighted, adding value and demonstrating niche expertise to potential employers.
- Certification and Education Leveraging: The mention of an Aerospace NDT Certification underlines technical capabilities, supported by an academic background in aerospace engineering, catering to the technical nature of the role.
- Language and Communication Skills: The letter indicates fluency in English and knowledge of German, showcasing the applicant's ability to effectively communicate with a diverse client base, which is vital for international business development.
Business Development cover letter example
Ethan Palmer
Glasgow
+44 1234 567890
help@enhancv.com
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the Senior Sales Consultant role at your company, drawn by your commitment to innovation in the real estate market. With a proven track record of success in sales strategy and client relationship management, I am eager to contribute to your team's continued growth.
During my tenure at Premier Property Group, I implemented a CRM system that improved customer service tremendously, reducing the complaint response time by 50%. This initiative not only enhanced client satisfaction but also retained 95% of our clients over two years. My experience in crafting data-driven sales strategies that consistently surpassed company revenue targets has equipped me with the skills necessary to drive significant growth in competitive real estate markets.
I am looking forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background, skills, and enthusiasms align with the goals of your team. Please feel free to contact me to schedule a conversation at your convenience. Thank you for considering my application; I am excited about the possibility of contributing to your organization.
Sincerely,
Ethan Palmer, Senior Sales Consultant
Here’s what makes this cover letter great:
- Emphasize the implementation of innovative solutions, such as CRM systems, which directly enhance customer service and client retention for roles in sales and real estate.
- Highlight a track record of exceeding company revenue targets and maintaining high client retention to demonstrate capability in achieving significant sales growth.
- Showcase skills in crafting data-driven sales strategies, which are crucial in competitive markets to enhance performance and drive profitability.
- Mention specific achievements, such as reducing complaint response time or retaining a high percentage of clients, to provide concrete evidence of effectiveness and success.
Importance of cover letters in the United Kingdom
A well-crafted cover letter can significantly strengthen your job application by emphasising why you’re an ideal fit.
Here are some reasons why it matters:
- Personalisation: Employers expect your cover letter to demonstrate how your skills and experience align with the company’s needs and/or values.
- Addresses what is omitted from your CV: If your career path includes gaps or changes, your cover letter is the best place to address these positively and explain their relevance.
- Opportunity to stand out: Many applicants have similar qualifications, so a tailored cover letter can show your unique attributes and experience.
What UK employers expect from a cover letter
You only have one chance to impress your potential UK employers, so be wise about writing your cover letter.
When doing so, follow these three simple but essential steps:
- Do your research: Begin by researching the company and the role you're applying for. Check their website, social media pages, and relevant news to understand what drives their business.
- Highlight company values: Identify the company's core beliefs and explain how your personal and professional experiences resonate with them. For instance, if the organisation prioritises innovation, provide examples where you've demonstrated creative thinking.
- Match your skills to the job: Analyse the job description carefully and pick out the most important skills or qualifications they’re seeking. Be sure to mention your relevant achievements that prove you're the perfect fit for the position.
How to format a business development cover letter
To get your cover letter's formatting right:
- Use a modern font like Lato, Raleway, or Chivo, rather than the overused Arial or Times New Roman.
- Set your cover letter to be single-spaced with 1-inch (2.5 cm) margins on all sides—our templates are automatically set up for you.
- Ensure both your CV and cover letter are consistent in font style and formatting.
- Always send your cover letter as a PDF to prevent alterations and preserve its layout.
When it comes to structuring your cover letter, follow this sequence: begin with your address and contact details, then the employer's details (i.e. name and address), and the date. Next, start with a personalised greeting, followed by your introductory, body, and closing paragraphs. Be sure to include a sign-off and your signature at the end.
Remember, although Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) software, which may scan your CV for keywords, won't read your cover letter, it will be reviewed by recruiters.
How to write your business development cover letter salutation
In a world of AI and instant prompts, taking the extra time to personalise your cover letter truly makes a difference.
Address the hiring manager directly with a customised greeting (e.g., 'Dear Mr Bond', 'Dear Ms Penny').
You can often find their name on LinkedIn (under the job listing or by searching) or in the ‘About’ or ‘Meet the Team’ section of the company's website. If in doubt, you can also contact the reception for assistance.
If you can't find the name, rather than using 'Dear Sir or Madam', opt for something more personal, such as 'Dear [Company Name] Hiring Manager'.
How to write your business development cover letter intro
One of the best ways to grab a hiring manager's attention? Show them the unique value you'd add to the team.
Review the skills or requirements listed in the posting and draw connections to your previous work experiences.
Focus on specific (and quantifiable) accomplishments and qualifications that align with the job description to make a strong first impression.
Cover Letter Intro
With a keen interest in fostering strategic partnerships, I am drawn to ABC Ltd.'s commitment to innovation and sustainability, as demonstrated by your recent eco-initiative projects. I am eager to contribute my skills in line with your mission to reshape the future of business development.
RIGHT
How to write your business development cover letter body
Your cover letter body is the most spacious and vital part of this document—it highlights your true value and the impact you can bring as a candidate.
Remember, your cover letter serves a different purpose to your CV. Here, you need to show your skills in context by telling the story of one significant achievement, hinting at how you’ll help your future employer achieve their goals.
So, when writing your cover letter body:
- Use concrete achievements to demonstrate your personality and impact.
- Support your achievements with quantifiable data and metrics.
- Tell the story of a successful project you’ve worked on and explain how you contributed to the outcome.
- Highlight both hard and soft skills to make your story more engaging.
- Focus on skills that are most relevant to the role and align with the company’s needs.
Cover Letter Body
In my previous role as a Business Development Manager at XYZ Ltd, I spearheaded a project that significantly expanded our client base in the European market. By leveraging my skills in strategic planning and relationship building, I led a campaign that resulted in a 40% increase in new client acquisitions over a 12-month period. This success was achieved through meticulously analysing market trends and identifying key partnership opportunities that aligned with our business objectives. Furthermore, by fostering robust relationships with stakeholders and tailoring our service propositions to meet client needs, I was able to negotiate contracts that increased our annual revenue by £2 million. This accomplishment not only demonstrated my capability to drive business growth through innovative and strategic initiatives but also highlighted my dedication to achieving measurable, impactful results.
RIGHT
How to write a closing paragraph
Now we’ve reached the closing paragraph of your cover letter. You might be tempted to end with a simple Yours sincerely, but don’t!
Instead, finish with a promise to enhance the company’s performance metrics (backed by your hard and soft skills), to develop as a professional, or something else that holds significance for the organisation. Whatever you choose, ensure to stand behind your words and be remain sincere.
Don’t forget to include a call to action, encouraging recruiters to suggest the best time to follow up for an interview or update.
Cover Letter Closing
Thank you for considering my application for the Business Development position at your esteemed company. I am very excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team with my expertise and passion for driving business growth. I would welcome the chance to further discuss how my skills align with the goals of your organisation. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to schedule an interview. I look forward to the possibility of joining your team and helping to achieve new levels of success. Thank you once again for your time and consideration.
RIGHT
Conclusion
Creating a compelling cover letter is vital in making a positive first impression on potential employers. Personalise your letter by addressing the hiring manager directly and ensuring your skills align with the job description.
Highlight specific achievements that demonstrate your suitability for the role, and express genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity. Finally, maintain a professional format that complements your CV for a cohesive application.
