You’ve just sent the same cover letter to 60 different job roles, all beginning with “Dear Sir or Madam” and ending with 'Yours sincerely.'
Bad news: you may have just missed your chance to stand out, as generic cover letters are a very common pitfall in job applications.
Did you know recruiters typically shortlist candidates based on how well they meet the job criteria? Failing to address the key requirements can cost you the role.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to tailor your cover letter to align with the job advert or company, ensuring you showcase your value as a candidate.
Cover letter examples for business manager
Explore additional business manager cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Junior Business Manager
- Emphasising Quantifiable Impact: The cover letter effectively highlights achievements with measurable results, such as a 20% increase in client engagement and a 10% improvement in proposal win rates, demonstrating capability in driving business growth.
- Relevance of Experience: Showcasing varied experience across renowned companies like Capgemini, Deloitte, and KPMG, each with distinct achievements, underlines adaptability and strong knowledge in business development and marketing roles.
- Skill Alignment: The letter strategically aligns key skills such as proposal development, social media marketing, and business development directly with the job role, reinforcing suitability for the position of Junior Business Development Manager.
- Highlighting Education and Continuous Learning: Mentioning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from a prestigious university, along with completed courses in strategic sourcing and digital marketing, demonstrates a solid educational foundation and a commitment to ongoing personal development.
Senior Business Manager
- High-impact achievement statements: The cover letter highlights Oliver's successful track record with specific, quantified results, such as a 25% increase in client base and securing over £50 million in new assets, underscoring the candidate's ability to drive business development and revenue growth.
- Industry-specific experience: It effectively positions Oliver as a leader in digital assets and cryptocurrency, with roles at Coinbase, Gemini, and Bitstamp, demonstrating a deep understanding of market dynamics within this specialised sector.
- Strategic partnerships and negotiation skills: Oliver's expertise in developing strategic partnerships and negotiating high-value contracts emphasises the candidate’s capability to build and maintain critical relationships for organisational success.
- Continuous professional development: The inclusion of relevant courses, such as "Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Explained," shows a commitment to staying updated with industry advancements, which is crucial in the ever-evolving field of digital assets.
By Role
Business Operations Manager
- Highlight Relevant Experience: Poppy's extensive background in Customer Success and strategic roles at top-tier tech companies like Google and Facebook is tailored perfectly for a Customer Success Consultant role.
- Emphasise Key Achievements: Noteworthy achievements such as a 20% revenue increase and 40% process efficiency boost underscore her ability to deliver tangible results.
- Spotlight Technical and Analytical Skills: The inclusion of skills like Advanced Web Technologies and Digital Media Analytics certifications reinforces her technical proficiency and analytical prowess, which are essential for success in tech-focused environments.
- Leverage Education and Courses: Her educational background (MSc in Digital Marketing) and relevant courses demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and staying abreast of industry trends.
Business Analytics Manager
- Relevant Experience: Emphasising over 10 years of experience in business analytics, particularly highlighting previous roles that demonstrate the application of skills in improving data integrity and system efficiency.
- Data-Driven Achievements: Including specific accomplishments, such as a 30% increase in system integrity and a 25% reduction in project delivery time, effectively showcases the candidate's impact on previous employers.
- Educational Background: Highlighting advanced education in Business Analytics and Computer Science provides a strong foundation for the technical and analytical skills required for a Business Analytics Manager role.
- Skills and Certifications: Mentioning capabilities such as Business Process Improvement Certification from Six Sigma and Advanced Data Analytics, illustrates commitment to professional development and a focus on business efficiency.
Business Continuity Manager
- Industry Certification Highlighting: The cover letter effectively highlights specific certifications like ISO 22301 as important qualifications for a Business Continuity Manager, which may appeal to recruiters looking for candidates with formal training in this area.
- Measurable Achievements: The use of quantifiable results, such as a 30% reduction in disruption-related downtime, underscores the candidate's impact and effectiveness in their previous roles, which is crucial for roles involving risk and crisis management.
- Technical and Interpersonal Skills: Emphasising a balanced skill set, the cover letter mentions both hard skills like Incident Response and soft skills like Stakeholder Communication, providing a comprehensive view of the candidate's abilities.
- Relevant Experience and Engagement: The candidate demonstrates a deep engagement with the logistics and supply chain fields, citing their experiences that resulted in tangible improvements, which aligns with the interests of potential employers in these sectors.
Business Transformation Manager
- Emphasise the successful completion of the Certified Six Sigma Green Belt, which underlines expertise in process optimisation and is highly relevant for a Change Management Specialist role.
- Highlight experience in leading strategic transformation programmes and operational excellence projects that achieved significant efficiency improvements and cost reductions.
- Showcase strong stakeholder engagement skills and collaboration with cross-functional teams, which are critical for effective change management and project implementation.
- Detail the ability to implement data-driven KPIs to monitor initiative success, demonstrating a results-oriented approach in financial services operations.
Business Process Manager
- Highlighting Results-Driven Achievements: The cover letter effectively emphasises specific quantifiable achievements, such as boosting operational efficiency by 25% and enhancing customer satisfaction, which are critical for a Business Process Manager role.
- Emphasising Relevant Certifications: Mentioning certifications like the Certified Business Process Professional demonstrates specialised knowledge in process optimisation, reinforcing the applicant’s credibility in the field.
- Showcasing Leadership and Strategic Alignment: The applicant successfully highlights their leadership skills and ability to align strategic goals with improved customer experiences, showcasing their potential to impact the company positively.
- Integration of Process Improvement and Technical Skills: The integration of skills such as Business Process Improvement and ERP Systems, alongside project management achievements, underscores the applicant's comprehensive technical proficiency and strategic acumen.
Small Business Manager
- Emphasising Expertise in Loan Portfolio Expansion: Highlighting the 25% portfolio growth and increased loan approval efficiency is crucial for a role where financial growth and efficiency are key priorities.
- Diverse Banking Experience: Demonstrating a progression from Financial Analyst to Relationship Manager conveys a strong grasp of banking procedures and client management, beneficial for overseeing loan portfolios and financial assessments.
- Importance of Relationship Management: Increasing client satisfaction and leveraging existing relationships showcase interpersonal skills, essential for a role focussed on maintaining and expanding client connections.
- Highlighting Regulatory Compliance: Mentioning a 100% compliance record assures potential employers of a candidate's diligence in regulatory adherence, critical in the financial sector.
Business Relationship Manager
- Highlight Relevant Experience: Joshua Patel effectively underscores over 10 years of experience in IT within healthcare settings, demonstrating the ability to navigate complex environments and enhance IT value delivery.
- Emphasise Key Achievements: The cover letter prominently showcases specific accomplishments such as optimising IT solutions to reduce processing times by 30% and enhancing patient care, which are critical for the role of a Business Relationship Manager.
- Showcase Relevant Skills and Certifications: Skills like Stakeholder Management, IT Strategy, and Data Analytics, coupled with certifications such as the Business Relationship Management Professional (BRMP®), establish Joshua as a well-qualified candidate for IT strategy roles.
- Focus on Strategic Contributions: By highlighting strategic planning capabilities and the ability to align IT projects with business objectives, the cover letter demonstrates a strong fit for a role centred around IT strategy and business alignment.
Business Support Manager
- Emphasise relevant managerial experience, particularly in healthcare settings, showcasing your ability to lead teams and drive operational improvements, as demonstrated in your role at NHS Lothian.
- Highlight specific achievements and metrics such as cost reduction, efficiency improvements, and revenue generation, which are critical in a business support management role.
- Showcase advanced educational qualifications like an MBA in Healthcare Management, which adds credibility and shows your strategic planning capability.
- Mention key skills like data-driven decision-making and financial management, which align with the responsibilities of a Pathology Business Support Manager.
Business Planning Manager
- Emphasise Results: The cover letter effectively highlights quantifiable achievements, such as a 20% increase in process efficiency and a 25% rise in ROI, offering concrete examples of the candidate’s impact in strategic roles.
- Relevant Experience: Experience in well-respected consulting firms like Deloitte, PwC, and EY lends credibility and showcases a strong background in strategy and stakeholder engagement, aligning with the expectations for this managerial position.
- Courses and Certifications: Mention of advanced courses from prestigious institutions like Harvard Business School enhances the candidate’s profile, showing commitment to continued learning and expertise in strategic management and corporate finance.
- Achievements and Awards: Recognition for excellence, innovation, and outstanding performance helps differentiate the candidate by demonstrating a proven track record of success and leadership in their field.
Business Services Manager
- Emphasis on Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively highlights over 7 years of experience in IT Service Management with a focus on improving service quality, which is crucial for a role specialising in IT service operations with a national security dimension.
- Specific Certifications: The ITIL® 4 Foundation Certification is prominently mentioned, showcasing the candidate's understanding of industry best practices, which is essential for the role of an IT Service Management Specialist.
- Quantifiable Achievements: The letter includes specific statistics such as improving customer satisfaction scores by 20% and reducing incident response times by 35%, providing concrete evidence of the candidate's impact in previous roles.
- Passion for Security: The candidate expresses a dedication to national security and enhancing public safety through IT, aligning personal passions with the specific focus of the job role.
Business Performance Manager
- Emphasising contract negotiation experience, particularly with healthcare providers, showcases relevance to roles involving complex negotiations and relationship management, key for a Contract Negotiation Specialist.
- Mentioning specific achievements, such as the successful cost savings of £500,000, effectively quantifies the candidate's impact, demonstrating measurable contributions to past employers' success.
- Highlighting advanced risk management expertise, especially in healthcare settings, underlines the ability to mitigate risks effectively—a crucial skill for safeguarding organisational interests in this field.
- Including relevant educational background and additional qualifications, such as a Master’s in Business Administration and certifications in procurement and risk management, helps establish a solid theoretical understanding and specialised skills essential to succeed in contract management roles.
Business Systems Manager
- Specific Experience Highlight: The cover letter effectively details Jack Taylor's role in significant cost reductions and productivity improvements, such as a £150,000 annual saving from streamlined processes at Coca-Cola European Partners, demonstrating expertise in efficiency and system optimisation.
- Relevant Courses and Achievements: Mentioning specific courses like "Business Process Improvement for IT Professionals" and achievements such as a 25% increase in system efficiency through an enterprise-wide system upgrade, underscores his commitment to continuous learning and contribution to business success.
- Strong Cross-Functional Collaboration: The letter emphasises collaboration with various departments, such as IT and product teams, pointing to Jack's ability to integrate and harmonise different business units towards achieving common goals, which is crucial for a Business Systems Manager.
- Use of Quantitative Evidence: Throughout the cover letter, quantifiable metrics (e.g., percentage improvements, cost savings) are utilised to illustrate value delivered in previous roles, reinforcing credibility and effectiveness in driving operational improvements.
Business Risk Manager
- Highlighting industry-specific certifications, such as the Advanced Risk Management certification, can demonstrate specialised expertise relevant to the role.
- Emphasising a proven track record of achieving revenue growth and client satisfaction through tangible metrics, such as revenue increases or satisfaction rates, showcases measurable success relevant to business development roles.
- Showcasing leadership capabilities, like leading cross-functional teams or delivering high-impact presentations, underscores the ability to influence and drive strategic initiatives within the company.
- Including skills in client relationship management and sales strategy can align with the core responsibilities of a Business Development Manager, reassuring the employer of the candidate’s comprehensive skill set.
Business Change Manager
- Emphasise Certifications: Highlight certifications such as the "Certified Change Management Practitioner" as it's highly relevant for a Change Manager role, showcasing expertise in industry-standard change management frameworks.
- Focus on Achievements: Include specific accomplishments like improving project efficiency by 25% and reducing operational costs by 15%, as these quantitative results demonstrate the tangible impact of your skills.
- Show Stakeholder Engagement Skills: Mention improvements like a 35% increase in project buy-in to illustrate successful stakeholder engagement, a key component of change management.
- Experience in Similar Roles: Draw attention to roles in major energy companies like Centrica and EDF Energy, underlining relevant industry experience and successful project outcomes connected to energy markets and business transformation.
Business Solutions Manager
- Highlighting the integration of cloud-based analytics in sales strategies aligns with the current trends in business development, showcasing the candidate's ability to leverage technology for improved results.
- The emphasis on successful negotiation skills, illustrated through securing major contracts, underlines essential capabilities for a Business Development Sales Manager, particularly in strategic partnerships.
- Showcasing leadership experience in managing teams and cross-functional projects demonstrates the candidate's ability to influence and drive projects to successful outcomes, a crucial aspect of a sales manager role.
- Highlighting a strong educational background with an MBA and certifications related to solution selling and cloud strategies reinforces the candidate's expertise and commitment to continuous professional development.
Business Project Manager
- Emphasise proven track record in leading cross-functional projects, as demonstrated by achievements such as boosting efficiency by 30% and improving project completion timelines by 20%.
- Highlight specific Project Management certifications like the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), which validate your expertise in the field.
- Showcase strong strategic planning and problem-solving skills, supported by real-world achievements like a 25% increase in timely renewals and a 15% enhancement in resource utilisation.
- Demonstrate proficiency in essential tools, such as Microsoft Office Suite and Jira, which are crucial for managing projects efficiently and effectively.
Business Manager cover letter example
George Johnson
Liverpool
+44 1234 567890
help@enhancv.com
123 Street Name,
Liverpool, Merseyside,
L1 2AB,
United Kingdom
linkedin.com/username
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the Senior Sales Manager position at your company. With a comprehensive background in telecommunications sales, particularly at leading firms like Vodafone UK and BT Group, I have honed my expertise in revenue growth and leadership. I am particularly drawn to your company's commitment to innovation, which aligns with my passion for exploring new telecommunication technologies.
In my recent role as Senior Business Development Manager at Vodafone UK, I spearheaded a strategic overhaul in sales approach, resulting in a 75% increase in qualified lead generation. This achievement is a testament to my ability to develop and implement effective strategies, driving significant business success. By leveraging custom CRM solutions and mentoring a sales team of over 50 members, we not only enhanced productivity by 30% but also secured multimillion-pound contracts, contributing to 40% annual revenue growth.
I am keen to bring my strategic sales planning and leadership skills to your team, confident that my background will help in achieving and exceeding your goals. I welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your company and am available at your earliest convenience for an interview. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
George Johnson,
Senior Sales Manager
What’s great about this cover letter:
- Emphasize Relevant Experience: Highlight your experience in telecommunications sales, especially with notable companies like Vodafone UK and BT Group, to showcase industry knowledge and success in similar roles.
- Quantify Achievements: Use specific numbers and percentages, such as a 75% increase in lead generation and 40% revenue growth, to demonstrate your impact and ability to deliver results.
- Showcase Leadership Skills: Mention your ability to manage and mentor large teams, as seen with leading a 50-member sales team, to convey your capacity to lead and inspire others effectively.
- Align with Company Values: Communicate your excitement about the company's commitment to innovation, which resonates with your passion for new telecommunication technologies, making you a more attractive candidate.
Importance of cover letters in the United Kingdom
Cover letters provide recruiters with the opportunity to learn more about your career aspirations, hinting at how you’d integrate within the organisation over the long term.
Here are three additional reasons why cover letters are important:
- Making an excellent first impression (and a formal introduction): Your cover letter is often the employer’s first introduction to you, showcasing your personality, communication skills, and motivation for the role.
- Complementing your career history: While your CV lists qualifications and experience, a cover letter provides the context, explaining how your background fits the role.
- Demonstrates your genuine interest: A well-crafted cover letter reflects the effort you’ve put into researching the company and role as well as your attention to detail.
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 manager cover letter
Your cover letter is your opportunity to make a strong impression, so its structure must be professional and clear.
Here's an overview of how a UK cover letter should be structured:
- Begin with your address and contact details at the top.
- Include the employer’s name and address directly below.
- Add the date to the left or right of the page.
- Use an appropriate greeting, such as 'Dear Mr Smith' or 'Dear Sir/Madam.'
- Open with a strong introductory paragraph.
- Develop your points in the middle paragraphs, focusing on relevant skills and experience.
- Close with a concise conclusion, reiterating your interest and suitability for the role.
- Sign off formally with your name and signature.
The software used to match your profile to the job, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), won’t scan your cover letter. Instead, the cover letter reads as a more personalised note to the recruiter.
When it comes to choosing a font, consider modern options like Lato, Rubik, or Chivo, which should also be applied to your CV to maintain a consistent appearance.
Additionally, your cover letter should be single-spaced with 1-inch (2.5 cm) margins on all sides (our templates are pre-set with these specifications so you can focus on your cover letter content).
Finally, always send your cover letter as a PDF to preserve the formatting and prevent edits.
How to write your business manager cover letter salutation
Imagine you're a hiring manager reading through countless cover letters—which would catch your attention: being addressed directly by name, or reading 'Dear Sir or Madam'?
The first option shows you've made the effort to learn about the company and the role.
To find the hiring manager's name, try LinkedIn, check the company's website, or even reach out to the organisation on social media.
How to write your business manager cover letter intro
It's never a bad time to show enthusiasm about the role, company, or team in your cover letter introduction.
Begin by sharing one or two aspects that genuinely excite you about the position—whether it's the company culture, specific responsibilities, or the team's past achievements.
Your enthusiasm demonstrates that you'll bring a strong work ethic, are eager to contribute, and are motivated to succeed.
Cover Letter Intro
With a profound admiration for Harlington Group's commitment to sustainable business practices and innovation-driven growth, I am drawn to the Business Manager role where I can leverage my extensive management experience to advance your mission of ethical leadership in the industry.
RIGHT
How to write your business manager cover letter body
You’ve personalised your greeting and introduction—now it’s time to focus on writing the body of your cover letter.
Instead of listing off skills and responsibilities from your CV, focus on one career highlight that’s relevant to the role.
Use your hard and soft skills, success metrics (e.g., percentages or sales figures), and the long-term impact it had on the company.
A concise, well-told story centred on your value as a candidate will make a strong impression.
Cover Letter Body
During my tenure as the Business Development Manager at XYZ Enterprises, I successfully spearheaded a project that not only redefined our customer acquisition strategy but also demonstrably improved our revenue streams. Tasked with reversing a downward sales trend, I implemented a comprehensive analytics-driven approach to identify untapped market opportunities. By adeptly analysing purchasing patterns and enhancing our CRM processes, the project culminated in a strategic partnership initiative which generated a 35% increase in new client acquisition within the first year alone. Moreover, my approach fostered enhanced interdepartmental collaboration, creating synergies that optimised our operational efficiencies. This experience honed my ability to leverage data for strategic gains, whilst ensuring long-term growth and sustainability for the organisation.
RIGHT
How to write a closing paragraph
Looking to leave a lasting impression with your cover letter closing?
Then, you should certainly end with a promise—one that outlines what you aim to achieve in the role. Ensure your goals are realistic and align with the company’s needs.
You might also include a call to action, enquiring when you can expect to hear back and what the next steps in the hiring process will be.
Cover Letter Closing
In conclusion, I am eager to bring my expertise in business management to your esteemed company and contribute effectively to your esteemed team. I am keenly interested in the role and confident in my ability to drive significant results that align with your organisational goals. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background, skills, and enthusiasms can contribute to the continued success of your company. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to schedule a mutually convenient interview. Thank you very much for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your team and am excited about the prospect of bringing my strategic vision and leadership to the role.
RIGHT
Conclusion
Crafting an engaging cover letter can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your job application. Always personalise your letter by addressing the hiring manager directly and linking your qualifications to the role's requirements.
Highlight relevant achievements that set you apart and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the company. Maintain a professional format that complements your CV, creating a cohesive and polished application.
