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Manager Cover Letter Examples For 2024 (20+ Skills & Templates)

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Are you looking to land more Manager job offers?

You're going to need a strong cover letter. This comprehensive guide is packed with everything you need to know in order to write a job-winning Manager cover letter. It's got everything from effective strategies and essential skills to helpful templates and real-life examples.

You can trust that all the insights and tips in this guide are based on data from coaching thousands of job seekers, just like you, who have gone on to secure positions at some of the world's most reputable companies.

Whether you're an experienced manager or just starting out, reading this guide from start to finish can help you land your dream role. But if you're short on time and looking for specific information, here's a breakdown of what's included:

• What To Know About Writing A Job-Winning Manager Cover Letter
• The Best Skills To Include On An Manager Cover Letter

How To Address A Manager Cover Letter

• 3 Manager Cover Letter Examples

The 8 Best Manager Cover Letter Templates

3 tips for writing a job-winning manager cover letter.

Here's the step-by-step breakdown:

Manager Cover Letter Overview: What To Know To Write A Cover Letter That Wins More Job Offers

What do companies look for when hiring for a manager role?

When hiring for a manager role, companies look for candidates with a combination of technical expertise, leadership skills, and interpersonal abilities. Effective communication, decision-making, problem-solving, and organizational skills are also essential for success in a managerial position.

Managers should also possess technical knowledge that's relevant to the industry, and have strong interpersonal skills that are necessary for building strong relationships and working effectively with others.

Typically, organizations also look for candidates with prior management experience, as it demonstrates a track record of success in a leadership role. However, this isn't a requirement. Overall, companies seek candidates who can lead their team to achieve organizational goals, communicate effectively, and make timely and effective decisions.

Your resume should show your potential employer that both your personality and your experience encompass all of these things.

Additionally, there are a few best practices you want to follow to write a job-winning manager resume:

• Highlight your leadership and management skills.  Include examples of how you have motivated and led teams to achieve organizational goals.
• Emphasize your communication and interpersonal skills. Provide examples of how you have effectively communicated with team members, stakeholders, and clients.
• Include keywords from the job description:  ensure your resume is optimized for applicant tracking systems (ATS).
• Highlight your problem-solving and decision-making skills.  Provide examples of how you have addressed complex issues and made effective decisions.
• Include any relevant certifications, awards or professional development courses.  Demonstrate your expertise in your industry or field.
• Quantify your work:  Use numbers to showcase the impact of your leadership on your team's performance. Some examples include improvements in employee productivity, increased team morale,  and boosts in overall team performance.
• Proofread:  Carefully proofread your resume for errors and typos, as these can give a negative impression to potential employers (I recommend using the  Hemingway App ).

Let's dive deeper into each of these so you have the exact blueprint you need to see success.

The Best Manager Skills To Include On Your Cover Letter

Keywords are one of the most important factors in your cover letter. They show employers that your skills align with the role and they also help format your cover letter for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

If you're not familiar with ATS systems, they are pieces of software used by employers to manage job applications. They scan cover letters for keywords and qualifications and make it easier for the employers to filter and search for candidates whose qualifications match the role.

If you want to win more Manager interviews and job offers, you need to have a keyword-optimized cover letter. There are two ways to find the right keywords:

1. Leverage The 20 Best Manager Keywords

The first way to find the right keywords is to leverage our list of the best keywords and skills for an Manager cover letter.

These keywords were selected from an analysis of  real Manager  job descriptions sourced from actual job boards. Here they are:

• Communication
• Team Member
• Performance
• Development
• Consistency
• Interpersonal Skills
• Accountable
• Organization

2. Use ResyMatch.io To Find The Best Keywords That Are Specific To Your Cover Letter And Target Role

The second method is the one I recommend because it's personalized to your specific cover letter and target job.

This process lets you find the exact keywords that your cover letter is missing when compared to the individual role you're applying for.

Here's how it works:

• Open a copy of your target Manager job description
• Head over to  ResyMatch.io
• Select the “Job Description Scan” from the scan type selector in the upper right corner of the tool
• Copy and paste the Manager job description into the field on the left
• Hit scan and review the results

ResyMatch is going to scan the target job description and show you the exact keywords and skills that are relevant for the role and that you should weave into your cover letter.

Here's a video walking through this whole process:

Adding a personal touch is what makes a cover letter stand out, and that starts from the very first sentence! You should always greet the person reading your cover letter and there are two ways to do this well:

1. Use The Hiring Manager's Name

The first, and best, is by including the hiring manager's name. Let's say that you discovered the hiring manager's name from a post on LinkedIn or via an informational interview.

This is the jackpot! All you need to do is use their name in the introduction, like this:

2. Use This Formula: To The [Department] Team at [Organization]

If you don't have the hiring manager's name, no problem! You can address your cover letter to the team that you're applying to.

For example, if you're applying to for a Product Marketing Manager role at Discovery Education, you might start you cover letter like this:

This shows the reader that this letter has been written specifically for them and the content inside of it will support that.

It's much more relevant and personal than  “To Whom It May Concern!”

For more advice on writing a strong opening to your cover letter, check out this guide.

3 Manager Cover Letter Examples For 2023

Now let's take a look at all of these best practices in action. Here are three cover letter examples for different situations from people with different backgrounds that are all applying for Manager roles:

Manager Cover Letter Example #1: A Traditional Background

Our first example is a cover letter written by a candidate with traditional Manager experience. Here is what an example of their cover letter might look like:

Manager Cover Letter Example #2: A Non-Traditional Background

Our second cover letter example comes from a candidate looking to make the leap from an individual contributor role to a management position. While this person doesn't have traditional management experience, they do a good job of speaking to their relevant leadership skills and how they can transfer to this new role.

Manager Cover Letter Example #3: Landing a Senior Management Role After a Career Gap

Our third example highlights a candidate with extensive management experience who has been freelance consulting during a career break. Addressing a gap in your employment history can feel tricky, but this person does a good job of demonstrating their value as a leader and what they can bring to this new role.

At this point, you know all of the basics you'll need to write a Manager cover letter that wins you more interviews and offers. The only thing left is to take all of that information and apply it to a template that's going to help you get results.

We made that easy with  our CoverBuild tool . It has 8 proven templates that were created with the help of recruiters and hiring managers at the world's best companies. These templates also bake in thousands of data points we have from the job seekers in our audience who have used them to land job offers.

You're off to a strong start! But I've got a few more tips to help you take your cover letter to the next level:

1. Use ChatGPT To Write Your Cover Letter In <30 Seconds

All of these tips and best practices work, but you still have to implement them. Normally, that'd mean you sitting down and spending hours brainstorming ideas, typing, deleting, and typing again, and then feeling absolutely drained.

Now there's a way to work around all of that so you save your best energy for the writing and edits that matter most. Here's how it works:

• Head to ChatGPT (you'll need to create an account – it's free)
• Ask ChatGPT,  “Please write me a cover letter for an Manager role. The role I'm applying for is [Job Title] role at [Company]. Here is the job description: [Paste Job Description]. And here is my resume: [Paste Resume].
• Watch ChatGPT write up a pretty darn good cover letter base!

Here's a video of me doing this with a real cover letter if you want to see the steps in action:

Note:  I  do not recommend or advise that you simply copy and paste the content from ChatGPT into your cover letter and submit your application. ChatGPT is great for doing 80% of the baseline work, but you still need to review, revise, and personalize the content yourself.

2. Include Measurable Metrics And Outcomes

Too many job seekers only focus on the actions that they took and not the outcomes that resulted from those actions. As a campus principal, it's impossible to differentiate between a dozen candidates who were all “Responsible For Creating a Safe Learning Environment.” 

If you want to win, your cover letter should speak to the specific outcomes that you drove in previous roles. That could be:

• The percentage by which your team increased revenue under your leadership.
• The average reduction in overall expenditures.
• The average employee satisfaction rate.
• The rate at which your employee retention increased from year to year.

These numbers will show hiring teams what you're capable of and make your value crystal clear!

3. Match Your Cover Letter And Resume Design

They're the exact same car, down to the year, make, and model. The only difference is the way the product was presented. Like I said, quality impacts perceived value.

One of the best ways to boost the quality of your cover letter is to make it look clean, professional, and have it match your resume. That's why the resume templates in our resume builder tool match the cover letter templates in our cover letter builder:

If you use both tools to create your cover letter and your resume, your entire application is going to be top notch.

Key Takeaways To Wrap Up Your Job-Winning Cover Letter

You made it! We packed a lot of information into this post so I wanted to distill the key points for you and lay out next steps so you know exactly where to from here.

Here are the 5 steps for writing a job-winning Manager cover letter:

• Start with a proven cover letter template from CoverBuild.io
• Use  ResyMatch.io to find the right keywords and optimize your cover letter for each Manager role you apply to
• Start your manager cover letter with a personalized greeting for the hiring manager or Human Resources representative.
• Emphasize the measurable outcomes and value you drove in previous roles (include metrics!)
• Compare the draft of your manager cover letter to the examples on this page to make sure you're on the right path
• Use a tool like  Hemingway App to proofread your cover letter before you submit it

If you follow those steps, you're going to be well on your way to landing more Manager interviews and job offers.

Laura Lorta

Laura is an Editor at Cultivated Culture. She transitioned from teaching into the world of content so she's no stranger to career pivots. She also has a bachelors in Entrepreneurship and a Masters in Curriculum & Instruction / Bilingual Education. She currently shares job search advice to help people like you land jobs they love without applying online.

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Management Cover Letter Samples & Examples That Worked in 2024

Writing a standout management cover letter can often seem like untangling a knotted string. But fear not, we've got the hard part done for you. 

Packed with useful tips, relevant examples, and trusty templates, this guide is your key to crafting a cover letter that will set you apart in the crowded management field.

Brace yourself for the following insights:

• Mastering a business-like format for your management cover letter
• Creating an impactful header that sticks
• Writing a compelling headline for your cover letter
• Personalizing the greeting in your management cover letter
• Crafting a strong introduction for your management cover letter
• Showcasing your managerial skills and achievements effectively
• Penning a compelling conclusion to your cover letter
• Avoiding common mistakes in your management cover letter
• Understanding the average salary and job outlook for management roles
• Discovering valuable resources for managers in today's job market

1. How to properly format your management cover letter

Formatting your management cover letter is quite like orchestrating a smooth, efficient process flow. It demands an attention to detail, ensuring every element contributes to clarity and ease of reading. 

Here are our tips to help you construct a seamless reading experience:

• Leave white space: Like a good product design, an aesthetically pleasing cover letter doesn't suffocate its reader. Leave plenty of white space around the text.
• Choose the right font: Stick to professional, easy-to-read fonts. Sans Serifs like Arial or Calibri in a 10-12 point size work like a charm. They are modern, readable, and approved by most hiring managers.
• Organize into sections: Break up your text into clear sections. These may include contact information, introduction, body (your skills, experience and reasons for applying), and conclusion.
• Uniform margins: Keep your margins between 1 and 1.5 inches. This creates a clean look and helps your content breathe.
• Consistent headings: Make sure your headings are easily distinguishable and consistent throughout your cover letter. They can guide your reader through your story like a well-placed sign post.
• Use bullet points wisely: Bullet points can help you neatly highlight your skills, achievements, or key points in a readable manner. But, remember, they're impactful in moderation — overuse can lead to bullet fatigue.
• Emphasize key points: Use bold or italics to highlight key details such as job titles, keywords or impressive achievements. But again, a little goes a long way — stick to highlighting only what you really want the recruiter to notice.
• Professional tone: Lastly, while we advocate for simplicity and human language, maintaining a balance with a professional tone is crucial. Your cover letter is, after all, a business document.

Remember, the goal is to guide your reader through your experiences and skills without getting them lost in a jungle of text. And now, use these formatting tips to clear the path.

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2. how to write an effective cover letter header.

The header of your cover letter is essentially its opening credits. It covers key information that helps set the stage.

Your cover letter header should typically include your contact information, followed by the date, and then the recipient's information. This information landscape should be as follows:

• Your full name
• Postal address
• Email address
• Phone number
• Recipient's full name
• Recipient's job title
• Company name
• Company address

Now, let's look at two contrasting examples:

Incorrect cover letter header example

John Doe 123 Somewhere St. [email protected] (123) 456-7890

April 20, 2023

Why is it weak? The example above doesn't convey enough information. While it includes John's contact information and the date, it's missing crucial components like the recipient's name and title, company name, and company address.

Correct cover letter header example

John Doe 123 Somewhere St. City, State, ZIP [email protected] (123) 456-7890

To: Ms. Jane Manager Director of Human Resources XYZ Corporation 789 Corporate Lane City, State, ZIP

Why does it work? In this example, John not only provides his contact information but also acknowledges his reader directly by including the recipient's name, job title, company name, and company address. This makes all the difference! He’s basically showing that he’s made an effort to address his cover letter to a specific person.

In formatting your management cover letter header, attention to detail matters. Make it informative, yet simple and respectful; after all, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

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3. How to craft a compelling cover letter headline

Just like a billboard on the highway, the headline of your cover letter should grab attention . It unveils just enough about your intentions to pique the reader's curiosity and make them want to delve deeper.

To write a strong headline, you'll need to fuse your career goal with the specific position you're applying for. It gives the reader instant context and communicates your career narrative in a snap.

Weak cover letter headline example

Applying for Management Position

Why is it weak? While this headline does lay out that you're seeking a management role, it lacks specificity. It doesn't mention any unique selling points about you or even the exact role or company you're applying to.

Strong cover letter headline example

Results-Driven Project Manager Eager to Boost Productivity and Profitability at XYZ Corporation

What makes it effective? It goes beyond stating your role and clear intent. It emphasizes your goal-oriented approach by labeling you as 'results-driven' and outlines what you aim to contribute — enhancing 'productivity and profitability'. This way, the headline neatly packs your promise to deliver real results.

Keep in mind, your headline is like the sneak peek of your professional strengths. Make it attractive, succinct, and let it echo what you bring to the table.

4. How to customize the greeting on your management cover letter

Ever been at a social event where someone greeted you by the wrong name? Awkward, right? In a similar vein, addressing your cover letter correctly is pivotal. 

It helps establish a connection with the recruiter and shows that you've put in effort beyond the generic 'Dear Hiring Manager'.

Personalizing your greeting shows you've done your homework and are genuinely interested in the role. It sets a positive tone for the rest of your letter. 

But what if the job listing doesn't mention a specific person? In that case, you can try:

• Looking for the hiring manager's name on the company website
• LinkedIn stalking their HR team
• A quick call to the company to ask

So what does a well-addressed greeting look like?

Personalized greeting examples

Dear Ms. Jackson, Dear Ms. Julie Jackson, Dear Hiring Manager Julie Jackson,

Unable to find the name of the hiring manager despite your best efforts? Lean towards general yet still respectful greetings.

General greeting examples

Dear Hiring Team, — It’s more inclusive and acknowledges that more than one person might be reading your cover letter. Dear [Company Name] Team, — It shows that you've taken the trouble to at least address the company directly.

Go that extra mile to discover the hiring manager's name for your personalized greeting. If that road hits a dead end, settle for an alternative that is courteous and professional, steering clear of the outdated "To whom it may concern."

Creating the impression that the letter is tailored just for them can really tip the scales in your favor.

5. How to craft a compelling introduction for your cover letter

Jumpstarting your cover letter with an engaging intro is like an impressive opening scene in a blockbuster film — it sets the tone and makes people want to stick around for more. 

An effective introduction should:

• Serve as a snapshot of your professional and academic journey
• Offer a clear statement of intent about why you’re applying
• If applicable, mention any shared connections

Let's look at a weak example first

I am writing to apply for the management position at your company.

What makes it weak? Sure, it states the purpose but it only states the obvious without adding any personal value or context. It lacks personal touch, fails to evoke interest, and offers no insight into why you would be a valuable addition to their team.

Now, let's shift gears to how an experienced management professional might make an entrance:

Strong cover letter introduction example for an experienced candidate

As an accomplished Project Manager who has successfully spearheaded operations for Fortune 500 companies, I am excited to apply my 15 years of experience towards driving success at ABC Company. Our mutual acquaintance, John Smith, spoke highly of your team and felt that my expertise would align well with your goals.

Why does it shine? This introduction stands strong with a summary of significant career achievements, a clear interest in the company, and a beneficial name-dropping moment.

But what if you've just tossed your graduation cap in the air and your work history is a bit on the lighter side? No stress. You can still showcase your freshly minted education , internship insights , and passion for the field in the intro. Let's see how you can do this:

As a recent business graduate from XYZ University, armed with a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on internships and a strong interest in operational management, I'm excited about the opportunity to bring fresh, strategic insights to the management role at ABC Company.

Why does it work? Though this candidate might be low on professional experience, the introduction still shines. It highlights academic achievements, valuable internships, and a keen interest in management.

Remember, your introduction is your first impression. Make sure it's not only correct but compelling enough to make the reader want to continue. In other words, make them want to watch the whole movie, not just the trailer!

6. How to highlight your top skills and accomplishments

Coming to the main show — the body of your cover letter. This is the segment where you showcase your unique infusion of skills , and achievements . So, let's break it down.

Start by briefly highlighting your most relevant experiences and roles . Next, shift the spotlight to your wins, quantifiable achievements , and what sets you apart. If you saved your company money, increased sales, or implemented an effective strategy — this is your stage! 

When it comes to marking your managerial skills, here are some that should definitely get a mention:

Managerial skills to mention in your cover letter

• Strategic planning
• Decision-making
• Problem-solving 
• Customer relationship management
• Project management
• Staff development and coaching

But what if you're fresh in the field? If you're a recent graduate or changing careers, focus on transferable skills or relevant internships . Draw attention to academic projects or team activities where you showcased management abilities. 

Pro tip: Examples like leading a substantial college project, managing a club, or orchestrating a successful event are all gold nuggets that reflect budding management potential. Remember, management is not just about office work — there are other arenas where you've harnessed these skills.

Cover letter body example for an experienced project manager

In my recent role as Project Manager at DEF Company, I led a team of 15 to deliver a critical project which expedited the go-to-market time by 25%. I was also commended for my strategic thinking in optimizing resource allocation across multiple projects, saving 20% in operational costs.

Why is it strong? This example shines as it not only lays out the candidate’s role but also quantifies their achievements, underscoring their value with hard numbers. They also mention their strategic thinking and resource optimization — critical skills for a management role. 

Cover letter body example for a fresh graduate

During my final year at GHI University, I spearheaded a team project which involved strategic planning, delegation, and effective time management. We not only completed the project ahead of schedule but also received the top grade in the class.

Why does it work? Even without years of work experience to highlight, this introduction still packs a punch. The success of leading a significant team project at university stands as a testament to solid management potential. This opening is a nod to the fact that career-worthy experiences come from many different places and stages of life.

The bottom line: no matter where you stand in your career, a well-crafted cover letter body can communicate your value proposition in a meaningful and impactful way.

7. How to end your management cover letter

Picture your cover letter like a well-conducted meeting. The closure matters just as much as the kick-off. It's the part that rounds everything up, re-emphasizes the crucial points, and tees up what's coming next. 

Make sure your cover letter conclusion does the same — wrap up your narrative neatly, cement your intentions, and clearly signpost your next move.

Your conclusion should:

• Show your enthusiasm for the prospective role
• Hint at your intended next steps (for example, mentioning when you plan to follow up)
• Include a professional wrap-up note (This could be a thank-you to your reader for considering your application, or expressing eagerness to discuss your credentials further.)
• Have a formal sign-off

Weak cover letter conclusion example

Thank you for considering my application. 

Sincerely,  John Doe

Why is it weak? While technically correct, John's wrap up is passive and lacks the forward momentum necessary in a cover letter.

Strong cover letter conclusion example

I am excited about the prospect of joining the ABC team and contributing to your ongoing growth strategies.You may reach me at (123) 456-7890 or via email at [email protected]. If I have not heard from you by next week, I’ll follow up to ensure you have all the information you need. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss my suitability for the position.

Sincerely, 

Why does it work? This conclusion is powerful for a few reasons. John reiterates his interest in the position, sets a clear follow-up timeline, and rounds off with a polite sign-off. His closing statement leaves a strong last impression, much like a firm, confident handshake.

Just like a successful project that ends on a high note, make sure each word in your conclusion delivers, and cap it off as strongly as you started.

8. How to avoid common mistakes in a management cover letter 

Crafting an effective management cover letter isn't an art form preserved for the chosen few. It's the product of careful preparation, attention to detail, and avoidance of classic pitfalls. Let's glance through some common mistakes and how to avoid them:

1. Being vague about your skills: Simply stating that you have "strong leadership skills" can read like fluff. Instead, give concrete examples of how you've demonstrated these skills. 

• Wrong: I have strong leadership skills.
• Right: I led a team of 10 to execute a project, resulting in an increase in customer satisfaction by 30%.

2. Skipping the company research: Tailoring your cover letter to the specific company shows genuine interest. By skipping this step, you risk coming off as generic or disinterested. 

• Wrong: I would love to work for your prestigious company.
• Right: I am keen to contribute to XYZ's pioneering efforts in sustainability.

3. Overloading information: A common mistake is turning your cover letter into a marathon of information. Keep it concise and relevant.

• Wrong: Including a complete autobiography.
• Right: Providing a snapshot of your skills, experiences, and why you’re a good fit.

4. Overemphasis on education (especially if you’re not a fresh grad): Once you've attained some professional work experience, that should be the star of your show. 

• Wrong: Giving a detailed account of all academic achievements.
• Right: Highlighting applicable work experience and key achievements, with a brief mention of important academic credentials.

5. Neglecting proofreading: Spelling or grammatical errors can present an image of carelessness. Double-checking your cover letter can save you from a quick rejection. 

• Wrong: I'm detail-orinted.
• Right: I'm detail-oriented.

6. Repeating your resume: One common trap people fall into is treating their cover letter like a second resume . This is a missed opportunity. Your cover letter is a narrative to delve deeper into your achievements, personal attributes, and explain why you're a fit.

• Wrong: Listing duties from previous roles identical to resume.
• Right: Expanding on key accomplishments, providing context, or highlighting a notable project from one of your previous roles that aligns with the applied position.

Remember, your management cover letter should be a strategic narrative that encapsulates your career highlights and what you bring to the table. Make sure it's concise, specific, company-oriented, and error-free, and you'll be one step ahead of your competition.

9. Average salary and outlook for management professionals

The ever-evolving field of management continues to present promising prospects. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) , as of May 2022, management professionals were earning an attractive average annual salary of $107,360 .

Not only is the remuneration encouraging, but employment in management occupations also shows a stronger-than-average growth projection. From 2022 to 2032, the sector is expected to grow more rapidly than the average for all occupations.

Throwing light on the future, an estimated 1.1 million openings are projected each year on average.

So, it's clear as day — the managerial world is brimming with exciting prospects, hearty salaries, and a bright horizon. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career journey, it's a field well worth considering. 

10. Management resources for job seekers

No man, or woman, is an island. The same goes for job hunting, especially in the management sphere. Harnessing various resources can not only help you to locate job opportunities, but it also aids in polishing your professional skills. 

Here are a few avenues you can explore:

• Networking: Conversations can lead to opportunities. Leverage platforms like LinkedIn or attend industry events. You never know who may stumble upon your well-crafted management cover letter.
• Industry publications: Keeping up-to-date with prominent industry news and trends via management-specific publications such as The Harvard Business Review or Forbes is invaluable. 
• Job search engines: Websites like Indeed , Glassdoor , or Monster that offer a wide array of job listings are an excellent start point for your strategic job search.
• Career services: Universities often provide extensive career services, including job boards, resume reviews, and career counseling. Take full advantage of these services to refine your cover letter.
• Online courses & certifications: Sites like Coursera , Udemy , or even LinkedIn Learning have a wide selection of courses to sharpen your management skills. 
• Mentorship platforms: Websites like MicroMentor and Ten Thousand Coffees connect you with experienced professionals and industry leaders willing to mentor job seekers. A mentor's guidance can be invaluable to formulating your job search strategy and enhancing your management skill set.

Remember, every job hunt is unique, just like every cover letter should be. So keep an open mind, use the variety of resources available, and stay persistent. 

Your management career journey is a marathon, not a sprint — pace yourself, keep going, and remember the role of a stellar cover letter along the way.

Management Cover Letter FAQ

While it might seem like a time-saver, using a generic cover letter is not recommended. Each job and company are unique, so your cover letter should be tailored to reflect that. Highlight specific skills and experiences that correspond with the particular job description.

In most cases, a one-page cover letter is sufficient. Remember, it’s about quality, not quantity. You want to keep it concise, while still adequately highlighting your pertinent skills and experiences.

Absolutely. While hard skills are important, soft skills like leadership, communication, and problem-solving are highly valued in management roles. Just make sure to back them up with specific examples.

If the gap is significant, it can be helpful to address it in your cover letter. This is your chance to explain why there was a gap and what you did during that time that may have contributed to your personal and professional development.

Focus on transferable skills and experiences that might be valuable in a management context. For example, if you’re shifting from teaching to management, highlight your leadership, organizational, and communication skills gained from teaching that can be beneficial in a management role.

Nikoleta Kuhejda

A journalist by trade, a writer by fate. Nikoleta went from writing for media outlets to exploring the world of content creation with Kickresume and helping people get closer to the job of their dreams. Her insights and career guides have been published by The Female Lead , College Recruiter , and ISIC, among others. When she’s not writing or (enthusiastically) pestering people with questions, you can find her traveling or sipping on a cup of coffee.

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60+ Cover Letter Examples in 2024 [For All Professions]

No matter where you are in your career, or what job you’re applying for, submitting a cover letter with your resume is a must . 

Done right, a cover letter will effectively complement your resume and explain to the hiring manager in more detail why you’re the right person for the job.

Writing a cover letter, however, is easier said than done. 

You have to effectively demonstrate that you’ll be able to perform the responsibilities listed in the job description and that you’d be a better fit for the company compared to other candidates. 

And unless you’re a professional writer, this can be a very hard task.

Fortunately, we created these cover letter examples to inspire you and help you get started with your own cover letter!

Let’s dive in!

21 Cover Letter Examples 

#1. career change cover letter example .

Here’s what this cover letter does right:

• Has an ideal length. This cover letter includes all the relevant information for the hiring manager without getting into too much detail.
• Relevant introduction. The candidate explains that they’re changing careers and why they want to work in this new field from the get-go.
• Explains their related experience. The candidate explains how their previous experience in retail sales can help them succeed in PR.

Check out our guide video guide to learn how to write a Cover Letter that gets you HIRED!

#2. Recent Graduate Cover Letter Example 

• Personally greets the hiring manager. The candidate has taken the time to find the hiring manager’s name and address them by it, which makes the opening of the cover letter much more personal.
• Wraps up with a call to action. The candidate wraps up the cover letter by suggesting a meeting with the hiring manager, which makes them more memorable.
• Explains why the candidate is the right person for the internship. In this cover letter for an internship , the candidate explains how they’ve previously interned in a different firm, which gives them the experience to succeed in this role.

Have you just graduated from college? Make sure to check out our guide on writing an entry-level cover letter from start to finish! 

#3. Middle Management Cover Letter Example

• Use of bullet points. The candidate presents the information in a concise and reader-friendly way, making it easy for the hiring manager to find their key achievements. 
• Formal closing. The candidate has used a formal and polite tone to conclude their cover letter, which combined with a call to action makes them look professional and passionate about getting the job. 
• Explains how the company would benefit from hiring them. The candidate outlines exactly what they could do for the company, which not only highlights their skills but also shows they’ve done their research on the company’s needs. 

#4. Business Manager Cover Letter Example

• Detailed header. In addition to the must-have contact details, this candidate has also included their professional Twitter and LinkedIn profiles, making it easy for the hiring manager to look more closely into their career. 
• Concise and to the point. This candidate has used short paragraphs and bullet points to make the cover letter easy to skim through. 
• Wraps up with a call to action. By letting the hiring manager know they’ll be contacting them soon, they’re more likely to make an impression.

Check out this article for a complete writing guide and an inspiring business manager resume sample. 

#5. Ph.D. Cover Letter Example

Here’s what this cover letter does right: 

• Attention-grabbing introduction. In the opening paragraph, this candidate explains why they’re passionate about pursuing a Ph.D. in great detail. 
• Explains the candidate’s qualifications in detail. The candidate builds on their passion by explaining how they’re also qualified for the degree because of their education history and academic achievements. 

#6. Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

• Professional and minimalistic template. This senior executive has used a professional but minimalistic template that lets their work experience do the talking. 
• Achievement-oriented opening paragraph. Right from the get-go, this candidate explains what makes them so good at their job, effectively grabbing the hiring manager’s attention.  
• Wraps up with a call to action. By suggesting to have a meeting and discussing how they can help the company meet its goals, the candidate stands more chance to make a positive lasting impression. 

#7. Architect Cover Letter Example 

• Modern resume template. This architect has picked a template that perfectly matches his industry, as it is professional and modern at the same time. 
• A personal greeting to the HR. They address the hiring manager by their first name, which helps make a better first impression. 
• Measurable achievements. By quantifying their achievements, the candidate proves their achievements instead of just claiming them.

Struggling with your architect resume ? Check out our full guide!

#8. Business Analyst Cover Letter Example 

• Detailed contact information. The candidate has listed both their LinkedIn and Twitter profiles, providing the HR manager an opportunity to learn more about the candidate.  
• Mentions what the candidate can do for the company. This cover letter doesn’t just explain why the job would be great for the candidate, but also how the candidate would benefit the company. Win-win, right? 
• Error-free and reader-friendly. It’s super important for the cover letter to have no spelling or grammatical errors and be reader-friendly. This candidate made sure they did both.

Need a resume alongside your cover letter? Check out our guide on how to write a business analyst resume . 

#9. Consultant Cover Letter Example 

• Professional cover letter template. Being an experienced consultant, this candidate has picked a professional template that doesn’t steal the spotlight from their achievements. 
• Experience and achievement-oriented. The candidate has effectively elaborated on their top achievements relevant to the job. 
• Highlights the candidate’s passion. To show they want the job, this candidate has also explained how passionate they are about their profession.

For more advice on landing a job as a consultant, check out our guide to writing a consultant resume .

#10. Digital Marketing Cover Letter Example

• Creative cover letter template. This digital marketer highlights their originality by picking a creative cover letter template. 
• Lists the candidate’s awards. The candidate has taken advantage of the cover letter to list their most noteworthy awards in the industry. 
• Concludes with a call to action. As they used a call to action to conclude their cover letter, the HR manager will be more likely to remember them.

Want to take your digital marketing resume to the next level? Check out our guide!

#11. Graphic Designer Cover Letter Example 

• Detailed contact information. The candidate has included additional contact information such as their website link, as well as their LinkedIn and Twitter profiles.  
• Ideal length. This cover letter is concise, which means that the HR manager is more likely to read it from start to finish.  
• Draws attention to the candidate’s strong points. Although this candidate is a recent college graduate, they’ve managed to effectively show that they have enough knowledge and experience to do the job right.

Read this guide to write a graphic designer resume that’s just as good as your cover letter!

#12. Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Example

• Minimalistic cover letter template. The candidate picked a well-designed but minimalistic template for their cover letter. 
• Focused on skills and achievements. This cover letter is packed with the candidate’s skills and achievements, proving he can be an excellent employee. 
• Formal closing. Politeness can go a long way and the candidate has used this to their advantage to make an impression. 

Our article on how to write an administrative assistant resume can help you take your job application to the next level.

#13. Front Desk Cover Letter Example

• Modern cover letter template. This template incorporates memorable colors and clear lines, which make the cover letter very visually appealing. 
• Attention-grabbing introduction. Using an attention-grabbing intro, the candidate is more likely to make an impression. 
• Calls the HR to action. By including a call to action, the candidate is reminding the HR of their immediate availability. 

#14. Human Resources Cover Letter Example

• It is concise and to the point. The candidate doesn’t dwell on unimportant details the HR won’t be interested in. 
• Uses a traditional cover letter template. The cover letter design is more on the conventional side, which fits the industry better. 
• Highlights the candidate’s strong points. The candidate has rich work experience and they use the cover letter to elaborate on it. 

This HR resume guide can help you get your resume just right.

#15. Sales Agent Cover Letter Example 

• Attention-grabbing cover letter template. As a salesperson, this candidate knows how important first impressions are, so they’ve picked a catchy cover letter template. 
• Has an ideal length. At the same time, they’ve also made sure to keep their cover letter at just the right length. 
• Lists the candidate’s career highlights. The candidate has made perfect use of the space by mentioning their most impressive professional achievements. 

Check out this sales agent resume guide to create an attention-grabbing sales resume .

#16. Receptionist Cover Letter Example

• Modern but minimalistic cover letter template. The template’s design hints the candidate is creative but professional at the same time. 
• Uses a catchy introduction. The candidate has used an attention-grabbing opening paragraph to catch HR’s attention. 
• Concludes the cover letter formally. The candidate proves that they’re polite and well-spoken, a quality very much important for the role they’re applying for. 

Take your receptionist resume to the next level with this receptionist resume guide .

#17. Information Technology Cover Letter Example

• Mentions measurable achievements. Numbers make an impact, which is why this candidate has included measurable achievements. 
• Lists both soft and hard skills. The candidate has mentioned a great mix of soft and hard skills, showing how well-rounded they are. 
• Contains relevant contact information. The candidate’s GitHub, website name, LinkedIn, and Twitter profiles are all great additions to the resume. 

Looking for tips to help you write a great IT resume ? Check out our guide!

#18. Real Estate Cover Letter Example

• Ideal length. Short and to the point, this cover letter is bound to get noticed by the HR manager. 
• Wraps up with a call to action. This candidate reinforces the HR to call them back through a final call to action. 
• Mentions the right skills. On top of their sales accomplishments, the candidate touch upon important soft skills such as customer service and communication . 

This real estate resume guide will help you take your resume from good to great.

#19. Teacher Cover Letter Example

• Mentions relevant contact information details. This candidate has included optional (but relevant) contact information details, such as their LinkedIn, Quora, and Medium profiles. 
• Achievement-oriented. The candidate has elaborated on their achievements in more detail throughout their cover letter. 
• Highlights the candidate’s passion. For some jobs, being passionate is much more important than for others. Teaching is one of these jobs, which is why this candidate explains their passion for the job. 

Our guide on how to write a teacher resume has all the tips you need to land the job.

#20. Project Manager Cover Letter Example

• Leverages a catchy introduction. Through a catchy introductory paragraph, this candidate is sure to grab the HR’s attention and get them to read the rest of their cover letter.
• Lists measurable accomplishments. This candidate explains exactly what they’ve achieved using numbers and hard data. 
• Personally greets the HR. A personal greeting sounds much better than “Dear Sir/Madam,” and the candidate knows this. 

This guide on how to write a project manager resume can help you perfect your appication.

#21. Paralegal Cover Letter Example

• Minimalistic cover letter template. This cover letter design looks good but doesn’t steal the show from the candidate’s abilities.
• Mentions the candidate’s academic achievements and extracurricular activities. Although the candidate is a recent graduate, they’ve used the cover letter to explain they have enough skills and achievements to do the job.
• Lists measurable achievements. The candidate proves they did well in their internship by mentioning quantifiable achievements.

Check out this paralegal resume guide to perfect yours.

40+ More Cover Letter Examples and Guides 

Couldn’t find a cover letter example for your field? Do not worry.

Below you can find a number of other cover letter examples for different fields and industries:

• Acting Cover Letter Examples
• Accounting Cover Letter Examples
• Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Architecture Cover Letter Examples
• Attorney Cover Letter Examples
• Barista Cover Letter Examples
• Bartender Cover Letter Examples
• Business Cover Letter Examples
• Business Analyst Cover Letter Examples
• College Student Cover Letter Examples
• Computer Science Cover Letter Examples
• Construction Cover Letter Examples
• Consultant Cover Letter Examples
• Customer Service Cover Letter Examples
• Data Analyst Cover Letter Examples
• Data Entry Cover Letter Examples
• Dental Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Digital Marketing Cover Letter Examples
• Elementary Teacher Cover Letter Examples
• Engineering Cover Letter Examples
• Executive Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Finance Cover Letter Examples
• Graphic Design Cover Letter Examples
• Healthcare Cover Letter Examples
• Human Resources Cover Letter Examples
• IT Cover Letter Examples
• Law Cover Letter Examples
• Management Cover Letter Examples
• Marketing Cover Letter Examples
• Mechanical Engineering Cover Letter Examples
• Medical Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Nurse Practitioner Cover Letter Examples
• Physician Cover Letter Examples
• Project Manager Cover Letter Examples
• Receptionist Cover Letter Examples
• Retail Cover Letter Examples
• Sales Cover Letter Examples
• Social Work Cover Letter Examples
• Software Engineer Cover Letter Examples
• Substitute Teacher Cover Letter Examples
• Teacher Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Team Leader Cover Letter Example

What is a Cover Letter? 

A cover letter is a one-page document that you submit as part of your job application, alongside your resume . 

Its purpose is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. On average, your cover letter should be from 250 to 400 words long .

A good cover letter can give the hiring manager more insight into what makes you a good candidate and help them make up their mind about whether they should invite you for an interview. A bad cover letter, though, will get ignored (at best) and lose you the job (at worst).

So, to make sure this doesn’t happen, it’s essential to know how to write a convincing cover letter.

The first thing to remember is that a cover letter is a supplement to your resume, not a replacement. Meaning, you shouldn’t just repeat whatever is mentioned in your resume and call it a day. 

Optimally, you should use your cover letter to shed more light on your skills and qualifications, as well as explain anything you didn’t have space for in your resume (e.g. a career gap or why you’re changing careers).

If you’re writing a cover letter for the first time, though, putting all this together might seem pretty tough. 

Fortunately, you can follow our tried-and-tested format to make the experience much easier:

• Header - Input your contact information.
• Greeting the hiring manager - Open the cover letter with a “Dear Sir or Madam,” or use the hiring manager’s name if you know what that is.
• Opening paragraph - Grab the hiring manager’s attention by getting straight to the point. Mention what your professional experiences are, and what role you’re applying for.
• The second paragraph - Explain why you’re the perfect candidate for the job. Mention your top 2-3 achievements, your top skills, why you want to work in that specific industry, and whatever else is relevant.
• The third paragraph - End your cover letter with a call to action. E.g. “I would love to meet personally and discuss how I can help Company X.”
• Formal closing - Something like this: “Thank you for your consideration. Best, John Doe.”

Here’s what this looks like in practice:

9 Tips to Write a Cover Letter (the Right Way)

Now that we've covered the basics, let's talk about cover letter tips . Below, we'll give you all the knowledge you need to take your cover letter from "OK" to "great."

#1. Pick the right template

A good cover letter is all about leaving the right first impression.

And what’s a better way to leave a good impression than through a professional, well-formatted, and visual template?

You can simply pick one of our tried-and-tested cover letter templates and you’ll be all set!

#2. Add your contact details on the header

The best way to start your cover letter is through a header. 

Here’s what you want to include there:

• Phone Number
• Name of the hiring manager / their professional title
• Name of the company you’re applying to

Optionally, you can also include the following:

• Social Media Profiles - Any type of profile that’s relevant to your field. Social Profiles on websites like LinkedIn, GitHub (for developers), Medium (for writers), etc.
• Personal Website - If you have a personal website that somehow adds value to your application, you can mention it. Let’s say you’re a professional writer. In that case, you’d want to link to your content portfolio site or blog.

#3. Greet the hiring manager the right way

Once you’ve listed all your relevant contact information, it’s time to address the hiring manager reading your cover letter. 

A good practice here is to find the hiring manager’s name and address them directly instead of using the traditional “dear sir or madam.” This shows that you’re really invested in the company and that you took your time to do some research about the job.

So, how can you find out the hiring manager’s name?

One way to do this is by looking up the head of the company’s relevant department on LinkedIn. Let’s say you’re applying for the position of Communication Specialist at Novoresume. The hiring manager is probably the Head of Communications or the Chief Communications Office.

Or let’s say you’re applying for the position of server at a restaurant. In that case, you’d be looking to find out who the restaurant manager is.

If this doesn’t work, you can also check out the “Team” page on the company website; there’s a good chance you’ll at least find the right person there.

If you still can’t find out the hiring manager’s name, here are several other greetings you can use:

• Dear [Department] Hiring Manager
• Dear Hiring Manager
• To whom it may concern
• Dear [Department] Team

#4. Create an attention-grabbing introduction

Recruiters get hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of applications. Chances are, they’re not going to be reading every single cover letter end-to-end.

So, it’s essential to catch their attention from the very first paragraph.

The problem with most cover letter opening paragraphs, though, is that they’re usually extremely generic, often looking something like this: 

Hey, my name is Jonathan and I’d like to work as a Sales Manager at XYZ Inc. I’ve worked as a sales manager at MadeUpCompany Inc. for 5+ years, so I believe that I’d be a good fit for the position.

As you can probably tell, this opening paragraph doesn’t tell the hiring manager anything other than that you’ve worked the job before - and that’s not really helpful in setting you apart from other candidates. 

What you want to do, instead, is start off with 2-3 of your top achievements to really grab the reader’s attention. Preferably, the achievements should be as relevant as possible to the position. 

For example:

My name’s Michael and I’d like to help XYZ Inc. hit and exceed its sales goals as a Sales Manager. I’ve worked with Company X, a fin-tech company, for 3+ years. As a Sales Representative, I generated an average of $30,000+ in sales per month (beating the KPIs by around 40%). I believe that my previous industry experience, as well as my excellence in sales, makes me the right candidate for the role of X at Company Y.

The second example shows how the candidate is a top performer. The first just shows that they’ve worked a sales job before.

Which one are YOU more likely to invite for an interview?

#5. Show you’re the perfect person for the job

One great thing about cover letters is that they allow you to expand more on the top achievements from your resume and really show the hiring manager that you’re the right person for the job. 

A good way to do that is to first read the job ad and really understand what skills/experiences are required, and then to ensure that your cover letter touches upon the said skills or experiences.

In my previous role as a Facebook Marketing Expert at XYZ Inc. I handled customer acquisition through ads, managing a monthly Facebook ad budget of $20,000+. As the sole digital marketer at the company, I managed the ad creation and management process end-to-end. This means I created the ad copy and images, as well as picked the targeting, ran optimization trials, and so on.

Other than Facebook advertising, I’ve also delved into other online PPC channels, including:

• Google Search

#6. Explain why you’re a great company fit

The HR manager doesn’t only look at whether you’ll be good at the job or not. They’re looking for someone that’s also a good fit for the company culture.

After all, employees that don’t fit in are bound to quit, sooner or later. This ends up costing the company a ton of money, up to 50% of the employee’s annual salary . 

To convince the hiring manager that you’re a great company fit, do some research on the company and find out what it is you like about them, or about working there. You want to know things like:

• What’s the company’s business model?
• What’s the company's product or service? Have you used it?
• What’s the culture like? Will someone micro-manage your work, or will you have autonomy on how you get things done?

Then, turn your top reasons for liking to work there into text and add them to your cover letter! 

#7. Wrap up with a call to action

To make the end of your cover letter as memorable as possible, you want to:

• Wrap up any points you couldn't in the previous paragraphs. Mention anything you’ve left out that you think could help the hiring manager make up your mind.
• Thank the hiring manager for their time. After all, it never hurts to be polite. 
• Finish the cover letter with a call to action. A call to action is a great way to make your cover letter ending as memorable as possible. 

#8. Write a formal closing

Once you’re done with the final paragraph, all you have to do is write down a formal “goodbye” and you’re good to go.

Feel free to use one of the most popular conclusions in a cover letter:

• Best Regards,
• Kind Regards,

#9. Proofread your cover letter

Last but not least, make sure to always proofread each and every document that you’ll be including in your job application - cover letter included. 

The last thing you want is to be claiming you’re a great candidate for the job with a cover letter full of typos! 

For an even more comprehensive guide on how to write an impactful cover letter , check out our article ! 

Cover Letter Writing Checklist 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you still have some questions about cover letters? Check out the answers below:

1. How do I write a simple cover letter? 

To write a cover letter that’s simple but also professional, make sure to include a header with your personal information, a formal greeting to the hiring manager, an attention-grabbing opening paragraph, a second paragraph explaining why you’re a good candidate for the job, and a formal closing (preferably with a call to action). 

2. What are the 3 parts of a cover letter? 

The three parts of a cover letter are: 

• The introduction , namely the header, the greeting to the hiring manager, and the opening paragraph. 
• The sales pitch is usually the body of the cover letter. 
• The conclusion involves a formal closing and a signature line.

3. What makes a great cover letter?

A great cover letter should be personalized for each job you’re applying for, instead of being overly generic. It’s also preferable to address the hiring manager by their name and not use the overly-used “Dear Sir/Madam.”

To make a great first impression, you should mention 1-2 of your top achievements in your opening paragraph - the more job-specific they are, the better. Also, don’t stop at showing the hiring manager why you’re a great candidate for the job. Make sure to also talk about how you’re a good culture fit for the company.

Last but not least, wrap up your closing paragraph with a call to action to give the hiring manager a little extra something to remember you by. 

4. When is a cover letter necessary?

Unless the job ad specifically states otherwise, you should always include a cover letter with your job application .

Even if the hiring manager doesn’t read it, you will look more professional simply by including one.

And that’s a wrap! We hope our cover letter examples and writing tips will inspire you to write a cover letter that will land you your next job.

If you’re looking for more invaluable career advice and articles, make sure to check out our career blog , or any of these related articles: 

• How to Write a Resume
• Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs
• Cover Letter Format (w/ Examples & Free Templates)

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• 7 Management Styles and How...

7 Management Styles and How to Showcase Them on a Resume

13 min read · Updated on November 25, 2022

It's not enough to understand your own management style; you also need to know how to highlight it on your resume

When companies are hiring for management positions, they are always keenly interested in understanding each candidate's particular style. They understand that different managers have different styles, and want to ensure that the person they hire will be a good fit for their needs. As a job candidate seeking a managerial role, you will need to ensure that your resume properly highlights your style. But what are the most common management styles and how can you showcase them on your resume?

In this post, we'll explore the seven most common management styles and examine their benefits in the workplace. We'll also provide some helpful tips that can help you to effectively highlight your management style on your resume.

  What are management styles, anyway?

When we talk about management styles, we are really talking about the different ways that any manager can wield authority to organize people, allocate and use resources, and achieve their company's goals and mission. A management style encompasses everything from how a manager plans out each day to how they communicate with every member of their team. Typically, managers adopt styles that align with their personalities and attitudes.

It's important to note that management styles have evolved over time. While authoritarian management was once the dominant style, with managers simply demanding that workers obey and follow instructions, modern management practices have largely departed from that command and control structure. Today's managers often employ more sophisticated methods as they organize and direct their teams.

With that noted, let's take a look at seven of the most common styles that today's managers use to lead their teams and achieve their company's goals. As you read through these management types, you should also note that managers often employ aspects of multiple styles in their own careers. Remember, no two managers are ever exactly alike.

Top-down management styles

The top-down management style is well known and has been used throughout the history of commerce. Also known as the autocratic or coercive management style, it's characterized by an authoritarian manager who makes all decisions and expects the team to simply follow directions. You often see this style of management in companies that are highly structured, with detailed rules and processes in place to guide and direct every employee action.

While this top-down approach to decision-making can stunt employee innovation, it can be an effective way to manage inexperienced teams. It's also a useful strategy to manage crisis situations and can even enhance productivity when it provides the right guidance and structure. However, too much top-down management can inhibit employee growth and development, destroy morale, and lead to a loss of creativity in the workforce. To counter that, many top-down managers also encourage at least some input from their teams to maintain employee engagement.

How to highlight a top-down management style on your resume

Even if you tend to be an authoritarian leader, you probably don't want to describe yourself as such in your resume. Instead, you should focus on descriptions that highlight your decisiveness, structured approach to management, and commitment to achieving results. You should also provide examples of how your style of management has produced positive results for your previous employers, of course.  Since a top-down management style is often used in crisis situations, you may want to emphasize a time when your leadership style helped your company to overcome an unforeseen challenge.

Engagement-focused management styles

The engagement style of management focuses on a different approach to organizing and directing a team. Instead of adopting top-down leadership that seeks no input from team members, this type of manager is committed to ensuring that their employees are all fully engaged in most areas of the business. This manager will regularly seek out team members' opinions and often maintain open-door policies for all employees.

At the same time, however, engagement-focused managers still make the final call on any decisions. Their commitment to consulting with their team to ensure that all good ideas are heard and considered can help to ensure that employee engagement and morale remains consistently high. Moreover, this type of leader typically has a strong rapport with their team, which can be leveraged to ensure increased productivity and team cohesion.

How to highlight an engagement-focused management style on your resume

When highlighting your engagement-focused style, be sure to include skills like active listening, collaboration, and team building. The goal is to illustrate how your focus on engaging your employees enables you to motivate them to achieve superior results. You will also want to include details about how your style helped your team and company to achieve some measurable goal that benefited the organization.  

Democratic management styles

The democratic approach to management is pretty much what it sounds like. This type of manager avoids the top-down approach to leading a team, instead opting for a style that encourages employee participation in the decision-making process. Their style works to decentralize as much authority as possible, collaborating with their team members rather than dictating their every action. Often, these types of managers will create teams that are highly motivated and empowered.

The democratic management style can result in increased performance when teams feel that they have a great deal of ownership in their results. In addition, teams built by democratic managers typically have high retention rates. However, this style can also create problems when the collaborative decision-making process fails to produce consensus in a timely manner. To counter that, democratic managers tend to reserve the power to make the final decision when necessary.

How to highlight a democratic management style on your resume

If you're a democratic manager, it is important to highlight the  traits and skills that bring you success in your managerial role. For example, you can focus your resume on your commitment to collaborating with employees, your role as a facilitator for innovation, and your success in creating empowered teams with high performance rates and strong company engagement. Try to cite a few examples of how this management style enabled you to create value for your employer.

The lead-by-example management style

Managers who lead by example can be some of the most effective leaders in any team environment. These managers set clear objectives and expectations and work tirelessly to set the example that all employees are expected to follow. Typically, this management style is most effective in workplaces where quality is a necessity. It's also successful in environments where teams are relatively new and can benefit from having a strong example to follow.

This type of manager can often get their team to be extremely productive and highly motivated. However, it can also cause burnout for managers who struggle to know their own limits and can create problems throughout the team if expectations are set too high.

How to highlight a lead-by-example management style on your resume

If you're a manager who likes to lead by example, it is important to highlight that style in your resume by describing successes that have added value for your employer. You should note your skill at setting the pace for your team and emphasize the positive impact your leadership has had on building teams that exceed expectations.

Inspirational management style

The inspirational manager uses a style of management that focuses on charismatic leadership and securing buy-in from every member of the team. These managers are the consummate “company men” (or women), who are focused on driving value throughout their area of influence in order to secure the company's goals. They are also extremely personable and skilled in building rapport with their subordinates. An inspirational manager always seems to be able to convince his team to drive themselves to greater levels of excellence.

If you're an inspirational manager, it's because you have a visionary approach to leading your team and pursuing the company's goals. You also have a knack for empowering your team members' creativity, sparking innovation, and a forward-thinking approach to getting things done. You are a motivator, a skilled communicator, and an expert in facilitating brainstorming and conflict resolution.

How to highlight an inspirational management style on your resume

When highlighting your inspirational management style on a resume, you should use terms like visionary, trust-building, and motivation to highlight your emphasis on inspiring your team. Include mention of your strong communication skills, commitment to empowering your team, and your dedication to the company's vision.

Coaching management style

The coaching management style is typically used by managers whose primary emphasis is on employee development and empowerment. These managers spend much of their time supporting and challenging their subordinates in ways that help them to develop in every area of their career and life. Management coaches are never afraid to pick and choose from other management styles to achieve their ends.

A good coaching manager can be semi-authoritarian when necessary, delegate responsibilities, or focus on support and empowerment of the team, depending on what the situation requires. Like a coach in the sporting world, these managers are not afraid to go outside of their ordinary playbook if that's what's required to help their team members reach their developmental goals.

How to highlight a coaching management style on your resume

When describing this management style, feel free to use words like coaching, employee development, and team building. Highlight your focus on helping employees to learn and expand their skill sets. Of course, you should also include specific instances where your coaching style has helped team members and the company to achieve measurable results that added real value.

  Transactional management style

Transactional management is focused on getting results and is best used in environments populated with highly motivated team members. A transactional manager is skilled in establishing structure, goals, and processes, and using reward systems to motivate employees to reach those expectations. It's a common style of management in many companies where workers are expected to meet certain sales expectations, but can also be effective in other corporate environments when used properly.

To be an effective transactional manager, you need to understand the types of personalities you have on your team and the things that motivate them to exceed expectations. As a result, this type of management style is most effective when used by managers who are skilled at building some type of positive rapport with their teams.

How to highlight a transactional management style on your resume

Including information about your transactional management style in a resume should be easy. The very fact that you rely on rewards-based transactions to motivate employees to achieve goals should provide plenty of examples of success that you can cite in your work experience section. In addition, you can include relevant skills like project analysis, team building, process creation, and more in your skill section.

Some tips to help you to effectively convey your management style in your resume

If you are still struggling to determine your management style, or are not quite sure how to include that information in your resume in a compelling way, these tips may help to set you on the right path.

Tips to identify your management style 

If you're like many managers, you may read through those examples of management styles and notice that your own style seems to be a combination of two or more styles. That's perfectly normal! Good managers are capable of shifting between styles as needed, adopting the methods and ideas that work for them and discarding the ones that don't.

One way to determine your management style is to think about your personality. Which traits do you employ when managing people? Are you someone who likes to dictate outcomes, or do you prefer a more collaborative approach? Write down a list of your preferences and what works best for you, and then compare that list to the examples we cited above.

You can also consider how you prefer to reach decisions, and which questions you might ask yourself when a decision needs to be made quickly. If you're focused primarily on making a quick decision, chances are that you tend to be more top-down in your management style; if you find yourself wondering how the decision will impact your team, you may be more democratic, and so on.

Tips to include your management style on your resume

When adding your management style to your resume, focus on three main areas: your resume summary, your work experience section, and your  skills section.

In your resume summary, include a sentence or two that emphasizes your management style by using  powerful keywords that create a compelling narrative about you. For example, “ Experienced manager committed to creating collaborative work environments for team members, encouraging greater engagement to drive innovation and improve productivity and end results.”

In your skills section, be sure to highlight relevant skills that you use as part of your management style. These can include both  hard and soft skills , as well as specific interpersonal abilities that enable you to successfully lead your team. Examples include things like team building, conflict resolution, creative thinking, problem solving, delegation, brainstorming, collaboration, and many others.

When adding achievements to your work experience section, be sure to focus on accomplishments with measurable results. This is the most effective way to ensure that your reader can easily imagine the type of value that you could add to their organization. For example: “ Created and implemented a reward system for ABC Inc's sales team that motivated our team members to increase sales by 33% in a one-month period, with a sustained increase in sales success in the three months after the campaign's end.” Select a few of your greatest accomplishments and include them in your resume.

Finally, don't be afraid to brag about all you've achieved. Companies that are looking for managers are not interested in wallflowers. Instead, they want confident, capable candidates who know their own value and worth.

If you are a job seeker looking for your next managerial role, it's vital to understand the most common management styles and recognize which one has helped you to achieve your management success. This post has provided you with the insight you need to identify your unique style and successfully convey that information in your resume, so that prospective employers can easily see the type of value that you can offer to their organization.

Want to ensure that your resume does the best possible job in highlighting your management style? Get the peace of mind you need by obtaining your free resume review from our team of resume experts today!

Recommended reading:

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How to Decide If a Management Career Path Is Right for You

5 Steps Career-Savvy Professionals Take to Define Their Goals

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