Business Cover Letter Example & How-To Guide in 2024
You’re a master of negotiation.
You can analyze a balance sheet in your sleep, and you've got industry know-how down to a science.
But all your business acumen evaporates when you’re staring at a blank screen, trying to draft your cover letter.
Your career centers on effective communication and strategy, and yet this is the one place you’re lost.
Don’t worry. We know your struggle, and we’re here to help.
In this article, we’re going to teach you:
- What a Job-Winning Business Cover Letter Looks Like
- 5 Steps to Writing a Flawless Business Cover Letter
- 3 Essential Cover Letter Tips for Business Professionals
Let’s get started.
Business Cover Letter Example
5 Steps for the Perfect Business Cover Letter
You've just seen a top-notch business cover letter that's sure to get noticed.
Now it's your turn to learn how to write a cover letter that shows off your skills and lands you that job! Just follow the steps we're about to dive into:
#1. Put Contact Information in the Header
Start your business cover letter by putting your contact details at the top, just like you would on your resume header . Here's what you should have up there:
- Full Name. Place your full name near the top corner of the page.
- Job Title. Use the exact title mentioned in the job ad you're applying for. With hiring managers juggling multiple roles, being specific helps them, which helps you.
- Email Address. Go with a professional email. Ditch quirky emails you might have had in your younger days. For example, [email protected] is a no-go, but [email protected] works just fine.
- Phone Number. Make sure it's a number where you can be reached easily. If the job is international, include the dialing code.
- Location. Your city and state (or country) are enough. But if you're looking for a remote role or planning to move, make that clear in both your resume and cover letter.
- Relevant Links (optional). Adding links to any important websites or social media profiles, like LinkedIn, is always a good idea.
After sorting out your details, focus on the hiring manager's contact information :
- Company Name. Write down the company's name.
- Hiring Manager’s Name. Include the hiring manager’s name, if you can find it.
- Hiring Manager’s Title. If you find out the hiring manager’s exact job title, say, the Director of Business Development , use that title instead of just "Hiring Manager."
- Location. Add the city and state (or country) of the company, especially if they have multiple locations. You can add the street address if you want to be super specific.
- Date (optional). Including the date you wrote the cover letter adds a professional flair.
#2. Address the Hiring Manager
Once you've got all your contact details down, it's time to address the person who'll be reading your cover letter .
Trust us, "To Whom It May Concern" is not how you want to start your first impression.
Do a little homework first. Look up the company website, the job ad, or their LinkedIn profile to find the person who’s hiring for the job you’re after. You should be able to find their name somewhere and add it to your cover letter.
Then address them by using "Mr." or "Ms.", followed by their last name. If you're not certain about their gender or marital status, their full name works fine. For instance:
- Dear Mr. Thompson
- Dear Alex Thompson
But if you couldn't find any information on the hiring manager or the head of the business department you’re looking to join, no worries. You can still address your letter to the team or the company at large:
- Dear Business Department
- Dear Hiring Team
- Dear Human Resources Team
- Dear Head of Business
#3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement
Hiring managers spend just a few seconds on each application before deciding if it’s worth reading more into it.
That's why nailing the start of your cover letter is key, especially when you're eyeing a business role. Lead with why this job catches your eye and some of the skills you’re bringing. Showing real enthusiasm for the role or the field can also make a hiring manager take a second look.
Doing your homework about the company pays off. The better you understand them, the more you can show how well you'd fit their culture. It's a strong signal that you're not just throwing applications left and right but are genuinely keen on this specific role.
Depending on your career stage, you might want to start your business cover letter with a standout achievement or any skills that make you a shoo-in for the job. Just keep it short and sweet. The goal here is to spark interest, so the hiring manager will read the rest of your letter.
#4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details
The core part of your cover letter is your chance to shine as a business professional . Here, you want to go beyond the bullet points on your resume to really sell your skills and experience.
And don't just repeat your resume. Use this space to highlight what sets you apart from the competition. If you have any big wins in the business world, this is where you want to mention them. Take cues from the job ad to tailor your letter accordingly.
For example, if you're applying for a role that requires strong analytical skills, focus on achievements from your past that prove you've got what it takes. Instead of talking about general leadership qualities, point out how you've used analytics to drive business growth.
Being knowledgeable about the company you're applying to can earn you extra points. If you're familiar with their market presence or have insights into their business model, weave that into your letter. It makes the hiring manager see you as a more suitable candidate when compared to the rest.
Make sure your enthusiasm shines through your entire letter, so it’s obvious you want this job, not just a job. Express your excitement for the role and be confident in stating how you can add value to their team with your unique skills and experience.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out our other cover letter examples !
#5. Wrap It Up and Sign It
Nailing the conclusion of your cover letter is essential. You want to assure the hiring manager that they've made the right choice in reading your application to the end.
Write a brief conclusion to your cover letter so you can recap why you're the ideal candidate for the business role you’re targeting. Briefly reiterate some of your most relevant skills, but don’t go overboard. The idea here is to summarize your key selling points.
Then add a call to action. This could be an invitation for the hiring manager to further discuss your application or to arrange an interview. This leaves a lasting impression and nudges the hiring manager to do something, which increases your odds of progressing to the next step.
Lastly, sign your business cover letter like a real professional. Just pick an appropriate closing line and sign your name underneath. Here's a sample:
Feel free to contact me at your convenience so that we may arrange an interview and further discuss how I can contribute to your business goals.
Warm regards,
Alex Johnson
If "Warm regards" feels too clichéd, other professional yet approachable options include:
- Yours sincerely,
- Yours truly,
- Thanks for your time,
3 Essential Business Cover Letter Tips
You already know the basics of crafting a solid business cover letter.
Now, let's take yours to the next level with some tailored cover letter tips for the business world.
#1. Match Your Resume
Your cover letter should echo the professionalism of your resume.
Presentation skills matter, and your application is the first place you get to showcase yours. If your resume and cover letter don’t pair well, you could come off as an unpolished candidate.
Make sure your text is positioned neatly on the page, and keep the font uniform all the way through. Just as you'd handle a business proposal, pay attention to those page margins and the line spacing. And while you’re at it, remember to keep it brief—an ideal cover letter is always one neat page.
Or Use A Cover Letter Template Instead
Are you trying to get your application out there as soon as possible?
Our resume builder is a lifesaver. Use it to create the best business resume in minutes, and grab one of our matching cover letter templates to complete your application.
Every one of our templates is designed with feedback from hiring managers from around the globe, so they meet all industry standards and give your application a sleek, professional look.
#2. Mention Skills
Hiring managers want to know what you can bring to the table, and there’s no better way to show them than by mentioning your skills.
Your business cover letter should always include the most essential skills from your resume . Your skills tell the hiring manager what you can do and how much they might need to train you. But only if you mention your skills in the right way.
Don’t just toss them in there randomly, like a salad. Connect the dots for the hiring manager by weaving a narrative that backs up every skill you mention. For example, if you're good at data analysis, explain how that skill helped improve a past employer's quarterly earnings.
The key here is relevance. Discussing your skills in context shows you're not only skilled but also aware of how those skills can benefit the company. It paints a picture of you as a well-rounded candidate who’s both qualified and ready to hit the ground running.
#3. Proofread the Final Draft
Never underestimate the importance of proofreading your cover letter.
A single typo or grammatical error might seem small, but to many hiring managers, it can scream "carelessness”—a crucial cover letter mistake for any candidate who claims to have “an eye for detail”.
Hundreds of applications get tossed aside for the same reason. So, to make sure your business cover letter is spotless, take the time to read it multiple times. Consider asking a friend for a fresh perspective, just in case you missed something yourself.
We recommend you also use a spell-checking tool like Grammarly . Don’t trust it blindly, though - you should always take the time to decide for yourself if it’s correct. Clean and polished writing shows professionalism, which can make all the difference in your application's success.
Key Takeaways
And that’s all there is to writing your business cover letter!
Hopefully, we’ve inspired you, and you’ve prepared your application for that job you’ve been eyeing.
But before we say goodbye, let’s do a brief recap of what we mentioned:
- The top of your business cover letter should have a header where you include your contact information as well as the hiring manager’s. Just make sure it’s factually correct.
- Your opening paragraph should be captivating, or else the hiring manager might not bother to read more of it. Mention why you’re writing and be enthusiastic, so it shows you’re genuinely interested.
- The body of your cover letter should include the bulk of your sales pitch. Focus on your relevant achievements, qualifications, and skills and how they relate to the job you’re after.
- Make sure your cover letter matches your resume. This shows a professional touch, and it helps the hiring manager pick out your application from all the rest.
To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.
Build my resume
- Build a better resume in minutes
- Resume examples
- 2,000+ examples that work in 2024
- Resume templates
- Free templates for all levels
- Cover letters
- Cover letter generator
- It's like magic, we promise
- Cover letter examples
- Free downloads in Word & Docs
5 Business Cover Letter Examples for Success in 2024
- Business Cover Letter
- Entry-Level Business
- Business Administration
- Business Manager
- HR Business Partner
- Write Your Business Cover Letter
You’re passionate about optimizing processes and achieving company goals. Businesses know they can count on you to manage expense reports and income statements, use your sales skills to increase profits, and much more while on the job.
But are you capable of writing a great cover letter to accompany your stellar business resume for the competitive business space?
While you may be a business expert, creating a cover letter can be challenging. That’s why we’ve compiled some effective business cover letter examples that will land you the job in 2024.
Business Cover Letter Example
USE THIS TEMPLATE
Microsoft Word
Google Docs
Block Format
Copy this text for your business cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue San Jose, CA 76208 (123) 456-7890
July 20, 2023
Arjun Iyer eBay Inc. Hiring Manager 123 Fictional Lane San Jose, CA 76208
Dear Mr. Iyer:
eBay’s commitment to enabling economic opportunity and creating a better, sustainable form of commerce resonates deeply with me, making me eager to contribute to your mission. I am excited to apply my skills to the role of business assistant at eBay.
During my tenure as a junior business analyst at Adobe, I worked extensively with data and was responsible for examining a wide range of data sets, identifying trends and anomalies, and designing compelling presentations to communicate my findings to a non-technical audience. This approach to data analysis led to a 34% increase in data-driven decisions within the company.
I also managed a diverse portfolio of projects, demonstrating exceptional organizational and leadership skills and initiated and led a project optimization initiative that resulted in a 21% reduction in project delivery timelines.
An in-depth understanding of CRM systems and a commitment to excellent customer service also allowed me to see a 32% improvement in client retention rates.
eBay’s recognition of the crucial role that business strategy and customer satisfaction play in their success aligns with my expertise and aspirations. I am excited about the opportunity to support eBay in refining its business processes and enhancing customer experiences. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the prospect of further discussing how I can contribute to your team.
Mateo Vargas
Why this cover letter works
- Detail specific examples from your life that connect to how the company does business. A personal anecdote can go a long way.
- This helps the employer visualize how your skills can fit into and improve their business operations.
Level up your cover letter game
Relax! We’ll do the heavy lifting to write your cover letter in seconds.
Entry-Level Business Cover Letter Example
Copy this text for your entry-level business cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue Houston, TX 76208 (123) 456-7890
December 18, 2023
Riley Parker First Horizon Bank 123 Fictional Lane Memphis, TN 38101
Dear Mr. Parker:
Having followed First Horizon’s initiatives in financial literacy and local development, I’m keen to align my skills with a bank that clearly values both its customers and its social impact. It is with great enthusiasm that I apply for the administrative assistant position at your esteemed organization.
In my previous role at Radiant Group of Companies, I managed 38 corporate events including large-scale conferences and client meetings. Balancing multiple event logistics simultaneously, I ensured each event ran smoothly, often under tight deadlines. Here my strategic event planning skills and attention to detail resulted in a 19% boost in the number of event attendees, contributing significantly to our company’s branding efforts.
Moreover, my time at AutoZone allowed me to showcase my proficiency in document formatting and management where I successfully reformatted and handled 627 critical documents. My role also involved extensive travel arrangements for senior management, which included coordinating itineraries for international and domestic travel and managing last-minute changes seamlessly. My efficiency in this area reduced travel costs by $4,982 through effective negotiation with travel providers and meticulous planning.
Furthermore, my tenure at ServiceMaster involved managing high-volume email correspondence, where I maintained a response rate of 97% within 24 hours, acting as a communication liaison between various departments and external stakeholders.
I’m eager to bring these experiences to First Horizon Bank and excited about the possibility of joining your dynamic team.
Maya Haddad
- Make sure your cover letter is aligned with the job requirements listed on the application and emphasize them!
Business Administration Cover Letter Example
Copy this text for your Business Administration cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue Tampa, FL 33601 (123) 456-7890
Zoey Mitchell Tampa General Hospital 123 Fictional Lane Tampa, FL 33601
Dear Mr. Mitchell:
Tampa General Hospital’s reputation as a leading healthcare provider, acclaimed for its cutting-edge medical treatments and compassion towards patient care, deeply connects with my professional aspirations. The hospital’s commitment to innovation and excellence in healthcare operations is what draws me to apply for the position of operations manager.
During my time at InSync Healthcare Solutions, I was able to apply my supply chain management skills in a project that helped reduce supply costs by $12,984 while maintaining optimal inventory levels. This was achieved through two primary techniques including strategic vendor negotiations and the implementation of a lean inventory management system.
In my previous role at Wendover Art Group, my focus on process improvement contributed to smoother procedures across multiple departments while also eliminating redundant tasks that previously cost time and money for the company.
Additionally, my tenure at FrankCrum helped me excel in my abilities in budgeting and financial analysis. In this role, I played a crucial role in managing departmental budgets, where I successfully identified cost-saving opportunities amounting to $326,576 annually.
I’m particularly keen to contribute to your mission of delivering high-quality healthcare by optimizing operational processes and ensuring financial sustainability. I’m eager to discuss how my background, skills, and commitment can be a valuable asset to your team at Tampa General Hospital. Thank you for considering my application.
Maxime Dubois
- Using concrete numbers like “helped reduce supply costs by $12,984” establishes the candidate’s impactful contribution at work. Follow this lead by presenting a track record of significant achievements in your previous jobs. You’re giving recruiters more reasons to call you for an interview.
Business Manager Cover Letter Example
Copy this text for your Business Manager cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue Dallas, TX 76208 (123) 456-7890
Ahmed Ali Kimberly-Clark Corporation Hiring Manager 123 Fictional Lane Dallas, TX 76208
Dear Mr. Ali:
As a long-time admirer of the Kimberly-Clark Corporation’s reputation for innovation, coupled with a culture of problem-solving resilience, I was compelled to apply for the business manager position. My substantial background in business management makes me an optimal candidate for this role.
My most recent position was as the business development manager at Texas Instruments. Here, we faced challenges regarding product penetration in new markets, to which I responded by instituting an evidence-based market research approach. This initiative resulted in a 53% increase in market reach and boosted sales by 33% over a year.
I also developed solutions for financial estimation issues by spearheading the adoption of advanced financial modeling tools, effectively reducing inaccuracies by 64%.
As a fervent believer in data-driven decision-making, I am committed to enhancing business performance through innovative strategies and solutions. As your business manager, I am eager to employ my skills to further your financial accuracy, increase market reach, and improve project management efficiency.
Thank you for considering my application for this position. I am truly excited about the possibility of contributing to Kimberly-Clark Corporation.
Enclosures: Resume Academic Transcript Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Don’t be afraid to share examples of how you’ve led teams to success in the past.
- Use concrete data to support your claims here. Doing so will emphasize your ability to consistently achieve results and gives your cover letter a more professional look.
HR Business Partner Cover Letter Example
Copy this text for your HR Business Partner cover letter!
Aisha Balogun ExxonMobil Corporation Hiring Manager 123 Fictional Lane Houston, TX 76208
Dear Ms. Balogun:
When I read about ExxonMobil’s commitment to workforce empowerment and the application of technology in shaping the future of energy, I knew I wanted to contribute my skills to your esteemed organization as an HR business partner. I am confident that my expertise can further enhance the productivity and efficacy of ExxonMobil’s human resources division.
Your organization’s dedication to creating a workplace culture that fosters innovation and inclusion resonates with my experience in human resources. As an HR associate at ConocoPhillips, I was tasked with managing an employee base of around 2000 personnel. Beyond the regular HR duties, I personally connected with employees to understand their needs and expectations, resulting in an increase in overall employee satisfaction by 46%. I also implemented data analytics to evaluate workforce performance, leading to a 32% reduction in turnover rates.
As a project lead, I worked with three different departments to ensure seamless integration, leading to a 37% decrease in the time spent on recruitment processes. Likewise, addressing any bottleneck in operations is something I prioritize. I found that some procedures were reducing the efficiency of our HR department. In response, I proposed and implemented performance management systems using HRIS, resulting in an efficiency increase of 26% over six months.
I am eager to utilize my skills to improve the effectiveness of your HR operations by joining ExxonMobil as an HR business partner. I am committed to collaborating with various teams to foster a work environment that encourages growth, innovation, and satisfaction. Thank you for your dedication to workforce empowerment, and I eagerly await your response.
Cesar Quispe
- Provide examples where your HR strategies improved employee engagement or business performance.
- Don’t leave hiring managers guessing. Be specific in what you’ve accomplished and what your skills could bring to the hiring company.
Related cover letter examples
- Business Analyst
- Administrative Assistant
- Human Resources
- Executive Assistant
How to Format a Business Cover Letter
Every business offers different products and services and has varying operational policies. Therefore, your cover letter shouldn’t be a one-step copy-and-paste solution for every business-related job you apply to.
Instead, you want to tailor it based on the job description for each company’s needs. For instance, if you’re applying to a business financial analyst position, you may want to emphasize your knowledge of expense reports and income statements.
Business cover letter greeting and introduction
As you would do for a business proposal, you want to lead off with a strong opening for your business cover letter.
The first step is optimizing the greeting with the name of a specific hiring manager since personalization is always a great way to succeed in the business environment. However, if you can’t find a contact person in the job description , company website, or LinkedIn, leading with “Dear [company name] hiring manager” or something similar will also work.
You also want to immediately connect the values and skills you bring to the table in the opening paragraph. For instance, if the company provides youth educational resources, you could connect to how you’d be passionate about using your sales skills to promote services that help kids feel empowered within their education at an early age.
The example below is a decent start. That said, it doesn’t address anyone in specific or connect with the company or skills needed for the job the applicant is applying to.
Lead with a stronger connection to the role than this!
I’m excited to be applying for your business management position. I’ve had a strong business acumen from a young age, which is why I decided to go to school for business management. I believe I’m an ideal fit for the position.
Instead, go for an opener that connects with the company you’re applying to, like the one below, that emphasizes the applicant’s passion for eBay’s sustainable form of commerce.
Form a relevant connection with the company!
Dear Mr. Iver,
Business cover letter body
You understand the importance of metrics and credentials when making key business decisions. Emphasize those aspects in your business cover letter’s body to create a great foundation for your skills and to emphasize why you’re an excellent fit.
Some common business metrics you may want to reference include ROI, conversions, or productive efficiency.
If you don’t have much experience, you can also lean on achievements and courses from degrees in business management, finance, marketing, or other related fields to show you have the right skills for the job .
Take a look at the example below, which does an excellent job of citing metrics like market reach and increases in sales.
A good body paragraph optimized with business metrics
Business cover letter closing
You know that a solid closing with a CTA can make a big difference in landing the sale. It can also help when writing your business cover letter.
Ideally, you’ll want to relate back to crucial characteristics of the position and the company’s mission. For example, if you’re applying to be a business development director for a company that sells fitness equipment, you could relate back to how you want to use your strategic prospecting abilities to help the company grow and achieve its goals of helping more people live a healthy lifestyle.
The closing below doesn’t end as strongly as you’d like since it doesn’t refer back to the specifics of the position.
Yikes, too bland!
Thank you for reading my cover letter. I hope to hear back from you soon and would be eager to get started in this position.
Jessica Sanchez
Instead, aim for a closer that sounds eager and engaged with the role, like the one below, emphasizing enthusiasm about joining ExxonMobil’s HR team and their work environment that encourages growth.
An eager and engaged closer for the win!
When you sell or develop products, you want to make every effort to stand out in business. You should do the same in the hiring process and submit a cover letter to showcase your skills, even if it’s listed as optional in the job description .
You know that following up on leads can help land a sale in business. It can also help if you haven’t heard back a week or two after submitting your resume and cover letter. Just remember to keep a professional business tone to leave a good impression.
The business environment is fast-paced, so your cover letter shouldn’t be longer than one page. To condense what you include, try to focus on the primary needs of the position. For instance, if the company needs help boosting sales, you could emphasize your lead generation and cold calling skills in your cover letter.
