How to write a strong product manager cover letter that wins jobs
Product managers are responsible for getting the inside scoop on what customers want and how products can be developed to meet these customer needs. To earn a position as a product manager, you need a well-written cover letter that convinces employers you are the best fit for the job.
In this guide, we will teach you 5 key steps for writing a strong product manager cover letter. Keep reading to learn all about:
- How to craft a powerful header & headline as a product manager
- Why to tailor the content of your product manager cover letter
- What to say in your product manager cover letter introduction
- Ways to effectively describe your skills & accomplishments as a product manager
- How to conclude your product manager cover letter persuasively
1. How to craft a powerful header & headline as a product manager
A cover letter header and headline serve an essential purpose in any cover letter by giving the document much-needed structure and visual flow.
Your cover letter header comes first, typically placed either centered or in the top left of the page. In this header, you need to include information such as:
- Your name and professional title
- Your professional contact information
- The name & department of the company you are applying to
- The address of the company
Here is an example of a well-formatted product manager header
Joe King, Product Manager
(123) 456-7890 | joeking@email.com | linkedin.com/in/joe-king
To: Miller Production, Inc.
Product Development Department
1234 Street Address
Washington, D.C. 20005
Following your header is your cover letter headline, a brief title statement that helps catch the eye of an employer. In this headline, include a keyword related to the position, an eye-catching number or trigger word, a powerful adjective or verb, and a promise to the employer that the letter is for them specifically.
Here is an example of a well-written product manager cover letter headline, followed by a quick breakdown of its main components
My Successful 3-Step Approach to Product Management & How It Will Benefit Your Business
Trigger Word/Number: 3-Step Approach
Keyword: Product Management
Adjective/Verb: Successful, Benefit
Promise: Your Business
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2. Why to tailor the content of your product manager cover letter
Anytime you write a product manager cover letter, you should always tailor the content of that letter for the specific employer and job you are applying to.
By doing so, you show the employer that you have put a great level of effort into your application and also that you have excellent attention to detail.
Tailoring a cover letter requires you to thoroughly research the company beforehand, looking for key details such as:
- The company’s values and workplace culture
- The company’s current goals and projects
- The staff member at the company responsible for hiring managers
This last detail will help you to create a personalized greeting that addresses the specific staff member by name, indicating immediately that the letter has been tailored.
Here are 3 examples of personalized cover letter greetings
- Dear Department Head Jane Doe,
- Dear Ms. Jane Doe,
- Dear Ms. Jane Doe & the Product Development Team,
Pro Tip: Honorifics like Mr., Mrs., and Ms. are extremely important to get right on your cover letter. If you are unsure of the correct honorific for a specific person, opt for using their professional title instead.
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3. What to say in your product manager cover letter introduction
Your cover letter follows your headline and personalized greeting, playing a vital role in hooking the employer’s attention and encouraging them to continue reading.
To write an effective product manager introduction, make sure to include:
- A concise summary of your professional history
- A statement on why you are enthusiastic about applying to this company
- A mutual acquaintance (when possible)
Pro Tip: If you do not have a mutual acquaintance to name, try using LinkedIn or other professional networking sites to connect with current employees and associates of the companies you are most interested in. This can help you gain better insights into what a company is looking for, as well as gain a few new professional acquaintances.
Here is an example of an effective product manager cover letter introduction
Dear Department Head Jane Doe,
I am a product manager with 9+ years of experience overseeing high-level product development and fostering strong shareholder relationships. As your company is a leader in the product development industry, I am thrilled by the opportunity to potentially join your team. My former colleague and friend, Mr. John Smith, is a project manager at your company and strongly recommended I apply for this position.
4. Ways to effectively describe your skills & accomplishments as a product manager
After you have successfully written your product manager introduction, your next step is to write the body paragraphs of your cover letter. A strong product manager cover letter will contain between 2 to 4 body paragraphs that offer key insights into your most relevant skills and accomplishments.
As you write these paragraphs, make sure the information you include is highly specific and contextual. Don’t just plainly state what skills you possess — describe how you have honed these skills and how you apply them in the workplace.
When describing accomplishments, use quantifiable data and details whenever possible. This will help you show the employer the tangible value you have to offer.
Here are 6 examples of product manager skills to describe in your cover letter
- Market trend analysis
- Customer surveying techniques
- Developing product development roadmaps
- Building relationships with stakeholders
- Creative problem-solving
- Defining product vision and objectives
Here is an example of how to describe an accomplishment in a cover letter
As a product manager at [Former Employer], I closely monitored market trends to help determine the best features to add to software and identify the optimal times to release these features. My market research resulted in a 45% increase in customer satisfaction with feature releases and a 30% increase in overall user retention.
5. How to conclude your product manager cover letter persuasively
The final step to writing an excellent product manager cover letter is to create a persuasive conclusion. This conclusion needs to encourage the employer to contact you promptly and give clear instructions on how to best contact you.
The closing statement of your product manager cover letter should include:
- How and when you can be contacted
- When you intend to follow up
- A formal sign-off
Here is an example of a strong closing statement from a product manager cover letter
As your new product manager, I am certain I can increase the satisfaction of both your customers and shareholders. I would love to meet directly within the next week and am available any weekday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The best way to reach me is at (123) 456-7890. If I have not heard back by next Monday, I plan to reach out at that time.
Warm Regards,
[Applicant Name]
If you have ever wondered how a cover letter differs from a resume, this article will tell you everything about the key differences between the two.
