When writing your program manager cover letter, focus on how you can guide successful initiatives for the company that posted the job. Also, emphasize your related skills like strategic planning, process streamlining, or complex problem-solving.
This guide will help you write a cover letter that gets you interviews for your next job as a program manager.
Program Manager Cover Letter Templates and Examples
- Entry-Level
- Mid-Career
- Senior-Level
How To Write a Program Manager Cover Letter
Your program manager cover letter should usually have five sections, in this order:
1. Heading
At the top of the page, include:
- Your name and contact information
- The date
- The recipient’s name, title, company, and contact information (when available)
(Note: Feel free to omit this section if you send your letter by email and your contact details are part of your signature.)
Example
Marcus Dacelin
123 S Main Street, Branson, MO 65616 | (417) 111-0000 | [email protected]
September 26, 2024
Ms. Lori Taylor
Hiring Manager
NZD Inc.
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
2. Salutation
If you can’t find the recipient’s name, use a variation of “Dear Hiring Manager.”
Examples
Dear Ms. Li:
Dear RZK Institute Hiring Manager:
3. “Hook” or introduction
Catch the reader’s attention by citing an achievement from your resume or a key credential the company seeks in applicants.
Example
In my current role as program manager for MetaBank, I devised a comprehensive training and professional development schedule that improved efficiency by 43% and employee satisfaction by 75%. I hope to drive similar positive results at your firm.
4. Body paragraph(s)
Briefly explain why you fit the role. Then, cite a few more of your key achievements or qualifications, possibly using bullet points.
Example
I’m a forward-looking, articulate IT program manager with three years of experience. I’ve met over 100% of program goals throughout my career by expertly allocating resources, streamlining operations, and unifying and motivating cross-functional teams. My work highlights and qualifications also include the following:
- Led a custom human resources (HR) software project that eliminated four meeting hours per week for 20 employees
- Broad, deep knowledge of project management office (PMO) standard tools and software as a service (SaaS) platforms
- Recently completed Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Kansas State University
- Eager to learn and grow with a team of similarly driven, passionate associates and leaders
5. Closing
Finally, request an interview for the position.
Example
I would welcome the chance to discuss my skills with you further. Please call or email me to arrange an interview. I will follow up soon to confirm you received my resume and see if you have any initial questions. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Tonya Zimmerman
Program Manager Cover Letter Tips
1. Show you can run successful projects and initiatives
Start your letter with a clear example of your success as a program manager. This example should reflect your talent for monitoring, motivating, or aligning project teams. Think in terms of how you’ve improved operations. For instance, maybe you devised a training session that gave project managers a better grasp of long-term company goals.
Example
In my current role as youth project program manager at the Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene Incorporated, I’ve spearheaded public awareness initiatives that caused 54% more young people to access support from the crisis helpline. I hope to drive similar positive results at your organization.
2. Explain why you’re a good fit
On a separate document or sheet of paper, take 10 minutes to brainstorm why this program manager job or employer interests you. For example, maybe the role centers on risk management, an area in which you excel. Or maybe the organization’s cause or mission resonates with you.
When you’re done brainstorming, review your notes: Do any stand out as important or persuasive? Take another 10 minutes to brainstorm and elaborate on them. Repeat this process until you have two or three concise sentences that speak to the job opening. By adding these to your cover letter, you can show hiring managers you read their job posting and are responding to it directly.
Example
I’m drawn to your group’s mission to lead high-impact community projects and residential programs. This has been the focus of my seven years as a program manager and volunteer for Chicago-based nonprofits.
3. List your other work highlights
Add a short list of bullet points to show your success in other key work areas for a program manager, such as cost reduction or resource allocation. Cite data reflecting how you’ve met program goals, deadlines, or budget requirements. Also, consider using this section to spell out the positive impact of similar programs or initiatives you’ve led.
Example
My work highlights and qualifications include the following:
- Monitored program milestones and outcomes and quickly solved problems, resulting in 34% faster progress toward goals in 2020
- Actively created opportunities for remote knowledge sharing and innovated new ways to spur collaboration across a wide region
- Pinpointed five key ways to improve training and performance of a remote workforce
- Excellent risk management and mitigation skills, with a talent for contingency planning to avoid foreseeable issues
Program Manager Text-Only Cover Letter Templates and Examples
- Entry-Level
- Mid-Career
- Senior-Level
Tonya Zimmerman
109 My Road, Albany, NY 32109 | (901) 234-5678 | [email protected]
Monday, September 26, 2024
Ms. Meiling Li
Hiring Manager
RZK Institute
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
Dear Ms. Li:
In my current role as Youth Project Program Manager at the Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene Incorporated, I’ve spearheaded public awareness initiatives that caused 54% more young people to access support from the crisis helpline. I hope to drive similar positive results at your organization.
I’m drawn to your group’s mission to lead high-impact community projects and residential programs. I believe I can support these efforts based on my skill and experience in these areas:
- Program Management: More than seven years’ experience focused on developing and guiding programs for substance abuse treatment and mental health
- Organization: Carefully allocated and documented all program resources, leading to 100% attainment of deadlines and budget requirements
- Motivational Leadership: Guided a team to deliver training that improved educators’ confidence in discussing sensitive issues with students
- Talent Acquisition: Recruited and onboarded five new staff members in 2020
I would welcome the chance to discuss my skills with you further. Please call or email me to arrange an interview. I will follow up with you soon to confirm you received my resume and see if you have any initial questions. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Tonya Zimmerman
Program Manager Cover Letter Frequently Asked Questions
How long should my cover letter be?-
No more than one page, or around 250 words. Resist the urge to tell your whole career story, even if you have an extensive background as a program manager. Give just enough detail to pique hiring managers’ interest so they take a closer look at your resume.
What’s the best way to start a cover letter? -
With a clear example of your success in the role you’re after. The concept of “show, don’t tell” absolutely applies to your cover letter’s opening. For instance, don’t just tell the hiring manager you’re a “proactive program manager.” Show you’re proactive by citing a time you exceeded expectations or found a new way to enhance project oversight.
How do I avoid using “I” statements in a cover letter?-
There’s nothing wrong with having multiple “I” statements on your cover letter. But when you use them to start three or more sentences in a row, it can distract the hiring manager. A quick fix: Reorder details in one sentence so the “I” statement appears later. For example, say one of your sentences is: “I’m confident I can advance your team’s goals, based on my six years’ experience in health care program management.” Consider switching it to: “With six years’ experience managing health care programs, I’m confident I can advance your team’s goals.”
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