How to Write a Product Manager Cover Letter: Examples + Tips
How to Write a Product Manager Cover Letter: Examples + Tips
See a pitch-perfect product manager cover letter example that passes the quality assurance test flawlessly. With a letter like that, your new job is just around the corner.
Aleksandra Makal
Career Expert
So you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and join a new company. Whether you want to work for a startup or a mature business, you’ve probably written a great product manager resume to win the interview.
But that's not enough. There's one more thing you need to pass the quality check. And that's a product manager cover letter. Not sure how to make one? We'll teach you.
In this article:
Two product manager cover letter examples: a mid-level one, and a cover letter for entry-level positions.
How to write a cover letter for a product manager that gets interviews, including formatting tips.
Ready-made product manager cover letter templates, where you can fill in the blanks with your own information.
I had an interview yesterday and the first thing they said on the phone was: “Wow! I love your cover letter.” Patrick
I love the variety of templates. Good job guys, keep up the good work! Dylan
My previous cover letter was really weak and I used to spend hours adjusting it in Word. Now, I can introduce any changes within minutes. Absolutely wonderful! George
For starters, see these two great cover letter examples:
Product Manager Cover Letter Samples
Say hello to Terrell, who is applying for the position of Product Manager at a company that is looking for someone experienced in customer research and managing product lifecycle.
Terrell has done all that and more... He’s had fabulous results, which he skillfully demonstrated in his product manager cover letter:
Product Manager Cover Letter Example: Experienced Candidate
Terrell Ritch
Product Manager
1592 Chicago Avenue
Fresno, CA 93721
559-503-2772
TerrellRitch@gmail.com
linkedin.com/in/t-ritch91
Fresno, July 2, 2021
Robert Adler
Head of Innovation Team
Snow Buffalo
697 Melm Street
Fresno, CA 93215
Dear Mr. Adler,
I read your advertisement for a product manager with great interest, and I am ready to take my career to the next level at Snow Buffalo. With more than 7 years of experience as a Product Manager in the ski & snowboard industry, I am adept in customer research, managing product lifecycle and skillfully leading cross-functional teams to bring to market products on time, on budget and at the highest possible and best-in-class quality standards.
At Colder I worked closely with program management, marketing, sales, legal, and creative teams on product assets and campaigns and was accountable for over $175M in product revenue. Worked with designers and buyers on development of 11 new snowboard and ski lines from concept to finish product. Moreover, I have a sophisticated understanding of customer needs that helped me create strategies that drove consumers looking for the new product. This resulted in a 34% yearly increase of revenue from e-commerce alone.
Given the opportunity, I believe that I would achieve the same magnificent results for Snow Buffalo. I also truly admire your company’s commitment to diversity and would feel privileged to be a member of the team.
I would love to discuss these results and the many others I can offer you in a meeting. Please contact me at your earliest convenience.
Kind regards,
Terrell Ritch
559-503-2772
TerrellARitch@gmail.com
Terrell is obviously no layman. But not all applicants are that seasoned.
So, what if you’re applying with an entry-level cover letter? Well, there are ways that you could leverage your experience, whether academic or professional, to start a new career. Here’s how Julia did it:
Entry-Level Product Manager Cover Letter Example
Julia Rhodes
Retail Product Manager
472 Emeral Dreams Drive
Burr Ridge, IL 60527
815-324-1711
JuliaRRhode@yahoo.com
linkedin.com/in/julia.rhode
Burr Ridge, July 12, 2020
Margie Harrell
Head of Product & Design
Canzare
1374 Braxton Street
Compton, IL 61318
Dear Mrs. Harrell,
I was very excited to find your advertisement for an entry-level product manager. I strongly believe that my experience working in administrative and retail positions, as well as my education, align well with the qualification you are seeking at Canzare.
As a recent Management graduate of UIC, I have a significant background in product management theory and skills development. During my time as a student, I have also worked part-time as a sales associate and as an administrative assistant. As a retail specialist at Mighton I acquired hands-on experience in merchandise displays and retail operations, as well as team collaboration and leadership. I have achieved the company goal of 100% customer satisfaction monthly through courteous attention to detail and problem-solving on a one-to-one basis. Managed to increase sales by 23% within a month. After 3 years, I was promoted to work at Mighton’s corporate office as an administrative assistant, where I planned and coordinated logistics and materials for board meetings, committee meetings and staff events. My duties also included assisting the product manager with product knowledge and maintaining shipment schedules of the company's merchandise. Assisted in developing the 2014 and 2015 product roadmap for the winter and spring outdoor wear lines, which sold over 1M units altogether.
I am very enthusiastic about the chance to work at Canzare, as I admire the company’s customer-centric commitment to its Value, Transparency and Sustainability. I’m confident that I would make meaningful contributions to the position and bring your team results that you are expecting.
Could we schedule a meeting or phone call to discuss my qualifications?
Julia Rhodes
815-324-1711
JuliaRRhode@yahoo.com
See? With this kind of cover letter, Julia can definitely be expecting an invitation for an interview.
Think of your cover letter as an PRD that defines the product's purpose, features, functionality, and behavior. Your cover letter does the same thing for you. It represents your personality and your enthusiasm for the job.
So—It should be easy to read and understand. The easiest way to write a cover letter that’s sure to get you a callback is to follow the formatting rules.
2. Start With a Professional Cover Letter Header That Includes All Your Details
Let’s start off easy: Copy your resume heading to the top left-hand side of your cover letter. Adding your high-quality LinkedIn profile is also a great way to offer extra details.
Right below your contact information, put the city and date and, beneath that—the details of the person you are addressing your cover letter to.
Like this:
Associate Product Manager Cover Letter: Header
[ Your Full Name]
[ Your Job Title ] (Optional)
[ Address ]
[ Phone Number ]
[ Email Address ]
[ LinkedIn Profile ] (Optional)
[ City and Date ]
[ Hiring Manager’s Full Name ]
[ Hiring Manager’s Position ]
[ Company Name ]
[ Company Street Address ]
[ City and Zip Code ]
Extra Hint: Are cover letters really necessary? Actually, research confirms that 56% of employers prefer applications with a cover letter, so including one might definitely increase your chances of getting hired.
Double your impact with a matching resume and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter generator and make your application documents pop out.
Want to try a different look? There's 21 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here.
3. Introduce Yourself and Refer to the Job Title
Here’s a tip: The first step in your Go-to-Market Strategy is… using the hiring manager’s name. Surprised? Well, not making your cover letter appear generic, but more personal, is the first rule to significantly reducing recruiter churn.
However, if you don’t know the name of the person you’re addressing your product manager cover letter to, or if you’re not sure of their gender—always start your cover letter with “Dear Hiring Manager”. Studies have shown that this is the most preferred salutation.
Next, introduce yourself and identify the position you are applying for. Make sure to show off one of your most important career accomplishments as well.
Make your cover letter for a product manager short, sweet, and to the point.
Here’s a template for you to use:
Cover Letter Template Product Manager: Introduction
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
As a product manager with [X]+ years of experience and a proven track record in [Achievement 1 with metric], I am very excited to finally meet a challenge that is right for me, that being the open position of Product Manager at [Target Employer Name]. I believe I am ready to [achieve something important to the employer].
When talking about your professional accomplishments, always use metrics. Cold, hard facts are definitely more convincing than generalities.
4. Talk Up Your Product Manager Skills and Make Them the Reason to Hire You
This part right here is the most important section of your product manager cover letter. Your value proposition. In order for hiring managers to determine whether you're the best candidate for the job, you must link your past achievements with the job description.
Jot down the most important requirements and responsibilities listed in the job ad. Think about what professional skills you have that proved to be successful for you in the past.
Just like this:
Sample Cover Letter for a Product Manager: Motivation Paragraph
Your job posting calls for a[Position Name]with experience in[refer to the requirements of the job]. As a[Previous Position Title]at [Name of Your Most Recent Company], I have excelled at[responsibilities, duties, or projects you’ve successfully completed, supported by metrics, if possible]. I believe converting those key skills into success for[Target Company Name]would just be a matter of time.
5. Express Your Enthusiasm for That Product Manager Job
In order to make employers understand your LTV, you must prove to them that you have done your research and mention something that you admire about them. Companies that are hiring are looking for someone who not only fits the position, but the company culture, values and mission as well. And that must be reflected in your product manager cover letter.
Shower them with compliments and give them a reason to reach out to you.
Product Manager Cover Letter Example: Last Paragraph
I find it exciting that at [Target Company Name], you are all about[values/way of working/something you genuinely admire about the company]. This reflects my personal approach, which is why I believe working at[Target Company Name] would be the ideal opportunity for me to grow while providing world-class results.
Now that ought to make your job hunt successful.
6. Ask Them for the Interview
In your product manager cover letter, you want to give off a vibe of a person who’s what they want. So, don’t be shy and request a meeting.
How? Reiterate your best skills and emphasize your personal value.
When can we schedule a call or a meeting to discuss how my [your most relevant skill/their most important requirement] experience can help[Target Company Name] achieve [something important to this company]?
Best regards,
[Digital Copy of Your Handwritten Signature]
[Your Full Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
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Key Points
Here's how to write a cover letter for product management jobs:
Format your product manager cover letter to make it look like a business letter.
Find out who to address the cover letter to and use that person’s name in the salutation.
Tell them which position you are applying for in the introduction paragraph.
List your proudest accomplishments in the middle paragraph, and support them with numbers.
Show them why you want to work for them.
End your product manager cover letter by asking for an interview.
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Written byAleksandra Makal
Aleksandra is a career expert with a solid professional background in various industries. At ResumeLab, she shares her knowledge, insights and expertise with all applicants looking to make a career move with a perfect resume and cover letter that guarantee recognition and success.