What makes this cover letter great
This cover letter is great because it clearly highlights the candidate's relevant experience, leadership skills, and technical expertise. It provides specific, quantifiable achievements (such as increasing customer retention by 30%) and demonstrates an understanding of both people management and technical requirements. The letter is concise, well-structured, and tailored to the Engineering Manager role. It also shows passion for team building and process improvement, which are key qualities for the position.
Cover letter example for Engineering Manager
Strong cover letter
I am excited to apply for the Engineering Manager position, bringing over 10 years of experience in software engineering and team leadership. My background includes managing cross-functional teams, driving agile development processes, and delivering high-quality products on schedule. At Tech Solutions Inc., I led a team of 15 engineers, overseeing the successful launch of a cloud-based analytics platform that increased customer retention by 30%. I am skilled in mentoring engineers, fostering a culture of innovation, and collaborating with product and design teams to align technical solutions with business goals. My technical expertise spans Java, Python, cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure), and CI/CD pipelines. I am passionate about building diverse, high-performing teams and implementing best practices in software development. I am confident that my leadership skills and technical acumen make me a strong fit for your organization.
Weak cover letter
I am applying for the Engineering Manager job. I have worked in software engineering for a while and have managed some teams. I know some programming languages and have used cloud services. I think I would do well in this role and hope to hear from you soon.
Cover letter best practices
Tailor Each Cover Letter to being a Engineering Manager
Avoid generic letters. Customize your content to reflect the specific job description, company values, and how your experience aligns with their needs.
Use a Professional Format
Stick to a clean, business-like layout with consistent fonts, spacing, and margins. Match the formatting of your resume for a cohesive application package.
Address the Right Person
Whenever possible, address the letter to a specific individual (e.g., “Dear Ms. Johnson”). Use LinkedIn or the company website to find the hiring manager’s name.
Start with a Strong Opening
Capture attention in the first paragraph by stating the position, expressing genuine interest, and previewing the value you’ll bring to the role.
Highlight Relevant Achievements
Focus on 1–2 specific accomplishments that relate directly to the job. Use metrics, outcomes, or project details to demonstrate impact.
Show You Understand the Company
Demonstrate knowledge of the company’s mission, recent news, or culture. This shows you’ve done your homework and care about where you work.
Explain Career Transitions Briefly
If you’re changing industries, roles, or returning to work, provide context for your move and highlight transferable skills.
Keep It Concise and Focused
Limit your letter to one page and avoid repeating your resume. Aim for clarity and brevity—ideally 3–4 paragraphs.
Use a Confident, Professional Tone
Write assertively without arrogance. Avoid overused buzzwords unless supported by real examples.
Close with a Clear Call to Action
End with a confident statement of interest, and invite the employer to connect or schedule an interview.
Proofread Carefully
Typos and grammatical errors can ruin a strong letter. Review it multiple times, and consider reading it out loud or asking someone else to check it.