General Manager cover letter example

What makes this cover letter great

This cover letter is a strong example because it clearly demonstrates the candidate’s relevant experience, quantifies achievements, and aligns their skills with the requirements of a General Manager role. The letter highlights leadership, financial acumen, and strategic planning abilities, all supported by specific results. It also references both educational background and technical proficiency, showing a well-rounded candidate. The tone is confident and professional, and the letter is tailored to the position.

Cover letter example for General Manager

Strong cover letter

I am excited to submit my application for the General Manager position. With over 10 years of progressive leadership experience in operations, team management, and strategic planning, I am confident in my ability to drive organizational success and foster a high-performance culture. In my previous role as Operations Manager at Acme Corporation, I led a team of 50 employees, overseeing daily operations, budgeting, and process improvements. My efforts resulted in a 20% increase in operational efficiency and a 15% reduction in costs over two years. I possess strong financial acumen, having managed multi-million dollar budgets and conducted regular financial analysis to inform decision-making. My leadership style emphasizes open communication, employee development, and a commitment to excellence. I am eager to bring my expertise in leadership, operations, and strategic planning to your organization and contribute to its continued growth and success.

Weak cover letter

I am applying for the General Manager position. I have some experience in management and am interested in working for your company. I have worked with teams before and am familiar with business operations. I hope to use my skills to help your organization. Thank you for considering my application.

Cover letter best practices

Tailor Each Cover Letter to being a General 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.