Program Manager Cover Letter (With Template and Example)

Writing an effective cover letter is important when you're looking for a job as a program manager. It's important to tailor your letter to fit a job description's requirements. Learning more about how to write an effective cover letter can help you create an application document that can help employers realize that you're a high-quality candidate. In this article, we explain what a program manager cover letter is, describe how to write one, and provide a template and an example to help you write your own.

Related: Program Manager vs. Project Manager: What's the Difference?

What is a program manager cover letter?

A program manager cover letter is a cover letter that you can write when applying for program manager positions. It's a cover letter that highlights your skills, qualifications, job experience, academic information, and other key information relevant to the role. Showcasing your skills and experience can help hiring managers determine that you're a prime candidate for the position you're applying for and may help them notice you in the early stages of the hiring process. An effective cover letter may also improve your chances of securing a position.

A cover letter is a great way for hiring managers and prospective employers to assess your personality, workflow, and professional goals. Before interviewing you, prospective employers typically read your cover letter, which is why it's important for you to write an impactful, well-written one that effectively and concisely showcases who you are as a professional. Leadership skills, crisis management, and excellent communication skills are important components to include in a cover letter for this role.

Related: 11 Program Manager Interview Questions with Sample Answers

How to write a program manager cover letter

Here's a list of steps you take to write your own cover letter:

1. Include your contact information

Before you begin writing the content, it's important to include your contact information on the cover letter. Include your name, e-mail address, and phone number. You may also choose to include a website if you have one. While including your home address isn't necessary, you may choose to include the city where you live and the province or territory. Ensure that you include the date on which you're writing the letter below your contact information.

2. Write a concise opening statement

Writing an impactful opening statement in a well-structured cover letter is important. The opening statement is a concise and well-written sentence that introduces you as a candidate for the position. It briefly highlights who you are as a professional and expresses your desire to apply for the role. You may also choose to mention how grateful you are for the opportunity to apply for a position at the organization.

3. List your relevant experience and responsibilities at previous jobs

Listing your relevant work experience on your cover letter is important, as it helps hiring managers see what work experience you have and what responsibilities you held at your prior jobs. It's important to mention all the professional achievements and accolades that you may have accomplished in your previous roles. Doing so helps ensure that the hiring managers know that you're a skilled and talented professional. You may choose to include skills such as leadership, communication skills, software knowledge, and problem solving.

Related: How to Describe Your Work Experience on a Resume (With Example)

4. Include your academic details and achievements

It's important to include your academic details and achievements to create an effective cover letter. Listing your academic details helps employers realize that you've had the right training for the position and are a high-quality candidate. Mention any relevant internships that you've completed while studying, as it can increase your chances of securing a position.

5. Write a concise closing

Finish your letter by including any further details that you may have missed. Summarize who you are as a professional and how your skills can help improve the organization. Express how you can help increase productivity and manage challenging situations. In the closing, mention your interest in an interview, either in person, over the phone, or online. Thank the employers for taking their time to review your application.

6. Maintain professional standards

The way that you write your cover letter is important. Ensure that you maintain professional standards when writing the letter. Use professional, formal language and check for punctuation and spelling errors. You can also use a standard 12-point Times New Roman or Arial font.

Related: Top Management Skills Every Manager Needs

Program manager cover letter template

The following is a cover letter template that you may choose to reference when you write your own cover letter:

[Your name]
[Your e-mail address]
[Your phone number]
[City, province or territory]

[Date]

Dear Hiring Manager,

[Opening statement where you introduce yourself, briefly highlight who you are as a professional, and express your interest in the position]

[Highlight your relevant work experience, emphasize any achievements or accolades that you've accomplished, and mention your skills, such as leadership, communication, software knowledge, and crisis mitigation]

[Mention your academic details and achievements and any internship or fellowship experience that you have in this section]

[Include a closing statement where you summarize your letter, describe any additional skills, express an interest in scheduling an interview, and thank the employers for reviewing your application]

Thank you for your time.

Best regards,
[Your name]

Related: What Are the Responsibilities of a Manager?

Example cover letter for program managers

The following is an example of a cover letter that you can reference when creating your own:

Jane Smith
(222) 123-4567
janesmithwork@email.com
jsmith.com
Toronto, Ontario

March 23, 2022

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing this letter to express my interest in the program manager position at your esteemed organization, Red Valley Professionals Co. I am a driven and motivated professional with years of industry experience and believe that a position at your renowned and industry-leading organization can help me in my professional journey to grow and achieve my goals.

During my previous role as a program manager at Corner Hills Group in Ottawa, I had multiple responsibilities, such as monitoring and leading interconnected projects, formulating marketing and sales strategies, participating in client relations, defining project objectives, and ensuring that the teams met their targets while increasing workplace productivity. I supervised project managers, ensuring that they met the organization's deadlines, and created budgets that maximized returns on investment and increased sales and profits.

As an experienced program manager, I deeply understand how important efficiency and productivity are for any organization. My goal is to keep my team motivated and ensure seamless communication within the team to meet our objectives. I am skilled in word processing and various project management software. I possess strong leadership qualities and excellent communication skills and am also a proven problem solver and crisis manager, mitigating crises in my previous role.

As a proud graduate of the business management program at Tallhouse University in London, Ontario, I am confident that my education makes me an ideal candidate for the position. During my time at Tallhouse University, I studied finance, international business, accounting, economics, human resources, marketing and advertising, operations management, and quality control. I also interned at Young Industries, which helped me gain valuable experience. I believe that my education and internship provided me with a strong foundation for a career as a program manager and have made me an effective, fair, and better leader and team player.

Thank you for taking the time to review my application and consider me for the position. I would be delighted to have an interview, either in person or virtually. In addition, I would also like to highlight that I have won Employee of the Year twice in my previous role and was on the president's honour roll at Tallhouse University. I am excited by the opportunity to utilize my training, skills, and experience, and I intend to work diligently and efficiently as the program manager at Red Valley Professionals Co.

Sincerely,
Jane Smith