How to Write a Product Manager Cover Letter

Product Manager cover letters are brief but important documents that tell an employer why you are the best candidate for a Product Manager job. They detail who you are and what experience you have in product management.

Your cover letter should complement your resume (but not replicate it). In the cover letter, focus and expand on one or two of your most relevant product management successes. Articulate the value you could bring as a Product Manager.

Employers may receive hundreds of applications for Product Manager positions. To craft a Product Manager cover letter that stands out, keep these best practices in mind.

Product Managers have excellent research skills, and you will want to put those to use when writing your cover letter. Learn more about the company’s work and values so you can tailor your cover letter to their needs.

Each cover letter should highlight your most relevant skills and explain why you’re interested in the particular company. Avoid generic cover letters—a hiring manager may view it as a lack of interest.

Your cover letter should fit on maximum one page . Make sure to highlight your most relevant experiences.

Stick with a clean, easy-to-read cover letter design. Your layout should not distract from the content.

Your cover letter should expand upon the skills you list on your resume. Choose a few of your most relevant product management experiences. Then, describe your role/responsibilities and the outcomes. Explain how your background and experience would be an asset to the company. If you are new to product management and do not have as much work experience in your career, focus on transferable skills. Explain how your skills overlap with a Product Manager’s skill set.

Before you submit your cover letter, check—then double-check—for any spelling or grammar errors. Consider sending your cover letter to a peer or experienced Product Manager for feedback or suggestions.

Your cover letter should convince Hiring Managers to move you along in the hiring process for a Product Manager position. To do this, your cover letter needs to tell a great story and showcase how you can help the company. Put your communication skills in action and craft a compelling narrative about your experience and skills. Show employers that you’re the right fit. As you write your Product Manager cover letter, keep these questions in mind:

• Why are you the best candidate?
• Why are you interested in product management?
• Why do you want to work for this company?

Your Product Manager cover letter should follow this general structure:

1. Heading, including your name and contact information
2. Date
3. The Hiring Manager’s name and title, and the company’s name and address
4. Greeting
5. Introductory paragraph
6. Body paragraph(s)
7. Closing paragraph
8. Sign off

Your Product Manager cover letter should include a heading, short introduction, overview of your product management skills and experience, explanation of why you’re applying, and a brief conclusion.

Include your name, email address and phone number on your cover letter. You can also include your website/portfolio and LinkedIn page.

Include the full name and job title of the cover letter’s recipient. Refer to the job posting for this information. If the posting does not include a contact, find the name of the Hiring Manager through the company website or LinkedIn.

Your introduction should be brief but engaging—it needs to capture the reader’s attention right away. Your cover letter should state the position you are applying for and why you would be a great Product Manager.

Go through the job posting and identify the most important skills for the position. Highlight how you have the necessary skills to excel, and make sure to prove it with examples of past accomplishments.

Consider your most impressive accomplishments as a Product Manager. Your cover letter should highlight the impact you had and, where possible, back up your achievements with numbers and figures. If you have a product management certification, that is certainly worth mentioning.

Employers are looking for candidates with enthusiasm and interest in their company. Your cover letter should explain what excites you about the role—this may include the projects, industry, people or values.

Keep the ending short and to the point. Reiterate your skills and enthusiasm, and encourage the employer to contact you for an interview.

Here are a few samples of a Product Manager cover letter that you can refer to as you begin writing.

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I’m excited to apply for the Product Manager position at XYZ Company. I have a passion for developing innovative technology and experience in coordinating the full product development lifecycle. With my skills and experience, I would be an excellent addition to the XYZ Company team.

At my current role at 123 Technologies, I am responsible for the strategic planning, research, analysis, QA testing and product launch of our company’s many products. I recently led the development of a delivery service app, which just hit 100,000 downloads. I am skilled in ensuring stakeholder buy-in and working with various teams to successfully launch products.

XYZ Company is building the type of technology that excites me as a Product Manager and a consumer. I am particularly enthusiastic about XYZ Company’s focus on mobile app development. As someone who has managed the development of more than 10 unique apps, I am confident I can bring the necessary insight and experience to your team.

I would be happy to discuss my qualifications in more detail. Please feel free to contact me to set up a time to chat. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Thank you,

[Name]

Hello [Hiring Manager],

As a skilled Product Manager with more than 3 years of experience bringing products to market, I am eager to join XYZ Company in the role of Product Manager. Similar to XYZ Company, I am passionate about launching products that solve problems and meet customers’ needs.

I have delivered numerous successful products during my career as Product Manager at 123 Technology. For example, I co-led the launch of a new customer management software, and demonstrated strong collaboration skills through working with the design, engineering, marketing and sales departments. The software has led to a 99% customer satisfaction rate.

I admire XYZ Company’s commitment to innovation. Your most recent work with City Services was particularly inspiring. I look forward to bringing my passion and expertise in research, planning and design to help XYZ Company continue to grow.

I am eager to discuss how my skills can contribute to XYZ Company’s future. I have included my resume with my application. Thank you for your time.

Best regards,

[Name]

[Full Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email]
[Website, LinkedIn]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Hiring Manager’s Job Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],

I am excited to join [company] as a [job title]. I have experience in [list experiences], and I am skilled in [list skills]. I would be a great match for this position.

As the [current/past job] at [current/previous company], I am responsible for [list main responsibilities]. During my time there, I [discuss major accomplishments as a Product Mananger].

I am particularly inspired by [discuss one of the company’s projects or values]. I am applying for the [job title] position because [reasons you are excited about the company]. I look forward to bringing my expertise in [list skills that are relevant to the position].

I have attached my resume, with more information on my skills, education and work experiences. Please feel free to contact me at [contact information]. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

[Name]