A marketing cover letter is a one-page document that accompanies a resume or job application form when applying for a marketing job.
The letter highlights the applicant’s skills, experiences, and qualifications and helps establish why they should be considered for the marketing job they have applied for.
Before applying for an open marketing position, it is important that you first go through the job advertisement and see the skills, experience, and qualifications required for the job; this information is usually included under the job requirement, preferred qualifications, or required skills in the job advertisement.
After analyzing and noting down the requirements for the job, the next step is to create a draft letter and see how to incorporate the specific keyword phrases in the letter. It is important to include the skills, qualifications, and level of experience listed in the job advertisement. Most employers nowadays use applicant tracking systems to filter the first round of job applications to remain with only those that meet the specified qualifications.
Most employers usually use applicant tracking systems to rank applicants according to the positioning of specified keywords and the number of times they are used in their application.
Free Templates
How to Write: Step-by-Step Guide
After writing the rough draft, the next step is to craft the letter more professionally to establish yourself as an ideal candidate for the position. Here is what to include and how to phrase the cover letter to help you stand out and be considered a strong candidate for the position:
Salutation
Start the letter by using a professional greeting or salutation. In most cases, the job advertisement will include whom to address the letter to; if not included, address it to the hiring manager or Human Resources.
EXAMPLE
You may consider using “Dear Mr./Mrs.” Suppose the person’s name to address the letter to is included in the job advertisement, and “Dear Hiring Manager” if no name is included.
note
Avoid using common phrases such as “To Whom It May Concern,” as this may give the hiring manager a sense that you didn’t take your time to find out about the company.
Introduce yourself
In the next paragraph, introduce yourself by stating who you are (your full name), why you are writing the letter, where you saw the job advertisement, and a brief description of where you are in your career journey.
EXAMPLE
My name is John Doe, and I am a search engine optimization expert. I saw your advertisement for the SEO expert position at Info magazine, and I would like to tender my application for the position.
Highlight your marketing skills
Marketing is very broad, and different skills are usually required for different jobs. Go through the list you made from the job posting and look at some of the required skills for the job. In addition to adding the skills required by the employer, include other unique skills that will help the hiring manager identify you as a strong candidate for the position.
Some of the skills that you may want to include in the cover letter include:
- Creativity
- Sales skills
- Problem-solving skills
- People skills
- Organizational skills
- Customer service skills
- Flexibility
- Decision-making skills
- Attention to detail
- Google Drive and Microsoft Office
- Accounting Skills and knowledge using accounting software
- Content management skills and knowledge using Content workflow software
- Project management skills and knowledge using project management software such as Confluence, Microsoft Project, and Microsoft SharePoint
note
Do not congest your cover letter with skills just to impress the hiring manager; make sure that if you include any technical skills, such as knowledge using specific software, you can deliver what you say you can. Some employers may give you a hands-on test during the interview to determine if you can do what you have stated in the cover letter and if you are the ideal candidate for the job.
Connect your past experiences with the job requirements
Connect your past experiences and accomplishments in one or two paragraphs. Make sure that you only provide experiences or accomplishments that are directly related to the job or those that will directly add value to the position you are applying for. Focus more on some of your most recent accomplishments, skills, experiences, and qualifications. If possible, consider quantifying your accomplishments with data and facts.
EXAMPLE
I believe that having worked as the sales and marketing coordinator before, I will be able to drive in more traffic and significantly increase your company’s sales. Here are things that I managed to achieve as the sales and marketing coordinator:
Provide examples of achievements
Provide relevant examples of your achievements that make you best suited for the position that you are applying for. Here are two main things to consider when writing this section:
Use specific examples
Unlike your resume, your cover letter should provide more personalized information. One way to ensure that it conveys a more personalized touch is to use relevant real-life examples of the times you demonstrated your skills or qualities in a specific role. Examples usually prove that you have what it takes to complete a given job and have the skills to ensure that it is done in the right way.
EXAMPLE
During my time at ABC Company, I managed to improve the sales from 30% to 65% within six months as the sales and marketing director. I was also in charge of the Nature Drive Event, which increased our customer sign-ups by 30% and customer retention by 45%.
Include relevant experiences
Experiences are what make us better at what we do. Even if you have never worked on a marketing job before, include some of the experiences where you demonstrated the skills and abilities required for the job.
Here are some of the experiences that you may consider including in your cover letter:
- I assisted clients in making better and more informed purchase decisions by walking them through the specific products, thereby increasing sales from $9759 to $10,900 in six months
- Managed the distribution channels and increased lead generation, increasing the overall sales by 30%
- Implemented cost-saving programs to increase the efficiency of all the workers and improve the sales and delivery processes to increase the company’s profit margin by 12%
End with a strong closing statement
To establish yourself as a strong candidate, you need to have a strong closing statement. One that will entice the hiring manager to want to schedule an immediate meeting with you to learn more about you and your qualifications for the job. A well-crafted closing statement helps showcase your enthusiasm for the job to the hiring manager, reiterates how your skills can add value to the organization, and increases your chances of qualifying for the next step of the hiring process.
EXAMPLE
I believe that my skills, and qualifications, coupled with my dedication, drive, and adaptability, make me an excellent candidate for the marketing role at your organization.
Thank the hiring manager
Hiring managers usually get tons of applications every day. It is important to thank them for taking the time to go through your cover letter.
EXAMPLE
Thank you for considering my application for the marketing position at your organization.
Include a call to action
Express your gratitude to the hiring manager and invite them to review your resume. Also, reiterate your interest in the job and set a time for when you will follow up with a call or email.
EXAMPLE
If possible, I would really appreciate setting up an appointment for a personal interview. I would really like to know more about your organization and the specific roles accorded to this role. Thank you for your time and consideration. I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Sign off
Close the letter with a professional sign-off. Include a professional closing remark, your name, signature, and contact information, i.e., your phone number and email address.
EXAMPLE
Sincerely,
John Doe
9719 New York, NY 27
555-555-555
johndoe@email.com
Sample Marketing Cover Letters
Following are some samples for your better understanding:
Cover Letter Sample 1: For a Digital Marketing Position
Dear Mr. Smith,
I am writing to express my keen interest in the Digital Marketing Specialist position listed on LinkedIn. With a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and three years of experience in social media and content marketing, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your team at Sunrise Technologies.
In my current role at Creative Solutions Inc., I have successfully managed multiple social media campaigns, leading to a 30% increase in online engagement and a 20% increase in website traffic. My expertise in SEO and Google Analytics has enabled me to enhance the online visibility of the brands I have worked with. Additionally, my passion for staying up-to-date with the latest digital marketing trends has allowed me to implement innovative strategies that drive growth and customer engagement.
I am particularly excited about the opportunity at Sunrise Technologies because of your commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology in marketing strategies. I am eager to bring my creative ideas and data-driven approach to your team, contributing to your continued success in the digital marketing space.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with the goals of Sunrise Technologies. I am available at your convenience for an interview and can be reached at 555-123-4567 or via email at jane.doe@email.com.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Cover Letter Sample 2: For an Entry-Level Marketing Position
Dear Ms. Johnson,
I am excited to apply for the Marketing Coordinator position at Innovative Designs, as advertised on Indeed. As a recent graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and a passion for creative brand strategy, I am eager to bring my fresh perspective and enthusiasm to your dynamic marketing team.
During my internship at Market Masters Agency, I had the opportunity to work on various marketing projects, including market research, content creation, and assisting in the development of marketing collateral. This experience, coupled with my academic background, has equipped me with a solid foundation in marketing principles and a keen understanding of the importance of brand messaging and audience engagement.
What excites me most about the position at Innovative Designs is your focus on sustainable and eco-friendly design practices. I am particularly impressed by your recent “Green Living” campaign and would be thrilled to contribute to similar initiatives.
I am highly motivated to learn and grow within the field of marketing, and I believe that a position at Innovative Designs would be an ideal place to start my professional career. I am confident that my proactive approach and commitment to excellence will make me a valuable addition to your team.
Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and enthusiasm can contribute to the innovative marketing efforts at Innovative Designs. Please feel free to contact me at 555-987-6543 or via email at john.miller@email.com to arrange an interview.
Sincerely,
John Miller
Key points
Let us find out what makes these sample letters useful guides.
- Both letters begin by clearly stating the position the applicant is interested in. This immediate clarity helps the reader understand the context without any confusion.
- Each applicant mentions their educational qualifications and professional experience relevant to the job. This helps establish credibility and shows that they meet the basic requirements for the position.
- The first letter highlights specific achievements and skills. The second letter, suitable for an entry-level position, focuses more on educational background and internship experience. This detail helps the reader understand the applicant’s capabilities.
- Both applicants make a point to connect their interests and skills with the company’s focus areas. This shows they have done their research and are genuinely interested in the company’s work.
- The tone is professional yet enthusiastic, which is engaging and suitable for a cover letter. It shows respect while also conveying a strong interest in the position.
- Each letter ends with a thank you note, a statement expressing their eagerness to discuss their fit with the company further, and their contact information. This makes it easy for the employer to follow up.
- The letters are well-structured with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. This organization makes them easy to read and understand.
Free Template (Text)
Marketing cover letter template
[Your name]
[Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Email address]
Dear [Hiring manager’s name],
I am ________[ your full name], and I am writing in response to the _________ advertisement listed on your __. I would like to share my interest in this position, as I believe that I possess the relevant qualifications and skills required for this position.
Over the past__________ years/months, I have worked as the ___ at __. My experience taught me about the value of strong marketing skills and the importance of providing quality products. I am looking for an opportunity in your organization to put my skills and knowledge to use to benefit you.
During my years working at __________, I assisted in _____ and made _______. I was also able to ____ within ______________by doing ______________.
I would like the opportunity to meet up with you to speak about the ____ position at your organization. I will call your office to follow up on ___ if I would not have heard from you by then. Thank you so much for your time and consideration of my application.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Signature]
[Phone number]
[Email]
Tips for Writing the Best Marketing Cover Letter
A cover letter can make or break your chances of proceeding to the next phase of the hiring process. To ensure that you do everything the right way, here are some tips that you should consider when writing your cover letter:
- Begin with a sample template: Consider using a template to help guide you on what to include to ensure that you don’t leave out any important information that may lower your chances of being considered for the job. You can also use a sample to help you find the right words and tone to use when writing your cover letter.
- Use a business letter format: It is a formal letter, and hence, a standard business letter format should be used when writing it.
- Match your letter to the job: Ensure that your letter is in line with the job that you are applying for. Do not use one cover letter to apply for different roles at different organizations. Take your time to tailor a cover letter for each job you are applying for.
- Use keywords: Since most employers nowadays use different software to filter out candidates during the hiring process, make sure to use keyword phrases included in the job advertisement to increase your chances of being selected by the software used.
- Edit your letter: The last thing you should do is to edit your letter. Don’t send the letter without proofreading. Ensure your letter is free from spelling errors and that your grammar is as good as perfect.
Final Thoughts
When applying for a job, your cover letter can make or break your chances of being selected to proceed to the next phase of the hiring process. It is important that you consider all the key items included in this guide to ensure that you craft a great cover letter. Make sure to proofread and ensure that the letter is free from any grammatical or syntax mistakes before submitting the letter, as minor mistakes may prove costly when applying for a job.
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