Writing a strong cover letter requires close attention to detail, from the tone of voice to avoiding those pesky spelling or grammar mistakes.
Overlooking similar small details can weaken your application.
Many candidates also struggle with how to address the letter, often opting for 'Dear Sir or Madam' when they can’t find the correct contact. This can make your cover letter feel impersonal.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to perfect these crucial elements, ensuring your cover letter is polished and professional without relying on clichés.
Cover letter examples for general manager
Explore additional general manager cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Assistant General Manager
- Highlighting Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively showcases Rosie's extensive experience in healthcare management, specifically in paediatric services, which aligns closely with the role's requirements.
- Emphasising Achievements: The letter mentions key accomplishments, such as a 20% increase in patient satisfaction and significant cost savings, which demonstrate Rosie's impact and effectiveness in previous roles.
- Relevant Certifications and Courses: By mentioning the Six Sigma Green Belt Certification and Advanced Healthcare Management course, the letter highlights Rosie's commitment to continuous professional development in operational and strategic management.
- Passion for Healthcare Innovation: By connecting personal passions to professional achievements, the cover letter enhances Rosie's credibility and suitability for a role focused on innovative and efficient healthcare solutions.
Deputy General Manager
- Highlighting Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively emphasises over 8 years of experience in hospitality, with specific roles in managing teams, operations, and events, which directly align with the responsibilities of a Deputy General Manager in this industry.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Including precise metrics such as a 15% increase in customer satisfaction and a 20% boost in revenues provides concrete evidence of the candidate's ability to drive growth and improve service quality.
- Skills and Education Alignment: The mention of an MBA and a Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management, combined with skills in client relations, cost control, and event planning, underscores the candidate's qualifications and readiness for the role.
- Certifications and Advanced Courses: Citing certifications like "Advanced Hospitality Management" from Cornell University highlights a commitment to continuous learning and mastery in hospitality management, which is crucial for leadership roles in the field.
Senior General Manager
- Emphasise leadership and strategic planning skills, such as spearheading projects that boost efficiency and implementing a safety-first culture, to showcase capability in logistics operations management.
- Highlight measurable achievements, like achieving a consistent 95% on-time delivery rate and increasing warehouse efficiency by 30%, to demonstrate the candidate's proven track record of success.
- Mention expertise in automated warehousing and continuous improvement initiatives, illustrating an alignment with modern logistics and supply chain trends.
- Showcase skills in client relationship management and team development, which are essential for forging strategic partnerships and maintaining high employee satisfaction in senior managerial roles.
Junior General Manager
- Emphasising a proven track record in driving sales, as demonstrated by the 30% increase in membership sales, which is crucial for a General Manager role focusing on Operations Excellence and Sales Leadership.
- Highlighting leadership and team development capabilities by showcasing the coaching and advancement of a team of 10 department heads, resulting in improved employee satisfaction.
- Showcasing significant achievements in enhancing operational standards, such as the 25% reduction in incident reports due to a health and safety programme overhaul, which strengthens the candidate’s attribute of ensuring operational excellence.
- Emphasising educational credentials and certifications pertinent to the role, such as the Bachelor of Science in Sports Management and the CIMSPA certification in Leisure Facility Management, underlining strategic leadership and facility operations expertise.
By Role
General Manager of Operations
- Highlighting significant experiences such as leading initiatives that increased client satisfaction scores and reduced operational costs can showcase value and results-driven expertise for a leadership role.
- Emphasising strong leadership skills and effective team management, as evidenced by reduced employee turnover and increased team productivity, is crucial for a General Manager position.
- Mentioning specific education and advanced courses, such as an MBA and courses on strategic leadership, highlights a commitment to continual professional development, important for the strategic aspect of the role.
- Including achievements related to cost reduction strategies and financial successes helps underscore financial acumen, which is essential for roles involving financial management and operational efficiency.
General Sales Manager
- Emphasising Leadership and Team Management Skills: The cover letter effectively highlights skills in leadership, team management, and mentoring, which are crucial for a General Sales Manager to drive performance and develop a productive salesforce.
- Showcasing Proven Sales Success: By providing specific achievements, such as increasing revenue by significant percentages and enhancing customer satisfaction scores, the cover letter effectively demonstrates the candidate's ability to deliver results consistently.
- Highlighting Industry-Specific Expertise: The mention of experience with leading automotive brands like Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen enhances credibility, emphasising industry knowledge and the ability to navigate the competitive automotive market effectively.
- Demonstrating Commitment to Continuous Personal and Professional Development: The inclusion of relevant courses and certifications shows the candidate's dedication to continuous learning, an essential quality for adapting to changes in sales strategies and market dynamics.
General Marketing Manager
- Emphasising relevant achievements: Highlighting the 20% revenue increase and improvements in guest satisfaction at Hilton Leicester demonstrates concrete results in the candidate's hospitality management role.
- Relevant education and certifications: Mentioning an MBA with a focus on hospitality management and a certification in advanced hotel revenue management from Cornell reinforce the candidate's expertise and advanced knowledge in the field.
- Focus on leadership and team development: Showcasing successful experience in recruiting, training, and retaining staff underscores key skills essential for a General Manager position in the hospitality industry.
- Integration of passions with professional goals: Mentioning interests in sustainability initiatives aligns with modern industry trends toward eco-friendly practices, which can be appealing to potential employers.
General Manager of Human Resources
- Highlighting the "Leadership Excellence Award" is key for this role, demonstrating proven success in driving revenue growth through innovative solutions—essential for a general management position in HR tech.
- The mention of cross-functional leadership and managing P&L for a significant business unit showcases essential skills for strategic oversight required in a high-level management role.
- Emphasising specific achievements, such as a 30% increase in customer satisfaction and a 15% reduction in operational costs, illustrates the tangible impact of the candidate's strategic initiatives.
- Discussing passion for data-driven decision-making aligns well with the responsibilities of transforming business operations and product strategies in HR technology.
General Manager of Finance
- Highlighting Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively showcases over 8 years of experience in the financial planning and analysis sector, with specific reference to the retail industry, making it relevant to prospective employers in similar fields.
- Quantifying Achievements: Significant accomplishments are quantified, such as a 15% increase in quarterly profits and a £2 million annual cost-saving, demonstrating value added to previous employers.
- Mentioning Strategic Initiatives: The candidate’s experience with strategic financial plans and enhancement of online growth by 20% showcases their capability in contributing to long-term business growth and transformation.
- Emphasising Advanced Skills: Skills like Financial Modelling, Strategic Planning, and SAP are highlighted, which are critical for a Commercial Finance Manager role and demonstrate the candidate's technical expertise.
General Manager of Production
- Professional Summary: Clearly outlines over 8 years of experience in managing food production kitchens, highlighting expertise in HACCP and food safety compliance, which is critical for a Production Manager role in the food industry.
- Key Achievements: Emphasises a track record of increasing efficiency by 20% and implementing cost reductions, demonstrating a strong focus on process optimisation and budget management—vital skills for effective production management.
- Specialised Certifications: Mentions certification in Advanced HACCP Principles, showcasing dedication to maintaining top-tier food safety standards, a key requirement for the food production sector.
- Relevant Experience: Lists and describes responsibilities and achievements in previous roles, presenting concrete evidence of abilities in leading teams, enhancing productivity, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols.
General Manager of Logistics
- Emphasise leadership achievements by detailing the successful management of large teams and the implementation of process improvements that resulted in increased efficiency and employee engagement.
- Highlight achievements in cost reduction, showcasing specific metrics or percentages that demonstrate the tangible benefits of your initiatives, such as reducing fuel costs or inventory carrying expenses.
- Underscore a proactive approach to sustainability and environmental responsibility, referencing projects like the integration of eco-friendly fuels that align with broader industry and societal goals.
- Detail involvement in strategic planning and implementation, such as the introduction of new technologies or methodologies that led to significant operational improvements and industry recognition.
General Manager of Procurement
- Relevant Experience: Emphasise significant roles and successes in the payments sector, such as leading payment strategies that resulted in substantial increases in attach rate and payment volume.
- Data-Driven Approach: Highlight the use of data analytics to identify opportunities for efficiency and strategy enhancements, evidenced by improvements in payment processing and transaction success rates.
- Leadership Skills: Showcase mentorship capabilities and team management strengths, backing claims with metrics such as team retention and improved department collaboration.
- Educational Background: Mention advanced degrees in finance and relevant courses that align with the strategic and analytical requirements of payment management roles.
General Manager of IT
- Strategic Achievements: Highlighting past successful projects, such as leading a project that saved £2 million annually, demonstrates the candidate’s capability to deliver significant value to the organisation.
- Certifications and Education: Mentioning the Cyber Security Certification and ITIL Foundation Certification emphasises advanced expertise in cybersecurity and IT service management, which are crucial for an IT Manager role focusing on cyber governance.
- Leadership and Team Development: Showcasing leadership in roles where team performance significantly improved through targeted training initiatives illustrates effective managerial skills conducive to career progression.
- Industry-Specific Experience: Detailing experience from reputable companies such as BT Group and Sky UK, along with specific locations like Glasgow and Edinburgh, reinforces geographical expertise and high-level exposure in the industry.
General Manager of Retail
- Highlight specific achievements in operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, as these are crucial for a General Manager role in restaurant operations.
- Mention leadership and staff development programs, as they illustrate the ability to manage and motivate large teams effectively, which is essential for ensuring smooth restaurant operations.
- Include achievements related to financial acumen, such as budget management and cost reduction, since managing a restaurant's budget efficiently is vital for a General Manager.
- Emphasise relevant certifications in hospitality and customer service excellence, which demonstrate continuous professional development and dedication to industry standards.
General Manager of Hospitality
- Emphasising Achievements: The cover letter effectively highlights significant achievements such as a 20% increase in membership and a 15% decrease in overhead costs, demonstrating a strong impact on business growth and efficiency.
- Leadership and Management Skills: It underscores leadership capabilities through roles like General Manager and Operations Manager, showcasing skills in team leadership, strategic planning, and innovative marketing strategies.
- Relevant Education and Professional Development: Degrees in Sports Management and Business Administration, coupled with leadership and marketing courses, align well with the managerial and strategic demands of the fitness and wellness industry.
- Focus on Member Experience: The letter clearly conveys a commitment to customer focus and enhancing member satisfaction, which are crucial for roles aimed at improving client retention and service excellence.
General Manager of Construction
- Highlighting Quantifiable Achievements: The cover letter effectively demonstrates Jack Taylor's ability to improve occupancy, increase guest satisfaction, and reduce costs through quantifiable percentages, showcasing tangible impacts of their leadership.
- Relevant Experience in Industry: The cover letter underscores Jack's substantial management experience in leading hospitality brands such as Premier Inn and Travelodge, creating a credible foundation for their expertise in the sector.
- Focus on Skills Development: By emphasising skills in team coordination, customer service, and reservation system utilisation, the cover letter aligns Jack's skill set with the core responsibilities of a General Manager in hospitality.
- Inclusion of Advanced Education and Courses: The letter highlights Jack's educational credentials in hospitality management and an MBA, along with relevant professional courses, illustrating a commitment to continued professional development.
General Manager of Manufacturing
- Emphasising Relevant Skills: The cover letter effectively highlights key skills such as MRO operations, lean manufacturing, and Six Sigma, which are crucial for a role in operations and quality management within the aerospace industry.
- Showcasing Leadership and Achievements: By mentioning leadership roles and achievements, such as increasing operational efficiency by 20% and reducing workplace incidents by 30%, it demonstrates the applicant's proven track record in significant productivity improvements.
- Educational Background and Certifications: The mention of a Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering from Imperial College London and a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification reinforces the applicant's technical expertise and commitment to continuous professional development.
- Industry-Specific Language and Experience: Utilising industry-specific terms like "aerospace standards compliance" and "predictive maintenance techniques" showcases a deep understanding of the aerospace sector and tailored experience for the prospective role.
General Manager of Engineering
- Highlighting the role-specific Leadership and Strategic Planning skills, which are essential for the General Manager role in the energy sector.
- Emphasising the substantial achievement such as 30% revenue growth and zero workplace incidents showcases proven results that are critical for executive roles.
- Detailing specific operational improvements and financial acumen demonstrated through previous experience provides credibility and authority for senior positions.
- Mentioning advanced educational qualifications and certifications relevant to the industry, like an MBA and Strategic Project Management certification from PMI, reinforces expertise.
General Manager of Facilities
- Quantifiable Success: The cover letter effectively highlights quantifiable achievements like improving facility efficiency by 30% and achieving a 15% reduction in operational costs. These metrics offer concrete evidence of the candidate’s capabilities.
- Relevant Certifications and Education: Relevant courses such as "Advanced Facilities Management" and a Master's degree in Business Administration underscore specialised knowledge and expertise critical for the role.
- Client Relations Emphasis: Demonstrating a 25% boost in client satisfaction scores and leading successful account transitions shows strong customer relations skills, essential for a Facilities Management role.
- Sustainability Focus: The mention of leading energy-saving initiatives that reduced costs by 12% highlights a commitment to sustainability, a valued trait in modern facilities management.
General Manager of Customer Service
- Highlight leadership experience: Emphasising leadership roles, particularly the experience leading large teams at Sodexo and Compass Group, underscores management capabilities essential for a general manager position.
- Showcase operational achievements: Detailing specific achievements such as reducing operational costs by 20% and improving customer satisfaction, illustrates ability in optimising operations and achieving organisational goals.
- Include relevant certifications: Mentioning certifications in advanced leadership strategies and food safety showcases commitment to continued professional development and expertise in industry standards.
- Emphasise industry-specific skills: Highlighting skills such as Health & Safety Regulations, Food Safety Standards, and Sustainability underscores knowledge of critical areas in hospitality management roles.
General Manager cover letter example
Charlie Thomas
Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 1AA
+44 1234 567890
help@enhancv.com
Dear Hiring Manager,
With a solid foundation in property management and a track record of enhancing resident experiences, I am drawn to your commitment to building sustainable communities. The alignment of your company's values with my passion for creating vibrant, inclusive residential environments is one of many reasons for my application.
One of my notable achievements as a Senior Property Operations Manager at Jones Lang LaSalle was the implementation of customer service strategies that resulted in a 95% resident satisfaction rate. This accomplishment emphasizes my ability to lead teams, innovate processes, and enhance the resident experience, directly contributing to profitability and operational efficiency.
I would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with your vision. Please feel free to contact me to schedule an interview at your convenience. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Charlie Thomas
Senior Operations Manager
Breaking down what makes this cover letter good:
- Emphasize Leadership and Innovation: Highlight achievements in leadership and process innovation, such as the implementation of strategies that lead to high resident satisfaction.
- Align with Company Values: Clearly connect personal values and experiences with the company’s mission, such as enhancing community sustainability and resident experience.
- Specific Past Achievements: Include quantifiable successes from past roles, like achieving a 95% resident satisfaction rate, to demonstrate tangible impact and competency.
- Strong Call to Action: Conclude with a clear invitation for further discussion or interviews, showing eagerness and confidence in contributing to the prospective employer.
Importance of cover letters in the United Kingdom
Cover letters are a crucial part of your application, offering additional details beyond your CV.
Here’s why they’re essential:
- Supporting your CV: Now's your opportunity to provide some context for your experience, with more information on your key achievements and how your profile could benefit the position and organisation to which you're applying.
- Showcases your character: Taking the time to write a cover letter demonstrates that you’re proactive, organised, ambitious, and genuinely interested in the role.
- Reflects your career goals: Use the cover letter to outline your long-term career career aspirations and how this role aligns with your broader plans.
What UK employers expect from a cover letter
A great cover letter can set you apart when applying for jobs in the UK.
Follow these tips to ensure you make a strong impression:
- Research thoroughly: Spend time delving into the company’s website, social media, and industry news to understand their projects, awards, and future plans. The more specific your knowledge, the better you’ll be able to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
- Reflect their values: Every UK company has its own set of values that guides their culture. Once you’ve identified them, make sure your cover letter reflects how your values and work ethic align with theirs. If they’re known for integrity, emphasise your commitment to ethical practices.
- Tailor your skills: Focus on aligning your most relevant skills with the job description. Look for key terms and priorities mentioned in the advert, and make sure to provide examples of how you excel in those areas.
How to format a general manager cover letter
Your cover letter is your opportunity to make a strong impression, so its structure must be professional and clear.
Here's an overview of how a UK cover letter should be structured:
- Begin with your address and contact details at the top.
- Include the employer’s name and address directly below.
- Add the date to the left or right of the page.
- Use an appropriate greeting, such as 'Dear Mr Smith' or 'Dear Sir/Madam.'
- Open with a strong introductory paragraph.
- Develop your points in the middle paragraphs, focusing on relevant skills and experience.
- Close with a concise conclusion, reiterating your interest and suitability for the role.
- Sign off formally with your name and signature.
The software used to match your profile to the job, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), won’t scan your cover letter. Instead, the cover letter reads as a more personalised note to the recruiter.
When it comes to choosing a font, consider modern options like Lato, Rubik, or Chivo, which should also be applied to your CV to maintain a consistent appearance.
Additionally, your cover letter should be single-spaced with 1-inch (2.5 cm) margins on all sides (our templates are pre-set with these specifications so you can focus on your cover letter content).
Finally, always send your cover letter as a PDF to preserve the formatting and prevent edits.
How to write your general manager cover letter salutation
It's never advisable to begin your cover letter with 'Dear Sir/Madam', as it sounds comes across as impersonal.
Take the time to find out who is hiring for the role and address them directly in your cover letter greeting (e.g., 'Dear Mrs Chanceworth', 'Dear Harrod').
If you're uncertain where to find the hiring manager’s name, check the company website, look on LinkedIn, or send a courteous email requesting this information. Don't hesitate to ring reception either—they are unlikely to refuse to assist.
How to write your general manager cover letter intro
One of the best ways to grab a hiring manager's attention? Show them the unique value you'd add to the team.
Review the skills or requirements listed in the posting and draw connections to your previous work experiences.
Focus on specific (and quantifiable) accomplishments and qualifications that align with the job description to make a strong first impression.
Cover Letter Intro
Having studied the innovative strategies that have set [Company Name] apart within the industry, I am drawn to the opportunity to contribute to such a forward-thinking environment as a General Manager. Your commitment to nurturing both employee growth and sustainable business practices is particularly inspiring and aligns seamlessly with my dedication to fostering impactful and conscious leadership.
RIGHT
How to write your general manager cover letter body
As you reach the body of your cover letter, you might wonder what to write in it.
Our advice? Don’t just copy your CV—choose your greatest achievement and tell its story.
Focus on how you got there using hard and soft skills, describe your involvement, and quantify the results with concrete outcomes.
Remember, recruiters aren’t looking for an epic tale of your career—they want something concise, relevant, and directly addressing their needs.
Cover Letter Body
During my tenure as Operations Director at XYZ Corporation, I spearheaded a transformative project that significantly enhanced operational efficiency. By implementing a new logistics management system, I succeeded in reducing delivery times by 35% and cutting operational costs by 20% within the first year. This initiative demanded meticulous strategic planning and strong leadership skills, as it required the coordination of cross-functional teams across different regions. My ability to unite disparate departments towards a common goal not only enhanced productivity but also improved the company's profit margins by 25% in the subsequent fiscal quarters. This experience has honed my capacity to drive change through innovation and operational excellence, skills which I am eager to bring to the esteemed role of General Manager.
RIGHT
How to write a closing paragraph
Looking to leave a lasting impression with your cover letter closing?
Then, you should certainly end with a promise—one that outlines what you aim to achieve in the role. Ensure your goals are realistic and align with the company’s needs.
You might also include a call to action, enquiring when you can expect to hear back and what the next steps in the hiring process will be.
Cover Letter Closing
In conclusion, I am very enthusiastic about the opportunity to bring my proven leadership and strategic planning skills to the General Manager position at your esteemed organisation. I am confident that my experience and results-driven approach make me a strong candidate to effectively oversee operations and drive continued success within your team. I warmly invite you to schedule an interview at your earliest convenience to discuss how I can contribute to your company's goals. Thank you very much for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing this exciting opportunity with you.
RIGHT
Conclusion
Crafting an engaging cover letter can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your job application. Always personalise your letter by addressing the hiring manager directly and linking your qualifications to the role's requirements.
Highlight relevant achievements that set you apart and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the company. Maintain a professional format that complements your CV, creating a cohesive and polished application.
