How To Write A Winning Marketing Cover Letter

A cover letter is your opportunity to really showcase your skills, experience, and passion – and ultimately grab the hiring manager’s attention. We’ve seen lots of incredible covering letters over the years, along with some pretty lacklustre ones, and have noticed that the good and bad examples all share the same things in common. So, to help you write an incredible marketing cover letter that stands out from the competition, we’ve pulled together our top tips and some examples too.

Research the company and position

We talk about this a lot, so hopefully we don’t sound too repetitive here! But honestly, this is such an important step and will help you tailor your cover letter and demonstrate your genuine interest in the job. Before you start writing your marketing cover letter, you need to research the company and position thoroughly. Get to grips with the company’s values and goals, and familiarise yourself with the job description, requirements, and qualifications. If you’re not sure where to begin, take a look at our guide on how to research a company for an interview. Although it’s tailored to the interview process, lots of the guidance applies to the application process too. 

Address it to a specific person 

We know this one isn’t always possible. But if you do know the name of the hiring manager or recruiter then address your cover letter to them to add a personal touch. Look for the name in the job posting, on the company’s website, or through professional networking sites. 

Addressing a specific person is the icing on the cake really, but it’s not essential so don’t worry too much if you can’t find a name. If you’ve done some digging and still can’t find the name of the right person, then it’s fine to go for something generic like ‘Dear Hiring Manager’ instead.

Start with a strong opening

Our favourite cover letter examples all start with a strong opening. Be clear about which job you’re applying for and then express why you’re interested in the position. To personalise your cover letter, let the reader know what appeals to you about this role in particular and the company. Some articles will tell you to grab the reader’s attention with an engaging anecdote or compelling statement, but to be honest we find this a little cringeworthy. So it’s best to avoid clichéd statements and instead go for something strong but simple. 

Here’s an example:

Dear Chris,

I’ve seen the role of Marketing Manager advertised and would be grateful if you could consider my application for the position. Please see my CV attached. I’m attracted by the variety of the role and the positive team culture at Digital Tonic so I’d love the opportunity to chat to you about why I think I would be suitable for the role.

Highlight your relevant skills and experience

To tailor your application, you need to match your cover letter to the skills and experience listed in the job description. Generic statements aren’t good enough – you need to use specific examples to demonstrate how your skills have helped you achieve results in your previous roles. So, it’s a good idea to highlight relevant marketing campaigns you’ve worked on and the results you’ve achieved. Mention any relevant certifications, achievements, or awards here too.

Top tip – show your passion and enthusiasm

Employers are looking for candidates who are genuinely enthusiastic about marketing, so let your passion shine through in your cover letter.

Proofread you marketing cover letter

Marketing professionals need to have great attention to detail and incredible communication skills. So, spelling or grammar mistakes need to be avoided at all costs. Use your cover letter as an opportunity to showcase your writing skills, attention to detail, and ability to communicate effectively. Then once you’re happy with the content, proofread your cover letter carefully to ensure it’s error-free and makes a positive impression. Remember to keep your writing concise, clear, and professional.

Use a professional format

There’s plenty of information out there already on how to format your cover letter, so we’re not going to reinvent the wheel here. If you’re after some examples, this article on the Prospects website is a good place to start. From our point of view, the most important thing is to use a professional font and to keep the formatting consistent throughout. Remember that your cover letter will be sent along with your CV so make sure they’re consistent with each other too.

So, we’ve made an assumption that you’ve already written your CV, but if you’ve not, you can take a look at our guide on how to write a marketing CV. Even if you’ve already written your CV, it’s worth checking our guide to make sure you’ve not missed any opportunities. And if you’re looking for a new marketing job, you’re in the right place! We’ve got lots of incredible roles so why not take a look.

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