IT Manager cover letter example & writing guide

When writing an IT manager cover letter, you have the opportunity to go beyond your technical expertise and tell employers your career story. It should showcase how you’ve used your leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills to manage teams and oversee projects. With a well-written cover letter, you can power up your job search and convince a hiring manager to give you an interview.

In this cover letter guide and corresponding example, we’ll show you how to write an IT manager cover letter, including:

• What to include in your IT manager cover letter

• How to write a noteworthy introduction

• What information to provide in the cover letter body

• How to write an effective closing

What should your IT manager cover letter include?

Your IT manager cover letter should expand on the technical skills and leadership qualities you outline on your resume. In your cover letter, provide examples of your ability to manage infrastructure projects, lead IT teams, and support business growth through technology initiatives.

Begin your cover letter with a header that provides your name, contact information, and the details of the company where you’re applying. Use a professional salutation, such as “Dear [Full Name],” to greet the hiring manager.

Your cover letter should also have an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. In the following sections, we’ll discuss each part in more detail.

What can you write in the introduction of your cover letter?

In your introduction, establish yourself as an experienced, accomplished technical leader. Mention your unique skills, such as cloud computing or cybersecurity protocols. You can also discuss a standout achievement you’ve had in another role, like reducing system downtime or leading a large-scale infrastructure project.

Your introduction should also express your interest in the position or company. If you can, immediately link your experience to the role. For instance, if the company needs an IT manager with cybersecurity experience, highlight a recent project where you implemented new security measures.

The goal of your introduction is to show an employer how your skills and experience align with the new role. You should also mention a referral if you have one. Having someone in the company to vouch for your skills can make a big difference to the hiring manager.

What should be mentioned in the cover letter body for an IT manager vacancy?

In the body of your cover letter, discuss the skills and qualifications that set you apart from other IT managers. Focus on the unique selling points you can bring to a new role.

Structure your narrative by answering these three questions:

1. Why you? Discuss how your technical skills and leadership experience make you qualified to do the job. Provide examples of times when you’ve led infrastructure upgrades, managed security risks, or contributed to business goals like cost savings. Describe your management style and highlight the success you’ve had leading teams. Incorporate quantifiable metrics, such as team size or budget numbers, to back up your experience.

2. Why here? Show that you’ve done your research on the company by detailing why you want to work there. For instance, has an organization recently expanded its cloud infrastructure, or does the IT team follow Agile workflows? In sharing your reasons for applying, connect your values, skills, and experience to the company’s projects or goals. Convince the hiring manager that you want this specific role.

3. Why now? Employers may also want to know why you’re looking for new opportunities now. Share a bit about your goals and how this new job fits into your career path. For example, you may be ready to lead larger teams, or want the chance to oversee a company’s digital transformation. Make it clear that you’re ready for the new position and the challenges that come with it.

Want more guidance? Read our article on what to write in a cover letter body.

Do

• • Reference a company’s tools or tech stack to show that you understand what the position entails.
• • Highlight specific skills and keywords that are listed in the job description.
• • Keep your cover letter short, no more than one page, even if you have a lot of experience.

Don't

• • Send the same letter for every job application. Mentioning specific details can impress a hiring manager.
• • Use complicated technical jargon that the hiring manager may not know.
• • Exaggerate your skills or experience. Always be truthful and authentic.

How to write a cover letter closing

End your cover letter on a positive note with a strong closing paragraph. In a few sentences, express your gratitude for a hiring manager’s consideration and restate your interest in the role.

These additional tips can help you close your IT manager cover letter with confidence:

• Align your experience to the role. Explain how you plan to contribute positively in the new position: “I’m confident that my background in systems integration and infrastructure management will make me an effective leader for your IT team.”

• Include a call to action. End your cover letter with a clear call to action that inspires the employer to contact you: “I’d love the opportunity to discuss my experience and achievements with you in more detail.”

Get more tips by reading our article on how to close a cover letter.

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