13 Professional Business Development Cover Letter Examples for 2024

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Your business development cover letter should immediately convey your understanding of the company's strategic goals. Illustrate your capability to drive revenue and forge solid client relationships right from the start. In the second paragraph, highlight your expertise in market analysis and your proficiency in executing growth initiatives. Your ability to identify and capitalize on business opportunities must be evident to the reader.

All cover letter examples in this guide

Embarking on your job hunt, you've discovered that a standout business development cover letter can make all the difference. It's tempting to rehash your resume, yet your cover letter should be a window into your proudest professional moment, narrating the journey of that one significant achievement. Striking a balance between formal tone and fresh, engaging content without resorting to clichés is key. Remember, brevity is your ally; keep it concise and impactful within a single page. Let's ensure yours grabs attention for all the right reasons.

Introducing our business development cover letter writing advice, which will show you how to ace the initial profile assessment. Make sure to stick around to find:

  • Some inspiration from other professionals' job-winning cover letters;
  • The best structure and format for your business development cover letter;
  • Insights on how to write about your best achievement to stand out;
  • A creative twist on your business development cover letter intro.

Upload your business development resume to Enhancv's AI, which will quickly scan and prepare a job-winning cover letter for you.

Business Development cover letter example

PETER CONNOLLY

New York, NY

+1-(234)-555-1234

help@enhancv.com


Dear Hiring Manager,

Having built a robust career in business development, I feel compelled by the remarkable work that your company has been doing in the industry. The strategic approach and the commitment to excellence resonate with my professional ethos and the value I bring as a dedicated Business Developer.

During my tenure at Restore Tech Innovations, I orchestrated a sales activation campaign that hinged upon an in-depth analysis of post-purchase client behavior, leading to a 15% sales increase—an outstanding reflection of my market analysis skills and ability to drive profitable growth. Perhaps more indicative of my strategic acumen was the initiative to delve into CRM archived data to recapture old prospects, which culminated in an impressive $2M of new business within a six-month period. This single achievement exemplifies my capacity to not only meet but to exceed, sales targets by employing a data-driven and client-centric approach.

I am eager to bring this kind of success to your esteemed team and am confident that my skills in market research, client relationship management, and strategic planning will be similarly impactful. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my experience and vision align with the goals of your company. Please consider this letter as an expression of my interest in the Business Developer position and a request to schedule an interview at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely,

PETER CONNOLLY

Business Developer
What makes this cover letter good:


  • Quantifiable Achievements: The cover letter includes specific examples of achievements, such as "leading to a 15% sales increase" and "culminating in an impressive $2M of new business," which provide concrete evidence of the candidate's ability to deliver results in business development.
  • Relevant Experience: Describing the management of a sales campaign and utilization of CRM data to recapture old prospects demonstrates the candidate's relevant skill set and experience, tailored to the business development role.
  • Problem-Solving Skills: By emphasizing strategic initiatives such as an in-depth analysis of post-purchase client behavior, the candidate showcases their problem-solving skills and ability to adopt a data-driven approach to improving sales processes.
  • Client Relationship Management: Mentioning the focus on client-centric strategies and engagement with CRM activities, the cover letter reflects an understanding of the importance of maintaining and expanding client relationships in business development.

Designing your business development cover letter: what is the best format

Let's start with the basics, your business development cover letter should include your:

  • Header
  • Greeting
  • Introduction
  • Body paragraph
  • Closing statement
  • Signature (that's not a must)

Next, we'll move to the spacing of your business development cover letter, and yes, it should be single-spaced (automatically formatted for you in our cover letter templates).

Don't go for a old-school font (e.g. Arial or Times New Roman), but instead, pick an ATS-favorite like Chivo, Volkhov, or Raleway, to stand out.

Our cover letter builder is also set up for you with the standard one-inch margin, all around the text.

Finally, ensure your business development resume and cover letter are in the same font and are submitted in PDF (to keep the formatting in place).

P.S. The Applicant Tracker System (or ATS) won't be assessing your [job] cover letter, it's solely for the recruiters' eyes.

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The top sections on a business development cover letter

  • Header with Contact Information: Include your name, address, phone number, and email to make it easy for the recruiter to reach out to you, and it lends a professional look to your cover letter.
  • Opening Greeting: Addressing the hiring manager by name shows you've done your research and creates a personal connection right from the start.
  • Introduction: Briefly state your interest in the Business Development position and why you are a strong candidate, capturing the recruiter’s interest to read further, showing enthusiasm and knowledge about the company.
  • Body detailing relevant experience and skills: Highlight your track record in sales growth, partnerships, or market expansion, as these are critical business development outcomes, and use this section to demonstrate how your skills and experiences align with the role’s requirements.
  • Closing with a Call to Action: Finish by reiterating your interest in the position, thanking the reader for their time, and suggesting a meeting or call for further discussion, showing initiative and eagerness to move forward in the process.
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Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter

  • Strategic thinking skills: To devise actionable plans that align with the company's goals and market opportunities.
  • Proven track record in sales or partnerships: To demonstrate the ability to drive revenue growth and build valuable business relationships.
  • Strong networking abilities: For identifying and leveraging new business opportunities and partnerships.
  • Excellent communication and negotiation skills: To articulate value propositions and negotiate deals effectively.
  • Understanding of market research and analysis: To gather insights into industry trends and potential growth areas.
  • Adaptability and learning agility: To navigate changing markets and continuously evolve business strategies.

Kick off your business development cover letter: the salutation or greeting

When writing your business development cover letter, remember that you're not writing for some complex AI or robot, but for actual human beings.

And recruiters, while on the lookout to understand your experience, would enjoy seeing a cover letter that is tailored to the role and addresses them. Personally.

So, if you haven't done so, invest some time in finding out who's the hiring manager for the role you're applying to. A good place to start would be LinkedIn and the corporate website.

Alternatively, you could also get in touch with the company to find out more information about the role and the name of the recruiter.

If you haven't met the hiring manager, yet, your business development cover letter salutation should be on a last-name basis (e.g. "Dear Mr. Donaldson" or "Dear Ms. Estephan").

A good old, "Dear HR Professional" (or something along those lines) could work as your last resort if you're struggling to find out the recruiter's name.

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List of salutations you can use

  • Dear Hiring Manager,
  • Dear [Recipient's Name],
  • Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. [Last Name],
  • Dear Members of the [Team Name] Team,
  • Dear [Department] Department,
  • Dear Search Committee,

Get creative with your business development cover letter introduction

Recruiters are going to assess plenty of candidate profiles for the role. Thus, anything you do to stand out will win you brownie points.

Use your business development cover letter introduction to share something memorable about your experience.

But before you go down the rabbit hole of creativity and humor, align your message with the company culture.

For example, if you are applying for a role in some startup, use those first two sentences to tell a funny story (about your experience) to quickly connect with the recruiter.

Intro Paragraph
Inspired by [Company's] pioneering approach to [industry-specific achievement] and its commitment to sustainability, I am keen to contribute to the innovative projects that drive your strategic expansion.
RIGHT

What comes next: your business development cover letter middle paragraphs

In the next three to six paragraphs (or the body of your business development cover letter) you have to prove your unique value.

Most candidates tend to mess up at this stage. They tend to just copy-paste information from their resume.

That's one big no-no.

Remember that when writing your business development cover letter, it has to be personalized. And, your ultimate aim is to catch the recruiter's eye.

So, look back on key job requirements and write down a list that includes the ones you cover.

Next, select just one key achievement from your professional (or personal) history that meets those advert keywords.

Narrate a story around how you've grown your skill set and knowledge. Also, aim to show the unique understanding or soft skills you bring about, thanks to your past success.

Body Paragraph
At my previous role at TechInnovate, I spearheaded the expansion into the European market, resulting in a 150% increase in leads and a 70% boost in sales revenue over 18 months. This success was a direct result of my strategic partnership development, market analysis, and the implementation of targeted marketing campaigns, showcasing my ability to significantly contribute to international market growth and revenue generation.
RIGHT

Two ideas on how to end the final paragraph of your business development cover letter

Closing your business development cover letter, you want to leave a memorable impression on recruiters, that you're a responsible professional.

End your cover letter with how you envision your growth, as part of the company. Make realistic promises on what you plan to achieve, potentially, in the next six months to a year.

Before your signature, you could also signal hiring managers that you're available for the next steps. Or, a follow-up call, during which you could further clarify your experience or professional value.

Closing Paragraph
I am eager to bring my expertise to your team and discuss how I can contribute to your company's success. Please contact me to arrange an interview.
RIGHT

Keep this in mind when writing your zero experience business development cover letter

Even though you may not have any professional experience, your business development cover letter should focus on your value.

As a candidate for the particular role, what sort of skills do you bring about? Perhaps you're an apt leader and communicator, or have the ability to analyze situations from different perspectives.

Select one key achievement from your life, outside work, and narrate a story that sells your abilities in the best light.

If you really can't think of any relevant success, you could also paint the picture of how you see your professional future developing in the next five years, as part of the company.

Key takeaways

Winning at your job application game starts with a clear and concise business development cover letter that:

  • Has single-spaced paragraphs, is wrapped in a one-inch margin, and uses the same font as the business development resume;
  • Is personalized to the recruiter (using their name in the greeting) and the role (focusing on your one key achievement that answers job requirements);
  • Includes an introduction that helps you stand out and show what value you'd bring to the company;
  • Substitutes your lack of experience with an outside-of-work success, that has taught you valuable skills;
  • Ends with a call for follow-up or hints at how you'd improve the organization, team, or role.

Business Development cover letter examples

Explore additional business development cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

By Experience

Business Development Executive

When applying for a Business Development Executive position, it's important to showcase your ability to drive business growth and cultivate partnerships. Highlight your strategic planning and market research skills. Including your background in lead generation and networking will demonstrate your proficiency in acquiring new business opportunities. If you've completed courses or possess certifications in 'Business Strategy' or 'Negotiation Techniques', mention these along with their duration. Utilize specific instances where your strategic initiatives led to growth or new partnerships, focusing on a 'challenge-strategy-outcome' format.
View Business Development Executive Cover Letter

Director of Business Development

When applying for a Director of Business Development position, stress your proven track record in driving company growth and forging strategic partnerships. Highlight your leadership abilities and showcase specific projects where you've successfully expanded market reach. It's essential to quantify your achievements, such as 'increased revenue by 30%' or 'grew customer base by 40%'. Detail your experience in negotiating high-value contracts and underline your strategic planning skills. Mention any advanced industry-relevant degrees or leadership courses, emphasizing your long-term commitment to professional development.
View Director of Business Development Cover Letter

VP Business Development

When applying for a VP of Business Development role, highlighting a proven track record in driving revenue growth is essential. Focus on demonstrating strategic leadership experience and successful partnership building. If you have a history of negotiating high-value contracts or expanding market reach, detail these achievements. Showcase key industry relationships and how they've led to business opportunities. Use metrics to quantify your impact, employing a 'challenge-strategy-outcome' format to concisely convey the direct correlation between your initiatives and the company's success.
View VP Business Development Cover Letter

Entry Level Business Developer

When seeking an Entry-Level Business Developer position, illustrate any experience in market research and lead generation. Showcase your ability to analyze customer trends and identify business opportunities. If trained in 'Business Analytics' or 'Introduction to Business Development', include this in your cover letter. Utilize a clear 'challenge-solution-impact' framework to describe how your skills have driven project success or contributed to team objectives in past roles. Focus on your proactive approach and your knack for building and maintaining professional relationships.

Business Development Intern

When seeking a Business Development Intern position, highlight any marketing or research experience. Practical skills in lead generation and understanding market trends are crucial. If you have completed projects or courses like 'Introduction to Business Strategies' or 'Market Analysis Techniques', underline these, including the duration. Show how your analytical skills have contributed to project outcomes or insight generation using a 'skill-action-result' formula. Detail any experience with CRM tools or data analysis software to underscore your technical aptitude.

Senior Business Development Manager

When applying for a Senior Business Development Manager role, showcase significant experience in deal-making and a track record of generating revenue. Highlight leadership skills and your ability to mentor and guide a team towards achieving sales targets. If you've led successful projects or collaborations that increased company growth, detail these accomplishments using a 'challenge-strategy-outcome' structure. Including quantifiable results, such as percentage growth achieved, is essential. Mention any advanced courses or certifications like 'Advanced Negotiation' or 'Strategic Business Growth' to demonstrate continuous learning and expertise.

By Role

Business Development Analyst

When seeking a Business Development Analyst position, highlight your analytical skills, showcasing how you turn data into actionable insights. If you have experience with market research or strategy development, detail these to demonstrate your ability to contribute to growth initiatives. Relevant coursework like 'Business Analytics' or 'Market Intelligence' should be mentioned, together with the period of study. Describe instances where your analysis directly influenced business decisions, using a 'data-analysis-impact' structure to illustrate the tangible benefits you can bring to the team.
View Business Development Analyst Cover Letter

Business Development Consultant

When applying for a Business Development Consultant position, it's essential to showcase your track record in increasing business opportunities and forming strategic partnerships. Highlighting project management experience and your adeptness in market research can be pivotal. If you've been involved in developing and executing growth strategies, detail this experience. Understanding of industry-specific trends is a plus—mention any relevant workshops or seminars you've attended. Utilize a 'challenge-solution-impact' framework to describe how your initiatives have driven business growth or improved operations.
View Business Development Consultant Cover Letter

Engagement Manager

For an Engagement Manager position, it's essential to showcase your project management and client relationship-building skills. Detail any experience coordinating cross-functional teams and highlight your leadership in strategic planning initiatives. If you've received training in CRM platforms or stakeholder engagement, draw attention to these. Demonstrate the positive outcomes from your engagement strategies, such as increased customer satisfaction or retention rates, using a clear 'challenge-solution-impact' format to succinctly illustrate your successes.
View Engagement Manager Cover Letter

Planning Manager

Aspiring to be a Planning Manager, underscore your experience in project management and strategic planning. Showcase your analytical prowess and familiarity with planning software tools. Mention any specific successes, like increasing efficiency or cutting costs, to quantify your expertise. If certified in PMP or similarly relevant fields, spotlight this, including the length of the program to demonstrate your commitment. Structure your achievements by pinpointing the challenge, your strategic action, and the positive outcome for the organization.
View Planning Manager Cover Letter

Business Development Representative

For a Business Development Representative role, stress any experience in lead generation or strategic planning. Showcase your ability to research market trends and identify new business opportunities. Mention any successful project where your strategies directly led to business growth. Include quantifiable metrics to demonstrate your impact, like a percentage increase in leads created. If you've completed courses such as 'Business Strategy' or 'Market Analysis', present these clearly to show your commitment to ongoing education and grasp of business development principles. Use clear, results-oriented language.

Business Development Manager

When applying for a Business Development Manager position, showcase your track record of generating leads and closing deals. Focus on strategic planning and market research skills. Highlight your leadership experience and your ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams. If you've successfully expanded into new markets or managed key partnerships, be sure to detail these achievements. Use specific metrics to demonstrate growth outcomes from your initiatives. Your cover letter should reflect a results-oriented mindset which directly aligns with the business development goals of the potential employer.
View Business Development Manager Cover Letter
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Volen Vulkov
Volen Vulkov is a resume expert and the co-founder of Enhancv. He applies his deep knowledge and experience to write about a career change, development, and how to stand out in the job application process.
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