Edit this cover letterCity Manager Cover Letter Examples
With our city manager cover letter examples and writing tips, you can increase your chances of landing a job interview!
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Free City Manager Cover Letter Example
Use this free cover letter template as a starting point. Fill in the blanks with your details and follow the instructions to write a job-winning cover letter.
Your name
[City, State ZIP Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Today’s Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
[OPTIONAL: Department Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
Dear [Mr./Ms. Hiring Manager or Recruiter last name],
This section is your opener and should contain your ‘purpose’ or interest statement that explains why you would be interested in the job posting or the company. Make sure to reference keywords and statements from the job description.
This section is your opener and should contain your ‘purpose’ or interest statement that explains why you would be interested in the job posting or the company. Make sure to reference keywords and statements from the job description.
The body paragraph (s): should contain skills and qualifications related to the job, i.e., provide a narrative example of how your job-related skills were obtained/honed. Your goal here is to match the skills to the employer’s needs. Justify how your career experiences could fit into the position and the organization.
The end paragraph: is the closer that would signify a ‘call to action’ by reiterating an essential qualification for the position you possess and an appreciation for the employer’s consideration.
Closing statement: Thank the employer/recruiter for their time.
Sincerely,
— Your Full Name
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How to Write a City Manager Cover Letter
The easiest way to write a cover letter is to take it section by section. Every professional cover letter should include the sections highlighted in the cover letter sample.
Now that you've got an idea of the cover letter basics let's dive into the details of optimizing your letter to land a specific role.
STEP 1
Format your cover letter’s header correctly
A well-formatted header will helm your city manager cover letter, showcasing essential details about the letter's date and recipient. Complete this section by including the date, the hiring manager's name and job title, the company's name and address and a formal greeting.
Strong cover letter header example:
May 09, 2025
Sarah Johnson, HR Manager
Los Angeles City Hall
200 N Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Dear Ms. Johnson,
Weak cover letter header example:
Date: 25/13/2023
To whomever it may concern,
Jessie Brwown
12345 Maple Avnue
Springfield, YZ 987654
Email: jessie.brwn@email.coom
Phone: 555-0234
Hiring Manager
Atlantis Soultion Group
PRO TIP
If you can't find the hiring manager's name, you can address your cover letter with “Dear Hiring Manager.“ but never use the generic “To Whom It May Concern.“
STEP 2
Introduce yourself in the opening paragraph
How you open your cover letter shapes your first impression on hiring managers. Start strong by highlighting your relevant skills and qualifications, and express your enthusiasm for the specific city manager role.
Strong opening paragraph example:
As a city planner with over 8 years of experience in urban development, I am eager to apply for the city manager position at Greenfield Municipal Services. My expertise in strategic city planning has honed my leadership abilities, as evident in my recent achievement where I increased community engagement by 30% by launching an innovative urban redesign initiative that revitalized neglected areas.
Weak opening paragraph example:
Hi, I’m interested in the City Manager role at Urban Innovations. I’ve worked in management and think my skills might be relevant. Looking forward to discussing further.
PRO TIP
Do you know someone in your target company who would be willing to vouch for you? Check out how to approach referrals with these example referral cover letter openings.
STEP 3
Share relevant achievements in the body paragraph
Write a strong cover letter body paragraph that shows why you're the best person for the city manager role. You can format this section as a paragraph or use bullet points to list additional achievements and experiences you couldn't fit into your resume but are relevant nonetheless.
Strong body paragraph example:
In my previous role as Assistant City Manager, I successfully implemented a budget strategy that reduced municipal costs by 15% while maintaining essential services. My effective leadership and strategic planning skills were pivotal in addressing the challenge of resource allocation. Additionally, by fostering community engagement, citizen satisfaction scores improved by 20%. I am eager to bring these skills and my data-driven approach to enhance efficiencies in your city management team.
Weak body paragraph example:
I am seeking the position of City Manager because I believe it aligns with my career goals. While I have some interest in urban management, my experience might not be as solid. I'm not very familiar with complex city operations but am willing to learn and adapt if given the chance. I hope this role meets my needs.
STEP 4
Finish by encouraging next steps
In the cover letter's closing paragraph, you seal the deal with potential employers by summarizing your best qualifications and expressing your genuine interest in a job interview. Include a sign-off and your name; you've completed a professional cover letter!
Strong closing paragraph:
My extensive experience in urban planning and my proven ability to manage complex city operations position me as the ideal candidate for the City Manager role at Green Valley Municipal Services. I am eager to bring my leadership skills to your team and drive positive changes for the community. Thank you for considering my application; I look forward to discussing my qualifications in an interview.
Warm regards,
Alex Rodriguez
Weak closing paragraph:
Thanks for considering my application for the city manager position. I'm eager to contribute and I'm sure I can learn a lot if given the chance. I appreciate your time and hope to discuss how I might fit with your team. If you think I could be suitable, please let me know.
Best regards,
Michael Murray
Now you've completed your cover letter! Writing a cover letter is easier when you take it section by section. To simplify the process, we've built a great Cover Letter Builder that will generate a custom letter in minutes. Check it out!
Top Skills to Include in Cover Letter Examples for City Manager
The cover letter is a great place to include more skills you couldn't fit into your resume. Here are some of the most in-demand skills for a city manager. Incorporate a balanced mix of soft skills and hard skills that show you're a top candidate.
- Urban Planning
- Budget Management
- Public Policy Knowledge
- Civic Engagement
- Economic Development
- Regulatory Compliance
- Crisis Management
- Stakeholder Negotiation
- Leadership
- Strategic Visioning
- Grant Writing
- Intergovernmental Relations
Find more skills and content suggestions that make sense for your city manager cover letter using our Cover Letter Builder to create a custom document. By simply sharing your desired job and writing style, we'll generate a letter in minutes!
Similar City Manager Cover Letter Examples
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