Writing an optimal IT executive cover letter can be done with a bit of initial forethought.
In the beginning, you want to focus on the top-tier executive tasks you’ve performed and not on those that were hands-on (e.g. research, tech support, and data warehousing).
Unless you’re going for the kind of role that requires such things.
If you’ve read about ATS software, you know that putting technical keywords and phrases into your IT executive cover letter and resume are ideal.
Cover letter keywords can make all the difference.
Example Keywords for IT Executives/Managers
For example, let’s say you’re an IT Project Manager.
As a manager, you might use keywords like this to describe your job roles:
- Solutions-Based Customer Presentations
- Team Management & Development
- Project Budgeting & Costing
- SAP App & System Solutions
- Agile/Scrum Techniques
IT Executives, on the other hand, focus on those “bigger picture” keywords. For example:
- Product & Solution Development
- Business Continuity Planning
- P&L Management
- Project Portfolio Reviews
- Gross Margin & Profit Analysis
- Enterprise Planning
Example Tech Executive Cover Letter
Barbara Bouchette
5522 Robert Pike, Bedford, PA 15522
Phone: (814) 622-1821 | Email: [email protected]
Copyright 2018 Resume to Referral, Professional, Executive Resume Service
Date
Contact
Company
Address
City, State Zip
Re: IT Executive Job
Dear Mr(s).__________:
Thank you for taking the time to consider my inquiry for employment. Seeing your hail for a Senior IT Executive at _____, I opted to contact you to present my credentials and career. After reviewing the below, let’s schedule a meeting to discuss this letter and my attached resume at greater length. Currently, within a senior IT job at MGT as well as a long line of executive and management roles at Johnson Parker, LLC, Amphenol, and CDW, I feel that I offer an attractive skill set worth additional consideration on your part.
For example, I worked my way through several IT jobs before transitioning into an SVP job with CDW and progressing onto other well-known tech companies. I think starting at the lower level of the company has been a vital component to instigating the multitude of successes I’ve generated since moving into the many Senior VP roles starting in 1999.
For example, here is just a quick snapshot of a few select achievements:
Eliminated $720,000 in costs with one employer and $1.1M with another
Increased customer service levels and reduced resolution issues by 35%
Renegotiated contracts to substantially reduce overhead costs; saved $1.2M on a regional carrier contract
Introduced new software that provided additional revenue through deposit and fee income
Currently, I’m serving as a Client Liaison with MGT. My primary responsibilities focus on activities involving network security, data loss prevention, team collaboration, and consulting on overall IT infrastructure and security responsibilities. I work closely with technical teams and advise on topics beyond network vulnerabilities and security.
Complementing my years handling major IS operations, I possess a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from Ohio State University, along with CISSP and CRISC certifications.
I’m available for a phone interview to discuss this job in detail, along with the needs of your company, if you have some time available. I can be reached by phone at (814) 622-9191.
Sincerely,
Barbara Bouchette
Attachment
3 Steps to Improving the Content of Your Cover Letter
So, how do you go about getting your IT/technology executive cover letter noticed?
First, start by mentioning the major tech companies you’ve worked with and the projects you’ve worked on.
For example, you might write:
- I was a client consultant/partner with Ernst & Young (EY), one of the “Big 5” accounting firms from 2013 to 2018. (with this example, you’re highlighting a key-player employer)
- With JPG Sellers, Inc., I managed the IT department during the design and implementation of a new Financial-as-a-Service (FaaS) solution.
Second, throw in a few numbers if you can.
Numbers and percentages within any job-search document, whether a cover letter or resume, adds visual appeal.
Are you struggling with identifying numbers for your IT executive cover letter?
If yes, what’s been your involvement with these:
- Project Pricing
- Cost Controls
- Contract Negotiations
- Staffing Costs/Salaries
- Project Overages
Third, avoid including details in your cover letter that shouldn’t be there.
I know this sounds straightforward.
IT executives too often write heavy cover letters.
Spend just as much time chopping and replacing content as you do decide what to include.
Take the following bit of content from a IT/technology executive cover letter:
- The scope of my management skills spans from financial and staff management to project administration and overall system health/functionality for infrastructures at multiple business locations.
For starters, recognize that this bullet point mentions “management” too much.
As an IT executive, there are other action verbs like direct, steer, streamline, and lead.
You can use middle management keywords in the cover letters that you write.
Just know that there are other (better) word choices that will better describe your executive IT role.
The above bullet point would POP with a few added details replaced too.
Instead of writing “financial management,” use numbers (i.e. $13.8 P&L Management) because it adds more visual appeal.