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Table of contents

MBA cover letter example
Cover letter template for an MBA
Formatting your MBA cover letter
How to write an MBA cover letter
Refresh your resume
Key takeaways
Resources to help you prepare for your interview

Imagine your MBA application cover letter as your personal brand statement — you’ve got one chance to make a lasting impression.

In the hyper-competitive world of MBA admissions, where leadership potential and business acumen intersect, your cover letter needs to be more than just a formality. It’s a strategic document showcasing your value proposition to top business schools.

Our guide includes:

Compelling MBA application cover letter examples.
Selecting the right cover letter format.
Detailed instructions for crafting each section of your letter.
Additional resources to help your application stand out.

Ready to elevate your MBA application? Let our Cover Letter Builder assist you. Choose from a variety of professional styles, avoid formatting pitfalls and utilize our MBA-specific phrases and tips to make your application resonate with admissions committees.

MBA cover letter example

Sample cover letter for an MBA

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Here’s why this cover letter works:

Clear motivation and goals
The applicant clearly articulates their motivation for pursuing an MBA at MIT Sloan, emphasizing a deep interest in finance and innovation. They also outline their long-term career goals, demonstrating a clear purpose.
Alignment with program
The applicant specifically mentions aspects of MIT Sloan’s MBA program that align with their interests and career objectives, such as experiential learning, the entrepreneurial mindset and leadership development.
Professional presentation
The cover letter is well-structured, professionally written and free of grammatical errors. It conveys a sense of professionalism and attention to detail.

Cover letter template for an MBA

Copy and paste this template to use as a starting point for your MBA cover letter.

Richard Anderson
example@example.com
555-555-5555
Carlisle, MA 01741

July 30, 2024

Admissions Committee
MIT Sloan School of Management
100 Main Street
Cambridge, MA 02142

Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,

I am excited to submit my application for the MBA program at MIT Sloan School of Management. This decision is driven by a profound interest in the intersection of finance and innovation and a desire to develop the leadership capabilities necessary to navigate and influence the rapidly evolving business landscape.

My professional journey has been marked by challenging roles in the finance sector, where I have gained substantial experience in strategic consulting and project management. Through these roles, I have developed a keen understanding of the financial mechanisms that drive business success and a deep appreciation for innovative solutions that can transform industries. This unique blend of skills has fueled my aspiration to explore the entrepreneurial and technological dimensions of business further.

MIT Sloan’s MBA program stands out to me due to its unparalleled emphasis on experiential learning and a solid commitment to fostering an entrepreneurial mindset. I particularly like the opportunity to engage in hands-on projects and collaborate with a diverse group of talented peers. Additionally, the program’s focus on leadership development aligns perfectly with my career objectives, as it offers the tools and frameworks needed to lead organizations in an era of constant change.

The resources and support available at MIT Sloan, including the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship and the MIT Innovation Initiative, provide an ideal environment for nurturing innovative ideas. I am particularly excited about participating in the Action Learning Labs, which will allow me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world business challenges, bridging the gap between academia and practice.

Furthermore, the chance to learn from and engage with MIT Sloan’s esteemed faculty, whose research and insights are at the forefront of business innovation, is a significant motivator for my application. I am eager to contribute to and benefit from the dynamic and intellectually stimulating community at MIT Sloan, where diverse perspectives and collaborative efforts drive progress.

In conclusion, pursuing an MBA at MIT Sloan is a strategic step toward achieving my long-term career goals of driving transformative growth and innovation within the finance sector. I am confident that the program’s rigorous curriculum and its emphasis on innovation and leadership will provide the foundation necessary to achieve these goals. Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely,

Richard Anderson

Formatting your MBA cover letter

Business leaders understand that well-structured communication is key to success. Your MBA application cover letter is no exception. A well-formatted letter demonstrates your ability to convey complex ideas clearly and concisely.

Here are some formatting tips to help you get started:

Length: Keep it focused — aim for three to four impactful paragraphs on a single page. Use 1-inch margins to frame your content effectively.
Font choice: Choose a classic font that reflects your professionalism. Options like Times New Roman or Calibri are widely accepted in the business world.
Structure: Organize your letter strategically, mirroring how you’d structure a business proposal. Use brief introductory sentences to guide the reader through your qualifications.

Remember, while creativity can set you apart, readability and professionalism should never be compromised.

Choosing your template

Create your cover letter

Your cover letter template should tell your professional story. While a classic, conservative design is always appropriate for business school applications, don’t be afraid to incorporate subtle elements that reflect your personal brand.

Here’s my advice for MBA applicants:

Use a clean, professional layout that reflects current business document standards.
Use bullet points sparingly to highlight key achievements or skills.
Ensure consistent formatting for emphasis, such as bold for job titles or italics for company names.

Remember, while a touch of creativity can set you apart, readability and professionalism should never be compromised. In the world of business, clear communication is crucial.

How to write an MBA cover letter

Let’s craft a cover letter that will make admissions committees eager to welcome you into their program.

Step 1

Analyze the MBA program thoroughly

Start by examining the program details as carefully as you would a business case study. What are the key elements?

Look for phrases like “leadership potential,” “global perspective,” “entrepreneurial mindset” and “analytical skills.” These qualities highlight what the program values in its candidates.

Weave these themes naturally into your letter. It’s not just about showcasing your achievements — it’s about demonstrating how you align with the program’s mission and culture.

Pro tip

Research the school’s recent initiatives, notable alumni or unique program features. Mention how these align with your career goals and values.

Step 2

Structure your header

Your cover letter header should include:

Your full name and current professional title.
City and state (or country, if international).
Phone number and professional email.
LinkedIn URL.
GMAT score (if it’s a strength).

Pro tip

If you have a unique background or compelling career goal, consider adding a brief tagline. Something like “John Doe: Tech Innovator Aspiring to Bridge Business and AI” immediately highlights your unique perspective and ambitions.

Step 3

Address the hiring manager by name

Research to uncover the name of the MBA program director or admissions committee chair. “To Whom It May Concern” is as outdated as using a typewriter for your application.

If you can’t find a specific name, that’s ok! “Dear MBA Admissions Committee” or “Dear [School Name] Admissions Team” are solid alternatives.

Pro tip

If you’re applying through a specific initiative or attended an information session, mention it. “I was inspired by your MBA program presentation at the recent [Event Name]” provides context for your application and shows engagement.

Step 4

Grab attention with your intro

Your introduction should be your “elevator pitch,” a concise, powerful statement that showcases your potential as an MBA candidate. Here are some approaches:

For an ambitious recent graduate:

Transforming my campus startup into a thriving social enterprise has ignited my passion for scalable impact. [School Name]’s MBA program, with its focus on social innovation, is the catalyst I seek to amplify my vision.

For a seasoned professional seeking growth:

After spearheading a digital transformation that boosted our company’s efficiency by 30%, I’m ready to broaden my strategic toolkit. [School Name]’s emphasis on technology in business aligns perfectly with my goal to lead innovation on a global scale.

For an inspired career pivot:

From designing sustainable infrastructure to aspiring business strategist, my journey reflects [School Name]’s ethos of adaptive leadership. I aim to leverage your MBA program to bridge engineering precision with business acumen, driving sustainable solutions in the corporate world.

Pro tip

Weave in a specific aspect of the school’s culture or curriculum that resonates with you. For instance, “The [Specific Program Name] at [School Name], known for its hands-on approach to impact investing, aligns perfectly with my goal to revolutionize funding for green tech startups.”

Step 5

Highlight your MBA-ready skill set

The core of your cover letter should emphasize how your experiences and skills make you an ideal candidate for the MBA program.

Focus on these key areas:

Leadership potential: Describe situations where you’ve led teams or initiatives, showcasing your ability to inspire and guide others.
Global mindset: Emphasize your international experiences or cross-cultural collaborations that demonstrate your readiness for a global business environment.
Analytical acumen: Highlight your ability to interpret complex data and make strategic decisions based on your analysis.
Entrepreneurial spirit: Showcase any entrepreneurial ventures or innovative projects you’ve undertaken.

Here’s an example:

During my tenure at [previous company], I spearheaded a market expansion initiative into Southeast Asia. This project required me to synthesize complex market data, navigate cultural nuances and lead a diverse team across multiple time zones. By implementing a localized strategy based on our data-driven insights, we successfully entered three new markets, resulting in a 15% increase in global revenue within the first year.

This experience demanded a blend of analytical thinking, cross-cultural leadership and strategic decision-making. I collaborated closely with local partners, regulatory bodies and our internal teams to ensure seamless execution. The project not only expanded our market reach but also established a replicable model for future international expansions.

This experience reinforced my passion for global business strategy and my ability to turn analysis into action. I’m excited about the opportunity to further develop these skills at [School Name], particularly through your renowned Global Business Practicum.

Pro tip

Describe a time when you demonstrated resilience in the face of a business challenge. For instance: “When our primary supplier faced a crisis, I quickly analyzed alternative options and negotiated new contracts, ensuring uninterrupted production and saving the company $500K in potential losses.”

Step 6

Express enthusiasm for joining the program

As you conclude your cover letter, aim to leave a lasting impression that compels the admissions committee to invite you for an interview.

Here’s a closing paragraph tailored for MBA applicants:

I’m thrilled about the possibility of contributing to and learning from [School Name]’s dynamic MBA community. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background in [your field] and my aspirations in [your career goal] align with [School Name]’s mission of [school’s key value, e.g., developing ethical business leaders]. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the chance of joining your esteemed program and collaborating with fellow future business leaders to tackle global challenges.

Pro tip

Offer to share a brief presentation on a business idea or case study you’ve developed. This demonstrates your preparedness for MBA-level discussions and your proactive approach to learning.

Step 7

Sign off professionally

Conclude your letter with a respectful closing, such as “Sincerely,” “Best regards” or “With appreciation.”

Pro tip

Consider adding a brief postscript (P.S.) mentioning a recent professional development activity. This could be a relevant business conference you attended, a leadership role in a professional organization or a project you spearheaded.

Refresh your resume

Create your resume

While a compelling cover letter is crucial, your resume (often referred to as a CV in MBA applications) is an equally important component of your MBA application package.

For MBA applications, you should absolutely include your resume. It’s a standard requirement for most business schools and provides a concise overview of your professional experience, academic background and achievements.

If you haven’t updated your resume recently, now is the perfect time to do so. Choose a format that complements your cover letter, maintaining a clean, professional appearance that reflects your attention to detail.

Use MBA-specific resume examples to structure your document effectively. Begin with a concise professional summary, followed by your work experience, highlighting leadership roles and quantifiable achievements. Include your educational background, relevant certifications and any notable extracurricular activities or volunteer work.

Pressed for time? Consider using a AI resume builder well-suited for MBA applicants. These tools offer a variety of templates perfect for business school applications and make it easy to customize.

Key takeaways

Tailor your content

Customize each cover letter to the specific MBA program, highlighting how your goals align with the school’s values and offerings.
Demonstrate a global mindset

Highlight international experiences or cross-cultural skills that show you’re prepared for a global business environment.
Research thoroughly

Show deep knowledge of the program by referencing specific courses, faculty or initiatives that interest you.
Show, don’t tell

Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your skills and qualities rather than simply listing them.
Align with your resume

Ensure your cover letter complements your resume without simply repeating the same information.
End with a call to action

Conclude by expressing enthusiasm for the next steps in the application process.

Resources to help you prepare for your interview

Last Updated: July 10, 2024

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Don is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than 10 years’ experience creating digital content, including four years helping job seekers develop their careers. He holds an M.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University.