Do you want to score an interview for your dream sales job? If so, you need to make sure that your cover letter stands out from the rest. Competition is fierce when it comes to sales jobs, so you need to do everything in your power to make yourself stand out. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for writing a sales cover letter that will help you get the attention of hiring managers. Follow these tips, and you will be one step closer to landing the job of your dreams!
What Is A Sales Cover Letter?
A sales cover letter is a document that you submit along with your sales resume. This letter introduces you to the hiring manager and highlights your sales experience and skills. The goal of the sales cover letter is to get the reader interested in learning more about you and, ultimately, to land you a sales interview.
While your resume focuses on your work history and sales accomplishments, your sales cover letter should focus on why you are the best candidate for the job. In other words, it should sell you to the hiring manager. Plus, 50% said cover letters are important because they can explain why an applicant is changing jobs or careers. This may seem like a daunting task, but if you follow our tips below, you will be well on your way to writing a sales cover letter that gets results!
The Structure Of A Sales Cover Letter
Before we get into the tips for writing a sales cover letter, it is essential to understand the structure of this document. A sales cover letter should be three to four paragraphs long and should not exceed one page. Here is a basic outline of what your sales cover letter should include:
Contact Information
The first section of your sales cover letter should include your contact information. This includes your name, address, phone number, and e-mail address. You want to make it as easy as possible for the hiring manager to get in touch with you, so be sure to include all of your relevant contact information.
You’ll want to choose a style for your cover letter header – we recommend keeping it simple and professional. This means no fancy fonts or colors, just your name, and contact information.
Make sure that your contact information is professional. If you have an e-mail that you’ve used since grade school, it might be time to create a new one specifically for job applications.
Employer Contact Information
After your contact information, you will want to include the employer’s contact information. This includes the name of the company, the address, and the hiring manager’s name. Again, you want to make it as easy as possible for the employer to see that you put effort into creating a customized cover letter specifically for this role.
Personalized Greeting
Once you have the contact information out of the way, it’s time to start writing the body of your sales cover letter. The first step is to write a personalized greeting. This means addressing the letter to the hiring manager by name.
If you do not know the name of the hiring manager, you can simply say, “Dear Hiring Manager.” However, if you take the time to find out the name of the hiring manager, it will show that you are truly interested in the role.
Compelling Introduction
The next step is to write a compelling introduction. This is your chance to grab the attention of the hiring manager and explain why you are the best candidate for the job. Be sure to mention the specific sales role that you are applying for and include any relevant sales experience or skills that you have. Remember, hiring managers receive hundreds of sales cover letters, so you want to make sure that yours stands out!
What You Have To Offer The Employer
After the introduction, it’s time to start selling yourself to the employer. In this section, you will want to highlight your sales experience and accomplishments. Be sure to focus on the results that you achieved in previous roles. Hiring managers are looking for sales candidates who can close deals and drive revenue, so be sure to emphasize your ability to do so.
You will also want to include any relevant sales skills that you have. Some examples of sales skills include:
- Prospecting
- Lead generation
- Cold calling
- Closing
- Account management
If you have experience with any sales software or CRM systems, be sure to mention it here as well!
Knowledge Of The Company
In this section, you will want to demonstrate that you have done your research on the company. This shows that you are genuinely interested in the role and that you have a good understanding of what the company does.
You can mention specific products or services that you are familiar with and explain how your sales experience would be beneficial to the company. Always try to relate your experience back to the company’s needs.
Closing And Summary
In your closing paragraph, you will want to thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration. You can also mention that you would be happy to discuss your sales experience and skills further in an interview. Make sure to summarize why you believe that you are the best sales candidate for the job!
Signature
Finally, don’t forget to sign your sales cover letter. We recommend using a digital signature, as it’s more professional than a handwritten signature.
If you have a scanned copy of your signature, you can simply insert it into your sales cover letter document. If you don’t have a scanned signature, you can create one using an online signature maker.
Cover Letter Examples
Professional Cover Letter Example
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to apply for the sales associate position at [Company Name]. I am a sales professional with experience in the [ industry/type of sales ] industry, and I believe that I would be a valuable asset to your team.
In my previous role as a sales associate at [ Company Name ], I was responsible for generating new sales leads and developing relationships with clients. I was also responsible for handling account management and customer service duties.
I am knowledgeable in various sales software and CRM systems, including [ name of software ]. I am confident that my sales experience and skills would benefit your company.
I would be happy to discuss my sales experience and skills further in an interview. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Job Title]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your E-mail Address]
Entry-Level Cover Letter Example
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to apply for the sales associate position at [Company Name]. I am a recent graduate of [ college/university name ], and I am eager to begin my sales career.
During my time at university, I took part in a sales competition where I was responsible for generating new sales leads and developing relationships with clients. I was also responsible for handling account management and customer service duties.
I am confident that my sales experience and skills would benefit your company. I would be happy to discuss my sales experience and skills further in an interview. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Job Title]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your E-mail Address]
7 Things Not To Do On A Cover Letter
While your cover letter may look different from the sales cover letter examples above, there are certain things that you should always avoid doing on your sales cover letter. These include:
Using The Wrong Format
When applying for a sales position, whether it’s an entry-level or professional role, you want to make sure that your sales cover letter is formatted correctly. This means avoiding any errors or typos and using the correct font size and margins. While it might not seem like a big deal, small formatting errors can make you look unprofessional.
Not Doing Any Research On The Company
When you’re applying for a sales position, it’s important to do your research on the company. This means knowing their sales process, their products or services, and their target market. By doing your research, you’ll be able to show the hiring manager that you’re knowledgeable about their company and that you’re truly interested in the position.
Copy And Pasting The Same Cover Letter
While it might be tempting to simply copy and paste the same sales cover letter for each job you apply for, this is a big mistake. Each company is different, and each sales position will require a slightly different skill set. By tailoring your sales cover letter to each specific job, you’ll be able to show the hiring manager that you’re the best candidate for the position.
Not Following Company Instructions
When applying for a sales position, it’s important to follow the company’s instructions. This means including all of the required information and submitting your cover letter in the correct format. If the company asks for a specific type of sales cover letter, be sure to follow their guidelines. For example, sometimes companies want you to write about a specific sales experience or skillset.
Not Highlighting Your Relevant Skills
When applying for a sales position, it’s important to highlight your relevant skills. This means discussing any sales experience you have, as well as any other skills that would make you a successful salesperson. Be sure to mention anything that sets you apart from other candidates, such as your ability to use specific sales software or your knowledge of the company’s products.
Writing Too Long Of A Cover Letter
When it comes to sales cover letters, less is more. You want to make sure that your sales cover letter is short and to the point. Hiring managers are busy, and they don’t have time to read a long sales cover letter. Keep your sales cover letter to one page, and be sure to include only the most relevant information.
Forgetting A Call-To-Action
Your sales cover letter should always end with a call-to-action. This means telling the hiring manager what you want them to do next, such as setting up an interview or requesting more information. By including a call-to-action, you’ll be sure to get a response from the hiring manager.
Do I Always Need A Cover Letter?
In short, yes. While there are some sales jobs that don’t require a cover letter, most do. A sales cover letter is your opportunity to sell yourself to the hiring manager. It’s important to take the time to write a well-crafted sales cover letter that will make you stand out from the competition.
The only time a cover letter is not appropriate is if the specific position states “no cover letters”. If this is the case, it is best to follow their guidelines.
Conclusion
A sales cover letter is an essential part of your job application. By following these tips, you can be sure that your sales cover letter will make you stand out from the competition. Take the time to customize your sales cover letter for each job you apply to, and be sure to highlight your relevant skills and experience. With a well-written sales cover letter, you’re sure to get the attention of the hiring manager and land the sales position you’ve been dreaming of.
If you’re looking for your next career move, contact us today at Sales Recruiters Dallas, or browse through open jobs to find the position of your dreams!