The best way to pitch yourself to your potential employees is through an impressive salesman cover letter. In this comprehensive guide, we've gathered valuable tips, templates, examples, and cover letter samples that will make the process of writing yours as easy as can be.
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Keep reading to learn all about:
- How to create a salesman cover letter header and headline
- The importance of including a personalized greeting on your cover letter
- What to say to hook employers’ attention in your cover letter introduction
- Ways to highlight your professional value as a salesman in a cover letter
- How to effectively conclude your salesman cover letter
- Accessing top resources for job-seeking salesmen
1. How to create a salesman cover letter header and headline
Writing an effective cover letter as a salesman starts with creating a good-looking header and headline.
A header and headline serve two key purposes on your cover letter:
- To give the letter visual structure
- To provide the employer with all the necessary introductory information
You will craft your cover letter header first, including key details such as your name, your professional title, your professional contact information, and the name of the company you are applying to.
Here is an example of a well-formatted salesman header
Jonathan Star, Professional Salesman
(123) 456-7890 | jostar@email.com | linkedin.com/in/jo-star
To: Reefer Boating Supplies
Sales Department
1234 Street Address
Honolulu, HI 96795
Once your header is in place, you can then write your headline. Think of it as if your cover letter is a story and your headline is the title — what key information should you include in your title to capture the employer’s attention and compel them to continue reading?
Here is an example of a great headline from a salesman's cover letter
My 3 Best Success Stories as a Salesman & How I Can Achieve Similar Success at Your Business
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2. How to include a personalized greeting on your salesman cover letter
Following your header and headline is the greeting of your cover letter.
You have one of two options when writing your greeting — to use a generalized greeting, such as “To Whom It May Concern,” or to use a personalized greeting that addresses a specific person by name. This specific person should be the staff member most likely to review your application, such as a hiring manager.
In almost every instance, your best choice is to opt for a personalized greeting. By doing so, you make your letter feel more exclusive to one employer, making it more likely that they will continue reading and remain engaged with the content.
Here are 3 examples of personalized salesman cover letter greetings
- Dear Hiring Manager Sarah Smith,
- Dear Mrs. Sarah Smith,
- Dear Manager Sarah Smith & the Sales Team,
3. How to craft an eye-catching salesman cover letter introduction
When you are attempting to land a sale, one of the most important first steps you can take is to introduce the product you are offering to the customer in a way that hooks their attention.
The same is true when writing a cover letter — your introduction should compel the employer to want to know more. Plus, a well-written, compelling introduction can create a great first impression by demonstrating in real time how great of a salesman you are.
Your introduction should always include:
- A brief overview of your professional history
- A statement on why you are enthusiastic about applying to this company
- Any specialized areas of expertise you possess
Here is an example of a compelling and effective salesman cover letter introduction
Dear Hiring Manager Sarah Smith,
I write to you today with great excitement about the opportunity to join your renowned sales team. As a salesman with more than 4 years of experience working in the energy drink industry, I know I have the expertise your team needs to land major deals with big-name brands. Along with a long history in sales, I also have experience as a promotional manager, which has allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the customer sales cycle as it relates to current trends.
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4. How to highlight your professional value as a salesman in a cover letter
Once you have hooked the employer’s attention with your introduction, you can begin to offer more in-depth insights into what makes you a valuable employee and member of a sales team.
As you describe your top skills, accomplishments, and other qualifications, always consider how you can relate this information back to the specific needs of the employer. For instance, if you have consistently exceeded your sales targets in a previous position, explain how you can accomplish similar success for the employer’s company or brand.
Here are 6 skills to describe in a salesman cover letter
- Excellent verbal communication
- Product promotion tactics
- Inventory management
- Setting sales goals
- Negotiation
- Conflict management and problem-solving
Here is an example of how to describe an accomplishment in a cover letter
As a door-to-door salesman for [Former Employer], I spoke and negotiated with more than 80 customers daily. In my time in this position, I exceeded my sales goals by 15% per month on average, as well as achieved 30% higher total overall sales compared to my peers.
5. How to effectively conclude your salesman cover letter
The final step to writing a great salesman cover letter is to craft an effective conclusion.
To do so, you must include:
- An enthusiastic sentence saying you are looking forward to hearing from them
- Clear instructions on how and when to contact you
- A statement on when you plan to follow up (letting the employer know you will follow up can often encourage them to contact you more promptly)
- A formal sign-off
Here is an example of an effective conclusion from a salesman's cover letter
My deepest thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to read my cover letter and review my application. As the newest member of your team, I am confident I can provide the quality service and care your customers deserve. Please contact me at your earliest convenience at (123) 456-7890 on any weekday between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. I plan to reach back out next Friday afternoon to touch base if I have not heard back!
With Appreciation,
[Applicant Name]
6. Top resources for job-seeking salesmen
To look for a job as a salesperson can be incredibly intimidating. But at the end of the day, it all boils down to a combination of perseverance, determination, and patience. If you need advice on where to look for suitable job opportunities, you can start by looking into some of these resources:
- Industry-specific job boards: Explore platforms like SalesHeads and SalesTargetJobs for job listings in your field worldwide.
- Professional associations: Join organizations such as the National Association of Sales Professionals (NASP), the Institute of Sales Management (ISM UK), or the Sales Management Association (SMA) for access to job boards, training resources, and networking events.
- LinkedIn Sales Navigator: Use this tool to identify job opportunities, connect with hiring managers, and stay updated on industry trends and news.
- Sales training courses: Apart from the training provided by professional associations, you can also enroll in sales training programs offered by institutions like Dale Carnegie, Rains Sales Training, or Sandler Training to enhance your sales skills, techniques, and strategies.
- Online sales communities: Join online communities and forums like Sales Gravy or SalesLoft to engage with fellow sales professionals, share insights, and discover job leads.
- Sales recruitment agencies: Partner with sales-focused recruitment agencies such as Sales Talent Agency, Hays Sales or Michael Page to access exclusive job openings and receive personalized job search assistance.
When it comes to landing a job, so much of it depends on factors you can't control. But what you can control is the quality and execution of your resume and cover letter. So, without further ado, go for it!
If you have ever wondered how a cover letter differs from a resume, this article will tell you everything about the key differences between the two.
Salesman Cover Letter FAQ
What's the best way to showcase my sales skills in a cover letter?
Focus on specific examples of your sales achievements and successes, highlighting metrics such as revenue generated, sales targets exceeded, or new clients acquired. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your sales prowess and the value you can bring to the company.
How can I stand out from the competition in my salesman cover letter?
Tailor your cover letter to the specific job and company, demonstrating your understanding of their needs and how you can address them. Highlight unique experiences, skills, or accomplishments that set you apart from other candidates, and showcase your enthusiasm for the role.
How long should my salesman cover letter be?
Aim for a concise and focused cover letter that is no longer than one page. Keep your cover letter succinct, focusing on the most relevant information and avoiding unnecessary details or repetition.
How can I convey my passion for sales in my cover letter?
Use your cover letter to convey your passion for sales by sharing anecdotes or stories that illustrate your enthusiasm, drive, and commitment to the profession. Express genuine excitement about the opportunity and showcase your eagerness to contribute to the company's success through your sales expertise.
Should I mention referrals or connections in my salesman cover letter?
If you have a mutual connection or were referred to the position by someone within the company, it can be beneficial to mention this in your cover letter. Briefly mention the referral in the opening paragraph or closing statement to emphasize your connection and establish credibility with the hiring manager.
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