How to craft a professional transportation manager cover letter
If you’re applying for a transportation manager position, you should be prepared to write a cover letter that will impress any recruiter. You might be thinking, "The cover letter is dead, and I already have a great resume. Why do I need a cover letter too?"
Well, a cover letter is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the hiring manager and tell them what makes you the perfect candidate for the job. It’s also how you explain why you're interested in working for the company.
But how do you write a cover letter that reflects your ability to handle relevant activities like routing, dispatching, and tracking?
Luckily, we've got you covered with this comprehensive guide. Read on for some tips on how to write a cover letter for this logistics position.
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1. Get inspiration from examples of transportation manager cover letters
When starting from scratch, looking at examples of other successful transportation manager cover letters can be helpful. Transportation manager cover letter examples will give you an idea of the appropriate style and tone for this type of document. It will also give you a sense of the format and structure that are most effective.
There are plenty of online sources where you can find inspiration for your cover letter. However, you should ensure that you’re only looking at cover letter samples relevant to the position you’re applying for. Transportation management is a broad field, and the cover letter requirements will vary depending on the specific job you’re applying for.
2. Choose the right tone and style for your transportation manager cover letter
Your cover letter should be professional and formal, but it doesn’t need to be stuffy or boring. After all, you want the hiring manager to remember you.
You can get a sense of the company's style and tone by reading its website and other published materials. For instance, if the company has a blog, look at a few posts to get a sense of their writing style.
If you can’t find anything that gives you a good sense of the company's style, err on the side of caution and go with a more formal tone. Sounding too informal in your cover letter could make it seem like you’re not taking the job application process seriously.
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3. Use a cover letter template to get started
If you’re not sure where to start, a cover letter template can be a helpful way to get the ball rolling. A template will give you a general structure for your cover letter, which you can customize to fit your specific needs.
When you’re using a cover letter template, be sure to edit it to fit your circumstances. A generic cover letter is likely to do more harm than good. The hiring manager will be able to tell that you’ve just copied and pasted a template, which won’t reflect well on you as a candidate.
The best thing about using the right cover letter template is that it contains the relevant keywords and phrases that will work for both the ATS system and the recruiter.
4. Craft an impressive transportation manager cover letter introduction
The first sentence of your cover letter is your opportunity to make a good first impression. You want to grab the hiring manager's attention and give them a reason to keep reading.
One way to do this is to start with a strong opening statement that reflects your transportation manager's skills.
Here are some examples of strong opening statements for your cover letter
As a transportation manager with ten years of experience in the field, I’ve developed a keen eye for detail and an ability to think on my feet.
My employer recently commended me for my ability to streamline the transportation process, which resulted in a 10% reduction in shipping costs.
Either of these opening statements would give the hiring manager a good sense of your skills and experience as a transportation manager.
5. Highlight your transportation manager skills and experience
The body of your cover letter is where you get to highlight your skills and experience as a transportation manager.
Some of the most critical skills for a transportation manager include
- Organizational skills
- Communication skills
- Analytical skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Interpersonal skills
The more relevant skills you can highlight, the better your chances of getting the job. One way to do this is to match your skills to the job description.
For instance, suppose the job ad mentions they’re looking for a transportation manager with excellent analytical skills. You can describe when you used your analytical skills to solve a problem.
Here’s an example of how to effectively highlight your skills
I was able to identify a discrepancy in the shipping manifests, which led to a significant decrease in shipping costs.
If you have any experience with software or technology relevant to the job, mention it in your cover letter. For instance, if you’re familiar with transportation management Systems (TMS), include this experience.
6. Conclude your transportation manager cover letter strongly
The final paragraph of your cover letter is your opportunity to sell yourself as the best candidate for the job. You want to leave the hiring manager without a doubt that you’re the right person for the job.
One way to do this is to mention your interest in working with the company. You can say something specific about the company that appeals to you. For instance, you could mention that you admire the company’s commitment to sustainability or its use of innovative technology.
You can also use this paragraph to highlight your transportation manager skills one last time. Such a statement will show that you’re not just applying for any old job but also taking the time to learn about the company and what it offers.
Here’s an example of an effective conclusion for your transportation manager cover letter
As your company is one of the top transportation establishments in D.C., it brings me great excitement and gratitude to be considered for this position. I look forward to speaking with you more about this opportunity and am available to meet on Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. To best reach me, please call me at (123) 456-7890.
With Sincerity,
[Applicant Name]
Do you want to avoid the heartbreak of being passed over for a transportation manager job? Then follow the tips in this article and write a cover letter that will grab the hiring manager’s attention. Check out the latest interview on our Recruiter Reveals series to ensure you know what recruiters want.
