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Sales Cover Letter Writing Templates & Tips to Help You Stand Out from the Crowd

A sales cover letter is a chance to sell yourself. It’s an opportunity to personalize your job application and explain why you’re the best person for the sales job you want.

Moreover, it gives you a chance to prove that you have the selling skills necessary to succeed in a role. Research shows that 72% of recruiters expect a cover letter even when they are “optional” with 77% of the recruiters giving preference to candidates who include one. Additionally, 83% of hiring managers and HR professionals say that cover letters can boost your chances of getting an interview.

Further, Jobvite’s 2021 recruiter study showed cover letters are becoming increasingly important to recruiters with 26% considering them very important for candidate evaluation (up from just 8% in 2017).

Whether you are in the market for a business development, customer success or a sales representative position, a cover letter, in addition to a professional resume can help you land a job interview.

In this article, we’re going to explain why sales position cover letters matter, what sales managers look for in an ideal candidate and some cover letter tips to make your application stand out. We’ll also share some cover letter examples sales reps can use to help craft your own.

Why do sales cover letters matter?

Similarly, in a professional cover letter, you must position yourself as the answer to their hiring needs. Think of a cover letter your sales pitch to a prospective customer where you position yourself as the solution to their problem (i.e. a salesperson that will help them reach their goals, whether that’s to close more deals, increase revenue, grow into new markets, etc.).

A great cover letter goes beyond showcasing your sales skills and track record. You’re competing in a saturated market during your job search and many applicants have similar skills and sales experience to your own. Your cover letter can give you the edge over the competition and complement your sales resume – especially if you’re writing a cover letter for sales positions that have plenty of suitors.

Use the cover letter to not only showcase your skills but to sell yourself, explaining exactly why and how your past work experience will help you deliver results.

Take this time to show that you care not only about landing the sales position but also the company you’re applying to. Conduct thorough research and tie your own personal experiences to the company’s values.

For example, if you’re applying for a job at an email marketing SaaS company and have used their platform before, mention it. Talk about how their software helped you in a previous job or endeavor and relay your passion for the tools and their features.

A touch of personalization like this can go a long way. Personalization is key in sales because it humanizes the customer journey and selling process. Using it in your sales position cover letter has the same outcome. It gives you the chance to expand beyond simply a name on a piece of paper and helps to bring your application to life.

It also proves that you’ve done your due diligence with their products and have found a way to tie that into your unique narrative and background. This shows that you can replicate this process with your future leads, prospect’s and customers if hired.

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What do sales managers look for in an ideal sales candidate?

There are many types of sales methodologies and each one requires varying degrees of skill.

However, sales superstars share basic strengths and qualities that help them go above and beyond.

These include:

• Responsibility. Elite sales reps take ownership and accountability for their performance. They don’t blame anybody else for their shortcomings and set high goals for themselves.
• Coachability. They pick up processes and operations quickly and easily in order to perform at a high standard. As sales associates must continually learn about new products, features, tools, trends and techniques, they need to be adept at understanding and showcasing this knowledge on a regular basis.
• Goal orientation. Successful reps constantly set and surpass their targets and objectives. They go beyond what is expected and are eager to learn in order to level-up their skillset and performance.
• High motivation, willpower or grit. Reps need to be motivated and ready to convert prospects into customers, every single day. Furthermore, they need to handle rejection well and press on. Seasoned reps understand that rejection is part of the game, push through rejection and persevere.
• Product knowledge. Superstar reps have a deep understanding of the products they are selling. This allows them to portray tremendous confidence and enables them to have more meaningful conversations with their leads and prospects. They don’t stop at simply understanding a product; they become experts on the solutions they’re selling.
• Customer connection. They take the time to understand their customer’s pain points and needs in order to help solve their problems. They go beyond simply trying to sell a product or service and are genuinely interested in improving their prospects’ day-to-day. By perfecting listening skills, they can ask pointed questions to allow the prospect to come to their own conclusions about why they need their products.
• Sales process conformity or adaptability. They adhere to the sales process that their company and managers have set forth. Simultaneously, they creatively adapt their approach based on any changes or setbacks they encounter (both environmental and customer-based). They are consistently prospecting, following up and closing deals.
• Time management. The best reps are exceptionally talented at managing their time. They are able to categorize prospects and capitalize on the opportunities that generate high-value for the business. When they aren’t selling, they’re upskilling and prospecting .

Highlighting superstar traits in a sales cover letter

Knowing what sales managers look for in an ideal sales candidate equips you to position your own strengths in a way that makes them stand out in your cover letter.

Therefore, highlight your achievements in a way that aligns with one of these ideal rep qualities.

For example, say that in a previous role you alone increased company-wide customer referrals by 30%. While very impressive, rather than simply listing this as a standalone statistic, tie it into the customer connection quality from the sales superstar list.

The end product may look like this:

• Through excellent listening and conversational skills, I built meaningful customer relationships that stimulated a 30% increase in customer referrals

Here’s a sales cover letter example from an account executive applicant :

• Awarded Top Sales Consultant in the territory for two straight quarters and numerous other recognition for helping drive the business, with over $70,000 worth of merchandise sold in the top-performing quarter at Best Buy.
• Exceptional academic qualifications, including a forthcoming Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from The George Washington University School of Business.
• Successfully automated and maintained an innovative metrics reporting process for the team's monthly capitalization rates, dramatically increasing capitalization opportunities on a per-project basis at Royal Bank of Canada.
• Effectively prepared a variety of business and personal tax returns for clients using Syntax, filing more than 84 tax returns a day resulting in an additional 34 new clients during the taxation season at MA Consulting.
• Provided expert assistance in auditing and organizing information regarding tax returns.
• Assisted specialists in verifying data and communicating with customers to maintain documentation, running and preparing support documents at Mariner Finance.

He seamlessly intertwines his own achievements with the attributes that make up a top sales performer.

If we take a closer look at the first bullet point, which contains his achievements:

Awarded Top Sales Consultant in the territory for two straight quarters and numerous other recognition for helping drive the business.

Sales superstar strengths:

• Driving business growth through high motivation, willpower and grit. To win Top Sales Consultant two quarters in a row takes serious determination and a will to succeed
• Goal-orientedness. In order to drive sales to such a high level, he must have set exceedingly high goals for himself and made a valiant effort to achieve them

Keeping what hiring managers are looking for front-of-mind can help you tailor your cover letter in a way that lands you an interview.

Pro-tip : Ensure that your cover letter is congruent with your profile on LinkedIn in case the hiring manager examines your credentials further. As LinkedIn’s platform is designed to blend the traditional resume and cover letter (and resume examples) via bios and job experience, it should synchronize with your application.

Sales cover letter examples: How to stand out

When it comes to cover letter examples, sales representatives should consider both quality and format.

There are three essential tactics to follow when creating a cover letter for a sales position:

• Top. Explain why you’re the best candidate for the job (as discussed in the first section)
• Middle. Format your achievements with bullet points to make them pop
• Bottom. Finish strong with a CTA (your contact details with a few words encouraging them to get in touch)

Let’s run through each section in detail with some sales cover letter samples to boot.

Top of the cover letter

Start with a targeted message. Explain why you are the best candidate for this specific position. The more details the better. Avoid sounding overly broad.

If you can find the hiring manager’s name via research, include it. Addressing your cover letter to a specific person adds a personal touch that can pique interest.

The goal is to capture the hiring manager’s attention and convey that you are astutely familiar with the company and brand that you’re applying to work for.

Here’s a cover letter template for the start of your letter:

Dear [NAME], I’m so excited to apply for this job because I’ve followed your company for years. I am very familiar with the mindset required to excel as a sales representative for your brand. I respect your values, mission and goals when it comes to making a global social impact through a meaningful, value-driven platform. I’m incredibly excited about the work that your company does and I believe my previous experience gives me the competitive edge you’re looking for in a rep. As a rep for [PREVIOUS COMPANY], I acquired a dynamic skill set that aligns with your company’s needs. I’m ready to pursue my ultimate dream career and blend my unique skills and accomplishments with something that aligns with my preeminent personal passions.

In this example, the applicant begins with a personalized opener and highlights a specific interest in the company they’re applying to work for.

By showing a specific interest in the company and role, you significantly boost your chances of landing an interview. That’s because personalization helps to bridge the gap between anonymous applicant and cultural fit.

Middle of the cover letter

Transition into your specific achievements and accomplishments in previous positions. As discussed above, align your skills with the strengths and qualities that hiring managers are looking for.

Quantify your achievements and detail specific examples of what you’ve done. Did you hit your sales goals for three consecutive years? Were you awarded the top inside sales rep for two quarters? Now is the time to say it. Use bullet points to make them pop. Go beyond what’s listed in your sales representative resume and add value bombs where applicable.

Here’s a template for the middle of your sales representative cover letter:

Closed deals at a rate 2x higher than company set targets by asking pointed questions based on actively listening to prospects’ needs

Grew customer base by 15% through driven and motivated networking, outreach and follow-ups

Awarded Top Sales Representative for 5 out of the 8 quarters I was employed

Designed a first-rate internal communications strategy that directly boosted pipeline growth by 10% in one year

Consistently drove aggressive YOY sales by 20% over the last 2 years

Created an internal communication skills course for entry-level reps which resulted in an 18% increase in quota attainment

Bolding your numeric achievements is an effective visual strategy. The hiring manager will most likely scan your cover letter and, if impressed by your achievements, will re-read in full.

Bottom of the sales cover letter

Finish with a short paragraph that indicates how you will offer an advantage if hired.

Now is the time to dictate specifically how you will use your aforementioned passion, excitement and achievements to better the company you’re applying to. Again, do your research before applying so that you can align this section with the company’s needs.

The best place to learn about what the company wants from you is the job description itself. The job description should set clear expectations of what the role entails, the daily activities and required experience. It will also tell you a bit about the company.

Allude to the themes in the job description in your final paragraph. This shows that you:

• Read the job description in full
• Conducted follow up research
• Are capable of selling yourself based on the criteria you’ve been given

Here’s a template for the end of your cover letter:

Through working on projects in local communities, I’ve developed a keen interest in connecting with the front-line workers who utilized my [PREVIOUS COMPANY’S] products and services. I’m eager to transfer the critical knowledge I’ve retained from these meaningful experiences to a more global level. Your company has grown at an impressive rate and your business strategy keeps community health and effective global leadership front of mind—two things I respect at the highest of levels. As part of the Sales Team at [YOUR COMPANY], I look forward to learning more about your product, joining a highly motivated and talented team and contributing to your overall growth.

Here, the applicant uses personalization to highlight their company-knowledge, work experience and future goals. They clearly state how they’ll contribute to the company’s growth and help them scale meaningfully. It’s obvious that they’re passionate about what the company does and are ready to take the next step in their career.

Here’s a template for the CTA with easily accessible contact information, which will make it easy for the hiring manager to reach out immediately without wasting valuable time:

Please feel free to contact me if you have any additional questions at [phone number] or [email]. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Kind regards,

[Your Name]

Make sure to end your cover letter with a professional signoff. Match your voice and tone with the company’s style, which you can find in the job description and throughout your research.

For example, if the tone is highly professional use any of the following signatures in your cover letter:

• Best regards
• Kind regards
• Respectfully
• Yours sincerely (if you know the name of the recipient and you open with their name)
• Yours faithfully (if you don’t know their name and you open with “dear sir/madam”)
• If the company’s tone is more laid back, you can use:
• Thank you for your consideration

Avoid using casual phrasing. As a cover letter is a formal correspondence and an opportunity to make a great first impression, casual phrasing can come across as overly friendly and unprofessional.

Do NOT use any of the following signatures in your cover letter:

• Affectionately
• Warm regards
• Take it easy
• Have a great day

The complete cover letter for sales associate

Combining all the sections above, this is what a complete cover letter for sales associate positions could look like.

Dear [NAME], I’m so excited to apply for this job because I’ve followed your company for years. I am very familiar with the mindset required to excel as a sales representative for your brand. I respect your values, mission and goals when it comes to making a global social impact through a meaningful, value-driven platform. I’m incredibly excited about the work that your company does and I believe my previous experience gives me the competitive edge you’re looking for in a rep. As a rep for [PREVIOUS COMPANY], I acquired a dynamic skill set that aligns with your company’s needs. I’m ready to pursue my ultimate dream career and blend my unique skills and accomplishments with something that aligns with my preeminent personal passions. Through working on projects in local communities, I’ve developed a keen interest in connecting with the front-line workers who utilized my [PREVIOUS COMPANY’S] products and services. I’m eager to transfer the critical knowledge I’ve retained from these meaningful experiences to a more global level. Your company has grown at an impressive rate and your business strategy keeps community health and effective global leadership front of mind—two things I respect at the highest of levels. As part of the Sales Team at [YOUR COMPANY], I look forward to learning more about your product, joining a highly motivated and talented team and contributing to your overall growth. Please feel free to contact me if you have any additional questions at [phone number] or [email]. Thank you for your time and consideration. Kind regards, [Your Name]

Final Thoughts

Regardless of the sales position, cover letters that follow the example shown by those above can help you rise above the crowd. A great sales cover letter offers an opportunity to connect with the hiring manager at the company you’re applying to. It’s a chance to stand out from the crowd, showcase your talents and your selling skills.

Use it as a sales platform to sell yourself. Format it in a way that helps the reader easily find your accomplishments and wow them by aligning past achievements with ideal candidate qualities.

Personalize it by researching the company and showcasing excitement for the specific role. Avoid generalizations and discuss details. Read the job description in full, reference its themes throughout and explain exactly why and how you are the right candidate for the job.

While not every hiring manager reads cover letters, you should always put your best effort into writing them. You never know when it will be the breakthrough you need to land an interview and eventually get the job.

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Sales Cover Letter Tips, Templates, & Examples to Land Your Ideal Role

Published: April 20, 2022

A strong sales cover letter can do a lot for you as an applicant — like demonstrate effective communication skills, show you're invested in the opportunity, and give you room to add some color to your application.

That said, stringing cover letters together is often one of the more grating, monotonous tasks job seekers have to put up with — but while putting a sound sales cover letter together can be a chore , it doesn't necessarily have to be a challenge . There are some key tips, strategies, and structures you can fold into your letters to make them as compelling as possible.

Let's take a look at some of those tricks, review how to arrange your sales cover letter, and see an example of what a solid one looks like in practice.

Sales Cover Letter Tips

Keep it concise..

You should aim to keep your cover letter between three to five paragraphs, and under no circumstances should it be more than one page. Employers fielding a high volume of applications could be leafing through hundreds of cover letters every day. If you're too long-winded — stringing together a multi-page history of your entire professional life — you're going to get overlooked.

Use a professional font.

A cover letter is a professional document, so it warrants a professional presentation. Don't get too cute with your font selection or colors. Go with something like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri — and always have the text be black.

Avoid flowery language without sacrificing flow.

You're not writing an English essay or preparing for a poetry slam here. Again, you want to keep things professional. Avoid flowery phrases like, " At your leisure " or " Please find attached herewith. ” That said, you want your letter to flow and sound natural, so try not to come off too stiff.

Highlight relevant skills.

Pore over the listing for the role you're applying for. What is the company in question looking for? What specific skills and qualities do they call out in the job description? Once you have those questions squared away, try to find ways to include those elements in your cover letter.

Reference quantifiable achievements.

In most cases, employers won't look at the skills you highlight and just take you at your word — you need to point to hard, quantifiable results that demonstrate you're the real deal.

How to Write a Sales Cover Letter

If you’re applying to a conservative company or work in a formal industry — like finance, healthcare, or law — include a full heading: Your name and address, followed by a space, the date, followed by another space, and the company name and address.

But if you’re applying to a less formal place, you can probably get away with simply writing your name and email address — followed by a space and the company's name and email address.

Maybe you’re not sure who will be reading your cover letter — but don’t write " To whom it may concern, " " Dear hiring manager, " or any other generic title. With a little research, you can usually find the hiring manager’s name.

Let’s say you’re applying for the SMB Account Executive role at Joyfull. Google "SMB sales manager Joyfull" and see if you can find the team’s leader on LinkedIn. When applying to a conservative company, write “Dear Mr./Ms. [Last name].” When applying to a startup or relatively relaxed organization, write “Dear [First name] [Last name].”

Your intro paragraph should highlight why you’re a great fit. It’s a high-level overview, rather than an in-depth exploration of your work history and qualifications, so keep it under four sentences.

The standard cover letter opening line is something along the lines of:

"I’m interested in becoming a sales representative on your SMB team " or " I'm excited for the opportunity to apply for the SMB sales representative role. "

While these sentences might not kill your chances of getting the job, they generally don’t help. You want to grab the reader’s attention and sell yourself from the very start — so don't be reluctant to try a personalized, compelling line that will draw the hiring manager in and make them want to read more.

Here are a few examples:

" I love working with small businesses — in fact, I’ve helped more than 300 in the past year at my current job — which is why I’m so excited about the chance to help SMBs discover Joyfull. "

" Every week, I write a blog post about a common SMB challenge. Helping SMBs overcome this obstacle isn’t just rewarding -- it’s also a great lead gen strategy. My passion for this type of work led me to your SMB Account Executive position. "

Do you know a current or former employee who speaks positively about the company? Mention them in your intro. In some cases, you might have their referral — either by submitting your application or connecting you with the hiring manager — but even if you don't, you can still drop their name.

For instance, you might say something like, "As a self-starter who thrives in autonomous, results-oriented environments, I’m drawn to the BDR role at Red Shelf. I’ve heard great things about the culture and learning opportunities from Sarah Grossman, who started as a BDR and now works on your L&D team."

First Body Paragraph

In this paragraph, choose a relevant work experience. What does "relevant" mean? You’re trying to show your existing abilities and knowledge map well to the role you’re applying for, so if you currently work in retail and you want to become a business development rep, you might write:

" As a floor associate for Wilson & Co., I help 60-plus customers every day with questions about brands, fit, quality, and more. This experience has taught me how to provide a positive customer experience and be helpful while driving sales — both skills I’d use as a HubSpot BDR. Finally, it’s made me comfortable approaching strangers and acting as a product expert, which would be invaluable when reaching out to inbound leads. "

Second Body Paragraph

The second body paragraph follows the same structure as the first. Take another relevant work or educational experience, and connect the dots to the role you’re applying for. Imagine you’re currently an AE applying for a manager position. Your second section could read:

“ In the past 16 months on the Pacific West team, I’ve taken several opportunities to grow my leadership abilities. I started a mentorship program for new reps, pairing them with salespeople who have been at the company for at least two years. This program has been a huge success — the half-year retention is 20% higher for participants versus those without mentors. As a sales manager, I’d continue to look for ways to support, mentor, and train my salespeople so they can maximize their potential. "

Third Body Paragraph

If you have another relevant experience, discuss it here. But you don’t have to add a third paragraph just for the sake of adding one — a lot of the time, a shorter cover letter is better, provided you can convey an appropriate amount of relevant information.

Let’s suppose you’re applying for a sales engineer role — a highly technical and demanding job that likely warrants a three-paragraph cover letter. You could say something like:

"After spending two years in customer support, I’m in my element when answering product-related questions. There’s nothing I enjoy more than getting a challenging ticket I can dig into — and there’s nothing more satisfying than finally solving it. As a sales engineer for HubSpot, I’d get the chance to talk to customers about the product on a daily basis and answer their most complex questions. In addition, I could use the communication skills I’ve honed as a support rep."

This section doesn’t need to be long or flowery. Many people end with unnecessary statements like, "Please let me know if I can provide any more information” or "Thank you for your consideration."

The problem with these? A hiring manager can safely assume you’ll give more info if asked and are appreciative of their time. You’ll seem like every other applicant who’s grabbed a generic template from the internet — which, okay, you might be doing, but they don’t need to know that.

Instead, reiterate your interest with a strong summary line like:

“The best days at work are usually the longest and most demanding — because I go home knowing I’ve helped multiple owners dramatically change the course of their businesses. Your hyper-loyal user base suggests being a Joyfull AE comes with even more opportunities to help young and growing organizations.”

Sales Cover Letter Template

Dear Jane Doe,

I’m passionate about [helping X type of customer, solving Y goal, working in Z industry] — which is how I found the [open position] at [company name]. The more I learned about [company’s] mission to [insert mission here, i.e. “improve the remote working experience,” “make personal finance easy”], the more excited I became. My [applicable skill #1 and applicable skill #2], as well as experience in [field] and knowledge of [related topic], would make me an asset to the [department, i.e. “Customer Development”] team.

As a [title] at [current employer or skill], I’m responsible for [doing X and Y]. This has helped me develop [ability] -- in fact, [insert proof of your skill, e.g. “my boss recently said I was one of the most resourceful employees he’s ever had” or “I’m known for my ability to stay collected and take the lead during high-pressure situations.”] I’d use [X skill] as your [job title] to [achieve main objective].

I’m also [skilled in X/possess Y and Z positive traits], which comes from my [previous work or extracurricular experience]. [In that role, on that team], I developed a knack for [skill/traits]. This was instrumental in [hitting specific milestones/exceeding expectations]. You’re looking for someone with [X skill/character traits], and I believe I’m a good fit.

Over the past [number of years], [company] has [accomplished X goal, such as “become a leader in the CRM space” or “used creative marketing and social media campaigns to become a household name in Colorado.”] It looks like you have ambitious goals for the future -- I hope I get the opportunity to contribute.

[Your name]

Sales Cover Letter Example

Why It Works

This cover letter is effective for a few reasons. For one, it speaks directly to how the applicant's hard, quantifiable achievements align with both the role's required technical acumen and the more abstract qualities needed to thrive in it.

By alluding to the fact that they're familiar with the vertical the role serves, the applicant establishes the relevance of their experience — and by touching on elements like their experience with mentorship, they're demonstrating their growth potential within the role.

If you're in the middle of a job hunt, odds are you're going to write your fair share of cover letters — so knowing how to put a compelling one together is in your best interest. It might be the difference between ultimately landing a sales role and not even popping up on an employer's radar.

Don't forget to share this post!

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Five fill-in-the-blank cover letter templates to help you impress recruiters.

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Sales Cover Letter Examples and Templates for 2024

• Cover Letter Examples

How To Write a Sales Cover Letter

• Cover Letter Text Examples

When writing your sales cover letter, focus on how you can grow revenue for the company that posted the job. Also, emphasize your skills in related areas like account retention, customer service, contract negotiations, or territory management. This guide offers cover letter examples and tips for landing your next sales position.

Sales Cover Letter Templates and Examples

• Entry-Level
• Senior-level

A great sales cover letter usually has five sections, outlined below. When possible, connect each section back to your defining sales skills and the employer’s hiring needs. The following advice and examples show what to include in your cover letter so it’s optimized for each job application.

At the top of the page, include your resume contact header, the date, and any contact details you have for your recipient. Add the title “Sales Professional” to your contact header. You can then modify this title to align with each job posting (as long as it’s still true to your background). As sales jobs vary, this extra detail can enhance your cover letter by quickly showing employers you’re the type of applicant they’re looking for. That can pertain to someone in management, inside or outside sales, or a certain product set or market region.

(Note: Feel free to omit this section if you send your letter as an email message and your contact information is part of your signature.)

Savannah Bateman Inside Sales Representative | [email protected] | (678) 901-2345 | Columbus, OH 01234 | LinkedIn

February 11, 2024

Emma Neal Senior Hiring Manager Staples (543) 210-9876 [email protected]

2. Salutation

Whenever you can, address your recipient by name – it’s the quickest way to signal you’re sending a job-specific letter and not a boilerplate. If you can’t find the recipient’s name, use a variation of “Dear Hiring Manager” so your greeting is still tailored somewhat to each job opening.

Dear Ms. Young:

Dear 123 Corp. Sales Manager:

3. “Hook” or introduction

To catch the reader’s attention, start your letter with an example of your success in growing revenue or an assigned client base. Since performance numbers are key to your field, quantify your example in terms of a clear percentage, ranking, or dollar amount. In the sales cover letter example below, see how the applicant quickly connects her chosen highlight to a relevant skill (sales training) that can benefit the employer.

Dear Mr. Davis:

As sales manager at The ABC Agency, I’ve led a 20-person team to exceed monthly quotas and grow annual revenue by 20% in two years. With my passion for sales training, I could be a valuable asset to your organization.

4. Body paragraph(s)

Use the main section of your letter to tell why you’re drawn to this job or employer. For instance, maybe it’s an outside sales role in an industry you’re eager to return to. Or maybe the company’s brand, business model, or sales approach appeals to you somehow. With this explanation, you can show hiring managers you read their job posting and are responding to it directly.

Following this explanation, cite two or three more of your main skills or achievements , possibly as bullet points.

With seven years of industry experience and a bachelor’s degree in marketing, I’m drawn to your company’s reputation for top-caliber digital products. My career highlights also include:

• Launching a social media strategy that increased our online presence and grew sales by 15%
• Raising customer satisfaction scores and retention by 10% in one year

5. Call to action

Finally, request an interview and thank the manager for their consideration. Carry your letter’s focus through this last paragraph by briefly restating your ability to drive lucrative sales deals. To end your cover letter, use a simple closing like “Sincerely” or “Best regards” and then your name.

I would like to further discuss the sales executive position at The Big Sales Company and how my skills can benefit your team. Please call or email me to schedule an interview. I appreciate your time and look forward to possibly hearing from you soon.

Kind regards,

Simon Bishop

Sales Cover Letter Tips

1. highlight your main sales skills.

As part of your letter’s body text, add a short list of bullet points to show your success in different sales areas. For instance, you might mention a program you started to enhance collaboration with the marketing team. Or, if you’re applying to a leadership role, cite measures you took to raise sales staff morale and retention.

This is another section where you can specify revenue growth or other performance data relevant to your field. In the following example, notice how the applicant uses percentages to give compelling evidence of her skill set.

My recent achievements include:

• Leading a local market research project that improved our product positioning and grew revenue by 43% in 2023
• Generating more than 110% of my quota for five consecutive quarters
• Converting 81% of leads into sales, with 62% becoming repeat customers

2. Speak to the company's strategic goals

An effective cover letter doesn’t just give facts about your past, it also shows your excitement for the future. What direction is the hiring company headed? Does the job posting reveal its short- or long-term business goals? Speak to those goals and how you see yourself advancing them, and you’ll give your cover letter the engaged and confident tone it needs to stand out.

I’m drawn to 123 Corporation based on its recent expansion into the medical supply field. My past work with hospital suppliers and experience in the health care niche can benefit your company.

3. Show you can serve each customer's needs

Sales jobs often center on building clients’ trust and finding custom product solutions. Feature this consultative approach in your cover letter if it reflects your background and the sales roles you’re pursuing.

Last quarter, I grew my client base by 22% while maintaining a 95% account retention rate. My expert product knowledge and networking skills inspired confidence and loyalty in clients. I hope to bring the same level of growth to the sales representative role at Staples.

Sales Text-Only Cover Letter Templates and Examples

• Senior-Level

Dear Ms. Neal:

Your brand’s product set and focus on corporate clients is an ideal fit with my skills and experience. A driven professional with deep knowledge of local markets, I believe I can help your team significantly increase its revenue in 2024. My recent achievements include:

I’d appreciate the chance to discuss how my skills can make me a valued member of your team. Please let me know a suitable interview date. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Savannah Bateman

Simon Bishop Sales Executive | [email protected] | (917) 476-8365 | Rochester, NY 14622 | LinkedIn

February 12, 2024

Diane Young Senior Hiring Officer The Big Sales Company (375) 564-7148 [email protected]

Over my past four years as a sales executive, I’ve grown my client base 50% in a competitive market. I hope to make a similar impact as the newest member of your sales team.

Jennifer Manning Sales Manager | [email protected] | (836) 183-2648 | New York, NY 10027 | LinkedIn

Michael Davis Hiring Manager 123 Corporation (126) 054-7746 [email protected]

I’m drawn to 123 Corporation based on its recent expansion into the medical supply field. My past work with hospital suppliers and experience in the health care niche can benefit your company. My achievements also include:

• Launching a market strategy to improve health care industry positioning, which grew sales by $210,000 (30%)
• Devising successful social media strategies to increase our online presence

I would love to discuss how my skills and experience can benefit 123 Corporation. Feel free to contact me to schedule an interview in the coming weeks. Thank you very much for your consideration.

Jennifer Manning

Sales Cover Letter Frequently Asked Questions

Do i really need a cover letter for my job search -.

Yes, in most cases. The majority of job postings today require or allow you to send a cover letter along with your resume. While not every hiring manager reads or prioritizes them, a well-crafted letter can only help you stand out from other applicants. It will also help you clarify what points to emphasize during the interview.

How do I persuade the hiring manager of my sales skills? -

Don’t just tell, show. Anytime you use a trait like “dedicated” or “client-focused” to describe yourself, follow with a clear example showing the trait in action. Detailed examples of your success help hiring managers envision the value you’ll add to your next sales job.

How long should my cover letter be? -

No more than one page, or around 250 words. Resist the urge to tell your whole career story, even if you’ve worked many years in sales. Give just enough detail to pique hiring managers’ interest so they take a closer look at your resume.

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Jacob Meade

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, ACRW)

Jacob Meade is a resume writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience. His writing method centers on understanding and then expressing each person’s unique work history and strengths toward their career goal. Jacob has enjoyed working with jobseekers of all ages and career levels, finding that a clear and focused resume can help people from any walk of life. He is an Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) with the Resume Writing Academy, and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.

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7 Sales Cover Letter Examples & Writing Guide for 2024

• Sales Manager Cover Letter
• Sales Cover Letters by Experience
• Sales Cover Letters by Role
• Write Your Sales Cover Letter

Sales are the lifeblood of business. Whether selling products or services, you take care of customers as they invest in your company. 

Sales mean selling well, and that makes all the difference in keeping clients happy and hungry for what you’ve got. Every business needs someone with sales skills—it’s just a matter of what you’re selling and to whom, which makes sales a versatile option for those looking to broaden their horizons.

Whether you’re joining sales or a seasoned veteran, you may need to write a cover letter with your  sales resume  when job hunting. So, we have seven sales cover letter examples, plus tips for selling your cover letter. We’ve done the heavy lifting to help you present your  top job skills  at every sales interview.

Sales Manager Cover Letter Example

USE THIS TEMPLATE

Microsoft Word

Google Docs

Block Format

Why this cover letter works

• Before writing a cover letter , research the job role. If you’re familiar with the products and services the company sells and its target market during the interview, that’ll help you stand out among other potential hires.
• Your resume tells employers about you, but your cover letter takes it further by telling them how you’ll fit in with their work culture. Some things just can’t be summarized into resume bullet points, and your cover letter is where you illustrate how you’ll apply your previous job experience in a new environment.

Sales Assistant Cover Letter Example

• For example, Leo executes a seamless transition of his data querying expertise solidified as a data entry clerk at North Face into his sales assistant masterpiece. Therefore, never write off certain indirect experiences when applying for junior positions.

Pharmaceutical Sales Cover Letter Example

• Emulate how Priya weaves in how she used Clear Spider and Fishbowl for stock management and BatchGeo and eSpatial for sales territory mapping. It’s about showing off your ability to use technology to skyrocket efficiency and results.

Digital Sales Representative Cover Letter Example

• You won’t be a perfect fit for every role. Still, past experience might offer an alternate perspective to draw on as you write your digital sales representative cover letter.
• Company websites and  sales representative job descriptions  are a treasure trove of information. Just as you’d research a sales lead before pitching, do the research to show a potential employer how you understand and align with the company.

Sales Consultant Cover Letter Example

• Credentials and experience can influence the company’s decision. Even if you don’t have exactly what they need, unique proof of results can help make up for what you might lack—or even bring a little extra something to the table. 
• It’s not enough to just understand the company—show the prospective company how you plan to meet the needs of its target market to set you apart from other applicants.

Medical Sales Cover Letter Example

• Following the method of “tooting your own horn”, this cover letter takes advantage of supporting enclosures/documents like 2 letters of recommendation and a transcript of records to support her candidacy.

Car Sales Cover Letter Example

• Here you’re very much going to depend on powerful metrics. This car sales cover letter includes eye-catching achievements like – ‘34% growth in sales of hybrid and electric vehicles’ and ‘23% uplift in sales of eco-friendly models’. As a hiring manager, this is quite convincing of the candidate’s ability to make a profit for the company.

Sales Resume

Sell the package by including a sales resume with your cover letter.

or download as PDF

Outsell Your Competition with Your Sales Cover Letter

As a salesperson, there are a few things you must do to raise the odds of closing the deal: do your research, show proof of value, and bundle it all up into an appealing package. 

Your cover letter is the same—demonstrating that you’re a candidate familiar with the company and its requirements is one thing, but if you can back that up with good examples of past results in a neatly presented document, that’s even better. All of that makes you downright irresistible as a prospective hire.

Step 1: Know the company and role

Before you apply for a job, consider how you’ll stand out from the many applicants crossing the recruiter’s desk. Between your sales resume and cover letter, the latter is your best bet at making a unique first impression. 

To hunt down a sales role, use the information in the job description and the organization’s website to set the perfect bait (we mean your cover letter). Different companies have different values, and tailoring your sales cover letter to address each company’s needs will help convince them you’re the right person for the role.

Step 2: Demonstrate achievement with details

The  format of your resume  works like a product pamphlet or brochure; it contains all the specifications you have that will meet the job description’s requirements. Your cover letter, on the other hand, functions like a sales pitch that helps convince employers you’re the best fit for the job. 

If you acquired an industry-specific certification like the CFA charter to boost your credibility as a salesperson, tell the hiring manager how you did it and how it affected your sales performance. If your sales team implemented a different approach to the sales process that positively impacted your win rate, elaborate on how the change helped you and what you learned. 

Going beyond resume bullet points helps employers paint a complete picture of your person, so don’t skimp on the details. 

Step 3: Presentation matters

Like selling products and services, your cover letter will draw more attention if presented in a neat, appealing package. While writing your sales cover letter, remember that hiring decision-makers often process hundreds of job candidates. Your document should end within one page, so reading it doesn’t feel like drudgery instead of an application. 

On that note, keep your writing simple, professional, and sincere. You’re applying for a job, not waxing poetic or jamming jargon into each paragraph. The language in your cover letter should be easy to read. Recruiters will pay attention to how you present yourself in your cover letter because how you sell yourself will often indicate how well you can sell on behalf of the company. 

The language in your cover letter should be accessible and easy to read so recruiters can grasp the material.

Once you’re done writing your sales cover letter, give it time to breathe before editing so that you can come back to it with a fresh perspective. If you have trusted people who can look over your document, even better—revise your cover letter using their feedback, and catch any errors or typos before sending your application, resume, and cover letter to the company.

Your Sales Cover Letter Outline: Start with Strategy

Now that you’re ready to craft your sales cover letter, we’re here to help. Let’s strategically go about this, much like any sales process you might already be familiar with from previous sales engagements. 

How to start a sales cover letter

Your contact info:  If you’re using a template, fill in the letterhead with your name, email, and phone number. Any filler text in the template should be replaced with the relevant details or omitted if they’re not required.

• Formatting : If you’re using a block format instead of a template, include your address. While a template has your name on the letterhead, your name will be omitted from your address in a block format as it’s already present in your signature line.

Date:  Sales processes sometimes take a while, and job applications are no different. The date written on your career documents should be the day your entire application is submitted.

• Formatting : Write the date entirely, e.g., February 1, 2023. This format keeps the month and date clear and straightforward compared to the DD/MM/YYYY and MM/DD/YYYY difference in regional date formats.

Inside address:  In short, the inside address is how you’ll contact the hiring decision-maker at your organization of choice. Start by naming the specific person in charge, then list their position, the company’s name, and finally the company’s address.

David Durfey, Director of Human Resources  Trek Bikes 801 West Madison Street Waterloo, WI 53594

• Formatting : Each part of the address should be on a new line, but you can list the hiring decision-maker’s position next to their name. Add a double space between your greeting and the inside address.

Greeting:  First impressions count, and a good greeting or salutation can help your cover letter start with a bang. Try looking for the hiring decision-maker’s name on the organization’s website or social media, as that will add a personal touch to your writing. It also shows you’ve done your research to find out with whom you’ll be working. 

Dear Mr. Lloyd:

• Formatting : Commas after the greeting are great for companies with more casual work culture, such as tech startups. If you’re applying to a bank or somewhere with a more formal setting, use a colon after the greeting.

How to write your sales cover letter

Body:  Your sales cover letter should have a maximum of four paragraphs, where you state your interest, demonstrate your enthusiasm, and show your eagerness for further discussion. Here’s where we get to the meat of the matter.

• Formatting:  The body of your cover letter should be single-spaced, with double-spacing between paragraphs for easy reading. 

Opening paragraph:  Like your greeting, your opening paragraph is where the recruiter will glean their first impression of you. State your interest in the job and mention one or two relevant credentials. Don’t be generic here, like: 

I am interested in the sales consultant role at your company. I have three years of relevant sales experience in an adjacent field. 

This doesn’t tell the recruiter anything they don’t already know, and if you’re trying to get a sale on the street with this introduction, they’ll walk past you without a second glance. Instead, try: 

ProSites’ focus on innovation and growth in the medical and dental web marketing sphere speaks to me as a digital marketer and salesperson. While some treat sales as just another job to put food on the table, I believe my calling lies in empowering clients with practical tools to bring their business to the next level, and that shows in how I build relationships with each customer I serve.  

This opening catches the reader’s attention by first addressing the organization’s values, then showing how the candidate’s approach to work aligns with those values.

Paragraphs 2-3:  The next couple of paragraphs are where you’ll elaborate on the credentials and qualifications introduced in your opening paragraph. For each paragraph, discuss one clear and relevant accomplishment relevant to the job description requirements. Be detailed and specific, and quantify your results whenever possible like this:

Having developed specific experience in both B2B and B2C sales during 3 years at Adobe, I know how vital it is to foster the business-to-client connection, especially in our current digital age. My understanding of B2C marketing gave me a unique perspective in empathizing with our clientele’s pain points to help me exceed target sales metrics by 6% each year. To do so, I habitually nurtured viable sales leads by following up on them at designated intervals and establishing a two-way street by not just listening to their problems but also resolving them whenever possible. 

This paragraph tells the reader about specific, industry-relevant experience and links this experience with company values and metrics to further justify the candidate’s successful skill application. 

Closing paragraph:  You’ve done well introducing yourself and selling your capabilities as a competent candidate for the job; now, finish it with a sentence summarizing how your values and qualifications align with the company’s needs. Add a call to action at the end for some extra polish. This is bad: 

I think I’ll do well in this sales consultant role. Thank you for your time and kind consideration. 

It doesn’t exactly inspire confidence, and as a salesperson, one of the key personality traits is confidence, both in your product and in yourself. Instead, try something like:

Participating in and supporting client growth is an enriching experience that pushes me to excel in the context of my sales career. I look forward to joining Morgan Stanley, where I know we will achieve great things together. I hope to hear from you soon about how I can contribute as your next internal sales consultant. Thank you for your time.

How to end a sales cover letter

Signature:  This is the time to say “thank you” if you didn’t do so in the closing paragraph. Use a professional close like “sincerely,” or “best regards,” along with your real name. 

Best regards,

Natalie Walton

• Formatting : If you’re sending any hard copies of your cover letter by mail or in person, make sure to quadruple-space, so you have room to sign your name in blue or black ink. 

Enclosure(s):  The sale isn’t final until all documents are complete. State “Enclosure(s)” at the end of your cover letter to let the reader know there’s more to come. Here, you’ll list in order of appearance your job application, resume, and other supporting documents required or relevant to the job description. 

Enclosures: Resume Application Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Certification FINRA Series 7 Certification

• Formatting : If you’re listing more than one document, use “Enclosures” instead of “Enclosure,” so the reader knows what to expect. 

Snag Your Next Sales Role with a Selling Resume 

So, you’ve figured out how to sell your best cover letter, and you’re sure you’ve cracked the code to get the sale in the bag. But what about your sales resume?

If your resume is as ready to go as you are, that’s great! However, if you need to  check your resume  or use a  free resume template , that’s why we’re here. Pressed for time? Try plugging your details into this one right now.

Sales Manager Resume

Need a resume to pair with your sales manager cover letter?

You’re a heckuva sales pro, and you deserve a dazzling sales strategy to match—our cover letter and  resume tips  will get you on your way to becoming a sales superstar. With our tools keeping you polished and fresh, you’re sure to shine at your next interview.

Include as much information as you can about translatable skills and why you want to get into a sales career. For example, customer service is very important in sales, and you can gain experience in it from a variety of previous jobs. Additionally, if you’ve obtained a business or marketing degree, you could emphasize marketing analytics or lead generation skills that you picked up in your studies.

You understand the importance of metrics like conversions or customer satisfaction. Aim to include some pivotal metrics from your previous work achievements while relating them to how you’ll help the company achieve its goals. Additionally, connecting your passion for the position will help a lot. For example, if you’re applying to be a sales rep for a gym, you could explain how you’re passionate about getting more membership signups to help others improve their health and well-being.

You can keep a similar structure for each cover letter, but you should customize the specifics to connect with each new job you’re applying to. It’s the same as how you’d tailor your message for each prospective customer’s needs when you’re on a sales call or adjust your strategies for a specific target market.