general cover letter for sales manager

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How to Write an Effective Sales Manager Cover Letter and Resume

Many job applicants write cover letters without much thought. However, this is a big mistake. When writing your sales manager cover letter, it will boost your job application if you can sell yourself as the ultimate candidate. A great cover letter, along with a great sales manager resume, is essential to acing the hiring process. 

In your sales manager cover letter, you can highlight your experience in sales manager positions that you have previously held as well as the successful strategies you used in those positions. Overall, your cover letter should establish yourself as a valuable asset to the company. The cover letter tips in this article will show you how to do exactly that. 

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Sales manager cover letter guide.

An impactful sales manager cover letter follows a fairly specific formula. In this section, we break down the necessary components and share some cover letter writing practices you can use when writing your own. You will also find an example that will help you showcase your sales manager skills. 

Why Does Your Sales Manager Cover Letter Matter? 

A sales manager cover letter is a key document because it acts as your initial sales pitch for why you should be hired. Your cover letter is your opportunity to distinguish yourself from other job seekers and tell the company about your sales training, exceptional qualifications, and past successful sales. Furthermore, it is a great time to show the company that you share its goals.

All of this is extremely valuable during the competitive application process. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that jobs for sales managers will increase by seven percent between 2020 and 2030. This is on par with the growth of the United States economy as a whole, which means that the supply of sales managers is projected to keep pace with demand.

In a sales manager cover letter, you can add accomplishments and academic qualifications that you think will help you perform well in the job, and explain how the sales techniques you’ve mastered can increase company revenue. To write a powerful cover letter, you should highlight your strong work ethic and detail how you would contribute to a creative sales team. 

Essential Components of Your Sales Manager Cover Letter

To write a strong cover letter, you need to incorporate several components. Make sure that the following four things are included somewhere in your letter.

  • Soft skills. In the context of sales management, the most important soft skills are leadership qualities such as integrity, listening skills, reliability, and team-building. These are skills that you must have to be part of the sales staff of any company.
  • Sales management skills. It is good to provide evidence of your sales manager skills when writing your cover letter, as companies closely evaluate these skills when considering a candidate. These skills include coaching, selling, innovation, and other core sales management behaviors.
  • Sales skills. Of course, you need to establish yourself as an excellent salesperson. You can do this by mentioning your track record and prior experience. You can discuss a successful email campaign you ran in a previous role, different sales pipelines that you established, or your use of effective sales tactics. 
  • Accomplishments. You should also highlight the professional accomplishments you have achieved throughout your career. These may include being an award-winning sales manager or achieving a high percentage of sales growth after implementing successful campaigns.

5 Tips for Writing a Strong Sales Manager Cover Letter

Use the following tips to create a strong sales management cover letter that will impress anyone who reads it and improve your chances of landing an interview. 

  • Be professional. When writing your sales manager cover letter, you must maintain a professional tone in your writing. Remember that you cannot write the way you speak and that the hiring manager whom you are addressing is also a professional. The tone of your letter should be warm and friendly without being too casual.
  • Show your passion. A perfect cover letter will show how much you want to work for the company in question, why you have always admired it, how it aligns with your career goals, and what you like most about your career as a sales manager.
  • Be honest.  It is best to be honest when writing your cover letter, as lies can easily be discovered. Make sure that you are honest about the clients you have worked with, the teams you have led, and the sales you have made. Your references may be checked and, if any deceit is uncovered, you may ruin your chances of being hired. 
  • Research the company. One of the best ways to get information about the company is to read its annual report, which you can typically download from its website. This way, you can learn about its activities, accomplishments, mission, vision, and goals for the future. These are very important points that can impact future sales decisions. This strategy will also ensure that you align yourself with the company in your cover letter.
  • Proofread. Before sending your cover letter, you should read it many times to check for errors. Do this ahead of time so that you can make corrections. Your sales manager cover letter must not have spelling or grammatical errors. It must be fluid, and you should remember to write in an active voice. 

Sales Manager Cover Letter Example

Use the following sample cover letter to help write yours. This will aid you in finding your next job as a sales manager at the company you’ve always dreamed of working for.

Sales Manager Cover Letter Sample

[Your Name]

[Your Phone Number]

[Your Email Address]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am writing this letter to apply for the sales manager position at [company name]. I am very excited for this opportunity and I believe that I am the perfect candidate due to my extensive experience in the field.

Thanks to my studies and the hands-on professional experience I have gained in previous positions, I have developed extensive sales knowledge. In addition, I have increased the annual revenue of each client to whom I have offered my services, by an average of [X] percent.

I have worked closely with marketing managers from different industries throughout my career to develop effective sales strategies. I consider myself a professional with problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills. I can make decisions with sound judgment as needed. 

I possess a great work ethic that can contribute to your company as part of your sales team. As a sales manager at [Name of the Previous Company You Worked For], I have been able to facilitate online promotional campaigns for a wide variety of products and services, while also being in charge of a high-level and highly productive team.

Thank you for your attention and for the opportunity. I invite you to read my resume and learn a little more about my experience, studies, and training. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sales Manager Resume Guide

a woman holding a laptop after she has finished writing a sales manager cover letter

In this section, we will show you important tips, suggestions, and examples so that you can create an impressive sales manager resume. 

Why Does Your Sales Manager Resume Matter?

A sales manager’s resume includes all the details of a person’s professional life. Through a resume, the employer can determine if a candidate is a good fit for the company’s objectives. Once a hiring manager understands your relevant experience, they will have a better idea of how you will perform in the job.  

It is important to list any courses in sales training in addition to any bachelor’s or master’s degrees you hold. It is also important to mention your successful sales campaigns. This is also a suitable time to mention noteworthy clients you have worked with in the past.

Essential Components of Your Sales Manager Resume

Below are the components that your sales manager resume should include. You must follow these recommendations to write a successful resume.

  • Header. In the header of your sales manager resume, you must place your name in a larger font than the rest of the text. Then you can place your contact details, including your phone number, address, and email. Make sure that all your data is correct so that the company can contact you easily.
  • Executive summary. When writing your sales manager resume, make sure to include an executive summary that is impactful and communicates your achievements, experience, skills, and qualifications.
  • Professional experience. Make a list of your previous sales jobs, and include the position you held in the company as well as the years you were in that position. Also, include a list of the activities and achievements you carried out in that position.
  • Key skills. Knowing what skills to add to a resume can be hard. Focus on skills that a sales manager must have to perform well in their field. Include hard skills such as software management, financial forecasting, and sales planning, and some soft skills such as analytical skills, leadership, and critical thinking.
  • Key achievements. A key way to stand out from other sales managers is to show your accomplishments, so include industry-relevant achievements on your resume. It is important to be as specific as possible in this section. 

5 Tips for Writing a Strong Sales Manager Resume

Below are some tips for creating an impressive resume. Remember to pay attention to details, and focus on demonstrating why you are the ideal sales candidate.

  • Write an excellent summary. The executive summary is the first impression anyone who reads your resume has of you. Concentrate on writing a compelling summary that will make the hiring manager want to read on and learn more about your experience and training.
  • Quantify your achievements. It is good to include your achievements by quantifying them. As a sales manager, you should back up your achievements with references that show the results in measurable terms, such as the overall monetary worth of your campaigns or the number of employees you have been in charge of. 
  • Read the job description.  Make sure you read the company’s job post carefully. You can include keywords found in the job post so that your resume will pass through the applicant tracking systems (ATS). This way, you can be sure your resume will get into the hiring manager’s hands.
  • Focus on your sales experience. It is unnecessary to include all the information regarding non-sales jobs you had before starting your career as a sales manager. It is better to focus on the sales jobs you have held, even if you have only had an entry-level position, and describe all your accomplishments in detail. 
  • Design. You should use designs that look professional, clean, and minimalistic. That’s why we recommend that you look at sample resume templates and choose one that you feel comfortable with. In the next section, we look at some specific examples. 

Sales Manager Resume Examples

Below is an example of a sales manager’s resume and an example of the executive summary. As you’ll be able to see, our examples adhere to the components and tips discussed above.

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Sales Manager Resume Sample: The Executive Summary Section

Executive Summary

Sales professional with five years of experience leading successful marketing campaigns, including digital marketing, email marketing, and partner marking campaigns. Experience working with diverse clients, including several Fortune 500 companies. Highly qualified, proactive, and responsible, with strong leadership and negotiation skills .

Sample Sales Manager Resume Template

[Your Full Name]

[Your Address]

[Write a brief summary of your Sales Manager experience and accomplishments. This should be no more than a few sentences.]

[List your skills in bullet-point format, including managerial skills and soft skills.]

Professional Experience

[Company Name] | [Location] [Job Title] [Date Started – Date Ended]

  • [List your key responsibilities and accomplishments for each role.]
  • [Be specific and detail-oriented to show your impact.]

[Company Name, Location] [Job Title] [Date Started – Date Ended]

[Institution Name] | [Location] [Graduation Date] [Degree]

  • [Add details about relevant coursework, special achievements, and any honors.] 

Sales Manager Resume Template Resources

  • Sales manager resume . This is a Word resume template. The template is specially designed for a sales professional to list work experience chronologically. 
  • Marketing resume . This is a Word marketing resume template. This is an eye-catching template to list your studies, skills, and work experience. This is a bold design, but you can change the font and colors.
  • Minimalist resume . This is a Word template that you can use for your sales manager resume. The template has a minimalist style that you can customize, and you can also combine it with a minimalist cover letter template.

Importance of a Sales Manager Cover Letter and Resume

A compelling cover letter and a sleek resume are a sales manager’s way of communicating their sales experience to employers. You must have these documents ready and well-curated to get your next job in the industry.

Sales Manager Cover Letter and Resume FAQ

To write your sales manager cover letter, you should, first of all, address the hiring manager of the company directly. Start by explaining why you would be a good fit for the sales manager position. Describe how your skills and accomplishments will help you meet the company’s goals and how your vision aligns with their ideals.

In your sales manager resume, it is very important that you create a list of your skills. This list should include the skills you have in reporting, statistical analysis, use of systems, and soft skills such as communication, coaching, and leadership skills. You can also detail management skills on your resume .

When you are following an application process, you must follow the steps indicated by the recruiter or hiring manager. If the job ad suggests that you send the cover letter and resume together, then do it. They are sometimes kept separate in the application process, in which case they will be individually requested at different times.

A sales manager is a highly trained professional who must have skills in leadership, coaching, communication, customer relations, management, and personnel management skills, including hiring and recruiting sales representatives.

About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication .

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5 Sales Manager Cover Letter Examples Built for 2024 

Stephen Greet

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You thrive when leading a company’s promotional teams. Sales strategies are developed, quotas are met, and markets are effectively analyzed when you’re leading the way.

Have you analyzed today’s job market to ensure your sales manager resume and accompanying cover letter will be successful?

You don’t need to be an expert at branded promotions and selling your abilities in a cover letter. We’ll assist you with our sales manager cover letter examples that can be an easy template for success.

general cover letter for sales manager

Sales Manager Cover Letter Example

USE THIS TEMPLATE

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Block Format

Sales manager cover letter example

Copy this text for your sales manager cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Tulsa, OK 74008 (123) 456-7890

September 10, 2023

Mason Taylor Melton Truck Lines, Inc. 123 Fictional Lane Tulsa, OK 74008

Dear Mr. Taylor,

Driven by enthusiasm to handle and overcome challenges in demanding roles, I am thrilled to express my strong interest in the sales manager position at Melton Truck Lines. I have a proven track record in driving revenue growth, optimizing sales processes, and utilizing data analysis to make informed decisions.

In my previous role as a sales manager at Dalton Enterprises, I spearheaded initiatives that significantly improved the sales team’s performance and the company’s bottom line. I am particularly proud of achieving a 43% increase in sales revenue over the course of six months through targeted sales forecasting and strategic planning.

One of my strengths, which was honed at TrendBiz as a sales lead, lies in optimizing sales processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. By implementing Hive streamlined workflows and providing comprehensive sales training, I successfully reduced the average sales cycle by 14% and increased the conversion rate by 23% within four months.

Through my expertise in data analysis and reporting, I uncovered actionable insights that led to a 33% improvement in lead-to-customer conversion rates. I consistently leverage advanced Zoho Analytics to track key performance indicators and identify areas for improvement, allowing me to adjust strategies and tactics in real-time for maximum impact.

I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skill set to your organization and contribute to its ongoing success. Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to discuss how my experience and expertise align with Melton Truck Lines’ objectives.

Enclosures: Resume Application 2 letters of recommendation Client Portfolio

Why this cover letter works

  • This sales manager cover letter has set a good pace for you by expertly combining tools, competencies, and quantifiable achievements to make a strong case. Notice how Zoho Analytics and Hive have been leveraged to highlight the candidate’s past achievements.

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Regional Sales Manager Cover Letter Example

Regional sales manager
cover letter example

Copy this text for your regional sales manager cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Boston, MA 02112 (123) 456-7890

Sophia Anderson Dell Technologies 123 Fictional Lane Boston, MA 02112

Dear Ms. Anderson:

From the novice experience of starting a fresh juice business way back in college, I have climbed the ladders, building solid sales experience, and honed my skills in streamlining processes and meet set objectives. I am confident that my years of experience would be invaluable in driving strategic growth and fostering meaningful client relationships as a regional sales manager at Dell Technologies.

My proficiency in sales performance analysis enabled me to identify key trends and opportunities, allowing for precise targeting of markets and customers. This, coupled with my skill in forecasting and sales target setting, led to 33% increase in revenue in my previous role at Gemini Suppliers, contributing significantly to the company’s bottom line.

I successfully identified emerging markets and untapped segments, leading to a 13% expansion in market share in my current role at Cool Beverages. My strategic approach to segmenting markets has not only maximized sales potential but also enhanced customer satisfaction through personalized solutions.

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the continued growth of Dell Technologies as a respected industry leader. Thank you for considering my application.

  • A combination of achievements backed by actual numbers in revenue growth and market share expansion would give you a competitive edge.

Area Sales Manager Cover Letter Example

Area sales manager cover letter example

Copy this text for your area sales manager cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Tucson, AZ 85710 (123) 456-7890

Noah Martinez Boston Scientific 123 Fictional Lane Tucson, AZ 85710

Dear Mr. Martinez:

As a sales professional with extensive experience in the medical devices industry, I have consistently delivered strong results through diligent territory management and data-driven decision making. I am looking to bring my rich experience in sales growth through strategic planning and market expansion to Boston Scientific as your area sales manager.

One of the key strengths I would bring to Boston Scientific is my extensive experience in sales data analysis. In my current role at Gilton Diagnositcs Tech, I implemented a SAP data analysis strategy that increased the efficiency of sales reporting by 35%.

My prowess in sales forecasting has also been a defining part of my career. At Think Big Data Solutions as a sales manager, I developed and implemented a comprehensive Zendesk’s sales forecasting model that improved forecast accuracy by 25%.

Furthermore, my comprehensive background in territory management has prepared me to excel in the competitive environment at Boston Scientific. A notable achievement was at Horizon Home Solutions where I expanded our territorial customer base by 41% through strategic customer engagement and partnership initiatives.

I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss how my experience and skills can help Boston Scientific continue to thrive and lead in the medical device industry. Thank you for considering my application.

Giovanni Lombardi

  • For example, leveraging Zendesk sales forecasting to boost accuracy in data-backed decision-making would add weight to your chances of getting hired in a competitive company.

Territory Sales Manager Cover Letter Example

Territory sales manager
cover letter example

Copy this text for your territory sales manager cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85001 (123) 456-7890

February 19, 2024

Andrew Collins Honeywell 123 Fictional Lane Phoenix, AZ 85001

Dear Mr. Collins:

When I came across Honeywell’s advertisement for the position of territory sales manager, I knew I had to apply as I believe that my skills and experience perfectly match Honeywell’s job description and expectations. Being a territory sales manager for 3 years now, my career has been dedicated to driving sales growth and maximizing market opportunities.

In my previous role at GoDaddy, I identified underperforming areas through advanced sales analytics which helped boost the overall sales revenue by approximately 11%. Not to mention, my expertise in market research played an important role in developing strategies that responded well to evolving market trends – subsequently improving customer retention rates by 16%.

As a branch manager at Stanley Black & Decker, my efforts to refocus the team’s sales forecasting model to become more relevant to fast-paced markets allowed us to anticipate revenue and allocate resources more effectively. Using an upgraded forecasting model, I accurately predicted sales trends that contributed to a 9.4% rise in profit margins. Saving the company approximately $17,534 in inventory costs, this model later became a standard tool across the company.

Learning more about technical product demonstrations during my time at Sysco assisted me in securing key accounts. For instance, my demonstration strategy for the bakery and bread category led to a 32% surge in sales for that product line, underscoring my capability to translate technical features into tangible benefits for clients.

I appreciate your time and consideration in reviewing my application. I believe that my experience together with my skill sets will help take Honeywell’s sales performance and growth to new heights.

Rafael Lima

Enclosures: Resume Application Academic transcripts

  • Use quantifiable metrics like “boost the overall sales revenue in underperforming areas by approximately 11%” to position yourself as a candidate who’s got the experience and the talent to drive sales in specific locations.

Retail Sales Manager Cover Letter Example

Retail sales manager cover letter example

Copy this text for your retail sales manager cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Newport News, VA (123) 456-7890

March 12, 2024

Emilio Russo CarMax 123 Fictional Lane Newport News, VA 23608

Dear Mr. Russo,

With over a decade of experience in retail management, I have honed my skills in strategic planning, team leadership, and customer service excellence which I am eager to bring to the CarMax team. As someone who’s well-versed in this field, I am delighted for the opportunity to contribute to a company that not only leads but transforms the automotive buying experience for millions of customers worldwide. 

As a retail sales manager at NAPA Auto Parts, I closely monitored and analyzed sales trends and performance metrics which was instrumental in identifying opportunities for improvement. This ultimately led to a 46% surge in customer return rate. Moreover, my communication skills have allowed me to inspire my team to achieve and often exceed their sales quotas by up to 21% over consecutive periods.

My tenure at Cycle Gear helped me gain substantial expertise in driving sales through creative marketing, product enhancements, and a deep focus on customer satisfaction — achievements that mirror CarMax’s ethos. I successfully harnessed these efforts to achieve a 37% improvement in product revenue and a 28% rise in customer satisfaction rates.

As a sales associate at Play It Again Sports, my strategic oversight of inventory control lowered stock discrepancies by 24%, while my cash management protocols ensured a 98% accuracy rate in financial transactions. I’ve also implemented a customer feedback system that allowed us to quickly address concerns and improve our service offerings, resulting in a 32% improvement in customer satisfaction scores.

Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my resume and supporting documents to this letter. Hoping to hear back from you soon. 

Dian Prasetyo

  • However, don’t start narrating your career path to any organization. Research beforehand like Yara and only try this with companies such as Sephora who follow a more informal approach to work culture.

Related cover letter examples

  • Sales manager resume
  • Sales representative
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Strategies to Write a Top-Notch Sales Manager Cover Letter

Salesperson pops out of computer screen to depict outselling the competition with sales cover letter

When preparing a cold calling campaign for your sales team to execute, you’d probably do some market research to ensure you’re targeting critical customer pain points. 

Try to take a similar approach to your sales management cover letter. You’ll want to review each company’s job description to identify their needs so you can show them how your positioning and brand awareness strategies will help.

general cover letter for sales manager

Grab the hiring manager’s attention with the greeting and intro

What’s the best way to grab someone’s attention with an ad? Give them something they can relate to right away. You should do the same with your sales management cover letter. 

Start things off by greeting a specific hiring manager if you can find their name in the job description or on the company’s website. It shows some personability right away that you took the time to customize it to them, just like how including a customer’s name on a newsletter can get them to keep reading to learn more. 

Then, grab their attention by relating to the company’s mission and how your skills fit in within the opening paragraph. For instance, if you were applying to an airline, you could explain how you appreciate their mission of creating a more relaxing flying experience and how you want to use your brand positioning strategies to help them stand out in the market. 

Review the opener below to see how the applicant gets off to a good start but falls short when they don’t relate to any specifics about the company or sales management position.

Falling short with this one! 

Hello Mr. Sanchez, 

I was eager to see the sales manager job you had available. I think this would be a great company to work for, and I would be excited to use my five years of sales experience to help you achieve your goals.

The opener below does a much better job of explaining how the applicant wants to use their skills to help Boston Scientific achieve its sales growth objectives. 

A great opener relating to company goals!  

Dear Mr. Martinez,

As a sales professional with extensive experience in the medical devices industry, I have consistently delivered strong results through diligent territory management and data-driven decision-making. I am looking to bring my rich experience in sales growth through strategic planning and market expansion to Boston Scientific as your area sales manager.

general cover letter for sales manager

How to write an impactful sales manager cover letter body

You know that once you have a customer’s attention, you haven’t landed the sale yet. The same is true with your cover letter. You’ll need to add more information to give yourself the best chance of landing an interview. 

The sales field revolves around metrics like conversion rates, leads generated, and impressions. You should include numbers like these while giving examples of your achievements in past sales positions. 

It can also be helpful to showcase how a company had a problem and you resolved it. For instance, you could explain how the company was getting leads but not converting them, so you revamped their lead nurturing strategy to help them boost end-of-funnel conversions by 59%.

An excellent body paragraph showcasing sales solutions! 

general cover letter for sales manager

Solidify your abilities in the closing of your sales manager cover letter

When performing cold calls, you probably ensure you recap your message at the end to connect one last time about why the company is the best fit for a prospective customer’s needs. Do the same at the end of your cover letter by relating back to the company’s mission and how your professional skills , like lead gen and sales page design, fit their needs. 

It’s also a good idea to thank the hiring manager for their time and end with a light CTA, such as “I look forward to hearing from you soon,” just like you’d do at the end of your sales pitch. 

The example below comes off a bit too generic since the applicant doesn’t relate back to any of their specific sales management skills or the company’s mission. 

Missing the mark on this closer! 

Thank you for reviewing my application. I look forward to the possibility of bringing my sales management skills to your team. 

Jessabelle Taylor 

Take a look at the opener below that does a much better job of recapping how the applicant’s sales data analysis and forecasting skills fit in with Boston Scientific’s needs. 

A great closer recapping key sales skills! 

I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss how my experience and skills in sales data analysis and forecasting can help Boston Scientific continue to thrive and lead in the medical device industry. Thank you for considering my application.

A template will help you achieve the appropriate structure for your sales management cover letter, just like planning the sales process to convert more cold calls. Just remember that you still need to customize the details to the needs of each sales management position you apply to. 

You should avoid going over one page with your cover letter. Keep it concise and relevant to key skills the company is looking for, like team leadership or market analysis. 

Unlike your resume, your sales management cover letter shouldn’t use bullet points. Instead, break it up into well-defined paragraphs. For instance, you could relate to the company’s mission in the intro, show key lead gen and prospecting achievements in your body paragraphs, and then recap everything in the closing paragraph. 

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Sales Manager Cover Letter Examples and Templates for 2024

Sales Manager Cover Letter Examples and Templates for 2024

Frank Hackett

  • Cover Letter Examples
  • Cover Letter Text Examples

How To Write a Sales Manager Cover Letter

To write an eye-catching sales manager cover letter, you need to feature accomplishments that demonstrate your leadership capabilities and sales expertise. Emphasize your ability to manage personnel, define high-impact sales strategies, and drive revenue growth. This guide provides cover letter examples and expert tips to help capture the nuances of your sales experience and land that next big job opportunity.

Sales Manager Cover Letter Templates and Examples

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Sales Manager Cover Letter Examples and Templates for 2024

Sales Manager Text-Only Cover Letter Templates and Examples

Kevin Morrison Sales Manager | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | San Diego, CA 12345 | LinkedIn

January 1, 2024

Akira Tanaka Senior Hiring Manager Excelsior Technologies (987) 654-3210 [email protected]

Dear Mr. Tanaka:

I’m contacting you regarding the sales manager role with Excelsior Technologies. At Armin IT Solutions, I implemented new sales strategies to expand market penetration and facilitate revenue growth across two territories. This resulted in a 30% increase in sales revenue for 2023. My expertise as a sales leader within the technology industry would be an asset to your team in this position.

Excelsior Technologies’ reputation for delivering innovative information technology (IT) solutions to enterprise businesses draws me to apply for this opportunity. Throughout my career, I’ve managed relationships with multi-million dollar client accounts and achieved retention rates of over 90%. I can help your organization continue to excel based on my previous accomplishments:

  • Managed a team of over 15 sales representatives and account executives, provided support during high-level consultations, and identified opportunities to improve performance, resulting in a 40% increase in sales revenue in 2022 and an average close rate of 35%
  • Served as the point of contact for escalated client issues, managed stakeholder relationships with multi-million dollar accounts, and improved client retention from 75% to 90%
  • Coordinated with the sales director to implement new sales strategies, expand market penetration, and facilitate revenue growth across two territories

I would like to schedule an interview to tell you more about how my expertise in sales strategy can help Excelsior Technologies continue to improve its position within the global market. You may contact me via phone or email for any questions you may have about my background. I appreciate your time and consideration.

Best regards,

Kevin Morrison

_________________________________________________________________________________

Jennifer Greene Sales Manager | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Philadelphia, PA 12345 | LinkedIn

Celia Alvarez Senior Hiring Manager Northeast HVAC Solutions (987) 654-3210 [email protected]

Dear Ms. Alvarez:

I’m reaching out about the sales manager position with Northeast HVAC Solutions on LinkedIn. As you can see from my attached resume, I have a proven track record of managing, coaching, and developing high-performance sales teams to exceed revenue goals. I can achieve similar results for your organization in the sales manager role.

Northeast HVAC Solutions’ reputation for customer success is what interests me in joining your team. At Cadence HVAC Co., I led continuous improvement initiatives and successfully increased client satisfaction from 80% to 93%. I’m the ideal fit for this opportunity based on my career achievements:

  • Managed and built a team of over 40 sales representatives and account executives, coordinated the sales process for commercial HVAC equipment, and implemented new sales incentives
  • Coordinated cross-functionally with the marketing department to align quarterly sales campaigns with overarching marketing strategy, resulting in a 10% increase in sales conversions
  • Achieved 130% of annual sales quota and generated over $25 million in annual revenue

I hope to speak with you further regarding how my sales management experience within the HVAC industry could be an asset to your team. Feel free to contact me via phone or email at your convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Jennifer Greene

Yaling Zhang Sales Manager | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Birmingham, AL 12345 | LinkedIn

Lori Taylor Senior Hiring Manager Wyndham (987) 654-3210 loritaylor@wyndamhotels&resorts.com

Dear Ms. Taylor:

I’m interested in applying for the sales manager position with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. With over 12 years of sales experience, I’ve successfully developed new account-based sales and marketing strategies for a premiere hotel with over 400 rooms. This resulted in over $2 million in new business over three years. My knowledge of the hospitality industry will allow me to excel in this role.

Wyndham Hotel & Resorts’ reputation as a top-five luxury hotel brand is what draws me to apply for this position. As a sales manager with Hotel Indigo, I drove a large-scale rebranding initiative to revitalize the brand’s image and drive new bookings by over 20%. I can create value for your team based on my previous successes:

  • Developed and implemented a new account-based sales and marketing strategy for a premiere hotel with over 400 rooms. This resulted in over $2 million in new business over three years
  • Oversaw a team of more than 30 hotel representatives, delivered training on guest relations and upselling techniques, and improved sales revenue for add-on services by 25%
  • Coordinated with marketing teams and executive leadership to support a large-scale rebranding initiative, contributing to a 20% increase in bookings in 2022

I would like to schedule an interview to discuss how my sales experience in hospitality can drive positive business outcomes for your organization. Feel free to contact me via phone or email at your convenience. I appreciate your time and consideration.

Yaling Zhang

To write a great sales manager cover letter that stands out in today’s competitive job market , you need the right pitch. Focusing on your previous success using metrics, monetary figures, and data is essential, but it’s also important to note the nuances of your sales background. What truly makes you unique as a manager or sales strategist? How can you leverage your expertise to generate results for the company you’re targeting? By answering these questions, you’ll have everything you need to build a winning sales manager cover letter.

1. Contact information and salutation

List all essential contact information at the top of your sales manager cover letter, including your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn URL. Greet the hiring manager by name — Mr. or Ms. [Last Name]. If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, use a variation of “Dear Hiring Manager.” Avoid using salutations such as “To Whom It May Concern,” as these types of greetings are less personal and widely considered outdated.

2. Introduction

Grab the attention of potential employers with a powerful introduction at the top of your sales manager cover letter. Emphasize your years of experience in sales and anchor your opening paragraph with a stunning achievement backed by a strong metric or monetary figure. This will draw the hiring manager in and entice them to explore your sales background more thoroughly.

Notice how in the example below, the applicant explores the innovative strategies they’ve employed throughout their sales career. Technology is a highly competitive market and often difficult to penetrate. This context makes the 30% increase in revenue even more impressive and adds a dynamic element to their sales manager cover letter.

I’m interested in applying for the sales manager role with Excelsior Technologies. During my time with Armin IT Solutions, I implemented new sales strategies to expand market penetration and facilitate revenue growth across two territories, resulting in a 30% increase in sales revenue for 2023. My expertise as a sales leader within the technology industry would be an asset to your team in this position.

3. Body paragraphs

Continue to describe your most compelling career achievements and qualifications in the body paragraphs of your sales manager cover letter. Start by mentioning something specific about the company’s reputation, products, or culture and why you’re interested in joining their team. Focus on your ability to manage sales teams, develop new strategies, and drive revenue growth.

In the example below, the candidate provides an impactful overview of their sales career. In addition to featuring powerful numbers and strong leadership capabilities, they also draw attention to their expertise in marketing. A brand’s image is inextricably linked to sales, which is why this rebranding initiative is such an important part of their story to highlight. By exploring the nuances of your professional experience, you can greatly enhance the impact of your sales manager cover letter.

Wyndham Hotel & Resorts’ reputation as a top-five luxury hotel brand draws me to apply for this position. As a sales manager with Hotel Indigo, I drove a large-scale rebranding initiative to revitalize the brand’s image and drive new bookings by over 20%. I can create value for your team based on my previous successes:

  • Developed and implemented a new account-based sales and marketing strategy for a premiere hotel with over 400 rooms, resulting in over $2 million in new business over three years

4. Sales manager skills and qualifications

Hiring managers aren’t interested in reading through a long list of skills on your sales manager cover letter. They want to see how you’ve successfully applied these skill sets to generate revenue throughout your career. As you build your content, carefully integrate keywords from the job description into your paragraphs. Below are various key skills to consider adding to your sales manager cover letter:

Key Skills and Qualifications
Account management Business development
Business-to-business (B2B) sales Business-to-consumer (B2C) sales
Client relations Cold calling
Consultative sales Cross-selling
Customer relationship management (CRM) Inside sales
Lead generation Lead qualification
Prospecting Salesforce
Sales management Sales operations
Sales strategy Solution selling
Strategic selling Upselling

5. Closing section

Close out your pitch with a call to action (CTA) in the final paragraph of your sales manager cover letter. Reinforce how your expertise in people management and sales strategy can create value for potential employers. Be sure to thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration in the last sentence.

Sales Manager Cover Letter Tips

1. quantify your sales experience.

Incorporating hard numbers, metrics, and monetary figures is essential for any sales-related cover letter. Quantifying your achievements sends a clear message to potential employers that you have a proven track record of success as a sales professional. That said, it’s important to be tactical in terms of how you feature numbers and data. For example, at a larger company, you might emphasize revenue growth using a monetary figure. If you have experience in a smaller organization where the figure might not look as impressive, it might be better to focus on quota attainment instead.

2. Feature your leadership and people management skills

As a sales manager, you’ll often be tasked with managing, leading, and developing personnel. Hiring managers want to see you can communicate effectively with sales staff, cross-functional teams, and client stakeholders. In the example below, the candidate displays these different facets of their leadership background using tangible achievements from their career:

  • Managed a team of more than 15 sales representatives and account executives, provided support during high-level consultations, and identified opportunities to improve performance, resulting in a 40% increase in sales revenue in 2022 and an average close rate of 35%

3. Highlight your industry knowledge

Having a comprehensive understanding of both the product and market is essential for driving sales conversions. A broad industry knowledge allows you to make a much stronger case for why customers should adopt your products or services. In the example below, the candidate demonstrates a strong background in hospitality. This may differentiate them from other applicants when pursuing sales manager roles in this industry:

I’m interested in applying for the sales manager position with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. With over 12 years of sales experience, I’ve successfully developed new account-based sales and marketing strategies for a premiere hotel with more than 400 rooms. This resulted in over $2 million in new business over three years. My knowledge of the hospitality industry will allow me to excel in this role.

Sales Manager Cover Letter FAQs

Why should i include a sales manager cover letter -.

Although a cover letter won’t be required for every job you apply for, submitting one can help bolster the strength of your application. Crafting a custom cover letter for each company speaks to both your professionalism and genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity. This small personal touch is sometimes all it takes to make a lasting impression on the hiring manager.

How do I make my cover letter stand out? -

To grab the attention of potential employers with your cover letter, emphasize your unique sales approach coupled with powerful metrics and strong numbers. Highlight your ability to interface effectively with clients, communicate value propositions, and enhance the performance of sales teams. Demonstrate the value you can bring to their organizations.

How long should my cover letter be? -

It’s generally advised to keep your cover letter concise and focused, limited to no more than three or four paragraphs. This ensures the hiring manager’s attention is fixed on your most notable contributions and achievements from your sales career. If you include too much information and vague details, the reader may become disinterested before they’ve engaged with your content.

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Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

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Sales Manager cover letter example

Sales Manager cover letter example

What is the number one message for a sales manager?

How you target your message is at the core of a sales manager’s craft. A sales manager cover letter enables you to do exactly that when pursuing the perfect job, unconstrained by your resume’s limitations.

Here’s the thing: All sales managers recognize an empty sales pitch when they hear one. When you are selling your ability to sell to others, it is not enough to list your achievements. What counts is the difference you make to the sales process — something that's hard to convey in the rigid structure of a resume. 

A job-winning sales manager cover letter goes beyond the circumstantial factors of selling success. After all, anyone can sell an amazing product in economic boom times. It details just how you improve sales outcomes and delight customers over and above what the competition can manage. This is not about selling ice to Eskimos. Eskimos don’t need ice. An effective salesperson who is going to attract repeat customers must chat to each tribe of Eskimos and understand their needs to see if there is a fit.

The most successful cover letters tell the sales manager's story in such a way that it dovetails perfectly with the target job requirements. Their experience might not be a perfect fit, but the cover letter's free-form style allows for some creative interpretation. 

This writing guide, along with the corresponding sales manager cover letter example, and Resume.io’s other job search resources including free cover letter examples will help you write a cover letter to close the most important deal in your sales career. We’ll discuss:

  • Core considerations for a sales manager cover letter — make the most of those two minutes when a future boss is reading your words
  • The best format for structuring a cover letter
  • Optimal impact of each cover letter part: header, greeting, introduction, body and conclusion
  • Writing psychology — why someone is looking to hire you and how to benefit
  • Common mistakes to avoid when writing your paralegal cover letter

Core considerations for a winning sales manager cover letter

First things first ... your sales manager cover letter is like any form of selling: The art of persuasion only comes into play after understanding.

In a world where we are limited by time and energy, any activity that wastes either commodity sucks the potential out of your day. It is bad enough to make poor choices for yourself, but when you end up wasting other people's time or energy, they won’t thank you. We’ve all been in that car showroom, politely listening to a salesperson when all we really want to do is have a quick browse and let our imaginations go a little wild.

Sales people must make sure all their customer interactions are worthwhile — for both parties. Your persuasive skills might be top-notch, but if you don't take the time to understand whether your customers have any interest in purchasing (at some point), you will be wasting both your time and theirs. 

Your sales cover letter must convey that listening to understand your customers' needs and wants is your top priority. But just saying so is not enough. Sales is about showing, not just telling. So as a powerful self-selling tool, your cover letter must include examples of your effectiveness in digging deep to understand exactly how to exceed a customer’s needs.

Don’t be afraid to sell yourself as hard as you can. Don’t be shy.

Expect any future boss to only spend a minute or two reading your cover letter, and even then, likely just skimming. So there is no place for subtlety or intrigue in your cover letter sales pitch. Make your “why” jump off the page. Be bold and ensure every sentence has a purpose. 

The purpose of your sales manager cover letter is to open the door to a more detailed personal conversation at the interview stage. You will be up against so many other candidates trying to catch the same employer's eye. 

Use the cover letter as a piece of selling dynamite to blow your competition out of the water. Or at least make sure the wording is strong enough to get yourself on that interview list.

Secondary purpose — the art of influence

Sales professionals are masters of the dark arts of influence. They have a way of leading you in the desired direction while seemingly walking by your side. They use empathy to disarm you and language to persuade you, at all times nudging you along the journey to purchase their product or service. It might not be today, and it might not even be next month, but their actions will make you more likely to buy at some point.

As a sales manager you know your craft and are deliberate about your intentions. Underpinning the subtle art of winning over customers is a significant degree of behavioral science. Your awareness of that needs to come across in your cover letter. It should at least hint at any cutting-edge sales training you've completed, or maybe mention some favorite industry-appropriate sales methodologies. Sales is not a passive process. If you come across as a curious “student of sales” on a journey of continuous improvement, potential employers will know they are taking on someone who will seek to find every possible way to make sales and retain customers.

Your cover letter text will be all the more impressive in giving sales-savvy readers a sense of your proven sales techniques. Be proud of your success stories and show confidence in your ability to replicate them for this prospective employer.

Every sales manager knows that the delivery of any sales pitch does not come in a monologue. There is often a back and forth that can last for weeks or even months before a successful sale. Just as their sales process is structured, so their sales application letter should follow a set format for maximum impact.

For additional inspiration, check out some of our related writing guides and cover letter examples in the sales category:

  • Sales Executive cover letter sample
  • Sales cover letter sample
  • Sales Assistant cover letter sample
  • Account Manager cover letter sample
  • Sales Representative cover letter sample
  • Sales Associate cover letter sample

Best format for a sales manager cover letter

Just as the sales process is structured, your sales manager cover letter should follow a set format for maximum impact. Each of the following components serves a purpose.

  • The cover letter header
  • The greeting / salutation
  • The cover letter intro
  • The middle paragraphs (body of the letter)
  • The ending paragraph of your cover letter (conclusion and call-to-action)

You'll find an overview and general advice in our overall guide to writing cover letters. Here, we'll explore each cover letter section in a sales context, step by step. Let's get started.

Dear Mr. Hunter,

When you are competing with your rivals to sell empty space on a container ship, the basic variables of service and cost mean that sales managers need to convince customers that working with them is worth paying for. I sell my colleagues rather than my containers.

Increasing the ocean freight customer base by an average of 25% over the past five years, running at 92% annual client retention and increasing annual profit growth per customer by 16% demonstrate that I understand the subtleties of selling freight forwarding. Delighting a freight customer is about far more than availability and pricing.

As Crano Freight is expanding its routes in the Far East, I hope that my B2B sales experience in the region may prove useful. I have networked here for the past decade, speaking at transport conferences, building relationships with 250+ importers and exporters and doubling market share from 4% to 8% over six years. As a student of the intricacies of the Chinese tender process, I understand how to influence effectively.

Crano encourages a winning mentality at work, and I would fit in well as I have:

  • Exceeded annual sales quota by an average of 45% over the last six years.
  • Managed 150+ Far Eastern clients — more than half of which could potentially move to Crano.
  • Generated $2.3m revenue last fiscal quarter and been consistently top in global sales list.

Seeking to understand the precise requirements of each customer is the key to finding those critical negotiation levers and squeezing the potential out of every opportunity. I enjoy the role most when I am managing a fluid sales process rather than simply reacting to leads.

I was referred for the role by one of your current sales managers (David Lantink) and I hope for the opportunity of an interview to see why he loves working for you so much.

Best regards,

Sofia Turner

Cover letter header

Any purchase decision should be made as simple as possible. Just as the “buy” button is logically and conveniently located in an online store, so should your sales manager cover letter header contain the most important information — who you are and how you can be reached. This makes it easy for the reader to act immediately and get in touch with you at any moment during the recruiting process.

Don’t assume that it suffices to have your contact information only on your resume, or that recruiters can find you easily on social media if they are so inclined. It is expected that your cover letter should contain your name, email address and phone number, visible at a glance. After all, the goal is to pique the hiring manager's interest enough to invite you for an interview.

There's also a psychological reason for the header's importance. Basic cognitive science shows that people need a mental pause before digesting important information. The header section incorporates white space that will be swiftly scanned, but imperceptibly slowly enough for the reader's brains to anticipate something important is coming next. In fact, the average cover letter contains approximately 30% white space — further accentuating the importance of what has been written.

Finally, there is a technical reason for including your contact information in the header section. Many recruiters and employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) software to scan resumes and cover letters. Properly formatting the header information on both documents means these important details will not fail to be captured.

The aim of the cover letter header: Make the "purchase" decision as easy as clicking a “buy” button, give the reader time to pause and allow the ATS to pick up the information it is looking for.

Cover letter greeting

Getting the greeting of your sales manager cover letter wrong calls into question your entire sales approach. As trivial as the salutation may seem, you do not want to jar the reader’s attention with a misstep.

If the job application instructions mention a specific person, that is who you should address by name. There would be nothing worse than for your cover letter greeting to be generic  when other candidates address theirs to a specific person. And if you are determined to greet the reader by name, do your research to ensure it is the correct addressee.

Also be careful in deciding whether to follow standard practice with the more formal “Dear Ms. X" or "Dear Mr. Y," as opposed to the informal “Hi” or "Hello" before their surname. If you aren't sure whether the corporate culture is casual enough, always err on the formal side. In the same vein, don't address recipients by their first name even if you've corresponded previously. First-name email greetings are fine if you know each other, but not in the formal context of a cover letter that may be read by other people.

If you cannot determine the cover letter recipient's name, or even the job title, the next-best option is to write “Dear Company Name team.” Anything friendlier than the impersonal “To whom it may concern” is preferable, so you sound like a human being seeking to connect with the reader.

The aim of the cover letter greeting: Setting the right communication tone should be familiar to a sales manager, as reflected in a cover letter that starts off on the correct note.

Cover letter introduction

The first sentence of your cover letter sets the tone for the employer's first impression. Just as the first salvo of sales patter should contain your core message, the opening of your cover letter should hint at why you are the best choice for the role.

Sales people have a lot on their plate, so if your cover letter introduction fails to grab their attention, why would they not simply stop reading and move on to someone else's application or something else altogether? There is no rule that anyone has to read your cover letter or resume. It is a choice that hinges on the content being relevant and interesting. 

A sales cover letter introduction must answer the recruiter's most important question: Do you put your employer’s bottom line at the heart of everything you do? Even with all the fancy sales pitches and organized planning, if you are not squeezing the potential out of every sales opportunity, losses are left on the table that your competitors will take advantage of. Be a winner — show that you are relentless in your pursuit of growth.

A sales manager needs to “manage” the sales process, not just react to leads coming into the business. Your cover letter introduction should touch on how you do that better than your competitors. Be different from them. Sound better by avoiding the standard lines.

The aim of the cover letter introduction: That you will make more money for your employer than anyone else should come across front and center at the top of your cover letter.

Cover letter body 

The body of a sales manager cover letter is where you justify why you should be hired.

This is no place for empty bluster and wishful thinking. Show that you understand your future employer's specific sales challenges. Offer real examples of your previous successes delivering value in similar circumstances. Selling is an immensely complex undertaking. Whether it's goods or services, you must prove that you understand the nuances of what your future employer is selling.

Secondly, it would be a strange oversight not to include some numbers and growth figures to illustrate your past accomplishments. All sales managers live and breathe their targets, so the omission of that information in your cover letter will seem suspicious. Percentage growth figures provide context to the sales numbers so the scale of your achievements is clear.

It is equally critical to mention your relationship-building skills. Sales managers spend much of their day communicating with customers and prospects, so a prospective employer must understand that you derive success from dealing with others. Cite deals that involved complicated relationships or relied on your negotiation and influencing skills to hit sales goals. 

The aim of the cover letter body: Demonstrate understanding of what awaits you; be loud and proud about the sales numbers and growth you have achieved and don’t overlook your magnetic people skills.

Cover letter conclusion and signature

The conclusion of your sales manager cover letter is where you end with a strong final impression. If you have covered the bases of being a great salesperson who is a perfect fit for this job, maybe leave prospective employers feeling passionate about their product or service. 

Conveying this affinity for the product or service will be vital during the job interview you aim to get. Your cover letter conclusion should leave no doubt about your motivation to sell it.

Finish with a call to action. Make it clear to hiring managers that you are mustard keen to attend an interview. Let them feel that theirs is the only company you wish to join. Make them feel special.

The aim of the cover letter conclusion: Allow your passion for this sales role to come through by expressing that you love and believe in the product or service you will be selling.

Writing psychology – reach out to the employer's "inner buyer"

It is not often that sales professionals are in the position of “buying” something themselves, so when they are looking to take on a new sales team member, the roles are reversed. They will be looking for the sales qualities that they value in themselves. 

This varies depending on the industry and product or service, but there are a number of evergreen sales “buttons” that your sales manager cover letter should seek to press:

  • Prioritizing winners: Every sales person has countless potential “prospects” at any one time, so deciding where to place your efforts is critical to success. Your sales cover letter should show that you have carefully considered the role and are confident that there are few better roles for you out there.
  • Sales techniques: While sales is both an art and a science, it is easier to talk about the process side of the job. Discuss the approaches you have used previously, list any training that you have undertaken and show that you are at the cutting edge of a profession that has been transformed by technology and social media.
  • Mental agility: Sales is such a rollercoaster of emotion that you have to be able to cope with a large range of emotions on a daily basis. Every sales director has seen people who have crumbled under the weight of expectation. While no one is mentally invincible, you need to show that you are able to cope with the pressures.

Common mistakes in a sales manager cover letter

Sales professionals are well-versed in taking care in their written communication, but it's still worth pointing out that their cover letters will therefore be analyzed with a fine-toothed comb. Any missteps and errors will be harshly judged. The following reminders may seem obvious, but are you really sure that you have avoided these pitfalls?

  • You won’t transform their sales team. It is a schoolboy sales error to promise the world and deliver something significantly less impressive. Make sure that you temper the positivity in your sales letter with the reality of the challenge that awaits. You will hopefully make an incremental improvement to their sales team, but you alone likely won’t bring about a revolution in how their product or service fares in the market.
  • Keep it professional. While you are naturally proficient at quickly building relationships when you meet someone, this is far less easy to achieve in a written medium. The tone of your cover letter should be warm, but not over-friendly. How would you talk to a potential customer that you are meeting for the first time?
  • Tell the truth about your past. It might seem very tempting to embellish aspects of your past experience. This employer will never know that you didn’t lead a certain project or contributed little towards the eventual sale. Wrong. It is common to check references, and if your deception is uncovered at a later date it puts your employment at risk.

Key takeaways for a sales manager cover letter

  • Show that you seek to understand before you seek to persuade.
  • Don’t be shy to sell your abilities and be open about how you go about your selling.
  • Your future employers are now the buyers. Make sure that you give them reasons to do so.
  • Share your passion for their product or service. Share why you want to work for this employer.
  • Mental strength is key for any sales professional. Don’t avoid the thorny subject.
  • Find your next sales role by using our templates and builder tool today.

Free professionally designed templates

23 Professional Sales Manager Cover Letter Examples for 2024

Your sales manager cover letter must immediately highlight your leadership abilities. Demonstrate with clear examples how you've successfully led a team to exceed targets. Ensure you convey your expertise in sales strategies and customer relations. Your cover letter should reflect your ability to nurture long-lasting client partnerships.

All cover letter examples in this guide

general cover letter for sales manager

Senior Sales Manager

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District Sales Manager

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General Sales Manager

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Hotel Sales Manager

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Cover letter guide.

Sales Manager Cover Letter Sample

Cover Letter Format

Cover Letter Salutation

Cover Letter Introduction

Cover Letter Body

Cover Letter Closing

No Experience Sales Manager Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

By Experience

Sales Manager cover letter

Crafting a standout sales manager cover letter can be the make-or-break factor in your job hunt. You've updated your resume and started applying, only to realize a gripping cover letter is required. Don't just regurgitate your resume; weave your proudest professional achievement into a compelling narrative. Steer clear of tired clichés and aim for authenticity, packing a punch within the confines of a single page. Let's navigate these common hurdles and pen a letter that gets you noticed.

  • Including all the must-have paragraphs in your structure for an excellent first impression;
  • Learning how to write individual sections from industry-leading cover letter examples;
  • Selecting the best accomplishment to tell an interesting and authority-building professional story;
  • Introducing your profile with personality, while meeting industry standards.

And, if you want to save some time, drag and drop your sales manager resume into Enhancv's AI, which will assess your profile and write your job-winning cover letter for you.

If the sales manager isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:

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Sales Manager cover letter example

Andrew Clark

New York City, NY

+1-(234)-555-1234

[email protected]

  • Emphasize relevant experience and concrete achievements - The cover letter highlights the candidate's role-related experience and specific successes, such as leading market expansion strategies and negotiating high-value contracts.
  • Demonstrate impact with quantifiable results - Stating how the candidate contributed to increasing the client base by 200+ and improving sales revenue by 40% provides tangible evidence of their efficacy in their previous role.
  • Express how skills align with company goals - The cover letter expresses a desire to tailor the candidate’s strategic approach to the hiring company’s objectives, showing a forward-thinking mindset aimed at creating value for the prospective employer.
  • Showcase leadership and negotiation abilities - By detailing their experience in steering team efforts and securing significant business deals, the candidate underscores their capability to take on high-responsibility roles and deliver results.

What should your sales manager cover letter look like - formatting and organizing your information

Have you ever wondered what are the must-have sections you need to include in your sales manager cover letter? Our builder sets those up for you with:

  • Header - dedicated to your contact information, the role you're applying for, and the date (don't forget to include your name);
  • Greeting and opening paragraph - to create a personalized and memorable experience for recruiters;
  • Body paragraph - emphasizing your skill set and knowledge that aligns with the role and helps you to stand out;
  • Closing paragraph - leaving a great impression and ending with an optional signature.

Use a cover letter template to discover the best formatting for your sales manager cover letter: that is single-spaced paragraphs and wrapping your content in a one-inch margin.

Ensure that both your resume and sales manager cover letter are in the same font . Stand apart from the crowd by using modern, yet simple fonts, like Chivo and Rubik, instead of the overused Arial and Times New Roman.

Did you know that the Applicant Tracker System (or ATS) won't be assessing your sales manager cover letter? Instead, submit your profile in PDF to recruiters to keep the same formatting and the design intact.

The top sections on a sales manager cover letter

Header: Includes the sales manager's contact information, the date, and the employer's details, essential for the recruiter to quickly identify who the applicant is and to facilitate a seamless follow-up.

Greeting: Addresses the hiring manager or the recruitment team by name if known, demonstrating the applicant's attention to detail and personalizing the cover letter, which is crucial in a role that often requires relationship-building skills.

Opening Paragraph: Clearly states the position applied for and provides a compelling reason why the candidate is the ideal fit for the role, which is critical in capturing the recruiter’s attention in a competitive sales job market.

Experience and Achievements Body Section: Highlights relevant sales successes, leadership experience, and unique competencies, showing the recruiter measurable results and the ability to meet and exceed sales targets, which are key indicators of a successful sales manager.

Closing Section: Ends with a strong call to action, expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity, reiterating interest in the role, and indicating readiness for an interview, all of which are important to show a proactive approach—a must-have trait for a sales manager.

Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter

  • Proven sales record: A history of meeting or exceeding sales targets demonstrates the ability to drive revenue and success in sales roles.
  • Leadership experience: Capability to manage and motivate a sales team to achieve collective goals is essential for a sales manager position.
  • Strategic planning skills: Ability to develop and execute sales strategies that align with company objectives shows foresight and planning acumen.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills: Essential for building relationships with clients, negotiating deals, and leading a team effectively.
  • Industry knowledge: Understanding the specific market, customer base, and products/services is key to tailoring sales approaches and succeeding in the role.
  • Analytical abilities: Proficiency in using sales data and CRM tools to track performance, forecast sales, and make informed decisions is valuable for managing sales operations efficiently.

How to address hiring managers in your sales manager cover letter greeting

Goodbye, "Dear Sir/Madam" or "To whom it may concern!"

The salutation of your sales manager cover letter is how you kick off your professional communication with the hiring managers.

And you want it to start off a bit more personalized and tailored, to catch the recruiters' attention.

Take the time to find out who's recruiting for the role (via LinkedIn or the company page).

If you have previously chatted or emailed the hiring managers, address them on a first or last name basis.

The alternative is a "Dear HR team" or "Dear Hiring Manger", but remember that a "Dear Ms. Simmons" or "Dear Simon," could get you farther ahead than an impersonal greeting.

List of salutations you can use

  • Dear Hiring Manager,
  • Dear [Company Name] Team,
  • Dear [Department] Team,
  • Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
  • Dear [First Name Last Name],
  • Dear [Job Title] Search Committee,

Your sales manager cover letter intro: showing your interest in the role

On to the actual content of your sales manager cover letter and the introductory paragraph .

The intro should be no more than two sentences long and presents you in the best light possible.

Use your sales manager cover letter introduction to prove exactly what interests you in the role or organization. Is it the:

  • Company culture;
  • Growth opportunities;
  • Projects and awards the team worked on/won in the past year;
  • Specific technologies the department uses.

When writing your sales manager cover letter intro, be precise and sound enthusiastic about the role.

Your introduction should hint to recruiters that you're excited about the opportunity and that you possess an array of soft skills, e.g. motivation, determination, work ethic, etc.

What to write in the middle or body of your sales manager cover letter

Here's where it gets tricky.

Your sales manager cover letter body should present you in the best light possible and, at the same time, differ from your resume.

Don't be stuck in making up new things or copy-pasting from your resume. Instead, select just one achievement from your experience.

Use it to succinctly tell a story of the job-crucial skills and knowledge this taught you.

Your sales manager cover letter is the magic card you need to further show how any organization or team would benefit from working with you.

A sincere and original way to end your sales manager cover letter

When writing their sales manager cover letter, candidates tend to use one of these phrases, "Sincerely yours" or "I look forward to hearing from you".

Both statements show good manners, but your cover letter should end in a more actionable manner .

Write about:

  • how you see yourself growing in the role/organization;
  • the benefits you would bring about (you'd impress even more with tangible metrics);
  • the next steps in the process (provide your availability for interviews).

Lacking experience: here's how to write your sales manager cover letter

As a candidate with no experience, it's important to be honest from the get-go of your application .

Use your sales manager cover letter to sell your unique talents. Choose an accomplishment from your academic background or your volunteer work to show the skills that are relevant to the role.

Focus on your career objectives and how you see the job to align with them. Be specific and, at the same time, realistic about where you picture yourself in five years.

Key takeaways

Your sales manager cover letter is your best shot at standing out by showing your motivation and the unique skills you'd bring to the job:

  • Chose no more than one achievement, which you'd be talking about in the body of your sales manager cover letter, by focusing on skills and outcomes;
  • Address recruiters with their first or last name, or "Dear Hiring Manager" in your sales manager cover letter greeting;
  • Introduce in no more than two sentences what makes your profile unique (perhaps it's your motivation, enthusiasm, or appreciation of the company you're applying for);
  • Select the same font you have used in your resume (avoid Times New Roman and Arial, as most candidates tend to invest in them);
  • Close your sales manager cover letter with a promise of how you see yourself growing in the company and the benefits you'd bring about.

Sales Manager cover letter examples

Explore additional sales manager cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

Senior Sales Manager Resume Example

Cover letter examples by industry

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General Sales Manager Cover Letter Example

Writing a cover letter for a General Sales Manager role can be an important part of your job search. It is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your fit for the role and explain to the potential employer why you should be chosen for the position. To help make this process easier, this guide provides an overview of what should be included in a General Sales Manager cover letter and an example to help you get started.

If you didn’t find what you were looking for, be sure to check out our complete library of cover letter examples .

General Sales Manager Cover Letter Example

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general cover letter for sales manager

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General Sales Manager Cover Letter Sample

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I am writing to apply for the position of General Sales Manager with [Company Name]. My extensive experience in the sales field, coupled with my leadership and team- building skills, make me an ideal candidate for the job.

As a sales professional with more than [number] years of experience, I have a successful track record of exceeding sales goals and developing successful sales teams. I am an expert in developing sales strategies and executing them across multiple channels. I am also well- versed in analyzing data to identify trends and make informed decisions.

Most recently, I served as a Sales Manager with [Company Name], where I managed a team of [number] sales representatives and achieved consistent sales growth month over month. I developed a comprehensive sales process, including regular sales meetings and weekly performance reviews, that helped the team meet and exceed their goals. Additionally, I was responsible for developing a sales training program that helped new reps achieve success quickly.

At [Company Name], I established strong relationships with customers, vendors, and other business partners. I am confident that I can do the same for [Company Name], helping to build and maintain strong customer relationships that result in increased sales and improved customer satisfaction.

I believe my experience and qualifications make me an excellent match for the Sales Manager position at [Company Name]. I am confident that I can help your team reach new heights in sales performance, and I am eager to discuss my qualifications in more detail. I look forward to hearing from you.

[Your Name]

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What should a General Sales Manager cover letter include?

A General Sales Manager cover letter is an important document to demonstrate your qualifications and interest for the position. The cover letter should be tailored to the specific job posting and should be concise and professional.

In order to make a good impression, the cover letter should include the following information:

  • An introduction that mentions the position you are applying for, why you believe you are an ideal fit for the role, and how you learned about the opportunity.
  • An explanation of why you are the best candidate for the role, drawing on your experience as a General Sales Manager and other relevant qualifications (e.g. education, certifications, etc.).
  • A discussion of your knowledge of the company, industry, and related topics.
  • An outline of the skills and qualities you possess that are particularly relevant for the role.
  • Examples of successes in past roles that demonstrate your ability as a General Sales Manager.
  • An expression of enthusiasm for the role and the company.
  • A summary of why you are the ideal candidate for the role.
  • A closing statement that reiterates the value you would bring to the role and expresses your gratitude for the opportunity.

General Sales Manager Cover Letter Writing Tips

Writing a cover letter for a general sales manager role can be a daunting task. After all, you’re vying for a position of leadership and responsibility, and you want to demonstrate to employers that you have the skills and experience to take on the job. To help you stand out from the competition, here are some tips for creating an effective and compelling general sales manager cover letter:

  • Address the letter directly to the hiring manager. It’s important to do your research and find out the name of the person who will be reviewing your application. This will demonstrate that you’ve taken the time to personalize your cover letter.
  • Explain why you’re the best candidate for the job. Show employers that you understand the role and that you’re the right fit for the position. Highlight your achievements, skills, and experience that makes you stand out among other applicants.
  • Be concise and to the point. Employers receive many cover letters and resumes, so it’s important to keep your letter short and to the point. Practicing brevity and focusing on the key points will make for a more powerful, impactful letter.
  • Include keywords from the job posting. If the job listing includes specific requirements or keywords, make sure to incorporate them into your letter to show that you’re familiar with the job expectations.
  • Use a strong closing statement. End your cover letter with a call to action, such as asking for an interview or suggesting next steps. This will show employers that you’re serious about the position and that you’re eager to get the ball rolling.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to craft an effective and memorable cover letter that will help you stand out from the competition and land the general sales manager job you’re after. Good luck!

Common mistakes to avoid when writing General Sales Manager Cover letter

A cover letter is an important document for any job application and should be carefully tailored to the job role and company. Writing a cover letter for a General Sales Manager role requires special attention and should be customized to demonstrate your knowledge of the applicable industry and the company. To help ensure your cover letter stands out and impresses potential employers, consider avoiding the following common mistakes:

  • Not tailoring the letter to the specific job and company: A generic cover letter isn’t likely to get you to the top of the list of candidates. Take the time to research the company, the position, and the industry, and use this information to craft a letter that speaks specifically to the job and the company.
  • Not clearly stating what makes you the best candidate: A cover letter is your opportunity to make your case for why you’re the ideal candidate for the job. Make sure to include those experiences, qualifications, and skills that make you the best choice for the role.
  • Not highlighting transferable skills: If you don’t have direct experience in a General Sales Manager role, that doesn’t mean you’re not qualified for the job. Focus on the transferable skills that you possess that make you a great fit for the role.
  • Not including details about your professional achievements: A cover letter should include more than just your qualifications. Make sure to include details about the accomplishments you’ve achieved in your professional career that demonstrate your aptitude for the role.
  • Not keeping the letter to one page: As tempting as it may be to include all of your experience and qualifications, try to keep the letter to one page. A concise and well- written letter is much more likely to get read and make an impression.

By avoiding these common mistakes and taking the time to tailor your cover letter to the job and the company, you can ensure your application stands out from the competition and increases

Key takeaways

Cover letters are an important part of any job application, but for a General Sales Manager position, a well- crafted cover letter is especially essential. This is a highly competitive role, and a great cover letter will help you stand out from the competition. To help you write an impressive General Sales Manager cover letter, here are some key takeaways:

  • Showcase relevant experience. Whether you have experience in sales, management, or a related field, make sure you highlight your past successes and concrete examples of your accomplishments.
  • Demonstrate your understanding of the organization. Take some time to research the company and show that you know what’s going on. Showing you’re up to date with the company’s products, services, and industry trends will be impressive.
  • Highlight key skills. Include examples of skills that are important for a General Sales Manager position, such as leadership, decision- making, organization, and problem- solving abilities.
  • Make it personal. Take some time to research the hiring manager and tailor your cover letter to their specific needs. Show that you’ve taken the time to get to know them and that you understand what they’re looking for.
  • Keep it short and sweet. Your cover letter should be concise and to the point. Be sure to keep it to one page and make sure you’re using language that’s clear and easy to understand.
  • Proofread. Before you hit send, make sure you thoroughly proofread your cover letter. Double check for typos, grammar and spelling mistakes, and make sure your cover letter paints you in the best light possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.how do i write a cover letter for an general sales manager job with no experience.

When writing a cover letter for a General Sales Manager job with no experience, it’s important to focus on the qualities and skills you do possess that will make you an asset to the organization. Begin by outlining the key qualifications listed in the job description and how you meet them. Also emphasize your enthusiasm for the job and your ability to learn quickly and adapt to changes. Finally, address why you believe you would be a great fit for the position and be sure to thank the reader for their consideration.

2.How do I write a cover letter for an General Sales Manager job experience?

When writing a cover letter for a General Sales Manager job with experience, emphasize the value you bring to the role. Start by mentioning the job title and how you fit the qualifications listed in the job posting. Next, give examples of success in sales and discuss any awards or recognition you have received. Also emphasize your ability to lead a team and how your skills have helped you achieve your goals. Finally, thank the reader for their time and express your excitement for the position.

3.How can I highlight my accomplishments in General Sales Manager cover letter?

When highlighting accomplishments in a General Sales Manager cover letter, it’s important to demonstrate how your skills have been instrumental in meeting the organization’s goals. For example, if you managed a team of salespeople and exceeded targets, provide specific figures and results. Similarly, if you have achieved industry recognition or won awards, provide details about the award and how you earned it. In addition, discuss any special projects or initiatives you have been responsible for and how they have helped the organization.

4.What is a good cover letter for an General Sales Manager job?

A good cover letter for a General Sales Manager job should emphasize your qualifications and experience in sales and demonstrate how you can use your leadership and communication skills to help the organization meet its goals. Start by providing a brief description of your experience and the skills you possess that make you an ideal candidate. Next, discuss your successes in sales and how they have helped you reach your goals. Finally, express your enthusiasm and dedication to the role and thank the reader for their time.

In addition to this, be sure to check out our cover letter templates , cover letter formats ,  cover letter examples ,  job description , and  career advice  pages for more helpful tips and advice.

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general cover letter for sales manager

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13 sales manager cover letters.

Approved by real hiring managers, these Sales Manager cover letters have been proven to get people hired in 2024. A hiring manager explains why.

Hiring Manager for Sales Manager Roles

Table of contents

  • Sales Manager
  • Regional Sales Director
  • Sales Team Lead
  • Inside Sales Representative
  • Senior Sales Manager
  • Alternative introductions for your cover letter
  • Sales Manager resume examples

Sales Manager Cover Letter Example

Why this cover letter works in 2024, quantifiable achievements.

Highlighting a specific, measurable accomplishment in the cover letter shows the impact you can make in the role. Make sure to link it to the skills and expertise the company is looking for.

Collaboration and Results

By showcasing an example of successful collaboration with another department, you demonstrate your ability to work in cross-functional teams and achieve tangible results. This skill is valuable in any organization.

Show genuine interest in the company

In the first key sentence, the writer shares a personal experience with the company's product. This not only shows a genuine interest in what the company does, but also demonstrates an understanding of how their product works and its impact. This is a smart way to show that you've done your research and aren't just applying blindly.

Sharing Specific Accomplishments

Showing the hiring manager your proven track record in the form of hard numbers is very impactful. This is a great example of how to show off your past accomplishments in a way that translates to real, tangible results. By highlighting how you increased revenue and customer retention, you're painting a picture of what you can do for the company.

Proving Client-Centric Approach Works

Emphasizing your client-centric approach and how it resulted in client retention and cross-selling opportunities is a powerful way to show you understand the importance of client relationships in sales. This tells me you're not just focused on making sales, but building lasting relationships, an essential skill for a Sales Manager.

Expanding on your future contributions

It's one thing to say you're excited about a role, it's another to specify how you'll use your skills to excel in it. By stating your eagerness to exceed sales targets and mentor a team, you're giving a sense of your ambition, leadership and understanding of the role.

Expressing Alignment with Company Goals

Here, you are not just asking for an interview. You are expressing your eagerness to discuss how your skills and experiences align with the company's goals. This shows your understanding of the bigger picture and that you're not just applying for a job, but a role in driving the company forward.

Imagine the future of sales

When you share your vision of sales, it shows you're thinking ahead and ready to bring new ideas to the team. It's important to be a visionary in sales leadership.

Show your sales team leadership

Talking about your past success in leading teams gives clear proof that you know how to achieve results. Make sure to mention specific achievements to highlight your capability.

Build strong client relationships

Your ability to substantially grow revenue through relationships proves you're not just about making sales, but about creating lasting value. This is key in a sales manager role.

Value creation in sales

Expressing your belief in adding value at every customer journey stage aligns with modern sales strategies. It’s crucial to show you're on board with current trends.

Contribute to growth and success

By expressing your desire to contribute, you're telling the employer you're ready to be part of the team and make a significant impact. It's a strong closing statement for a sales manager.

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Show admiration for the company

Starting by expressing your excitement and admiration for the company sets a positive tone. It makes me think you've done your homework and genuinely want to be part of our journey.

Demonstrate leadership in sales

Highlighting your experience in building high-performing teams shows you're not just a salesperson but a leader. It suggests you have the skills to drive our sales team forward.

Align your values with the company's

By saying your experience aligns with our values and goals, you're telling me you're a good fit culturally. This is important because skills can be taught, but a cultural fit cannot.

Emphasize your strategic abilities

Mentioning your ability to analyze market trends and develop sales strategies shows you're thinking big picture. It reassures me you can handle the complexities of the role.

Communicate your enthusiasm for the role

Ending with your excitement about contributing to our mission makes your application stand out. It shows you're passionate about the work and not just the title.

Show your enthusiasm for the sales manager role

Mentioning your excitement for the position and admiration for the company highlights your genuine interest. This makes a good first impression on the hiring manager.

Highlight leadership in sales

Describing your ability to lead and motivate a team showcases your leadership skills, which are crucial for a sales manager role. It helps the employer see you as a capable leader.

Demonstrate sales success with numbers

Using specific percentages to show how you've exceeded targets provides clear evidence of your success. This makes your accomplishments more impressive and believable.

Express excitement for company values

Sharing your enthusiasm for the company’s culture of innovation and collaboration suggests that you will fit well with their team. It's important to show you share the company's values.

Close with a strong call to action

Ending your cover letter by looking forward to a discussion about how you can contribute shows confidence and eagerness. It's a proactive way to invite further conversation.

Regional Sales Director Cover Letter Example

Culture building: a different angle.

Success in sales often comes from a well-functioning team. By highlighting your role in fostering a culture of resilience and innovation, you're showing you understand the importance of team dynamics and leadership in achieving sales goals.

Communicating Passion and Track Record

By expressing your desire to blend your passion for technology with your proven sales leadership, you are showing me you're not just a salesperson, but someone who genuinely cares about the industry. This passion is infectious and can inspire teams to perform better.

Proactive Leadership

Describing your approach to sales management as proactive and mentioning your ability to inspire teams gives a clear insight into your leadership style. It indicates your drive, initiative, and the kind of leader you'd be in the role.

Expressing Enthusiasm for a Career Milestone

Stating that this role would be a milestone in your career gives a sense of your ambition and dedication. It shows you're not just looking for another job, but a significant step in your career journey, and that you're excited about contributing to the team's success.

Sales Team Lead Cover Letter Example

Passion for sales impact.

Describing sales as your passion and a way to impact lives immediately sets a tone of dedication and enthusiasm for the role.

Nurture client relationships

Highlighting your success with a major client showcases your ability to handle significant challenges and secure wins, a vital trait for a sales team lead.

Mentor your sales team

Your initiative in starting a coaching program demonstrates leadership beyond just numbers, emphasizing team development and growth.

Inspire as a sales lead

Believing in your ability to lead and inspire others is crucial. It shows confidence and readiness for the leadership role you're applying for.

Bring skills to revolutionize customer connections

Your excitement to contribute to the company's mission reveals your alignment with their goals and your eagerness to make a difference in how companies connect with customers.

Inside Sales Representative Cover Letter Example

Share your "aha" moment.

When you talk about the moment you knew you were meant for sales, it shows your passion. It makes me believe you love what you do.

Highlight your sales achievements

Mentioning specific achievements, like exceeding your sales quota, proves you're good at your job. It makes me think you can do the same for us.

Illustrate problem-solving skills

Describing how you re-engaged a silent prospect demonstrates your ability to solve problems creatively. It suggests you're not just about making a sale but about creating value for customers.

Show your approach to sales

Talking about your mix of persistence, creativity, and customer focus hints at how you approach sales. It makes me see you as someone who could fit well within our team.

Express eagerness to contribute

Ending by expressing a desire to contribute to our mission makes your application memorable. It leaves the impression that you're not just looking for any job, but this job.

Express interest clearly

A simple but effective way to start is by stating your interest directly, establishing a clear intent.

Discuss relevant experience

Even early in your career, showing how your experiences align with the job functions is key to proving your capability.

Align with company values

Showing that you share the company’s priorities and focus areas suggests you'll fit in well with their culture.

Polite gratitude

Thanking the reader for considering your application is not only courteous but also rounds off your letter on a positive note.

Envision your future impact

Ending with your excitement about the role's possibilities opens the door to discussing how you can contribute in an interview.

Show your interest in the inside sales role

Starting your cover letter by mentioning your strong interest in the position helps me see your enthusiasm right away. It's good to know what drives you to apply for this job.

Highlight your relevant education and experience

Talking about your degree and internships specifically related to sales shows me you have the right background. It's important to see you've prepared for this career.

Discuss your sales skills development

When you talk about completing courses in digital marketing and sales automation, it shows me you're committed to growing your skills. This ongoing learning is key in the sales field.

Express excitement for the company

Mentioning what excites you about the company not only shows you've done your research but also that your values align with ours. It helps me see you as a good fit.

Ending your letter by expressing eagerness to discuss your fit for the team invites me to take the next step. It's good to be clear about wanting to move forward.

Senior Sales Manager Cover Letter Example

Show your passion for the company.

When you express genuine admiration for the company's work, it shows you're not just looking for any job — you want this one specifically.

Highlight leadership and results

Talking about leading a team and beating targets proves you're not only a team player but also someone who drives results.

Value in mentoring

Pointing out your passion for coaching shows you're interested in more than just sales numbers; you're investing in people too.

Connect skills to company goals

By linking your abilities to the company's mission, you make a strong case for why you're the perfect fit for the team.

Confidence in your contribution

Asserting your potential value to the team demonstrates self-assurance and a clear vision of what you bring to the table.

Connect with the company’s philosophy

Expressing admiration for the company’s approach to sales shows that you understand and value their methods. This can help you stand out as a knowledgeable candidate.

Showcase your strategic sales achievements

Detailing your experience with successful product launches highlights your strategic thinking and collaboration skills. This demonstrates your ability to drive growth.

Emphasize your passion for coaching

Stating your passion for developing sales talent reveals your dedication to team success and growth. It shows you're a well-rounded leader.

Highlight leadership and development skills

Looking forward to contributing your coaching and leadership skills to a new team indicates your commitment to fostering talent. It suggests you're a valuable team player.

End with eagerness to contribute

Concluding your cover letter by expressing eagerness to discuss your role in the company's success invites the hiring manager to consider how you can add value. It’s a positive note to end on.

Alternative Introductions

If you're struggling to start your cover letter, here are 6 different variations that have worked for others, along with why they worked. Use them as inspiration for your introductory paragraph.

Cover Letters For Jobs Similar To Sales Manager Roles

  • Area Sales Manager Cover Letter Guide
  • Assistant Sales Manager Cover Letter Guide
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  • Automotive Sales Manager Cover Letter Guide
  • Catering Sales Manager Cover Letter Guide
  • Hotel Sales Manager Cover Letter Guide
  • National Sales Manager Cover Letter Guide
  • Regional Sales Manager Cover Letter Guide
  • Retail Sales Manager Cover Letter Guide
  • Sales Manager Cover Letter Guide
  • Territory Sales Manager Cover Letter Guide

Other Sales Cover Letters

  • Account Executive Cover Letter Guide
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  • Engagement Manager Cover Letter Guide
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  • Inside Sales Representative Cover Letter Guide
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  • Real Estate Agent Cover Letter Guide
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  • Sales Associate Cover Letter Guide
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  • Sales Engineer Cover Letter Guide
  • Sales Executive Cover Letter Guide
  • Sales Leader Cover Letter Guide

general cover letter for sales manager

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general cover letter for sales manager

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Sales Manager cover letter examples

Andrew Fennell photo

You’ve perfected your sales techniques and you’ve got plenty of impressive stats to back it up.

But if you want to land that sales manager role, you need to make sure you’re highlighting your most impressive figures and leadership skills in your cover letter.

And we can help you to boost your chances of writing an interview-winning application with our expert advice and sales manager cover letter examples below.

CV templates 

Sales Manager cover letter example 1

Sales Manager cover letter 1

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Sales Manager cover letter example 2

Sales Manager cover letter 2

Sales Manager cover letter example 3

Sales Manager cover letter 3

These 3 Sales Manager cover letter example s should provide you with a good steer on how to write your own cover letter, and the general structure to follow.

Our simple step-by-step guide below provides some more detailed advice on how you can craft a winning cover letter for yourself, that will ensure your CV gets opened.

How to write a Sales Manager cover letter

Here’s how you can write your own eye-catching cover letter, broken down into simple steps.

How to write a cover letter

Write your cover letter in the body of an email/message

Type the content of your cover letter directly into the email you are sending, or if you are applying via a job board, directly into their messaging system.

The reason for doing this it to ensure that your cover letter gets seen instantly and you can start connecting with the recruiter as soon as they open your message.

If you attach your cover letter as a separate document, the recipient will have to open up the document, which will slow the process down, or make them less likely to even open your cover letter – which could mean your application gets skipped over.

Write cover letter in body of email

Start with a friendly greeting

Cover letter address

To kick your cover letter off, start with a friendly greeting to build rapport with the recruiter instantly.

Your greeting should be personable but professional. Not too casual, but not too formal either

Go with something like…

  • Hi [insert recruiter name]
  • Hi [insert department/team name]

Avoid old-fashioned greetings like “Dear sir/madam ” unless applying to very formal companies.

How to find the contact’s name?

Addressing the recruitment contact by name is an excellent way to start building a strong relationship. If it is not listed in the job advert, try these methods to find it.

  • Check out the company website and look at their  About page. If you see a hiring manager, HR person or internal recruiter, use their name. You could also try to figure out who would be your manager in the role and use their name.
  • Head to LinkedIn , search for the company and scan through the list of employees. Most professionals are on LinkedIn these days, so this is a good bet.

Identify the role you are applying for

Once you have opened the cover letter with a warm greeting, you need to explain which role you are interested in.

Sometimes a recruitment consultant could be managing over 10 vacancies, so it’s crucial to pinpoint exactly which one you are interested in.

Highlight the department/area if possible and look for any reference numbers you can quote.

These are some examples you can add..

  • I am interested in applying for the role of Sales Manager with your company.
  • I would like to apply for the role of Sales assistant (Ref: 40f57393)
  • I would like to express my interest in the customer service vacancy within your retail department
  • I saw your advert for an IT project manager on Reed and would like to apply for the role.

See also: CV examples – how to write a CV – CV profiles

Highlight your suitability

The main purpose of your cover letter is to excite recruiters and make them eager to open your CV. And you achieve this by quickly demonstrating your suitability to the job you are applying for.

Take a look at the job adverts you are applying for, and make note of the most important skills being asked for.

Then, when you write your cover letter, make your suitability the focal point.

Explain how you meet the candidate requirements fully, and why you are so well suited to carry out the job.

This will give recruiters all the encouragement they need to open your CV and consider your application.

Cover letter tips

Keep it short and sharp

When sending a job application to a recruiter or hiring manager, it is important to remember that they will normally be very busy and pushed for time.

Therefore, you need to get you message across to them quickly (in a matter of seconds ideally). So, keep your cover letter short and to-the-point. A long waffling cover letter will overwhelm recruiters when they are running through hundreds of emails in there inbox, but a concise one will get their attention.

So, keep your cover letter to just a few sentences long, and save the extensive detail for your CV.

Sign off professionally

To round of your cover letter, add a professional signature to the bottom, giving recruiters your vital contact information.

This not only gives various means of contacting you, it also looks really professional and shows that you know how to communicate in the workplace.

Include the following points;

  • A friendly sign off – e.g. “Warm regards”
  • Your full name
  • Phone number (one you can answer quickly)
  • Email address
  • Profession title
  • Professional social network – e.g. LinkedIn

Here is an example signature;

Warm regards,

Gerald Baker Senior Accountant 07887500404 [email protected] LinkedIn

Quick tip : To save yourself from having to write your signature every time you send a job application email, you can save it within your email drafts, or on a separate document that you could copy in.

Email signatures

What to include in your Sales Manager cover letter

So, what type of information should you write about in your Sales Manager cover letter?

The specifics will obviously depend on your profession and the jobs you are applying to, but these are the key areas you should be covering.

  • Your industry experience – Tell recruiters the types of companies you have been working for and the roles you have held in the past.
  • Your qualifications – Highlight your most important relevant qualifications to show employers you are qualified to do the roles you are applying for.
  • The impact you have made – Demonstrate the positive impact you have made for employers in previous jobs. Have you saved money? Improved processes? Made customers happy?
  • Your reasons for moving – Employers will want to know why you are leaving your current/previous role, so provide them with a brief explanation here.
  • Your availability – When will you be able to start a new job ? Check your current contract to find out your notice period if you are in a position already.

Sales Manager cover letter templates

Copy and paste these Sales Manager cover letter templates to get a head start on your own.

I hope you’re well. I am excited to apply for the Sales Manager position at Partner Tech Ltd and leverage my 15 years of experience in the commercial technology and telecommunications sector to drive revenue optimisation and cultivate strategic partnerships for your company.

In my current role at Nexus Solutions, I have successfully led the client services team, nurtured long-term relationships with key stakeholders, and achieved remarkable results through data analysis and CRM implementation. I take pride in my ability to develop innovative sales strategies and mentor early-career sales executives, evident through the ‘Sale Through’ mentoring scheme that improved product knowledge by 30% in 2021. Furthermore, my achievements include streamlining the client review process through an automated query system, increasing efficiency by 31%, and securing a 5-year contract renewal worth £1.8 million annually. With a Bachelor of Business Administration and a PMI Project Management Professional Certificate, I am confident in my ability to lead and excel in this role.

I would like the opportunity to discuss my expertise further in an interview which I am available for from next week.

Best Wishes,

Dear Mr Scott,

I hope this email finds you well. As a recent Business graduate from the University of Sheffield, I am excited to apply for the position of Junior Sales Manager at TimberCo Ltd.

As a proactive individual and recipient of the 2022 UKBA Women in Business Student Award, I believe I am the perfect fit for this role. During my previous sales internship at John Deere, I demonstrated exceptional persuasive skills by securing contracts with five major clients, increasing revenue for my team’s portfolio by 20% in that quarter.

Moreover, I possess a deep understanding of the timber industry, having worked part time as a sales assistant for over four years at a local wood yard in Sheffield alongside my studies. I am confident that my ability to identify and pursue potential leads, combined with my exceptional negotiation skills, will contribute to the growth of TimberCo Ltd.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills align with your team goals and I am available for an interview at your convenience.

Kind regards,

Lydia Pappas

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to submit my application for the position of Senior Sales Manager at Foreman Foods, as advertised.

With over two decades experience in the food industry, including for leading supplier Brakes, I have consistently exceeded sales targets, notably achieving a 30% increase in revenue for my current employer Tasty Ltd – a whole foods start up based in London. One of my most significant achievements was negotiating a strategic partnership with a major retail chain, resulting in a 50% boost in sales volume in 2021. Alongside an MBA from the Manchester Business Institute, I am well-versed in the latest market trends and consumer preferences, which has allowed me to develop innovative and disruptive sales strategies that have yielded exceptional results in competitive UK and EU markets. Additionally, my leadership skills, supported by a Level 4 Diploma in People Management, have enabled me to build and motivate high-performing sales teams, driving them towards achieving collective success.

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my expertise to Foreman Foods and lead the sales team to new heights. I look forward to discussing how my proven track record can be an asset to your esteemed company and can be available for interview at your convenience.

Many thanks,

Paulo Sautini

Writing a strong attention-grabbing cover letter is a vital step in landing a good Sales Manager job.

Use the tips, strategies and examples above to get more responses from you job applications and start lining job interview up.

Good luck with your job search!

General Sales Manager Cover Letter Example

A General Sales Manager oversees the marketing and sales of the merchandise to achieve the maximum revenue goals for the country. He schedules, plans, and assigns tasks and duties to his sales team. He provides guidance to the customers and understands their needs. He keeps track of the sales statistics of the company in a timely manner.

The most important aspect of writing a cover letter is to stick to the instructions provided by the recruiter. We have drafted a sample General Sales Manager Cover Letter to help you get the job. If you want to create a cover letter for a different job profile, you can use our proprietary cover letter builder.

General Sales Manager Cover Letter example

  • Cover Letters
  • Marketing & Sales

What to Include in a General Sales Manager Cover Letter?

Roles and responsibilities.

A General Sales Manager develops new sales techniques to ensure profit and growth. He also interviews, recruits, and trains the sales representatives who work under him. He inspects the sales processes and recommends improvements to increase the revenue of the company.

  • Evaluate the performance of the sales team and provide appropriate feedback .
  • Provide guidance to sales representatives in their assigned duties.
  • Respond to escalated customer complaints in a timely manner.
  • Develop new sales techniques for business growth and profitability .
  • Understand customer needs and suggest changes in products to meet these needs.
  • Address customer inquiries about products and services offered.

Education & Skills

Additionally, the cover letter for general sales manager should mention the following skillset:.

  • Customer service skills.
  • Problem-solving skills.
  • Time management.
  • Ability to maneuver around sales location.
  • Interpersonal skills.
  • Attention to detail.

Successful cover letters for General Sales Manager often mention the following qualification(s):

  • A Bachelor’s Degree in marketing or management and relevant work experience.

General Sales Manager Cover Letter Example (Text Version)

Dear Mr./Ms.,

I am submitting this letter in response to the job position for the post of General Sales Manager at [XXX Company]. With my four years of experience in the field of sales and retail, along with my proven track record in team collaboration and customer service and genuine interest in sustainable merchandise and its developments, I believe that I would significantly benefit your company.

[XXX Company] is held in high regard for its up-to-date fashion trends for people of all age groups. The environment-friendly, structural, and methodical way of handling the sales and marketing of their products has me in awe. I am certain that being a part of your company will help me advance my skills and upgrade them to greater lengths in this capacity.

In my current role as the Assistant Sales Associate at [YYY Store], I specialize in sales and its application. I perform the following tasks and duties:

  • Delivering customer service for all standard products affiliated under the parent company
  • Increased sales revenue by 12.5% in the second phase of the financial year.
  • Member of sales setup team which works closely with the PR division
  • Facilitated workshops for product functionalities and their marketing
  • Guide the customers through the products and answer their questions regarding the products.

I have a proven track record to do the assigned work in the most accurate and timely manner possible. I follow a structural approach to come up with solutions for sales inquiries and retail errors. My expertise and experience position me to thrive in this role you are seeking.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

An ideal General Sales Manager Cover Letter should highlight career qualifications, achievements, and expertise. Work experience and skills should be optimized and highlighted to help you stand out, among candidates. In addition to the cover letter, create a resume using our General Sales Manager Resume Sample to increase your chances of getting the desired job.

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Customize General Sales Manager Cover Letter

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Related Marketing & Sales Cover Letters

Territory Manager Cover Letter Example

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How to Write a Sales Cover Letter (Examples & Templates) for All Sales Positions

How to Write a Sales Cover Letter (Examples & Templates) for All Sales Positions

If a cover letter seems a bit old school to you, think again. According to a recent survey by ResumeLab , cover letters are still an important component of the decision-making process among 83 percent of hiring managers, recruiters and HR staff. Moreover, 83 percent of respondents claimed that they would interview a candidate with a great cover letter, even if their resume isn’t up to par.

That said, you’ll still need a solid track record or educational background to snag the interest of an employer. But with a sales cover letter in hand, your next job search will become that much easier, whether you’re an entry-level job seeker or you’ve cultivated a LinkedIn resume that turns heads.

Why is a Sales Cover Letter Important?

Cover letters tell your potential employer who you are before you even walk in the door for a sales job interview , and it makes said interview that much more likely. Even if writing such a letter feels uncomfortable and you’d prefer to let your experience do the talking, this is still an invaluable skill to have.

5 Cover Letter Tips for Today’s Sales Professionals

Writing a professional cover letter for a sales job might not feel intuitive yet, but that doesn’t mean it has to be hard. The following tips will start you off on the right foot.

Be Clear And Concise

A cover letter is not an aria. It’s not a soliloquy or a monologue. It’s certainly not a rant. No, you can think of it as a short informational pamphlet—and the subject is you.

Rather than waxing poetic about your thoughts, feelings, or even your goals, stick to the main points, including who you are, what you’ve done so far, and what you can do for the company for which you’d like to work. Keeping your letter short and sweet can increase application success.

Make it Easy to Read

Hiring managers go through hundreds of resumes at a time. The way you format your cover letter can either help or hurt your chances of standing out.

No, that doesn’t mean it’s time to throw in the fancy fonts and fun colors. Instead, format your cover letter with the goal of making it easy to read.

Follow best practices such as:

  • Write short, concise sentences and remove unnecessary adjectives
  • Make your paragraphs shorter, or use bullet points to make key ideas stand out
  • Use clean, professional fonts at a size that’s easy to read

The overall goal is for hiring managers to quickly and easily see what makes you stand out beyond the rest of the applicants. Don’t hide your strongest selling points in small, swirly fonts and huge blocks of text!

Highlight Your Skills

It’s very important to highlight your sales skills in a cover letter. This is different from accomplishments, which we’re covering next. Your skills are a separate category, in which you describe what you bring to the table, regardless of whether you’ve used those skills in the past or not. Include such details as the apps, sales tools or programs you know how to use, languages you speak, and areas in which you’ve trained.

Example: I have 12 years of experience in enterprise sales , and have recently completed a course on Challenger Selling to increase my sales skill set. I happen to be fluent in Spanish, which has been a great help in closing deals in Latino markets.

While it is appropriate to include some reference to soft skills in your cover letter, limit it to a few. Any job applicant will claim they are a good problem-solver and a team player; it’s more important to share which skills make you stand out as a salesperson.

Example: When working with new customers, I consider myself a detective and my main tool is asking the right questions . This has helped me consistently identify leads that aren’t a good fit for the company right from our first conversation.

Showcase Relevant Achievements

In addition to putting your achievements on a professional resume , include a quick recap of them in your cover letter. Make those achievements quantifiable, using numbers and statistics from your sales reports or the company’s, and don’t hold back or engage in false modesty. This is no time to sell yourself short.

Example: I was the frontrunner for Employee of the Year at my company’s regional picnic, coming in at least 8 percent over my sales targets every quarter the previous fiscal year. I also took a course in enterprise sales and helped overhaul our company website to increase the user experience, following which we saw a 23 percent jump in conversions.

5 Steps To Writing A Sales Representative Cover Letter

So it’s time to write that letter and nail that sales representative position! But how exactly are you going to fit all the awesomeness that is you onto one page, single-spaced, in 12-point Helvetica font, without leaving anything out?

Good question, and as with all good answers, an analogy is called for: think of your cover letter as if it’s a highlight reel on your social media account. While your highlight reel can’t stand in for the hours you spend crafting witty tweets, it can give people a quick glance at who you are. And just like a highlight reel, the goal for your cover letter is to make others want to dig a little bit deeper.

A good sales representative cover letter should make your readers curious enough to learn more about you as a sales professional that they will want to ask you about yourself in person. Let’s take a look at how to make them do just that, in five easy steps.

1. The Header

Think of yourself as a sales hiring manager. How hard are you going to look for the contact information of a candidate if they can’t even bother to provide it somewhere obvious in the sales cover letter?

Answer: not very hard. That’s why every sales position cover letter needs a header. Usually, you’ll find it across the top, though sometimes the header runs along the side of the page. It needs to include your name, phone number, address, and any other contact information you might have.

Note that while cover letters to clients or professional colleagues might include your company name, a sales job cover letter should not. Under your info, put the date.

555.555.5555

[email protected]

December 19, 2022

Note that the header is different from the salutation, which includes the hiring manager’s contact information. Don’t confuse the two.

2. How To Greet the Employer

Here is where you greet your potential employer. It has two parts: the contact info and the salutation. First, include the same contact info you included for yourself, but relevant to the hiring manager: their name, basic info and company name.

Then greet them.

You can pick from a number of ways to do this, but if you know the manager’s name, that’s the simplest. “Dear Ms. Lannister” is always better than a “Hi there,” “Greetings,” “Dear Sir or Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern.” The former two are too casual, while the latter couple are old-fashioned and make it look like you haven’t bothered to look up their name.

Note: If you can’t be sure of someone’s pronouns, opt for a neutral “Dear Hiring Manager Lannister” or their full name.

3. The Introduction

As with anything else, you have very little time to make a good impression if you want the job. Whether you’re in software sales or yacht sales, you need to punch it right from the beginning.

The introductory paragraph should emphasize why you are an ideal candidate. Remember that this paragraph needs to entice the employer to read further, and readers will lose interest in a boring introduction. Include why you’re applying, any notable sales goals you’ve met or awards you’ve won, and a lead-in to the following paragraph.

Example: I was very excited to see the position of sales manager open at Winterfell Enterprises. In my ten years as an inside sales rep for Targaryen Inc., I have acquired a notable sales record, always meeting my quotas and earning Salesperson of the Year in 2020. I feel strongly that I’d be a great addition to your company as a sales manager.

4. The Body

Here’s where you flesh out your skills and achievements in more detail. Include items such as:

  • Work experience
  • Sales experience and sales skills
  • Communication skills
  • Time management abilities
  • Achievement or award track record

Note that you should avoid bullet points, though you can use them in your sales resume. The same goes for detailing aspects of your education, with the exception being your degree (associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, etc.), which is appropriate to mention.

Mostly, this is a sales pitch that should include why you’re the best candidate for the job. Your existing knowledge and abilities are critical to whether or not you can land the role you’re looking for, so don’t hold back. While you should never brag or pass on compliments you’ve gotten, you should share exactly why you would be a good fit for the position.

Bad example: I’m told I’m the best salesperson if you have a difficult deal that no one can seem to close.

Good example: I have consistently proved myself as an asset to my employers, closing more than a dozen deals last year that other employees were unable to nail down.

5. The Conclusion

The last paragraph of your sales cover letter should include a summation, references, and the fond wish that you hear from the hiring manager again. It’s okay to use humor here as long as it is tasteful and doesn’t become the focus on the letter.

Example: Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. My references are happy to hear from you at any time, and hopefully they will say nice things about me like they promised. I look forward to speaking with you if they do.

If you prefer a more serious tone, simply express your gratitude and desire to hear from them again.

Example: I appreciate your time in reading this letter. Please feel free to reach out to my contacts at any time, and I hope to hear from you soon.

Cover Letter Examples

There exist a wide variety of job positions in the sales world, with different focuses, locations and levels of seniority. No one size fits all when it comes to sales jobs, which is why you need to tailor your sales cover letter to the exact position you’re looking for.

Naturally, we can’t cover every possible job title in a single post. However, the following sales cover letter example list should give you a fairly good idea of what employers are looking for. Feel free to browse both the resume templates and the cover letter templates for ideas before writing your own.

Sales Associate Cover Letter

If you’re just beginning your career in sales , then chances are good you might find yourself at a retail location. From cell phone stores to electronics outlets, car dealerships to boutiques that pay on commission, these are great places to cut your sales teeth.

Just because they’re good for entry-level employees doesn’t mean employers don’t expect a good showing, however. You’ll still need a cover letter that impresses. Go through the sales cover letter sample list below to see what we’re talking about:

  • Sales Associate Cover Letter 1
  • Sales Associate Cover Letter 2
  • Sales Associate Cover Letter 3

Inside Sales Rep Cover Letter

Responsible for selling products and services from company headquarters or satellite offices rather than retail locations where customers walk in, inside sales reps spend a lot of time on the phone and using email. (Ideally for the company, they’re also spending plenty of time using smart automated sales software , but that’s another subject.)

If you hope to become an inside sales rep, you’ll need a sales representative cover letter that demonstrates related abilities. That includes good customer service, the ability to focus under pressure, and a solid background in sales or its theory. Take a look at these examples:

  • Inside Sales Rep Cover Letter 1
  • Inside Sales Rep Cover Letter 2
  • Inside Sales Rep Cover Letter 3

Outside Sales Rep Cover Letter

While their inside counterparts work at a company building, outside sales reps travel to various locations to meet with clients on their turf. The two jobs have much in common, but an outside sales rep must demonstrate a skill set specific to traveling and meeting people in person.

This includes great one-on-one people skills, excellent personal grooming, and account growth. It is sales, after all. Here are a few excellent samples:

  • Outside Sales Rep Cover Letter 1
  • Outside Sales Rep Cover Letter 2
  • Outside Sales Rep Cover Letter 3

Sales Manager Cover letter

Whether you’re already a manager hoping for a position at a new company, or you want to get a managerial job for the first time, the competition is stiff. You’ll need to show you not only have sales chops, but that you can manage people at the same time.

A sales manager cover letter should include how long you’ve been in the industry, how many people you’ve managed, your previous positions, your sales quota history and any related stats. These letters showcase exactly how to present professionally and put yourself in the running for manager:

  • Sales Manager Cover Letter 1
  • Sales Manager Cover Letter 2
  • Sales Manager Cover Letter 3

You may have noticed that most of the above cover letter examples come with offers from their sites to help you craft your own cover letter (and often resume). If you don’t feel confident that you can do a stellar job yourself, go ahead and use one of those templates. Over time, you can use those skills to begin writing cover letters yourself, but there’s no pressure to do so now.

Why Are Sales Cover Letters Effective?

Again, writing a sales cover letter might feel daunting when you first set out to do it. In addition to making you look responsible and organized, however, a cover letter will immediately push you further up in the queue because a full 45 percent of job applicants don’t even include one. If you can get ahead of nearly half of the competition that easily, why wouldn’t you?

At the end of the day, a cover letter just isn’t that hard, and the potential rewards are indisputable. Take this opportunity to write the best cover letter you can, tailoring it to the job description and using a cover letter builder if necessary. There’s nothing wrong with getting a little help, but there’s everything wrong with leaving an opportunity on the table. That’s just not how salespeople roll, right?

Finally, keep learning. Increase your sales skills, learn to build remote teams , and practice your writing and communication skills as often as possible. Do this when you’re on the job hunt and when you’re not, because in the end, it will make you a better worker who is more appreciated by your employer. And that in turn is bound to pay off for life.

Amy Copadis

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Sales Cover Letter Samples & Examples That Worked in 2024

Julia Belak — Certified Professional Résumé Writer

Selling your skills in a sales cover letter is an art. In this hustle-bustle of the sales world, we've got handy tips, success-proven examples, and ready-to-use templates just for you. It's time to skillfully display your accomplishments, showcase your expertise, and strategically position your skills.

Outbound Sales Development Representative at ChowNow Cover Letter Sample

In this comprehensive guide, we teach you everything you need to know about writing a great sales cover letter. Keep reading to learn about:

  • Navigating real-world sales cover letter examples
  • Formatting your sales cover letter the right way
  • Creating your sales cover letter header and headline
  • Including personalized information in your sales cover letter
  • Writing a strong sales cover letter introduction to impress employers
  • Showcasing your top skills and accomplishments as a sales professional
  • Using powerful action words in your sales cover letter
  • Encouraging employers to contact you in your cover letter conclusion
  • Avoding common pitfalls in a sales cover letter
  • Pairing your sales cover letter with a resume
  • Understanding the average salary and job outlook for sales professionals
  • Finding the best job search resources for sales professionals

Sales intern cover letter example

Sales Intern Cover Letter Example

Why does this intern cover letter sample work?

  • Strong academic record:  The candidate impressively highlights their strong academic record and active participation in extracurricular activities related to the field. This paints a picture of a dedicated, active learner.
  • Detailed work experience:  There's a well-detailed section on the candidate's previous sales internship experience, explained with activities and achievements that is relevant to the position they're applying for.

What could be done better in this cover letter example?

  • Length and clarity:  The cover letter's length is overwhelming and some sentences are over-complicated. Breaking down the long paragraphs into bite-size sections with clear, concise sentences would improve readability.
  • Personalization:  The opening addresses "Recruiters" and could seem impersonal. If possible, finding the name of the hiring manager or specific department to address would be more engaging.
  • Active language:  Although the applicant's achievements are impressive, they could be presented more energetically with active, compelling verbs. Rather than stating tasks completed during the internship, focusing on the impact of those tasks would be more powerful.

Sales coordinator cover letter example

Sales Coordinator Cover Letter Sample

What are the strengths of this cover letter example?

  • Relevant experience:  The candidate effectively presents a strong background in Sales Coordination. Their reference to specific responsibilities paints a picture of a seasoned sales professional.
  • Academics and language skills:  Including academic qualifications and language proficiency is a plus point, it provides essential information about their ability to handle the demands of a sales role.

What aspects could we improve?

  • Responsibilities over achievements:  The candidate describes job responsibilities instead of highlighting achievements or contributions that affected the business positively. It would be better to use bullet points to spotlight impactful accomplishments, rather than responsibilities. 
  • Lack of quantification:  The candidate doesn't specify any numbers in terms of sales growth or the successful outcomes of their strategies. This missed opportunity leaves the employer guessing their actual impact.
  • Active language:  The cover letter could use more active language and power words to bring their sales initiatives to life. For instance, instead of 'prepared contracts', using 'spearheaded contract preparation' would sound more dynamic.

Sales lead cover letter example

Sales Lead Cover Letter Sample

What makes this cover letter sample effective?

  • Bulleted achievements:  The applicant includes bullet points to detail their achievements rather than responsibilities. Highlighting achievements gives an empirical snapshot of their competence.
  • Quantification of success:  The applicant provides concrete numbers and figures about the results they've achieved, providing a tangible sense of their contribution and success.
  • Awards and recognition:  Mentions of awards and accolades, such as "Sales Lead of the Year," successfully showcase the candidate's recognized performance in previous roles.

Points to work on

  • Generic salutation:  The opening "Dear Hiring Manager" could be more personalized. Addressing a specific contact would create a warmer, more personal opening.
  • Long paragraphs: Although the letter includes great examples and achievements, the long paragraphs make it slightly more difficult to read. Breaking these down further would improve readability.
  • Specific skill application:  While the letter mentions skills such as tenacity and negotiation, grounding these traits in specific examples within their sales experience could have made the assertions more compelling.

1. Properly format your sales cover letter

Formatting is for a cover letter what presentation is for a product — it sets the first impression and makes it shine amidst the competition. Below are some basic guidelines on how to make your sales cover letter smooth to read and easy to navigate:

  • Choosing a professional font: Stick to traditional fonts like Times New Roman or Arial and aim for a standard font size between 10 to 12.
  • Use of white space:  Break down your cover letter into distinct sections with clear boundaries and use bullet points where necessary. It makes the letter easier on the eye.
  • Alignment:  Maintain left alignment throughout the document. It gives the letter a professional and streamlined look.
  • Length:  Aim for a one-page document. Your ability to convey important information concisely is a virtue in sales.
  • Margins:  Stick to a 1-inch margin on all sides. Nobody wants text cramped to the edges.
  • File format:  If emailing, save your cover letter as a PDF file to preserve the formatting across various devices.

Remember, a well-formatted cover letter isn't just about making it look nice — it's about making it easy for hiring managers to spot your key selling points.

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2. create an effective sales cover letter header and headline.

Writing a cover letter as a sales professional requires more than just eloquence — it also requires you to have a strong understanding of how to give a letter visual flow and appeal .

As a sales professional, you know that to win a sale, you must first hook the customer’s attention. The same goes for applying for a sales job. You must give your cover letter a strong structure, making it easy for employers to find the most important and relevant information that will convince them to hire you.

This task is achieved through the use of a cover letter header and cover letter headline .

Your header comes first, placed at the top of the document, and lists the following:

  • Your name, along with your contact information including your email, phone number, location, and LinkedIn profile link
  • The recipient's name and title, as well as the company name and the company's address. 

Bad cover letter header example

  Mary Allen , Sales Pro [email protected]

Why is it ineffective? This header falls short of professionalism through the use of a too-casual email address and missing key contact information such as phone number, LinkedIn profile, and physical address.

Good example of a sales cover letter header

Mary Allen , Sales Professional (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | Troy, MI 48098 | linkedin.com/in/mary-allen

To: Peter Sales, Hiring Manager Logans Window Manufacturing, Inc. 1234 Street Address Savannah, GA 31302

Why does this example work?  It demonstrates a well-rounded header, providing a professional email address, phone number, address, LinkedIn profile, and clear recipient details. It offers multiple routes of contact and demonstrates attention to detail and personalization.

After you have completed your header, you will then write your cover letter headline .

A headline can serve many purposes, including:

  • Hooking the reader’s attention
  • Highlighting the most important points of the letter
  • Creating separation between the header and main body text

Bad cover letter headline example

Sales Professional Seeking Exciting New Opportunities

Why is it weak? This headline is not awful, but it's generic, self-focused, and doesn’t provide any specific value the candidate brings to the company.

Good cover letter headline example

Sales Professional with a Track Record of 120% Quarterly Target Achievement

Why does it work? This headline catches attention by presenting a concrete achievement that indicates the candidate's capability and dedication. "120% Quarterly Target Achievement" quantifies their performance, making their success tangible and believable.

Selling starts right from the headline. So, ensure it reflects your ability to deliver results, leading the reader down a paper trail of your professional prowess.

Cover letter headline tips

3. Include personalized information in your sales cover letter

Think about the last time you received a letter. More than likely, the words contained in that letter were highly specific to your life and the relationship between you and the person who wrote it.

The same should go for your professional cover letters . Writing cover letters that are generic and non-specific won't impress employers enough to land you your ideal job. Instead, you should research the employer thoroughly to find exact details, such as company goals or values, that you can reference.

Moreover, you should always try to discover who at a company will read and review your cover letter. Once you have determined this, address your letter to this person directly in a personalized greeting .

Here are 3 examples of personalized sales cover letter greetings

  • Dear Ms. Jane Doe,
  • Dear Head of Sales Jane Doe,
  • Dear Ms. Jane Doe & the Sales Team,

Should your detective skills fall short and the hiring manager's name elude you on LinkedIn, the company website, or any other sources, fret not. You can resort to these general, yet professional, salutations:

General greetings for your sales cover letter

Dear Hiring Manager,  Dear [Company Name] Sales Team,

And one more piece of advice: Although "To Whom It May Concern" may seem like a safe fallback, it's often perceived as outdated and impersonal. It can indicate that you didn't make the effort to find the hiring manager's name and makes your cover letter less targeted.

4. Write a strong sales cover letter introduction to impress employers

Just as the opening pitch in a sales meeting can make or break a deal, the introduction of your sales cover letter can decide your career future. The opening lines must pique interest, enticing the reader to venture further.

To make a cover letter introduction strong and compelling, it is essential to include:

  • A concise summary of your professional history (always include specializations when possible!)
  • A clear statement on why you are applying for this position
  • A mutual acquaintance or reputable professional reference (mutual acquaintances make the best professional references, as the employer already knows and trusts them)

Bad example of a sales cover letter opening paragraph

I'm writing to apply for the sales position. I've spent many years in sales and I'm now looking for new opportunities. I feel confident that this job aligns with my skills.

Why is this example weak? This opening lacks specificity, fails to provide any measured performance, and seems more self-focused. It also doesn't leverage any connections to the company, making it a forgettable introduction.

Good cover letter introduction example from a sales cover letter

I am a sales professional with 5 years of specialized experience selling used and new automobile components to dealerships and auto mechanics. My mentor, Mr. John Johnson, is a dealership owner in your city and is a longtime client of your company. Mr. Johnson let me know about this opening at your company and strongly recommended I apply due to my highly relevant skill set.

Why does this opening hit the mark?  It delivers a concise yet detailed professional summary, mentions a specific reference, and specifies why the candidate is applying for the role. It's personal, tangible, and sets the stage for demonstrating the candidate's suitability for the role. It certainly is a compelling way to start a sales cover letter. 

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5. Showcase your top skills and accomplishments as a sales professional

Hooking the employer’s attention in your introduction is only the beginning. From here, you must write concise body paragraphs that delve into your top skills and accomplishments as a sales professional.

To keep your body paragraphs well-organized, make sure to use short sentences that are easily skimmable by the employer. Additionally, you can also organize some information with bullet points, such as a list of your most notable accomplishments in a sales role, to make it more readable and scannable.

As you describe your skills and accomplishments, make sure to include enough detail to make it clear why these specific qualifications are included.

For example, do not just say you have great customer service skills. Instead, explain what kind of communication style you possess and how it has benefited customers in your previous positions. Your goal is to show employers the value you can bring to their company.

Here are 6 skills to describe in a sales cover letter

  • Sales account management
  • Sales tactics
  • Product and inventory management
  • Communication (describe your exact communication style)
  • Customer service

Skillful highlighting of your sales accomplishments can make your cover letter a persuasive pitch rather than a run-of-the-mill job application. Sequencing your abilities and successes in a logical structure can lend your narrative credibility and appeal. 

Here's an example of how to describe an accomplishment in a sales cover letter

As a sales professional at [Former Employer], I achieved the highest number of closed deals in the department, meeting my sales goals for each quarter by 125%. Additionally, I helped onboard 5 major new clients, increasing overall revenues by 30% annually.

6. Include powerful action words in your sales cover letter

In the sales world, as in your cover letter, words carry a lot of weight. Action words , or verbs, are particularly potent: they paint a vivid picture of you 'in action', showcasing your abilities and achievements in a dynamic and compelling light.

Weaving action words throughout your cover letter can bring your experiences and skills to life , making your case more persuasive. By choosing words that convey energy and initiative, you can create a greater impact, just like a successful sales pitch.

Here's a shortlist of power-packed action verbs for your sales cover letter

  • Outperformed

Remember, it's not j ust about the words you choose, but the compelling sales story they help you tell. Let these action words lend you the verbal strength to close the deal on your dream job.

Sales action words

7. Build a strong sales cover letter conclusion

Your last key step in writing a sales cover letter is to encourage the employer to contact you quickly in your conclusion . While you don’t want to make the employer feel rushed, reiterating that you are excited to hear from them and how they can best reach you will help persuade them to contact you promptly.

Always include a formal sign-off in your conclusion to show respect and appreciation to the employer.

Bad cover letter conclusion example

Hope to get a response from you soon. Thanks for considering my application. Contact me anytime.

[Applicant Name]

Why does it fall flat? This conclusion lacks enthusiasm and doesn't provide specific contact availability. The tone comes off as indifferent, leaving the employer with a weak impression of the candidate's interest.

Here is an example of a good conclusion from a sales cover letter

It brings me great excitement to be considered for this position on your team and I look forward to hearing from you soon. The best time to reach me is between the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. any day of the week. As I am eager to speak with you further about this opportunity, I plan to reach out next Wednesday afternoon if I have not yet heard back.

Kind Regards,

Why is this conclusion effective?  It reinforces the applicant's eagerness for the role, sets expectations about a follow-up and also provides a window of convenient contact time. It maintains a professional yet enthusiastic tone, showing respect and interest by planning a follow-up. The formal sign-off adds a finishing touch to a well-composed sales cover letter.

8. Avoid common mistakes in your sales cover letter

The trick to perfecting your sales cover letter lies as much in avoiding some common pitfalls as in including all the right elements. Here are a few mistakes you should steer clear of:

1. Being too self-centered: Remember, your cover letter is also about the company and how you can contribute to it.

  • Bad example: "I am excited to apply to this job as it will be great for my career."
  • Good example: "I am excited to apply my sales expertise to improve the already stellar performance of your sales team."

2. Leaving a passive closing: A salesperson is proactive. Show them that drive in your closing too.

  • Bad example: "I'm looking forward to hearing from you."
  • Good example: "I'm eager to further discuss how I can bring value to your team. I'll follow up on the coming Tuesday."

3. Submitting without proofreading:  Typos or grammatical errors can quickly tarnish the impression you're trying to build. Double, or even triple, check before you submit .

4. Rehashing your resume:  Your cover letter should complement your resume, not copy it. Use it to tell a story and showcase your strengths.

  • Bad example: "As stated in my resume, in my previous role, I generated a 50% increase in sales."
  • Good example: "In my previous role, I pioneered a new sales technique, leading to a 50% uptick in sales."

5. Being too vague: Be specific about your skills and successes. Numbers often speak louder than words in the sales world.

  • Bad example: "I have a good track record in sales."
  • Good example: "Over the past two years, I've consistently exceeded my sales targets by at least 20%."

6. Failing to match the company tone: If the company presents itself informally, an overly formal cover letter might feel out of sync. Research the company and adjust your tone accordingly.

7. Not addressing the relevant person: Always try to find a specific contact person. "Dear Hiring Managers" is a last resort, not a first choice of greeting.

Accurate self-presentation is key. So sell yourself just as thoughtfully and passionately as you'd sell a product. With a well-crafted cover letter, you're one step closer to closing the deal on your dream job.

9. Pair your sales cover letter with a resume

Just like a perfectly matched shirt and tie, your sales cover letter and resume make a powerful combination. They have distinct purposes yet complement each other when crafted well.

Here's the difference in a nutshell:

A resume is a factual summary of your skills, experience, and education. It’s a snapshot of your career highlighting the who, what, and where of your professional journey.

A sales cover letter , on the other hand, adds personality to these facts. It’s your opportunity to explain the why and how of your career path. Here, you can tell your story, express motivations, and articulate fit with the company.

Creating a seamless visual experience by using the same design, fonts, and color scheme for both documents is vital. Not only does it provide a sense of cohesion and professionalism, but it also fortifies your personal brand.

Remember, consistency in presentation fosters trust and recognition, both of which are crucial in sales. So, think of your cover letter and resume as a power couple, best when together, yet each holding their own individually.

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10. average salary and job outlook for sales occupations.

According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average yearly salary for sales professionals was $35,290 in May 2022. This salary reflects a range of sales roles, from retail sales workers to real estate brokers.

While the overall employment in sales occupations is expected to decline from 2022 to 2032, do note that this doesn't close the door to opportunities. Quite the opposite, in fact. An average of about 1.8 million openings are projected to appear each year within the same period.

While market fluctuations can impact sales job availability, the turnover rate in the industry creates constant new opportunities. Regardless of the changing dynamics, sales professionals who can adapt, upskill, and deliver consistently can definitely find promising opportunities.

11. Top job search resources for sales professionals

The journey to landing or advancing in a sales career can be complex and competitive, but you don't have to navigate it alone. A wealth of resources are available to assist, educate, and inspire you. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Networking:  Engage with sales professionals in your field and broader industry. Utilize platforms like LinkedIn to make connections. Sign up for industry conferences and seminars. You might learn about unadvertised opportunities or gain valuable insights.
  • Professional organizations:  Join a professional body such as The National Association of Sales Professionals . Such organizations often provide training, certifications, and professional development opportunities.
  • Job websites:  Leverage websites specifically designed for sales job seekers like SalesHeads.com  and   Rainmakers .
  • Continued learning:  Keep expanding your knowledge. Online learning platforms like Coursera , Udacity , and LinkedIn Learning offer sales-specific courses. Remember, in a dynamic field like sales, continuous learning is key.
  • Industry publications:  Subscribe to trade magazines and sales-focused publications like Selling Power and Sales and Marketing Management . These provide industry trends, tips, and success stories to learn from.

Remember, your career in sales is a journey of growth and adaptation. Keep exploring, stay curious, and continuously refine your hitting-the-target skills. Sales is about relationships — and that includes the one you have with the industry itself. Connect with it, learn from it, and let it guide you through your career progression.

Sales Cover Letter FAQ

Do i need to customize my sales cover letter for each job application.

Absolutely. Each job posting will have its own unique requirements and company culture. Customizing your cover letter to reflect those specifics shows the hiring manager that you've done your homework and genuinely care about this specific opportunity.

How can I strike the right balance between professionalism and personality in my sales cover letter?

Start by maintaining a professional tone and language throughout. Then, weave in your personality through real-life examples of your achievements, work ethic, and passion for sales. Remember, you want to come across as a real person, not a robot.

Can I use humor in my sales cover letter?

It depends on the company and role. If your research shows a company with a more informal, fun culture, a touch of tasteful, professional humor might work. However, don't force it. Your main objective should always be to present your skills and experiences effectively.

How should I handle a lack of sales experience in my cover letter?

Focus on transferable skills such as communication, negotiation, customer service, and leadership that are relevant to sales. Include examples of these from non-sales positions or situations. Show eagerness to learn and adapt.

What if I can't find the name of the hiring manager to address my cover letter?

If your research doesn't reveal a specific name, you can use a general but professional salutation. Aim for a title-specific greeting like "Dear Sales Team Hiring Manager" over a generic "To whom it may concern."

Julia Belak — Certified Professional Résumé Writer

Julia Belak

Julia is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW™) and an active member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Career Coaches (PARWCC™). She is also a passionate translator and graphic designer. Julia holds degrees in translation and interpretation and has international work experience in various countries across Europe, as well as in China and Panama. Julia formerly taught academic writing and contributed as a graphic designer to outlets such as The Business of Business. You'll often find her with a book in one hand and a specialty coffee in the other, always on the lookout for new insights.

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General Manager Cover Letter Example

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Start your General Manager cover letter with a strong, attention-grabbing opening that conveys your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Begin with a professional greeting, followed by a compelling first sentence that showcases your leadership experience and understanding of the industry. Mention a key achievement that aligns with the responsibilities of the position to immediately demonstrate your capability. Tailor your introduction to the specific organization, highlighting how your vision and management style would be a perfect fit for their culture and goals. This personalized approach will set a confident tone for the rest of your letter and help you stand out from other candidates.

The best way for General Managers to end a cover letter is with a strong closing statement that reaffirms their interest in the position and their confidence in bringing value to the organization. They should express appreciation for the reader's time and consideration, and include a call to action, such as expressing eagerness to discuss their qualifications further in an interview. It's important to maintain a professional tone and to ensure the closing is aligned with the tone of the rest of the letter. Here's an example: "I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to bring my strategic leadership and proven track record of success to [Company Name]. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my experience and vision can contribute to the continued growth and success of your company." This approach leaves a positive, lasting impression and encourages the hiring manager to take the next step.

General Managers should include the following elements in their cover letter: 1. **Introduction**: Start with a strong opening that captures the reader's attention. Mention the position you're applying for and how you learned about it. If you have a personal connection or referral, mention it here. 2. **Leadership and Management Experience**: Highlight your experience in leading teams and managing operations. Provide specific examples of successful projects or initiatives you've led, and the impact they had on the organization. This could include improvements in efficiency, revenue growth, or team development. 3. **Industry Expertise**: General Managers often work in various industries, so it's important to showcase your knowledge and experience in the relevant sector. Mention any industry-specific skills or certifications that are pertinent to the job. 4. **Strategic Vision**: Demonstrate your ability to think strategically and plan for the long-term success of the organization. Discuss how you've developed and executed strategies in past roles and how you can bring that strategic mindset to the new position. 5. **Operational Excellence**: Discuss your experience in overseeing daily operations, including budgeting, staffing, and workflow management. Provide examples of how you've optimized processes or improved operational efficiency in your previous roles. 6. **Problem-Solving Skills**: Share instances where you've successfully navigated challenges or crises. Explain the steps you took to resolve issues and the positive outcomes that resulted from your actions. 7. **Communication Skills**: As a General Manager, clear and effective communication is crucial. Highlight your ability to communicate with stakeholders at all levels, from front-line employees to board members, and how you ensure that everyone is aligned with the company's goals. 8. **Cultural Fit**: Convey your understanding of the company's culture and values, and explain why you are a good fit. Mention any alignment between your personal values and the company's mission. 9. **Achievements and Metrics**: Use quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your effectiveness as a leader. For example, mention any

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    Dear Hiring Manager (e.g., Dear Mr./Mrs./Ms.), I am writing to apply for the sales manager role at [company name]. With my proven track record of leading sales teams that smash sales goals with innovative sales strategies, I am confident I would be a valuable asset to your organization.

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  23. General Manager Cover Letter Example

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