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Cash handling:
Accuracy in managing cash transactions, calculating change, balancing cash drawers, and checking daily sales reports.
Want a stronger cover letter? Use our extensive library of professional cover letter examples as practical starting guides.
Visit our helpful how to write a cover letter writing guide for additional advice on how to customize your application, or read on to find retail associate advice.
To give your application a cohesive look, use a matching resume/cover letter header. Add your name, phone number and email.
Visit the company’s directory to research the hiring manager and contact info. Add the date of writing, followed by the manager’s name, job title and professional mailing address.
Begin the letter with a professional salutation. We prefer the following formal greetings: “Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name,” “Hello, Mr./Ms. Last Name,” or the last resort, “To whom it may concern.”
Add the name of the position and company, how you learned about it, and one sales skill or accomplishment to advertise your suitability in this opening paragraph.
Use one or two paragraphs to elaborate on one or two accomplishments listed on your clothing sales associate resume. The goal is to quantify your training further and prove your proficiency.
In the final paragraph, reiterate your interest and qualifications. Express your eagerness to discuss your candidacy in an interview further.
End the letter with a formal closing followed by your full name and, if applicable, your professional titles or certifications. Acceptable signatures include “Salutations,” “Best,” or “Regards.”
The following retail and clothing sales skills can help you reassure hiring managers and advertise your abilities:
Accuracy in managing cash transactions, calculating change, balancing cash drawers, and checking daily sales reports.
Strong computer skills with customer relationship management (CRM) software to track customer interactions, preferences and purchase history.
Strong communication skills to address customer needs, resolve complaints and ensure a positive shopping experience.
Digital tools and software are used to track inventory levels, order stock, and manage product flow between the warehouse and store.
Support online sales and manage online orders, assist with in-store pickups, and handle returns for online purchases.
Maintain fitting room areas, assist customers with sizes and styles, and ensure items are returned and re-stocked appropriately.
Use strategies and systems, including monitoring and security practices, designed to minimize theft and fraud in the retail environment.
Track and organize stock levels, conduct inventory counts and ensure products are displayed and available to customers.
Arrange clothes displays to maximize visual appeal and drive sales by through color coordination, trends and store layout strategies.
Proficiency in using point-of-sale (POS) systems to process transactions, handle returns and manage customer payments efficiently.
Comprehensive knowledge of clothing brands, fabrics, styles and trends to assist customers in making informed purchasing decisions.
Basic math knowledge in calculating discounts, sales tax, commission and inventory counts.
Analytical skills to generate and read sales reports to track performance, identify trends and inform merchandising and stocking decisions.
Committed to keeping the sales floor clean, organized, and fully stocked, ensuring a pleasant shopping environment for customers.
Techniques to recommend additional products that complement the customer’s initial purchase, increasing overall sales and customer satisfaction.
Ramona Bryant
New York, NY
555-555-5555
hello.romona.bryant@email.com
July 5, 2024
Bradford Travis
Eileen Fisher
New York, NY
555-555-5555
brad.travis@eileenfisher.com
Dear Brad Travis,
With over four years of clothing sales experience, I’m excited to apply for your open sales associate position at Eileen Fisher. I have strong skills in customer service, product knowledge, and sales techniques, having worked at notable staples retailer Uniqlo and with luxury brands at Nordstrom.
Notable experience and accomplishments include:
As someone interested in well-tailored, multi-wear clothing, I’m eager to join your team in promoting your sustainable collections. Feel free to contact me at 555-555-5555 before noon every day or email me at hello.romona.bryant@email.com.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Best,
Ramona Bryant
How is this a good cover letter for retail sales associates? This sample cover letter uses the following techniques to pitch three notable accomplishments in less than 150 words!
Ms. Ramona Bryant immediately shares her experience and enthusiasm for the job. She shares her genuine excitement for the brand and pitches her matching experience working for minimal design brands.
Ms. Bryant uses bullet points to share her notable accomplishments in an easy-to-read format. She also uses specific metrics like exceeding daily sales goals by 120%, contributing to a 15% increase in average transaction value, and reducing stock discrepancies by 25%, to illustrate the potential value she’ll bring to the team.
The job seeker expresses a personal interest in “well-tailored, multi-wear clothing” and mentions her eagerness to promote Eileen Fisher’s sustainable collections. This shows that she has researched the company and shares its values, which is an important aspect of cultural fit and persuading customers.
A cover letter helps promote your resume — but your resume acts as an essential building block for your job search. This concise summary helps hiring managers trace your training, experience, skill development and accomplishments. The following help articles, online tools and samples can help you improve your resume.
Use energetic action verbs like “achieved,” “exceeded,” “enhanced,” “delivered” or “promoted.” These verbs convey your proactive role in driving sales, providing excellent customer service, and contributing to the store’s success.
Action verbs make your accomplishments stand out and give your cover letter a more dynamic, engaging tone.
To pass ATS, use keywords from the job description. Common retail keywords include “customer service,” “sales goals,” or “inventory management,” but you can find unique phrases in the job description. Scan the ad for special font treatment like highlighted, bolded, underlined, repeated or rephrased responsibilities.
Use an ATS-optimized template to ensure the software properly scans your tailored information. Avoid using complex formatting like tables or images, and stick to standard fonts.