Want a stronger cover letter?

Use our extensive library of resume cover letter examples as practical starting guides. You’ll also find ready-made content with our helpful Cover Letter Builder simply click, customize and download.

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How to Format Your Cover Letter

Visit our helpful cover letter format and writing guide for additional advice on how to customize your application, or read on to find sales-related advice.

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  • Contact information:

    • Make sure your professional cover letter header matches your resume for a cohesive look. Include your name, phone number and email. 

  • Date and recipient's mailing information:

    • 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. 

  • Greeting:

    • 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.”

  • Introduction:

    • 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.

  • Body:

    • Use one or two paragraphs to elaborate on one or two accomplishments listed on your sales manager resume. The goal is to quantify your training further and prove your proficiency.  

  • Closing statement:

    • In the final paragraph, reiterate your interest and qualifications. Express your eagerness to discuss your candidacy in an interview further.

  • Signature:

    • 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.”

Use skills to personalize your sales manager cover letter

These resume skills and accomplishments are the foundation to building a strong sales manager cover letter. Highlight your soft, hard and technical skills to provide exceptional leadership to a sales team.

1
Sales strategy development:

Creating comprehensive marketing plans to achieve sales targets and market penetration, outlining key tactics and measurable goals.

2
Team leadership:

Leading and motivating sales teams to excel, setting expectations, and fostering a culture of success.

3
CRM software proficiency:

Utilizing customer relationship management tools to manage customer interactions, track leads and improve sales processes.

4
Sales forecasting:

Analyzing market trends and historical data to predict future sales, optimizing inventory and resource allocation.

5
Market research:

Conducting in-depth analysis to understand customer needs, competitor landscapes and emerging market opportunities.

6
Negotiation skills:

Effectively closing deals by articulating value propositions, addressing objections and reaching mutually beneficial agreements.

7
Key account management:

Building and managing strong relationships with key clients, promptly resolving their needs and issues.

8
Product knowledge:

In-depth understanding of products or services, enabling persuasive and informed sales pitches.

9
Data analysis:

Using data-driven insights to identify sales trends, customer preferences and areas for improvement.

10
Sales presentations:

Crafting and delivering compelling presentations that showcase product benefits and meet customer needs.

11
Strategic planning:

Developing long-term sales strategies aligned with overall business goals.

12
Communication skills:

Articulate ideas clearly, both in writing and verbally, to effectively connect with clients and team members.

13
Cross-functional collaboration:

Working closely with marketing, operations and other departments to ensure seamless customer experiences.

14
Sales metrics tracking:

Monitoring and analyzing KPIs, such as conversion rates and revenue, to assess performance and make data-backed decisions.

15
Customer service excellence:

Prioritizing customer satisfaction, addressing inquiries and resolving issues promptly to build lasting relationships.

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PRO TIP:

Don’t overstuff your cover letter — limit yourself to one or two skills so you can adequately highlight your accomplishments. Prioritize skills or achievements requested on the job advertisement to score well on applicant tracking systems (ATS). Visit our ATS resume article to learn more about these tools.

Free Sales Manager Cover Letter Example

Dear Mr. Moore:

Success in sales requires perseverance, profit-driven focus, and exceptionally honed interpersonal skills. As an experienced professional with a strong history of managing client relationships and drastically increasing revenues, I stand in a prime position to significantly contribute to your objectives as your next Sales Manager.

My experience in securing new customers, analyzing market and competitive trends, negotiating and closing profitable deals, and nurturing beneficial relationships positions me to substantially impact your organization. By leveraging product expertise and keen insight to implement strategic sales and marketing solutions, I excel at connecting with key decision-makers and quickly building profitable, lasting partnerships that sustain revenue growth.

Following are highlights of my qualifications:

  1. Consistently outperforming corporate sales and revenue goals by developing aggressive and successful business initiatives and effective sales team leadership, propelling drastic sales revenue increases while minimizing corporate expenses.
  2. Recruiting, training, and managing top-performing sales teams and coaching staff to achieve goals in alignment with corporate objectives.
  3. Forging trusting and enduring relationships with customers, management teams and peers to maximize client retention and satisfaction.
  4. Utilizing superior team leadership, communication and organizational skills to achieve maximum sales and customer service.

My dedication to creating solid and productive partnerships and my steadfast motivation to meet or exceed sales goals characterize my career accomplishments. These skills, combined with my articulate presentation talents, will allow me to benefit Sillam’s sales team significantly. I look forward to discussing this position in further detail.

I appreciate your consideration.

Sincerely,

Cheryl Aguirre

This cover letter effectively combines a personalized introduction, a clear expression of interest, relevant experience, specific achievements, soft skills emphasis and a strong closing. It demonstrates the applicant’s enthusiasm, qualifications and readiness to contribute positively to the organization.

Add a Resume as a Foundational Base

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.

Sales Manager Cover Letter FAQ

How can I ensure my cover letter gets through applicant tracking systems (ATS)?

To pass ATS, use relevant keywords from the job description, format your document, and avoid graphics or complex layouts.

What are action verbs, and why are they necessary in a cover letter?

Action verbs are strong, dynamic words that describe your achievements. They make your accomplishments stand out and convey your impact effectively.

How do I tailor my cover letter to a specific job? 

Customize your cover letter by addressing the hiring manager, mentioning the company’s name and showcasing skills and experiences directly related to the job description.

Should I include references in my cover letter? 

No, references are typically provided on a separate sheet when the employer requests. Focus your cover letter on your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.

How long should a sales manager cover letter be? 

A 400-word, one-page cover letter is ideal. Aim to communicate your qualifications and interests succinctly to keep the reader engaged.