A sales manager cover letter can help you advance in the field by emphasizing your best competencies gained in similar roles. You should send it along with your resume when applying for this position as a source of additional information about your skills and experience in the industry.
Follow along as we outline the specific formatting tips and explain how to write each section of this document. We will also provide four useful tips on how you can make your cover letter stand out!
Key Takeaways
When formatting a cover letter for a sales job, choose a clean font, set 1-inch margins, and apply single spacing within paragraphs and double spacing between paragraphs.
Aligning the content of your cover letter to the left and keeping everything under 400 words will help you maintain conciseness.
Your sales cover letter should begin with a header and be followed by a greeting and an introduction where you grab the hiring manager’s attention by establishing credibility.
Your skills, qualifications, and experiences, a section about your reasons for applying, a call-to-action, and a conclusion with a sign-off should make up the rest of your sales cover letter.
Other tips to make your cover letter more impressive include showing cultural fit and referencing recent trends.
2 Job-Winning Sales Manager Cover Letter Examples
Below are two sample letters: one for candidates with little to no experience, and another for seasoned sales managers.
Sales Manager Cover Letter With Little to No Experience
Here is a sales manager cover letter example with little to no experience:
Experienced Sales Manager Cover Letter
Here is a sales manager cover letter example with experience:
Sales Manager Cover Letter Format
A sales manager cover letter format should follow that of a business letter to look polished while clearly highlighting your skills, strengths, and experience.
You should keep the following in mind:
Formatting Guidelines
Fonts. Choose a clean font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. A font size of 10 to 12 points works best for readability and for conveying professionalism. Don’t use cursive fonts, as these can be difficult on the eyes.
Margins. Apply standard one-inch margins on all sides to create a balanced appearance. Try to avoid narrower ones because they can make the letter feel cramped.
Spacing. Well-spaced text makes the letter easier to follow. Use single spacing within paragraphs and double spacing between paragraphs. You can also consider adding extra around the header to improve readability.
Alignment. Align all your text to the left for a conventional layout since it gives the letter a clean appearance. It is best to avoid justified alignment, as it can create uneven spacing between words.
Sales Manager Cover Letter: 7 Vital Sections
Let’s take a closer look at the seven vital sections to include in a sales manager cover letter.
#1. Header
The header should include your full name, phone number, email address, and physical address. Beneath this, add the date and the recipient’s contact information, including their name, title, company, and company address.
This way, your cover letter provides the employer with all the necessary details they need to reach you quickly. Moreover, properly formatted headings create a polished impression before the content of your cover letter is even read.
#2. Greeting
For the greeting, whenever possible, address the hiring manager by name rather than using a generic phrase like “To whom it may concern.” A personalized greeting demonstrates your attention to detail and is more personable.
You can often find the hiring manager’s name by checking the company website, LinkedIn, or the job posting itself. If, even after researching the company, you cannot find a name, “Dear Hiring Manager” is a safe alternative.
#3. Introduction
Your introduction should clearly state the position you are applying for and where you found the job listing. Introduce yourself briefly, mentioning your current role or relevant experience to establish credibility immediately.
This paragraph should grab the recruiter’s attention and demonstrate that you have the expertise and qualities the company is seeking. Highlight one or two key skills, achievements, or accomplishments that are most relevant to the position; for instance:
Highlight Relevant Skills and Achievements
Consistently exceeding sales targets
Leading high-performing teams
Successfully launching new products
#4. Skills, Qualifications & Experiences
Your skills, qualifications, and experience section is the heart of your sales manager cover letter. This is where you showcase your ability to excel in the role by providing concrete examples of your past achievements and competencies.
Remember that your cover letter will accompany your sales manager resume, so don’t just repeat what is already on the latter. Start by identifying the key skills required for the position, such as sales strategy development, team leadership, client relationship management, negotiation, and data-driven decision-making.
Highlight the experiences where you successfully applied these skills. For example, you might describe leading a team to exceed quarterly sales targets, implementing a new system that improved customer tracking, or securing a high-value client.
Be specific and provide measurable results wherever possible. Numbers and statistics add credibility and show the hiring manager that you are results-oriented. For instance, stating that you “increased regional sales by 25% over six months by implementing targeted outreach strategies” gives more weight than simply saying you “improved sales.”
This section is also an opportunity to specify any industry knowledge, certifications, or technical skills, such as proficiency with Salesforce, HubSpot, or other sales platforms.
A tip is to match your experiences and skills to the requirements listed by the employer. This not only shows that you understand the role but also makes it easier for the hiring manager to envision your success in the position and see the value you would bring to their team.
If you are writing a sales manager cover letter with no experience, focus on transferable skillsfrom previous roles and emphasize your willingness to learn. You can also mention relevant courses, internships, or volunteer experience to show your practical exposure to sales concepts and your commitment to developing the skills needed for the role.
#5. Reasons for Applying
Your reasons for applying section gives the hiring manager insight into your motivation. It is best to explain why the position itself interests you, highlighting specific aspects that excite you about it and align with your career goals. This shows that you have carefully considered the position, which hiring managers appreciate.
Next, connect to the company's mission, values, or objectives. Demonstrating familiarity with the company, its products, or its approach to sales signals that you have done your research and are genuinely interested. For example, you could mention admiration for the company’s innovative sales strategies or commitment to customer satisfaction.
#6. Call to Action
The call-to-action is where you clearly and confidently encourage the employer to contact or consider you for the role.
For example, you might say, “I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience leading sales teams can contribute to your company’s growth” or “I am available for a call or meeting at your convenience to share how I can drive results for your team.”
Or, if applicable, you can refer to a portfolio, LinkedIn profile, or other online resources that demonstrate your work.
#7. Conclusion & Sign-Off
Your conclusion and sign-off wrap up the cover letter on a professional and positive note. You can use phrases like “Thank you for taking the time to review my application” or “I appreciate your consideration of my candidacy.” For sign-offs, common options include “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” or “Kind regards"; follow this with your full name.
4 Tips for Writing an Impressive Sales Manager Cover Letter
Keep these four tips in mind to write an impressive sales manager cover letter:
#1. Show Cultural Fit
Your cover letter should show that you are not just qualified, but also a good match for the company’s culture. Research the company’s values, mission, and team dynamics, and weave them into your writing.
For instance, if innovation is a core company principle, highlight moments when you introduced creative sales strategies or solutions. Using specific language and examples that mirror the company’s culture helps the hiring manager envision you as part of the team.
#2. Reference Relevant Industry Trends
Including references to relevant industry trends in your cover letter shows that you are proactive and prepared to help the company stay competitive.
The best approach is to identify trends, explain their influence on the sales landscape and their significance to the company, and then connect your experience or skills to these trends.
For example, you might mention adopting a hybrid sales approach to reach new customer segments or adjusting strategies in response to market disruptions.
#3. Browse Cover Letter Examples
Reviewing cover letter examples can provide valuable insights into tone, style, and structure without copying content.
Pay attention to how others balance professionalism with personality, and note the types of accomplishments they emphasize. You can also identify creative ways to start and end a cover letter, or see how measurable results are woven naturally.
#4. Use a Cover Letter Builder
Using a cover letter builder can save time and ensure your application looks well-structured. Ours includes a variety of cover letter templates designed specifically for sales managers; with them, you can focus on highlighting your achievements, skills, and experience without worrying about the design details.
Final Thoughts
A well-crafted sales manager cover letter will help you stand out and land the role you are applying for. It should convey your value and fit clearly with the proper sections. By extension, it will also show your writing skills, attention to detail, and professionalism.
Remember to avoid common cover letter mistakes, such as repeating information already on your resume, and highlight your cultural fit. Additionally, it’s also a good practice to reference relevant industry trends to further strengthen your cover letter and get the job of your dreams!
