What is your cover letter selling? You! You’re the product, and the middle paragraphs of your cover letter should contain your sales pitch.
Your confident presentation — a declaration of your job objective (if you haven’t already communicated it in your first paragraph) and your qualifications — must convince the reader that you’re a good fit for the job.
To prepare yourself for writing this section of your letter, answer the following questions:
- What skills and experience is the employer looking for in the ideal candidate for the job you want?
- Which of your achievements demonstrates that you have the skills and experience the employer is looking for?
- What personality trait is the employer looking for in the perfect applicant for the position you seek?
- What aspects of your personality would make you a productive member of the employer’s team, department, or company?
Incorporate the answers to these questions into the body of your cover letter to create a winning sales pitch.
Peeking Into Others’ Letters
Following are excerpts from five different cover letters. They demonstrate how to make a sales pitch in the middle paragraphs of a cover letter.
From a a sales representative:
“My extensive network of contacts in the perfume and cosmetics industry includes more than 1000 buyers, both domestic and international. These are professionals who know my name — and who listen to my recommendations.”
From a marketing manager:
“Here’s my secret: I use bold, unusual marketing strategies to achieve phenomenal results in half the expected time — and at half the cost!”
From an office manager:
“You know you have the right person in the position when you can:
- Count on your office operations running smoothly.
- Access accurate information regarding your finances at any time.
- Make efficient use of your computer hardware, software and other equipment.
- Know that your office technology is configured to meet your needs.
- Feel the team spirit in your office!”
From a hotel manager:
“My former employer commented that I demonstrate a professionalism lacking in so many (hospitality) management professionals.’ I look forward to contributing this quality to your management team in the near future.”
From a public relations professional:
“Here are two ideas I’d like to discuss further with you:
- A Japanese Mail Order Program
The Japanese mail order program I designed and launched at Floressence cost less than $1000 to start up. Our most recent mailing, the Floral Holiday Gift Book, generated a 15% response, with an average order of $404. (Our domestic response rate was 2.11%, with an average order of $149.)
- A Public Relations Program
I increased Friday Night Club’s media coverage 500% over a two-year period. (PR contributed $650,000 to their yearly sales.)”
Cover Letter Template
50 Sample Cover Letters
Step 3: The Sales Pitch
What is your cover letter selling? You! You’re the product, and the middle paragraphs of your cover letter should contain your sales pitch.
Your confident presentation — a declaration of your job objective (if you haven’t already communicated it in your first paragraph) and your qualifications — must convince the reader that you’re a good fit for the job.
To prepare yourself for writing this section of your letter, answer the following questions:
Incorporate the answers to these questions into the body of your cover letter to create a winning sales pitch.
Peeking Into Others’ Letters
Following are excerpts from five different cover letters. They demonstrate how to make a sales pitch in the middle paragraphs of a cover letter.
From a a sales representative:
“My extensive network of contacts in the perfume and cosmetics industry includes more than 1000 buyers, both domestic and international. These are professionals who know my name — and who listen to my recommendations.”
From a marketing manager:
“Here’s my secret: I use bold, unusual marketing strategies to achieve phenomenal results in half the expected time — and at half the cost!”
From an office manager:
“You know you have the right person in the position when you can:
From a hotel manager:
“My former employer commented that I demonstrate a professionalism lacking in so many (hospitality) management professionals.’ I look forward to contributing this quality to your management team in the near future.”
From a public relations professional:
“Here are two ideas I’d like to discuss further with you:
The Japanese mail order program I designed and launched at Floressence cost less than $1000 to start up. Our most recent mailing, the Floral Holiday Gift Book, generated a 15% response, with an average order of $404. (Our domestic response rate was 2.11%, with an average order of $149.)
I increased Friday Night Club’s media coverage 500% over a two-year period. (PR contributed $650,000 to their yearly sales.)”
Cover Letter Template
50 Sample Cover Letters