Navigating the job market as an outside sales rep, you've likely hit the stumbling block of writing a persuasive cover letter. It's not just a box to check—you've realized it's a vital piece of your application that showcases more than your resume ever could. In crafting this key document, the challenge lies in sharing a compelling story about your proudest professional moment without wandering into tired clichés or producing an endless page of text. Let's help you strike the perfect balance, keeping it concise, engaging, and distinctly you.
- 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 outside sales resume into Enhancv's AI, which will assess your profile and write your job-winning cover letter for you.
If the outside sales isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:
- Outside Sales resume guide and example
- Entry-Level Customer Service cover letter example
- CRM Manager cover letter example
- Regional Sales Representative cover letter example
- Customer Service Associate cover letter example
- Retail Worker cover letter example
- Call Center Manager cover letter example
- Field Sales Representative cover letter example
- Store Manager Retail cover letter example
- Assistant Store Manager cover letter example
- Customer Success Associate cover letter example
Outside Sales cover letter example
ALEX JOHNSON
San Francisco, CA
+1-(234)-555-1234
help@enhancv.com
- Emphasizing relevant experience: The letter showcases the applicant's previous experience in a similar role, highlighting a significant initiative and its positive outcomes, which are quantifiable and directly relevant to the new role.
- Demonstrating results: The inclusion of specific achievements, such as surpassing sales targets for six consecutive months, provides concrete evidence of the candidate’s ability to perform the job duties effectively.
- Aligning with company values: The candidate has researched the company’s values and mission and made a clear connection between their own professional values and the company’s ethos, showing a good cultural fit.
- Call to action: The closing paragraph of the cover letter invites further discussion, demonstrating the candidate’s eagerness to engage with the employer and discuss how they can contribute to the company's objectives.
Designing your outside sales cover letter: what is the best format
Let's start with the basics, your outside sales cover letter should include your:
- Header
- Greeting
- Introduction
- Body paragraph
- Closing statement
- Signature (that's not a must)
Next, we'll move to the spacing of your outside sales cover letter, and yes, it should be single-spaced (automatically formatted for you in our cover letter templates).
Don't go for a old-school font (e.g. Arial or Times New Roman), but instead, pick an ATS-favorite like Chivo, Volkhov, or Raleway, to stand out.
Our cover letter builder is also set up for you with the standard one-inch margin, all around the text.
Finally, ensure your outside sales resume and cover letter are in the same font and are submitted in PDF (to keep the formatting in place).
P.S. The Applicant Tracker System (or ATS) won't be assessing your [job] cover letter, it's solely for the recruiters' eyes.
The top sections on a outside sales cover letter
- Header: The header should include your contact information, making it easy for the recruiter to reach out to you, and align with the professional format expected in a cover letter.
- Greeting: A personalized greeting to the recruiter or hiring manager shows that you've done your research on the company and are serious about your application—common in sales to establish a personal connection.
- Introduction: In the introduction, briefly mention your sales background and enthusiasm for the role, hooking the recruiter's interest and emphasizing your capability to generate leads and close deals.
- Sales Pitch Body: Use this section to highlight your key accomplishments, sales strategies, and client management skills, demonstrating how they align with the needs of the outside sales position you're applying for.
- Closing and Call to Action: End your cover letter with a strong closing that reiterates your interest in the position and includes a call to action, encouraging the recruiter to contact you, which reflects your proactive approach—essential in an outside sales role.
Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter
- Proven sales track record: Demonstrates the ability to consistently meet or exceed sales targets, which is a direct indicator of success in a sales role.
- Strong relationship-building skills: Essential for establishing and maintaining long-term customer relationships, leading to repeat business and referrals.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills: Critical for effectively presenting products or services and persuading potential clients in a competitive market.
- Self-motivation and discipline: Indicates the ability to work independently, manage one's schedule, and stay productive without direct supervision, which is crucial for outside sales roles.
- Knowledge of the industry and market trends: Shows that the candidate can understand client needs, adapt to changes, and sell effectively within a specific industry.
- Ability to work with sales technologies: Proficiency with CRM software, data analysis tools, and modern communication platforms to streamline the sales process and enhance customer engagement.
The outside sales cover letter salutation: how to address hiring managers
After covering the format of your outside sales cover letter, let's look at the salutation.
Back in the day, the cordial "To whom it may concern" or "Dear Sir/Madam", might have worked out fine.
But, nowadays, your cover letter should approach hiring managers on a more personal basis.
So, what to do about your cover letter salutation?
If you've messaged the recruiters and are on a first name basis or a more formal one, use the hiring manager's name in the greeting (e.g. "Dear Sophie," "Dear Ms. Givens", or "Dear Mr. Everett,").
Always aim to make the effort to find out the name of the hiring manager, who'd be assessing your application. Search on LinkedIn, double-check the advert on the corporate website, or message the brand on social media to find out more about the role.
If you can't find the hiring manager's name (and still want to sound professional), use "Dear HR Team,", "Dear Hiring Manager,", or the likes.
List of salutations you can use
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Dear [First Name] [Last Name],
- Dear [Job Title],
- Dear [Team or Department] Hiring Team,
- Dear [Company Name] Recruiter,
How to start your outside sales cover letter introduction
The opening paragraph of your outside sales cover letter can seem like a real enigma.
Where do you start writing?
In your outside sales cover letter introduction, focus on yourself by stating what:
- gets you motivated and excited about the role;
- you like best about the company, from culture to awards.
Write no more than two sentences, which are both authentic and show your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
Structuring your outside sales cover letter body to add more value
You've hinted at your value as a professional (this may be your passion for the job or interest in the company) in your introduction.
Next, it's time to pan out the body or middle of your outside sales cover letter.
When creating your resume, you've probably gone over the advert a million times to select the most relevant skills.
Well, it's time to repeat this activity. Or just copy and paste your previous list of job-crucial requirements.
Then, select one of your past accomplishments, which is relevant and would impress hiring managers.
Write between three and six paragraphs to focus on the value your professional achievement would bring to your potential, new organization.
Tell a story around your success that ultimately shows off your real value as a professional.
Finishing off your outside sales cover letter with what matters most
So far, you've done a fantastic job in tailoring your outside sales cover letter for the role and recruiter.
Your final opportunity to make a good impression is your closing paragraph.
And, no, a "Sincerely yours" just won't do, as it sounds too vague and impersonal.
End your outside sales cover letter with the future in mind.
So, if you get this opportunity, what do you plan to achieve? Be as specific, as possible, of what value you'd bring to the organization.
You could also thank recruiters for their interest in your profile and prompt for follow-up actions (and organizing your first interview).
What to write on your outside sales cover letter, when you have zero experience
The best advice for candidates, writing their outside sales cover letters with no experience, is this - be honest.
If you have no past professional roles in your portfolio, focus recruiters' attention on your strengths - like your unique, transferrable skill set (gained as a result of your whole life), backed up by one key achievement.
Or, maybe you dream big and have huge motivation to join the company. Use your outside sales cover letter to describe your career ambition - that one that keeps you up at night, dreaming about your future.
Finally, always ensure you've answered why employers should hire precisely you and how your skills would benefit their organization.
Key takeaways
Winning at your job application game starts with a clear and concise outside sales cover letter that:
- Has single-spaced paragraphs, is wrapped in a one-inch margin, and uses the same font as the outside sales resume;
- Is personalized to the recruiter (using their name in the greeting) and the role (focusing on your one key achievement that answers job requirements);
- Includes an introduction that helps you stand out and show what value you'd bring to the company;
- Substitutes your lack of experience with an outside-of-work success, that has taught you valuable skills;
- Ends with a call for follow-up or hints at how you'd improve the organization, team, or role.
