Cover letters are used together with resumes to apply for different jobs in a variety of industries; the retail sector is no exception. No matter the position you want to apply for, whether a managerial, cashiers, or an entry-level position, you need to craft an outstanding cover letter that grasps the hiring manager’s attention in a span of seconds.
Your cover letter is the first impression the hiring manager will have of you. And first impressions matter! Therefore, as you write your cover letter remember that your work is to inform the recruiter who you are, and why you are the ideal candidate for the position. The more impressive your cover letter is, the higher your chances of being called for an interview.
Working in the retail industry is rewarding if you enjoy working with people and sharing product knowledge especially. As such your retail cover letter must illustrate your skills and expertise that are relevant to this industry but more importantly, to the job you are applying for.
1. Retail Cover Letter Writing Tips
2. Retail cover letter Format
3. Retail Cover Letter Samples
4. Important takeaway tips
When writing a retail cover letter, make sure to highlight your relevant qualities, experiences, and achievements that relate to the job requirements, such as retail manager job description or retail buyer job description among others.
Highlight specific examples of your background experience that match particular requirements illustrated in the job description. This shows the recruiter that you understand what they are looking for, and you took adequate time to craft a cover letter that demonstrates these skills.
If you lack prior experience in the retail industry, ask yourself if you possess the relevant soft skills that will ultimately make you a success in the industry. These skills include:
Also, although rarely mentioned in the job description, the majority of retail employees possess an upbeat personality, even in the face of a disgruntled customer. Therefore, if you have this kind of character, it would be beneficial to you if you could mention it.
The format of a cover letter generally acts as a layout to help you craft a professional cover letter. Just like many other letters, there are specific elements you need to include in your retail cover letters, such as the introduction and body paragraphs. Keep in mind that the format of a hard copy or attached copy slightly, but significantly ,differs from an email cover letter.
1. Contact Information
In this section, you can opt to list your contact information or include it in the header section of your letter. Provide information that the recruiter can use to contact you. Also, if you have contact information for your potential employer, include it in this section.
Your contact information
Name
Address
City, state zip code
Phone number
Email address
Date
Employer Contact information
Name
Title
Company
Address
City, state, zip code
Salutation [Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. Last Name],
2. Body
This section of the cover letter should inform the recruiter the position you are applying for, and why you are the ideal candidate as well as your intent to follow-up, and how you will go about it.
First paragraph
In the first paragraph state why you are writing the letter, and the position you are applying for. Highlight the name of a mutual contact or your source of the job opening. Was it from the company’s job board, their website, or an employee of the company? Mention this in the first paragraph.
Second paragraph
In the second paragraph sell yourself, show the recruiter what you bring to the table and how you’ll add value to the company if recruited. Tailor your cover letter to highlight the skills, abilities, and accomplishments that are relevant to the position and match the job requirements. In this section, focus on interpreting or translating your resume to the hiring manager, not repeating it. Restrain yourself to highlight 3-5 of your very best skills, expertise, and qualifications using quantifiable examples that make you best suited for the role. Consider putting these in bullet form to make them easily skimable and readable.
Final paragraph
In the concluding section, thank the employer for his/her time and considering your application. Ask for an interview. Aim to appear enthusiastic and confident. Also, indicate that you’ll follow up, how and when you’ll do so (two weeks are ideal).
3. Signature
Your name
Signature (hard copy letters)
Use the sample letters below as a guideline to tailor your perfect cover letter. Ensure that you personalize the letters to fit the specific job description for the position you are applying for.
Example 1
Steven John
10 somewhere street
Somecity, NY 00199
555-123-4567
[email protected]
November 29, 20xx
Summer Jacobs
HR Manager,
XYZ retail company,
334 Main Street,
Some city, NY 00199.
Salutation [Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. Jacobs],
I am writing to apply for the open position for a retail manager at the XYZ retail company as indicated on the company’s website. I have eight years of experience managing retail operations for stores that generate between $10M-$20M in revenues annually, making me the perfect ideal fit for your company’s managerial position.
Since graduating from ABC University with an M.A. in business administration, I have advanced through expanding responsibilities in retail management positions, including serving as the head cashier at Great Buy, store manager at EFG company, and an assistant department manager at HIJ Company.
In the positions mentioned above, I spearheaded the attainment of increase in revenues, profits, customer satisfaction, and sales goals. My ability to inspire and motivate employees to surpass their goals and go above and beyond in their roles is demonstrated through my achievements which include:
I take pride in my goal-oriented, ambitious and hardworking personality, with a passion for surpassing my goals and delivering the best results individually or in a team set-up. I welcome the opportunity to discuss further on how I can contribute to XYZ company.
Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Steve John
Example 2: Email retail cover letter
Subject: Cashier, Job Ref number: QW 124098
November 29, 20xx
Ms. Katy Winehouse
HR manager,
ABC company,
16 someplace Ave.
Sometown, NY 00199
Dear Ms. Winehouse,
I am writing concerning the vacant cashier position at ABC company. Upon learning of the vacant job position, I felt compelled to submit my application. As an exceptionally experienced and ambitious individual with experience in the retail industry in sales, merchandising and customer service, I am confident that I would be a valuable asset to your team.
I have a bachelor’s degree in Business from XYZ University and two and three years’ experience as a cashier and customer care representative respectively. I have previously worked at Great Buy as a cashier who gave me the opportunity to hone my skills in customer service, sales, organizing inventories and stock levels, managing cash register transactions and handling cash, checks, vouchers and credit cards in fast-paced environments. During my tenure at Great Buy, I consistently exceeded my sales targets and was a valued team member for my:
With my demonstrated experiences and gained skill set in the retail industry, I am sure I am the exceptional candidate to join your team and assist in increasing team morale, customer retention, satisfaction and loyalty as well as revenue. I welcome the opportunity to discuss the position and my qualifications further. Kindly find attached my resume. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Steven John
10 somewhere street
Somecity, NY 00199
555-123-4567
[email protected]
Example 3: Retail industry cover letter template
You can use the model below to craft your ideal cover letter by making adjustments where necessary.
Name
Address
City, state zip code
Phone number
Email address
Date
Name
Title
Company
Address
City, state, zip code
Salutation [Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. Last Name],
I am submitting my application in response to the recently advertised [mention role] position at [company name]. I am confident that my training and experiences are exactly what your company is looking for. My additional qualifications in [mention additional skills, qualifications or expertise that are relevant to the position or that will make you stand-out] will make me an invaluable asset to your organization.
Highlights of my qualifications with regards to the role include:
[for example
(Tailor this to suit the retail job you are applying for. The best way to do this is cross-checking your skills and experiences sections on your resume and comparing them to the job description).
I am confident that my ability to [mention the capabilities that you will make you succeed in the role based on your experiences] would help me make a valuable contribution which will lead [mention company name] to achieve its goals. A fast-paced environment such as yours will give me the opportunity to make the best use of my experiences, skills, and expertise for the betterment of the company.
I welcome the opportunity to discuss this further. Kindly find attached my resume.
Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
[signature]
While there are plenty of career paths to choose from within the retail industry, creating an outstanding cover letter, backed up by an even amazing resume, is the first step.
During your job hunting process, consider implementing the strategies below to enable you to land your dream job:
As mentioned earlier, your cover letter is the first impression you make on your potential employer. Therefore, you need to tailor it in a professional manner that helps you stand out. Follow the tips below:
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