A cover letter for retail assistant position is a great way to make your job application more impactful. It shows your interest in the job and highlights your primary skills, competencies, and experiences.
When it comes to the retail industry, being persuasive is crucial. A well-written cover letter might be the one factor that secures your interview.
In this article, you’ll learn the best practices for writing an impactful sales assistant cover letter with examples.
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Before you start writing, it is essential to do your due diligence. A generic cover letter won’t do you any favors. It has to be tailor-made for the specific company and position.
Go to the company website and social media. Read through the job description carefully. Pay attention to specific words used, company culture, and focal points. To impress the hiring manager, you need to know:
The more information you gather, the better. It will serve you as a basis for planning and outlining the cover letter for a sales assistant job.
The next factor in writing a successful sales assistant cover letter is nailing the structure. All cover letters follow a similar outline; the retail industry is no exception. A standard cover letter outline usually looks like this:
Alternatively, you can specify your contact details in the header of the sales assistant cover letter before addressing the hiring manager.
The best way to start your sales assistant cover letter is to address the receiver by name:
Dear Felicity Bright
Dear Mr Jones
Look for the hiring manager’s name on the company website or in the job description. Using “Dear hiring manager” is okay but not ideal. The classic “To whom it may concern” should be your last resort because it is not specific enough.
Start your cover letter immediately by signifying what position you are applying to:
I am writing to apply for your company’s Fashion sales assistant position.
It is crucial to determine your interest immediately, as several retail sales associate positions might be open. And hiring managers do not have much time to look for clues in your cover letter.
In these paragraphs, you must convince the reader you are a good fit for the retail assistant job opening. Focus on your retail sales experience, qualifications, and accomplishments at your previous sales assistant jobs.
Your previous accomplishments might include:
Choose 2-3 crucial personal traits or skills you have and tell about them with real-life examples. Those skills could be:
In the last paragraph of the sales assistant cover letter, you must reiterate what makes you a perfect candidate. Do not use the exact words; state it differently so it doesn’t feel repetitive. Reiteration is here to convey the message, not give it twice.
The sign-off statement should be polite and with a focus on further communication. For example:
Thank you for your time and consideration of my candidature. I am looking forward to meeting you to discuss my application. Yours sincerely, Mark Bellington.
Your retail assistant cover letter should not look exactly like your resume. There is no need to list all the same skills here. You must choose the most crucial ones and focus on proving them with examples from work experiences.
Highlight relevant experience for a retail assistant position. If you do not have a lot of it, emphasize transferable skills. You could be assisting customers in other spheres, too. Think about what of your work experiences would be valuable for retail assistants.
When talking about your achievements, look for quantifying metrics. It will make your cover letter impactful. For instance:
I achieved regularly high monthly sales for a year (25% above the average);
I started an innovative visual merchandising initiative that consistently garnered praise from customers.
Stay moderate with your cover letter. It should be up to one page. Usually, five paragraphs are enough. It is better to leave something for a face-to-face meeting. So avoid listing all of your current responsibilities if there is nothing significant to note.
Recruiters know that retail assistants provide customer service and track stock levels.
Another mistake to avoid is talking negatively about your previous retail positions, employers, or customers. Overall, avoid negative comments whatsoever. They never add anything valuable to your application but paint you not in the best light.
Instead of saying that you hate taking inventory, focus on that you enjoy assisting customers.
Dear Mr Benson,
I am writing about the retail assistant position in company X. As a recent graduate from Queen’s University Belfast with a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion and two years of experience in the local grocery store, this position would ideally continue my career.
My experience in my current position in retail gave me a good understanding of processes and operations, along with the importance of sustaining long-term relationships with customers. I believe that my education in Fashion would allow me to offer customer service of a high level to your boutique visitors. I have a passion for garments and truly enjoy helping others to express themselves through Fashion.
As a retail assistant at my current job, I achieved a 30% increase in sales in my first year. I also introduced a new system for organizing stock levels, significantly improving staff efficiency. I am a personable professional with a strong work ethic and a desire to learn.
Please consider my resume attached to my cover letter. Thank you for your time and consideration. I am looking forward to hearing from you,
Yours sincerely,
Ebbot Smith.
Dear Mrs Watson,
I am writing in regard to my sales assistant job application to company Y. As mentioned in my CV, I have worked in retail for seven years. My experience, along with my skills, makes me a suitable candidate for the role in your company.
I have worked in different shops, and in my current position, I’ve been helping brides and bridesmates find perfect garments for their special day. My experience in a wedding boutique allowed me to deliver exquisite customer service with a focus on the individual needs of every customer. Helping clients prepare for a wedding requires empathy, listening, and attention to detail. It is a very fulfilling job as it allows me to be a part of a celebration of love.
In my three years in the wedding boutique, I’ve achieved a 45% increase in sales. Our client base grew by 15% through my customers’ recommendations in just one year. My personal skills and individual approach to customer needs will be valuable to your company.
Thank you for taking the time and considering my application. I am looking forward to meeting you in person.
Yours sincerely,
Agatha Brown
