How to write an effective car sales cover letter in 8 steps

Updated 18 February 2023

Car sales is typically a highly competitive industry. If you're interested in pursuing a job in this field, a well-written cover letter can strengthen your application. Understanding how to write an effective letter can help you to distinguish yourself from other candidates and improve your chances of proceeding to the interview stage. In this article, we explain the importance of cover letters, show you how to write a car sales cover letter and provide a template and example to guide you.

What is a car sales cover letter and why do you need one?

A car sales cover letter is a formal letter that you submit with your CV when applying for a job. You use a cover letter to introduce yourself, express your interest in working for the company and present yourself as a suitable candidate for the position. Whereas CVs give an overview of your work history, skills and qualifications, cover letters allow you to highlight how your experience matches the specific requirements of the job you're applying for.

The aim of a cover letter is to encourage recruitment managers to read the accompanying CV. For a sales job, such as selling cars, a cover letter exemplifies your sales skills and allows you to demonstrate your understanding of the car sales process. A well-written cover letter is often as valuable as a CV in the job application process.

How to write a car sales cover letter

You can use the following eight steps to write an effective cover letter:

1. Provide your name and contact information

Regardless of how you plan to submit your cover letter, it's important to pay attention to the format. Start your cover letter with your name and contact information. If you're writing your cover letter as a separate document, you can enter this in the header. Include your name, telephone number, email address and location. If relevant, you can also include a link to an online profile. Make sure that the information you include matches that in your CV.

2. Date the letter and address the reader

Add the date on the left of the page. Below this, write the name of the company that you're applying to and the location if necessary. It's often useful to add a few words to say what the letter is about. For example, you could write Re: Sales associate position.

3. Begin with an appropriate salutation

The salutation is the way you address the reader. A cover letter requires a formal salutation. In most cases, Dear is the most appropriate. If you know the name of the person reading your letter, follow this with their title and name. If you don't have a specific person to address your letter to, you can use their position instead and write Dear recruitment manager.

4. State your purpose for writing

Clearly and concisely inform the reader of your reason for writing. This can be a single sentence that states the position you're applying for and how you learnt of the vacancy. It's a good idea to express excitement for the position. For example, you may write, I'm excited to apply for the position of car sales executive, as advertised on your website.

5. Demonstrate your suitability for the job

To gain the reader's attention, consider starting your cover letter by highlighting your suitability for the position. This may include your relevant qualifications, how much sales experience you have or your specific knowledge about cars. You can strengthen your application by providing examples of achievements that demonstrate your success. Using quantifiable examples is typically more effective than making general statements. For car sales, this may be the number of cars you sold in a month or the percentage increase in sales you achieved in a quarter.

6. Demonstrate why you're a good fit for the position

Employers want to know that the people they recruit can help the company achieve its objectives. Take the opportunity to show that you're knowledgeable about the company and that you understand what the job entails. To avoid repeating what's in your CV, use this section to describe your relevant skills. For example, you might highlight your ability to build a rapport with customers or demonstrate your understanding of the industry and how it's changing. You can also use this section to explain how the position you're applying for aligns with your career goals.

7. Add a call to action

A call to action is a prompt that asks someone to perform a specific action. An effective way to end your cover letter is with a prompt for the reader to review your CV. You may also add your availability and willingness to discuss your application for the position.

8. Sign off appropriately

End your cover letter by thanking the reader for their time and consideration of your application. The standard way to end a formal letter is with the term Sincerely followed by your name. Read your cover letter to identify and correct any errors and ensure that it flows well.

Car sales template cover letter

You can use the following template as a guide when writing your cover letter:

[First name] [Last name]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City], [Postcode]

[Date]

[Company name]

Dear [Recruitment manager's first name] [Recruitment manager's last name],

[Express excitement for the position including the role title and the company name]. [Introduce yourself by explaining why you're applying for the job, how the job aligns with your career goals and what specifically draws you to the company].

[Explain your relevant experience and qualifications without repeating what's in your CV]. [Highlight one to two relevant achievements with facts and data when possible]. [Explain why you'd be a good fit for the company]. [Optional - address employment gap or career transition].

[Express gratitude]. [Summarise qualification]. [Restate interest in the role]. [Call to action + availability and preferred contact method].

[Complimentary close],
[Signature]

Car sales example cover letter

You can use the following example to guide you when writing your letter:

John Donnelly
031 7375 9989 | john.donnelly@email.com | Newcastle

25th April 2022

New Cars

Re: Sales associate vacancy

Dear Hiram Moore,

I'm excited to be applying for the sales associate position at New Cars. I have four years of experience in the car sales industry in Newcastle. I'm impressed by New Cars' ability to compete with large international dealerships as shown by your consolidation as a market leader in Newcastle, and I would love the opportunity to contribute to your continued improvement and success. Please find my CV attached in my application for this role.

I have experience working in dealerships that sell previously owned and new cars. In my current position, I'm regularly ranked in the top three sales consultants, and in recent results, I increased my sales by 26% compared to the previous quarter. I gained a well-rounded understanding of sales from my undergraduate degree, and I believe my greatest strength is my ability to build a rapport with customers and find a vehicle that fulfils their needs.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I'm looking forward to learning more about the sales associate position at New Cars. I'd welcome the opportunity to discuss my experience and how I can benefit your business.

Sincerely,
John Donnelly

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