In the last blog I provided an example of a bad cover letter from an Adelaide CBD resume mill, which actually operates out of Perth. Below is a good first draft of a cover letter I wrote at Republic Resumes. It’s a draft because the final copy is owned by the client and he has copyright. Note I am working with the client to accentuate the positive selling points. This is a sales document not a ‘cut and paste’ generic waste of time. The client nailed the job interview and is now employed by this company.
Dear Ms XXXXXX,
RE: Application for the position of xxxxxx at xxxxxxxxx
As the Sales Manager at xxxxxx Pooraka, I have driven new product lines and expanded market offerings by 12 per cent over the last three years.
I bring strong experience and current capabilities to this position. I started my career in plant management and customer service and was promoted to senior sales and management roles, with leading national and private companies well known to (the employer).
A key selling point is my executive experience in delivering business accountability, reporting, budgeting and forecasting, with a dedicated focus on continual improvement.
I have direct experience in developing and sustaining cross-business relationships within a market and group and provide close ‘hands on’ team and individual leadership.
In a previous role at xxxxxx, I increased market share from 15 to 20 per cent MAT, in a competitive market by the careful selection of projects, while increasing our base load work, without creating a market price war.
I changed the market perception of xxxxxx from a supplier with limited technical scope and performance, to one that was highly regarded on major projects with significant mobile project capacity. This drove profitability in quarry and transport operations.
I provided accurate volume forecasts to the xxxxxx business which aided efficiencies. Since my departure from xxxxxx, the business has continued to grow, based on my work.
I created a safety culture through strong leadership and by employing a full time safety officer. I introduced drug and alcohol testing, SWMS, a LTI scoreboard and updated these in toolbox meetings. These were identified as best practice and introduced across the group.
A key professional attribute is my extensive experience in staff performance management including LOD’s, subcontractors, project managers and suppliers. I have experience in counselling, disciplining and terminating people.
I am process-driven with a strong and applied understanding of industrial relations, having led EBA negotiations with drivers and batchers.
I bring to the position solid operational management experience. I train and grow people for new roles from within the business, creating career paths and fostering precious skills and knowledge.
I will produce three current key customer account principals to support this application.
This is an excellent position I would like to discuss my application with you at your convenience.
Yours sincerely,
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx