Writing a covering letter, for sales

[AB]

I have been asked by a friend of mine for help with constructing a covering letter for a job she is applying for. She is someone I went to uni with, who also did an Estates Management degree, although she is keen to go into a sales role and one is wanting to apply for the role of 'Graduate Territory Manager' with a leading pharmaceuticals company.

Although I have written a covering letter in the past, I'm told sales is a different ball game needing to be a bit more self righteous and confident as well as explaining how you are money orientated.

I suggested stuff such as "wanting to be paid what she is worth" and "being in control of her earnings" due to the fact she knows she is a good candidate and will do well etc.

Any tips appreciated.

Also, is anyone else in such sales, what does it involve? Sounds quite interesting.

[guffhoover]

Asking for the P&P mambers to write a covering letter for a woman goin into sales!!!!

Like a moth to a flame ;-)

[Gylen]

For sales, you need to think outside the box and show that you're a real go getter. Perhaps consider 'wacky' alternatives to a covering letter...

For instance, you could FedEx the CEO a pair of jeans with the knees worn out and a note attached saying, "I'm on my knees begging for this job - what will it take to see you?"

Or maybe box up a live carrier pigeon and FedEx it to the CEO with a note attached that says "This was the only way I could get your attention - I think my product could save you 20% per annum. If you want to discuss in more detail, I have a table booked at (best restaurant in town) for 2pm this afternoon). Just let the pigeon out the window...Oh, and I want a job"

This will mark you out as a green light thinker who isn't afraid to take risks and stop at nothing to close the deal. Go well...

[10 Pence Short]

Dear Sirs,

Employ me or I will tribunal you for not sexually harrassing me.

Yours etc.

bh.

[hornetrider]

Gylen said:

This will mark you out as a green light thinker

...you mean blue sky, shirley?

[AB]

Gylen said:

For sales, you need to think outside the box and show that you're a real go getter. Perhaps consider 'wacky' alternatives to a covering letter...

For instance, you could FedEx the CEO a pair of jeans with the knees worn out and a note attached saying, "I'm on my knees begging for this job - what will it take to see you?"

Or maybe box up a live carrier pigeon and FedEx it to the CEO with a note attached that says "This was the only way I could get your attention - I think my product could save you 20% per annum. If you want to discuss in more detail, I have a table booked at (best restaurant in town) for 2pm this afternoon). Just let the pigeon out the window...Oh, and I want a job"

This will mark you out as a green light thinker who isn't afraid to take risks and stop at nothing to close the deal. Go well...

I'm not sure thats the best way to go about getting an interview through an agency?

[Gylen]

hornetrider said:

Gylen said:

This will mark you out as a green light thinker

...you mean blue sky, shirley?

Actually, I don't. It's a new one I heard recently which contracts Blue Sky thinker with Green Light. As in, someone who thinks in terms of doing and making it happen. Total bullst.

[Jesus Christ]

Gylen said:

For sales, you need to think outside the box and show that you're a real go getter. Perhaps consider 'wacky' alternatives to a covering letter...

For instance, you could FedEx the CEO a pair of jeans with the knees worn out and a note attached saying, "I'm on my knees begging for this job - what will it take to see you?"

Or maybe box up a live carrier pigeon and FedEx it to the CEO with a note attached that says "This was the only way I could get your attention - I think my product could save you 20% per annum. If you want to discuss in more detail, I have a table booked at (best restaurant in town) for 2pm this afternoon). Just let the pigeon out the window...Oh, and I want a job"

This will mark you out as a green light thinker who isn't afraid to take risks and stop at nothing to close the deal. Go well...

I cannot remember which companies but I have heard of a utilities / cable TV company sending polished spades to MDs with messages etched onto them.

Also a company shipped a load of black cabs from UK to New York and offered to take company MDs to their next meeting in the cabs and have a mini meeting on the way.

I have worked in sales briefly and can confirm that a certain level of arrogance is required in letters requesting employment. Pick something about the target company and tell them why, based on this information, it would be a crime worse than genocide not to give you an interview.

Remember the stages of recruitment:

The purpose of the letter is solely to make the recipient look at your CV (which should be tailored for the job).

The purpose of the CV is solely to get an interview.

The purpose of the interview is to get the job.

For this reason I love the idea of sending something more than a letter. You have to consider both sides of the message though (worn out jeans could make you look like you have low standards). Maybe get some expensive shoes from a charity shop that are barely worn (or buy new if you are really serious). Polish them to the greatest shine in the world and take a belt sander to the sole. The message being that you will chase business no matter how hard to catch, that you are successful and that you have high standards.

[Gylen]

I was only joking though...I read the above in a 'sales book' an old job gave me. If anyone tried to sell me anything using these sort of techniques, I'd blacklist the entire firm for being s.

[Gunny Sergeant D]

Oi I shower everyday.

[AB]

On another subject. She started a job doing something financial, perhaps accountancy - I can't remember.

She hates it, isn't happy, wants to move. Does she mention that in the covering letter? How does she approach the fact shes a quitter? Hehe.

She's had an interest in sales for ages. I can't offer any advice as I don't have a clue!

[Gunny Sergeant D]

I dont want to write this for you as getting someone else to do it might help you get a job that you are not suitable for. I'm not saying I could write a good one either. Sales people have an instinct. They know what they want and how to get it. They look at any given situation as a process in a cycle to get an order.

Here the covering letter is a step to looking at a CV which is a step to getting an interview. It may not even get looked at, but you DONT want to take that chance.

The covering letter should be:

• brief
• demonstrate you understand the role
• highlight traits, skills and experience that demonstrate your suitability
• close for action

Do not make the mistake of a general CV. A CV must be tailored for the job you are going for. As she doesn't have relevant work experience the CV has to geared to what specifically she can offer to waht you believe the role is. Get a job spec first and any other information you can about the company.

Gunny.

[AB]

Ive just copied and pasted what you said into an email for her. It's appreciated.

[MitchT]

So she wants a job in sales but needs help writing a letter to sell herself to a prospective employer?

[Jasandjules]

As a recently retired (on medical grounds) heroin dealer I feel I could easily sell legal drugs to individuals, it'll be a lot safer for me....???

Not sure it'll work, but worth a shot?

[bennno]

if she is fit add a picture

[Stevorocket]

what he just said !

Post her best effort (ie by herself without coaching) here so we can see if she stands a remote chance of succeeding in sales.

Edited by Stevorocket on Tuesday 27th January 17:44

[Tony427]

I would have thought that she has little chance getting a job with a big pharma company without a life sciences/ biochemistry/ biology/ pharmacology type of graduate qualification or lots of experience and matching qualifications within the NHS as a nurse or above.

Perhaps she needs to look at medical equipment companies first to get the training and experience, then progress to pharma with a brag file of excellent sales achievements, training courses attended, plaudits won etc etc.

'Course, if I was interviewing her, if she had big breasticles she'd be in.


Cheers,

Tony