Crafting a persuasive account manager cover letter doesn't have to be a headache. Certainly not with our guide, which brings you detailed tips, specific examples, and, of course, cover letter samples. Follow our advice, and you can create your very own cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm, skills, and key accomplishments in no time.
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In this guide, we teach you all the essential elements you need to write a great account manager cover letter. Keep reading to learn all about:
- Formatting an account manager cover letter header & headline
- Creating a personalized greeting on your account manager cover letter
- Writing an attention-grabbing account manager cover letter introduction
- Showing your professional value as an account manager
- Ending your cover letter with a strong closing statement
- Accessing valuable resources for job-seeking account managers
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1. Format properly your account manager cover letter header & headline
The first key elements of a strong account manager cover letter are a well-formatted header and headline.
A cover letter header refers to the block of text – most commonly found in the upper left corner of the document – that includes all the necessary information about the company and applicant.
The cover letter headline is similar to a title, composed of a concise one-sentence statement that grabs employers’ attention and previews the information found within the letter.
Below, we've provided more in-depth explanations and examples of each of these cover letter elements:
Formatting the header
When writing a cover letter header, you can vary the format and order of information according to the overall style you're going for with the document. Regardless of your aesthetic preferences, however, you should always aim to include:
- The name of the company you're applying to (& the specific department, when applicable)
- Your name and professional title
- Your professional contact information (phone number, email address, etc.)
Here is an example of a properly formatted account manager header that contains all the necessary information
To: Simple Business, Inc., Account Management Department
From: John Smith, Professional Account Manager
(123) 456-7890 | johnsmith@email.com | linkedin.com/in/john-smith
Writing the headline
To write the headline of your account manager cover letter, you should always use a keyword related to the position, an eye-catching number or trigger word, a powerful adjective or verb, and a promise.
Here is an example of a well-written headline from an account manager cover letter, followed by a quick breakdown of its components
My 3-Step Approach to Account Management & How I Will Build a Strong Clientele at Your Company
Trigger Word/Number: 3-Step Approach
Keyword: Account Management
Adjective: Build, Strong
Promise: At Your Company – this addition at the end of the headline shows the employer that you will not only be discussing your skills but also relating these skills to their company’s needs.
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2. Create a personalized greeting on your account manager cover letter
Following the header and headline is your cover letter greeting. There are two main greeting options to choose from: generalized or personalized.
A generalized greeting – such as “To Whom It May Concern” – used to be considered a standard form of greeting. However, employers nowadays often view this kind of greeting as too vague, or even lazy.
Comparatively, a personalized greeting that addresses a specific person or department shows you have great attention to detail and have taken the time to thoroughly research the company beforehand.
In some cases, you may be unable to uncover the exact person who will be reviewing your application. If this is the scenario you face, try out one of the following alternatives:
Greeting a recipient without a name
To the [Company Name] Team
Or
To the [Company Name] Hiring Manager
3. Write an attention-grabbing account manager cover letter introduction
With your personalized greeting squared away, let’s move into writing the introductory paragraph of your cover letter. To write an effective and attention-grabbing introduction, you should include:
- A brief overview of your professional history and goals
- A statement on why you are enthusiastic about applying to this company
- A mutual acquaintance (when possible)
Here is an example of how to write an account manager cover letter introduction
To the [Company Name] Hiring Manager,
I am a seasoned Account Manager with 5+ years of experience working in the FinTech industry. At a recent business conference, I had the pleasure of meeting your VP Jane Doe, who was kind enough to review my portfolio of work and offer me feedback. After seeing my rate of success with high-profile clients, Ms. Doe encouraged me to apply for this position.
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4. Show your professional value as an account manager
Once you've hooked an employer’s attention via your header, greeting, and introduction, it’s time to provide a more in-depth look into your professional value. To do so, you'll need to write between 2 to 4 body paragraphs that answer the following questions:
- What excites you about working at this company?
- What do you hope to learn from working at this company?
- What accomplishments or qualifications make you stand out as an applicant?
- What key skills do you possess that are relevant to the position?
Accomplishments should always be a priority within your cover letter, as they help to show employers the real-life and quantifiable value you can bring to their company.
Here is an example of how to describe an accomplishment in an account manager cover letter
As the Account Manager for [Former Employer], I managed a portfolio of high-profile client accounts worth roughly $6.5 million in annual sales. Additionally, my personalized approach to client onboarding resulted in a 125% in business volume over a 2-year period.
5. End your account manager cover letter with a strong closing statement
To conclude your account manager cover letter, it’s essential to continue paying close attention to the details you provide. An effective closing statement should include:
- An enthusiastic sentence saying you’re looking forward to hearing from them
- An additional sentence stating you’ll follow up, including how you’ll contact them or how they can contact you
- A formal sign-off
Here is an example of a well-written closing statement on an account manager cover letter
I am eager to demonstrate how I can apply my account management experience and skills for your clients’ needs, as well as discuss my loyal clientele base that will follow me to your company should you choose to hire me. Within the next two weeks, I hope to connect directly with you via virtual meeting.
You may reach any weekday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to at (123) 456-7890 to set up a meeting time.
With Appreciation,
[Applicant Name]
Follow this cover letter outline for maximum success.
6. Top resources for job-seeking account managers
Now that you know how to make your account manager cover letter, it's time to start looking for the right job vacancies. Uncover the best work opportunities with these first-rate job search resources tailored specifically for you:
- Industry-specific job boards: Niche websites that gather job postings pertaining to your profession alone, like AccountManagementCrossing and Account Management Jobs, are the perfect option if you want to make your job search as straightforward as possible.
- General job search platforms: Still, platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, Monster, and SimplyHired can also yield compelling results. But, of course, you'll have to do a bit of sifting.
- LinkedIn: Use LinkedIn for job searching, networking, and joining groups related to account management, such as the Account Managers Network.
- Professional associations: Joining organizations such as the Strategic Account Management Association (SAMA), the Account Management Skills & Development (AMSD), and the Business Relationship Management Institute (BRM Institute) can give you access to job listings, networking events, and training programmes.
- Specialized media: To impress hiring managers during the job interview, you need to demonstrate knowledge of the latest industry developments, news, and strategies. Media like “Selling Power Magazine,” “Sales & Marketing Management Magazine,” or “Customer Strategist Journal” are great sources of the relevant information you might need.
- Continuous education: Lastly, don't forget to grow your skill set. Thanks to online learning platforms like Coursera, edX, or LinkedIn Learning, finding courses that fit your career goals is easier than ever.
Remember, every application and interview is a step closer to your goal. With determination and the right resources, you'll find the job that's meant for you. Keep believing in yourself and stay focused on your path!
Account Manager Cover Letter FAQ
How should I use keywords in my cover letter to make it pass the ATS?
First of all, you need to closely examine the job posting and highlight any specific skills, qualifications, and industry terms mentioned. Then, make sure you incorporate them naturally throughout your cover letter to show that you meet the job requirements. For example, if the job description emphasizes "client retention" and "strategic planning," include these phrases when describing your relevant experiences and achievements.
What are some common mistakes to avoid in my cover letter?
The most common mistakes include: being too generic, using a one-size-fits-all approach, and focusing too much on what you want rather than what you can offer. Also, make sure your cover letter is free from any spelling and grammatical errors.
How can I ensure my cover letter stands out from the competition?
The best way to do this is by personalizing its content for the company and position you're applying for. Address the hiring manager by name, if possible, and mention something specific about the company that excites you. Additionally, include a compelling opening sentence to grab their attention. For example, you can share a unique success story that highlights your abilities and shows why you’re the perfect fit for the role.
How can I show my ability to handle difficult clients in my cover letter?
By demonstrating your ability to handle difficult clients. For example, share a specific scenario where you successfully managed a challenging situation. Describe the context, the actions you took to resolve the issue, and the positive outcome you've reached.
What is the ideal length for a cover letter when applying for an account manager position?
Your cover letter should be concise and to the point, ideally no longer than one page. Aim for 2-4 body paragraphs, plus an engaging introduction and a conclusion that reinforces your enthusiasm for the role and includes a call to action. This tried-and-true format ensures you provide enough detail to make a strong case for your candidacy without overwhelming the reader.
