Writing an Effective Cover Letter

This example is specifically for pharmaceutical sales but can be related to any field we focus on. It's a good starting point to get you going.

Step 1: Open your cover letter with an introduction of how you came to know about the pharmaceutical sales job. Pharmaceutical sales is a highly competitive field in a lucrative industry. If you have a personal contact within the company, take the opportunity to mention the name of the person who referred you.

Step 2: Let your expertise in the pharmaceutical field show. If you are certified by the AAPSP (American Association of Pharmaceutical Sales Professionals), include that information in the body of your cover letter. This certification says you have passed the exam that covers clinical and medical knowledge, skills for successful sales and general information about the pharmaceutical industry.

Step 3: Include the relevance of your 4-year degree to the pharmaceutical industry. Most pharmaceutical sales jobs require a 4-year degree in any field. For instance, if you have a degree in business, write a brief statement about how that education will benefit your career in sales.

Step 4: Keep your writing focused on sales. It doesn't matter how good the drug might be, you must be able to sell it. You should capture the attention of the company's hiring personnel with your ability to sell a product.

Step 5: Sell yourself when you write a cover letter in much the same way you would sell your product. Be forthright without sounding arrogant. Identify your skills in sales and focus on what you can do for the company with your abilities.

Step 6: Show the company's hiring agent that you know what the company is about. Include in the body of the letter why you want to become a part of the sales team, and briefly explain why you would be an asset.