best cover letter for retail assistant

Retail Assistant cover letter examples

Do you need a retail assistant cover letter that can help you stand out from the crowd?

Then you’ve come to the right place.

In our detailed guide below, we’ll show you what you need to include in your application, as well as share a whole host of handy tips.

We’ve also put together some retail assistant cover letter examples to inspire you.

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Retail Assistant cover letter example 1

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The example cover letters here should give you a good general idea on how your Retail Assistant cover letter should be formatted and written.

The rest of this guide gives more specific guidance on how to create your own cover letter in this format, and even includes some templates you can copy and paste.

How to write a Retail Assistant cover letter

Here’s how you can write your own eye-catching cover letter, broken down into simple steps.

Write your cover letter in the body of an email/message

Type the content of your cover letter directly into the email you are sending, or if you are applying via a job board, directly into their messaging system.

The reason for doing this it to ensure that your cover letter gets seen instantly and you can start connecting with the recruiter as soon as they open your message.

If you attach your cover letter as a separate document, the recipient will have to open up the document, which will slow the process down, or make them less likely to even open your cover letter – which could mean your application gets skipped over.

Start with a friendly greeting

To kick your cover letter off, start with a friendly greeting to build rapport with the recruiter instantly.

Your greeting should be personable but professional. Not too casual, but not too formal either

Go with something like…

• Hi [insert recruiter name]
• Hi [insert department/team name]

Avoid old-fashioned greetings like “Dear sir/madam ” unless applying to very formal companies.

How to find the contact’s name?

Addressing the recruitment contact by name is an excellent way to start building a strong relationship. If it is not listed in the job advert, try these methods to find it.

• Check out the company website and look at their  About page. If you see a hiring manager, HR person or internal recruiter, use their name. You could also try to figure out who would be your manager in the role and use their name.
• Head to LinkedIn , search for the company and scan through the list of employees. Most professionals are on LinkedIn these days, so this is a good bet.

Identify the role you are applying for

Now that you have warmed the recruiter up with a friendly greeting, firstly you need to let them know which role you are applying for.

Sometimes a recruitment consultant will be juggling 10 or 10 vacancies, so it’s important to specify which one you are applying to.

Give us much detail as possible (team/department, role title etc.) and paste in the reference number if you have one.

Here are some examples you can use.

• I am interested in applying for the role of Retail Assistant with your company.
• I would like to apply for the role of Sales assistant (Ref: 40f57393)
• I would like to express my interest in the customer service vacancy within your retail department
• I saw your advert for an IT project manager on Reed and would like to apply for the role.

See also: CV examples – how to write a CV – CV profiles

Highlight your suitability

The main purpose of your cover letter is to excite recruiters and make them eager to open your CV. And you achieve this by quickly demonstrating your suitability to the job you are applying for.

Take a look at the job adverts you are applying for, and make note of the most important skills being asked for.

Then, when you write your cover letter, make your suitability the focal point.

Explain how you meet the candidate requirements fully, and why you are so well suited to carry out the job.

This will give recruiters all the encouragement they need to open your CV and consider your application.

Keep it short and sharp

When sending a job application to a recruiter or hiring manager, it is important to remember that they will normally be very busy and pushed for time.

Therefore, you need to get you message across to them quickly (in a matter of seconds ideally). So, keep your cover letter short and to-the-point. A long waffling cover letter will overwhelm recruiters when they are running through hundreds of emails in there inbox, but a concise one will get their attention.

So, keep your cover letter to just a few sentences long, and save the extensive detail for your CV.

Sign off professionally

To round of your cover letter, add a professional signature to the bottom, giving recruiters your vital contact information.

This not only gives various means of contacting you, it also looks really professional and shows that you know how to communicate in the workplace.

Include the following points;

• A friendly sign off – e.g. “Warm regards”
• Your full name
• Phone number (one you can answer quickly)
• Email address
• Profession title
• Professional social network – e.g. LinkedIn

Here is an example signature;

Warm regards,

Gerald Baker Senior Accountant 07887500404 [email protected] LinkedIn

Quick tip : To save yourself from having to write your signature every time you send a job application email, you can save it within your email drafts, or on a separate document that you could copy in.

What to include in your Retail Assistant cover letter

Your Retail Assistant cover letter will be unique to your situation, but there are certain content guidelines you should stick to for best results.

To attract and entice recruiters, stick with the following key subjects in your cover letter – adapting them to fit your profession and target jobs.

• Your professional experience – Employers will be keen to know if your experience is suitable for the job you are applying to, so provide a good summary of it in your cover letter.
• Your qualifications and education – Highlight your most relevant and high-level of qualification, especially if they are essential to the job.
• The positive impact you have made – Employers love to hear about the benefits you can bring to them, so shout about anything impressive you have done, such as saving money or improving processes.
• Your reasons for leaving – Use a few words of your cover letter to explain why you are leaving your current job and ensure you avoid any negative reasons.
• Your availability – Let recruiters know when you can start a new job . Are you immediately available, or do you have a month notice period?

Retail Assistant cover letter templates

Copy and paste these Retail Assistant cover letter templates to get a head start on your own.

Hope you’re well. I am interested in applying for the Retail Assistant role at Nestle UK Ltd. With a passion for delivering exceptional customer service, I am eager to contribute my skills and enthusiasm to support the growth and success of your London-based store.

As a dedicated individual, I believe that my abilities align perfectly with the values and goals of your company. I have consistently demonstrated my commitment to providing a positive shopping experience for diverse customers and maintaining a well-organised and inviting retail environment.

Over the last 5 years as a Retail Assistant at Mars, I cultivated strong relationships to ensure customers’ needs were met at all times. By actively engaging with them, offering personalised product recommendations, and promptly resolving concerns, I increased CSAT and retention rates by 15% and 35% respectively. I have also received seven Employee of the Month Awards during my tenure for boosting sales revenue by 25% and elevating product visibility by 38% through revamping store displays.

I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you at a time of your convenience to discuss my skills.

Kind regards

Abigail Strong

I am writing to indicate my interest in the full-time Junior Retail Assistant position advertised by Kraft Foods on Career Jet. As an enthusiastic and customer-oriented individual with a passion for the food industry, I am thrilled about the opportunity to contribute my skills to support the success of your company.

I have developed an affinity for the retail industry, and I am particularly drawn to your organisation due to its renowned reputation for offering high-quality products and exceptional service. One of my key strengths is my ability to learn quickly and adapt to new environments. I am confident that my positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to go the extra mile make me the perfect candidate.

During my previous 6-month part-time role as a Junior Retail Assistant at Pioneer Foods, I actively engaged with customers, provided recommendations, and handled point-of-sale transactions which led to a 15% increase in average transaction value and a 20% improvement in CSAT. In addition, I helped grow the store’s social media presence and boosted online followers by 10% through marketing efforts.

Thank you for considering my application and I look forward to hearing from you.

Amanda Boden

I am writing to express my keen interest in the Senior Retail Assistant position at Danone UK advertised on LinkedIn. With a proven track record of success in the retail industry and a genuine passion for dairy, plant-based products and natural sourced waters, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and expertise to support the success of your Manchester store.

Throughout my 8-year career working for Unilever and PepsiCo as a Retail Assistant, I have demonstrated my commitment to delivering outstanding customer service and my dedication to promoting healthy lifestyle choices. I have consistently offered tailored product suggestions based on individual needs and preference, increasing individual sales by 10% on average.

Some of the contributions in my current role include executing promotions and specials that exceeded sales by £14K, implementing inventory management practices which lowered stock shortages by 25%, and increasing repeat purchases by 60% through developing effective customer loyalty programmes.

My CV is enclosed which fully details all my achievements and completed training which demonstrates how my capabilities are a direct match for this role. I look forward to hearing from you.

Harry Hardman

Writing a strong attention-grabbing cover letter is a vital step in landing a good Retail Assistant job.

Use the tips, strategies and examples above to get more responses from you job applications and start lining job interview up.

Good luck with your job search!

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Retail Assistant Cover Letter Example

Writing a cover letter as a retail assistant can be a challenging and exciting task. From beginning to end, you want to make sure your letter is well-written and tailored to the specific job you’re applying for. In this guide, we provide you with an example of how to write an effective retail assistant cover letter and the key steps to take in order to make the most of this document. With this guide, you can be confident that your cover letter will make a positive impression on potential employers.

If you didn’t find what you were looking for, be sure to check out our complete library of cover letter examples .

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Retail Assistant Cover Letter Sample

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the Retail Assistant position at your company. With my 5 years of retail experience, I believe I am the perfect candidate for this role.

Having worked in top retail stores, I have acquired great customer service skills and the ability to multitask various tasks efficiently. I am extremely organized and I’ve been commended for my ability to stay cool under pressure. I am able to work in a fast- paced environment and I’m a great problem solver.

I possess a drive to succeed and I’m sure I can be a valuable asset to your team. I am a team player, who works well with others to achieve success. Additionally, I’m knowledgeable in product placement, loss prevention, and inventory.

I am confident that I have all the skills and qualifications required for the position. I am looking forward to discussing the Retail Assistant position further and am available to meet with you anytime.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

[Your Name]

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What should a Retail Assistant cover letter include?

A retail assistant cover letter should include a few key elements that demonstrate the applicant’s qualifications and enthusiasm for the position.

• An Introduction to the Applicant: A retail assistant cover letter should open with a brief introduction that establishes the applicant’s name and major qualifications. This should include any formal education in retail or customer service- related fields, as well as any relevant job experience.
• A Statement of Interest: The letter should also include a statement that expresses the applicant’s enthusiasm for the position. This should demonstrate the applicant’s awareness of the job’s responsibilities and the skills and qualities that make them a good fit for the job.
• A Demonstration of Professional Conduct: In a retail assistant cover letter, the applicant should demonstrate their understanding of the importance of professional conduct. This should include an awareness of customer service best practices, such as creating a welcoming atmosphere, being patient and attentive, and problem- solving skillfully.
• Closing Statement: The letter should end with a closing statement that expresses the applicant’s appreciation for being considered for the job, followed by contact information.

Retail Assistant Cover Letter Writing Tips

A cover letter is an important part of the job application process for any Retail Assistant position. It allows you to introduce yourself to potential employers and make a positive impression. Here are some tips for writing a strong, successful cover letter for a Retail Assistant position:

• Research the Company: Before you start writing, take the time to research the company, its culture, and the role you are applying for. This will help you craft a more tailored, personalized letter with specific information on why you’re the ideal candidate.
• Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to highlight the skills you have and how they can be beneficial to the company. Be sure to list any relevant work experience, education, and certifications.
• Tailor Your Letter: Each cover letter should be tailored to the individual company and the job you’re applying for. Don’t use the same cover letter for every application.
• Keep it Short and Sweet: A cover letter should never be more than one page long. Keep it to the point and focus on how you can positively impact the company.
• Avoid Clichés: Try to avoid using clichés like “I’m a hard worker” or “I’m a team player.” Instead, use specific examples to show how your work ethic and team- oriented qualities have benefited previous employers.
• Proofread: One of the most important steps in writing a cover letter for a Retail Assistant position is to read it over for any typos or errors. Typos or incorrect information can be a huge red flag to potential employers.

Following these tips will help you create a strong cover letter that demonstrates your suitability for the position. Good luck!

Common mistakes to avoid when writing Retail Assistant Cover letter

Writing a cover letter for a retail assistant position can be a daunting task. To ensure that your cover letter is as effective as possible, it’s important to avoid common mistakes. Here are a few mistakes to keep in mind when writing your retail assistant cover letter:

• Not Tailoring Your Letter: A generic cover letter is rarely effective. Instead, be sure to write a cover letter which is tailored to the specific position you’re applying for. Include details about why you’re a great fit for the position, and make sure to include relevant skills, experience, and qualifications.
• Length: The goal of a cover letter is to pique the interest of the hiring manager and make them want to learn more about you. If your cover letter is too long, it is unlikely that the hiring manager will read it in its entirety. Make sure to keep your letter concise and to the point.
• Negativity: A cover letter should be positive and upbeat. Avoid any type of negative language or complaints about your past employers or experiences.
• Grammar and Spelling Mistakes: Poor grammar and spelling mistakes can be a major turn off to a potential employer. Take the time to proofread your cover letter to ensure that it is free of any errors.
• Not Following Directions: Make sure to follow all directions provided by the employer. If they ask for a specific format or length, be sure to adhere to their requests.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure your cover letter for the retail assistant position stands out from the crowd and gets you noticed.

Key takeaways

Writing an impressive cover letter for a retail assistant position is essential for standing out from the competition. An effective cover letter allows potential employers to see your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position. Here are some key takeaways for writing a retail assistant cover letter:

• Highlight your relevant experience: Demonstrate your knowledge of the retail industry by highlighting any previous retail experience. Include any aspects of customer service, product knowledge, and sales performance that you possess.
• Show your enthusiasm: Show that you are excited to work for the company and in the position. Explain why you feel you would be a great fit and how the position aligns with your career goals.
• Express your interest in the position: Showing eagerness to learn, grow, and develop within the position. Explain how you can bring your experience and skills to help the business.
• Include examples of your customer service skills: Highlight any customer service experience you have and any recognition you have received for your customer service skills.
• Use keywords: Use industry specific keywords such as cash register, customer service, and product knowledge, to ensure that your cover letter makes a great impression.
• Proofread your cover letter: Before sending your cover letter, make sure you read it over multiple times and have someone else proofread it for you. This will help ensure that your cover letter is free of any errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. how do i write a cover letter for an retail assistant job with no experience.

Writing a cover letter for a Retail Assistant job with no experience can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. While it’s important to highlight any retail- specific experience you may have, don’t forget to also showcase your transferable skills, such as organization, customer service, and time management. Additionally, make sure to highlight any volunteer experience or internships that highlight your ability to excel in a retail environment. Keep in mind that this is a chance to show off the best of you, so don’t be afraid to brag a little!

2. How do I write a cover letter for an Retail Assistant job experience?

When applying for a Retail Assistant position with experience, it’s important to showcase the work you have done in the retail industry. Begin your cover letter by introducing yourself and outlining any past experience or accomplishments you have related to the position. Be sure to provide details about the type of environment you are comfortable working in and the qualities that you possess that make you a great fit for the job. Additionally, make sure to highlight any successes you have had in the past.

3. How can I highlight my accomplishments in Retail Assistant cover letter?

Highlighting your accomplishments in a Retail Assistant cover letter is a great way to stand out from the competition. Think about the tasks that you have excelled at and showcase them in your cover letter. Focus on any successes you’ve had in the retail environment and be sure to include details about the tasks you completed and the outcomes that ensued. Additionally, make sure to mention any awards or recognition you may have received for your efforts.

4. What is a good cover letter for an Retail Assistant job?

A good cover letter for a Retail Assistant position should demonstrate a clear understanding of the role and the company, as well as a genuine passion for the industry. Make sure to highlight the relevant skills and experience you possess that make you a great fit for the job. Additionally, don’t forget to showcase your enthusiasm for the position and mention any specific qualifications or certifications that you may have. Finally, be sure to express your gratitude for being considered for the role.

In addition to this, be sure to check out our cover letter templates , cover letter formats ,  cover letter examples ,  job description , and  career advice  pages for more helpful tips and advice.

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1 Retail Assistant Cover Letter Example

Retail Assistants excel at creating a welcoming environment, understanding customer needs, and delivering exceptional service. Similarly, your cover letter is your first opportunity to create a positive impression, demonstrate your understanding of the company's needs, and showcase your commitment to exceptional performance. In this guide, we'll explore top-notch Retail Assistant cover letter examples to help you craft a compelling narrative that stands out to recruiters.

Cover Letter Examples

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The best way to start a Retail Assistant cover letter is with a personalized greeting and an engaging opening line that captures your enthusiasm for the role and highlights your relevant experience. For example: "Dear [Hiring Manager's Name], As a customer-focused and dedicated individual with 2 years of hands-on experience in high-volume retail environments, I was thrilled to discover the Retail Assistant opportunity at [Company Name]." This approach shows that you've done your research, directly addresses the recipient, and immediately presents you as a strong candidate with relevant experience.

Retail Assistants should end a cover letter by summarizing their interest in the position and their qualifications. They should also express enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to the company. A closing statement could be something like, "I am excited about the opportunity to bring my customer service skills and retail experience to your team and I am confident that I can contribute positively to your store's success." After this, it's important to thank the hiring manager for considering your application. For example, "Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing this opportunity further." Finally, end with a professional closing like "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your name. Remember to keep the tone professional and positive throughout. This ending reiterates your interest in the role and leaves a positive impression.

A Retail Assistant's cover letter should ideally be about one page long. This length is sufficient to succinctly present your skills, experiences, and interest in the position without overwhelming the hiring manager with too much information. Remember, hiring managers often review numerous applications, so it's important to make your points clearly and concisely. Your cover letter should complement your resume, not repeat it. It's your chance to highlight your customer service skills, your ability to work in a team, and any other retail-specific skills you possess that make you a strong candidate for the role.

Writing a cover letter with no experience as a Retail Assistant can seem challenging, but it's all about focusing on the skills and experiences you do have that make you a strong candidate. Here's a step-by-step guide: 1. Start with a Professional Greeting: Address the hiring manager by name if possible. If you can't find their name, use a professional greeting like "Dear Hiring Manager". 2. Open Strong: Begin your cover letter with a strong opening paragraph that grabs the reader's attention. Express your interest in the position and the company, and briefly mention why you're a strong candidate even without direct experience. 3. Highlight Relevant Skills: In the body of your cover letter, highlight the skills you have that are relevant to the job. This could include customer service skills, communication skills, problem-solving skills, or any other skills listed in the job description. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate these skills. 4. Discuss Transferable Experience: Even if you don't have direct experience as a Retail Assistant, you likely have other experiences that have given you relevant skills. This could be from school, volunteer work, or other jobs. Discuss these experiences and explain how they've prepared you for a role as a Retail Assistant. 5. Show Enthusiasm: Hiring managers want to hire people who are enthusiastic about the job. Show your passion for retail and customer service in your cover letter. 6. Close Professionally: In your closing paragraph, thank the hiring manager for considering your application. Express your interest in the opportunity to discuss your qualifications further in an interview. 7. Proofread: Finally, make sure to proofread your cover letter carefully. Mistakes can make you seem unprofessional and careless. Remember, the goal of your cover letter is to convince the hiring manager that you have the skills and passion to succeed as a Retail Assistant, even without direct experience.

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Retail Assistant cover letter example

What’s the purpose of a retail assistant cover letter?

Your cover letter shows off your brand, cover letter header, cover letter greeting, cover letter introduction, cover letter middle part (body), how to close a retail assistant cover letter (conclusion and sign-off).

Retail assistants are the backbone of the industry and a great way to get your career started. You will often be the face of the company for which you work, so your attitude and helpfulness can make all the difference. 

Customers may look to you to suggest products, give advice on gift purchases and explain store policies. Store managers look to retail assistants to keep the floor spotless and the merchandise displayed neatly. 

So how do you get your foot in the door? Start with a great retail assistant resume. You can get guidance and see specific examples of a sales assistant resume (one of the many titles retail assistant jobs may have), our resume templates and general resume writing guide.

Once you have created a great retail assistant resume, it’s time to craft a cover letter that will close the sale and get you that coveted interview. Use this guide along and our retail assistant cover letter example to learn:

• Why a convincing cover letter for a retail assistant can propel your application to the top of the heap
• All the elements of a cover-letter format with free cover letter examples , templates, and samples
• How you can use writing strategies to win over recruiters and hiring managers
• The best way to let your personality and professionalism shine through

Before you jump into writing that great cover letter for retail assistants, first you need to get an overview of why it’s important and how these paragraphs can make all the difference in your job hunt.

Best format for a retail assistant cover letter

While your retail assistant cover letter is more free form than your resume, it still follows a format. Before you begin writing, you need to know what that format is.

The format of a retail assistant cover letter should contain the following elements:

• The cover letter header
• The greeting / salutation
• The cover letter intro
• The middle paragraphs (body of the letter)
• The ending paragraph of your cover letter (conclusion and call-to-action)

The comprehensive cover letter guide give advice on writing cover letters in general advice about, but this guide offers specifics on making each paragraph count when you’re looking for a retail assistant position.

This retail assistant cover letter example will give you a blueprint for writing your own cover letter:

Dear Mr. Weathers,

As an ex-plumber and joiner who is no longer able to work due to a physical impairment, the retail assistant role at your builder’s trade outlet would be an ideal way to remain in the industry and pass on my knowledge to others.

During my teenage and college years, I worked at my parents’ hardware store and have a strong understanding of what goes into a successful retail business. I managed the inventory, sorted the pricing and ran the promotional calendar. I was passionate about the trade, so assisting customers who are always in need of practical advice was a pleasure.

A step into becoming a tradesperson myself was entirely natural, and after fifteen years of building up a local clientele, it is time for my career to come full circle. I have a huge number of contacts in the business and am sure I would attract much business your way.

I understand the profile of customers who visit your store and am able to help by ensuring suitable stock for project purchases and helping to coordinate the best promotions. Tradespeople love to take advantage of a bargain, so the role of a retail assistant is to point them in the right direction. I increased sales by 20% year-on-year when I worked in retail previously – you have to be proactive, or the customers will go elsewhere.

I realize that retail has moved on over the past few years, so I took a retail ops course at Harvey College and have been working weekends as a cashier and shelf stacker at MallMart for six months. I know that I can bring growth in both sales and profits to your store.

I would love to visit for an interview and experience the sales atmosphere firsthand. Let me try and sell you a bathroom suite and you can judge for yourself.

Steve Kramon

If you’re looking for additional inspiration for cover letter writing, you can check out our related retail cover letter samples:

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Retail assistant cover letter example and general info

You want to write the best retail assistant cover letter possible. You’ve already spent hours developing the perfect resume for your retail assistant application and you want to put in as much thought here. But why do you need a cover letter for a retail assistant? 

Well, first, cover letters are commonly required as part of your job application, although they may be called an application letter, letter of interest or letter of motivation. While that’s true, there’s a reason hiring managers want you to write a cover letter: It gives them insight into who you are as a professional and whether you will fit on the team. Yes, you have a bit of leeway in the profile you write for your resume, but a cover letter for a retail assistant allows you to offer information that doesn’t fit in the strict formatting of a resume. For ideas on tone and content, check out our retail assistant cover letter examples.

YYou know that brick-and-mortar retail has been suffering for some time. The convenience of online shopping and overnight delivery combined with its economic efficiencies for companies makes stores a hard sell both for businesses and customers. Demand for retail employees is expected to remain flat through 2030. The good news is that retail executives are planning transformational improvements to their business models that include technology upgrades and initiatives designed to promote customer loyalty, a Deloitte study found.

Think of your cover letter for a retail assistant as a value-add. You won’t know how closed recruiters will read it, but you should always include it in your application. Your cover letter gives you two to four more paragraphs to get deeper into who you are. Here you have the opportunity to get excited about a niche expertise, to write about a skill you haven’t yet had a chance to use at work, or to explain why you are switching careers.

Your cover letter also gives you another opportunity to customize your application for each job. Hiring manager will want to know why you want to work at their store. You can detail the experience you have that directly relates to their merchandise and show off your expertise and the friendly personality that makes you great at customer service. 

Consistent design

Your cover letter for a retail assistant offers you much more opportunity to get creative and show off your personality and skills than your resume.

Keep your design consistent between your resume and the cover letter for a retail assistant position by using the same fonts and styles. Check out Resume.io’s retail cover letter examples and templates and find the one that matches your resume layout. Consistency not only looks more professional and less distracting, but makes it easier for hiring managers to match your materials to each other in case one slips out of your file.

Now let’s start at the top with the content of your letter.

You may be tempted to leave out the header since you most likely will be attaching your retail assistant cover letter to an email. Don’t give in to this temptation. Your application materials may get printed out and passed from one manager to another. In that process, a piece may get separated from your file. If that piece has your name and contact information on it, it will be easy for hiring managers to replace it. If not, it’s likely to end up in the trash and your file will be missing your cover letter.

On the chance that you are mailing a letter, your header should follow the same guidelines. 

Your goal is to make it as easy as possible for recruiters to contact you. That means your phone number and email are prominently displayed on your cover letter as well as your resume. Consider using a bit of eye-catching color to make this information stand out even more, but don’t get too flashy. Our retail assistant cover letter samples will help you see where that line is.

There’s more to think about here than you may realize. Your greeting sets the tone for the letter to come and you want to make sure you set the right tone. You can’t go wrong with “Dear” Mr. or Ms. [appropriate person’s name here] as your greeting if you’re not sure how formal to get. 

If your retail assistant cover letter is going to a company with a youthful image or one that prides itself on a casual style, you may go with “Hi” or “Hello” instead. A more casual tone is also more appropriate for an email.

Here’s a Must: Always use the name of a person in your greeting to establish a personal connection. Here are five ways to find out to whom you should address your letter:

• Look on the company’s website
• Make a phone call to the company (and ask for the correct spelling of the person’s name)
• Search online on LinkedIn or an industry website
• Read the job listing to see if contact information is included
• Research who you would be reporting to and use that person’s name.

Your first job is to tell the recruiter who you are. As a retail assistant, you will introduce yourself to customers many times a day, so this is a great opportunity to show how you would accomplish that. 

Of course, at work, your introduction will simply be your name and asking how you can be of assistance. In your cover letter, you want to open with a friendly statement or anecdote from your career that offers an insight into your personality. 

Here, you want to set the tone for the rest of your letter by showing that you are personable and professional. Make sure you give the hiring manager a reason to read on. 

The body of your retail assistant cover letter should detail why you are a great fit for the job without relying on cliched statements such as “I am a great fit for the job because I work hard and love helping people.” Instead, show that with a story or two from your work history. Be sure you call attention to your highest level skills.

Review your resume and avoid repeating yourself. Consider mentioning talents and attributes that are not requirements of a retail assistant position, but may allow you to expand your role or make you better at your job. These may include talents such as design, social media savvy, or customer service experience in a different industry. Check out our retail assistant cover letter samples for ideas.

Tell your prospective employer why you want to work there. Show that you have done research into the company and know its business style, branding, and any new initiatives it is introducing. Add a sentence about retail trends and how they affect your prospective employer. Make sure you personalize your cover letter for a retail assistant every time you apply at a different company. 

You’ve demonstrated that you will make a great retail assistant by detailing your accomplishments and illustrating your friendly nature. Now it’s time to conclude your letter with a call to action. Your goal, of course, is to get an interview, so let the hiring manager know that. Remind them how excited you are about the position and let them know you would love to hear from them. Repeat your contact information if space allows.

Finally, add your signature with a closing salutation such as “Sincerely” or “Best Regards.” 

Now that you have an understanding of all the elements, you should look through our retail assistant cover letter examples to get you started. 

Cover letter for retail assistant with no experience

If you are already wondering how you write a cover letter for a retail assistant if you have no retail assistant experience, we can help. First, check out our cover letter samples for first-time job seekers .

If this is your very first job, you should take time in your cover letter for a retail assistant to explain why you want to work in the field. Retail managers want employees who choose to be retail assistants for a reason. Remember that you have skills and attributes you have demonstrated outside of a formal job. Volunteering is an excellent experience to mention in a cover letter, especially if it requires skills necessary for a retail assistant job.

Consider basic skills such as organization (did you get all your schoolwork in on deadline?), teamwork (were you an athlete, in a club, or create group projects?), leadership (were you a club officer?), and time management (how did you juggle your classwork and all your activities?). These are the attributes hiring managers look for in a first-time employee, so make sure you mention them in your retail assistant cover letter.

If you are a career-changer, you should explain why you want to move into being a retail assistant. Then, think about the skills you use in your current position that will transfer to retail. 

Read each of the retail assistant cover letter sample paragraphs below.

• Sample 1: I am looking for my first job and would be very excited to work at your store. I just got out of high school and need to make money for college. I am friendly and work hard, so this would be a great fit for me.  
• Sample 2: I am a recent high school graduate excited about pursuing a career in retail. I am a fan of your merchandise and, in fact, am wearing a pair of your shoes right now. They are so stylish and comfortable, I would wear them to work every day. As a volunteer with the local food bank, I interacted with clients and helped to organize inventory.

Sample 1 starts out OK, and you may think that your goal to pay for college is admirable, but hiring managers are not interested in what you plan to do with your paycheck. Being friendly and working hard are good qualities, but this statement is too general. Your retail assistant cover letter should be more specific.

Sample 2 is a much better paragraph. It tells hiring managers that the candidate wants to work in retail, and knows the store and has shopped there. The last sentence in this retail assistant cover letter sample details the volunteer experience that translates into skills necessary for a retail assistant.

Writing psychology - cover letter tools and strategies

As a retail assistant, there are a few key qualities that a hiring manager will be looking for to make sure you will represent the store well. Your cover letter must reflect these attributes. Remember to show these skills in anecdotes and experiences instead of merely saying, “I am great at time management.”

• Grace Under Pressure: Let’s face it -- customers can be difficult at times. It is your job as the face of the establishment to smile through it and to problem-solve so your customer leaves happy.
• Positivity: You’re a can-do person who will weather the holiday rush and other busy times with a smile. As a retail assistant, you will be relied upon by managers, customers, and co-workers to get the job done under pressure.
• Flexibility: The industry is changing and your job as a retail assistant will change with it. In the State of the Connected Customer report from Salesforce almost 90 percent of customers said that their experience was as important as a company’s products or services. That means you have to be prepared to embrace new initiatives that promote customer experience both in person and online and expect your role to change with it.
• Organization and time management: As a retail assistant is an entry-level position, you should show that you have the basic skills to hold a job. You need to arrive on time, prepared to work, and complete all the tasks assigned to you efficiently as you work with customers and keep a friendly attitude.

Notice that at the core of all these retail assistant attributes is customer service!

Retail assistant cover letter common mistakes and how to avoid them

As the brick-and-mortar retail industry tries to innovate to stay relevant, you may have a tougher time finding a retail assistant position. You can increase your chances by writing a great cover letter. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

• You don’t customize your letter for each job. A generic cover letter for a retail assistant won’t make the grade. Show you read the job listing and understand the business to which you are applying.
• You get too casual. Sure, some businesses are relaxed, but it’s always better to make a professional (not stuffy) first impression. When in doubt, use a business appropriate tone.
• You start off with “To Whom It May Concern.” Do some research and make a personal connection by writing directly to your future boss or the hiring manager.
• You don’t proofread. There’s no reason to have spelling and formatting mistakes in your retail assistant cover letter. Reread and then have a trusted friend or colleague proofread as well.

Check out our pre-written sample sentences within our free cover letter templates to see some retail assistant examples.

Key takeaways

• With a lot of competition and an industry in flux, your retail assistant cover letter must demonstrate that you know how to put the customer first.
• Your cover letter affords you the opportunity to show off your personality so let your friendly voice shine through. Hiring managers want to know how you will connect with customers.
• Get personal by addressing your letter to an individual.
• Match the design of your cover letter to your resume for consistency and make sure you proofread!
• Take advantage of professional resume and cover letter builder tools to help you avoid some of these pitfalls and get the tone just right.

Now you’re ready to create your professional retail assistant cover letter and land that job. Resume.io makes the process easy with expertly-designed tools and retail assistant cover letter sample text to help you craft the perfect cover letter in just minutes!

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