Account Executive Cover Letter

Account Executive Cover Letter Writing (With Examples)

As an account executive, you’ll be responsible for maintaining client relationships and finding ways to leverage them into increased sales.

When it comes to such an important role, employers will be extremely picky when choosing which candidate to bring onto the team.

If you want to stand out from the competition, it’s imperative that you include a well-written cover letter along with your resume.

Cover letters allow you to go beyond your resume and speak directly to the hiring manager. By using them to create a compelling case for how you plan to generate value for the company, you’ll set yourself far ahead of other candidates.

In this article, we’ll discuss the core components and structure that all effective account executive cover letters share. We’ll also provide you with free writing samples and important tips to help you take your cover letter to the next level.

Parts of an Account Executive Cover Letter

No matter which company you’re applying for, the general template for how to structure an effective account executive cover letter remains the same.

Make sure to include the following core components:

1. The header. Include your contact info, followed by the company’s info. You should also use a professional greeting, such as “Dear [Hiring manager’s name].”

   If you don’t know the reader’s name, simply using “Dear Hiring Committee” will suffice.

2. Opening paragraph. Hook the hiring manager’s attention by immediately providing your most relevant and impressive achievement. Follow up with more results-based achievements.

3. Body paragraph #1. Demonstrate key skills you have that match those mentioned in the job listing.

4. Body paragraph #2. Now that you’ve demonstrated how you created value for past employers explain how you’re going to do the same for the current company.

5. Closing. Thank the hiring manager for their time and invite them for a follow-up discussion.

Account Executive Cover Letter Opening

Most hiring managers spend less than a minute reading over each candidate’s cover letter, so the first and most important goal of your cover letter opening should be to grab the reader’s attention.

After briefly stating the intent of your cover letter, immediately jump into an achievement you’re proud of.

As your main job as an account executive is to retain clients and drive higher sales, make sure that the achievement you choose to share covers one of these two areas.

After you’ve grabbed the hiring manager’s attention, strengthen your credibility even more by providing more relevant achievements.

You want each of these achievements to be memorable, so be concise and use real numbers to quantify your results.

Account Manager Cover Letter Body Paragraph #1

After you’ve grabbed the hiring manager’s attention and demonstrated several of your main achievements, it’s now time to reference some of your more specific qualifications.

Use the first body paragraph to briefly mention any degrees or certifications you hold, as well as key skills you possess.

Avoid simply listing out your skills, as then you’ll just be repeating sections of your resume or LinkedIn profile. Instead, integrate them into a larger point about your achievements and mindset as an experienced account executive.

Account Executive Cover Letter Body Paragraph #2

Use the second body paragraph of your account executive cover letter to directly address the needs of the company.

Employers will often include key information in their job listings that will tell you the company’s current goals and the types of projects they’re working on.

If you align your skills and experience with those goals, you’ll not only boost your value as a candidate but impress the hiring manager by showing that you did your research into the company.

Account Executive Cover Letter Closing

Notice how the sample closing does the following:

1. Invites the recruiter for a follow-up discussion.

2. Summarizes the candidate’s main value proposition.

3. Thanks the reader for their time.

Account Executive Cover Letter Sample

Here is a complete version of the account executive cover letter we’ve covered so far:

Important Account Executive Cover Letter Tips

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when you’re writing your own account executive cover letter:

1. Quantify your achievements. This is an especially important tip to follow when you’re applying for an account executive position, as it’s a role where performance is judged almost entirely by metrics.

   If you can demonstrate a pattern of generating high sales at previous positions, then those numbers will speak for themselves.

   This tip applies even if this is your first job in the industry or you’re writing to request a promotion. The more clearly you can define the value that you’re able to bring to the organization, the more likely that you’ll receive the job or salary that you’re looking for.

2. Cover a variety of skill types. Make sure that the achievements you listed demonstrate all three of the following types of skills:

   • Technical skills. Account executives aren’t just sales experts; they’re multifaceted professionals who need to develop an innovative strategy to retain clients and reach new ones.

     This often involves a variety of technical abilities, ranging from data analysis and social media skills to more software-specific skills such as using Salesforce and SAP ERP.

     Proving expertise in such skills will set you apart from the crowd.

   • Job-specific skills. Some key skills that account executives need to master in order to succeed include project management, research, and budgeting skills.

   • Soft skills. Make sure to convey proficiency in soft skills such as communication, negotiation, and relationship building.