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The warehousing industry is highly competitive. With limited positions available, you need to stand out from the other applicants.
That requires more than just a strong resume. You need to include a cover letter as well.
As a Warehouse Associate, your resume will be filled with information about your experience, qualifications, and achievements. Your cover letter builds on that information, providing context and additional information to show the hiring manager you can fill this position.
There’s only one reason not to include a cover letter with your resume: the job listing states you shouldn’t.
Do yourself a favor and include a well-written, personalized cover letter with your application. It will help separate you from other candidates and increase your chances of earning an interview.
Keep in mind, though, that including a poorly formatted, cookie-cutter cover letter will do more damage than not including one at all. A cover letter makes your application stronger, but only if you put in the effort and do it right.
Looking for a job? These position are hiring now near you:
Traditionally, a cover letter is between 200 and 400 words. While it may be shorter (100-200 words) if it is an entry-level position or submitted via email, it should never be longer.
Recruiters and hiring managers don’t have the time, or the motivation, to read a lengthy novella. Your cover letter (like your resume) should be short, clear, and to the point. Don’t waste anyone’s time.
Length matters, but it is far from the only thing you should focus on. Recruiters and hiring managers are experts when it comes to reviewing applications.
They will immediately notice if the format of your cover letter is wrong. It will not go unnoticed if you’re missing one of the key elements of a cover letter.
Sure they’re just skimming each page; it doesn’t matter. They will see something amiss at a glance.
So, it is in your best interest to follow the standard guidelines. Every cover letter should consist of six parts:
Header. This should mimic your resume header, but will need to include some additional information. Like your resume, you will need to include your contact information.
Some of this information is required, some is optional; it is up to you to determine which you should include:
Your full name
(Optional) Your current address or city of residence
Your phone number
Your professional email address
(Optional) LinkedIn
You will also need to include the date of submission and contact information for the employer. Again, some of this is optional:
Hiring manager’s name
Hiring manager’s title within the company
Company name
(Optional) Company address
Greeting. The greeting is how you address your letter. Personalization matters here; you should be addressing your letter directly to the hiring manager.
“Dear” is the standard salutation. It should be followed by “Mr./Ms./Mrs. [hiring manager’s last name]”. Do not ever assume marital status; if you are unsure, use “Ms..”
If you are unable to find the hiring manager’s information for some reason, you can address your letter more generically. You should never use “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam,” though.
Never. Don’t do it. It lacks professionalism and shows that you aren’t willing to make an effort. Use “Dear Hiring Manager” or one of its alternatives instead.
Opening paragraph. Consider this your cover letter’s elevator pitch. These first few lines are your opportunity to hook the reader and convince them to keep reading.
You want to let the hiring manager know which position you are applying for and give them a taste of what sets you apart. You want to include one of your more attention-grabbing achievements, show them your passion, and/or your undeniable expertise.
Body paragraph(s). Though this part of your cover letter is sometimes made up of multiple paragraphs, it is lumped together as one “body.” This is where you elaborate on your experience, qualifications, and achievements.
The employer is far less interested in what you’ve done and much more interested in what you could do for them. Frame all of your statements so that they focus on what you could do for the company.
Closing lines. The goal in these final few lines is simple: encourage action. Your closing lines should be strong enough to have them reaching for the phone ready to schedule an interview.
Thank them for their time, include another of your most attention-grabbing (and action-inducing) achievements, and have a clear call to action.
Sign-off. It may not need to be said, but a cover letter is a professional business letter. You should not be closing this the same way you would an email or personal letter.
You want to use a professional sign-off followed by your full name. You can also reiterate your contact information below your name; your phone number and email should suffice.
Appropriate sign-offs include:
Sincerely,
Best,
Best regards,
Respectfully,
Regards,
You have the formatting down, and you know all of the elements you need to include. Those are the things the hiring manager will notice at first glance.
If you’ve followed our direction and set your cover letter up correctly, the hiring manager will take the next step and read your opening paragraph.
These first few lines will let the hiring manager know if they want to read on or move on.
Don’t set yourself up for the discard pile. Start strong.
Christian Elser
123 Warehouse Terrace
Los Angeles, CA 90001
555-123-4567
chriselser@email.com
linkedin.com/in/christianelserJanuary 1, 2021
Brian Mayes
Director of Operations
Howe Dunder
123 Business Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90001Dear Mr. Mayes,
Howe Dunder is looking for a detail-minded and safety-oriented warehouse worker to assist in performing and optimizing their general warehouse operations. I have the expertise and experience you need in your Los Angeles warehouse.
Your opening lines are your introduction. The body of your cover letter is your sales pitch.
Use the job description provided in the job listing to give you all the information you need. The listing will tell you what qualifications, experience, and skills they are seeking. Use this to your advantage.
Focus on highlighting the hard skills they’ve mentioned and the soft skills you know they need. Not only will this appeal to the hiring manager, but it will also appeal to the screening software they are likely using.
If they’re using software to screen incoming applications, it is focusing on specific keywords. Those keywords are pulled directly from the job description.
The hard skills and experience they are looking for will most definitely be included. The soft skills may not be as obvious. As a Warehouse Associate, you should possess:
In addition to earning an associate’s in warehouse management, I am an OSHA Certified Forklift Operator who has received formal training in operating walkie stackers, order pickers, electric pallet jacks, and reach trucks. Having witnessed firsthand the consequences of not adhering to safety protocols, safety is always my main concern in the workplace. Efficiency and quality control are a close second. I have six years of professional experience maintaining records, picking orders, organizing stock rooms, securing loads, and offloading trucks.
Achieved recognition as “employee of the month” for six consecutive quarters at Rolly Distribution
Received “Safety First” 2020, 2019, and 2017 awards
Maintained zero instances of damaged or missing items in packed orders
Selected to train new employees on general warehouse operations and safety protocols
Your opening lines are your introduction. Your body is your sales pitch.
What about your closing lines? It’s how you close the sale.
You want to summarize your point -- that you are their ideal candidate -- and provide a clear CTA (schedule an interview).
You will find that I am comfortable in fast-paced, deadline-oriented environments. I am sure that I can exceed your expectations and would love the opportunity to demonstrate this to you. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Sincerely,
Christian Elser
555-123-4567
chriselser@email.com
Looking for a job? These position are hiring now near you:
Christian Elser
123 Warehouse Terrace
Los Angeles, CA 90001
555-123-4567
chriselser@email.com
linkedin.com/in/christianelserJanuary 1, 2021
Brian Mayes
Director of Operations
Howe Dunder
123 Business Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90001Dear Mr. Mayes,
Howe Dunder is looking for a detail-minded and safety-oriented warehouse worker to assist in performing and optimizing their general warehouse operations. I have the expertise and experience you need in your Los Angeles warehouse.
In addition to earning an associate’s in warehouse management, I am an OSHA Certified Forklift Operator who has received formal training in operating walkie stackers, order pickers, electric pallet jacks, and reach trucks. Having witnessed firsthand the consequences of not adhering to safety protocols, safety is always my main concern in the workplace. Efficiency and quality control are a close second. I have six years of professional experience maintaining records, picking orders, organizing stock rooms, securing loads, and offloading trucks.
Highlights of my achievements include:
Achieved recognition as “employee of the month” for six consecutive quarters at Rolly Distribution
Received “Safety First” 2020, 2019, and 2017 awards
Maintained zero instances of damaged or missing items in packed orders
Selected to train new employees on general warehouse operations and safety protocols
You will find that I am comfortable in fast-paced, deadline-oriented environments. I am sure that I can exceed your expectations and would love the opportunity to demonstrate this to you. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Sincerely,
Christian Elser
555-123-4567
chriselser@email.com
No two warehouses are alike. Warehouse jobs are varied in equipment, software, responsibilities, and procedures. It allows you to build an excellent resume, but it also makes it difficult to frame your experience and achievements in a way that appeals to the employer.
So, what can you do?
Choose your most relevant experience and achievements. Use the job description to pull out the qualifications and achievements the employer will view as most important and focus your attention on them.
Avoid buzzwords. You can still include them if they suit the point you’re trying to make. They take up valuable real estate, though. You have a severely limited amount of space to paint yourself as their ideal candidate.
Instead of adding in buzzwords, put more emphasis on showing the hiring manager that you have the ability to do the job.