Crafting a customs broker cover letter can often be a stumbling block, even when you're well into your job hunt. You've realized that a compelling cover letter is a must, but how do you convey your expertise without echoing your resume? Aim to highlight a defining, professional triumph, weaving it into a narrative that showcases your skills. Remember, formality is key, yet dodge those overused phrases. Keep it concise—a single page—to make a powerful, succinct impression.
- Write a customs broker cover letter that helps you stand out (and get the job);
- Understand how to start and end your customs broker cover letter with the appropriate greeting;
- What to include in the body of your customs broker cover letter to put your best foot forward;
- Your most important achievements - how to present them as part of your customs broker cover letter.
And if you want to make your life even easier, simply drag and drop your customs broker resume into Enhancv's AI cover letter generator, and it will write your cover letter for you in just a few moments.
If the customs broker isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:
Customs Broker cover letter example
ISABELLE TODD
Undefined
+1-(234)-555-1234
help@enhancv.com
- Emphasizing relevant experience and achievement: The cover letter highlights the candidate's previous success in developing an internal auditing process that reduced customs penalties, demonstrating expertise in the field and adding credibility to their application.
- Quantifying accomplishments: Use of specific metrics like cutting penalties by 40%, enhancing throughput time by 30%, and achieving a low error rate of 0.5% gives concrete examples of the candidate's impact in prior roles, which can be persuasive to the hiring manager.
- Tailoring to the company: Mentioning the candidate's admiration for the company's innovative approach and linking it to their own experience and standards shows that they have researched the company and understand its values.
- Initiating the next step: The candidate expresses a desire for an interview, showing proactiveness and a keen interest in moving forward with the application process.
What should your customs broker cover letter look like - formatting and organizing your information
Have you ever wondered what are the must-have sections you need to include in your customs broker cover letter? Our builder sets those up for you with:
- Header - dedicated to your contact information, the role you're applying for, and the date (don't forget to include your name);
- Greeting and opening paragraph - to create a personalized and memorable experience for recruiters;
- Body paragraph - emphasizing your skill set and knowledge that aligns with the role and helps you to stand out;
- Closing paragraph - leaving a great impression and ending with an optional signature.
Use a cover letter template to discover the best formatting for your customs broker cover letter: that is single-spaced paragraphs and wrapping your content in a one-inch margin.
Ensure that both your resume and customs broker cover letter are in the same font. Stand apart from the crowd by using modern, yet simple fonts, like Chivo and Rubik, instead of the overused Arial and Times New Roman.
Did you know that the Applicant Tracker System (or ATS) won't be assessing your customs broker cover letter? Instead, submit your profile in PDF to recruiters to keep the same formatting and the design intact.
The top sections on a customs broker cover letter
- Header: Includes your contact information, date, and the employer’s contact details, which is necessary for professionalism and to ensure your cover letter is directed to the appropriate person or department within the customs brokerage firm.
- Opening Greeting: Addresses the recruiter or hiring manager by name whenever possible, demonstrating that you have done your research and are personally invested in the job application for the customs broker position.
- Introduction: Briefly introduces yourself and provides an overview of your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role, laying the groundwork to highlight your specific experience in customs brokerage, compliance, and trade regulations.
- Professional Experience and Skills: Details your relevant experience in the field of imports, exports, customs regulations, and your ability to navigate complex trade scenarios, which is critical for establishing credibility as a candidate for a customs broker position.
- Closing and Call to Action: Politely wraps up your letter, reiterates your interest in the role, and requests an opportunity for an interview, underscoring your proactivity and eagerness to contribute to the employer's customs brokerage operations.
Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter
- In-depth knowledge of customs regulations and tariff classifications to ensure compliance with all federal and international customs laws.
- Attention to detail in preparing and reviewing important customs brokerage documents, such as entry forms and commercial invoices.
- Strong organizational skills to manage multiple client accounts and shipments, keeping track of deadlines and documentation requirements.
- Excellent communication skills for effective interaction with clients, government agencies, and international partners to facilitate smooth import/export processes.
- Experience with customs brokerage software and automated systems for efficient processing of entries and data management.
- Problem-solving abilities to navigate complex customs-related issues that may arise, including classification disputes or delays in clearance.
How to start your customs broker cover letter: with a greeting, of course
Have you ever considered just how powerful a personalized salutation can be?
We sure have news for you! Your customs broker cover letter should start with the right salutation to recruiters, nurturing a sense of respect and individuality.
Greet recruiters by using their first name (e.g. "Dear Tom" or "Dear Patricia") if you've previously established contact with them.
Otherwise, opt out for the less familiar, "Dear Ms. Peaches" or "Dear Ms Kelsey", if you've found the recruiter's name on LinkedIn or a corporate website.
"To whom it may concern" is never a good option, as it creates a sense that you've been sending out your customs broker cover letter to anyone. Instead, use "Dear HR team" or "Dear (company name) recruiter" for a feeling of exclusivity.
List of salutations you can use
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Dear [Employer's Name],
- Dear [Department] Team,
- Dear [Company Name] Recruiter,
- Dear [Mr./Ms./Dr.] [Last Name],
- Dear Selection Committee,
Your customs broker cover letter introduction and the value you bring
Moving on from the "Dear Recruiter" to your professional introduction.
Use those first two sentences of your customs broker cover letter to present the biggest asset you'd bring to the organization.
Don't go into too much detail about your achievement or the skill set, but instead - go straight for the win.
That is - what is your value as a professional?
Would you be able to build stronger, professional relationships in any type of communication? Or, potentially, integrate seamlessly into the team?
What comes next: your customs broker cover letter middle paragraphs
In the next three to six paragraphs (or the body of your customs broker cover letter) you have to prove your unique value.
Most candidates tend to mess up at this stage. They tend to just copy-paste information from their resume.
That's one big no-no.
Remember that when writing your customs broker cover letter, it has to be personalized. And, your ultimate aim is to catch the recruiter's eye.
So, look back on key job requirements and write down a list that includes the ones you cover.
Next, select just one key achievement from your professional (or personal) history that meets those advert keywords.
Narrate a story around how you've grown your skill set and knowledge. Also, aim to show the unique understanding or soft skills you bring about, thanks to your past success.
Closing remarks to end your customs broker cover letter
Of course, you'll have to show gratitude to the recruiters, who have assessed your profile at the end of your customs broker cover letter .
A "Thank you for the consideration" would work wonders, instead of the standard "Sincerely yours".
Do you want to make an even better impression?
Close off your customs broker cover letter by promising how you see yourself excelling in the role and the positive impact you'd bring about.
A sentence that encourages some further action on the recruiter's end could also be a good way to close off the communication (e.g. provide your availability for an interview).
The zero experience customs broker cover letter: shifting the focus to your unique value
Don't worry if you have no conventional professional experience. Within your whole experience, there's plenty more you can write about in your customs broker cover letter.
Take, for example, your biggest achievement or award - dedicate your cover letter body to describe it and the job-relevant skills you've learned.
Your professional ambitions could also take center stage. Describe what you plan on achieving in the next five to ten years and the efforts you're making towards your dreams.
Key takeaways
We hope this customs broker cover letter writing guide has shown you how to:
- Format your customs broker cover letter with the mandatory sections (e.g. header, greeting, intro, body, and closing) and select the right font (P.S. It should be the same as the one you've used for your resume);
- Substitute your lack of professional experience with your most noteworthy achievement, outside of work, or your dreams and passions;
- Ensure recruiters have a more personalized experience by tailoring your cover letter not just to the role, but to them (e.g. writing their first/last name in the salutation, etc.);
- Introducing your biggest achievement and the skills it has taught you in your customs broker cover letter body;
- Write no more than two sentences in your customs broker cover letter introduction to set the right tone from the get-go.
