As an aspiring import-export manager, you've likely begun your job hunt only to realize a standout cover letter is crucial for your applications. It's tempting to rehash your resume, but your cover letter should narrate your proudest professional triumph, not list your credentials. This balance between a formal tone and fresh, cliché-free language can be tricky. Plus, with only one page to convince hiring managers, every word counts. Let's craft a cover letter that opens doors, not just submit another piece of paper.
- Including all the must-have paragraphs in your structure for an excellent first impression;
- Learning how to write individual sections from industry-leading cover letter examples;
- Selecting the best accomplishment to tell an interesting and authority-building professional story;
- Introducing your profile with personality, while meeting industry standards.
And, if you want to save some time, drag and drop your import export manager resume into Enhancv's AI, which will assess your profile and write your job-winning cover letter for you.
If the import export manager isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:
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Import export manager cover letter example
EMMA SMITH
Jacksonville, Florida
+1-(234)-555-1234
help@enhancv.com
- Demonstrating relevant success metrics (e.g., "15% growth in year-over-year product revenue") effectively showcases the candidate’s ability to contribute positively to the company’s objectives.
- Emphasizing the ability to build and expand networks (e.g., "expanded our agent network by 25%") is crucial in the logistics industry, displaying the applicant’s networking skills and potential for enhancing the company's reach.
- Highlighting specific industry experience (e.g., "Senior Airfreight Manager at Expeditors International") establishes the candidate's expertise and knowledge in the field, which is directly applicable to the prospective role.
- Expressing alignment with the company’s values and mission (e.g., "commitment to innovation seamlessly integrates with industry-leading logistics solutions") suggests the candidate's cultural fit and long-term potential for integration.
Structuring and formatting your import export manager cover letter
Here's what the structure of your import export manager cover letter should include:
- Header (with your name, the position you're applying for, and the date);
- Salutation (or greeting);
- Introductory paragraph (or your opening statement);
- Body paragraph (or further proof of your experience);
- Closing paragraph (with a call to action);
- Signature (that is optional).
Use the same font for your import export manager resume and cover letter - modern fonts like Lato and Rubik would help you stand out.
Your import export manager cover letter should be single-spaced and have a one-inch margins - this format is automatically set up in our cover letter templates and our cover letter builder.
When submitting your cover letter, always ensure it's in PDF, as this format keeps the information intact (and the quality of your document stays the same).
On one final note - the Applicant Tracker System (ATS or the software that is sometimes used to initially assess your application) won't read your import export manager cover letter.
The top sections on a import export manager cover letter
- Header: Includes your contact information, the date, and the employer's details to ensure the letter is correctly addressed and looks professional.
- Greeting: A formal salutation addressed to the specific hiring manager, if known, to personalize your cover letter and demonstrate attention to detail.
- Introduction: Clearly state the position you are applying for and give a brief overview of your experience in import/export operations to immediately establish your relevance to the role.
- Body: Detail your relevant skills in international trade compliance, logistics coordination, and market analysis, along with any language proficiencies and successful negotiation experiences, which are essential for an import-export manager.
- Closing: Reiterate your enthusiasm for the position, highlight your willingness to engage in further discussion, and provide a polite call to action, inviting them to contact you for an interview.
Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter
- In-depth knowledge of trade compliance regulations: Understanding and adhering to global trade laws ensures smooth customs processes and avoids legal issues.
- Proficiency in logistics management: Coordinating efficient transportation of goods is essential for timely and cost-effective delivery.
- Strong negotiation skills: Successfully negotiating with suppliers and customers is critical for securing favorable terms and maintaining profitability.
- Proficiency with import/export documentation: Accurate documentation is vital to prevent delays and ensure that all transactions comply with international standards.
- Cultural sensitivity and international business acumen: Appreciating cultural nuances can improve relations with international partners and expand global business opportunities.
- Bilingual or multilingual capabilities: Communication in multiple languages is a huge asset in liaising with diverse clients and vendors worldwide.
The import export manager cover letter salutation: how to address hiring managers
After covering the format of your import export manager cover letter, let's look at the salutation.
Back in the day, the cordial "To whom it may concern" or "Dear Sir/Madam", might have worked out fine.
But, nowadays, your cover letter should approach hiring managers on a more personal basis.
So, what to do about your cover letter salutation?
If you've messaged the recruiters and are on a first name basis or a more formal one, use the hiring manager's name in the greeting (e.g. "Dear Sophie," "Dear Ms. Givens", or "Dear Mr. Everett,").
Always aim to make the effort to find out the name of the hiring manager, who'd be assessing your application. Search on LinkedIn, double-check the advert on the corporate website, or message the brand on social media to find out more about the role.
If you can't find the hiring manager's name (and still want to sound professional), use "Dear HR Team,", "Dear Hiring Manager,", or the likes.
List of salutations you can use
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
- Dear [Job Title] Selection Committee,
- Dear [Company Name] Recruiter,
- Dear [Department Name] Team,
- Respected [Job Title] Search Committee,
Your import export manager cover letter intro: showing your interest in the role
On to the actual content of your import export manager cover letter and the introductory paragraph.
The intro should be no more than two sentences long and presents you in the best light possible.
Use your import export manager cover letter introduction to prove exactly what interests you in the role or organization. Is it the:
- Company culture;
- Growth opportunities;
- Projects and awards the team worked on/won in the past year;
- Specific technologies the department uses.
When writing your import export manager cover letter intro, be precise and sound enthusiastic about the role.
Your introduction should hint to recruiters that you're excited about the opportunity and that you possess an array of soft skills, e.g. motivation, determination, work ethic, etc.
How to write an achievement-focused import export manager cover letter body
We've got the intro and greeting covered. Now, comes the most definitive part of your import export manager cover letter - the body.
In the next three to six paragraphs, you'd have to answer why should recruiters hire you.
What better way to do this than by storytelling?
And, no, you don't need a "Once upon a time" or "I started from the bottom and made it to the top" career-climbing format to tell a compelling narrative.
Instead, select up to three most relevant skills for the job and look back on your resume.
Find an achievement, that you're proud of, which has taught you these three job-crucial skills.
Quantify your accomplishment, using metrics, and be succinct in the way you describe it.
The ultimate aim would be to show recruiters how this particular success has built up your experience to become an invaluable candidate.
Closing remarks to end your import export manager cover letter
Of course, you'll have to show gratitude to the recruiters, who have assessed your profile at the end of your import export manager 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 import export manager 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 import export manager 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 import export manager 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
Winning recruiters over shouldn't be difficult if you use your import export manager cover letter to tell a story that:
- Is personalized by greeting your readers and focusing on key job skills greets;
- Isn't spread all over the place, but instead focuses on one key achievement and selling your value as a professional;
- Introduces your enthusiasm for the role, passion for the job, or creativity in communication;
- Is also visually appealing - meeting the best HR practices;
- Ends with a nod to the future and how you envision your growth, as part of the company.
