Why You Should Never Use A Cover Letter Template

You're applying for a job, you've written a solid CV,  so now it's time to write your cover letter. When applying to several roles it's tempting to use a standard cover letter for a type of role, where you change the company name/job title each time. This is an absolutely terrible idea - employers know when a template has been used, they lack job specific details and are almost always disregarded.

In order to be successful you need to write separate cover letters for each job, boasting your strengths for a specific role, and why their company appeals to you! not just a job. Make sure that you have planned, prepared and have researched a job role and its employer before you start to write anything.

Below is our five step guide on to how to write a noteworthy cover letter, and why templates weaken an application:

1. Write your address and contact information in the top right hand corner!

This is standard, it shows your competent enough to know that if they want to contact you they need your information. While this should also be on your CV anyway don't overlook putting it on your cover letter.

2. Make Sure it is Clear what Role you are Applying for!

Templates using generic phrases like 'I am applying for the role at your company' are red flags. Use the specific job title, and then go on to list why you want the role, and why you are a viable candidate for it. Templates don't allow you to individually discuss a roles nuances and specifics - show an employer you understand the role and are genuinely passionate about it.

3. Remember to Tailor it to the Company

Using a copy and paste template and swapping out company names doesn't work. An employer will take pride in the heritage and history of their business, use this to your advantage. Discuss the business itself, their overt operations and campaigns and show you are an expert on their industry.

4. Keep it Short and Sweet!

A cover letter is supposed to be short and punchy - do not waffle! Fluff talk suggests you are inexperienced or a poor communicator. Clarity is key, using a template means content is vague and generic - portraying yourself as less of an authority, and more as someone with a pale set of skills.

5. Finish Strong

Always express your interest in meeting the employer, include your availability and say how you are looking forward to hearing from them. The final part of your cover letter is your best chance to leave a lasting impression - be creative, and don't use copy and paste content.

So there you have it, some useful tips on writing a cover letter - it's always worth taking the extra time to tailor a cover letter to each unique role. We work with employers everyday, we see cover letters rejected on a daily basis because they are inherently generic - avoid this pitfall!

For more information please visit our guide on cover letters.

Revealed: What Premier League Transfers Will Cost In 10 Years Time

Premier league transfers have grown an outrageous amount over the last 10 years, with premier league spend tripling in the last decade.

Yesterday, Aaron Wallis Sales Recruitment published a data led study into the price of football recruitment fees in the 2027/28 season.

The study suggests that the average premier league transfer will cost over £50m in 10 years time, compared to the £9.29m average transfer fee of the 16/17 season. 

We believe that the recent transfer of Romelu Lukaku for £75m would have cost Manchester United £303m if transferred in the 2027/28 season.

The research also suggests that Paul Pogba’s move to Manchester United would cost £415m if the same transfer were to happen in 10 years time.

Our model looks at the top transfers of this year, and suggests what they’d cost in 10 years time:

Player	Price 2017/18 (Million £s)	Price 2027/18 (Million £s)
Romelu Lukaku	£75.00	£303.42
Alexandre Lacazette	£45.05	£182.25
Kyle Walker	£45.00	£182.05
Bernardo Silva	£42.50	£171.94
Mohamed Salah	£35.70	£144.43

The analysis uses data around total premier league spend, number of transfers, and individual transfers to predict the transfers of the future.

For the full article, visit: https://www.aaronwallis.co.uk/transfer-fees-of-the-future.aspx

For more information about Aaron Wallis Sales Recruitment, visit: https://www.aaronwallis.co.uk/

How to Motivate Sales Staff

A motivated and happy sales team works harder, and strives to win business. If you want to keep your sales staff on form, working hard and more importantly, happy in their role, read on for some of the best ways to motivate your sales staff.

When staff lose passion for their work they become less productive – and passion fades when positivity does too.

Make sure your sales staff are surrounded by positivity, so they can start each campaign with enthusiasm, proactivity and enjoyment. One of the best ways to foster productivity amongst staff is simply to surround them with positive, energetic, team members. But sales professionals often travel, and as of such social outings, and group meetings, can be a good way to get the team together.

These meetings, and meet-ups, can be used to plan objectives and visualise achieving bigger goals – giving staff a chance to discuss and get excited about pursuing targets.

All staff need training in order to do their job properly, if you’re noticing a slump in your sales team, don’t blame the individuals; look at how you can help the whole team. Regular training can help to staff continue to feel relevant, and purposed, in a dynamic, ever-changing industry.

Investing in staff training makes staff feel confident in addressing new challenges. Training also shows your team your faith and belief in them as a valuable asset to your team.

Staff who feel inadequately equipped are less enthused about work, aware of how competition may have a competitive edge due to having the latest tools available. New gadgets and tools motivate staff, both in piquing their curiosity but also in making them feel relevant and competitive; new tools also improve results.

Improving staff efficiency through using better CRM systems, mobile apps, software, computing hardware means they have more time for, and better tools to deal with customers and produce results. These advancements can be hit and miss, but ones which provide meaningful benefits to your staff will motivate them, and see greatly benefit overall business.

Create individual plans by making each employee list three things that inspire them, three things they’d like to achieve, and three reasons why they enjoy their job role.

Individually focusing on employees’ personal qualities will make them feel valued, as well as giving you insight into how better to motivate them.

Consider using a motivational speaker to come and give a talk to your sales team. Motivational speakers are notorious for leaving your team buzzing with energy, excitement and positivity, that they can’t wait to showcase at their next sale.

One of the easiest ways to motivate your sales team is to offer significant financial incentives – but needs to balance sensible finances with justified rewards. 

Capping bonuses is a flawed scheme as once an employee hits their target, they then coast until a new target comes up. By making sure your reward system is linked to the profit the company makes, then the pay only relates to the money they make for the business.

People enjoy different kinds of incentives as a way to feel good about their work.
Here’s some methods:

• Recognise and appreciate your employees efforts – thanks are rarely dished out but give a huge boost, either personally or through cards.
• Showcase top performers! Introduce them to senior management – raise their profile and demonstrate that their work has been recognised.
• In-house competitions, with creative rewards, motivating staff to outperform one another – while having a bit of fun, helping with creating a positive work environment.

There are so many ways to motivate your team and keep spirits up with non-financial rewards and if your business does have the budget, consider an unusual variety of goals and incentives to keep things fresh. Try some of these out and watch your team’s attitude and selling power improve instantly!