All-Weather, Inc., invited applications for the position of sales representative (Residential Sales). To be based in Nebraska, this person will be mainly responsible for sales of All-Weather’s vinyl windows in local markets, including single- and double-hung windows and casement windows. The job description for the position reads as follows:

The Sales Representative (Residential Sales) will be responsible for successful market penetration of identified market segments. Specifically, the duties include achieving targeted sales, conducting product demonstrations, contacting customers and other stakeholders, gathering market intelligence, preparing market and sales reports, communicating with internal customers, coordinating between customers and the Service and Installation Group, participating in meetings of trade associations and government agencies, attending company training events, and performing other duties assigned by managers. The ideal candidate will be someone with a BS degree, preferably with a technical major. Additionally, the candidate must have at least one year of sales experience, preferably in industrial products. Candidates with experience in brand marketing will also be considered. Among skills for the job, the candidate must possess computer skills, PR and communication skills, teamwork skills, and the ability to perform basic mathematical computations Below are two cover letters received from applicants.
In an e-mail to your instructor, discuss the strengths and weaknesses of both. Judging just from their cover letter, which applicant would you prefer to hire? Why?
Antonio Ramirez aramirez@bestmail.com 164 Beet St. Houston, TX October 12, 2014 Ms. Erin Lenhardt 1210 Polaroid Av.
St. Paul, MN Dear Ms. Lenhardt:
Please consider this letter as my application for the post of Sales Representative (Residential Sales). I learned about your job from the journal Plastics US (September issue). I have a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Austin, Texas, and have two years of experience selling PVC resin The last two years I have been a Sales Executive in Goodman Petrochemicals in Houston, TX. My responsibilities include selling Goodman’s PVC resin to Houstonbased PVC processors of rigid and flexible applicatons.
As you suggest in your advertisement, my degree in chemistry will help me explain to customers the important technical attributes of your vinyl windows. My focus during my bachelor’s degree was inorganic chemistry, especially hydrocarbons and its practical applications. Apart from my coursework, I also interned at Bright Fenestration Products in Austin, TX.
I look forward to discussing my experience and interst in your organization with you in a face-to-face interview. I’m available for the interview anytime in the next two weeks at a day’s notice. I’m confident I will meet—and exceed—all your expetations for this important front line position.
Sincerely, Antonio Ramirez Michelle Chang 4334, Sunset Boulevard, Lincoln, NE mchang@myemail.com October 14, 2014 Ms. Erin Lenhardt HR Manager 1210 Polaroid Av.
St. Paul, MN Dear Ms. Lenhardt:
I wish to apply for the position of Sales Representative (Residential Sales) advertised through Monster.com. After acquiring a bachelor’s degree in design, I joined Albatross Advertising in November, 2010, as a trainee in the Accounts Department. Currently, I’m an Account Representative handling three of our most promising brands: LiteWait vacuum cleaners, Nebraska Furniture Mart, and Chimney Rock Art Gallery.
My bachelor’s degree in design with a major in community and regional planning not only familiarized me with demands of buildings and landscapes in our 21st century living but also acquainted me with concepts of media and design. I joined Albatross because I wanted to see if my education has equipped me to inform, persuade, and help customers with regard to products and brands.
During my nearly two-year tenure at Albatross as Account Representative, I have created and given insightful presentations to clients. As a result of my performance, the agency has entrusted me with three of its most promising accounts, the ones that I mention above.
I would be delighted at an opportunity for a personal interview to further make my case for the job. You can contact me at my e-mail address mentioned above.
Sincerely, Michelle Chang