How to Write an Administrative Assistant Cover Letter
You're applying for jobs as an administrative assistant and wondering how to write an administrative assistant cover letter. After all, each cover letter you write should be unique to the position for which you're applying.
So what should be included in your administrative assistant cover letter, and what are some examples of cover letters for executive assistants?
What Should Be Included in an Administrative Assistant Cover Letter?
Your cover letter for an administrative assistant job should include the following ingredients:
- A salutation personally addressed to the cover letter recipient
- An introduction of who you are, the job for which you're applying and where you learned about the opening
- Any references or mutual contacts who've introduced you to the position
- Your skills and experiences that are relevant to the job — with examples of how you've exercised those skills in previous jobs
- How you think you can help the company in achieving their goals
- Why you're excited about the position with that company
- A call to action, such as your contact information
- A thank you and signature
How Do You Write an Administrative Assistant Cover Letter?
Here's how to write a cover letter for an administrative assistant job.
1. Research the Company
Your first step before even sitting down to write your cover letter is to research the company. Your cover letter should be unique to not only the job position but also to the company. You should be able to explain why you're interested in working for that particular company in that particular role.
Perhaps there are leaders you admire or values with which you align. Whatever the case, know the company well.
2. Draw Connections
Take a look back at the job advert again and start drawing connections between the skills and experiences for which the job is calling and your own skills and experiences. When you write your cover letter, you want to be sure that you're mirroring the exact or very similar language to that of the job advert.
If the company is calling for someone with an attention to detail and a strong adherence to deadlines, you want to be sure to include that you have an attention to detail and a strong adherence to deadlines. But you don't only want to say it — you want to describe it. Use examples in your cover letter to express how you've used these skills in previous experiences.
3. Express Your Enthusiasm
Be sure to express your enthusiasm in your cover letter. It's important to note, however, that you shouldn't just express how you're excited about the job. You want to express that you're excited for that particular position with that particular company — and how your experiences and skills position you to best be able to help the company achieve its goals.
4. Edit the Cover Letter
Never send a cover letter before proofreading it. If you have someone else who is willing to read it over for you, a second pair of eyes can help you pick up on small grammar and punctuation mistakes you might have missed yourself. You can also use plugins like Grammarly to highlight any errors while you write your cover letter.
What Are Some Examples of Administrative Assistant Cover Letters?
Your cover letter should be unique to your experiences and the job for which you're applying. That said, here are three basic administrative assistant cover letter templates you can use as foundations.
1. Resume Genius Example
Dear [Mr./Mrs./Ms.] [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Please accept my enclosed application for the position of executive assistant. I found your job posting on [Website Name], and I’m pleased to say that my skills match your requirements perfectly.
According to your job posting, you need an experienced executive assistant who can schedule meetings, prepare agendas, and take care of daily issues without supervision.
In my current role as an executive assistant at PaxWay Incorporated, I handle all of these duties and more with great capability. Allow me to point to three bullet points from my resume that demonstrate both my abilities and achievements:
- Perform a variety of accounting activities, such as preparing between 10-20 check requests, expense reports, purchase orders, and invoices a week
- Handled all domestic and international travel reservations, cutting company’s travel expenses by 12%
- Organized 3+ monthly meetings and their logistical elements (scheduling, preparing the facility, organizing handouts and/or binders for attendees, etc.)
I also spearheaded the movement to “go digital,” which has proven to be a significant efficiency boon for the company. I am frequently praised for my ability to handle complex tasks and solve problems without requesting input, while also maintaining an awareness of when input may be desired. In short, as an executive assistant, I am efficient, attentive, and competent. Finally, I have all the basic skills necessary for the role. I type at 80WPM, am familiar with CRM systems, and have a mastery of the MS Office Suite.
I am eagerly anticipating having a follow up conversation with you about how I can help make the lives of your company executives easier. Please feel free to contact me at any time.
Best,
[Your Name]
2. Best Job Interview Example
Dear Mrs. Stevens
In response to your job opening, please consider my resume in your search for an Administrative Assistant. I believe my background and skills closely match your job requirements and I am confident I can make a positive contribution to ABC Company.
Some of my key skills that are relevant to this opportunity include:
- over 5 years professional experience in an administrative capacity providing support and assistance to both a single department and multiple individuals throughout the company.
- in-depth experience in data management, research, report writing, developing presentations, drafting correspondence, organizing meetings and travel, event management and customer service.
- a comprehensive working knowledge of various computer applications including MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Access.
- an independent worker with a reputation as a resourceful problem-solver who uses her initiative and organizational skills to get the job done.
- regarded as a competent team member who is always prepared to go the extra mile
- proven ability to remain focused and self-directed in a fast paced work environment while dealing with conflicting demands
If you are looking for a motivated administrative assistant who is committed to the highest standards of work performance I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you for an in-depth discussion.
I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience, please contact me via phone or email to arrange a time and date for us to meet.
Thank you for your time and consideration and I look forward to speaking with you soon
Sincerely
Jane Jobseeker
3. Indeed Example
Dear Hiring Manager,
It is a pleasure to be applying for the Office Assistant position at River Tech. As a highly observant person with a passion and understanding for the needs of others, I am excited at the idea of serving the team at River Tech, the leading name in plumbing and lighting. I believe that River Tech is the proper setting in which to use my knowledge and work ethic toward a valuable cause.
During my previous role at Coral Springs University, I regularly assisted the financial aid staff with countless projects. I also played a major role in serving the students who came into the office who needed guidance. I have a passion to serve others. I assisted the Director of Financial Aid several times during my tenure at Coral Springs University.
My experience at Coral Springs University makes me confident that I can execute the Office Manager role at River Tech. I am accustomed to a fast-paced work environment, and I am able to meet many demands in a short period of time. The high volume of students coming into the office with multiple needs trained me to handle situations quickly and effectively. I pride myself on my communication skills and professionalism.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing more about the Office Assistant position at River Tech and hope to use my existing skills and learn new skills with the company.
Sincerely,
Sofia Flores
FAQs
How Do You Introduce Yourself in a Cover Letter?
You should immediately introduce yourself in your cover letter. You want to say what job for which you're applying, where you found it and why it intrigues you. If someone referred you or you have a mutual contact, you can include that information in your introduction, as well.
How Long Should a Cover Letter Be?
Cover letters vary in length but, typically, cover letters should be about one page long (no longer) and divided into three to four paragraphs. Although employers don't usually ever mention a specific word count for your cover letter in their requirements (some editorial jobs may), the general unwritten rule for cover letters is to aim for 250 to 300 words maximum.
Should the Cover Letter Be in the Email or Attached?
You can either write your cover letter as the body of your email or you can attach it to your email. If your cover letter is part of your email, make sure that it's clear and concise — no one wants to read an incredibly long email. If your cover letter is attached, however, make sure that you note that you cover letter is attached with your resume. If it is attached, you don't need to say much of anything in your email; it should be just a line or two to briefly introduce yourself and let the recipient know where to find your materials.
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AnnaMarie Houlis is a feminist, a freelance journalist and an adventure aficionado with an affinity for impulsive solo travel. She spends her days writing about women’s empowerment from around the world. You can follow her work on her blog, HerReport.org, and follow her journeys on Instagram @her_report, Twitter @herreportand Facebook.
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