When writing your administrative assistant cover letter, focus on how you can keep office functions running smoothly for the employer that posted the job. Also, emphasize your related skills, such as weekly reporting, process streamlining, or task prioritization. This guide offers cover letter examples and tips for landing your next administrative assistant position.
Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Templates and Examples
- Entry-Level
- Mid-Career
- Senior-Level
How To Write an Administrative Assistant Cover Letter
A good administrative assistant cover letter usually has five sections, outlined below. When possible, connect each section back to the employer and its stated hiring needs. The following advice and examples show how you can use this strategy to optimize your letter for each application.
1. Heading
At the top of the page, include:
- Your resume contact header, which should give your full name, address, email, phone number, and LinkedIn or other social accounts if applicable
- The date
- The recipient’s name, title, company, and contact information (when available)
Note: Feel free to omit this section when sending your cover letter as an email message as long as your contact details are part of your email signature. If you’re unsure whether to send your letter as an email message or attachment, first look for any instructions on the job posting. When the posting doesn’t specify, you can use your discretion. While email messages are increasingly common, an attachment is often still better for more formal applications to large employers.
Example
Jacob Harding
Administrative Assistant | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | San Francisco, CA 56789 | LinkedIn
January 14, 2024
Mariana Olsen
Senior Hiring Manager
Robert Half
(098) 765-4321
[email protected]
2. Salutation
Address your recipient by name – this is the quickest way to signal you’re sending a job-specific letter and not a boilerplate. If you can’t find the person’s name, use a variation of “Dear Hiring Manager” so your greeting is still tailored somewhat to each job opening.
Note: While a colon is standard punctuation here, you can use a comma if you know your recipient or the company has a more casual work culture.
Examples
Dear Ms. Smith:
Dear Autodesk Hiring Manager:
3. “Hook” or introduction
Catch the reader’s attention by citing an achievement from your resume or a key credential the company seeks in applicants. Then, connect that highlight to your main strengths and overall candidacy for the advertised administrative assistant role. Refer to the hiring organization by name here to further convince the recipient you’re applying to them specifically.
As an alternative to the work highlight approach, you can set yourself apart by networking. Begin your letter by citing any personal or professional connections you have with the hiring manager. If someone at the organization alerted you to the job, use a line like “I was excited to hear from your colleague [Name] about [Company]’s new administrative assistant opening.” Or, if you’ve already met your recipient, mention that with a line like “It was great speaking with you at the [event] last month.”
Example
Reducing event expenses by 45% last year by sourcing more cost-effective (yet high-quality) venues was the top achievement of my career so far. I’m excited to make a similar impact as your next administrative assistant.
4. Job- or employer-specific paragraph(s)
This section is crucial, so think it through fully for each application in your job search.
On a separate document or sheet of paper, take 10 minutes to brainstorm why this administrative position or employer interests you based on the job posting. When you’re done reflecting, review your notes: Do any stand out as important or persuasive? Adapt those points into one or two brief paragraphs that speak to the job opening at hand. By making this description a central part of your letter, you’ll more likely persuade the manager to call.
Following this explanation, cite a few more of your administrative assistant skills or achievements, possibly as bullet points.
Example
I’m drawn to Robert Half’s reputation for prompt, high-quality customer service. With a focus on efficiency and data accuracy, I’m a perfect fit for your organization. My recent achievements include:
- Redesigning the stock inventory system to reduce waste by 35%
- Earning over 95% client satisfaction on monthly feedback surveys throughout 2022
- Receiving formal praise at the last company-wide meeting for my support of the senior leadership team
5. Conclusion
Finally, request an interview and thank the hiring manager for their time and attention. Consider briefly restating why this administrative assistant job interests you. You can also use this section to refer to your resume or other application materials. To end your cover letter, use a simple closing like “Sincerely” or “Best regards” and then your name.
Example
I look forward to discussing how I can help create a calm, efficient workplace for your staff. Please let me know the most convenient time to talk further. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Matt Lauducci
Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Tips
1. Show you can keep office functions running smoothly
Start your letter with an example of your success in making business operations more productive and organized. You’ll impress hiring managers by displaying how you help streamline regular tasks so a team can focus on its short- and long-term goals.
Example
Last year, I won my firm’s “Administrative Excellence” award for raising data entry efficiency by 30%. I hope to generate similar value at Randstad US as your next administrative assistant.
2. Explain why you’re drawn to the opportunity
When brainstorming points for your cover letter, think about what the role has in common with your background or goals. For instance, maybe it’s one of the many administrative assistant jobs in health care, a sector you’d like to return to. Or perhaps the organization provides social services that resonate with you. You might also be attracted to a company’s values or philosophy around continuous improvement.
Example
I see you’re looking for a strong communicator with extensive payroll software experience. My writing and public speaking skills and my 12 years of experience with ADP software make me the perfect candidate.
3. Describe your key administrative skills
What are your top strengths as an administrative assistant? Which office areas can the employer count on you to manage and optimize? Outline these on your cover letter, possibly as bullet points, so they stand out from your other information.
Example
I bring a creative and dedicated work ethic to the task of running an efficient office. My top skills include:
- Preparing email correspondence, memos, and weekly reports for management
- Overseeing expense and travel reports, as well as managing the daily calendars for senior staff
- Directing office traffic flow and connecting customers with the appropriate staff
Administrative Assistant Text-Only Cover Letter Templates and Examples
- Entry-Level
- Mid-Career
- Senior-Level
Matt Lauducci
Administrative Assistant | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Worcester, MA 97225 | LinkedIn
January 12, 2024
Colleen Smith
Hiring Manager
ABC Company
(987) 654-3210
[email protected]
Dear Ms. Smith,
During my seven-year tenure as an administrative assistant for Xavier Financial, I exceeded expectations by implementing a digital organization practice which saved the company nearly $4,000 in yearly expenses. My hope is to bring the same initiative to ABC Company by taking on the Administrative Assistant position.
A self-starter who excels at running an efficient office environment by prioritizing various duties, I bring a creative and dedicated work ethic to the role. In addition, my accomplishments include:
- Preparing email correspondence, memos, and weekly reports for management
- Overseeing expense and travel reports as well as managing the daily calendars for senior staff
- Directing office traffic flow and connecting customers with the appropriate staff
- Utilizing Microsoft Office Suite products including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
I’m looking forward to discussing in more detail how I can use my skills to create a calm and effective office environment for you, your staff, and your customers. Please let me know the most convenient time to talk.
Sincerely,
Matt Lauducci
Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sell myself as an administrative assistant? -
Describe the benefit of your work to past employers. You can develop the best cover letter by brainstorming ways you've improved office efficiency, cost-effectiveness, or communications. When possible, quantify these highlights in terms of a percentage or dollar amount.
How do I write a cover letter for an administrative assistant job with no experience?-
Focus on your transferable skills and experience. For instance, maybe you were praised for streamlining processes in a recent internship, or perhaps you introduced better reporting as a volunteer for a local nonprofit. Also, consider how your background aligns with the company’s stated values or mission. Points like these can make a compelling cover letter, regardless of your experience level.
Should I send my cover letter as an email message or attachment?-
Like your resume. Carry over that document's basic format settings, like font style, line spacing, and page margins.
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