When writing your executive assistant cover letter, focus on how you can deliver valuable support to the senior leaders of the hiring company. Also, emphasize your related administrative skills, such as travel booking, report preparation, or inbox and calendar management. This guide offers cover letter examples and tips for landing your next executive assistant position.
Executive Assistant Cover Letter Templates and Examples
- Entry-Level
- Mid-Career
- Senior-Level
How To Write an Executive Assistant Cover Letter
In most cases, your cover letter should have five sections in this order:
1. Heading
At the top of the page, include:
- Your name and contact information
- The date
- The addressee’s name, title, company, and contact information
(Note: feel free to omit this section if you send your letter as an email message and your contact details are part of your signature.)
Example
Zephaniah Hewitt
Executive Assistant | [email protected] | (890) 123-4567 | Austin, TX 09876 | LinkedIn
April 8, 2024
Madina Dodd
Senior Hiring Manager
Dell
(789) 012-3456
[email protected]
2. Salutation
If you can’t find the recipient’s name, use a variation of “Dear Hiring Manager.”
Examples
Dear Mr. Klein:
Dear AAA Hiring Manager:
3. “Hook” or introduction
Catch the reader’s attention by citing an achievement from your resume or a key qualification the company is looking for.
Example
Last year, I created a system to expedite communications among leaders at my firm, saving around five work hours per week. I’m excited to generate similar value as an executive assistant at Hooverwood.
4. Body text
Explain why the job or employer interests you. Then, list a few more of your key achievements or qualifications.
Example
As a dedicated assistant with over two years of experience, I’m drawn to the challenge of supporting executives for a global brand like Dell. I would relish the chance to contribute to Dell’s reputation for innovative technology. My recent achievements include:
- Leveraging knowledge of company policy to pre-draft responses to queries, saving each executive around two hours per week
- Earning a client satisfaction rating of 99.8%, with feedback forms citing my professionalism and clear communication style
- Managing, mentoring, and developing a team of five junior admin assistants
5. Closing
Finally, request an interview and thank the hiring manager for their consideration.
Example
I’d love to discuss my qualifications and industry experience with you further. Please contact me for a meeting time that’s convenient for you. I appreciate your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Sally Smith
Executive Assistant Cover Letter Tips
1. Show you can help leaders stay focused and organized
Start your letter strong with an example of your making executives’ workday easier. Quantify this example in terms of a clear number, percentage, or dollar amount.
Example
Last year, I overhauled the scheduling system for executives at my company, reducing appointment errors by 87% in two months. I hope to generate similar solutions as an executive assistant at Dell.
2. Explain why you’re drawn to the opportunity
On a separate document or sheet of paper, take 10 minutes to brainstorm why this executive assistant job interests you. What does the role have in common with your background or goals? For instance, maybe it’s one of the many administrative jobs in health care, a sector you’d love to return to. Or perhaps you’ve shown early leadership ability, and the role requires supervising interns or office assistants.
When you’re done brainstorming, review your notes: Do any stand out as especially important or persuasive? Take another 10 minutes to brainstorm and elaborate on them. Repeat this process until you have at least two or three concise sentences that speak to the job opening at hand. By adding these to your cover letter, you can show hiring managers that you read their job posting and are responding to it directly.
Example
I admire Charity First’s effort to fund great local, regional, and global causes while remaining transparent with donors. I believe my seven years of nonprofit and philanthropy experience have prepared me to excel in this position.
3. Display your advanced administrative skills
Add a short list of bullet points showing how you’ve helped streamline or enhance office operations. For instance, maybe you created an internal communications system that helped department leaders share data more quickly. Or maybe you found cheaper or better options for booking air travel and event venues.
Example
My recent achievements include:
- Leading, developing, and motivating a team of five junior assistants to increase efficiency by over 30% in 2022
- Introducing a calendar system that reduced appointment errors by 87% in six months
- Negotiating with vendors to save around $5,000 per annual contract
Executive Assistant Text-Only Cover Letter Templates and Examples
- Entry-Level
- Mid-Career
- Senior-Level
Sally Smith
Executive Assistant | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | 123 Oak. St., Austin, Texas 12345
April 1, 2021
John Klein
Senior Hiring Manager
AAA Non-Profit Agency
(345) 678-9000
[email protected]
Dr. Mr. Klein,
For the last five years, I’ve helped the CEO of Honor Non-Profit Organization grow the company’s donation revenue by approximately 25% per year while slashing in-house expenses an average of 15% annually. I wish to bring the same forward-thinking problem resolution and critical thinking analysis skills to Charity First Non-Profit as your new executive assistant to CEO John Doe.
I regard Charity First Non-Profit’s philanthropic efforts of funding exceptional local, regional and global causes while remaining transparent to its donors an impressive feat. I believe that my seven years of charitable executive assistant experience has prepared me to excel in this position as a devoted, capable executive assistant that will:
- Manage multiple high-priority projects with ease and efficiency
- Oversee the day-to-day office operations independently and proficiently
- Handle an annual budget of $475,000
- Implement essential changes to donation-generation and company expense reduction that yield an immediate 8% improvement and far-reaching results
I’d love to discuss my qualifications and experience in our industry further with you at an upcoming interview. Please contact me for a meeting time that’s convenient for you.
Sincerely,
Sally Smith
P.S. I can’t wait to tell you about my Administrative Excellence in Public Service Award!
Executive Assistant Cover Letter FAQs
How do I write a cover letter for an executive assistant with no experience?-
Describe your transferable skills and background in light of the position you’re applying to. If you have administrative experience, focus on any duties pertaining to leadership support. Also, focus on the ways you helped improve daily procedures. If you don’t have any related work experience, consider how your education or volunteer work helped prepare you for the role. For example, maybe you did an internship at a similar company or volunteered at a nonprofit with a similar cause or mission.
What traits are useful to highlight in my cover letter?-
Employers like their administrative staff to be efficient, adaptable, organized, and skilled in both verbal and written communication. Consider which of these traits best describe you, then give an example or two of how you’ve shown them in a work setting.
How long should my cover letter be?-
No more than one page, or around 250 words. Resist the urge to tell your whole career story. Give just enough detail to intrigue hiring managers so they take a closer look at your resume.
Craft a new cover letter in minutes
Get the attention of hiring managers with a cover letter tailored to every job application.
