When writing your receptionist cover letter, focus on how you can make a good first impression on the company that posted the job. Also, emphasize your other relevant skills, such as customer service, task prioritization, or appointment scheduling. This guide offers cover letter examples and tips for landing your next receptionist position.

Receptionist Cover Letter Templates and Examples

  • Entry-Level
  • Mid-Career
  • Senior-Level
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How To Write a Receptionist Cover Letter

A good receptionist cover letter has five main sections:

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’re sending your letter by email.)

Example


Gregor Moses
Receptionist | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | San Francisco, CA 54321 | LinkedIn

December 12, 2024

Alastair Henson
Senior Hiring Manager
Mercedes Benz
(987) 654-3210
[email protected]

2. Salutation. If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, use a variation of “Dear Hiring Manager.”

Examples


Dear Ms. Johnson:

Dear Autodesk 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


In 2023, I was shortlisted for the “Corporate Receptionist of the Year” award based on my ability to work quickly under pressure and my warm and professional attitude. I hope to bring the same standards of excellence to the role of senior receptionist at your company.

4. Body paragraph(s). Explain why the job or employer interests you. Then, cite a few more of your key achievements or qualifications, possibly using bullet points.

Example


Mercedes Benz’s focus on customer care makes it the ideal environment for my skills. My commitment to client satisfaction will make me an asset to the company. Below are three of my recent achievements:

  • Redesigned the booking system to reduce appointment wastage by 37%
  • Praised for high efficiency by managers in my most recent pay review
  • Reduced stationary costs by 30% by sourcing more cost-effective suppliers and implementing a new inventory system

5. Closing. Finally, request an interview and thank the hiring manager for their consideration.

Example


I’d love the chance to discuss this opportunity with you further. Please let me know what day and time is best for you. Thank you very much for your consideration.

Best Regards,

Emily Garcia

Receptionist Cover Letter Tips

1. Show you can make a good first impression

Describe how you’ve excelled in companies’ initial contact with office visitors, clients, or the general public. Give details on your general communication style, and show how that’s led to positive interactions at the front desk or other facilities where you’ve worked.

Example


Receiving 99% positive client feedback in 2022 was the highlight of my receptionist career to date. Feedback forms mentioned my professional demeanor and prompt handling of requests. I am excited to provide the same outstanding service to customers as a receptionist at Mercedes Benz.

2. Explain why you’re drawn to the opportunity

On a separate document or sheet of paper, take 10 minutes to brainstorm why this receptionist job or employer interests you. Then, review what you’ve written: Do any points stand out as especially important or persuasive?

How does the opportunity align with your work background or goals? For instance, maybe it would let you continue to hone your customer service skills. Or maybe the employer is a nonprofit whose mission resonates with you, so you’d love to help them answer inquiries and distribute information to the public.

Whatever key points emerge, 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 postings and are responding to it directly.

Example


After seven years of experience as a medical receptionist, I am drawn to Valley Dental Care’s impressive reputation for quality patient care. Your clinic’s focus on customer service is a great fit for my skills.

3. Feature your administrative skills

Show how you can add value as a receptionist no matter what each shift brings. For instance, you could feature your talent for prioritizing urgent tasks on a busy day with many office calls and visitors. On the other hand, you might emphasize how you actively fill “downtime” with support duties like data entry or payment processing. Also, consider any improvements you’ve made to front desk procedures or phone systems and how those helped drive better efficiency or client relations.

Example


I’m excited to tell you how my achievements have prepared me for this opportunity. These highlights include:

  • Managing a welcoming front office environment by maintaining a cheerful attitude and keeping the lobby clean and organized
  • Entering data into Electronic Health Records systems with 100% accuracy
  • Training new administrative staff on front desk operations

Receptionist Text-Only Cover Letter Templates and Examples

  • Entry-Level
  • Mid-Career
  • Senior-Level

Emily Garcia
Receptionist | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | 555 Wisteria Lane, Charleston, SC 09876

February 1, 2021

Beverly Johnson
Office Manager
Valley Dental Care
(987) 654-3210
[email protected]

Dear Ms. Johnson,

Handling a high volume of calls while greeting patients at the front desk reception at my current position has taught me excellent customer service skills in a busy environment. I believe my reliability and positive attitude led management to praise my work often.

After seven years of experience as a receptionist, I am drawn to Valley Dental Care’s impressive reputation for quality patient care. Your clinic’s focus on customer service is a great fit for my skills.

I’m excited to tell you about how my past achievements have prepared me for this opportunity. A few of my previous successes include:

  • Managing a welcoming front office environment by maintaining a cheerful attitude and keeping the lobby clean and organized
  • Inputting data into Electronic Health Records systems with 100% accuracy
  • Training new administrative staff on front desk operations

I would love to set up a time for an interview to discuss this opportunity further. Please let me know what time is best for you.

Best Regards,

Emily Garcia

P.S. I also want to tell you how I assisted management with converting to a new scheduling software without any issues.

Receptionist Cover Letter FAQs

Why is a cover letter useful for receptionist jobs? -

A cover letter lets you make a strong first impression and preview the polished communications style you’ll bring to the role. With a confident and engaging cover letter, you help hiring managers envision your positive interaction with their many office visitors or clients.

Should I tailor my cover letter for each job application? -

Yes. The main advantage of a cover letter over a resume is it lets you speak directly to the hiring manager about why you fit the role. By tailoring your letter to each application, you can make the most of this advantage and boost your chances of an interview.

How do I write a cover letter for a receptionist job with no experience?-

Focus on your transferable skills and experience. For instance, maybe you’ve provided high-quality service in other customer-facing jobs. Or maybe you were praised for streamlining processes in a recent internship. Also, consider how your work, education, or volunteer experiences align with the company’s mission.

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Jacob Meade

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, ACRW)

Jacob Meade is a resume writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience. His writing method centers on understanding and then expressing each person’s unique work history and strengths toward their career goal. Jacob has enjoyed working with jobseekers of all ages and career levels, finding that a clear and focused resume can help people from any walk of life. He is an Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) with the Resume Writing Academy, and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.

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