Table of contents
- Front desk receptionist cover letter example
- Related cover letter examples
- Cover letter template for a front desk receptionis
- Format your front desk receptionist cover letter
- How to write a front desk receptionist cover letter
- Add a matching resume
- Key Takeaways
- Resources to help prepare for your interview
From dentist’s offices to corporate headquarters, every place of business needs a smiling face to greet customers and organize the comings and goings of a busy office building.
As a front desk receptionist, your role ranges from managing schedules to handling transactions to answering customer questions. But making a strong first impression is still one of your number one responsibilities.
That’s why you need a front desk receptionist cover letter that greets potential employers with the same level of positivity and professionalism that you bring to customers and guests. A strong front desk receptionist resume is a necessary step to prove that you can handle your responsibilities, but your cover letter is equally important when it comes to showing employers that you’re the exact right pick for the job. Our guide will help you get started!
Here we will show you:
- Front desk receptionist cover letter examples to help inspire your writing process.
- A customizable receptionist cover letter template that you can cut and paste.
- How to write each section of your cover letter step by step.
- Additional resources to help your application shine.
Ready to build your cover letter now? Try our Cover Letter Builder. This tool provides templates, formatting help and even auto-generated text to help get your cover letter off the ground and application-ready in just a few minutes.
Front desk receptionist cover letter example
What makes this a great cover letter for a receptionist?
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It’s formatted well
Proper margins and appropriate font choices help this cover letter make a professional first impression.
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It focuses on value
This cover letter provides a strong sense of confidence and initiative by emphasizing the value that the candidate will bring to the role.
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It includes a call to action
A laid-back and professional call to action, like “I look forward to discussing my qualifications further,” leaves the door open for further communication without being aggressive or presumptuous.
Related cover letter examples
Looking for help writing a cover letter for a different role? Check out our library of cover letter examples for more inspiration:
Cover letter template for a front desk receptionis
Marilyn Turner
Corpus Christi, TX 78418
555-555-5555
example@example.com
September 23, 2024
Margaret Adams, Office Manager
Rimco LLC
7 Vine Street
Corpus Christi, TX 78418
Dear Ms. Adams,
I am writing to apply for Rimco LLC’s front desk receptionist position. With over two years of experience in customer service and administrative support, I am confident that I can contribute to your team.
In my most recent position at Linder and Associates, I managed the front desk and acted as the first point of contact for all visitors, clients and employees. Through my excellent communication and interpersonal skills, I built strong relationships with clients, resulting in a 25% increase in client retention over the past year.
In addition, I implemented new procedures and systems to streamline administrative tasks, such as managing schedules and coordinating meetings. As a result, I reduced administrative errors, improving overall efficiency and productivity.
I am proficient in using various computer programs and systems, including Microsoft Office and Google Suite. I am also experienced in managing multiple phone lines and handling high-volume calls professionally and efficiently.
Furthermore, I pride myself on adapting quickly to new situations and working effectively in fast-paced environments. My strong organizational skills and attention to detail have enabled me to prioritize tasks effectively, ensuring that all deadlines and clients are attended to promptly.
I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and experience to Rimco LLC and contribute to your team’s continued success. Thank you for considering my application.
I look forward to discussing my qualifications further.
Sincerely,
Marilyn Turner
Format your front desk receptionist cover letter
A cover letter is a business document, so formatting matters more than you might think. The formatting of your cover letter should meet expected standards, especially for a front desk receptionist who will likely be expected to handle business documents and paperwork as part of your daily responsibilities.
Here are some of the important formatting elements to pay attention to when drafting your cover letter:
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Font
As fun as fancy fonts can be, a business document should be professional in tone, so it’s best to stick with the basics. Arial and Times New Roman are always safe choices. Be aware of the font size that you choose as well. Go with 11- or 12-point size. These are standard fonts for business letters. -
Spacing
Nobody wants to read a bunch of tiny lines all squished together. Be sure to format your cover letter to use one space between lines of text and two spaces between paragraphs. The most important thing here is to be consistent. Sections where the line spacing is odd or doesn’t match will stand out like a sore thumb. -
Margins and alignment
Margins often seem to intimidate people when it comes to drafting cover letters. Don’t overthink it. Just be sure to use 1-inch margins with the text aligned to the left of the document.
Cover letter templates for a front desk receptionist
Now that you’ve got the formatting rules down, it’s time to work on your front desk receptionist cover letter template. The design that you choose will decide the visual personality of your cover letter, so choose a template that matches your role.
If you’re applying to be the receptionist in the lobby of a children’s museum, then a playful and colorful template is a great way to show some personality. If the role you’re seeking is something more conservative, like a cover letter for a medical receptionist, it’s best to choose something basic and professional.
Keep in mind that it’s important that your cover letter and resume appear cohesive together. Try our resume templates as well to perfect the branding of your application.
How to write a front desk receptionist cover letter
Not every applicant goes through the effort of writing a cover letter, but not writing one is a bad choice considering that 83% of hiring managers say that they consider cover letters in the hiring process. With this in mind, learning how to write a cover letter is a vital skill.
Whether you need a cover letter for a medical receptionist with no experience or a document that describes your long track record of administrative excellence, writing a cover letter can be an easy and painless process if you break it down into steps.
Let’s walk through the steps to writing a persuasive cover letter together!
Step 1
Add your contact information to the header
This part is easy but very important. Your application’s number one job is to get potential employers to give you a call. To do that, your contact information needs to be easy to find and accurate. Place them in your cover letter header and make sure it’s an identical match to your resume’s header.
Your cover letter header should include your:
- Name
- City and state
- Phone number
- Email address
- A link to your portfolio or LinkedIn, if applicable
Make sure the information you provide gives off a professional impression. If your email address is silly or inappropriate, it’s a good idea to make a new one for job searching that you won’t be embarrassed to share. Once all the information is there, double-check for typos. You don’t want to miss an important call over something silly like a missed keystroke!
Step 2
Greet the hiring manager by name
If you have this information, you should address the letter directly to the hiring manager. Use a professional greeting even if your cover letter is only intended to be sent via email.
Most job listings will provide the contact information of a hiring manager, but don’t panic if you can’t find it. You can always look up the role at the company. Including the name of the person your letter is intended for is a nice personal touch.
Step 3
Introduce yourself in the first paragraph
Your cover letter’s main purpose is to introduce yourself to potential employers, so make sure your first paragraph does just that! Give a brief overview of your career, credentials and qualifications before diving into specific reasons why you’re a great fit for the role.
Here are two examples of strong opening paragraphs for a front desk receptionist resume:
New receptionist cover letter opening paragraph:
I am delighted to submit my application for the receptionist position at XYZ Corporation. Having recently earned my bachelor’s degree, I bring a solid foundation in administrative skills and a keen understanding of effective communication. As a dedicated and personable individual, I am eager to embark on a rewarding receptionist career to utilize my innate ability to connect with people and my commitment to ensuring a welcoming and efficient environment.
Experienced receptionist cover letter opening paragraph:
With over 15 years of dedicated experience in the field of office administration, I am thrilled to apply for the senior receptionist position at ABC Company and bring my extensive expertise to your team. Throughout my career, I have navigated diverse professional settings and dynamically adapted to various administrative environments. I excel at providing exceptional front desk support and upholding a professional and welcoming atmosphere whenever called upon.
Keep your cover letter introduction paragraph short and sweet. Try not to go over three sentences.
Step 4
Explain why you’re the best candidate for the job
The body of your cover letter is where you get into the details of your career. This should be a section to draw extra attention to the things that excite you about the role and the reasons that you are the best possible choice. Here are some points to keep in mind:
- Describe specific aspects of your related experience. Your resume is an overview of your whole career. It should work in harmony with your cover letter, which should go into more specific detail. Hone in on aspects of your experience that match up with the role you’re pursuing. Give measurable achievements related to the expected responsibilities of the role.
- Highlight your transferable skills. No cover letter is complete without skills. Make sure to include both hard and soft skills, meaning technical teachable abilities like filing systems or software as well as more subtle personal qualities like enthusiasm and work ethic. Your cover letter should balance both hard and soft skills to present a well-rounded professional persona. When deciding what specific skills to highlight, take a closer look at the job listing and pay attention to the skills that the hiring department has emphasized as important for the role.
- Explain gaps in your resume. Cover letters are a great opportunity to add context that may be missing from your resume. Did you take a gap year after college to focus on volunteer work? Did you leave the workforce for a while to care for an ailing loved one? Maybe you changed careers a few years back so some of your experience seems out of left field. Whatever the case may be, your cover letter gives you a valuable opportunity to tell your story in your own words.
Here are two examples of body paragraphs for a front desk receptionist cover letter:
Sample body paragraphs for a front desk receptionist:
In my role as a front desk receptionist, my proficiency in creating a welcoming and efficient atmosphere has consistently resulted in positive experiences for both clients and colleagues. I firmly believe in tailoring my communication style to accommodate diverse preferences, ensuring that every visitor receives the necessary assistance to navigate their inquiries smoothly.
During my previous position at XYZ Corporation, I implemented streamlined reception processes that enhanced overall efficiency, resulting in a 15% reduction in response times to inquiries. My focus on detail and organization contributed to a more seamless check-in process for visitors, improving the overall satisfaction of their experience.
Establishing a warm and collaborative professional environment is at the core of my receptionist philosophy. Throughout my career, I have cultivated an inclusive atmosphere where individuals feel comfortable expressing their needs and preferences. By maintaining open lines of communication with clients and colleagues alike, I actively fostered a collaborative approach, ensuring a harmonious and productive workplace.
As an experienced front desk professional, I am confident in my ability to bring efficiency, organization and a friendly demeanor to your team, contributing to the seamless operation of the reception area at DEF Corporation.
Sample body paragraphs for a medical receptionist cover letter:
In my capacity as an experienced medical front desk receptionist, I possess a distinctive skill set tailored to meet the diverse needs of patients and visitors. My extensive background in managing medical inquiries and collaborating with different health care departments has been pivotal in ensuring a positive and efficient experience for all.
After devoting over a decade to roles in medical reception, I took a brief hiatus to address personal responsibilities. During this time, I continued to actively participate in volunteer work at local health care organizations, reinforcing my commitment to delivering exceptional service and support to individuals with diverse medical needs.
Despite my temporary departure from the medical receptionist role, I remained actively involved in professional development opportunities. I attended workshops and conferences focused on advancements in medical reception practices, ensuring that I am well-versed in the latest best practices to provide top-tier service within a health care setting.
With a demonstrated history of successfully adapting to diverse health care environments, I am eager to bring my honed skills and unwavering dedication to the medical reception team at GHI Healthcare, contributing to the creation of a welcoming and efficient reception area that prioritizes patient care.
Don’t be afraid to be honest in your cover letter. You don’t need to dig into the personal details of your life, but it’s alright to acknowledge setbacks or challenges in your career. Show some personality and phrase your experience using action words that cast you as the captain of your professional ship.
Step 5
Write your cover letter closing
Your cover letter closing should tie a neat bow on your cover letter by reiterating your interest in the role and one of the reasons you’d be a great fit. Don’t repeat or rehash text from the body of your cover letter, but instead give a tidy closing statement that reminds the reader that you’re the right choice for the role. Include a call to action suggesting that they reach out to you or expressing your excitement to talk further. Just be careful not to be pushy.
Here are two examples of closing paragraphs for a front desk receptionist cover letter:
Sample closing for a dentist’s front desk receptionist cover letter:
I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my organizational skills and passion for patient care to Super Smiles Dental. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my background aligns with your needs in further detail during an interview.
Sample closing for a business receptionist’s cover letter:
I am eager to bring my customer-focused approach and organizational skills to the Rushing River Rentals team. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience to explore how my abilities align with your organizational needs.
Make sure your call to action is respectful. Walking the line between assertive and presumptuous is difficult, but as long as you err on the side of being polite, you’re sure to make a good impression.
Step 6
Sign off
The very end of your cover letter is where you should sign your name. Common choices for cover letter signoffs include: “Sincerely,” “Thank you” and “Respectfully.”
Avoid overly familiar signoffs, like “Love” or “Ciao.” These are not appropriate for a formal document and may come off as rude to potential employers.
Add a matching resume
Now that you’ve got your cover letter covered, make sure you’re prepared to ace the job hunt with a resume that matches. Check out our guide on how to write a resume for help getting started and take a look at our library of resume examples for inspiration.
If you need a resume written in a hurry, try our Resume Builder. This way, you can generate a perfectly formatted resume on a template that matches the cover letter you’ve just written.
Key Takeaways
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Study cover letter examples for front desk receptionists
It’s easier to work on something when you have a solid understanding of what the finished product should look like. Check out our front desk receptionist cover letter examples, as well as our huge array of cover letter examples for all professions, for help getting a visual idea of a job-winning document.
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Emphasize skills from the front desk receptionist job description
Use the job ad to identify keywords that act as clues to guide your writing process. The listing will include skills and qualifications that the hiring department is hoping to find in their ideal candidate. These are the skills that you should emphasize on your cover letter.
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Choose an appropriate front desk receptionist cover letter template
From unique and creative to minimal and modern, there is a huge variety of cover letter styles to choose from. Make sure that the one you choose is a good match for the role you’re pursuing.
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Keep your introductory paragraph brief
Your opening paragraph should grab the hiring manager’s attention without frontloading a huge wall of text. Keep this section brief and try to quickly touch on who you are as a candidate.
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Write detailed body paragraphs
The body paragraphs are the meat and potatoes of your cover letter. Use them to go into detail about specific qualifications that align with the role and prove your excellence as a receptionist. This is also the best place to touch on any resume gaps or unconventional career paths.
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Check the formatting on your cover letter
Choose an appropriate font style and size, and make sure your letter has 1-inch margins all around. Double-check your line spacing to avoid a wonky document that distracts from your hard work.
Resources to help prepare for your interview
Last Updated: December 05, 2023
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Hailey Brophy is an experienced writer with a diverse career in digital publication. She is passionate about using her unique skills and experiences to help job seekers find the information that they need to succeed.
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