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Table of contents

Administrative assistant cover letter example
Cover letter template for an administrative assistant
Formatting your administrative assistant cover letter
How to write an administrative assistant cover letter
Freshen up your resume
Key takeaways
Resources to help you prepare for your interview

As an administrative assistant, you know the importance of a well-organized and professional cover letter in making a great first impression. Now it’s time to apply that knowledge to your own job search.

A well-crafted administrative assistant cover letter is a great way to show off your skills in organization, communication and multitasking. You’ll be one step closer to your dream role.

Our guide will show you:

An administrative assistant cover letter example.
Expert advice on selecting a layout and style.
Detailed guidance for each part of your cover letter.
Strategies for aligning your resume and cover letter.

Start now with our Cover Letter Generator. Our user-friendly templates and role-specific content suggestions will help you emphasize your strengths and leave a lasting impression on hiring managers.

Administrative assistant cover letter example

Sample cover letter for an administrative assistant

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Here’s why this cover letter works:

Introduction is professional
The cover letter starts with a professional and courteous greeting, addressing the hiring manager by name, which personalizes the application.
Specific achievements are cited
Denise provides concrete examples of her accomplishments, such as improving customer satisfaction by 20% at Frost Bank and handling 45-50 calls daily.
The letter is well-structured
The cover letter maintains a professional tone throughout and is well-structured, with each paragraph focusing on different aspects of her qualifications.

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Cover letter template for an administrative assistant

Copy and paste this template to use as a starting point for your administrative assistant cover letter.

Denise King
Austin, TX 78702
555-555-5555
example@example.com

Nov. 22, 2024

Willie Lee, HR Manager
GM Sectec
394 Primrose St.
Austin, TX 78702

Dear Mr. Lee,

I am excited to submit my application for the administrative assistant position at GM Sectec. With a career spanning over seven years in various administrative roles, I have honed my skills to a level of excellence that aligns perfectly with the needs of your team. My experience in customer relations, attention to detail and ability to thrive in dynamic environments make me an ideal candidate for this role.

At Frost Bank, I significantly improved customer satisfaction by effectively directing inquiries to the appropriate departments. My proactive approach in resolving issues has led to a 20% reduction in follow-up calls, allowing the team to focus on more critical tasks. Additionally, my adeptness at managing a high volume of calls—averaging 45-50 daily—has been instrumental in maintaining strong client relationships and ensuring seamless communication across the board.

In my previous role at Radiant Plumbing and Air Conditioning, I demonstrated my efficiency and productivity by typing at a speed of 75-80 words per minute, which enabled the timely production and distribution of important documents and correspondence. This capability was pivotal in ensuring that internal communications and client correspondences were handled swiftly and accurately, contributing to the overall efficiency of the office.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background, skills and certifications align with the company’s goal. Please feel free to contact me at 555-555-5555 or via email at example@example.com to schedule an interview.

Sincerely,

Denise King

Formatting your administrative assistant cover letter

As someone aiming to become an administrative assistant, you know that a well-structured cover letter can highlight your skills in keeping an office organized and running smoothly.

Here are some tips to make your cover letter stand out:

Margins and spacing: Use 1-inch margins and 1.15 spacing to make your cover letter look neat and organized.
Bullet-point lists: Break down your major achievements or skills using bullet points. This makes it easy for hiring managers to see your strengths quickly.
Font: Choose a professional font, such as Arial or Times New Roman, in a size between 10.5 and 12 points for easy readability.

Remember, your cover letter is a sample of your work. If it’s well-crafted, it shows your potential employer that you’re thorough and pay attention to detail.

Picking a cover letter template

Create your cover letter

Selecting the right cover letter template is important. As much as we say we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, we can’t resist.

Look for a clean and professional design. Simple templates are always an excellent choice. For those who want to add an extra sparkle, modern templates are even better.

Ultimately, you don’t want the design to get in the way of the content. The information from your header to your bullet points should all be easy to read at a glance. Finally, ensure your cover letter’s design is consistent with your resume’s design. Use the same font style, size and header format on both documents.

Now you’re ready to walk through how to fill in your chosen template effectively.

How to write an administrative assistant cover letter

Your cover letter is your chance to highlight how you skillfully manage the many aspects of human resources.

Let’s break down how to create a letter that stands out to hiring managers.

Step 1

Review the job listing

Begin by thoroughly examining the job listing.

Identify important keywords. Phrases such as “schedule management,” “office coordination,” “customer service” and “document preparation” are essential. Incorporating these terms in your cover letter will show an understanding of the role and help you navigate through applicant tracking systems (ATS) that many companies use.

Ultimately, you want to show potential employers you’re paying attention to their needs.

Step 2

Add a professional header

The header of your cover letter sets the stage for your application. Ensure it includes:

Your full name.
City and state.
Phone number.
Professional email address.

In the world of administrative work, clarity and professionalism are key.

Pro tip

Include a link to your online portfolio or professional social media profile if it showcases your administrative skills and achievements.

Step 3

Personalize your meeting

Try to find the name of the person who will be reading your letter. If that’s not possible, addressing it to “Office Manager” or “Hiring Manager” is acceptable.

Pro tip

If you know someone at the company, consider mentioning them (with their permission) in the opening line to create an immediate connection.

Step 4

Write a strong introduction

Your opening should immediately convey your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role. Here’s how to tailor it for different situations:

For recent grads:

As a recent graduate with a passion for turning chaos into order, I’m thrilled to apply for the administrative assistant role at [company name]. My internship experience in document management and my lightning-fast typing skills have prepared me to be your office’s secret weapon.

For seasoned professionals:

With over 15 years of experience as an administrative assistant, I am eager to bring my extensive skills and expertise to [company name]. My background in office management, project coordination and executive support has equipped me to handle the complexities of this role efficiently. I am confident that my proven track record in streamlining office operations and enhancing productivity will make a valuable contribution to your team.

For assistants returning to the workforce:

I am writing to express my keen interest in the administrative assistant position at [company name]. As an experienced professional with [number] years of experience returning to the workforce after a [X-year] hiatus, I am excited to bring a fresh perspective along with my established skills to your dynamic team.

Pro tip

Highlight a recent achievement or project that the company has accomplished that you find impressive. This shows you’re knowledgeable about their recent activities and genuinely interested in their work.

Step 5

Highlight your administrative expertise

In the body of your letter, use a few paragraphs to highlight why you’re an excellent candidate for the administrative assistant position.

Focus on these key areas:

Relevant skills: Emphasize your expertise in using office software, your organizational skills and your ability to communicate effectively.
Quantifiable results: Provide specific outcomes of your efforts. For instance, “I decreased appointment scheduling errors by 40%” or “Cut office supply expenses by 25% through better inventory management.”
Key achievements: Share a story about a time when you improved office efficiency or tackled a challenging administrative task.

Here’s an example:

At [previous company], I identified that our appointment scheduling system was prone to errors, leading to frequent double-bookings. I introduced a new scheduling software and created a user-friendly guide for the team. This initiative decreased scheduling errors by 40% and improved overall office coordination.

Additionally, I optimized our office supply ordering process by conducting a thorough audit and establishing relationships with cost-effective suppliers. This effort led to a 25% reduction in supply expenses while maintaining high standards of quality.

These projects taught me the importance of innovative problem-solving and meticulous organization in running a successful office. I am excited about the possibility of bringing these skills to your team and contributing to your administrative efficiency.

Pro tip

Highlight any advanced or unique skills you’ve mastered, but ensure you explain their relevance and impact on your past roles.

Step 6

Express your interest in an interview

The end of your cover letter should show enthusiasm for further discussion.

For example:

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to discuss how my administrative expertise can help [company name] achieve its goals. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and look forward to speaking with you.

Pro tip

Mention any upcoming professional development courses or certifications you’re pursuing to show your dedication to continual learning.

Step 7

Close professionally

End your letter with a formal closing like “Sincerely,” “Best regards” or “Thank you for your time.”

Pro tip

When submitting your application digitally, save your cover letter as a PDF to maintain its formatting. Name the file clearly, such as “JaneSmith_AdminAssistant_CoverLetter.pdf,” to ensure it’s easily identifiable.

Freshen up your resume

Create your resume

While a cover letter is crucial, your resume is even more important. Together, they form a powerful duo to catch the eye of hiring managers.

If you haven’t crafted your resume yet, now is the ideal time to do so. Choose a template that matches the style of your cover letter for a cohesive and professional appearance. This attention to detail can impress potential employers.

Need a jumpstart? Our resume-writing guide and administrative assistant resume examples can provide the inspiration you need.

Short on time? A AI resume builder can be your best friend. These tools offer a variety of templates and make it easy to customize, helping you create a polished resume in no time.

Key takeaways

Tailor your content
Use keywords from the job description to align your application with the specific requirements of the role.
Use professional formatting
Maintain a clean and professional format for both your cover letter and resume.
Write an engaging introduction
Start your cover letter with a compelling opening that grabs the hiring manager’s attention.
Showcase major accomplishments
Use measurable impacts to highlight your success, such as reducing scheduling errors or cutting supply costs.
Address the hiring manager
Research the company to find the right contact person or use a generic but respectful greeting like “Hiring Manager.”

Resources to help you prepare for your interview

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Don is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches dedicated to helping job seekers excel in their careers.