by Are you looking for a new job as an administrative assistant? If so, you need a cover letter that showcases your skills and experience and convinces the hiring manager that you are the best candidate for the role.
A cover letter is more than just a formal introduction to your resume. It is an opportunity to highlight your achievements, demonstrate your fit for the company culture, and show some personality.
In this article, we will show you how to write a winning administrative assistant cover letter that will get you noticed and land you an interview.
What to Include in Your Administrative Assistant Cover Letter
Before you start writing your cover letter, you need to do some research on the company and the position you are applying for. Find out what the company does, what their values are, and what they are looking for in an administrative assistant.
You can use their website, social media accounts, or online reviews to get some information. You can also look at the job description and identify the main requirements and responsibilities of the role.
Once you have done your research, you need to tailor your cover letter to the specific job and company. Here are some tips on what to include in each paragraph of your cover letter:
- First paragraph: Start with a catchy opening sentence that grabs the reader’s attention and states why you are writing. Mention the position you are applying for and how you learned about it. Explain why you are interested in working for the company and what makes you a good fit for their culture.
- Second paragraph: Highlight your relevant skills and experience as an administrative assistant. Use specific examples and numbers to show how you have contributed to your previous employers’ success. Focus on the skills and achievements that match the job description and show how you can add value to the company.
- Third paragraph: Express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention one or two things that you admire about them or that make them stand out from their competitors. Explain how you can help them achieve their goals and solve their challenges. Show some personality and passion for what you do.
- Closing paragraph: Thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration. Reiterate your interest in the position and why you are the best candidate for it. Include a call to action that invites them to contact you for an interview. Provide your contact details and sign off with a professional closing.
Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Example
To give you some inspiration, here is an example of an administrative assistant cover letter written by a candidate with two years of experience:
Dear Mr. Smith,
I am writing to express my interest in the Administrative Assistant position at ABC Inc., which I saw advertised on Indeed.com. I have two years of experience as an administrative assistant at XYZ Ltd., where I supported a team of five managers with various tasks such as scheduling, filing, invoicing, and correspondence. I am confident that I have the skills and experience to excel in this role and contribute to your company’s success.
As an administrative assistant at XYZ Ltd., I demonstrated excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills. Some of my achievements include:
- Streamlining the office procedures and implementing a new filing system that improved efficiency by 25%.
- Creating and maintaining a database of over 500 clients using Microsoft Excel and Access.
- Preparing and sending monthly reports, invoices, and newsletters using Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
- Handling phone calls, emails, and letters from customers, vendors, and partners with professionalism and courtesy.
- Organizing travel arrangements, meetings, events, and training sessions for the managers and staff.
I am impressed by ABC Inc.’s reputation as a leader in the industry and its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. I am eager to join your team and support your mission and vision. I believe that I can bring value to your company by providing high-quality administrative support and ensuring smooth office operations.
I would love to discuss this opportunity with you in more detail. Please feel free to contact me at (123) 456-7890 or jane.doe@email.com at your convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
How to Format Your Administrative Assistant Cover Letter
Your cover letter should be one page long, with three or four paragraphs, and follow a standard business letter format. Here are some formatting tips to keep in mind:
- Use a professional font such as Arial or Times New Roman, size 11 or 12.
- Use single or 1.15 line spacing and leave a one-inch margin on all sides.
- Align your text to the left and use clear headings for each paragraph.
- Include your name, address, phone number, email address, date, hiring manager’s name, title, company name, and address at the top of your letter.
- Use a formal salutation such as “Dear Mr./Ms./Dr.” followed by the hiring manager’s last name. If you don’t know their name, use “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To Whom It May Concern”.
- Use a formal closing such as “Sincerely”, “Regards”, or “Best” followed by your name.
How to Send Your Administrative Assistant Cover Letter
Depending on how you are applying for the job, you may need to send your cover letter either as an attachment or as part of an email message. Here are some tips on how to send your cover letter:
- If you are sending your cover letter as an attachment, save it as a PDF file with a clear file name such as “Jane_Doe_Administrative_Assistant_Cover_Letter.pdf”.
- If you are sending your cover letter as part of an email message, copy and paste it into the body of the email. Use a concise subject line such as “Application for Administrative Assistant Position”. Include a brief introduction that summarizes who you are and why you are writing. Attach your resume as a PDF file with a clear file name such as “Jane_Doe_Administrative_Assistant_Resume.pdf”.
- Before sending your cover letter, proofread it carefully for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting errors. Use online tools such as Grammarly or Hemingway Editor to check your writing quality.
- Send a test email to yourself or a friend to make sure that everything looks good on different devices.
Are There Similarities Between Writing a Retail Assistant Manager Cover Letter and an Administrative Assistant Cover Letter?
Writing a retail assistant manager cover letter requires highlighting managerial skills, retail experience, and leadership qualities. On the other hand, an administrative assistant cover letter focuses on organizational abilities, attention to detail, and strong communication skills. Despite their differences, both cover letters aim to showcase relevant skills and qualifications for the respective positions.
Final Tips for Writing an Administrative Assistant Cover Letter
Writing a winning administrative assistant cover letter may seem daunting at first, but with some research, planning, and practice, you can craft a compelling letter that showcases your skills and personality. Here are some final tips to help you write an effective cover letter:
- Do your research on the company and the position before writing your cover letter. Tailor your content to match their needs and expectations.
- Highlight your relevant skills and experience using specific examples and numbers. Show how you have added value to your previous employers and how you can do the same for them.
- Express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Show that you have done your homework on them and that you share their values and goals.
- Be concise, clear, and professional. Avoid using jargon, slang, or clichés. Use active verbs and positive language.
- Be yourself. Let your personality shine through your writing style and tone. Show some passion for what you do.
With these tips in mind, you are ready to write a winning administrative assistant cover letter that will impress any hiring manager. Good luck with your job search!👍
