Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Examples

This illustration offers tip on writing an administrative assistant cover letter including "Include your referral's name, if any," "Address to the name of the specific hiring manager," and "Target your latter to the posting: Before writing, make a list of the qualifications, preferences, and requirements listed in the ad."

 Bailey Mariner / The Balance

When you're applying for an administrative assistant position, including a cover letter with your application gives you an opportunity to highlight your most useful skills and qualifications. For example, if you have a great deal of experience using a software program that’s specifically mentioned in the job listing, your cover letter is a good place to mention it.

Most employers who are hiring for administrative assistant roles look for candidates with strong organizational and communication skills. A solid cover letter can help you demonstrate these skills before you even have a chance to make your case in person.

What To Include in Your Cover Letter

Write your cover letter in standard business letter format. Use a professional font and a font size that’s easy to read. Remember that this is your introduction to the hiring team. Be sure that your letter makes a good impression.

Try to Find a Contact Person

If you can find the name of the hiring manager responsible for filling the position, it's an excellent idea to use it. "Dear Mr. Jones" or "Dear Riley Smith" is a much more personal greeting than "Dear Hiring Manager."

A personalized greeting shows that you made the extra effort to find out to whom you are writing. Potential employers appreciate that kind of initiative.

Mention a Referral

Referrals are four times more likely to receive a job offer than other applicants. So, if someone has referred you, be sure to mention that in your opening paragraph where the hiring manager will be sure to see it.

Match Your Cover Letter to the Job

Your cover letter should be targeted to the job you are applying for. Before you start writing, it's a good idea to make a list of the qualifications, requirements, and preferences that are stated in the job posting.

Include Examples

Then you can use examples from your work experiences to highlight the skills that match what the employer is looking for in an ideal candidate.

The more closely you can match your experience to what the employer seeks in a candidate, the better your chances of getting an interview, and eventually, the job.

Carefully Proofread and Spellcheck

Before you submit your job application materials, carefully proofread your resume and cover letter. It's especially important when you're applying for an administrative position where your written communication skills will be evaluated during the hiring process.

Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Template

Review sample cover letters and download the template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) to use as a starting point for your own letter, and see more examples below.

Resume for an administrative assistant job

Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Examples

Basic Administrative Assistant Cover Letter

Brian Lee
300 Bayshore Road, Apt 1
Full Moon Cove, CA 94019
650-555-2424
brian.lee@email.com

January 21, 2021

Cara Sanchez
Senior Manager
Acme Company
Full Moon Cove, CA 94019

Dear Ms. Sanchez,

I was excited to read about the administrative assistant job opening at Acme Company. I have several years of experience in a variety of fields, including insurance and finance.

In addition to my extensive office experience, I have strong communication, customer service, and administrative skills. My broad background makes me an excellent candidate for this position.

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you to arrange an interview.

Sincerely,

Signature (hard copy letter)

Brian Lee

 

Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Example

Jennifer Grogan
123 Sundial Road
Grafton, FL 33109
555-123-1234
jgrogan@youremail.com

June 1, 2022

Hiring Committee

ABC Company
10 Broadway

Grafton, FL 33109

Dear Hiring Committee,

I am responding to your posting on Indeed for an administrative assistant. I believe my experiences in the nonprofit world, as well as my passion for the goals of labor unions, make me an ideal candidate for the position.

Here is a summary of my skills:

  • Communications
  • Nonprofit experience
  • Computer proficiency
  • Organizing office procedures
  • Training and supervisory experience
  • Public relations
  • Database maintenance

You specify that the ideal candidate will be able to take on multiple roles within the union. Since 2020, I've volunteered in a variety of capacities for Look for the Helpers, a nonprofit organization. I began as a writer/editor for their newsletter, assisted in producing various special events, and have been active in volunteer recruitment and website management. I believe all of these experiences and skills would translate well into your administrative assistant position.

Last summer, I completed a seminar at A Circle of Ten, Inc. It was an intensive workshop that explored the process of collaboration, community development, and fundraising. I now understand, more than ever, how essential unions are in ensuring a voice for employees. I am excited at the prospect of being part of the tradition that protects employee rights.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you to arrange a time to speak further about how I can contribute to your organization.

Sincerely,

Signature (hard copy letter)

Jennifer Grogan

Email Cover Letter With a Referral Example

Subject: Administrative Assistant - Jane Doe

Dear Mr. Smith,

I am writing in reference to the open position of administrative assistant in the marketing department at Zenith Enterprises. Susan Jones was a colleague of mine for many years, and she recommended I contact you directly about the position. She believed that my varied experiences and education give me the skills necessary to be a successful candidate for your organization.

I have experience in many aspects of office administration. I have been responsible for accounting, ordering stock and office supplies, maintaining records, creating and updating inventories, scheduling appointments, and greeting customers at the door.

During my time as an administrative assistant at ABC Industries, I utilized many of these skills, and also had the opportunity to work closely with the marketing department. One of my duties was maintaining communication between departments as we were undergoing a restructuring of our advertising campaign. I was excited to be a part of the 30% growth we experienced as a result of the new marketing strategy.

My experience with Swan Books provided me with the opportunity to hone my written ability, as I was responsible for proofreading and editing executive correspondence. It also helped me to develop excellent time management and prioritizing skills to complete work on a deadline.

I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to discuss the administrative assistant opportunity you have available. I believe that I would be a good fit at Zenith Enterprises, and I thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Jane Doe
janedoe123@email.com
(718)555-3344

More Cover Letter Examples

Review more cover letter examples for many different types of jobs and get templates you can download to write your own letters.

Key Takeaways

  • A cover letter allows you to highlight experience that might otherwise be buried in your resume.
  • When applying for an administrative assistant position, emphasize experience and qualifications that show organizational, communication, and technology skills.
  • Be sure to use business letter format for your cover letter and proofread your document carefully before sending it.