Receptionist Cover Letter Examples and Writing Tips

Reception staff
Alistair Berg / Getty Images
By Alison Doyle
Updated on 07/30/20

If you're applying for a job as a receptionist, take some time to write a strong cover letter—doing so could help you land an interview. 

Your cover letter should emphasize your organization and communication skills, along with other common receptionist skills in your cover letter.

You should also highlight any specific skills called for in the job description, such as familiarity with industry terminology, or expertise in Microsoft Office or QuickBooks. Doing this will help your cover letter demonstrate to the employer that you have the skills required for the job. 

Looking for inspiration on how to get started? Get tips on what to write, as well as how to format and send your receptionist cover letter. Plus, take a look at two sample cover letters for receptionist positions that you can use as a template while writing your own. 

Tips for Writing a Receptionist Cover Letter

To get started writing a receptionist cover letter that will impress potential employers, follow these tips: 

Follow directions. When applying for receptionist positions online, in person, or by email, you will often be asked to include a cover letter with your resume and possibly some other materials such as a list of references and a general application. Be sure to read the job posting carefully, and include only the materials they request at a given time.

If you are asked to submit a cover letter, follow all directions carefully. Send the letter in the correct format to the correct person.

As a receptionist, you will need to follow instructions and pay attention to detail, so it's important to display these skills in your application.

Use keywords. Tailor your cover letter to the specific job you are applying for. A great way to do that is to include keywords from the job listing in your cover letter. Reread the job listing, and circle any skills or qualifications that are important for the job. If you have those skills, include them in your cover letter. This will show the hiring manager, at a glance, that you are right for the job.

Provide examples. When you say that you have a particular skill or experience, prove it by providing a specific example. For instance, if you say that you have strong organizational skills, mention how you helped reorganize the filing system at your last job, and how this increased efficiency in the office. Specific examples show the hiring manager that you really have what it takes.

Highlight relevant experience. Wherever possible, share skills, accomplishments, and experience that match with the employer's needs. You'll also want to quantify any accomplishments if possible. For instance, maybe you can say that reorganizing the billing system at work led to 30% fewer late payments. If you do not have experience as a receptionist, think about ways you can show you're still qualified for the role. For instance, maybe you volunteered at a phone bank (which helps show you have strong communication skills). 

Edit, edit, edit. Receptionists need to have attention to detail and strong communication skills. Therefore, it is important that you proofread your cover letter for any spelling or grammar errors. One way to show your skills as a receptionist is to write a flawless, error-free cover letter.

Hard Copy vs. Email Format

If you are sending your cover letter as a hard copy (or email attachment), you need to write your letter in business letter format. Include these items in the following order: your contact information, the date, the company contact information, a business salutation, and the body of your letter. Make sure your letter is left justified.

Your closing will include your handwritten signature followed by your typed signature on a hard copy. If it is an email attachment, just include your typed signature.

The format for an emailed cover letter (where the letter is in the body of the email) is slightly different. You should choose a subject that clearly explains the content of your email, such as the job title you are applying for and your name. Keep it simple: “Medical Receptionist Position – Jane Doe” is clear and to the point.

You do not need to include your contact information, the date, or the employer’s contact information at the top of an emailed cover letter. However, the salutation and the body of the letter will be the same as in a hard copy or attachment.

Your email closing should include your full name followed by your phone and email information.

Sample Cover Letter for a Receptionist Position

You can use this sample as a model to write a cover letter. Download the template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online), or read the text version below.

receptionist cover letter sample
@ The Balance 2020

Sample Cover Letter for a Receptionist Position (Text Version)

Chad Applicant
123 Main Street
Anytown, CA 12345
555-555-5555
chad.applicant@email.com

July 30, 2020

Billy Lee
Manager
ABC Company
123 Business Rd.
Business City, NY 54321

Dear Mr. Lee:

I am writing to express my interest in the receptionist job opening at ABC company. I believe my years of work experience as a receptionist, as well as my communication and technological skills, make me an ideal fit for the position.

I have several years of receptionist experience, including working in a busy work environment with multiple phone lines and a large professional staff. I can therefore handle the bustling environment of a large of office such as yours.

I have strong written and oral communication skills. At my current job, I greet about twenty-five to fifty clients per day, answering questions about the company and directing people to the correct offices. I also call dozens of clients per day to confirm appointments, and send emails every day to clients.

I have experience with a variety of software programs, including Microsoft Office and QuickBooks. I am also comfortable using multiple scheduling platforms, including MindBody and Timely. At my current job, I have trained five other employees in our scheduling platform, due to my experience and comfort with the program.

My background and skills make me an excellent candidate for this position. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you to arrange a time to speak in person.

Sincerely,

Chad Applicant (signature hard copy letter)

Chad Applicant

Sample Email Receptionist Cover Letter

Sample Email Cover Letter for a Receptionist Position

Subject: Reception Position at Gentle Dental – Jason Martinez 

Dear Ms. Rathbarn, 

I'm writing to apply for the receptionist position at Gentle Dental, which I saw advertised on JobSearchSite.com. I believe that my positive and professional attitude, as well as my experience working as a receptionist in other medical offices, make me a match for this position.

For the pat five years, I've worked in a medical office, where I've greeted patients, scheduled appointments, and answered patients' questions over the phone. My communication skills are strong, and I'm also skilled at assisting patients who are frustrated by long waits or insurance confusion.

I pride myself on keeping doctors' days running smoothly, and problem-solving when unexpected issues arise. For example, when one doctor was unexpectedly three hours late to work, I quickly called all of his scheduled patients and rearranged their appointments. By the time the doctor arrived at work, I had already rescheduled all of his patients successfully.

Please see my attached resume for more information on my work history, and do not hesitate to be in touch with any questions. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you. 

Sincerely, 

Jason Martinez
Phone Number
Email Address