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How to Write a Standout Administrative Assistant Cover Letter

Learn how to write a compelling cover letter for an administrative assistant job. Get tips, examples, and a template to boost your chances of getting hired.

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Template Information

Keywords

Administrative Assistant Office Management Scheduling Communication Skills Organization Skills

Popularity

32 views

Last Updated

2025-03-06T20:18:21.461511+00:00

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Introduction

When applying for an administrative assistant position, your cover letter is your first opportunity to impress potential employers. A well-crafted cover letter can set you apart from other candidates and increase your chances of landing an interview. It allows you to showcase your relevant skills, experience, and enthusiasm for the role.

In this guide, we'll provide you with valuable tips, examples, and a template to help you create a compelling cover letter that highlights your qualifications and demonstrates why you're the ideal candidate for the administrative assistant position. By following these strategies, you can make a strong first impression and take a step closer to securing your dream job.

Key Statistics

74%

Hiring Manager Preference

Prefer cover letters tailored to the job

40%

Application Boost

Increase in callbacks with a strong cover letter

23%

Rejection Rate

Applications rejected due to poor cover letters

Key Components of an Effective Cover Letter

A well-structured cover letter should include several essential elements to make a strong impression on potential employers. Here are the key components you should include:

1

1. Tailored Introduction

Begin your cover letter with a strong opening paragraph that grabs the hiring manager's attention. Mention the specific position you're applying for and express your enthusiasm for the role. Highlight 1-2 of your most relevant qualifications that align with the job requirements.

Tailored cover letters have a 50% higher chance of advancing to the interview stage compared to generic ones.

Example:

As a highly organized and detail-oriented professional with 3+ years of experience in administrative support, I am excited to apply for the Administrative Assistant position at XYZ Company. My skills in managing multiple tasks, providing excellent customer service, and maintaining efficient office operations make me a strong fit for this role.

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2. Relevant Experience

In the body paragraphs, discuss your relevant experience and accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to excel as an administrative assistant. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've successfully handled tasks such as managing schedules, organizing documents, and supporting team members.

Quantifiable achievements, such as increasing efficiency or saving time, are particularly impactful in showcasing your value.

Example:

In my previous role as an Administrative Assistant at ABC Corporation, I efficiently managed the calendars of 5 executives, coordinated travel arrangements, and maintained accurate records. I also implemented a new filing system that increased productivity by 20%.

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3. Key Skills

Highlight the key skills that make you an exceptional candidate for the administrative assistant position. Focus on skills that are directly relevant to the job requirements, such as proficiency in MS Office, excellent communication abilities, and strong organizational skills.

80% of hiring managers consider proficiency in MS Office a crucial skill for administrative assistants.

Example:

My proficiency in MS Office Suite, particularly in Excel and PowerPoint, allows me to create professional presentations and manage complex spreadsheets efficiently. Additionally, my strong verbal and written communication skills enable me to effectively interact with clients and team members.

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4. Company Fit

Demonstrate your knowledge of the company and express why you are genuinely interested in working for them. Show how your values and goals align with the company's mission and culture. This shows that you have done your research and are enthusiastic about the opportunity.

Customizing your cover letter to the specific company shows genuine interest and sets you apart from generic applications.

Example:

XYZ Company's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction resonates strongly with my own values. I am impressed by your recent industry awards and excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team's success.

5

5. Confident Closing

End your cover letter with a confident and proactive closing statement. Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and express your desire to further discuss your qualifications in an interview. Thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration.

Cover letters with a call to action, such as requesting an interview, have a 25% higher response rate compared to those without.

Example:

I am confident that my skills and experience make me a strong candidate for the Administrative Assistant position at XYZ Company. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss further how I can contribute to your team's success. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Tips for Writing a Great Cover Letter

1. Research the Company



Before writing your cover letter, thoroughly research the company you're applying to. Visit their website, read their mission statement, and learn about their products, services, and recent achievements. This knowledge will help you tailor your cover letter to the company's specific needs and values.

2. Highlight Relevant Skills and Experience



Review the job description carefully and identify the key skills and qualifications required for the administrative assistant position. In your cover letter, focus on highlighting the skills and experiences that directly align with these requirements. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you have successfully applied these skills in previous roles.

3. Use Keywords



Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen cover letters and resumes for relevant keywords. To increase your chances of passing the ATS screening, incorporate keywords from the job description into your cover letter. However, make sure to use them naturally and avoid overusing them, as this can come across as insincere.

4. Proofread and Edit



Before submitting your cover letter, proofread it carefully for any spelling, grammar, or formatting errors. A well-written and error-free cover letter demonstrates your attention to detail and professionalism. Consider asking a friend, family member, or mentor to review your cover letter and provide feedback.

Language Tips for Cover Letters

Power Words to Strengthen Your Cover Letter

Including these powerful words and phrases can make your cover letter more impactful and memorable:

Achievement Words

  • Achieved - Shows results and completion
  • Delivered - Demonstrates fulfillment of goals
  • Increased - Shows growth and improvement
  • Transformed - Indicates significant change

Leadership Words

  • Spearheaded - Shows initiative and leadership
  • Orchestrated - Coordinated complex activities
  • Pioneered - First to implement or create
  • Mentored - Guided others to success

Skill Words

  • Analyzed - Shows analytical abilities
  • Streamlined - Improved efficiency
  • Collaborated - Worked well with others
  • Innovated - Created new solutions

Phrases to Avoid

These common phrases can weaken your cover letter. Use the alternatives instead:

Avoid Use Instead Why
"To Whom It May Concern" Research the name of the hiring manager Shows lack of research and effort
"I think I would be a good fit" "My experience in X has prepared me to excel in Y" Sounds uncertain; be confident instead
"This job would help me" "I would bring value to your team by..." Focus on what you can offer, not what you'll gain
"I'm a hard worker" Specific example of your work ethic Generic claim without evidence

Additional Tips

Do's

  • Address the cover letter to a specific person whenever possible
  • Use a professional and clear font, such as Arial or Times New Roman
  • Keep your cover letter concise, ideally one page or less
  • Use bullet points to highlight key achievements or skills
  • Include a call to action, such as requesting an interview or meeting

Don'ts

  • Don't use generic salutations like "To whom it may concern" or "Dear Sir/Madam"
  • Don't simply repeat the information from your resume
  • Don't use overly casual language or slang
  • Don't forget to proofread and edit your cover letter
  • Don't send the same cover letter to multiple companies without customization

Cover Letter Template

Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Template

Header

[Your Name] [Your Address] [Your City, State ZIP Code] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address] [Optional: LinkedIn Profile URL]

Date

[Date]

Recipient

[Hiring Manager's Name] [Hiring Manager's Title] [Company Name] [Company Address] [City, State ZIP Code]

Salutation

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

Opening

I am excited to apply for the Administrative Assistant position at [Company Name] as advertised on [Job Board/Company Website]. With [Number of Years] years of experience in administrative support and a proven track record of [Key Achievement], I am confident in my ability to make a significant contribution to your team.

Body Paragraph 1

In my current role as an Administrative Assistant at [Current Company], I have successfully [Relevant Accomplishment], resulting in [Quantifiable Result]. I have also demonstrated my [Relevant Skill] by [Specific Example]. These experiences have prepared me to take on the responsibilities outlined in your job description with enthusiasm and proficiency.

Body Paragraph 2

Your company's [Specific Aspect or Value] aligns perfectly with my own professional goals and values. I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]'s commitment to [Company Mission or Initiative]. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and passion to your team and contribute to your ongoing success.

Closing

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further in an interview. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of joining your team and contributing to [Company Name]'s continued success.

Signature

Sincerely, [Your Name]
Use this customizable template to create a compelling cover letter for an administrative assistant position.
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