Cover Letters

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
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Alison Doyle is the job search expert for The Balance Careers, and one of the industry's most highly-regarded job search and career experts.
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Alison Doyle
Updated September 26, 2019

Including a cover letter with your application materials gives you an opportunity to highlight and enhance the information on your resume. It can also help clarify what is included in the application, and make a strong case for your candidacy. Writing an administrative assistant cover letter to submit with your resume is an excellent way to provide connections between your skills and the job requirements.

What to Include in Your Cover Letter

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. Then you can come up with examples from your work experiences to highlight the skills that match what they are looking for.

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

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. That kind of initiative is appreciated by potential employers. 

If someone has referred you, be sure to mention that in your opening paragraph as well.

Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Example

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

email cover letter sample
​©TheBalance 2018

Email Cover Letter Example (Text Version)

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 XYZ 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 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 White 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 XYZ Enterprises, and I thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Jane Doe
janedoe123@email.com
(555) 222-3344

Printed Cover Letter Example (Text Version)

Your Name 
Your Address 
Your City, State Zip Code 
Your Phone Number 
Your Email

Date

Company Name
Address
City, State Zip Code

Dear Hiring Committee,

I am responding to your posting on Craigslist 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
--Non-profit 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 20XX, I've volunteered in a variety of capacities for XYZ Nonprofit. 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. - an intensive workshop that explores 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.

I am a long-time activist and grew up in a family that is pro-union. My great-uncle was a Wobbly. My uncle remembers meetings at his house with Emma Goldman. This family history has made me extremely passionate about the long, bitter struggle for worker rights.

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

Sincerely,

Your Signature (hard copy letter)

Your Typed Name