Elena Prokopets
Claire Briggs Webber, CPRW
When you apply for a job as an administrative assistant, your resume is a key part of your application package. However, if you think about it, your resume is going to showcase the same kinds of skills and experience that most other applicants have as well. That’s important. However, in many cases, it’s your cover letter that can truly help you stand out.
How come? Because it’s the best medium to lift the curtain on your personality and showcase what makes you the perfect fit for the job at hand. So don’t skim on writing one, even if the job ad says that the cover letter is optional!
Continue reading for a sample cover letter, some tips, and important notes on becoming a successful administrative assistant.
Cover Letter Example for Administrative Assistant (Word version)
Download cover letter example (.docx)
Administrative Assistant Sample Cover Letter (text version)
Dear Ms. Bayer:
My name is Kathy Pfeiffer and I’m excited to write this letter to express my interest in the position of administrative position at Bayer & Lyons Lending. I have more than five years of experience as an administrative assistant in the banking and finance sector. After reading your job listing carefully, I am confident that I will be a great fit for this position.
Currently, am employed as a part-time administrative assistant at Franklin Bank. In my position, I provide support to the Vice President of Lending and assist the staff of the commercial lending department as needed. My duties include:
- Scheduling appointments and maintaining calendars for my direct supervisor and other managers.
- Distributing interoffice mail.
- Placing orders for department supplies.
- Greeting and directing visitors.
- Data entry.
- Answering phones
- Writing communications such as emails and memos.
- Communicating with maintenance, security, and other departments.
As someone who is outgoing and enjoys helping others, I truly love working as an administrative assistant. I’m proud that the work I do enables my supervisor and other members of our team to better serve our banking customers. Our team recently closed over 500 PPP loans, and I was able to provide the administrative support required to meet that milestone.
I find the work I do to be challenging and quite busy. Fortunately, because of my work style, I thrive in this kind of fast-paced, competitive environment. I know the next year is going to involve significant changes in the lending industry, and I’m looking forward to facing those challenges as part of a great, financial services team.
In the next two weeks, I will be graduating from Dover Community College with a degree in Office Administration. I’m pursuing this position as I am interested in full-time employment, and I believe my skills and experience will fit perfectly with the work culture at Bayer & Lyons.
I would love to meet with you soon. Perhaps we can get together next week. I will email in a few days to check in with you.
Sincerely,
Kathy Pfeiffer
How Do I Write A Cover Letter For An Administrative Assistant?
Alright, now let’s get you all set for writing a similar cover letter. Here’s a step-by-step guide to follow:
- Share an example or anecdote. Note the specific example given in the letter above about the PPP loans.
- Mention relevant education or training. In this case, that was the pending associate’s degree.
- Showcase your most important skills. Don’t leave your skills buried in your resume. Bring them front and center in your cover letter.
- Give a compelling reason for being interested in the job. For example, a prolific interest in the domain/industry or some specific bits about the company.
- Perfect spelling and grammar. Administrative assistants must be excellent at written communication, and detail-oriented.
- Set the stage for the next step. In the letter above, the writer is already planning for an interview and announcing their plans to follow up.
What Are The Top Three Skills Of An Administrative Assistant?
The top three skills of an administrative assistant are communication, organization, and computer skills. The combination of these skills is very likely to impress hiring managers and make it likely that you will be called in for an interview.
Communication
The administrative assistant is often the first point of communication for their department. They must be able to engage customers, clients, and staff positively. Additionally, many are in charge of written communication for department heads and other executives.
Read more about what soft skills are worth highlighting in your cover letter and administrative assistant resume.
Organization
As an AA, you will deal with extensive amounts of paperwork, and be in charge of the corporate calendar. This is in addition to schedule management, meetings, and other tasks. You must be organized enough to manage physical items, your time, and your schedule.
Check our list of organizational skills to get some more ideas for your application.
Computer Skills
This is simply a core skill that anyone who wishes to be an administrative assistant must-have. The most marketable administrative assistants are familiar with various online writing, communication, and collaboration tools. They can use that to do their jobs more efficiently.
Learn more about digital literacy — what it is and why it’s a must-have skill for the modern workplace.
To Conclude
Use your cover letter as an opportunity to “hook” a potential employer. Give them a nice teaser of your abilities and personal qualities. Then prompt them to pursue action with a powerful closing statement and a call-to-action. If you ace the above, you are likely to receive more replies to your applications!
