how to write a cover letter for office assistant

Office Assistant Cover Letter Examples and Templates for 2024

• Cover Letter Examples
• How To Write a Office Assistant Cover Letter
• Cover Letter Text Examples

When writing your office assistant cover letter, focus on how you can help coordinate daily operations for the company that posted the job. Also, emphasize your related skills like data entry, customer service, or process streamlining.

This guide will help you write a cover letter to get interviews for your next job as an office assistant.

Office Assistant Cover Letter Templates and Examples

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

How To Write an Office Assistant Cover Letter

A great office assistant cover letter usually has five sections, outlined below. When possible, connect each section back to your administrative skills and the employer’s hiring needs. The following advice and examples show what to include in your cover letter so it’s optimized for each job application.

At the top of the page, include your resume contact header, the date, and any contact details you have for your recipient. To set a clear focus, add the title “Office Assistant” to your contact header. (Note: Feel free to omit this section if you send your letter as an email message and your contact information is part of your email signature.)

Emma Brown Office Assistant | [email protected] | (987) 654-3210 | 555 Main St., San Francisco, CA 09876

February 1, 2024

Jane Lopez Office Manager DHL Supplies (123) 456-7890 [email protected]

2. Salutation

Whenever you can, address your recipient by name – it’s the quickest way to signal you’re sending a job-specific letter and not a boilerplate. If you can’t find the recipient’s name, use a variation of “Dear Hiring Manager” so your greeting is still tailored somewhat to each job opening.

Dear Mr. Barber,

Dear Office Manager:

Dear Wood PLC Recruitment Manager:

3. “Hook” or introduction

To catch the reader’s attention, start your letter with a clear example or measure of your success as an office assistant. (Consult your resume bullet points for ideas.) Choose a highlight that shows you can streamline procedures, take on new duties, or support daily communications. In the office assistant cover letter example below, see how the applicant frames her chosen example with administrative skills and traits relevant to her target job.

My organized nature and attention to detail helped me become a valued member of the Teller’s Manufacturing administrative team. One of my most significant accomplishments was increasing office efficiency by leading the project to go digital, reducing almost all paperwork. I hope to bring my resourcefulness and flexibility to DHL supplies as an office assistant.

4. Body paragraph(s)

Use the main section of your letter to tell why you’re drawn to this job or workplace. Most office assistant roles are varied, but read the job posting closely and highlight any core duties or focus areas that emerge. How do they compare to your background or goals? For instance, maybe the job requires a lot of phone interaction with clients, an area in which you excel. Or the office is described as dynamic and fast-paced, and you’re eager to return to that kind of work environment.

Following this explanation, cite two or three more of your main skills or achievements , possibly as bullet points.

I can help your organization achieve its mission to provide excellent customer service and quality products. Your job opening stated you’re looking for an employee to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a positive attitude. I am well-suited to this position. My past contributions include:

• Supporting over 150 office staff with administrative tasks
• Answering a high volume of phone calls, directing callers to the correct departments, and responding to questions
• Using advanced Microsoft Office skills, including Word and Excel, to organize company files and data

5. Call to action

Finally, request an interview for the position. Consider briefly restating your dedication to quality office support – this lets you maintain your letter’s focus through the last paragraph. To end your cover letter, use a simple closing like “Sincerely” or “Best regards” and then your name.

I hope to explain further how my excellent organizational skills and flexible working style make me the ideal candidate. Please contact me to schedule an interview.

Patricia Martinez

Office Assistant Cover Letter Tips

1. display your administrative strengths.

Add a short list of bullet points to show your success in office support areas like data accuracy, documentation, or process streamlining. For each area, spell out how your work helped the business run more quickly or cost-effectively. Also, consider using this section to name relevant hardware equipment or software programs you’re versed in.

My past accomplishments illustrate how I can contribute to your company in the future:

• Streamlined administrative processes to improve accuracy and efficiency
• Used Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook, to maintain detailed records, generate reports, and coordinate meetings for staff
• Led the smooth transition to move from paper invoices to QuickBooks software

2. Focus on similar work experiences

If the scope of your past duties is similar to the job opening, include numbers on your cover letter to highlight that overlap. In the following office assistant cover letter example, the applicant notes her support of 120 employees – a detail that’ll stand out to hiring managers at similar-size companies.

Managing and processing payroll for 120 employees at my current position while providing administrative support and coordinating daily operations has prepared me for a role in a busy office environment. I hope to bring my level of success with me to Brooks Design as an office assistant.

3. Mention your relevant traits

Desired qualities in office assistants include precision, efficiency, flexibility, organization, and a service mindset. Think about which of these traits best describes you, then give an example or two of how you’ve shown them in a work setting.

Office Assistant Text-Only Cover Letter Templates and Examples

Dear Ms. Lopez,

I’d like to set up an interview to discuss how my knowledge, skills and abilities can benefit your organization. Please feel free to contact me with a meeting time that works with your schedule.

Best Regards,

Patricia Martinez Office Assistant | [email protected] | (765) 432-1098 | 55 Address Rd., Portland, ME 45678

February 9, 2024

Landon Barber Senior Recruitment Manager Wood PLC (765) 432-1098 [email protected]

Streamlining the employee onboarding process to increase completion speed by 70% was my most significant achievement in 2020. I believe that I can offer the same initiative and excellent problem-solving skills as an office assistant at Wood PLC.

As a driven individual who thrives in a fast-paced working environment, I would relish the challenge of providing high-quality administrative support for multiple offices at Wood PLC. My recent accomplishments demonstrate that I have the strategic skills and drive to excel in such a role. These include:

• Receiving recognition as Employee of the Month in January for independently managing a large project load and meeting 100% of deadlines
• Leading a small team to overhaul the office scheduling system, reducing booking errors by 56%
• Training five new administrative team members to use Microsoft Office software proficiently

Jessica Miller Office Assistant | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | 123 Main St., Springfield, IL 09876

Marilyn Smith Office Manager Brooks Design (987) 654-3210 [email protected]

Dear Ms. Smith,

With my 12 years of administrative experience, I feel that I am a great fit for the administrative team at Brooks Design. I am drawn to your company’s reputation for excellence and room for growth.

I’d like to set up an interview to discuss further how my experience and skills can benefit your company, and I am available to talk at your convenience.

Jessica Miller

Office Assistant Cover Letter Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most important part of a cover letter -.

Any explanation you give for why the specific job opening or employer interests you. These details distinguish the cover letter from your resume and other application materials and can help you get past applicant tracking systems . They also set up a good interview discussion about how you fit the role and the office’s work culture.

Should I say “My name is…” on a cover letter? -

No. As long as your name appears in the letter’s closing section, you don’t need to state it directly.

What’s the best way to start a cover letter? -

With a clear example of your success in the type of role you’re after. The concept of “show, don’t tell” absolutely applies to your cover letter’s opening. For instance, don’t just tell the hiring manager you’re a “proactive administrative professional.” Show it by citing a time you exceeded expectations or found a new way to enhance office functions.

Craft a new cover letter in minutes

Get the attention of hiring managers with a cover letter tailored to every job application.

Jacob Meade

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, ACRW)

Jacob Meade is a resume writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience. His writing method centers on understanding and then expressing each person’s unique work history and strengths toward their career goal. Jacob has enjoyed working with jobseekers of all ages and career levels, finding that a clear and focused resume can help people from any walk of life. He is an Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) with the Resume Writing Academy, and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.

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Office Assistant cover letter examples

You’ve got an impressive array of administrative and transferable skills that make you the ideal candidate for an office assistant.

Now you’ve got to put your communication skills to the test and write an engaging and persuasive cover letter that will grab the recruiter’s attention.

Below, we’ve put together our expert advice to guide you through the writing process, complete with some office assistant cover letter examples.

CV templates 

Office Assistant cover letter example 1

Office Assistant cover letter example 2

Office Assistant cover letter example 3

The example cover letters here should give you a good general idea on how your Office Assistant cover letter should be formatted and written.

The rest of this guide gives more specific guidance on how to create your own cover letter in this format, and even includes some templates you can copy and paste.

How to write a Office Assistant cover letter

Here’s how to write your own winning Office Assistant cover letter

Write your cover letter in the body of an email/message

When writing your Office Assistant cover letter, it’s best to type the content into the body of your email (or the job site messaging system) and not to attach the cover letter as a separate document.

This ensures that your cover letter gets seen as soon as a recruiter or employer opens your message.

If you attach the cover letter as a document, you’re making the reader go through an unnecessary step of opening the document before reading it.

If it’s in the body of the message itself, it will be seen instantly, which hugely increases the chances of it being read.

Start with a friendly greeting

To kick your cover letter off, start with a friendly greeting to build rapport with the recruiter instantly.

Your greeting should be personable but professional. Not too casual, but not too formal either

Go with something like…

• Hi [insert recruiter name]
• Hi [insert department/team name]

Avoid old-fashioned greetings like “Dear sir/madam ” unless applying to very formal companies.

How to find the contact’s name?

Addressing the recruitment contact by name is an excellent way to start building a strong relationship. If it is not listed in the job advert, try these methods to find it.

• Check out the company website and look at their  About page. If you see a hiring manager, HR person or internal recruiter, use their name. You could also try to figure out who would be your manager in the role and use their name.
• Head to LinkedIn , search for the company and scan through the list of employees. Most professionals are on LinkedIn these days, so this is a good bet.

Identify the role you are applying for

Now that you have warmed the recruiter up with a friendly greeting, firstly you need to let them know which role you are applying for.

Sometimes a recruitment consultant will be juggling 10 or 10 vacancies, so it’s important to specify which one you are applying to.

Give us much detail as possible (team/department, role title etc.) and paste in the reference number if you have one.

Here are some examples you can use.

• I am interested in applying for the role of Office Assistant with your company.
• I would like to apply for the role of Sales assistant (Ref: 40f57393)
• I would like to express my interest in the customer service vacancy within your retail department
• I saw your advert for an IT project manager on Reed and would like to apply for the role.

See also: CV examples – how to write a CV – CV profiles

Highlight your suitability

The sole objective of your cover letter is to motivate recruiters into to opening your CV. And you achieve this by quickly explaining your suitability to the roles you are applying for.

Take a look at the job descriptions you are applying to, and make note of the most important skills and qualifications being asked for.

Then, when crafting your cover letter, make your suitability the central focus.

Explain why you are the best qualified candidate, and why you are so well suited to carry out the job.

This will give recruiters all the encouragement they need to open your CV and consider you for the job.

Keep it short and sharp

It is best to keep your cover letter brief if you want to ensure you hold the attention of busy recruiters and hiring managers. A lengthy cover letter will probably not get read in full, so keep yours to around 3-6 sentences and save the real detail for your CV.

Remember the purpose of your cover letter is to quickly get recruiters to notice you and encourage them to open your CV, so it only needs to include the highlights of your experience.

Sign off professionally

To round of your cover letter, add a professional signature to the bottom, giving recruiters your vital contact information.

This not only gives various means of contacting you, it also looks really professional and shows that you know how to communicate in the workplace.

Include the following points;

• A friendly sign off – e.g. “Warm regards”
• Your full name
• Phone number (one you can answer quickly)
• Email address
• Profession title
• Professional social network – e.g. LinkedIn

Here is an example signature;

Warm regards,

Gerald Baker Senior Accountant 07887500404 [email protected] LinkedIn

Quick tip : To save yourself from having to write your signature every time you send a job application email, you can save it within your email drafts, or on a separate document that you could copy in.

What to include in your Office Assistant cover letter

Your Office Assistant cover letter will be unique to your situation, but there are certain content guidelines you should stick to for best results.

To attract and entice recruiters, stick with the following key subjects in your cover letter – adapting them to fit your profession and target jobs.

• Your professional experience – Employers will be keen to know if your experience is suitable for the job you are applying to, so provide a good summary of it in your cover letter.
• Your qualifications and education – Highlight your most relevant and high-level of qualification, especially if they are essential to the job.
• The positive impact you have made – Employers love to hear about the benefits you can bring to them, so shout about anything impressive you have done, such as saving money or improving processes.
• Your reasons for leaving – Use a few words of your cover letter to explain why you are leaving your current job and ensure you avoid any negative reasons.
• Your availability – Let recruiters know when you can start a new job . Are you immediately available, or do you have a month notice period?

Office Assistant cover letter templates

Copy and paste these Office Assistant cover letter templates to get a head start on your own.

Hello Debbie

I am writing to express my keen interest in the Junior Office Assistant vacancy at Green Giraffe, as advertised on Indeed. As an adaptable and detail-oriented individual with a strong work ethic, I am eager to contribute my skills and enthusiasm to drive your business operations.

Though I am at the beginning of my career, I have acquired foundational knowledge of office procedures, administrative tasks, and preparing meeting materials/agendas through a three-month internship at The Primary First Trust.

I have excellent communication skills, which allow me to professionally interact with colleagues and customers and has resulted in me in aiding the implementation of a filing system that lowered document retrieval time by 30%. Moreover, I played a role in achieving a 95% client response rate within 24 hours and assisted in the completion of five admin projects one day ahead of schedule on average.

Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my CV for your review and can be immediately available for an interview at your request.

Kind regards

Kirsty Brandich

Good day Helen

I am excited to apply for the Office Assistant role at HFC Ltd. With a 6-year successful track record of providing first-class administrative support and exceptional organisational capabilities, I am confident that I can contribute to the smooth functioning of your company.

Throughout my career as an Office Assistant at Imerys Minerals, I have used my skills to carry out clerical tasks, coordinate schedules and projects, and assure seamless office functions. I am proficient in responding to phone calls in a professional manner, managing emails, and maintaining accurate files. My strong attention to detail and ability to multitask have enabled me to thrive in fast-paced office environments, where I cut costs by 15% through strategic vendor negotiations and inventory control.

I pride myself in maintaining a spotless record in handling sensitive and confidential information to guarantee data security/compliance, while expanding my skillset through office-related training programmes, workshops, and seminars.

My CV further outlines my other achievements for your review. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me for an interview, as I am immediately available.

Sheila Weaver

Good afternoon, Eva

I hope you are well. I am writing to you in connection to the available Senior Office Assistant role at Southern Tyre Ltd, as advertised on ZipRecruiter.

During my 10-year career working for Aspect Flooring as an Office Assistant, I have applied my skills in handling complex clerical duties, collaborating with team members in overseeing various office operations, tracking expenses, and supervising junior staff. I always communicate with clients, colleagues, and different departments via email or by phone in a courteous and professional manner. I effectively coordinate schedules, conduct research, and prepare reports for senior executives.

My strategic planning and problem-solving abilities have allowed me to simultaneously manage projects, where I showcased a proven record of implementing workflows which increased overall office productivity by 25%, boosting information sharing among staff by 40% through developing a new internal communication system. In addition, I recommended strategies that led to a 15% reduction in meeting duration and improved time allocation for core tasks.

I appreciate you reviewing my application and can be available for an interview at your convenience.

Jennifer Sheppard

Writing a strong attention-grabbing cover letter is a vital step in landing a good Office Assistant job.

Use the tips, strategies and examples above to get more responses from you job applications and start lining job interview up.

Good luck with your job search!

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Office Assistant cover letter example

There are so many small and medium companies where an office assistant is one of the most important roles in the company. 

The nature of the work has changed from physical filing and mundane admin to a far more human-centered coordinator of office life. There are apps for sorting calendars, arranging meetings and doing the books, but there is no (current) technology that can soothe an upset client, write a social media post or ensure that a new starter has everything that they need. 

Office assistants are there to do all the extra things that we would all love to do but simply don’t have the time to do them well. Their duties will vary depending on the size of the company and the industry in which they work, but there are also many common themes.

The cover letter of an office assistant needs to cover both their functional skills and their personality – cultural fit is almost more important than experience as much of their role can be picked up on the job. 

The cover letter of an office assistant is therefore vital in bringing out this personality. It is often possible to move into an office assistant role from other occupations and critical to highlight transferable skills and show how you will make that people-first difference.

This guide, alongside our office assistant specific cover letter example, will:

• Show you how to describe your impact on everyone that you work with.
• Outline the aspects of your previous experience that are worth accenting.
• Look at the psychology of why your future employer needs to hire an office assistant.
• Create an application letter that is refreshing, relevant and reassuring.

It is likely that you are tackling writing your application letter alongside your resume. As both need to be written in different ways (and with different objectives), why not check out Resume.io’s free resources for some additional inspiration? 

What does an office assistant cover letter look like?

What is the primary purpose of an office assistant cover letter? You might think that it needs to include a laundry list of everything that you are able to do – your proficiency with software applications, all sorts of training that you have completed and your knowledge of social media platforms. While the list of tasks that you will likely undertake is undoubtedly long, there is plenty of space in the skills section and role descriptions of your resume to give this level of detail.

A cover letter for an office assistant should be used for another purpose entirely. Sure, you can mention some of the biggest tasks that you have undertaken to give it a professional polish, but for the most part it should talk about how you are the glue that holds the office relationships together. 

A harmonious office is a productive office. In a way, office assistants are tasked with ensuring the well-being of their colleagues because they take the strain on so many levels. When viewed in this light, a great office assistant brings incremental benefits to the mental health of those around them. Not to mention also doing all the admin tasks.

This supportive element should be first and foremost in the office assisatant application letter.

The mental well-being of your colleagues is your core KPI. There is a reason why mental health is so prominent in corporate discourse currently. If people are struggling (with various things) at work, it can have a hugely detrimental effect on their output and the output of those around them.

While only a trained psychologist or therapist can help on an official level, there are a myriad of ways that we can help those around us. Sometimes, we simply might not have the opportunity because we do not have contact with a certain colleague, but for an office assistant who is in contact with a large number of people every day, their incremental impact on others cannot be underestimated. If they have an optimistic disposition, it cannot help but rub off on others. If they take the time to explore problems rather than dismissing them out of hand, they can alleviate burdens. If they prioritise other people over tasks, they make them feel like they are worth something. 

All these aspects won’t be in any office assistant job description, and they likely won’t feature strongly ina resume, but they are what set the most successful office assistants apart and they are definitely things that you should be exploring in depth in your application letter and then expanding on in your interview.

It will offer an employer a few fascinating seeds for future conversations.

Each letter will be personal for every office assistant, but we wanted to share an example that will give you an idea of how you might structure your people-led sales pitch.

It is also worth considering that there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all office assistant. While your resume and cover letter might portray you, your skills and your approach in a certain way, it is critical to sprinkle elements of flexibility and adaptability into your writing. 

Every boss will have different expectations of the person that they employ and every office culture will have different demands, so while it is important to describe who you are and how you work as a “starter for ten,” it is important to demonstrate that you are able and willing to be shaped  in order to do the best job as circumstances demand.

It is also the case that as the economic cycle changes, office assistants will be asked to do different things, so saying that you don’t like making sales calls is probably a bad idea if there are dark economic clouds on the horizon. You will help your business to keep afloat.

You will likely be asked to do all sorts of things that might not be on the official job description, so being flexible and willing to learn is critical to talk about. You might not need to go into detail and write full sentences about this – a careful choice of adjectives here and there will be enough to get the message across.

If you cast yourself as someone who is adaptable, it will be easier to overlook the inevitable aspects of your experience that don’t quite fit. If you approach your job search with a “this is me, this is how I am” mentality, you might end up missing out.

No matter what you decide to focus on in your application letter, the messages need to come across clearly. How you structure your letter can make all the difference.

Writing your office assistant cover letter can be overwhelming, so if you want more inspiration, take a look at our Administrative cover letter example category or choose one of these related letters.

• Customer Service Representative cover letter sample
• Administrative Assistant cover letter sample
• Receptionist cover letter sample
• Office Administrator cover letter sample
• Personal Assistant cover letter sample
• Office Manager cover letter sample
• Administrative Officer cover letter sample
• Secretary cover letter sample
• Call Center cover letter sample
• Administrative cover letter sample
• Front Desk Receptionist cover letter sample
• Virtual Assistant cover letter sample

Best format for an office assistant cover letter

The hiring manager for an office assistant will often be an office manager or operational manager and you can be sure that they will have seen plenty of resumes and cover letters in their time. While you want your letter to stand out for the right reasons (compelling content), there are certain structural norms that should be observed so that you don’t stand out for the wrong reasons. Don’t lose the chance of an interview because you decided to be different in how you lay out your arguments.

Here are the core requirements:

• The cover letter header
• The greeting / salutation
• The cover letter intro
• The middle paragraphs (body of the letter)
• The ending paragraph of your cover letter (conclusion and call-to-action)

Here is an office assistant cover letter example for inspiration:

Dear Mr. Prosser,

Working as an office assistant for a music festival provider is a perfect role for a calm and unassuming music buff. When everything is kicking off, people need sensible solutions from someone who understands. There is one less thing to worry about when you know I have got it covered.

Former roles as a production assistant for music events and office assistant within the exhibitions industry required me to lighten the load of my colleagues. No one had enough time to do anything apart from come up for air periodically. I worked alongside music directors, event managers, performers, and their entourage. I am proficient at communicating under pressure and pride myself in doing a great job, first time. 

The role at Zype is about getting the most out of those around me and coordinating the logistics of everyone involved. Whether it is ensuring a suitable level of service at the right hotels or negotiating with a transport provider, I will ensure a suitable level of comfort at an acceptable price.

My experience shows that I am well placed for success at Zype:

• Negotiated accommodation and transport arrangements, saving $90k.
• Dealt with over 2,200 people whilst organising 40+ annual music events
• Created activity tracker for exhibitions with +15% increased productivity.

Making work easier for my direct colleagues is my priority and I have over 40 references to showcase my impact. I am  a passionate music fan and have attended many of your festivals. I understand the minor details that matter to fans. I would love to have the opportunity of an interview to talk about how I might make that difference.

Sarah Gonin

We will now explore each section in detail. For more general advice, you can also refer to our overall guide on cover letters which offers a broader overview.

Cover letter header

When you are an office assistant, you understand that certain things simply need to be done right and forgotten about. You won’t be praised for them and you might not even think that they have been noticed, but if you get them wrong it can cause real issues.

The header section of your cover letter is a similar case. For practical purposes you have to include your name, your email and phone contacts, and sometimes your address (although this is far less common nowadays). The ATS software will need to find the information in the header and you definitely don’t want a hiring manager scouring social media or sending you an additional email to ask how they might contact you.

Every bit of communication in a job search needs to be value added. You do not need to include the inside address of the employer, for example. If you are wasting an employer’s time because you have not done something that is done as standard by all the other applicants, your candidature won’t progress very far.

A different reason for including a comprehensive “header” section is that there is often an area of white space on the left or right of the page (depending on your preference). This white space will act as a mental pause; slowing down the mind of the reader for a few milliseconds and allowing them to focus on the important information to come. If your application letter is a wall of text, very little of it will be processed and retained.

The aim of this part: Don’t distract the reader because they are thinking about a missing email address or phone number. Make sure that the ATS can scan your contact details.

Cover letter greeting and introduction

The greeting at the top of your cover letter follows much of the same logic. If you get the tone of the letter right by addressing it correctly, it won’t be overly noticed or appreciated, but if you get it wrong it can subtly affect the perception of what is to come. Assess the tone of the correspondence that you have received thus far. Maybe the internal recruiter has written “dear” rather than “hi” in front of your name? Maybe they have addressed you by your surname. Maybe, on the other hand, you have known the hiring manager for a while on social media and it would be strange to call them by their surname. Our cover letter example goes with "dear Mr. Prosser," which is a variation you can't go wrong with.

If the job description includes a name to contact, make sure that you address the letter to them. If it doesn’t, then although it is easy to find names on social media, it is a risk to use a specific name in a general cover letter. If, on the other hand you are emailing it directly to a specific person, then you should absolutely use their name. 

In the case that you do not know to whom it should be addressed, there are a couple of options. You might decide to use the more formal “to whom it may concern” greeting, but more people tend to prefer the “dear Resume.io team” variant. This might be considered friendlier and even the word “team” can give off some hidden positive signals.

The introduction of your cover letter should be a sentence or two that gets to the crux of your application and tells the reader something that no other applicant can say. As mentioned above, you have to give a sense of your people-focus and flexibility, and it is maybe worth mentioning any experience that you feel is particularly relevant for the role.

Your introduction has to make the reader sit up and realize that you might just be the person that they are looking for. While you might want to mention issues such as the fact that this is your first office assistant role or that you are coming back to work after a leave of absence, the introduction is not the place to do it. The message should be positive and compelling.

The goal of the cover letter introduction: Set up a sense of intrigue about your application – they are expecting to read a killer first couple of lines, so make sure you go with the big guns.

In the first sentence of our office manager cover letter sample, the applicant has effectively led into why they are the right person for the job. See the sentence below:

Cover letter middle part (body)

The body of the cover letter is where you have a chance to tell a couple of career stories which encapsulate the main messages of what you want to say. Use a few adjectives to describe how you want about your tasks, make sure that you mention your impact on others around you, and ensure that whatever you describe is a fit for the job description. This aspect cannot be underestimated. Employers know that applicants will put a lot of thought behind the content of their application letters, so if you are talking about things that are not an exact fit with the information about the role that has been supplied, the hiring manager may assume that you do not have the experience and move on to someone else.

Tell your stories but make sure that you include your impact on others and how you are a fit for the job in question.

The meat of your career experience should come in your resume, but the cover letter needs to convey enough personality and warmth that it warrants reading your resume again with a fresh pair of eyes. You want to create a feeling where the hiring manager wonders what it is like to work with you as part of their team. Inviting you to interview should be a no-brainer. Share some of the big projects that you have worked on. This offers a quantifiable insight into the sorts of situations that you can handle—if the work is from the same industry, it will show that you have the related experience to fall back on.

The aim of the body of your cover letter: Illustrate how you are going to improve life for everyone in the office.

The body of our cover letter example details the applicant's biggest accomplishments including data to back up the assertions. Bullet points break up the text.

Former roles as a production assistant for music events and office assistant within the exhibitions industry required me to lighten the load of my colleagues. No one had enough time to do anything apart from come up for air periodically. I worked alongside music directors, event managers, performers, and their entourage. I am proficient at communicating under pressure and pride myself in doing a great job, first time.

How to close an office assistant cover letter (conclusion and sign-off)

What would you say to someone if you wanted them to remember you? What overriding thought would you want someone to have as they sit in the interview with you? These considerations should be at the forefront of your mind as you craft the closing line of your application letter. How do you finish on a flourish? 

For an office assistant, a solid idea is to explain your motivation for going to work. The job is a highly demanding one and the employer will want to understand your motivations. There may be various reasons, but if they resonate with the rest of the letter it will make a powerful statement. 

Also, show that you are keen to take the next step in the interview process and say that you are hopeful that they might invite you to an interview. If you believe in your ability to do the job, this is not too presumptuous.

The aim of the cover letter conclusion: Finish on a positive note and show willing to take the next step. Include a Call To Action so there’s a specific connection to further discussion.

Mistakes to avoid with an office assistant cover letter

While concentrating on getting the context right is absolutely the right approach, you shouldn’t lose sight of some basic rules of job search. Here are three mistakes to avoid:

• ßDon’t over-promise. While you may well be in the earlier years of your career, it cannot be expected that office assistants are experts in everything. There is always an element of a learning process, so don’t profess to be some admin wizard. You won’t come across as being honest and it will sew doubt in the mind of the reader.
• Don’t get too personal. Maintaining a level of professional distance is important for any office assistant. While they should be personable and friendly, getting too personal can always lead to issues along the line. Show your future employer that you respect the invisible boundaries and don’t be too personal with your letter.
• Avoid formatting mistakes. This goes without saying, but check the grammar and formatting of your letter and resume. Attention to detail is a key requirement of the role and there is nothing more disappointing and telling than a spelling mistake.

Office assistant cover letter with no experience

An office assistant position is a great way to get your foot in the door in an industry. As an entry-level job hunter, how do you write a cover letter that will get the attention of hiring manager when you haven't had an office assistant job before? First, remember that hiring managers know they are filling an entry-level position. Then, think in terms of skills.

You have probably interacted with others to meet a group goal, taken responsibility for a project, held a part-time job or were a member of a team or club. All those experiences show your soft skills or those interpersonal and organizational skills that mean you know how to work with others to get the job done and how to take responsibility for your role.

If, as is our cover letter example writer, you are targeting a job in a specific industry, explain your interest in that type of company and show off the knowledge you have. 

Finally, do your research and express knowledge of your future employer, the company culture and its operational philosophy.

Key takeaways

• Show how you are the harmonious glue to hold the office relationships together.
• Portray yourself as being flexible and ready to take on any challenge.
• Make your application letter readable with a logical flow and structure.
• Demonstrate that you can be relied upon to solve the most challenging problems.
• Make your cover letter relevant to the industry and the company culture.

With resume.io, writing a powerful cover letter and resume is the first and critical step to securing your dream job. Entrust us with providing you with the best cover letter templates for your individual needs.

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12 Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Examples

Administrative Assistants are the backbone of any organization, adept at juggling multiple tasks, prioritizing, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. Similarly, your cover letter serves as the backbone of your job application, skillfully balancing your professional narrative, showcasing your ability to handle diverse responsibilities, and demonstrating your commitment to efficiency. In this guide, we'll explore the best cover letter examples for Administrative Assistants to help you to present a compelling case for your next role.

Cover Letter Examples

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The best way to start an Administrative Assistant cover letter is by grabbing the reader's attention immediately. Begin by addressing the hiring manager by name, if it's known. Then, introduce yourself and briefly mention the position you're applying for. You can also mention a notable achievement or experience that aligns with the job requirements. For example, "As an Administrative Assistant with over five years of experience in managing complex schedules and coordinating travel, I was excited to see your job posting for an Administrative Assistant." This approach shows that you're professional, experienced, and enthusiastic about the role.

Administrative Assistants should end a cover letter with a strong closing statement that reiterates their interest in the position and the value they can bring to the company. This could be something like, "I am excited about the opportunity to bring my unique skills and experience to your team and am confident that I can contribute significantly to your operations." Following this, it's important to express gratitude for the reader's time and consideration, such as, "Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my candidacy further." Lastly, end with a professional closing and your full name. "Sincerely" or "Best regards" are commonly used closings. If you're submitting a digital copy, include your contact information below your name. This ending leaves a positive, professional impression and opens the door for further communication.

An Administrative Assistant's cover letter should ideally be about one page in length. This is a standard length that allows you to succinctly present your skills, experiences, and qualifications without overwhelming the reader. It's important to remember that hiring managers often have to go through a large number of applications, so keeping your cover letter concise and to the point can increase the chances of it being read thoroughly. In terms of word count, aim for around 250 to 400 words. This should give you enough space to introduce yourself, explain why you're interested in the role and the company, and highlight your most relevant skills and experiences.

Writing a cover letter with no direct experience as an Administrative Assistant can seem challenging, but it's absolutely possible. Here's how you can approach it: 1. **Understand the role**: Research the role of an Administrative Assistant thoroughly. Understand the skills and qualities required for the job. This could include organizational skills, communication skills, proficiency in certain software, etc. 2. **Highlight transferable skills**: Even if you haven't worked as an Administrative Assistant before, you likely have skills from other jobs or experiences that are relevant. For example, if you've worked in customer service, you've likely developed strong communication and problem-solving skills. If you've worked in a fast-paced retail environment, you've likely honed your ability to multitask. Highlight these transferable skills in your cover letter. 3. **Show enthusiasm for the role**: Employers value candidates who are enthusiastic about the job. Express your interest in the role and the company, and explain why you're interested. This can help make up for a lack of direct experience. 4. **Provide examples**: Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills. For instance, if you're claiming to have strong organizational skills, provide an example of a time when you used these skills to achieve a positive outcome. 5. **Express willingness to learn**: If you don't have direct experience, showing a willingness to learn can be very appealing to employers. Make it clear that you're eager to learn and grow in the role. 6. **Keep it concise and professional**: Your cover letter should be no more than one page. Keep the tone professional, and proofread carefully to avoid any errors. 7. **Use the right format**: Start with a formal salutation, introduce yourself, explain why you're interested in the role and the company, highlight your relevant skills and experiences, and conclude with a strong closing statement. Remember, everyone starts somewhere. Even if you don't have direct experience, your unique combination of skills, experiences, and enthusiasm can make you a strong candidate for an Administrative Assistant role.

Related Cover Letters for Administrative Assistants

Executive assistant cover letter.

Office Administrator Cover Letter

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Virtual Assistant Cover Letter

Secretary Cover Letter

Receptionist Cover Letter

Administrative Aide Cover Letter

Administrative Assistant Intern Cover Letter

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Office Assistant Cover Letter Sample

The position of an office assistant varies in requirements and opportunities. An office assistant may be your entry position or a major change in your career. The competition is fierce between office assistant candidates, and you have to row down many candidates to apply for a certain position. 

A cover letter becomes an integral tool in the job search. Yet, there is a question: how to write a cover letter efficiently? The easiest answer is to apply for a professional cover letter writing service for assistance. Qualified resume writers will craft you a perfect cover letter and tailor it for any position. 

Following a detailed guide is another viable option. In this article, you will learn: 

• How to format your cover letter. 
• How to greet hiring managers and sign off. 
• What information to include in paragraphs, etc. 

Besides learning how to write a cover letter, the article will provide you with a practical office assistant cover letter sample so that you may use a template for your own cover letter. 

Office Assistant Cover Letter [Example] 

A cover letter for an Office Assistant follows the regular, professional cover letter format. The following example ticks off all the necessary blocks of an office assistant cover letter: 

[Your name]

[Contact number]

[Contact email]

[Hiring manager's name]

[Company address] 

[Company contact email] 

Dear Hiring Manager, 

I would like to submit my application for the office assistant job position at ABC company. My extensive knowledge of IT technologies and high interpersonal skills will help me fill this role. 

In my previous position in the Ocean Tech company, I provided customer support and consultation on many company products. One of my brightest accomplishments in the previous position is upgrading one of the app's ratings by 10%. 

I am well familiar with modern office software and have the necessary communication and organization skills to provide team members with regular updates. 

ABC's company mission to provide the best quality possible resonates with my personal ethics. I'm a determined and focused person who easily finds a common language with people within and outside the team. 

You will find more details in the attached resume to confirm that I meet all the requirements. I'm eager to meet you in person during an interview and clarify all the necessary details. 

Best Regard, 

Office Assistant Cover Letter Template 

The office assistant's cover letter structure follows the same rules as any modern cover letter. When you apply for an office assistant job, do not forget to include the following information in your cover letter: 

• Company contact information is in the heading.  
• Personalized greeting. 
• Interest in the position in introduction. 
• Actual work experience in the body. 
• Professional sign-off after the conclusion. 

This cover letter template is universal, and you may modify it for any specific job description. 

Ultimate Guide on How to Write an Office Assistant Cover Letter

Writing a decent cover letter may be a challenging task. You may modify a cover letter sample and even get decent results. However, a great cover letter may mean the difference between a simple interview and landing a rewarding Office Assistant position. 

The easiest solution is to get professional help from competent writers. Our specialists have the necessary skills and qualifications to meet any requirements and craft a winning cover letter. 

Authenticity is the key to a successful cover letter. Skillhub expert Perla Aroyo suggests the next tip: try to communicate your intentions honestly, and you will have the opportunity to show it during the real job task. 

This guide will show you how to convey authenticity through practical tools and methods. 

Stick to the Professional Cover Letter Formatting 

Cover letter formatting for an office assistant cover letter is a vital component. Professional formatting helps make a decision about giving you an interview opportunity. Poor formatting, on the contrary, may show you as an underqualified candidate for an office assistant position. 

Stick to the following parameters to make your document look professional: 

• 3-paragraph structure. 
• Use professional font: Georgia, Helvetica, Calibri. 
• 1.15 line spacing. 
• 1-inch margins. 

Cover Letter Heading 

A professional-looking cover letter heading will make a positive first impression on a hiring manager or even a hiring department team. When you are considering an office assistant job application, even such nuances as heading may contribute to your success.

An example of cover letter for office assistant at the beginning of the article has a proper heading structure, and the following example office assistant cover letter will provide more details on how to craft a professional heading. 

Cover Letter Sample for an Office Assistant [Heading] 

You may use the following cover letter sample office assistant as a template and modify it for any position.

Cover letter example for heading : 

[email protected]

Contact number: 555-555-555

Date and Company Details on Cover letter 

Putting the date of the letter submission and the company's contact details is another critical detail in your cover letter for an office assistant. This attention to detail will show a hiring manager that you are a reliable employee who knows how to do preliminary work. 

The following example of an office assistant cover letter expanded heading will show you how to format the company's address and other details.

Office Assistant Cover Letter Sample [Date and Company Details] 

You may apply this office assistant cover letter format as a template for your heading details: 

GreyTech Company

(208) 983-1522, 210 SE 5th St, Grangeville, Idaho(ID). 

Cover Letter Greeting 

A proper cover letter greeting helps to establish a connection with a potential employer right away. A personalized greeting in an office assistant cover letter will help you to stand out among other candidates and catch the attention of the hiring department. Therefore, you should address a hiring manager by their name. If you do not know it, then use the position or department. 

Cover Letter Example for Office Assistant [Greeting] 

A personalized cover letter greeting may be a small detail, but it may contribute to your career and help recruiters or recruiting firms make a decision to hire you

You may use any cover letter example for office assistant from the following list in your cover letter: 

• Dear John Doe. 
• Dear recruiter. 
• Dear Hiring Manager. 
• To whom it may concern. 

What to Include in an Office Assistant Cover Letter [Body] 

In the introductory paragraph of your cover letter for an office assistant, you have expressed your desire to work in the company. In the body paragraph, you need to provide your brightest accomplishments and qualifications to fit the position. 

An example of a cover letter for an Office Assistant at the beginning of the article may give you an image of a solid body paragraph for your cover letter. 

Office Assistant Cover Letter Sample [Body] 

Your resume is the primary source of your background information that is required for the job post. You may use a more straightforward, simpler approach in your cover letter, like in this Office Assistant cover letter sample: 

"I find a common language with different people easily, and my organization skills help keep the workflow running smoothly." 

Closing Paragraph for Cover Letter 

In the closing paragraph of your cover letter, you should emphasize your desire to get hired. The example of Office Assistant cover letter sample uses a call to action to close the paragraph. Besides the call to action, you may emphasize your skills, draw attention to your resume, or thank them for reading.

Office Assistant Cover Letter Example [Closing] 

There are many ways to close your office assistant cover letter, and a cover letter example for office assistant at the beginning of the article is only one option. In the closing paragraph, you may call for an interview, highlight your skills, or express gratitude for reading your cover letter. 

Office assistant cover letter samples for closing: 

• Thank you for your time and consideration. 
• I believe my qualifications and knowledge will contribute to the company's goals. 
• I hope to discuss this position in more detail during an interview. 

Demonstrate Your Skills Professionally 

You may find many qualitative office assistant cover letter examples and use them as a template. However, they still may fail to help you land an interview for the job application. The reason behind it may be poor ATS optimization. 

An applicant tracking system (ATS) is software that scans cover letters and resumes for necessary skills and work experiences. Ensure that an example of office assistant cover letter has good optimization for ATS bots before you use it. A bot-beating cover letter may secure you a position in the company. 

Key soft skills for an office assistant: 

• Written and oral communication. 
• Time management. 

Key hard skills for an office assistant: 

• Office software knowledge. 
• Organization skills. 
• Knowledge of the industry. 

Study the Company

A good source of the right keywords is the company to which you are applying. A company's mission, job description, and professional requirements are the basis for ATS system scanning requirements. A random cover letter example Office Assistant cannot predict particular words.  Therefore, spend some time preparing and learning all the accessible information about the company. 

Final Words 

Congratulations, now you know how to write a cover letter for an Office Assistant. With a cover letter for Office assistant example and detailed guidance, you will impress any hiring manager. Before submitting your cover letter, ensure that: 

• Your cover letter has professional formatting. 
• You have used appropriate keywords. 
• You have personalized the greeting. 
• You have used all the necessary company details. 

In case you do not have time to master cover letter writing, our professional resume writing service is ready to assist you. Our writers have the dedication and qualification to craft a winning cover letter for any office assistant position. 

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More Cover Letter Examples

Office Assistant Cover Letter Examples & Writing Tips

Use these Office Assistant cover letter examples and writing tips to help you write a powerful cover letter that will separate you from the competition.

Table of Contents

Office assistant cover letter example 1, office assistant cover letter example 2, office assistant cover letter example 3, office assistant cover letter example 4, office assistant cover letter writing tips.

Office assistants work in offices of all sizes and specialties. They take care of many administrative tasks like answering phones, filing, and typing.

Use the tips and examples below to craft a cover letter that gets you noticed by hiring managers and proves you’re the right person for the job.

I am very interested in this opportunity and believe that my education and employment background will make me a perfect candidate for the position.

I have been employed as an office manager in the past and know that this position needs someone like me that has the ability to prioritize and multitask. Working in the Corporate Hospitality industry has been the perfect training arena for me. Not only has it trained and prepared me for all types of experiences dealing with customer service, but also taught me how to think on my feet and become an expert problem solver.

When it comes to being trained on new computer programs I have to say that I am a quick learner. I love to be challenged and to learn new things. I do have a creative side and love working with PowerPoint to create presentations with animation and music.

Working and interacting with people, teamwork, problem-solving, and learning new things is what keeps me stimulated and engaged. I believe these qualifications, in addition to my positive outlook and capabilities in working well with others, will help your company attain its goals. I look forward to meeting with you to discuss the job position further.

My name is James Jones, I am interested in your Office Assistant position. My educational background and experience has given me the professional, instructional and computer skills essential to the position for which you are seeking placement.

Through educational training and employment, I have gained valuable experiences in instructional and administrative duties. I have acquired strong interpersonal skills by working with diverse groups in both asynchronous face-to-face learning environments and the workplace.

These experiences have provided me with opportunities to utilize and strengthen my versatility within these environments. I look forward to discussing how my training and experience can contribute to your company.

As a recent graduate from Siena College this past May with a GPA of 3.8, I feel that this position as an office assistant is a perfect fit for my qualifications. As you will find in my enclosed resume, I have been fortunate to gain a broad range of experience in several different employment areas. I believe that my skills will contribute significantly to your company.

I feel that many of my skills will permit me to be part of this growing company. My experience as a secretary of TVT Agencies has taught me to work successfully and independently to ensure the interest of the company. In addition, I am quick to learn and have a large background in dealing with the public through my past jobs as a trainer and interning as a counselor. As an English minor, I have acquired proficient written communication skills. Through my college education, I have also learned to be extremely organized and committed to my work.

I would like to thank you for considering me for this position and hope to hear from you.

I am writing to submit my application for the open Office Assistant position at Iowa Logistics. I am seeking a new job opportunity because I just relocated to the Cedar Rapids area due to my spouse’s job transition. When I reviewed the requirements for your opportunity, I became very interested because my skills and industry experience are aligned closely to them.

My most recent position was with Big Rig Transportation in Des Moines, Iowa. I was an Administrative Assistant that supported several company areas, including human resources, accounting, and operations. My primary responsibilities of each function included organizing and maintaining all manual and electronic filing systems, ordering and distributing supplies, writing and distributing large amounts of correspondence, recruiting new employees, and answering and distributing phone calls. Each of these responsibilities are also a part of your position’s job description.

Throughout my 10-year career at Big Rig, I didn’t limit myself to just traditional administrative duties. I filled in as a back-up dispatcher during peak business times or during vacations. During one weekend per month, I would come in and assist the shop in organizing their parts inventory and maintenance records. I also volunteered to write the quarterly newsletter and organize company events. I was able to learn about the business and be a team player through these experiences.

I believe the combination of my office administration experiences, computer skills, and ability to be a valuable team player meet many of your requirements. If you would like to arrange a meeting to discuss my background in greater detail, please contact me at (111) 111-1111, or email me at [email protected] . Thank you for your consideration and have a great day.

Highlight your communication skills

Managers want to hire office assistants who are good at communicating. You can use specific examples from previous jobs, internships, or extracurricular activities to highlight this skill. For instance, if you’ve handled a lot of phone calls for an organization or job you’ve held in the past, talk about how well you were able to communicate with people on the phone and what kind of results you achieved. If you have experience as a public speaker who has spoken before large groups such as peers or students, include it in your cover letter and explain how having that experience makes you a better fit for this particular job.

Show interest in the company

If you are applying for an office assistant position at a non-profit organization, highlight your philanthropic interests and how they align with the mission of that particular non-profit. If you are applying for an office assistant position at a corporation, showcase your knowledge of their products or services. In either case, it is essential that you convey genuine interest in the company and how they provide value to society.

Show that you’ll be a team player

The best office assistants are the ones who know how to work with everyone and get along with all office staff members. Show hiring managers that you’re a team player by highlighting your ability to work well with others. Here are some tips for showing off your teamwork skills:

• Include specific examples of how you’ve worked with coworkers in the past. For example, if you’ve led meetings or helped resolve conflicts between coworkers, include these in your cover letter.
• Talk about why working at this company will benefit not only yourself but also the organization as a whole; show them how they can expect their staff to play an even bigger role because of your presence there.

Proofread your cover letter

Office assistants must take care to present a professional image in all of their work. This means proofreading every document, including cover letters. Look over your cover letter carefully before submitting it to make sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors.

Business Analyst Cover Letter Examples & Writing Tips

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How To Write A Cover Letter For A Job In 2023 (With Examples)

• How To Write A Cover Letter
• When Is A Cover Letter Necessary
• Free Cover Letter Templates
• Cover Letter Mistakes To Avoid
• Cover Letter Tips
• How To Sell Yourself In A Cover Letter

Find a Job You Really Want In

Cover letters aren’t required with every application, but the majority of managers pay more attention to a candidate who includes a cover letter. This is especially so if you make an effort to tailor your letter to the specific position. It’s important not to just change the names and job positions, but also to show how your professional experience fits with the job.

A good cover letter greatly increases your chance of getting an interview. If you’re looking to write a cover letter, rework a letter that you have, or just want to know what’s involved in the job application process, then keep reading.

Key Takeaways:

A cover letter should be a maximum of one page long, with three to five paragraphs.

Before writing your cover letter, it’s important to reread the job description and include keywords from it.

Do research to figure out who you are addressing, and make sure to keep your greeting gender neutral if you don’t know.

Tailoring your resume to each job can help you stand out from other candidates.

What is a cover letter?

Why cover letters are important, how to write a cover letter, cover letter examples, cover letter template, do’s and don’ts in a cover letter, cover letter faq, expert opinion.

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A cover letter is a one-page document that describes your professional background, fitness for the role, and interest in the company. Cover letters are a way of introducing yourself to hiring managers in a more engaging way than resumes can.

While your resume spells out the “who, what, where, when” of your relevant experience, a cover letter fills in the “why” and “how.” A good cover letter not only expands on your resume’s accomplishments but also highlights the soft skills that make you an excellent person to work alongside.

While there are no official formatting guidelines for cover letters, hiring managers and recruiters do have certain expectations regarding structure, length, and content.

Writing a good cover letter is important because it is your chance to stand out from other potential candidates. Showing your personality while also matching the tone of the company will help recruiters to visualize how you could fit into the role.

Simply submitting a cover letter isn’t enough though. Each cover letter you write should be specifically tailored to the job you’re applying for (just like resumes). It’s essential that you show the reader that you’ve done your homework and understand exactly what function you’d be serving if hired. You do that by providing examples of past work experiences that directly relate to the responsibilities of the new job.

Cover letters are inherently unique based on who’s writing them and for what position. However, as a cover letter is a business letter, it has an expected format that it should follow. This is important because you want the hiring manager to be able to look over your cover letter quickly and understand your qualifications and interest in the position.

Here’s the standard way that a cover letter should be formatted and what to include:

The header. The header of your letter is where you should input all of the contact information for yourself and the hiring manager . Do you best to address it directly to the person who’ll be reading the letter — typically either the hiring manager or HR manager.

Traditionally, you should include both your name and address and the employer’s name and address. However, as the majority of applications are online, the employer’s address is often omitted. But a traditional cover letter’s heading would look like this:

Page Roman 444 Frog Rd. Marigold, TX, 10987 August 27th, 2021 Chris Morgan Marketing Manager New Media Company 833 Rune Rd. Marigold, TX, 10987

If you’re emailing your cover letter, you can simply include your name, telephone number, email address, and fewer address details (just your city and state will suffice). You can also include a zip code if you live in a big city with multiple zip codes.

Jessica Dancer jessica. dancer @email.email | (555)-444-3333 | Colombus, OH 43110

Be sure to use a professional-sounding email address that’s not associated with your current or past employer. It’s disrespectful to both your current employer and the company you’re applying to, and will likely hurt your chances of being invited for an interview.

The greeting or salutation. Traditionally, the best salutation would be to use Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name]. Make sure that you know the person’s gender when doing this, however, as you don’t want to misgender the hiring manager. Using “Dear [First Name] [Last Name]” is becoming more popular for this reason, patriotically among younger workers.

Dear Mr. Morgan, Dear Mrs. Smith Dear Ms. Conner

Avoid using generic greetings such as “To whom it may concern” as it’ll look like you didn’t bother to personalize the letter (even if you did.) That particular phrase has become somewhat controversial as well, so if you need to put a generic address — if you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, for instance — use something else, such as:

Dear Hiring Manager Dear [Department] Manager Dear [Title of the Person You’d Report to if Hired] Dear [Department] Hiring Team

Opening paragraph. The opening of your professional cover letter should instantly grab the attention of your reader . Try to lead off with one of your most relevant and impressive accomplishments.

Open strong . Open with a statement other than your name or stating your interest in the position. Lead with an interesting experience or achievement that directly relates to the new position.

Convey your personal value. There are always other qualified applicants with similar skills, so it is key to express why you personally would bring value to the organization. Give specific details as to the value you brought in a previous position, and how that could transfer to the new role.

Show your enthusiasm. Recruiters want to hire candidates who are excited about the position. Express enthusiasm and convey why you are passionate about the role. This is another opportunity to share a quick personal anecdote related to the job.

Keep it short. All of these points in your opening paragraph shouldn’t be more than a sentence or two each. You don’t want your introduction to be too long, as you want the reader to be able to quickly go through your cover letter.

As a Content Writer with a passion for travel and literature, I was thrilled to see the Senior Content Writer position open up at BookFly. My past experience driving organic traffic by 23% YoY to the travel website, XTravel, would translate perfectly into the position’s stated goals from the job description.

First body paragraph. Here is where you should really sell yourself across several areas. Showcase how your personality traits, such as being honest or having the ability to work under pressure, make you a good fit.

Emphasize transferable skills. Explain how the skills you’ve cultivated make you the perfect fit for the role. This can include collaborative work you’ve done in the past, a leadership role you had that drove results, or interpersonal skills.

Revisit the job description. Make sure to pull relevant skills from the job description and put them in your cover letter. If the hiring manager spent the time to list those skills, they’re going to be looking for candidates that have them.

It also helps with applicant tracking systems that may sift through cover letters looking for keywords.

Don’t skimp on personality traits. These are especially important if you don’t have a lot of experience. Desirable skills such as ambition, dedication, and getting work done on time are good for both entry-level positions and if you’re making a career change.

I have a passion for content creation and a deep understanding of the content cycle, from ideation to promotion. My years in the digital publishing world have crafted my ability to drive killer CTR and resonate with an audience. Not only did CTR jump by 2.1% in the months after I was brought on board, but it had a knock-on effect on social media engagement, which rose by 8% in the same time frame. I believe good content has its roots in good data. This is why while at Media Company I created a content-marketing dashboard to highlight KPIs like those mentioned above. The dashboard allowed us to take advantage of wins more rapidly and avoid repeating losses.

Second body paragraph. Just as an employer wants to know why you’d want the role, they also want to know why you’d want to work at their company. Do your research and learn more about the core values of the company. Discuss how they align with your own.

Check the company’s website but also start to explore LinkedIn for greater insights. Employers want to make sure that you fit into the overall culture, and this is also something you should consider for yourself. However you feel you fit into the work culture, explain to the recruiter why. Paint a picture of how you’ll be better from the company, and how the company will also benefit.

I thrive in a fast-paced environment and excel at creating structures from scratch. I spearheaded our SEO efforts, developing workflows and systems to ramp up content production from zero. BookFly’s commitment to core values of “collaboration and imagination” aligns with my own preferred approach to tackling projects and dreaming of big ideas.

Closing. The closing of your letter is your final impression to the hiring manager, and therefore should clearly express your eagerness to take on the position. You don’t need to rehash all of the accomplishments and skills highlighted in previous sections. Consider this more of a statement of intent.

First, express gratitude that they took the time to consider you for the job by making it all the way through your letter. Then, quickly remind them of the benefits that you can bring to the role and company.

Finally, your closing should state a clear call-to-action (CTA) for the recruiter to take next, such as calling you to schedule an interview. Being confident and direct at the end of your cover letter helps to close the deal.

I look forward to learning more about how the Senior Content Writer operates within BookFly and the current content process. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. Sincerely, Jessica Dancer

With thousands of cover letter templates on the internet, you want to make sure you choose the right one. Here’s a basic format of what a good cover letter will contain:

Jessica Dancer [email protected] | (555)-444-3333 | Colombus, OH 43110 Dear Mr. Morgan, As a Content Writer with a passion for travel and literature, I was thrilled to see the Senior Content Writer position open up at BookFly. My past experience driving organic traffic by 23% YoY to the travel website, XTravel, would translate perfectly into the position’s stated goals from the job description. I have a passion for content creation and a deep understanding of the content cycle, from ideation to promotion. My years in the digital publishing world have crafted my ability to drive killer CTR and resonate with an audience. Not only did CTR jump by 2.1% in the months after I was brought on board, but it had a knock-on effect on social media engagement, which rose by 8% in the same time frame. I believe good content has its roots in good data. This is why while at Media Company I created a content-marketing dashboard to highlight KPIs like those mentioned above. The dashboard allowed us to take advantage of wins more rapidly and avoid repeating losses. I thrive in a fast-paced environment and excel at creating structures from scratch. I spearheaded our SEO efforts, developing workflows and systems to ramp up content production from zero. BookFly’s commitment to core values of “collaboration and imagination” aligns with my own preferred approach to tackling projects and dreaming of big ideas. I look forward to learning more about how the Senior Content Writer operates within BookFly and the current content process. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. Sincerely, Jessica Dancer

If you’re putting the cover letter in an email, you can omit putting the contact information at the top and instead include it below your signature. You want to make sure to include your name, phone number, and LinkedIn link, as well as a professional portfolio , if applicable.

Dear hiring manager: I am writing about the position of veterinary receptionist at Pet Care Clinic posted on indeed.com. I am a certified dog trainer with both Petsmart and Petco, allowing me insight into animal behavior. I’m also an aspiring novelist , making me a fast, experienced typist as well as adept with Microsoft Word and Apple Pages. Since I’ve worked at pet stores for several years, I am familiar with different kinds of animal and animal care, as well as building a rapport with pet owners. While I enjoy working with animals and my coworkers, I would like to move into a business where I can continue to learn and build on my experience. I would also like to work for a smaller business. Veterinary medicine has always interested me, and I very much enjoy learning new things. I’m eager to learn more about it in order to help customers make the best choices for their pets. I’ve always enjoyed working with animals, even before I was able to get a job that allowed me to. I grew up with dogs and cats, so I’m comfortable and familiar with their behavior. Being a pet owner myself, I’m able to understand what customers are looking for in a veterinary clinic and tailor the experience to their needs. Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Michelle Bolivar Email: [email protected] Phone: (555) 545-9706

[your contact information] [date] Dear [Hiring Manager], I’m writing to apply for the open [position] at [company] that you posted [place job ad was found]. I believe that my [relevant experience] would be an excellent fit with [company name]. I have long been interested in [specific industry/department], and particularly your company because [why you’re interested in the company/awards they have won/accomplishments]. That experience and [relevant skills] that I’ve cultivated as a [current position] for [time worked in position or industry] will be an asset to the company as it’ll make me effective [at the job/particular aspect of the job]. The [responsibilities required in the job description] will be a [challenge/interesting task] and I look forward to making use of my [relevant skills]. I excel at [working with a team/working alone] and I want to use my expertise to further [company’s] success. I am excited about the possibilities this position holds, and I believe that my qualifications ensure I’d be an asset to your team. I look forward to being able to further discuss the details of the position and my qualifications with you in an interview. Please let me know if you require further information from me. Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, [Your name] [Your contact information (if it’s an email)

Knowing the proper format of a cover letter is the most important factor, of course, but there are some additional dos and don’ts that if you follow can make your cover letter better. It’s during the editing process, it’s important to go over and make sure that you haven’t made any common mistakes that’ll hurt your chances.

Here are 10 dos and don’ts for writing a good cover letter:

Do’s:

Do start by scanning the original job posting for keywords you can include in your letter.

Do be proud of your accomplishments and make sure to highlight them.

Do clearly express why you would be an asset to the organization.

Do tailor your cover letter to every hiring manager and position that you apply for.

Do try to find unique experiences, but make sure to always discuss measurable and relevant results.

Don’ts:

Don’t feel the need to lie about your skills or accomplishments. One of the worst mistakes to make is being caught in a lie.

Don’t copy and paste a template and only change your name and job titles. Recruiters will not see the value in a plug-in-play cover letter that has been used by multiple applicants.

Don’t forget to be direct and include a call to action.

Don’t make your cover letter too long. Similar to your resume, you want the reader to sum up who you are and get a quick explanation of why you’re a good fit.

Don’t forget to proofread. Grammatical errors on a cover letter and resume are a quick way to get your packet in the “no pile”.

What do you write in a cover letter?

In a cover letter, you should mostly write about impressive accomplishments from past jobs or academic experiences that relate to the job you’re applying for.

What is the purpose of cover letter?

The purpose of a cover letter is to help a hiring manager see why your background makes you suitable for the role in question. While a resume lists achievements, educational background , and skills , it doesn’t give the reader an idea of your actual expertise or personality.

A cover letter allows you to share your approach to work, as well as your ability to communicate your value effectively. A good cover letter makes it easy for a reader to think “I could imagine this person working for us.”

How do you write a simple cover letter?

To write a simple cover letter, start with the header and greeting we outlined above. Next, state your interest in the position (give the exact job title as listed in the job description) and mention your years of industry/job experience.

To keep your cover letter simple, you can now briefly mention in 1-2 sentences or 3-4 bullet points what parts of your background are most important for the hiring manager.

Finally, thank the reader for considering your application, and sign off as usual (e.g., “Sincerely, [full name]”).

What is the best way to start a cover letter?

The best way to start a cover letter is with an accomplishment that speaks directly to your ability to provide value for the company. Other good strategies include describing your long-standing passion for the field, mentioning an important reference at the company, or referring specifically to challenges the company is currently facing.

Do you introduce yourself in a cover letter?

No, you do not introduce yourself in a cover letter. By that we mean you do not say “My name is so-and-so” — you simply jump into your background and why you’re interested in the position.

Your name can be found at the bottom of the cover letter, as well as the header, your email address, and your resume, so there’s no need to force it awkwardly into your cover letter’s opening.

How do you end a cover letter?

To end a cover letter, thank the reader for their time and/or consideration, express enthusiasm for further correspondence and conversation, and sign off with a standard closing like “Sincerely.”

How long should a cover letter be?

A cover letter should be a maximum of one page long, with three to five paragraphs. Half a page is the shortest that your cover letter should be.

Harvard Business Review — How to Write a Cover Letter

University of Washington — Writing the Cover Letter

What’s a quick cover letter tip?

Michael Akbar Vice President Certified Professional Career Coach

Use your six seconds to show the employer in a tailored cover letter and resume that you understand their pain and will make their lives better if put in the position.

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Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

Matt Warzel a President of a resume writing firm (MJW Careers, LLC) with 15+ years of recruitment, outplacement, career coaching and resume writing experience. Matt is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing Focus) from John Carroll University.

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Professional Office Manager Assistant Cover Letter Examples for 2024

Your office manager assistant cover letter should instantly demonstrate your proficiency in organization and communication. Highlight your ability to streamline office operations effectively. Moreover, in your cover letter, emphasize your experience with scheduling, correspondence, and team support. Your role is pivotal; let your reliability and multitasking skills shine through.

Cover Letter Guide

Office Manager Assistant Cover Letter Sample

Cover Letter Format

Cover Letter Salutation

Cover Letter Introduction

Cover Letter Body

Cover Letter Closing

No Experience Office Manager Assistant Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

Writing an office manager assistant cover letter can be daunting, especially when you're deep into job applications and realize it's a crucial piece of your application puzzle. Your cover letter shouldn't be an echo of your resume; it's your stage to spotlight a crowning professional achievement through an engaging narrative. Aiming for formal yet fresh, sidestepping clichés, and keeping it to one page, let's embark on crafting a cover letter that captures more than just your work history.

• Create a office manager assistant cover letter to persuade the recruiters you're the best candidate for the role;
• Use industry-leading office manager assistant cover letter templates and examples to save time;
• Dedicate your office manager assistant cover letter space to your best achievement;
• Make sure your office manager assistant cover letter meets recruiters' expectations and standards.

Avoid starting at the blank page for hours by using Enhancv's AI - just upload your resume and your office manager assistant cover letter will be ready for you to (tweak and) submit for your dream job.

If the office manager assistant isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:

• Office Manager Assistant resume guide and example
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Office Manager Assistant cover letter example

Ava Johnson

Charlotte, North Carolina

+1-(234)-555-1234

[email protected]

• Highlighting relevant project experience, such as the digitization of client records, showcases a history of taking on significant tasks and successfully managing them which is essential for administrative roles that require handling of data and records.
• Emphasizing results, like the reduction of user error by 30%, demonstrates an ability to not only undertake projects but also to improve processes and efficacy, which is crucial in administrative positions.
• Expressing a willingness to discuss alignment with the team's goals serves as a call to action, showing proactive engagement and a readiness to contribute positively to the company's objectives.

Five tips on formatting your office manager assistant cover letter

Do you want to make a good impression on recruiters and, at the same time, follow the best industry advice on writing your office manager assistant cover letter?

Make sure to include the following:

• Header and Salutation;
• Introductory paragraph;
• Body paragraph;
• Closing paragraph;
• Signature (this one is up to you).

Remember to use the same modern, simple font for your office manager assistant cover letter as you did for your resume (e.g. Lato, Rubik, etc.)

Ensure your office manager assistant cover letter is single-spaced and is wrapped around a one-inch margin, like in our cover letter templates .

Once completed, use our cover letter builder to export your office manager assistant cover letter in the best format to keep your information intact - PDF.

At the end of the day, your office manager assistant cover letter won't be assessed by the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) software, but by the recruiters. Your information should thus be legible, organized, and follow a structured logic.

The top sections on a office manager assistant cover letter

Header: Including your contact information at the top of the cover letter ensures the recruiter knows who you are and how to easily get in touch with you for an interview.

Greeting: A personalized greeting shows you’ve done your research to find the hiring manager’s name, reflecting your attention to detail—a crucial skill for an office manager assistant.

Introduction: In this section, clearly state your interest in the office manager assistant position and give a brief overview of your most relevant experience, demonstrating you understand the role's responsibilities.

Body: Use this section to expand on your administrative skills, experience with office management software, and any relevant accomplishments that showcase your ability to support office operations effectively, which is essential for an office manager assistant.

Closing: Finish your cover letter by reiterating your interest in the position, thanking the recruiter for their consideration, and expressing your eagerness to bring your organizational and support skills to the role, leaving a professional and memorable impression.

Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter

• Exceptional organizational skills: Vital for managing schedules, office supplies, and documents, ensuring efficient office operations.
• Proficiency in office software: Necessary for creating documents, managing databases, and handling correspondence, which are daily tasks for an assistant.
• Excellent communication abilities: Important for interacting with clients and colleagues, both written and verbally, to ensure clear and effective information exchange.
• Time management expertise: Crucial for prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and managing the office manager's busy schedule.
• Proactive problem-solving approach: Essential for identifying and addressing issues before they escalate, keeping the office workflow smooth.
• Strong attention to detail: Required for error-free document preparation, event coordination, and managing complex schedules without oversights.

The office manager assistant cover letter salutation: how to address hiring managers

After covering the format of your office manager assistant cover letter, let's look at the salutation.

Back in the day, the cordial "To whom it may concern" or "Dear Sir/Madam", might have worked out fine.

But, nowadays, your cover letter should approach hiring managers on a more personal basis.

So, what to do about your cover letter salutation ?

If you've messaged the recruiters and are on a first name basis or a more formal one, use the hiring manager's name in the greeting (e.g. "Dear Sophie," "Dear Ms. Givens", or "Dear Mr. Everett,").

Always aim to make the effort to find out the name of the hiring manager, who'd be assessing your application. Search on LinkedIn, double-check the advert on the corporate website, or message the brand on social media to find out more about the role.

If you can't find the hiring manager's name (and still want to sound professional), use "Dear HR Team,", "Dear Hiring Manager,", or the likes.

List of salutations you can use

• Dear Hiring Manager,
• Dear [Company Name] Team,
• Dear [Department Name] Leader,
• Dear Ms. [Last Name],
• Dear Mr. [Last Name],
• Dear Dr. [Last Name],

Your office manager assistant cover letter intro: showing your interest in the role

On to the actual content of your office manager assistant cover letter and the introductory paragraph .

The intro should be no more than two sentences long and presents you in the best light possible.

Use your office manager assistant cover letter introduction to prove exactly what interests you in the role or organization. Is it the:

• Company culture;
• Growth opportunities;
• Projects and awards the team worked on/won in the past year;
• Specific technologies the department uses.

When writing your office manager assistant cover letter intro, be precise and sound enthusiastic about the role.

Your introduction should hint to recruiters that you're excited about the opportunity and that you possess an array of soft skills, e.g. motivation, determination, work ethic, etc.

What to write in the middle or body of your office manager assistant cover letter

Here's where it gets tricky.

Your office manager assistant cover letter body should present you in the best light possible and, at the same time, differ from your resume.

Don't be stuck in making up new things or copy-pasting from your resume. Instead, select just one achievement from your experience.

Use it to succinctly tell a story of the job-crucial skills and knowledge this taught you.

Your office manager assistant cover letter is the magic card you need to further show how any organization or team would benefit from working with you.

Ending your office manager assistant cover letter: a closing paragraph with a promise

If you're thinking of finishing your office manager assistant cover letter with a "Sincerely yours" or "Thanks for the consideration," you need to read on.

End the final paragraph of your office manager assistant cover letter with a twist:

• a promise - of how you'd grow as a professional, part of the company, or improve organizational metrics;
• a call to action - prompt interviewers with some follow-up actions if they are interested in your profile.

A personalized ending would surely help you to stand out by being a memorable candidate.

Is it beneficial to mention that you have no experience in your office manager assistant cover letter?

Lacking professional experience isn't the end of the world for your office manager assistant cover letter .

Just be honest that you may not have had roles in the industry, but bring about so much more.

Like, your transferable skills, attained thanks to your whole work and life experience (e.g. the skills your summer spent working abroad taught you).

Or, focus on what makes you, you, and that one past success that can help you stand out and impress recruiters (think of awards you've attained and how they've helped you become a better professional).

Alternatively, write about your passion and drive to land the job and the unique skill set you would bring to enhance the workplace culture.

Key takeaways

Creating your office manager assistant cover letter should be a personalized experience for the role and the recruiter, where you:

• Format your cover letter using the same ATS-friendly font (e.g. Railway) as you did for your resume;
• Greet recruiters, using their name, and follow up with two sentences to introduce yourself, your interest in the role, and to stand out;
• Map out one key success from your career (or life) that has taught you job-crucial skills;
• Substitute your lack of experience with an achievement from your internships, degrees, or volunteering gigs;
• End with a promise for your potential or your availability for an interview.

Cover letter examples by industry

AI cover letter writer, powered by ChatGPT

Enhancv harnesses the capabilities of ChatGPT to provide a streamlined interface designed specifically focused on composing a compelling cover letter without the hassle of thinking about formatting and wording.

• Content tailored to the job posting you're applying for
• ChatGPT model specifically trained by Enhancv
• Lightning-fast responses

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Jobscan > Cover Letter Writing Guide

How To Write A Cover Letter in 2024 (Expert Tips and Examples)

Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to write a cover letter that will get you noticed by recruiters.

Trusted by:

A survey revealed that 77% of recruiters prefer candidates who send in a cover letter, even if submitting it is optional. Additionally, 90% of executives consider cover letters invaluable when assessing job candidates.

So, if you think cover letters are no longer important and necessary in 2024, think again.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you write a cover letter that effectively sells your skills and professional experience, increases your chances of getting interviews, and gets your foot in the door.

Table of Contents

What is a cover letter and do you still need one in 2024?

A cover letter is a letter of introduction accompanying your resume that paints why you are the best person for the job, what you bring to the table, and how you can help move the company forward.

Is the cover letter dead? No! In fact, a recent study by ResumeLab revealed that 64% of job vacancies still require that you include a cover letter in your application and 83% of HR pros said that cover letters are important for their hiring decision.

The bottom line is that a cover letter is still a valuable piece of your job search collateral. Nail your cover letter and you could end up getting that dream job.

So what exactly do you need to accomplish in your cover letter?

What is the purpose of a cover letter?

According to 49% of HR managers , your cover letter is the second best way to call attention to your resume and distinguish yourself from other applicants.

So the main purpose of your cover letter is to compel the recruiter to read more about you on your resume and move you to the next part of the hiring process.

Further, according to award-winning resume expert Melanie Denny , your cover letter is your value proposition letter. It proves why you are the best candidate to address the company’s needs with the professional skills and qualifications to succeed in the job.

Here’s an example of a great cover letter:

Now let’s get into the details of what your cover letter needs to include.

Cover Letter Structure Checklist

Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to include in your cover letter.

• Contact Details Name Address (or City, State with zip code) Phone number Email address
• Greeting Whenever possible, address the hiring manager by name.
• Opening Who are you? What are your relevant skills and accomplishments?
• Body (1-2 paragraphs) What do you know about the company? Why are you applying for this job? What value can you bring to the company? Include measurable results when possible.
• Closing Reiterate your interest. Add a Call to Action. Mention any attachments. Use a professional sign-off like “Best” or “Sincerely” before your full name.

Here’s an example for the visual learners out there:

Now that you know the basics of what to include in your cover letter, let’s go through the process from start to finish to see how you can write a cover letter that will make you stand out from the rest of the candidates.

How to write a cover letter in 9 steps

It can be intimidating to try to parse down all your best qualities into a few quick paragraphs for your cover letter.

Here are 9 steps you can take to make sure you’re headed in the right direction:

Step 1. Do your research

Before writing your cover letter, thoroughly read the job description and the requirements for the job.

Melanie Denny , award-winning resume expert, likens the job description to your cover letter cheat sheet. And when checking the job description, she says you need to consider the following:

• What are the company’s priorities?
• What are their goals for the role?
• What outcomes and accomplishments in your previous roles match the goals?
• What are the key phrases and verbiage the company uses?

This will help you customize your cover letter, angle yourself and your narrative to fit the role better, and impress the hiring manager.

Try reaching out to the recruiter, hiring manager, or someone working in the company if you want more in-depth information about the company and the position you are applying for.

Step 2. Customize your cover letter for every job

Make sure your cover letter matches the job you are applying for. Writing a generic cover letter is a missed opportunity as this will not appeal to the recruiter or hiring manager. According to research from ResumeGo , 81% of HR professionals value job-specific cover letters over generic ones. Jobseekers who had tailored cover letters received a 53% higher callback rate compared to those who had no cover letter.

Remember, your cover letter is your chance to prove that you are passionate about working for a given company, so take the time to write a tailored cover letter for each position . You can do this by mentioning your skills and experience that are directly related to what’s mentioned in the job description. If you’re applying for a data analyst role that requires expertise in Microsoft Power BI, cite an example of a Power BI dashboard you built and how it helped the company.

Read our full guide: How to Optimize Your Cover Letter

Step 3. Include all of your contact info

You should make it easy for the hiring manager to reach you. In your cover letter, list these three things:

• Address (including zip code– for ATS purposes )
• Phone number with area code
• Email address
• Name of the Hiring Manager
• Name of the Company
• Address of the Company

Traditionally, your contact information is included in the upper left corner of your cover letter if you’re writing in a document. If you’re writing an email, this can be included beneath your signature at the end of the message.

Cover Letter Header Example:

Jane Jobscan Seattle, WA 98101 (555) 555-5555 • [email protected] linkedin.com/in/jane-jobscan

February 25, 2024

Lavinia Smith Hiring Manager Media Raven, Inc. Plantersville, MS 38862

Step 4. Address your cover letter to a real person

According to Melanie Denny, resume expert and President of Resume-Evolution, addressing your cover letter to a real person and addressing them by their name feels more personal and shows recruiters and hiring managers that you took time and did the research.

You can usually find the hiring manager’s name by searching the company website or LinkedIn profile, or by calling the company and asking which hiring manager is assigned to the particular position.

Once you learn the name, a simple greeting of “John” or “Hello John” is all you need.

If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, you can use any of the following:

• Dear Hiring Manager
• Dear (Department) Team
• To whom it may concern

Read our full guide: How to Address a Cover Letter

Step 5. Write a strong opening statement

Melanie Denny suggests that you start your cover letter with a bang. This will hook the hiring manager’s interest and show them how you can be a valuable addition to the team.

Here are things you can do:

• Open with a thought-provoking question
• Make a big claim about what you can do for the company
• Say something relevant and specific to the company

For example,

“I want to bring the marketing department of Media Raven Inc. to the next level and help the company exceed goals and reach more customers as Marketing Manager.”

Step 6. Prove how your professional background and skills help the company in the body of your cover letter

Take advantage of this real estate and prove to the prospective employer how your background, values, and professional experiences position you as the best fit for what the role requires.

This is especially important if you are switching careers. Highlight your relevant accomplishments in your cover letter, showcase your transferable skills, and explain how you can help the company address its challenges and succeed.

For example:

“As the Director of Marketing at ABC Company since 2018, I directed all phases of both the creative and technical elements of marketing initiatives, including data mining, brand creation, print/web collateral development, lead generation, channel partner cultivation, customer segmentation/profiling, as well as CRM and acquisition strategies.

Perhaps most importantly, I offer a history of proven results, as evidenced by the following marketing accomplishments for my current employer:

• Captured a 28% expansion in customer base since 2018, achieved during a period of overall decline in the retail industry.
• Led national marketing campaign (comprised of trade shows, media, and PR initiatives) for my company’s newly launched technology services division
• Developed and executed SEO strategy that achieved and sustained top 3 rankings on Google (organic, nonpaid results) for key product search terms.
• Oversaw the creation of a new company logo and rebranded 100+ products to cement a cohesive corporate identity and support new company direction.”

Just like when writing a resume, your cover letter should only include the most relevant and positive information about you. To home in on the right skills and qualifications to mention, try scanning your cover letter .

Read our full guide: What Do You Put in a Cover Letter?

Step 7. Write a strong closing statement and a call to action

Use the closing of your cover letter to:

• Thank the hiring manager for their time
• Mention any attachments (resume, portfolio, samples)
• Invite to schedule an interview
• Let the hiring manager know that you will follow up

Keep the closing professional and try not to sound too eager since that can come off as desperate. You must also keep in mind the tone and personality of the company you’re communicating with.

“Given the opportunity, I’m confident I can achieve similar groundbreaking marketing results for Media Raven, Inc.

Ms. Smith, I would welcome the chance to discuss your marketing objectives and how I can help you attain them. Feel free to call me at (555) 555-5555 or email me at [email protected] to arrange a meeting. I look forward to speaking with you.”

Read our full guide: How to End a Cover Letter With a Call to Action

Step 8. End with a professional closing salutation

To finish out the closing , use a formal signature. You can use “Sincerely,” “Best,” “Regards,” “Yours,” or any other professional signoff.

Use your first and last name as your signature. If you’re sending your cover letter in the body of an email, make sure it’s your personal email account that does not list your current work signature beneath the email. Your other option is to write the cover letter in a word document, save it as a PDF, and attach it to your email.

Step 9. Optimize your cover letter for the ATS

The Applicant Tracking System or the ATS is a software that companies use to screen applications and shrink their pool of applicants. Through the ATS database, a recruiter or hiring manager can just search for specific skills and keywords and the ATS will return a list of the top candidates who match the search criteria.

To optimize your cover letter for ATS, you need to:

• Carefully read the job description
• Take note of skills and resume keywords frequently mentioned
• Incorporate these keywords into your cover letter

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How to Format Your Cover Letter

A cover letter is a letter, but that doesn’t mean you should just plop everything onto the page in a stream-of-consciousness flow. After all, cover letter formats determine the order in which the hiring manager learns about you, which can significantly influence their first impression. Use the format order below as a guideline for building the structure of your cover letter.

Notice how the topics flow like a conversation? When you first meet someone, you introduce yourself, tell them your name and a little about yourself, and then leave the conversation open for future meetings.

Your cover letter is just a like having a conversation with someone for the first time. Keeping that in mind will help you to keep things simple and focus on the right information.

Below are some examples of how to format your cover letter for different types of applications.

How to format your cover letter for a job

• State your name
• Explain your work history
• Tell them what you can do for their company
• Say goodbye

How to format your cover letter for an internship

• Explain your coursework history and education
• Explain what you can gain professionally

How to format your cover letter with no experience

• Explain your skillset and character qualities that make you well-suited for the role
• Outline entry-level achievements

You can also check out our cover letter templates to help you as you write your own cover letter.

Do you want to save time and receive instant feedback on your cover letter? Check out Jobscan’s cover letter tool .

Read more : How to Write a Resume for Today’s Job Market

Cover Letter Examples

Here are some examples to help you create a cover letter that will make you stand out and give a strong first impression.

1. Internship Cover Letter Example

2. Career Change Cover Letter Example

3. Operations Manager Cover Letter Example

4. Communications Professional Cover Letter Example

5. Software Engineer Cover Letter Example

Cover Letter Do’s and Don’ts

Aside from the basic steps of how to write a cover letter, there are some things you definitely need to make sure you avoid – and things you can’t skip! Follow these do’s and don’ts for writing a cover letter, and you’ll end up with a much better result.

• Use a cover letter unless one was requested.
• Attach a cover letter directly to your resume unless requested to do so.
• Use the same boilerplate cover letter for multiple job applications.
• Over-explain your work history, employment gaps, or qualifications – save it for the interview.
• Badmouth any of your past employers.
• Use the cover letter to complain or tell about your job search journey.
• Use non-standard formatting like tables, columns, or graphics. (ATS can’t read those and your cover letter copy might not be scannable by the system.)
• Use long paragraphs.
• Customize a cover letter for every job application that asks for one.
• Incorporate the top skills or keywords from the job description in your cover letter.
• Include the company name and address, the job title, and point of contact’s name on your cover letter.
• Incorporate relevant and compelling measurable results in your cover letter.
• Explain, briefly, any dramatic shifts in a career (i.e. you are changing industries or job titles).
• Use company information to relate your interest in the job.
• Keep your cover letter concise.
• Convey WHY you are right for the position.

More Cover Letter Tips

• When emailing your cover letter, be strategic with your subject line. Never leave the subject line blank, and double-check for specific instructions in the job posting. If possible, use the email subject line to sell yourself. For example: “Experienced Software Engineer Seeks Senior Level Mobile Position.”
• Keep your cover letter brief and to the point. The hiring manager will be reading many cover letters. By carefully selecting your words and experiences to include, you can stand out from the crowd of applicants.
• Be confident. Let the hiring manager know the reasons why you deserve this position, and make yourself believe them too!
• Your cover letter should not be simply a rephrasing of your resume. Let your personality show and go into further detail about your most valuable skills and experiences.
• Do your research on the company and position before writing the cover letter. It should be customized to that specific company’s values and needs. Hiring managers can spot a generic resume from a mile away.
• Use the job posting as your guide for what topics, skills, and experience to focus on.
• The best cover letters include keywords from the job posting. Applicant tracking systems may scan your cover letter along with your resume and will be using these keywords to sort through the applicants.
• Check for spelling and grammar errors.
• Send your cover letter as a PDF to avoid readability issues and to present the most professional application package.
• Scan Your Cover Letter with Jobscan to make sure you’re checking all the boxes.

Optimize Your Cover Letter with Jobscan’s Cover Letter Scanner

In addition to resume scans, Jobscan Premium users can also scan their cover letters against a job description.

This generates a report of the top hard skills and soft skills found in the job description that should be included in your cover letter, plus additional checks for optimal length, contact information, measurable results, and more.

Here’s how it works:

Key Takeaways

Your cover letter gives recruiters, hiring managers, and prospective employers an overview of your professional qualifications and relevant accomplishments that position you as the best candidate for the job.

So you have to make your cover letter powerful and interesting enough to make the recruiter or hiring manager read your resume and move you to the next step of the hiring process.

Here are key pointers when writing your cover letter.

• Make sure you’ve read the job description and done your research about the company.
• Get to know the name of the recruiter or hiring manager so you can address your cover letter properly.
• Include relevant and measurable accomplishments in the body of your cover letter to prove to the hiring manager that you have what it takes to succeed in the job.
• Keep your cover letter short and concise.
• Your cover letter is not a substitute for your resume so don’t just copy and paste whatever is in your resume into your cover letter.

One last important reminder!

Having a strong cover letter is not enough. You also need to create a killer resume to make sure you stand out and land job interviews.

Learn more about writing a cover letter

How to Address a Cover Letter

10 Tips for Writing a Cover Letter

The Career Change Cover Letter: How to Get it Right

What Do You Put in a Cover Letter?

Is Your Cover Letter Robot-Approved?

How to End a Cover Letter with a Call to Action

Frequently asked questions, what are the different types of cover letters.

There are four types of cover letters.

• Application cover letter An application cover letter is what you send to the recruiter or hiring manager along with your resume.
• Prospecting cover letter You send this when you want to inquire prospective employers about open positions in their company or put yourself top-of-mind when they do decide to hire.
• Networking cover letter You will send this to professionals in your network in hopes of getting referrals, introductions, job search advice, and job opportunities.
• Career change cover letter This is what you send when you are switching careers or industries.

What tense should I use when writing a cover letter?

It can be appropriate to change tenses throughout your cover letter.

For example, you can explain who you are in the present tense and explain important aspects of your work history in the past tense. You can switch to future perfect tense when discussing the ways you would perform if given the position.

Think of it like this, “I am ABC, I did XYZ previously, and I look forward to doing EFG in this position.”

What to include in a cover letter

Our cover letter guidelines above explain how to write a cover letter more deeply, but in summary, you should always include your name, relevant work experience, and reasons why you are right for the job in your cover letter.

When not to include a cover letter

• When the job posting clearly states not to include a cover letter
• When you don’t have the time and energy to customize your cover letter. It’s better not to send a cover letter than to send a half-baked and mediocre one.
• When you are applying online and there is no field to upload your cover letter.
• When your cover letter has a lot of typos and errors.

What should you send first: a cover letter or a resume?

Typically, your cover letter and resume will be sent as a pair, but your cover letter is meant to be an introduction to your resume. If it is an email, use the cover letter in the body and attach your resume, otherwise, attach both.

Pro Tip: Be sure to review all instructions in the job description to follow the hiring manager’s requests.

How long should a cover letter be?

According to 70% of recruiters, a cover letter should not exceed 250 to 300 words.

Although there is no hard and fast rule about this, the ideal cover letter length should be around half a page to one full page in length to keep your message concise, clear, and easy to digest.

Should a cover letter be sent as a file attachment?

If it is not specified in the job posting, a cover letter can be sent either as an attachment (PDF is best) or in the body of an application email with your resume attached.

How to share a cover letter with a potential employer

There are several methods of sharing a cover letter with potential employers, depending on their application process.

Cover letters can be written on a document and turned into a PDF to be uploaded to a job application website or attached to an email along with your resume.

In other cases, your cover letter can simply be written in the email message to a hiring manager, with your resume attached.

How to title and save your cover letter

The key in every aspect of job applications is to make yourself an easy “yes” for your potential employer. That means making it easy for the hiring manager to keep track of your application materials for later review. With this in mind, make sure your full name and the phrase “cover letter” are included in the file label. Other helpful details might include the job title you’re applying for or the year of your application.

Here are a few examples:

• Your Name_Cover Letter_Job Title.pdf
• Cover Letter_Your Name_Job Title.pdf
• Job Title_Your Name_Cover Letter.pdf
• Your Name_Cover Letter_2024.pdf
• Cover Letter_Your Name_2024.pdf

Explore more cover letter resources

Cover Letter Formats

ATS-Optimized Cover Letter

Cover Letter Templates

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