Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Examples & Templates

No experience? No problem! If you’re applying for your first job as an administrative assistant or changing industries to the administrative field, be sure to highlight any transferable skills like communication, problem-solving, teamwork and adaptability from your previous roles.  Add experiences such as school activities, clubs and associations, community service, internships and accomplishments to emphasize your qualities and distinguish yourself from other candidates.

Yes, a cover letter fills in the blanks from the keywords included in your resume and personalizes your application to the hiring managers. Cover letters tell hiring managers who you are and show your interest in the role you’re applying to. It can help you stand out from the candidate pool, show your strong knowledge and relevant skills and provide the opportunity to explain career gaps, recent moves to another geographic location or a career move. 

Your administrative assistant cover letter should be concise and not exceed one page in length. Your letter should include:

1. A few sentences introducing yourself (one paragraph). Include an overview of your credentials, years of experience and a few skills that make you an ideal candidate for the role.
2. Follow your introduction with information addressing the employer’s requirements for the job (two to three paragraphs). Add examples of your skills and experience that relate to the job opening and demonstrate why you’re uniquely qualified for it.
3. Conclude your cover letter with a call to action (one paragraph). Express your enthusiasm for the job and eagerness to further discuss the job opportunity, inviting the recruiter to get in touch with you for an interview.

Remember, writing a cover letter is a valuable step toward landing the interview, where you’ll have a chance to talk about your career. So take advantage of this opportunity!

The role of an administrative assistant varies widely from company to company. Some assistant positions are entry-level and provide basic customer service and support duties such as:

• Answering phones.
• Greeting visitors.
• Filing documents and contracts.
• Handling correspondence.
• Scheduling meetings, appointments, and events.

Executive-level positions require more sophisticated administrative assistant cover letters and resumes since executive assistants perform more advanced duties, including preparing reports, interacting with boards of directors, researching issues and supervising other support staff. 

While most administrative assistant positions are full-time, part-time and virtual assistant jobs are becoming increasingly available.

The education, training and resume for an administrative assistantcan vary depending on the employer, experience and specific job requirements. Most administrative assistants need to have at least a high school education and basic computer, office and grammar skills.

A variety of technical and vocational schools and community colleges also offer training for administrative assistant and clerical positions. Executive administrative assistants often hold bachelor’s degrees in areas such as business administration or management and have worked extensively in support and clerical fields.

Many employers will waive educational requirements for a corresponding number of years of experience in administrative support, so be sure that your administrative assistant cover letter and resume include all of your relevant experience, work history and training.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for most administrative assistants is $35,330, with the top 10% earning more than $57,000. Executive administrative assistants earn more, with a median salary topping $47,500.

Finding the best administrative assistant position to suit your own educational and work background while meeting your salary needs takes some research and planning. However, administrative assistants can work in nearly every industry including, health care, education, and scientific and technical services, providing you a variety of opportunities to search for the right job for you.

Once you’ve found relevant job openings, be sure to take a look at our sample administrative assistant cover letter below for tips and ideas on how to best structure and refine your own cover letter.