You've found a senior administrative assistant role that feels just right, but there's a hitch—you need a standout cover letter. It's tempting to regurgitate your resume, yet your cover letter should weave a tale of your crowning professional achievement. Steering clear of clichés, your narrative must remain formal and concise, capped at one page. Let’s guide you through crafting a compelling cover letter that opens doors rather than closes them.
- Personalize the greeting to address the recruiter and your introduction that fits the role;
- Follow good examples for individual roles and industries from job-winning cover letters;
- Decide on your most noteworthy achievement to stand out;
- Format, download, and submit your senior administrative assistant cover letter, following the best HR practices.
Use the power of Enhancv's AI: drag and drop your senior administrative assistant resume, which will swiftly be converted into your job-winning cover letter.
If the senior administrative assistant isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:
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Senior administrative assistant cover letter example
Jasmine Bell
Washington, D.C.
+1-(234)-555-1234
help@enhancv.com
- Emphasizes relevant experience by mentioning a key achievement, such as revamping the executive scheduling system, indicating a track record of process improvement and problem-solving critical for an Executive Assistant role.
- Highlights the outcome of a specific initiative (enhancing efficiency by 30%) which showcases quantifiable success and the candidate’s potential impact on the prospective employer's operations.
- Addresses the soft skill of maintaining confidentiality, which is essential for an Executive Assistant handling sensitive information and demonstrates understanding of the importance of discretion in the role.
- Includes a call-to-action, proposing a meeting to further discuss qualifications, demonstrating proactiveness and eagerness to engage with the potential employer.
What are the basics of the design or format of your senior administrative assistant cover letter?
To start, here's a reminder for you: the Applicant Tracker System (or software that is used to assess candidate profiles), won't be reading your senior administrative assistant cover letter.
Recruiters enjoy reading senior administrative assistant cover letters with a standardized format that uses:
- the same font as the resume (e.g. modern ones like Raleway or Volkhov are prefered over the clichéd Times New Roman or Arial);
- single spacing to keep the content concise and organized (this is all ready for you in our cover letter templates);
- a one-inch margin to wrap around the text, like in our cover letter builder;
- PDF as a file format, as it allows your design (and visual element) to stay the same.
Finally, we can't go on without mentioning the key sections of your senior administrative assistant cover letter.
In the top one-third, make sure to include a header (with your contact information, name, role, and date), a salutation, and an introduction.
Next, follows the heart and soul of your senior administrative assistant cover letter or its body.
End your senior administrative assistant cover letter with a closing paragraph and, if you wish, a signature.
The top sections on a senior administrative assistant cover letter
- Header: This should contain the applicant’s contact information, date, and the employer’s details. It establishes the formality and professionalism expected of a senior administrative assistant.
- Greeting: Personalize the salutation by addressing the hiring manager directly, showing attention to detail and demonstrating the interpersonal skills necessary for the role.
- Opening Paragraph: Introduce yourself and express your enthusiasm for the position. Mention your years of experience and key administrative competencies to grab the recruiter's immediate interest.
- Professional Experience and Skills: Highlight relevant administrative achievements, proficiency with office technology, organizational skills, and examples of supporting executives and managing office operations, key for a senior administrative assistant role.
- Closing and Call to Action: Reaffirm your interest in the role and request an opportunity for an interview. Be sure to thank the recruiter for considering your application, showcasing the polite and courteous manner that is crucial in an administrative position.
Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter
- Exceptional organizational skills: To effectively manage schedules, coordinate meetings, and maintain filing systems.
- Advanced proficiency in office software: Expertise in Microsoft Office Suite, email, and calendar management tools for efficient task handling.
- Proven track record of excellence in written and verbal communication: To prepare reports, handle correspondence, and serve as a communication liaison.
- Strong problem-solving abilities: To anticipate and address issues proactively, ensuring smooth office operations.
- Experience with project management or coordination: To oversee projects, meet deadlines, and support executives with strategic initiatives.
- Discretion and confidentiality: To handle sensitive information with the utmost care and maintain privacy for business operations and personnel.
How to start your senior administrative assistant cover letter: with a greeting, of course
Have you ever considered just how powerful a personalized salutation can be?
We sure have news for you! Your senior administrative assistant cover letter should start with the right salutation to recruiters, nurturing a sense of respect and individuality.
Greet recruiters by using their first name (e.g. "Dear Tom" or "Dear Patricia") if you've previously established contact with them.
Otherwise, opt out for the less familiar, "Dear Ms. Peaches" or "Dear Ms Kelsey", if you've found the recruiter's name on LinkedIn or a corporate website.
"To whom it may concern" is never a good option, as it creates a sense that you've been sending out your senior administrative assistant cover letter to anyone. Instead, use "Dear HR team" or "Dear (company name) recruiter" for a feeling of exclusivity.
List of salutations you can use
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Dear [Specific Name of the Hiring Manager],
- Dear [Department] Team,
- Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
- Dear Members of the [Department or Team Name] Committee,
How to start your senior administrative assistant cover letter introduction
The opening paragraph of your senior administrative assistant cover letter can seem like a real enigma.
Where do you start writing?
In your senior administrative assistant cover letter introduction, focus on yourself by stating what:
- gets you motivated and excited about the role;
- you like best about the company, from culture to awards.
Write no more than two sentences, which are both authentic and show your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
How to select your best achievement for the middle, or the senior administrative assistant cover letter body
You probably feel exhausted by this point in your application: you've dived into all the details of your success and skills in your senior administrative assistant resume.
What else can you include in your senior administrative assistant cover letter body?
Well, for starters, the next three to six paragraphs should show you further value as a professional. Or, why should recruiters choose you?
Think back on a noteworthy achievement that answers key job requirements and dive deep.
Structure your senior administrative assistant cover letter middle as you'd a story: following chronological logic and highlighting outcomes, thanks to skills.
At the end of the day, you'd want recruiters to be able to see you as the best candidate for the role and understand more about who you are and what makes your success unique (and valuable to the role).
Time to wrap up your senior administrative assistant cover letter
Writing the closing paragraph of your senior administrative assistant cover letter is just as important as the salutation.
You have to make it personalized to the job advert and recruiter.
Experienced professionals advise candidates to end with a request or reminder for follow-up. Write that you're grateful for the opportunity, and, at the same time, hint that you're available for the next steps of the process.
Otherwise, you could also conclude your senior administrative assistant cover letter by facing the future. How do you see yourself, as part of the team? In particular, how would you settle in your new role in the first six months to a year?
Is it beneficial to mention that you have no experience in your senior administrative 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
Writing your senior administrative assistant cover letter doesn't need to turn into an endless quest, but instead:
- Create an individual senior administrative assistant cover letter for each role you apply to, based on job criteria (use our builder to transform your resume into a cover letter, which you could edit to match the job);
- Stick with the same font you've used in your resume (e.g. Raleway) and ensure your senior administrative assistant cover letter is single-spaced and has a one-inch margin all around;
- Introduce your enthusiasm for the role or the company at the beginning of your senior administrative assistant cover letter to make a good first impression;
- Align what matters most to the company by selecting just one achievement from your experience, that has taught you valuable skills and knowledge for the job;
- End your senior administrative assistant cover letter like any good story - with a promise for greatness or follow-up for an interview.
