When you start applying for jobs, you quickly realise that including a cover letter with your CV is a excellent way to stand out. But what should your cover letter focus on?
Should it emphasise your key achievements or simply list your responsibilities? And how can you effectively demonstrate that you're the ideal fit for the role?
One of the most common mistakes candidates make is either underselling themselves or overstating their experience.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to craft a compelling cover letter by showcasing your most significant professional achievement and telling the story behind it.
Cover letter examples for administrative assistant
Explore additional administrative assistant cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Senior Administrative Assistant
- Specific Achievements: The cover letter effectively highlights concrete achievements such as reducing stationary costs by 15% and improving the feedback response rate by 30%, demonstrating the applicant's impact in previous roles.
- Industry-Specific Skills: Skills like Bromcom usage and GDPR compliance are emphasised, which are particularly relevant for a Senior Administration Assistant role in an educational setting.
- Communication and Organisation: The applicant underscores strong communication and organisational skills through specific examples like managing over 10 complex parent engagement events annually.
- Educational Background: Mentioning an Associate Degree in Business Administration supports the applicant’s administrative focus and aligns with the responsibilities required in educational administration roles.
Junior Administrative Assistant
- Relevant Experience: The cover letter highlights specific, relevant experiences such as working as an Administrative Assistant Intern and an Office Assistant, showcasing practical knowledge in administrative and customer service roles.
- Quantifiable Achievements: It uses quantifiable achievements, such as a 25% increase in office efficiency and a 15% improvement in customer satisfaction scores, to demonstrate effectiveness and impact.
- Skills Alignment: The letter effectively aligns the candidate's skills with the job role, mentioning proficiency in data entry, document management, and Microsoft Office, which are essential for an administrative assistant position.
- Further Development & Certifications: By mentioning certifications such as the "Advanced Microsoft Office Training," it shows a commitment to continuous learning and skill enhancement necessary for the role.
Chief Administrative Assistant
- Highlight the candidate's extensive experience in healthcare environments, as this demonstrates specific industry expertise that is valuable for an Administrative Assistant role within a health sector.
- Emphasise the successful management of executive and administrative tasks, such as managing executive diaries and processing high volumes of correspondence, which showcases the candidate's ability to handle high-pressure tasks effectively.
- Showcase skills in organising and leading events, as well as implementing systems for increased efficiency, to illustrate the candidate's ability to improve workplace productivity and manage tasks that require detailed planning and coordination.
- Reference relevant certifications, such as the "Advanced Microsoft Office Specialist" and "Effective Communication Skills," to underline the candidate's dedication to gaining specialised skills that are critical to performing well in administrative roles.
By Role
Administrative Assistant in Healthcare
- The cover letter effectively highlights relevant experience in healthcare administration and data management, which are crucial for the Administrative Assistant role in a healthcare setting.
- The inclusion of quantifiable achievements, such as reducing waiting times by 20% and increasing operational efficiency by 30%, provides concrete evidence of the applicant's impact and effectiveness.
- Emphasising skills in customer service and maintaining patient records aligns well with the responsibilities of improving patient pathways, a key aspect of the job role.
- Mentioning the "Outstanding Staff Award" and "Efficiency Champion" titles showcases recognition from previous employers, reinforcing the applicant's credibility and potential to contribute positively to the organisation.
Administrative Assistant in Education
- Highlight Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively outlines multiple roles in child support and administrative functions, showcasing accumulated expertise particularly important for the job role.
- Emphasise Achievements: The inclusion of quantifiable achievements, such as a 90% session completion rate and a 25% drop in response times, offers tangible evidence of success and impact in previous roles.
- Relevant Certifications and Courses: Mentioning the "Safeguarding Children Level 1" certification directly highlights specialised training that is crucial for roles focusing on child support and education.
- Demonstrate a Passion for the Sector: Expressing passion for child development and community volunteering aligns personal motivations with professional responsibilities, enhancing the applicant's candidacy for roles involving children and education.
Executive Administrative Assistant
- Highlight Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively showcases Sophia’s 5+ years of administrative experience, highlighting her ability to manage schedules, enhance communication, and improve processes at reputable companies like Babcock International and Jacobs Engineering Group.
- Certifications and Skills: Mention of the "Advanced Executive Assistant Certification" and "Project Management Professional (PMP)" certification emphasises her specialised skills and commitment to advancing her expertise in strategic support and leadership.
- Quantifiable Achievements: The cover letter does an excellent job highlighting quantifiable achievements such as a 15% increase in team productivity and a 25% reduction in document retrieval times, reflecting strategic planning and operational improvements.
- Passions Aligned with Role: Sophia’s passion for maritime safety and community volunteering aligns with her ambition to support teams that save lives at sea, demonstrating personal drive and motivation relevant to roles in industries like maritime safety.
Legal Administrative Assistant
- Highlighting her experience with GDPR compliance is crucial for a Legal Administrative Professional, as it emphasises her capability to handle sensitive data and ensure legal adherence.
- Emphasising achievements such as a 30% boost in client satisfaction and recovering significant outstanding payments demonstrates her impact and contribution to the organisation's financial health.
- Her completion of targeted courses like “Legal Administration Specialist” reflects her commitment to professional development and her specialised skills in legal administration.
- Leveraging multilingual abilities, especially in English and Spanish, can offer an advantage in diverse client interactions, enhancing communication and service delivery.
Administrative Assistant in Human Resources
- Highlighting specific HR certifications such as the Certificate in Personnel Practice (CPP) from CIPD which emphasises core HR practices essential for administrative roles.
- Emphasising achievements in enhancing departmental workflows and compliance to show capability in process improvement and policy application which are crucial for an HR Administrative Assistant role.
- Mentioning experience in handling sensitive HR information with confidentiality highlights integrity and trustworthiness – key elements in HR roles.
- Showcasing skills in employee relations, demonstrated through a high resolution rate of HR cases and successful policy implementations, aligning with the job's emphasis on interpersonal and organisational skills.
Administrative Assistant in Finance
- Emphasise Relevant Experience: Highlight the candidate's current role as a Senior Executive Assistant, where they managed executive tasks efficiently and led initiatives that enhanced workplace culture.
- Skills Alignment: Emphasise proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and organisational skills, which are crucial for executive assistant roles, showcasing how these skills enhance organisational success.
- Achievements and Impact: Include specific achievements, such as the implementation of a comprehensive tracking system that resulted in a 40% increase in high-priority task completion rates, to demonstrate the candidate's effectiveness and impact.
- Highlight Certifications and Training: Mention relevant courses like Advanced Executive Assistant Training provided by the Institute of Administrative Management, which underpins the candidate's expertise.
Administrative Assistant in Marketing
- Highlight Customer Service Achievements: Emphasise the significant improvement in customer response times and satisfaction rates to showcase effectiveness in customer interaction and service roles.
- Marketing Strategy Successes: Detail experience with developing and executing social media and email marketing campaigns, demonstrating capability in enhancing brand recognition and engagement.
- Proven Organisational Skills: Mention streamlined processes, such as email and data management, to convey efficiency and proficiency in organisational tasks, critical for administrative roles.
- Interdisciplinary Skills: Touch on both administrative and marketing skills—like using Excel for analytical purposes and Mailchimp for campaigns—to illustrate a versatile skill set valuable for diverse responsibilities.
Administrative Assistant in Non-Profit
- Highlighted Certification: The cover letter effectively mentions the "Advanced Microsoft Office Certification," which is highly relevant for an Administrative Assistant role, demonstrating proficiency with essential office software tools.
- Emphasis on Key Experience: The mention of coordinating logistics for large-scale fundraising events and managing databases shows hands-on experience in logistics management and data handling, aligning well with an administrative assistant role.
- Quantified Achievements: The use of specific numbers, such as "20% cost savings" and "15% increase in funds raised," provides concrete evidence of Florence Knight’s contribution, making the cover letter more compelling.
- Relevant Skills and Passion Highlighted: Skills like "Logistics Management," "Financial Administration," and passion for "Health Awareness Campaigns" underscore the candidate's alignment with the health initiatives focus of the role.
Office Administrative Assistant
- Highlight Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively details extensive administrative experience by showcasing specific accomplishments such as managing over 200 emails weekly, coordinating activities, and maintaining accuracy in processing financial documentation. This directly correlates with the organisational and support tasks expected in an administrative role.
- Mention Key Certifications: The inclusion of the "Advanced Microsoft Office Specialist Certification" emphasises technical competence, particularly in Microsoft Office, which is crucial for efficiency in administrative responsibilities.
- Emphasise Customer Service Skills: By noting a consistently high satisfaction rating of 98% and experience in handling customer inquiries, the letter highlights the candidate's ability to deliver exceptional customer support, a vital skill for an administrative assistant serving both internal teams and external clients.
- Showcase Achievements and Process Improvements: The cover letter highlights achievements such as streamlining operations and increasing booking accuracy, showcasing the candidate’s ability to enhance processes, reduce errors, and improve productivity, which are important attributes for administrative roles.
Bilingual Administrative Assistant
- Quantifying Achievements: The cover letter effectively highlights Isaac's ability to streamline office processes and improve efficiency through quantifiable metrics, such as saving 25% in operational costs.
- Emphasizing Technical Skills: Isaac lists proficiency in Information Management Software, which is crucial for the Administration Assistant role, showcasing his technical competence.
- Detailing Leadership Experience: Mentioning supervision and training highlights Isaac's leadership abilities, particularly his experience leading a team and improving internal communication and efficiency.
- Showcasing Education and Certifications: Isaac includes relevant education and certifications that emphasise his advanced knowledge in office administration and proficiency in Excel, directly supporting his qualifications for the role.
Administrative Assistant in Real Estate
- Relevant Experience: Emphasising roles at Savills and Knight Frank highlights extensive industry experience, demonstrating reliability and industry knowledge relevant for a Lettings and Sales Administrator role.
- Key Achievements: Including specific achievements such as optimised client enquiry systems and enhanced property listings visibility underlines the candidate's ability to deliver tangible results in previous positions.
- Certifications: Noting the completion of property management and sales skills courses from reputable institutions like ARLA Propertymark and Pearson BTEC showcases a commitment to professional development and expertise in critical areas.
- Skills in Organisation and Communication: Highlighting proven organisational and communication skills enhances the application by aligning with essential qualities required in a client-facing and administratively driven role.
Virtual Administrative Assistant
- Emphasise Time Management and Efficiency: Highlight the candidate's capability in enhancing administrative processes and diary management, perfect for roles requiring excellent organisational skills.
- Showcase Leadership in Administrative Innovation: Mention initiatives like the paperless meeting transformation, which demonstrates the candidate's ability to innovate and improve operational efficiency.
- Importance of Relationship Building: Underline the development of strong relationships with clients and external partners, crucial for fostering smooth communication and strategic collaborations.
- Highlight Crisis Management Experience: Reference the successful transition to remote work during a crisis, illustrating adaptability and strategic planning skills.
Administrative Assistant in Manufacturing
- Highlight certifications such as the "Advanced Sage 50 Accounts Certification" which is valuable for an administrative role focusing on accounting software.
- Emphasise the proven track record of process efficiency improvement, such as increasing efficiency by 20% and reducing document retrieval time by 40%.
- Discuss experience with Sage 50, including specific success stories like streamlining invoicing processes and ensuring payroll accuracy, demonstrating expertise crucial for the role.
- Mention successful achievements in event coordination and cost reduction initiatives, showcasing capabilities in multitasking and strategic planning.
Technical Administrative Assistant
- Specific Achievements: Highlighting quantifiable achievements such as the 25% improvement in workflow efficiency or the 30% boost in productivity reinforces the applicant's effectiveness in technical administration.
- Relevant Certifications: Mentioning the "Certified Business Administration Professional" qualification from a reputable institution underscores the candidate's specialised skills and knowledge pertinent to administrative roles.
- Transferable Skills: Skills such as "organisational skills" and "attention to detail" relevant to the role are clearly listed, aligning with the core competencies expected of a technical administration assistant.
- Proven Impact: Descriptions of projects like the document control overhaul, cutting retrieval time by 50%, clearly demonstrate the applicant's direct positive impact within previous positions.
Administrative Assistant in Retail
- Achievement Highlight: Clearly demonstrate your achievements in the role, such as achieving a 20% sales increase, which showcases your ability to drive results and meet targets.
- Role-Specific Skills: Emphasise skills directly relevant to the Sales & Admin Specialist role, like customer service, sales strategy, and inventory management, to align with job requirements.
- Experience with Training and Leadership: Mention experiences that highlight leadership and training abilities, such as developing training materials that reduced onboarding time by 30%, to show capability in team leadership and mentorship.
- Quantifiable Results: Use specific metrics to quantify your success in previous roles, like decreasing supply costs by 15%. This demonstrates tangible benefits you can bring to potential employers.
Administrative Assistant in Hospitality
- Highlighting Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively showcases Theodore's extensive experience in hospitality roles, emphasising his ability to enhance guest satisfaction and operational efficiency, which is crucial for a Front of House Host role.
- Emphasising Certifications and Education: Mention of an Associate Degree in Hospitality Management and certifications in Advanced Customer Service Skills and Efficient Booking Systems validates Theodore's qualifications, aligning with industry standards and job demands.
- Showcasing Measurable Achievements: The letter quantifies achievements such as boosting guest satisfaction scores by 15% and contributing to revenue growth, providing concrete evidence of Theodore's competency and success in previous roles.
- Incorporating Passion and Personal Attributes: By stating passions like Hospitality & Event Management and Culinary Arts, Theodore adds a personal touch while aligning his enthusiasm with the role, further enhancing his appeal as a candidate.
Administrative Assistant in Government
- Highlight Achievements: The cover letter effectively emphasizes specific achievements, such as reducing document retrieval time by 30% and enhancing team collaboration, which are valuable in demonstrating practical impact within administrative roles.
- Relevant Skills: It showcases relevant skills like IT proficiency, attention to detail, and event coordination—key attributes for an Administrative Assistant keen to leverage technology and enhance operational efficiency.
- Education and Courses: By mentioning courses like "Advanced IT Skills for Business," the letter underlines a commitment to upskilling and staying current with industry practices, beneficial for technical administrative roles.
- Experience in Educational Institutions: Focusing on experience in educational settings, such as the University of Nottingham, reinforces the candidate’s suitability for administrative positions within similar environments.
Administrative Assistant cover letter example
Edward Mitchell
Glasgow, UK
+44 1234 567890
help@enhancv.com
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the Administrative Officer role at your company. The opportunity to contribute to your team aligns with my extensive experience in business operations and customer relations, and I am impressed by your commitment to innovation and excellence in service delivery.
In my previous role at Reynolds International, I managed to improve customer satisfaction by 35% by serving as a key liaison between customers and logistics providers. This was achieved through strategic workflow adjustments that reduced order processing turnaround time by 20%. My ability to coordinate effectively with suppliers and my introduction of a customer order tracking system were crucial processes that not only enhanced organizational efficiency but also deeply enriched the customer's experience.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background, skills, and enthusiasms can be aligned with the objectives of your team. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to schedule an interview. I appreciate your consideration and look forward to the possibility of contributing to your esteemed company.
Sincerely,
Edward Mitchell, Administrative Officer
Reasons this cover letter is successful:
- Highlighting relevant experience: Mentioning specific achievements such as improving customer satisfaction and reducing order processing time provides concrete examples of effectiveness and suitability for the administrative role.
- Emphasizing strategic skills: Describing the introduction of a customer order tracking system and coordination with suppliers demonstrates skills in strategic planning and operational improvement, key for an administrative position.
- Focusing on measurable results: Using precise percentages like "improved customer satisfaction by 35%" underscores your impact and provides quantifiable proof of past successes.
- Aligning with company values: Expressing enthusiasm for the company's commitment to innovation and excellence shows alignment with their goals and a keen understanding of their core values.
Importance of cover letters in the United Kingdom
Cover letters are a crucial tool in making your application personal and engaging.
Here are three reasons why they matter:
- Personalisation: Unlike a CV, a cover letter allows you to show your enthusiasm for the role, giving a more personal insight.
- Addresses details about your career: Whether you’re changing careers or have gaps in employment, your cover letter offers a space to explain these in a constructive way.
- Meeting the job requirements: Your cover letter should be unique and tailored, clearly showing how your skills align with the role requirements.
What UK employers expect from a cover letter
Want to make an excellent first impression on your UK employers with your cover letter?
Here are three handy tips and tricks to keep in mind when creating yours:
- Take the time to research: Invest in learning about the company and role by exploring their website, social media, and doing a thorough Google search. Focus on the products and services they offer, as well as awards and industry recognitions.
- Focus on the company's values: Refer back to your research and to uncover what the company believes in. Integrate those values into your cover letter by explaining how you embody them. For example, if they value diligence, highlight how you’ve consistently met tight deadlines or successfully managed heavy workloads.
- Align your skills with the job requirements: Read the job advert carefully and identify the most sought-after skills. Select the top three skills that you can substantiate with your most noteworthy achievements, to demonstrate your expertise in those areas.
How to format a administrative assistant cover letter
To get your cover letter's formatting right:
- Use a modern font like Lato, Raleway, or Chivo, rather than the overused Arial or Times New Roman.
- Set your cover letter to be single-spaced with 1-inch (2.5 cm) margins on all sides—our templates are automatically set up for you.
- Ensure both your CV and cover letter are consistent in font style and formatting.
- Always send your cover letter as a PDF to prevent alterations and preserve its layout.
When it comes to structuring your cover letter, follow this sequence: begin with your address and contact details, then the employer's details (i.e. name and address), and the date. Next, start with a personalised greeting, followed by your introductory, body, and closing paragraphs. Be sure to include a sign-off and your signature at the end.
Remember, although Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) software, which may scan your CV for keywords, won't read your cover letter, it will be reviewed by recruiters.
How to write your administrative assistant cover letter salutation
In a world of AI and instant prompts, taking the extra time to personalise your cover letter truly makes a difference.
Address the hiring manager directly with a customised greeting (e.g., 'Dear Mr Bond', 'Dear Ms Penny').
You can often find their name on LinkedIn (under the job listing or by searching) or in the ‘About’ or ‘Meet the Team’ section of the company's website. If in doubt, you can also contact the reception for assistance.
If you can't find the name, rather than using 'Dear Sir or Madam', opt for something more personal, such as 'Dear [Company Name] Hiring Manager'.
How to write your administrative assistant cover letter intro
While your cover letter should remain professional, adding a touch of personality or humour can make you stand out.
Hiring managers sift through countless applications, day in and day out. Anything unique or personable that grabs their attention could give you a competitive edge.
But do your homework first to ensure a dash of creativity would be appropriate and suitable to the company culture.
Cover Letter Intro
With a keen appreciation for Marten & Co.'s commitment to sustainability and innovation in the financial services sector, I am eager to contribute my organisational prowess and proactive problem-solving skills to your team as an administrative assistant.
RIGHT
How to write your administrative assistant cover letter body
You’ve personalised your greeting and introduction—now it’s time to focus on writing the body of your cover letter.
Instead of listing off skills and responsibilities from your CV, focus on one career highlight that’s relevant to the role.
Use your hard and soft skills, success metrics (e.g., percentages or sales figures), and the long-term impact it had on the company.
A concise, well-told story centred on your value as a candidate will make a strong impression.
Cover Letter Body
During my tenure with Acme Corporation, I orchestrated the digital transformation of the company’s document management system, streamlining operational efficiency and enhancing data accessibility across departments. By migrating to a cloud-based solution, my initiative led to an impressive 45% decrease in document retrieval time and a 30% reduction in physical storage costs. This achievement underscores my abilities in project management and technological proficiency, evidencing my commitment to continual process improvement and my capacity to foster operational efficiency in an administrative role.
RIGHT
How to write a closing paragraph
Now we’ve reached the closing paragraph of your cover letter. You might be tempted to end with a simple Yours sincerely, but don’t!
Instead, finish with a promise to enhance the company’s performance metrics (backed by your hard and soft skills), to develop as a professional, or something else that holds significance for the organisation. Whatever you choose, ensure to stand behind your words and be remain sincere.
Don’t forget to include a call to action, encouraging recruiters to suggest the best time to follow up for an interview or update.
Cover Letter Closing
Thank you for considering my application for the Administrative Assistant position. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to your team and am eager to bring my organisational and communication skills to Your Company. I would be delighted to further discuss how my experience aligns with your needs. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to schedule an interview. I look forward to the possibility of joining your esteemed organisation and contributing to its success. Thank you once again for your time and consideration.
RIGHT
Conclusion
A standout cover letter is crucial for making an strong impression in your job search in the UK market. Personalise your letter by addressing it to the hiring manager and aligning your skills with the job description.
Use concrete examples to highlight your greatest achievement and convey your enthusiasm for the position. Finally, ensure that both your cover letter and CV are presented professionally for a consistent application.
