You want your cover letter to strike the perfect balance between being professional and showing some personality. But how do you achieve this?
If you write too formally, your tone may come across as stiff. If you're too casual, it may sound overly conversational.
While modesty is always valued, how can you confidently present your skills without sounding arrogant or boastful?
This guide will help you find the right balance, ensuring your cover letter is both professional and personable, while focusing on the key job requirements.
Cover letter examples for executive assistant
Explore additional executive assistant cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Senior Executive Assistant
- Emphasises project management expertise by detailing specific achievements such as leading cross-functional projects and implementing a project management tool to improve efficiencies.
- Highlights advanced certification relevant to the role, such as the "Certified Executive Assistant" from the International Association of Administrative Professionals, showcasing specialised skills and commitment to professional development.
- Showcases experience in strategic collaboration and managing vendor relationships, with quantified outcomes such as a 30% reduction in vendor-associated expenditures, demonstrating financial acumen and negotiation skills.
- Includes language proficiency and soft skills such as communication and cross-functional collaboration, relevant to roles involving high-level administrative support and interdepartmental interaction.
Junior Executive Assistant
- Emphasising Proven Efficiency Improvements: Highlighting specific achievements such as a 15% improvement in department operations efficiency conveys the candidate's ability to optimise processes.
- Showcasing Relevant Experience in Organising: Mentioning the coordination of over 50 monthly meetings with a high success rate reassures potential employers of the candidate's organisational skills and reliability.
- Demonstrating High-Level Support and Stakeholder Engagement: Detailing involvement in international events that led to a 20% increase in engagement underlines the candidate's capacity for high-stakes coordination and strategic influence.
- Highlighting Certifications and Courses: Referencing the "Advanced Executive Assistant Certification" demonstrates a commitment to professional development and relevant expertise in the field.
By Role
Executive Assistant to CEO
- Highlighting Relevant Experience: The cover letter emphasises over 5 years of experience in executive support roles, which is crucial for an Executive Assistant position.
- Showcasing Achievements: Specific achievements, like the cross-departmental initiative that increased efficiency by 25%, demonstrate the applicant's ability to produce tangible results.
- Emphasising Key Skills: Skills such as strategic planning, project management, and stakeholder engagement are prominently highlighted, aligning with the requirements for executive support roles.
- Education and Certifications: The inclusion of both formal education and relevant certifications, such as the Project Management Certification, reinforces the candidate's qualifications and commitment to professional development.
Executive Assistant in Financial Services
- Highlighting Specific Experience: The cover letter effectively showcases relevant experience in managing complex schedules and coordinating multiple tasks, which is crucial for an Executive Assistant role.
- Emphasising Measurable Achievements: By providing tangible outcomes (e.g., a 20% improvement in meeting participation rates, a 15% reduction in booking errors), the candidate demonstrates the direct impact of their work on organisational efficiency.
- Relevant Certifications: Mentioning certifications such as the Advanced Microsoft Office Specialist helps in establishing proficiency in essential tools for administration.
- Focus on Organisational Skills: The cover letter prioritises organisational skills such as diary management and expense processing, reinforcing the candidate's suitability for roles that require exceptional attention to detail.
Executive Assistant in Human Resources
- Quantifiable Achievements: The cover letter effectively uses specific metrics to demonstrate the applicant's impact, such as increasing executive productivity by 25% and reducing expense reporting time by 40%.
- Relevant Skills Highlighted: It places emphasis on essential executive assistant skills like diary management, project support, and Microsoft 365 proficiency, which are crucial for the role.
- Versatile Experience: The inclusion of varied experience across different companies and industries, such as GSK and AstraZeneca, illustrates the candidate's adaptability and wide-ranging skill set.
- Education and Professional Development: The mention of specific courses like the Advanced Executive Assistant Program showcases dedication to continuous professional growth relevant to executive assistant roles.
Executive Personal Assistant
- Highlight Leadership and Project Management Skills: The cover letter effectively showcases the candidate's ability to lead cross-functional projects and deliver on key objectives, underlining important skills for an administrative expert specialising in strategic support and process optimisation.
- Emphasise Achievements with Quantifiable Metrics: Utilising specific metrics such as a 15% reduction in administrative overhead and a 95% project completion rate adds credibility and creates a compelling case for the candidate's effectiveness in previous roles.
- Showcase Expertise in Financial Processes: The candidate's proficiency in overseeing financial policies and coordinating significant payments and accounts underscores their skill in managing complex financial tasks, which is a crucial aspect of many high-level administrative roles.
- Feature Versatility in Skills and Experience: The ability to communicate fluently in French and expertise in strategic planning, diary management, and report preparation reveal a well-rounded candidate capable of excelling in multifaceted administrative environments.
Executive Assistant in Legal Department
- Highlight Specific Achievements: The cover letter effectively quantifies achievements, such as a 20% increase in departmental efficiency, which clearly demonstrates the candidate's impact in previous roles.
- Relevant Certifications: The inclusion of a "Legal Administrative Assistant Certification" showcases the candidate's specialised knowledge and dedication to continuous professional development in the legal field.
- Emphasise Key Skills: Skills such as "Effective Communication", "Multi-tasking", and "Confidentiality" are critical for an Executive Assistant role, and are prominently highlighted in the cover letter.
- Language Proficiency: Listing proficiency in both English and French is advantageous for roles requiring international communication, thereby expanding the candidate's utility in varied environments.
Executive Assistant in IT
- Highlight Relevant Experience: The cover letter should emphasise extensive experience in organising executive meetings and managing complex itineraries, showcasing the ability to enhance executive productivity and cost savings.
- Certifications and Courses: Mentioning the "Executive Assistant Masterclass" and "Professional Event Management Certificate" underscores specialised training, reinforcing credibility and expertise in the role.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Including specific achievements such as reducing executive travel costs by £50,000 and streamlining expense report processes effectively demonstrates a results-oriented approach and financial acumen.
- Skills and Passions: Emphasise skills relevant to the role, like proactive problem-solving, onboarding, and verbal communication, while also reflecting alignment with the hospitality industry's focus on creating memorable experiences.
Executive Assistant in Marketing
- Tailored Skills and Experiences: The cover letter effectively highlights skills and experiences directly relevant to an Executive Assistant role, such as proficient calendar management, international travel coordination, and event planning, underscored by impactful results.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Quantifying achievements like a 25% cost-saving in travel arrangements or a 50% reduction in scheduling conflicts adds credibility and impact to the applicant’s past successes.
- Industry-Specific Experience: Listing roles from high-profile companies like Spotify and Sony Music emphasises the candidate’s experience in demanding environments, which is attractive for similar roles.
- Professional Development: Highlighting relevant courses and certifications, such as Advanced Microsoft Office Training and Effective Executive Assistant Strategies, showcases the candidate's commitment to enhancing their skills for the role.
Executive Assistant in Public Relations
- Highlight Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively showcases Amelia's extensive experience as an Executive Assistant, Office Manager, and Administrative Coordinator, demonstrating her capability in handling complex diary management, report preparation, and event organisation.
- Quantifiable Achievements: The cover letter uses quantifiable data to highlight improvements, such as increasing schedule efficiency by 20% and boosting employee engagement by 30%. These metrics provide concrete evidence of Amelia's impact in her roles.
- Specific Skills Recognition: Skills such as 'Complex Diary Management', 'Event Organisation', and 'Engagement Activities' are key to the role, and their mention shows Amelia’s competencies and applicability to the potential position.
- Certifications and Training: Notable courses like the 'Event Management Certification' are specifically highlighted, which is pertinent given her extensive involvement in coordinating large-scale company events.
Executive Assistant to the Board of Directors
- Highlighting relevant experience: The cover letter effectively details Samuel's comprehensive experience in strategic management and communication, showcasing roles that are directly relevant to an Executive Assistant position.
- Emphasising quantifiable achievements: The use of specific metrics, such as "enhancing productivity by 25%" and "achieving a 95% satisfaction rating," provides concrete evidence of Samuel's ability to deliver measurable improvements.
- Mentioning professional development and certifications: The inclusion of specific courses and certifications, such as the "Executive Secretary PA Course" and "Advanced Microsoft Office Certification," underscores commitment to professional growth and skill enhancement.
- Showcasing key skills: By highlighting essential skills like "Executive Support," "Stakeholder Engagement," and "Confidential Handling," the cover letter aligns Samuel's capabilities with core competencies needed for the role.
Bilingual Executive Assistant
- Highlight Key Skills: The cover letter effectively emphasises organisational skills, communication proficiency, and problem-solving abilities, which are critical for an Executive Assistant role.
- Experience and Accomplishments: The applicant showcases specific achievements, like cost savings initiatives and streamlining processes, demonstrating value and impact in past roles.
- Professional Development: The mention of relevant courses, such as advanced executive assistant skills and project management, illustrates commitment to professional growth and expertise enhancement.
- Languages and International Experience: Proficiency in English and Spanish, coupled with international experience, is valuable for roles involving multinational clients or stakeholders.
Executive Assistant in Healthcare
- Tailored Experience Summary: The summary encapsulates 8 years of relevant experience while highlighting key skills such as digital proficiency and project management, thus aligning perfectly with the Executive Assistant role.
- Quantifiable Achievements: The use of precise metrics (e.g., "30% increase in executive task efficiency") provides clear evidence of past success and effectiveness, a crucial aspect for demonstrating capability in this role.
- Highlighted Certifications: The mention of an "Executive Assistant Masterclass" certification underscores specialised training, adding credibility and differentiation in a competitive job market.
- Skill Emphasis: Skills like 'Diary management', 'Conflict resolution', and 'Organisation skills' are emphasized, which are essential for the seamless functioning required of an Executive Assistant.
Executive Assistant in Education
- Highlighting Organisational Tools: The cover letter emphasizes Sienna West's ability to implement organisational tools that led to significant improvements in team productivity, which is crucial for an administrative specialist role.
- Demonstrating Technological Proficiency: Proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office Suite is showcased, aligning well with the technological demands of modern administrative positions.
- Emphasising Confidentiality and Trust: Sienna's emphasis on maintaining confidentiality and discretion is vital for gaining executive trust, which is essential for an administrative professional supporting senior executives.
- Highlighting Efficiency Enhancements: The ability to introduce new software that reduces document retrieval times highlights Sienna's commitment to improving office efficiency, a key expectation in administrative roles.
Virtual Executive Assistant
- The cover letter effectively highlights relevant achievements such as a 30% increase in client retention and a 20% increase in client revenue, demonstrating quantified success in the field of Online Business Management.
- Mentions proficiency in tools like Asana, WordPress, and Canva, aligning with the needs of an Online Business Manager role which often requires fluency in project management and digital platforms.
- The inclusion of specialised courses such as the "Advanced Social Media Strategy Certification" showcases the candidate's commitment to staying up-to-date with current industry practices, an essential trait for roles involving social media management.
- Portrays a strong passion for "Digital Innovation" and "Creative Content Creation," emphasising the candidate’s enthusiasm for embracing new technology and innovative strategies in business management.
Executive Assistant in Non-Profit
- Highlighting measurable achievements: The cover letter effectively quantifies the impact of tasks performed, such as achieving a 30% increase in operational efficiency, which showcases the ability to contribute significantly to organisational success.
- Emphasising relevant skills and certifications: Mentioning the completion of an Executive Assistant Skills Certification and proficiency in tools like Microsoft Office Suite and Salesforce demonstrates the candidate’s dedication to growing their skillset and staying up-to-date with industry demands.
- Focusing on process optimisation: By outlining specific instances where processes were streamlined or improved, such as the implementation of a new project tracking system, the candidate illustrates their proactive approach to increasing efficiency within the workplace.
- Showcasing strong communication abilities: The candidate underscores their expertise in developing communication materials and enhancing clarity and impact, a vital skill for an executive assistant responsible for liaising between high-level stakeholders.
Executive Assistant in Real Estate
- Emphasising Relevant Experience: The cover letter highlights over 7 years of executive support experience, focusing on efficiency in global logistics and relationship management, which are crucial for an Executive Assistant role.
- Showcasing Key Skills: It effectively mentions proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite, essential for streamlining operations and ensuring seamless administrative processes.
- Quantifying Achievements: Demonstrates impact with specific metrics, such as enhancing executive productivity by 15% and reducing scheduling conflicts by 30%, which underscore the candidate's efficiency and effectiveness.
- Highlighting Strategic Certifications: The Advanced Executive Management certificate from the University of Cambridge is strategically mentioned, reinforcing the candidate's leadership and management capabilities.
Executive Assistant in Manufacturing
- Specific Experience and Achievements: The cover letter effectively highlights Harper's implementation of significant process improvements and efficiencies, such as a 30% reduction in document retrieval times and a 15% reduction in unnecessary expenses at Dell Technologies, showcasing direct impacts on business operations.
- Comprehensive Skill Set: By listing skills such as advanced knowledge in Microsoft Office Suite, budget management, and team leadership, the cover letter presents a robust, well-rounded skill set tailored for an Executive Assistant role.
- Relevant Certifications: Noting the 'Microsoft Certified: Office Specialist' certification highlights a proficiency in essential tools for the role, enhancing Harper’s credibility and attractiveness to potential employers.
- Focus on Leadership and Mentorship: The mention of awards and achievements related to team leadership and mentorship, such as the 'Team Leadership Excellence Award', effectively underscores leadership capabilities that add value to executive teams.
Executive Assistant in Retail
- Highlighting relevant experience: The cover letter details specific roles at Shopify, Unilever, and Lloyds Banking Group, emphasising Eva's extensive experience in managing executive schedules, facilitating travel arrangements, and coordinating important meetings.
- Emphasising certifications and courses: The mention of the AAP certification and courses such as Advanced Microsoft Office Suite demonstrates industry-specific knowledge and commitment to professional development, crucial for roles in executive assistance.
- Showcasing skills and achievements: By illustrating impacts such as a 20% reduction in scheduling conflicts and a £200,000 revenue increase from a project launch, the cover letter quantifies the achievements, making the skills more tangible and credible.
- Incorporating personal passions: Including personal interests like 'Business Strategy' and 'Travel and Cultures' subtly aligns Eva’s personal drive with professional attributes such as strategic understanding and cultural adaptability, which can be valued in international business settings.
Executive Assistant cover letter example
Elsie Murray
Portsmouth
+44 1234 567890
help@enhancv.com
Dear Hiring Manager,
With a focused career in executive assistance, tailored primarily towards environmentally conscious companies, my professional journey aligns well with your organization's values. I have been particularly drawn to your commitment to sustainability, which resonates with my background in coordinating operations within three green-centric companies.
At GreenTech Innovations Ltd, I streamlined the process framework by implementing a digital filing system that improved document retrieval efficiency by 30%. This enhancement not only supported executive decision-making but also contributed to a smoother workflow across departments. My efforts led to a measurable 15% increase in overall process efficiency, underscoring my capabilities in operational management and strategic planning.
I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how my experience can contribute to your team's success. Please feel free to contact me to schedule a conversation. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Elsie Murray
Executive Assistant
Reasons this cover letter is successful:
- Relevant Experience: Emphasize past experiences that align with the company’s mission, specifically in the same or similar industry, to demonstrate industry-specific knowledge and commitment.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Include specific achievements and improvements in past roles, such as efficiency increases or successful projects, to provide concrete examples of value you can bring.
- Alignment with Company Values: Highlight shared values, particularly if the company emphasizes missions such as sustainability or innovation, to showcase your fit within the company culture.
- Call to Action: A strong closing with a request for further discussion can encourage the follow-up, showing initiative and enthusiasm for the role.
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
You only have one chance to impress your potential UK employers, so be wise about writing your cover letter.
When doing so, follow these three simple but essential steps:
- Do your research: Begin by researching the company and the role you're applying for. Check their website, social media pages, and relevant news to understand what drives their business.
- Highlight company values: Identify the company's core beliefs and explain how your personal and professional experiences resonate with them. For instance, if the organisation prioritises innovation, provide examples where you've demonstrated creative thinking.
- Match your skills to the job: Analyse the job description carefully and pick out the most important skills or qualifications they’re seeking. Be sure to mention your relevant achievements that prove you're the perfect fit for the position.
How to format a executive assistant cover letter
Have you ever wondered about the formatting and structure of your cover letter?
Read on to discover some guidance from industry-leading professionals:
- Within the header, include your address and contact details, the employer's name and address, and the date, followed up by a personalised salutation.
- The body should should consist of an opening paragraph, middle paragraphs expanding on your unique experience and skills, and a closing paragraph.
- End with a formal sign-off and your signature.
- Choose modern fonts such as Volkhov, Chivo, or Bitter instead of the more traditional Arial or Times New Roman.
- All of ENhancv's templates maintain single-spacing with approximately 1-inch (2.5 cm) margins on all sides to ensure a neat presentation.
- Always send your cover letter as a PDF to keep the formatting intact and prevent any edits once submitted.
Your CV and cover letter maintain consistent formatting. Use the same fonts, margins, and style to create a professional and cohesive look for your application.
Finally, remember that Applicant Tracking Systems (the software some companies use to align job keywords to your experience, also known as ATS) do not read cover letters–it's intended solely for recruiters. Make it stand out by highlighting your achievements and relevant skills for the role.
How to write your executive assistant cover letter salutation
Now it's time to make it personal—in your cover letter greeting, you should always address the hiring manager directly. Whenever possible, use their name, depending on how well you know them (e.g., 'Dear Mr Smith', 'Dear Abbie').
You can find their name by searching on LinkedIn (start by looking for the job posting and the recruiter), visiting the 'About' page of the company's website, or by calling reception or administration to enquire.
How to write your executive assistant cover letter intro
A great option to begin your cover letter is by showing recruiters you've done your homework or research.
If the company has won an award or made headlines, congratulate them in your opening sentence, or express how impressed you are.
Provide this achievement as a reason why you admire the company, ensuring your tone remains genuine, sincere, and authentic.
Cover Letter Intro
Having closely followed Alderwood Enterprises' innovative initiatives in sustainable practices, I am drawn to the opportunity to contribute as an Executive Assistant, leveraging my organisational expertise to support your mission of responsible growth.
RIGHT
How to write your executive assistant cover letter body
Which makes for a stronger cover letter body: a long-winded account of everything you’ve ever done, or a focused achievement that’s directly relevant to the job?
Hint: recruiters prefer the second.
When writing your cover letter, select your most impressive achievement that:
- Directly aligns with the job description and role.
- Is quantifiable with tangible metrics like numbers or percentages.
- Maps out your hard and soft skills, showcasing what makes you unique.
- Tells the story of the impact you could have on the organisation.
Cover Letter Body
During my tenure as an Executive Assistant at XYZ Corporation, I spearheaded the initiative to overhaul the executive scheduling system, significantly enhancing efficiency and productivity. By implementing a sophisticated digital calendar system integrated with project management software, I reduced scheduling conflicts by 75% and improved the alignment of executive priorities with overarching business goals. This initiative not only streamlined the workflow but also saved an average of ten weekly hours previously lost to manual coordination efforts. My keen organisational skills and proactive problem-solving approach were pivotal in executing this overhaul successfully, thereby enabling our executive team to focus more strategically on high-priority projects.
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
In summary, I am eager to bring my extensive skills in organisation and communication to the esteemed role of Executive Assistant at your company. I am confident that my proactive approach and adeptness at managing demanding schedules will contribute significantly to your executive team's success. I would be delighted to discuss how my experience and abilities align with your needs further in an interview. Thank you for considering my application; I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you soon.
RIGHT
Conclusion
Creating a compelling cover letter is vital in making a positive first impression on potential employers. Personalise your letter by addressing the hiring manager directly and ensuring your skills align with the job description.
Highlight specific achievements that demonstrate your suitability for the role, and express genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity. Finally, maintain a professional format that complements your CV for a cohesive application.
