Writing a strong cover letter requires close attention to detail, from the tone of voice to avoiding those pesky spelling or grammar mistakes.
Overlooking similar small details can weaken your application.
Many candidates also struggle with how to address the letter, often opting for 'Dear Sir or Madam' when they can’t find the correct contact. This can make your cover letter feel impersonal.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to perfect these crucial elements, ensuring your cover letter is polished and professional without relying on clichés.
Cover letter examples for secretary
Explore additional secretary cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Junior Secretary
- Specialised Certifications: Highlighting the "USPTO Patent Procedures" certification emphasises the applicant's knowledge of procedural aspects specific to patent filings, which is crucial for the role of a Patent Legal Secretary.
- Document Management: Focusing on achievements like improving document processing efficiency by 30% and digital transformation projects indicates the applicant's proficiency in handling large volumes of legal documentation with precision.
- Experience in Patent Filing: The cover letter underscores the experience of assisting in over 150 patent applications annually and maintaining compliance with USPTO rules, showcasing the applicant's expertise and reliability in patent prosecution.
- Communication Skills: Demonstrating the enhancement of client satisfaction by 15% through effective communication of billing queries suggests strong interpersonal skills critical for interacting with clients and maintaining professional relationships.
Senior Secretary
- Highlighting Experience in Clinical Administration: The cover letter emphasises over 7 years of experience in clinical administration, which is crucial for a Senior Secretary role in a healthcare setting.
- Showcasing Quantifiable Achievements: The letter details specific improvements, such as a 40% reduction in document retrieval times and increasing team productivity by implementing new workflow software, providing concrete evidence of effective performance.
- Mentioning Leadership and Team Management Skills: It notes experience in overseeing administrative staff and training new secretaries, highlighting strong team supervision skills essential for senior administrative roles.
- Demonstrating Proficiency in Relevant Tools: By mentioning skills like Microsoft Office Suite and electronic filing systems, the letter shows familiarity with essential tools required for administrative efficiency.
Assistant Secretary
- Highlighting Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively showcases Poppy's progression within governance roles at renowned financial institutions, emphasising her capacity to enhance processes and sustain organisational standards.
- Specialised Skills and Achievements: Emphasising skills in Corporate Governance, Legal Compliance, and ESG Reporting underscores the candidate’s suitability for roles focused on governance and compliance.
- Education and Professional Development: Mentioning advanced courses such as "Advanced Corporate Governance" from the Chartered Governance Institute highlights a commitment to continuous professional development in governance.
- Achievements in Process Improvement: Listing achievements like leading governance projects that improved efficiency by 25% demonstrates a proven impact in creating value for previous employers.
By Role
Secretary of State
- Highlighting the extensive experience in program management and consumer protection is crucial, as it directly relates to the Deputy Secretary role's responsibilities.
- Mentioning the successful management of significant budgets and enhancement of process efficiencies underscores financial acumen and strategic oversight capabilities essential for the position.
- Emphasising achievements in policy implementation and compliance improvement demonstrates a strong capability to influence and optimise regulatory frameworks, aligning with the role's focus on economic policy.
- Including leadership achievements, such as positively impacting immigrant integration and community cohesion, showcases a commitment to societal welfare and aligns with the role’s objectives in public service and consumer protection.
Company Secretary
- Detailing Specific Achievements: The cover letter effectively highlights significant achievements such as reducing compliance costs by 20% and improving document retrieval times by 25%, which demonstrate the candidate’s ability to deliver cost-effective and efficient solutions.
- Emphasising Relevant Experience: With experience managing statutory compliance for multiple high-profile firms, the applicant clearly establishes their expertise in handling complex legal and governance processes critical for a Corporate Secretary role.
- Showcasing Educational Background: The mention of a Master of Laws in Corporate Governance from a reputable institution underscores the candidate's strong foundational knowledge and dedication to the governance field.
- Incorporating Professional Development: Listing relevant courses, such as 'Advanced Company Secretarial Practice,' demonstrates a commitment to continuous professional development and staying updated with industry standards.
Secretary General
- Emphasising Experience in International Relations: The cover letter successfully highlights over a decade of experience in international relations and strategic communications, a crucial aspect for roles involving global speechwriting and diplomacy.
- Quantifying Achievements: The letter includes specific metrics, such as managing a team leading to a 20% productivity increase, which concretely demonstrates the candidate's impact and capabilities.
- Relevant Courses and Certifications: It points out advanced courses in speechwriting and global diplomacy, showcasing the candidate’s ongoing commitment to professional development aligned with the job role.
- Key Skills and Proficiencies: The cover letter highlights essential skills such as speechwriting, strategic communication, and political analysis, matched by achievements and experience relevant to the prospective employer's needs.
Executive Secretary
- Specific Role Alignment: The cover letter clearly positions Ava as a Corporate Governance Specialist, emphasising her expertise in UK regulations and board processes, which is crucial for a role centred around governance and compliance.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Ava effectively quantifies her accomplishments, such as reducing compliance issues by 25% and improving decision-making speed by 30%, showcasing her impact in previous roles.
- Relevant Experience and Skills: Highlighting over 8 years of experience in governance, alongside skills such as regulatory compliance and strategic planning, strengthens her suitability for a corporate governance position.
- Professional Development: Mentioning courses from prestigious institutions like LSE and ICSA adds credibility to her knowledge in advanced corporate governance and compliance strategy.
Administrative Secretary
- Emphasising Relevant Experience: The cover letter highlights significant professional experience in administrative roles within prominent educational institutions, underlining a successful track record and relevance to an administrative professional role.
- Specific Achievements: Providing specific examples, such as a 20% increase in on-time project delivery and 30% boost in social engagement, showcases the applicant's tangible contributions and impact in previous positions.
- Demonstration of Key Skills: The document effectively outlines essential skills, such as organisational skills, digital presence management, and communication, aligning well with the demands of the position.
- Certifications and Continued Education: Mentioning relevant courses like Advanced Microsoft Office Training underscores an ongoing commitment to skill enhancement and adaptation to technical demands in administrative contexts.
Finance Secretary
- Emphasising Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively highlights Samuel's extensive experience in financial strategy, digital transformation, and leadership, especially in roles like Finance Director and Deputy Finance Director where these competencies are crucial.
- Highlighting Key Achievements: Specific achievements, such as a 50% increase in processing efficiency and securing substantial investments, are quantified to demonstrate tangible impact, making Samuel's candidacy more compelling.
- Certifications and Continuous Learning: Mentioning the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Digital Finance Certification showcases a commitment to continuous professional development and expertise in both traditional and digital financial environments.
- Strategic Skill Set: Skills such as risk management, stakeholder engagement, and project management are crucial for a Finance Director role, and their inclusion underscores Samuel's capacity to manage complex financial operations effectively.
Education Secretary
- Focus on specific skills: The cover letter effectively highlights relevant skills such as administrative support, meeting coordination, and budget management, which are integral to the role of a senior secretary and administrator.
- Quantifiable achievements: It includes measurable accomplishments, such as enhancing productivity by 20% and reducing monthly overspend by 10%, which demonstrate the candidate's impact and effectiveness.
- Relevant experience: It details the candidate's extensive experience in educational institutions, indicating a strong understanding of the unique demands of these environments.
- Professional development: The inclusion of advanced administrative courses shows a commitment to continuous learning and skill improvement, which is valuable for progressing in secretarial and administrative roles.
Secretary of Defence
- Highlighting Key Certifications: This cover letter effectively showcases the applicant's Advanced Legal Secretarial Course certified by the Institute of Legal Secretaries and PAs, demonstrating specialised administrative skills crucial for a Legal Secretary role.
- Emphasis on Efficiency Improvements: The applicant prominently mentions achievements such as a 30% increase in administrative efficiency and a 40% reduction in document retrieval times, underscoring their capability to enhance operational workflows.
- Focus on Relevant Experience: By detailing their experience in preparing complex court bundles and managing legal aid applications, the candidate establishes a strong alignment with the responsibilities of a Legal Secretary in public and child law sectors.
- Showcasing Organisational Proficiency: Skills such as diary management, meticulous file management, and advanced use of Microsoft Office tools are underlined, catering to the essential organisational competencies required for the role.
Secretary of the Treasury
- Highlighting specific achievements in financial reconciliation and customer service, such as a 98% accuracy rate in financial reporting and a 4.8/5 customer satisfaction score, which demonstrates excellence relevant to the Treasury Specialist role.
- Emphasising leadership in process improvement and compliance initiatives, like the 95% reduction in discrepancies and 100% compliance in portfolio audits, showcases the candidate's ability to enhance operational efficiency and uphold internal controls.
- Mentioning relevant certifications, such as the Certificate in Treasury Management from the London Institute of Banking & Finance, which underscores the candidate's specialised knowledge and commitment to continuous professional development.
- Including experiences that highlight adaptability and operational support during peak periods and high-pressure environments, ensuring the ability to manage critical financial duties effectively.
Secretary of Commerce
- Highlighting the Data Entry Certification which showcases a commitment to meticulous data management—an essential skill for an Office Secretary role.
- Emphasising the achievement of raising data accuracy levels by 35% demonstrates a concrete outcome of skills in improving office efficiencies.
- Mentioning proficiency in both Xero and MS Office systems, which are vital for managing office finances and administrative tasks effectively.
- Featuring the Master of Arts in Management signals advanced education and capability in overseeing administrative operations.
Secretary of Agriculture
- Highlight relevant achievements such as leading a team that developed legal strategies to boost client retention, showcasing management skills and the ability to deliver concrete results.
- Emphasise strategic problem-solving capabilities by detailing successful involvement in high-profile mergers that significantly increased client net revenue.
- Showcase proficiency in legal research and documentation through certifications such as the 'Legal Writing and Research Certification' that enhance drafting capabilities.
- Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and mentorship by highlighting the development and success of a mentorship programme for junior associates.
Secretary of Energy
- Experience Highlight: Oscar efficiently outlines his accomplishments in previous roles, such as achieving a 30% increase in sales and spearheading customer education programmes, which directly align with his desired role in sales and renewable energy.
- Relevant Skills and Certifications: His Solar Energy Technology Certification from Solar Energy International is prominently featured, showcasing his specialised knowledge in solar technologies, which is particularly valuable for a role in the renewable energy sector.
- Customer Engagement and Retention: Emphasising achievements like maintaining a 95% client renewal rate and enhancing customer satisfaction underscores his capability in building and maintaining strong client relationships.
- Passion for Sustainability: His commitment to sustainable living and innovative energy solutions positions him as a candidate driven not just by job requirements but also by genuine personal and professional passions, adding depth to his candidacy.
Secretary of Health and Human Services
- Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise Alice's extensive experience in administrative and secretarial roles within the healthcare sector, which aligns well with the responsibilities of a Support Secretary/Typist. Mention specific achievements like implementing digital transcription and improving patient service delivery.
- Demonstrate Proven Impact: Include quantifiable results from Alice's previous roles, such as a 25% improvement in document accuracy, a 30% reduction in transcription time, and a 20% improvement in communication-related achievements, illustrating her effectiveness in the role.
- Showcase Education and Training: Highlight Alice's educational background, particularly her Master of Health Administration, and relevant courses like Advanced Medical Transcription Skills, demonstrating her specialised knowledge applicable to the role.
- Emphasise Strong Communication Skills: Underline Alice's communication strengths and her achievements in training and improving internal and external communication, which are crucial skills for the role she is applying for.
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
- Highlighting Relevant Experience: The cover letter adeptly showcases over 10 years of leadership in urban development and community planning, emphasising strategic results such as a 25% increase in affordable housing and enhanced community resilience.
- Citing Educational Background: The inclusion of relevant academic credentials, such as a Master's degree in Urban Planning, signals specialised knowledge, reinforcing suitability for high-level positions in housing and community development.
- Showcasing Key Achievements: Recognises accomplishments like leading a landmark project that increased affordable housing, emphasising a tangible impact and capacity to drive positive urban development outcomes.
- Certifications and Continuous Learning: Mention of advanced courses and certifications, such as the RICS Housing Policy and Planning Certification, highlights commitment to staying current with industry standards and best practices.
Secretary of Transportation
- Highlighting certifications such as "Advanced Transportation Operations" can demonstrate specialised knowledge and dedication to professional development in logistics and transportation.
- Emphasising achievements like the "30% reduction in operational costs" showcases an ability to implement process improvements that result in tangible benefits for the company.
- Demonstrating a track record in enhancing compliance and efficiency, such as improving regulation compliance by 20% at DHL, illustrates a proactive approach to aligning practices with standards.
- Showcasing skills in data analysis and customer service alongside logistics coordination highlights a well-rounded expertise crucial for a Transportation Specialist role.
Secretary cover letter example
Alice Barnes
Portsmouth, United Kingdom
+44 1234 567890
help@enhancv.com
11 High Street, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 2DX
help@enhancv.com
linkedin.com/username
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the Assistant Company Secretary position at your company. With a career built on delivering governance and compliance excellence, I am drawn to how your firm prioritizes ethical practices and efficient operations to drive growth and regulatory success.
In my current role as a Senior Company Secretarial Officer at Legal & General Group, I successfully orchestrated the delivery of the Annual Report, coordinating cross-departmentally to improve drafting efficiency by 20%. Leveraging my governance and compliance expertise, I spearheaded initiatives that enhanced shareholder engagement by 15% and maintained a flawless compliance record with Companies House. These achievements exemplify my dedication to operational excellence and my proactive approach to overcoming challenges in complex regulatory environments.
I am eager to bring my skills in company secretarial duties, corporate governance, and compliance to your team. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your company's continued success. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Alice Barnes
Assistant Company Secretary
Here’s why this cover letter works well:
- Highlighting specific achievements in the governance and compliance space, such as improving drafting efficiency and enhancing shareholder engagement, showcases tailored expertise relevant to the Assistant Company Secretary role.
- Mentioning a flawless compliance record with Companies House emphasizes a strong track record in maintaining regulatory standards and operational excellence.
- Communicating a proactive approach to overcoming challenges in complex environments demonstrates readiness and capability, aligning with the responsibilities likely expected in the role.
- Expressing an understanding of and alignment with the company’s values, such as ethical practices and operational efficiency, positions the candidate as a culturally fit and dedicated professional.
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 secretary cover letter
Your cover letter is your opportunity to make a strong impression, so its structure must be professional and clear.
Here's an overview of how a UK cover letter should be structured:
- Begin with your address and contact details at the top.
- Include the employer’s name and address directly below.
- Add the date to the left or right of the page.
- Use an appropriate greeting, such as 'Dear Mr Smith' or 'Dear Sir/Madam.'
- Open with a strong introductory paragraph.
- Develop your points in the middle paragraphs, focusing on relevant skills and experience.
- Close with a concise conclusion, reiterating your interest and suitability for the role.
- Sign off formally with your name and signature.
The software used to match your profile to the job, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), won’t scan your cover letter. Instead, the cover letter reads as a more personalised note to the recruiter.
When it comes to choosing a font, consider modern options like Lato, Rubik, or Chivo, which should also be applied to your CV to maintain a consistent appearance.
Additionally, your cover letter should be single-spaced with 1-inch (2.5 cm) margins on all sides (our templates are pre-set with these specifications so you can focus on your cover letter content).
Finally, always send your cover letter as a PDF to preserve the formatting and prevent edits.
How to write your secretary cover letter salutation
First impressions often start with the greeting and in the case of your job application, 'Dear Sir or Madam' simply won't suffice.
Find out who’s hiring for the role—by calling or emailing the company, searching online, or using LinkedIn—and address them correctly.
Generally, you should address them by their surname (e.g., 'Dear Mrs Weasley'), but if you've spoken to them before, you might use their first name (e.g., 'Dear Albus').
How to write your secretary 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 the innovative approaches your firm has implemented in streamlining administrative processes, I am keen to contribute to your team as Secretary, bringing both my precision and flair for organisation that aligns with your commitment to excellence.
RIGHT
How to write your secretary cover letter body
Your cover letter body is the most spacious and vital part of this document—it highlights your true value and the impact you can bring as a candidate.
Remember, your cover letter serves a different purpose to your CV. Here, you need to show your skills in context by telling the story of one significant achievement, hinting at how you’ll help your future employer achieve their goals.
So, when writing your cover letter body:
- Use concrete achievements to demonstrate your personality and impact.
- Support your achievements with quantifiable data and metrics.
- Tell the story of a successful project you’ve worked on and explain how you contributed to the outcome.
- Highlight both hard and soft skills to make your story more engaging.
- Focus on skills that are most relevant to the role and align with the company’s needs.
Cover Letter Body
During my tenure at Elmwood Enterprises, I successfully overhauled the document management system, leading to a 40% reduction in retrieval time for important files. This project underscored my organisational prowess and attention to detail, vital skills in a secretarial role. By implementing a structured filing approach and introducing a digital archive, I ensured quicker access to documentation, which significantly improved the administrative support efficiency across departments. This initiative not only streamlined operations but also enhanced team productivity, emphasising my capacity to contribute positively and effectively to organisational goals.
RIGHT
How to write a closing paragraph
Looking to leave a lasting impression with your cover letter closing?
Then, you should certainly end with a promise—one that outlines what you aim to achieve in the role. Ensure your goals are realistic and align with the company’s needs.
You might also include a call to action, enquiring when you can expect to hear back and what the next steps in the hiring process will be.
Cover Letter Closing
Thank you very much for considering my application for the Secretary position at your esteemed company. I am truly excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team with my organisational skills and professional experience. I am eager to bring my proactive and dedicated approach to support your everyday operations.
I would be delighted to further discuss how I can contribute to your team and am available at your earliest convenience for an interview. Please feel free to contact me via phone or email to schedule a meeting.
Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to the possibility of working together.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
RIGHT
Conclusion
Your cover letter is an opportunity to showcase your personality and skills to potential employers. Start by addressing the hiring manager by name and tailoring your content to reflect the role’s requirements.
Include a specific example of your greatest achievement to illustrate your suitability for the position, while also expressing your enthusiasm for the company. Remember to format your letter professionally, ensuring it aligns seamlessly with your CV.
