Executive Assistant Cover Letter Samples & Tips

Most executive assistant positions require a specific set of skills depending on the industry. Before writing your cover letter, you can check out some executive assistant cover letter examples within the particular industry to help you write an exceptional cover letter.

While it is not always easy to showcase your multitasking skills or excellent communication skills in your resume, a cover letter gives you a chance to get the recruiter's attention with your words. This article will provide you with some tips to help you write an executive assistant cover letter that will show your future boss why you are the best person for the job.

How to write a cover letter for an executive assistant

When writing a cover letter for an executive assistant position, you need to highlight your most significant achievements and career experiences that will stand out to the hiring manager. However, be careful not to repeat what is in your resume.

Cover letters allow you to add a bit of personality and entice your potential employer with your words so that you can land an interview.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, each year, 324,300 openings are projected for secretaries and administrative assistants, on average, over the decade. The openings result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force.

It's essential to use the correct format and structure when writing your cover letter to ensure that you don't leave out any critical information. The format you choose should be easy to read and understand. The structure of your executive cover letter should have the following:

• A header
• A greeting
• A catchy introduction
• A cover letter body
• A call to action/conclusion
• A professional sign off

Begin with a complete header

The header is a vital section of your cover letter because it contains your personal details. If the hiring manager wants to reach you but you've put the wrong contact information, you'll lose the opportunity. Some of the details you should add to the header section of your resume include your name, phone number, home address, and email address. If you don't have a professional email address, you should create one because using one that would be considered unprofessional might cost you the opportunity.

Under this section, you will also add the addressee's details which should also be accurate, but before that, you will add the date of the day you are writing the letter. This section is also essential because the ATS systems pick up the details and save them in the system. If you don't get the job, it may be easier to be called for another interview if the opportunity arises if your details are already in the system.

Examples

Open your executive assistant cover letter with a catchy introduction

If you've worked as an executive assistant, then you know the importance of establishing a connection with your future employer. While the managing director wants someone who will solve their problems quickly and complete tasks at the required time, they also want a pleasant personality.

Your executive cover letter gives you a chance to win them over with your incredible set of skills and your witty personality. The idea is to keep them engaged so that they keep on reading your cover letter. While most introductions tend to be one paragraph, don't shy away from adding another one if your introduction is extensive.

Here are a few tips to help you write an introduction that will keep the hiring manager reading your cover letter:

• Start with a greeting that addresses a specific person. If you don't know the recruiter's name or the CEO you are writing to, take some time to do your research. You can call the company and ask for the name of the person. However, if you cannot get it, use a formal greeting such as 'Dear Sir/Madam' and avoid phrases such as 'To whom it may concern.'
• Highlight your most outstanding achievement and let the recruiter know which problems you can solve and your value to the company.
• While it is okay to mention your soft skills, such as multitasking skills and organization skills, it is better to focus on showing your future boss the skills that set you apart from everyone else.
• Check the job description and use it to guide you on some of the character traits you can add to your introduction section.

Correct example

CORRECT

Dear Mr. Richards,

Having worked as an executive assistant for the CEO of Lexi Creatives for the past five years, I believe I am the superhuman you are looking for to fill the vacant position and make your life easier. In my time there, both junior and senior executives called me a 'superhero' and said I saved their lives because I somehow managed to take care of situations before they became a problem. I would say that excellent communication and interpersonal skills allowed me to perform my duties diligently and efficiently.

Incorrect example

INCORRECT

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to express my interest in the executive assistant position. When I saw the opportunity on your website, I was excited because I have worked as an executive assistant for the past six years. I believe I have what it takes and will do an excellent job for you. I can type fast and do other administrative duties such as answering calls. I also have great organization and customer support skills.

Unveil why you are the best executive assistant for the job

Once you have introduced yourself, it's time to highlight some of your most outstanding achievements and qualifications. If the position requires a multitasking expert, this is your chance to talk about an instance that showcases your ability to multitask. The body of your cover letter also allows you to give the employer an insight into who you are and what it's like to work with you.

If you have specific achievements that you don't want the recruiter to miss, you can list them using bullet points. A great executive assistant cover letter example can also be helpful and give you some ideas on what you can include here.

If you have any specialized training or certification, you can also mention it in this section because it may give you an advantage over the other candidates. It is also essential to show the recruiter that you work well with the other people in the office by talking about instances where you have collaborated well with colleagues and achieved excellent results.

Correct example

CORRECT

As your executive assistant, some of the administrative duties I will take care of include managing your calendar and scheduling appointments, answering phone calls, making all travel arrangements as required, organizing meetings, and taking the minutes if necessary. From the job description, I know that you also need someone who pays attention to detail, can multitask, and is extremely good with time management which are all skills that I possess.

By attending a time management class right before, I started working at Lexi Creatives, I surpassed the number of tasks any executive assistant has ever done in a day. Taking on some of the CEO's tasks increased his productivity by 45%, allowing him to focus on closing deals that increased the company's revenue by $2M in a year.

Incorrect example

INCORRECT

I would love to get the opportunity to work for you because I have managed to do some great work in the past. I am also passionate about helping people out and have been a successful executive assistant working for multiple business owners.

Finish your executive assistant cover letter with a Call to Action (CTA)

The call to action comes last in your executive assistant cover letter. Once you have pleaded your case and given the recruiting manager all the reasons why they should choose you and not anyone else, you need to encourage them to respond to you.

Adding a call to action to your cover letter can increase your chances of getting a call from the recruiting manager. It is also essential to show appreciation and thank the recruiter for going through your application.

Examples of CTAs

How to enhance your CTA

• Your call to action should be short and to the point.
• Check the job description and use some of the keywords in your call to action.
• It's important to thank the recruiter for their time and consideration as you sign off.
• Request a follow-up with the recruiting manager on the next steps for an interview. However, it is essential to use the right words that suggest rather than demand an interview.
• You can also use the CTA to remind the recruiter why you are the best person for the role.
• Proofread your cover letter and ensure it does not have any grammatical errors or other mistakes.

The farewell: close your cover letter professionally

The farewell/sign-off is a vital section of your executive assistant cover letter and can determine whether the recruiting manager reaches out to you or not.

How to finish your cover letter

Here is a possible list of farewells that you can consider for your cover letter.

• Sincerely yours
• Most sincerely
• Respectfully yours
• Best regards
• Kind regards
• Yours truly
• With best regards
• Sincerely

What you have to avoid

Some of the phrases you should avoid when closing your cover letter include:

• Cheers
• Take care
• Have a nice day
• Best wishes
• Love
• XOXO
• Yours
• Warmest regards

Tips to improve your executive assistant cover letter

Every application you send out should have a cover letter unless the recruiting manager states otherwise. Here are some tips to help you write an executive assistant cover letter that stands out.

• Personalize each cover letter. It’s essential to write a cover letter for each job you apply for and avoid using one generic letter for all applications.
• Use the right keywords. Check the job description and add the keywords to your cover letter because some recruiters use ATS systems to filter out cover letters that do not meet the requirements.
• End your cover letter with a call to action. Adding a call to action may prompt the recruiter to respond to you positively.
• Highlight your top achievements. Your cover letter should mention the accomplishments that will get the hiring manager’s attention and keep them reading your cover letter and resume.

Reinforce your cover letter with an executive assistant resume

Your application would be incomplete without an executive assistant resume that summarizes your qualifications and educational training. You can check out our resume examples that will help you craft a resume that gets you your dream job. Our resume templates will also help you structure your resume and ensure you do not leave out any vital sections.

Key points: writing an impeccable cover letter for executive assistant

• A cover letter is as essential as a resume, so you should always send one when applying for a job.
• The format and structure of your cover letter should be easy to read and understand.
• The introduction of your cover letter should be interesting and captivating to keep the recruiter engaged and ensure they continue reading through your application.
• Proofread your cover letter to ensure it is free of grammatical errors and mistakes.
• It’s essential to add a call to action to your cover letter to encourage the recruiter to respond to you positively.
• Use the job description to pick out some keywords that you’ll add to your cover letter in case the recruiting manager uses an ATS system to filter out cover letters that do not meet the minimum requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I write an executive assistant cover letter?

Your executive assistant cover letter should have a header, greeting, an introduction, the body, a call to action, and a professional sign-off.

What are the top 3 skills that an executive assistant should have in their cover letter?

Interpersonal skills, organization skills, and adaptability.

How long should an executive assistant cover letter be?

We suggest one page long with three to four paragraphs.

What do I include in an entry-level executive assistant cover letter?

Highlight your top achievements and if you don’t have the relevant experience, focus on highlighting transferable skills from other jobs that will be useful in the new position.