Writing a cover letter can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. For executive and administrative assistants, a cover letter is your chance to go beyond your CV and show employers why you’re the organised, reliable, and proactive professional they’re looking for.

This guide breaks down how to write a standout cover letter step by step, plus gives you sample letters you can adapt for your own applications.

Even in today’s digital job market, cover letters are powerful. They:

• Show your personality and motivation.

• Connect the dots between your experience and the role.

• Demonstrate communication skills — something every assistant needs.

A strong cover letter can be the difference between getting an interview and being overlooked.

Why Cover Letters Still Matter

How to Structure Your Cover Letter

Think of your cover letter as a short, professional story. Here’s the structure:

1. Header & Greeting

   • Your details at the top (name, email, phone).

   • The employer’s name if you know it (avoid “To whom it may concern” where possible).

2. Opening Paragraph

   • State the role you’re applying for.

   • Include a hook — why this company/role excites you.

3. Middle Paragraphs (1–2)

   • Highlight your most relevant skills and achievements.

   • Use examples that match the job description.

4. Closing Paragraph

   • Reaffirm your enthusiasm.

   • Invite them to contact you for an interview.

5. Sign-Off

   • Keep it professional: “Kind regards” or “Sincerely.”

Cover Letter Do’s and Don’ts

Do:
✅ Keep it to one page.
✅ Tailor it to each role (no generic copy-paste letters).
✅ Show enthusiasm — employers want people who care.

Don’t:
❌ Repeat your CV word-for-word.
❌ Focus only on what you want — highlight what you can give.
❌ Forget to proofread. Typos suggest poor attention to detail.

Sample Cover Letter: Executive Assistant

[Your Name]
[Email Address] | [Phone Number] | [LinkedIn Profile]

[Today’s Date]

[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am excited to apply for the Executive Assistant position at [Company Name]. With over five years of experience supporting senior leaders in fast-paced environments, I have developed the organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills needed to keep operations running smoothly at an executive level.

In my current role at [Previous Company], I manage complex diaries, coordinate international travel, and prepare board-level reports. One of my key achievements was streamlining scheduling processes, which reduced meeting conflicts by 30% and gave the leadership team more time to focus on strategy. My strength lies in anticipating needs and staying two steps ahead, ensuring executives can operate efficiently and confidently.

I would welcome the opportunity to bring this proactive support to [Company Name]. Thank you for considering my application — I look forward to the chance to discuss how I can contribute to your team.

Kind regards,
[Your Name]

Sample Cover Letter: Administrative Assistant

[Your Name]
[Email Address] | [Phone Number] | [LinkedIn Profile]

[Today’s Date]

[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the Administrative Assistant role at [Company Name]. With three years of experience providing administrative support in busy office environments, I bring strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering excellent service.

At [Previous Company], I managed scheduling, handled correspondence, and supported a team of consultants with day-to-day administration. I also implemented a new filing system that improved efficiency and reduced document retrieval times by 40%. I take pride in creating order, solving problems quickly, and being a reliable point of contact for both staff and clients.

I would love the opportunity to bring these skills to [Company Name] and contribute to keeping your operations running smoothly. Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to the possibility of an interview.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Your cover letter is your opportunity to tell your story and show why you’re the right fit. Keep it concise, highlight achievements, and always tailor it to the role. With a polished CV and a strong cover letter, you’ll be well on your way to landing your next assistant role.

Take the Next Step

The Ultimate Job-Ready Toolkit for Assistants

If you’re serious about landing your next role, the Ultimate Job-Ready Toolkit will help you:

• Use proven CV and cover letter templates

• Learn interview strategies tailored for assistants

• Present yourself as the confident, capable professional employers are looking for