The way technology has made executives ever more accessible has created unprecedented demands on their time and attention, meaning executive assistants remain in demand.
It takes someone special to be a great executive assistant, but it is an even greater challenge to distill that promise into a comprehensive cover letter. By leveraging your cover letter to tell the story of your administrative talents, you allow your future boss to sense that you’ll be in control of important matters from day one.
Dear Mr. Sanderson,
Helping my previous boss to notice an error in a $3.5m contract that saved our company $300k in erroneous penalty fees exemplifies my approach to being an executive assistant.
Alongside my contractual duties of arranging travel, coordinating meetings, preparing presentations and checking spreadsheets, I endeavor to understand the granular detail of any situation so that I am able to add value in unexpected places. I am three years into my construction career, so there is still much to learn, but I approach each day with a fresh perspective and willingness to get involved in things that I don’t yet understand.
A move to a larger company would mean an increase in exposure to different situations, more industry experts to learn from and more responsibility to take on. My previous CEO said in my annual review: “Sara can be relied upon to do the right thing in any situation, is fiercely independent and impressively creative.” I view my executive assistant role as a springboard to a commercial position and understand that being EA to the Commercial Director will enable me in that career path.
I have assisted with a number of commercial projects previously:
I am a dedicated and reliable member of the leadership team, always considering the needs of others as well as my direct manager. I am looking for a boss who is supportive of growth and who will give me a little bit more work than I can handle. I have many examples of thriving under pressure and would look forward to discussing them at an interview.
Sincerely,
Terry Weber
Choosing the right format for an executive assistant cover letter is a vital part of an effective application. Not only does the structure of your cover letter need to be clear, the application letter itself must flow well and every paragraph/element should perform a certain function. Take a look at the following sections:
Don’t forget that while some sections will be wordier than others, each section of your cover letter is a critical part of the story of your professional success as an executive assistant.
Shoot for a one-page cover letter that doesn't just list your skills and experience, but displays them in a compelling story that also aligns with the goals of the executive and company you’re applying to. You want to create a connection that makes it obvious why you’re the ideal executive assistant hire.
Need more inspiration? View our other related cover letter examples from the administrative sector:
View our article on how to write a cover letter to learn more about each segment.
Once you’ve crafted your header and addressed the hiring manager, grab their attention with a compelling introduction.
An executive assistant needs to make an immediate connection with the hiring manager, so when you start your cover letter it’s imperative to paint a picture of who you are and what you’ve achieved.
Put yourself in their position. What characteristics would they be looking for first and foremost? What adjectives would they use to describe their perfect hire? Take a few hints from the job description and craft an introductory story that paints you in exactly that light.
Try to stay away from the cliched examples of being well-organized and dedicated. Top-notch executive assistants certainly possess those basic skills, so don’t waste valuable cover letter real estate on them. Look a level deeper and think about what problems your future boss will come up against every day—and, more importantly, how you can help solve them.
Dear Mr. Sanderson,
Helping my previous boss to notice an error in a $3.5m contract that saved our company $300k in erroneous penalty fees exemplifies my approach to being an executive assistant.
Alongside my contractual duties of arranging travel, coordinating meetings, preparing presentations and checking spreadsheets, I endeavor to understand the granular detail of any situation so that I am able to add value in unexpected places. I am three years into my construction career, so there is still much to learn, but I approach each day with a fresh perspective and willingness to get involved in things that I don’t yet understand.
Hello, my name is Alex, and I am interested in the executive assistant position at mc Public Relations. My experience includes over three years as an executive assistant, which I feel makes me a good candidate for the role.
Provide specific examples where you can. If you enabled your executive to achieve a major initiative, save millions of dollars in the budget, or something else equally impactful, tell that story. The more specific, the better, as concrete data adds credibility.
Consider this executive assistant cover letter example and how it showcases the candidate’s strongest achievements right away:
Dear Mr. Sanderson,
Helping my previous boss to notice an error in a $3.5m contract that saved our company $300k in erroneous penalty fees exemplifies my approach to being an executive assistant.
Follow this template to make the most of your cover letter body:
Kick things off by detailing how your administrative and coordination skills make you a perfect match for the executive assistant job. Consider the following to weave a compelling narrative:
It’s crucial to tailor your cover letter to the culture and mission of the company. Start by researching the organization to understand their goals and strategies, then show how your values and experience align.
In this example of mc Public Relations, their website states a commitment to:
You can integrate specifics from the company’s mission or goals into your cover letter, weaving them with personal details to show your alignment.
Alongside my contractual duties of arranging travel, coordinating meetings, preparing presentations and checking spreadsheets, I endeavor to understand the granular detail of any situation so that I am able to add value in unexpected places. I am three years into my construction career, so there is still much to learn, but I approach each day with a fresh perspective and willingness to get involved in things that I don’t yet understand.
A move to a larger company would mean an increase in exposure to different situations, more industry experts to learn from and more responsibility to take on. My previous CEO said in my annual review: “Sara can be relied upon to do the right thing in any situation, is fiercely independent and impressively creative.” I view my executive assistant role as a springboard to a commercial position and understand that being EA to the Commercial Director will enable me in that career path.
I have assisted with a number of commercial projects previously:
Sum up your cover letter with a reiteration of your key points and your enthusiasm for the job. Reinforce the personal connection that you hinted at during the introduction.
At the end of your cover letter, their gut feeling should compel the reader to pick up the phone and arrange an interview, so include an inviting call to action.
Last, to end on a positive note, thank them and let them know that you look forward to the opportunity of meeting them at an interview.
I am a dedicated and reliable member of the leadership team, always considering the needs of others as well as my direct manager. I am looking for a boss who is supportive of growth and who will give me a little bit more work than I can handle. I have many examples of thriving under pressure and would look forward to discussing them at an interview.
Sincerely,
Terry Weber
Close your letter by signing off with your name.
If you lack direct experience as an executive assistant—whether because you’re a student or making a major career pivot—there’s still hope for landing the job! You just need to focus your cover letter on transferable skills and your enthusiasm for the field.
Consider the following:
These points help balance out the lack of direct experience in your cover letter and illustrate your potential as an executive assistant, giving you the best chance to win the job.
Consider ATS
An applicant tracking system (ATS) is software used by companies to collect and track applicants. Advanced systems may include algorithms that help sort and filter resumes and cover letters to find the best fit based on how well they match the job posting.
Review the executive assistant job listing and pinpoint frequently used terms, then incorporate them naturally in your cover letter.
Example:
Executive assistants need a keen eye for details and strong communication skills, which are also important factors in writing an excellent cover letter. Your cover letter should highlight your relevant skills, past experiences, and passion for the company to which you’re applying.
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