Cover Letter Samples for Business and Administration

When you're applying for administrative and business positions, one of your most important qualifications will be your communication skills. The first time they will be evaluated is when the hiring manager reviews your cover letter and resume.

It's important to make a good first impression, in order to increase your chances of landing an interview (and eventually, the job).

Before you start writing a cover letter, take a look at administration and business cover letter examples to get an idea of how to construct a professional and effective letter that is going to sell your credentials to the hiring manager.

What to Include Your Cover Letter

Before you start writing your cover letter, review the job posting. You'll find a list of the job qualifications that the employer is looking for.

Note

Use your cover letter to show the hiring manager that you meet the job requirements.

Match your qualifications to the job listing by analyzing the ad and making a list of keywords related to the skills and experience sought by the hiring manager. You can also include the general administrative and business skills that employers seek in the candidates they evaluate for employment opportunities, as well as any hard or soft skills related to the role but not specifically included in the ad.

Work these keywords into your cover letter and resume, to ensure that your application materials make it through the applicant tracking system and get to a real person with the ability to call you for an interview.

The letter should include the following:

• Subject line, with your name and the job (if you’re sending your cover letter via email)
• Contact Information (top of the letter for a printed version, below signature for email cover letter)
• Professional greeting
• Paragraph 1: A brief introduction and why you are writing
• Paragraphs 2 and 3: Your qualifications for the job for which you're applying
• Closing Paragraph: Appreciation for being considered for the job, and how you will follow up if you have a contact person
• Professional closing
• Signature

If you're not sure what to write, have a look at these cover letter samples for inspiration. You can use them as a general model as you then draft a letter reflective of the unique experience and business / administrative skills that you can offer an employer.

Cover Letter Template for Administration / Business Jobs

Download the cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Cover Letter Examples Administration / Business Jobs

Review these cover letter examples and then write a personalized letter that explains how your skills relate to the criteria listed in the job posting. It's important that your letters are customized for each job you apply for, highlighting your relevant experience.

Sample Cover Letter #1

Justin Applicant
123 Main Street
Anytown, CA 12345
555-555-5555
555-555-1234
justin.applicant@email.com

September 1, 2018

Dear Hiring Manager,

I was excited to read about the Administrative Assistant job opening at XYZ company. I have several years of experience in a variety of fields including insurance and finance.

In addition to my extensive office experience, I have strong communication, customer service, and administrative skills. My broad background makes me an excellent candidate for this position.

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you to arrange an interview.

Justin Applicant (signature hard copy letter)
Justin Applicant

Sample Cover Letter #2

Bruce Applicant
123 Main Street
Anytown, CA 12345
555-555-5555
bruce.applicant@email.com

September 1, 2018

Jimi Lee
Manager
Acme Finance
123 Business Rd.
Business City, NY 54321

I am writing to apply for the position of executive assistant, as advertised on Indeed. I was excited to see the job opening due to my several years of experience in the field. I was as an administrative assistant in financial services before taking a position as an executive assistant at a luxury automobile company.

In addition to my administrative and executive assistant skills, I have strong customer service and communication skills, especially in the written form. At my last job, I rewrote much of the company's website copy, which was acknowledged by my manager’s superiors.

I have attached my resume for your review. I look forward to hearing from you about this exciting opportunity. You can contact me by e-mail at myname@myemail.com or through my cell phone at 555-555-5555.

Bruce Applicant (signature hard copy letter)
Bruce Applicant

Sending an Email Message

When you are sending your letter via email include the reason you are writing in the subject line of your message:

Subject: FirstName LastName – Executive Assistant Position

List your contact information in your signature, rather than in the body of the letter:

FirstName LastName
Your Email
Your Phone Number
Your LinkedIn Profile (optional)

Sample Email Cover Letter

Here’s an example of what a complete email cover letter looks like:

Subject: Wendy Worker – Executive Assistant Position

It is with much enthusiasm that I am submitting to you my application for the executive assistant position that has recently opened with ABC Inc.

During my eight-year career with XYZ Enterprises, I have honed flawless competencies in office space planning and administration, appointment and meeting scheduling, travel coordination, data entry, and expense reporting that will allow me to “hit the ground running” as your next executive assistant. I can also offer you proven event coordination talents, having orchestrated all details of 25+ high-profile conferences and stockholder meetings that earned positive feedback from all attendees.

Eager to learn more about your administrative needs, I would welcome the opportunity for a personal interview. Thank you for your time, consideration, and forthcoming response.