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When seeking an administrative assistant position, your cover letter that accompanies your resume is important. In fact, it could be the key to getting a potential employer to even read your enclosed resume. Learn how to write your next administrative professional cover letter right with these cover letter writing tips.

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Complement Your Resume With a Compelling Cover Letter

by Diane Domeyer, executive director of Office Team

Most administrative professionals know the importance of a well-organized resume. But you may not realize that it’s often the cover letter that determines whether or not you will be invited for an interview. This document serves as the hiring manager’s introduction to you since it’s often read before the resume. It’s also your first opportunity to make a positive impression.

In addition to reinforcing key administrative skills and experience, a compelling cover letter demonstrates your desire to work for the employer and the specific ways you can benefit the firm.

When writing your cover letter, keep the following tips in mind:

• Know your stuff. Your first step should be to learn as much as you can about the potential employer so you can customize your letter to the specific opportunity. Visit the firm’s website and scan industry publications to familiarize yourself with recent news about the company and its business needs.

• Start strong. A good cover letter begins with a powerful opening paragraph. Identify the administrative position you are applying for, how you learned about it and why you are a superb candidate. If you and the hiring manager have a mutual acquaintance, mention the person’s name — this is a good way to ensure the reader will continue on.

• Keep it short. The most effective cover letters are concise and straightforward. A busy hiring manager does not have time to search for hidden meanings, so make your letter clear and to the point.
   
• Offer an enticement. The body of the letter should expand upon, not simply repeat, the key points in your resume. Highlight the administrative skills and experience that are most relevant to the job opening, and provide concrete examples of how you can benefit the company.
   
• Be bold. Close your letter by expressing your desire to learn more about the job during an interview. Stating when you will contact the hiring manager to follow up allows you to be proactive and also shows enthusiasm.
   
• Don’t forget to proof. Research conducted by OfficeTeam indicates that just one or two typographical errors are enough to discourage a hiring manager from calling you back. Use your computer’s spell- and grammar-check functions to avoid errors, but also ask friends and family to double-check your work.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Diane Domeyer is executive director of OfficeTeam, the nation’s leading staffing service specializing in the temporary placement of highly skilled administrative and office support professionals. OfficeTeam has more than 300 locations worldwide and offers online job search services at www.officeteam.com.