Secretary Cover Letter Example and Template

Whether you're an experienced secretary who is looking for a new career opportunity or you're searching for your first job in this role, developing a well-written cover letter that matches the job description of the position you're applying for can improve your chances of being hired. Reviewing resume samples from successful secretaries can also help you craft professional application materials that match your cover letter. In this article, we highlight some important details to include in your secretary cover letter, share four tips to help you get started and provide an example of an effective cover letter that you can use as a reference. When you're ready to start applying for secretary jobs, upload a resume file or build an Indeed Resume to find opportunities near you. Veronique Demidov
York, Pennsylvania
771-555-0199
veronique.demidov@email.com May 11, 2023 Dear hiring manager, I'm writing in response to the Secretary job posting I found on the Netterville Design LLC website. As an efficient and organized Secretary with over 10 years of experience working in fast-paced business environments, I believe I have the skills and qualifications you're looking for in an ideal candidate. In the job description for this role, you mentioned you're seeking a professional who has the ability to manage an office, collaborate with several departments and complete a wide variety of scheduling, file management and clerical tasks. Throughout my career, I've exemplified my skills in each of these areas by:

Earning and maintaining my Professional Secretary Certification from the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators for the last eight years
Overseeing offices with more than 200 employees where I kept records, updated files, managed budgets, scheduled meetings and performed other administrative tasks
Providing direct support to up to six executive leaders at one time, which included updating calendars, forwarding phone calls, preparing documents and proofreading contracts

I pride myself on paying close attention to even the smallest details to ensure my work is always accurate and well-developed. As you can probably tell from the bits of information I've shared, I also enjoy supporting my colleagues throughout their careers by using my excellent communication, time management and problem-solving skills to streamline processes. Thank you for taking the time to review my application materials and read through my resume. I hope to hear from you soon and look forward to learning more about the Secretary position at Ketterville Design LLC. If you have any questions or need additional information, please don't hesitate to contact me via phone or email. Respectfully, Veronique Demidov To upload the template into Google Docs, go to File > Open > and select the correct downloaded file.

What to include in a secretary cover letter

While it's important to personalize your secretary cover letter to reflect your work experience, skills and academic background, there are some basic pieces of information hiring managers typically look for when scanning application materials for this position. Understanding what these details are can help you tailory our cover letter to the job you're applying for and highlight your unique experience while integrating all of the standard information. Here are a few key elements to incorporate:

Primary contact information
Professional greeting
Your desired job title
Relevant secretary work experience
Administrative skills, credentials and qualifications
Examples of previous job duties and accomplishments
Reasons for applying
Professional closing

4 tips to write a secretary cover letter

Here are four tips to help you develop a professional secretary cover letter that appeals to hiring managers and potential employers:

1. Use strong action verbs to discuss your job duties

Pair strong action verbs with your previous job duties and accomplishments as a secretary to craft a compelling cover letter. This can make your application materials stand out from other candidates who may choose to use general language to describe their work experiences. It can also make your cover letter more memorable and enjoyable to read, which can improve your chances of receiving an invitation to interview for the position. Some examples of action verbs you can use to discuss your previous job duties as a secretary include:

Arranged
Distributed
Conveyed
Scheduled
Resolved
Corresponded
Maintained
Incorporated

Read more: 12 Essential Secretary Duties

2. Highlight your administrative skills

When applying for secretary positions, it's important to highlight your administrative skills throughout your cover letter and resume. Review the job description for your desired role to see what types of clerical work the position entails. Then try to identify specific skills and qualifications the employer would like the candidate they hire to possess. Some skills hiring managers often look for when reading through cover letters for secretary positions include:

Adaptability
Critical thinking
Verbal and written communication
Time management
Multitasking
Collaboration
Prioritization
Interpersonal skills
Attention to detail
Data entry
Customer service
Record keeping

You can also mention the names of specific software programs you have experience using throughout your application materials to show hiring managers you have the necessary knowledge to excel as a secretary. Read more: 8 Office Skills Administrative Employers Are Looking For

3. Provide facts and examples

Use vivid examples to discuss your accomplishments, job duties and work experience. When possible, incorporate concrete and verifiable facts by including the specific names of any employers, academic institutions, organizations or accrediting bodies you've received awards, degrees or certifications from throughout your career. You can also quantify your accomplishments by providing numbers and statistics. Incorporating these details can show hiring managers how significant your contributions are and how much of an impact you've had on your employers and coworkers. Related: How To Sell Yourself in a Cover Letter (With Tips and Examples)

4. Proofread your cover letter

As a secretary, it's important to pay close attention to details so you can produce accurate and error-free work. Before you submit your cover letter and resume, make sure to proofread these documents carefully to show hiring managers you have the necessary skills to be successful if they hire you. Read your cover letter out loud to ensure the tone and language sounds professional. You can also ask a colleague, friend or family member to review your application materials and provide their feedback. Read more: Cover Letter Checklist: What To Review Before You Submit