We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.

Advertiser Disclosure

Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

How We Make Money

We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently from our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.

How do I Write an Office Assistant Cover Letter?

Dan Cavallari
By
Updated May 17, 2024
Our promise to you
WiseGeek is dedicated to creating trustworthy, high-quality content that always prioritizes transparency, integrity, and inclusivity above all else. Our ensure that our content creation and review process includes rigorous fact-checking, evidence-based, and continual updates to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Editorial Standards

At WiseGeek, we are committed to creating content that you can trust. Our editorial process is designed to ensure that every piece of content we publish is accurate, reliable, and informative.

Our team of experienced writers and editors follows a strict set of guidelines to ensure the highest quality content. We conduct thorough research, fact-check all information, and rely on credible sources to back up our claims. Our content is reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.

We believe in transparency and maintain editorial independence from our advertisers. Our team does not receive direct compensation from advertisers, allowing us to create unbiased content that prioritizes your interests.

Many people who search out office assistant positions do not have higher education degrees and may have limited work experience, so writing an office assistant cover letter can be frustrating. The best way to start writing the letter is to read the job description carefully and determine which of your experiences and skills will show that you are the best candidate for the position. Highlight key words in the job description and use those words in your cover letter if possible. Remember to research the proper cover letter format, and proofread your office assistant cover letter several times before sending it out.

Start your office assistant cover letter by greeting the employer by name if possible. Be sure to note why you are interested in the position, and if you were referred by anyone within the company, be sure to note that in the first paragraph. You will want to keep the office assistant cover letter brief and to the point, so limit yourself to three paragraphs at most. In that first paragraph, after your greeting and other notes, be sure to note right away why you are the best candidate for the job. Cite a specific skill, experience, or level of education that will showcase your ability to be the best office assistant possible.

Briefly describe the skill or experience that fits best with the employer's needs. Go back and look at the highlighted words or phrases and determine which of your skills and experiences will most suit the employer's needs. Describe that skill or experience, but avoid too much detail; you will be able to expound on this item during an interview, and your resumé may feature even more information about the skill or experience. Give examples of past successes if possible, such as a time you were praised or otherwise recognized for your hard work.

If you have no previous experience as an office assistant, your office assistant cover letter will need to convey your skills that would suit you for the job. This can be tricky, but not impossible; note other jobs that may have been comparable in difficulty or even more difficult, and explain how those jobs prepare you for the office assistant position. Be confident and firm with your language, and avoid using phrases that will convey a lack of confidence or certainty. Tell the employer why you are the best candidate, not why you "think" you are the best candidate.

WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Dan Cavallari
By Dan Cavallari , Former Writer
Dan Cavallari, a talented writer, editor, and project manager, crafts high-quality, engaging, and informative content for various outlets and brands. With a degree in English and certifications in project management, he brings his passion for storytelling and project management expertise to his work, launching and growing successful media projects. His ability to understand and communicate complex topics effectively makes him a valuable asset to any content creation team.

Discussion Comments

By Ivan83 — On Jan 12, 2012

I am terrible at writing cover letters. Can someone point me to some cover letter examples or ideally a cover letter template? I think if I could look at cover letter samples my own letter would be much better.

By nextcorrea — On Jan 11, 2012

I have had a few office administrator jobs and in my experience the best way to grab a new employers attention with your cover letter is to be honest and direct.

I always spell out my education, the software I have mastered, my words per minute and any other skill that I can express quantitatively. An office administrator is a practical job. They are not looking for a go getter or a person with a bubbly personality. They are looking for people who know what they are doing and can get things done. Be honest about your skills.

By jonrss — On Jan 10, 2012

The most important thing to consider when writing a cover letter for this or any type of job is to check and recheck your spelling and grammar. Nothing can disqualify you faster than a carelessly misspelled word or a missing apostrophe.

I have a friend who works in HR and she told me that this is how she begins ranking candidates from the very start. the way she figures it, if an applicant can't take the time to turn in a polished cover letter for a job they want, how will they ever turn in quality work once they get the job. So do yourself a favor and be your own harshest editor.

By Kat919 — On Jan 10, 2012

I think it's important to think outside the box a little bit when you're writing an administrative or office assistant cover letter.

They are reading a whole bunch. What makes *you* different? I had a friend who went from teaching to office management with a cover letter that used humor about her teaching experience and the pressure she worked under as a middle school teacher.

You may not have that much work experience, but did you volunteer at a day camp? You could talk about learning to communicate with customers (parents). Hiring managers are often looking for flexibility, calm under pressure, the ability to learn new things, and a good attitude as much as specific skills, and the cover letter is your place to show what you *do* have.

Dan Cavallari

Dan Cavallari

Former Writer

Dan Cavallari, a talented writer, editor, and project manager, crafts high-quality, engaging, and informative content for various outlets and brands. With a degree in English and certifications in project management, he brings his passion for storytelling and project management expertise to his work, launching and growing successful media projects. His ability to understand and communicate complex topics effectively makes him a valuable asset to any content creation team.
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.