Writing a resume for administrative assistant jobs in Jackson MS is labor intensive, so it’s easy to understand why some people get tempted to use a generic cut-and-paste cover letter. Unfortunately, this is a mistake that can cause an employer to skip your resume entirely. Cover letters are important and can influence whether a hiring manager will schedule an interview with you.
Creating an effective cover letter doesn’t have to be daunting. Below are some tips to help you write a compelling letter for an administrative assistant job:
Customize Each Letter
Don’t copy and paste every letter sent to a potential employer. Customize each one to pique the hiring manager’s interest and show that you have done research on the company. Use keywords in your writing that were used in the job listing and elaborate on skills and experience that the administrative assistant position is looking for.
Use a Conversational Tone
Cover letters are meant to be more conversational than a resume. Start with a friendly greeting that includes the hiring manager’s name. If you’re not sure what this name is, call the company to find out. An actual name looks more personal and inviting than a standard “to whom it may concern.” Also, use a friendly but professional tone throughout the letter, as if you were speaking to the individual in person.
Display Your Eagerness to be Part of the Company
Let the reader know how happy you were to see an opportunity open up. Show that you are familiar with the company and the services it offers. Throw in a few examples of why this company means something to you – perhaps its involvement in the community has always impressed you. Employers are always looking for qualified candidates who value the company and will fit in with the culture.
Highlight Your Qualifications
An administrative cover letter offers new real estate to take advantage of, so highlight the skills and abilities that are most important to this position. You can give specific examples of what you’ve done for other companies, such as by saving them money, bringing in new business or managing a number of files.
Wrap Up the Letter
Bring your letter to a close and let the employer know that you look forward to the next step, whether it be hearing from them or scheduling an interview. Place your contact information at the end of the letter, giving the manager multiple ways to reach you. Some hiring managers will call and set up an interview while others will send an email to get to know you better.
Cover letters are an important piece of the hiring puzzle so make sure you put effort into writing yours to make it stand out. If you need additional tips, advice or professional editing services to help you land administrative assistant jobs in Jackson MS, contact Capitol Staffing today.