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Secretary Cover Letter Example

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You should start your Secretary cover letter by addressing the hiring manager directly, if their name is available. If not, use a professional greeting like "Dear Hiring Manager". Then, introduce yourself and state the position you're applying for. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the role and briefly mention how your skills and experience make you a strong candidate. For example, "I am excited to apply for the Secretary position at your company. With my 5 years of experience in administrative roles and exceptional organizational skills, I am confident I can contribute effectively to your team." This sets a positive tone and immediately highlights your suitability for the role.

The best way for Secretaries to end a cover letter is by expressing gratitude for the reader's time and consideration, reiterating their interest in the role, and inviting further discussion. For example, "Thank you for considering my application. I am very interested in the Secretary position and believe my skills and experience make me a strong candidate. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my application with you further." This ending is professional, courteous, and shows enthusiasm for the role. It's also important to end with a formal closing such as "Sincerely" or "Best Regards," followed by your name. Remember, a cover letter is your chance to make a good first impression, so ensure it's well-written, concise, and free of errors.

Secretaries should include the following elements in their cover letter: 1. Contact Information: Your name, address, phone number, and email address should be at the top of the cover letter. If you're sending an email cover letter, this information can be included in your email signature. 2. Salutation: Address the hiring manager directly if you know their name. If not, use a general salutation like "Dear Hiring Manager." 3. Introduction: Start by introducing yourself and stating the position you're applying for. Mention where you found the job posting. 4. Relevant Skills and Experience: Highlight your skills and experiences that are directly relevant to the secretary position. This could include experience in office administration, proficiency in office software, excellent communication skills, and ability to manage multiple tasks or projects at once. 5. Achievements: Mention any achievements or accomplishments from your previous roles that demonstrate your ability to perform the job effectively. For example, if you implemented a new filing system that increased efficiency, or if you were praised for your exceptional customer service skills. 6. Knowledge about the Company: Show that you've done your research about the company and express why you're interested in working there. This shows your enthusiasm and commitment. 7. Closing: In your closing paragraph, thank the hiring manager for considering your application. Express your interest in discussing your qualifications further in an interview. 8. Signature: End with a professional closing like "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your name. Remember, your cover letter should complement your resume, not duplicate it. It's your chance to tell a story about your experiences and skills, and to show your personality. Always proofread your cover letter before sending it to avoid any typos or errors.

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Secretary Cover Letter Example

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Secretary Example Cover Letter

Crafting a compelling Secretary cover letter can be a make or break component of your job application process.

The role of a secretary requires meticulous attention to detail, superior organizational abilities, and exemplary interpersonal skills. Your cover letter needs to reflect these qualities and provide a  glimpse into your potential  as an efficient and reliable asset to the prospective organization.

In this article, we’ll dive into some  less-known ingredients  that can make your secretary cover letter a success:

• Top 3 skills you should absolutely mention in your secretary cover letter
• 20 secretarial power words recruiters cannot resist
• 1 proven strategy to land your secretarial dream job if you have no experience

Get started by taking a look at the secretary cover letter example below.

[ Hiring Manager’s name ]

[Company name]

[Company address]

Dear Mr./Ms. [Hiring Manager’s Last Name],

I am excited to apply for the Secretary position at [Company]. With over 6 years of experience in the field and comprehensive knowledge of office management software, I believe I am an ideal candidate for this role.

In my current position at [Current Company], I have consistently demonstrated my exceptional organizational skills by successfully coordinating more than 50 offsite meetings, handling all travel arrangements, and drafting various formal emails, letters, and communications on behalf of the company. Through these responsibilities, I have honed my attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.

Moreover, I have proactively enhanced company filing procedures to streamline recordkeeping. By implementing improved systems, I was able to reduce document retrieval time by 12%, resulting in increased productivity and smoother workflow.

To provide a comprehensive overview of my qualifications and achievements, I have enclosed my resume for your review. It further emphasizes my career history and accomplishments in detail.

I am greatly interested in discussing how my skills and experience align with the Secretary position at [Company]. I am available for an in-person meeting at your convenience to address any questions you may have.

You may reach me anytime via my personal phone number, [Phone Number], or by email at [Email Address]. I eagerly look forward to the opportunity to further discuss how my abilities can contribute to the success of [Company].

Thank you for considering my application. I anticipate hearing from you soon.

[Your Name]

[Address] [Phone number] [Email address]

Use our  cover letter creation tool  to write your secretary cover letter. Full of expert on-the-go tips, you’ll be done in just a few minutes.

Top 3 Skills Recruiters Look For in Secretaries

When recruiters look for secretaries, they look for those who possess the skills that will help them be successful in their role.

While knowing that abilities like efficient communication, time management, or software proficiency will enhance your cover letter, we have also included a breakdown of the ideal tasks to showcase them.

This way, you’ll be able to  provide details about how you’ve gained these   skills . Don’t forget that you’re telling a story through your application. The more detail, the more interesting it will be for hiring managers.

Here they are:

Skill 1: Efficient Communication and Interpersonal Skills

As a secretary, having excellent communication and interpersonal skills is vital. You will be the face and voice of the company.

This ability allows you to establish a  good relationship with clients, co-workers, and upper management . Efficient communication and interpersonal skills show you can:

• Greet guests in a polite and friendly manner
• Listen actively to clients and co-workers
• Write and speak professionally
• Handle conflict and complaints
• Assist managers and co-workers when needed
• Build trust and rapport between employees and clients

“My ability to multitask effectively and problem-solve on the fly proved invaluable, particularly in situations that required the juggling of multiple conflicting priorities. I maintained meticulous records and consistently updated our internal databases and files, ensuring easy access to vital information at all times.”

Skill 2: Organizational and Time Management Skills

Recruiters also prioritize the proficiency of secretaries in office software. Such proficiency significantly impacts the  efficiency of the workplace , which is why familiarity with these applications can strongly influence the selection process.

Proficiency in office software applications also allows for:

• Quick document processing and updates (Microsoft Word, Google Docs)
• Keeping databases up-to-date (Microsoft Access, MySQL, Salesforce)
• Staying on top of emails and software systems (Microsoft Outlook, Gmail)
• Efficient task completion (Trello, Asana, Microsoft Teams)
• Maintaining a professional online presence (Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram)

“In my previous role, I effectively used Asana for task management and project tracking, ensuring the team’s deadlines were consistently met. Furthermore, I was responsible for managing office equipment and scheduling regular maintenance, preventing potential disruptions. My proactive approach extended beyond these tasks, impacting overall project management duties and leading to a well-organized and highly efficient work environment.”

20 Power Words to Boost Your Secretary Cover Letter

When crafting your resume as a secretary, it’s important to  choose impactful language  that highlights your skills and accomplishments.

Power words are action verbs that make your cover letter more  dynamic and engaging . They help recruiters envision your contributions and capabilities.

Here is a list specifically tailored to secretaries:

• Coordinated
• Streamlined
• Prioritized

Example: “I meticulously organized and maintained complex calendars for multiple executives, ensuring seamless scheduling and timely coordination of meetings.”

• Facilitated
• Corresponded
• Implemented

Example: “I successfully implemented a new digital filing system that enhanced document retrieval efficiency and reduced paper waste.”

• Communicated
• Collaborated

Example: “I executed various administrative tasks with precision, including preparing official correspondence, managing office supplies, and coordinating travel arrangements.”

Using these  power words  strategically throughout your cover letter will give it a boost of energy and make it stand out to recruiters. Remember to  pair them with specific examples  of how you applied these skills to achieve positive results.

Also, tailor your language and examples to your specific experiences and achievements as a secretary. This will make your resume more compelling and help you present yourself as a confident and capable candidate.

Check our  cover letter guide . There you’ll find  detailed advice on the essential elements  of a winning cover letter, such as how to effectively detail your experience.

1 Proven Strategy to Land Your Secretarial Dream Job if You Have No Experience

As a job seeker with no experience, writing a cover letter for a secretary position can feel challenging. It’s important to convey enthusiasm, but saying things like “I am motivated” or “I’ve wanted to be a secretary since I can remember” won’t get you the job.

However, there is one thing you can do to show your motivation to recruiters –  join a professional association  and point it out in your cover letter.

Professional associations can boost a secretary’s profile in the application process. They not only represent a  commitment to the field  but also offer networking opportunities, professional development resources, and industry updates.

Membership in one of these associations can significantly enhance your  credibility  as a secretary and demonstrate your commitment to professional growth and excellence in your field.

Here are three prominent associations you could join:

• International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP)
• American Society of Administrative Professionals (ASAP)
• National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS)

Take a look at the example in the following section to see how you can include your association membership in your cover letter.

Secretary Cover Letter With No Experience

While the  employment for secretaries is expected to decrease  during the next few years, it’s still a popular career choice for many.

If you’re a career newbie and are asking yourself “how do I write an application letter for a secretary position?”, review the cover letter sample below for further reference:

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the Secretary position at [Company’s Name] as advertised. Although I do not have formal work experience, I believe my education, volunteer work, and my active membership with the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) have equipped me with a unique set of skills that are valuable for this role.

During my time at [Your College/University Name], I was often praised for my strong organizational skills and attention to detail. I utilized my knowledge of office software to streamline the management of academic projects and volunteered to assist in the organization of numerous school events. Through this, I developed proficiency in task prioritization, time management, and multitasking, skills that are crucial for the efficient functioning of an office environment.

As an active member of the IAAP, I’ve had the opportunity to enhance my communication and interpersonal skills through their various networking events. This exposure has enabled me to establish and maintain professional relationships effectively, a skill I believe is crucial for the role of a Secretary. Moreover, their certification programs and continuous professional development resources have allowed me to stay abreast of industry trends and best practices, further preparing me to thrive in an administrative role.

I am eager to bring my strong work ethic, dedication, and willingness to learn to your team at [Company’s Name]. I am confident that my skills would make me a valuable addition to your company.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how I can contribute to the efficiency of your administrative operations.

Recap: How to Write a Secretary Cover Letter That Gets You the Job

Writing a cover letter for a secretarial position is easy, if you know what recruiters are looking for.

Let’s review the main points presented in this article:

• Top skills for secretaries : Communication, interpersonal skills, organization, time management, and office software applications. Provide specific examples of how you used them and consider taking a course if you’re missing any.
• Power words : Use power words to describe your experience in your cover letter. Your arguments will gain effectiveness through them.
• Professional associations : Specially advantageous for those with little or no experience, mentioning membership to an association shows commitment and passion for the secretarial world. Recruiters will be impressed.

By applying these tools and advice, you’ll effectively feature your unique set of skills and experience, demonstrating your ability to succeed in the position.

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Secretary Cover Letter Sample

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Secretary Cover Letter Sample (Full Text Version)

Fanny dermaux.

Dear Hiring Manager,

I write in response to the job ad at your website saying that you are looking for an experienced administrative secretary with a comprehensive background in the fast-paced business environments. I truly believe that my qualifications and qualifies make and an ideal candidate for the job and that I would be a great contribution to your team and company.

First of all, I have a Professional Secretary Certification from a well-known Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators which proves my knowledge and interest in the field. During the certification gaining process, I learned a lot about not only office management but also other subjects, such as marketing, human resources, and accounting, as well. Moreover, I am still willing to learn and get better as self-development and education are my biggest passions.

Secondly, throughout my previous jobs, I had the tremendous opportunity to grow professionally as I was becoming responsible for more and more tasks. Besides performing basic secretary duties like responding to emails and answering the phone, I was also in charge of managing travel arrangements, completing detailed reports, and maintaining staff records. On top of that, I served as the first point of contact for visiting clients. For my hard work and exceptional work ethic, I was awarded Employee of the Month and Top Collaborator.

Having a strong attention to detail and accuracy and well-developed communication and organizational skills, I always strive for excellence and am motivated to achieve the best results and meet all goals and targets. I am a native German speaker with proficiency in English and French. Moreover, I know how to use and have experience with various office management software programs, for example, EnGlobe, Azeus Convene, Visual 360, and Boardable. I hope that you will afford me the great opportunity to become a member of your team.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Fanny Dermaux

Milan Šaržík, CPRW

Milan’s work-life has been centered around job search for the past three years. He is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW™) as well as an active member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Careers Coaches (PARWCC™). Milan holds a record for creating the most career document samples for our help center – until today, he has written more than 500 resumes and cover letters for positions across various industries. On top of that, Milan has completed studies at multiple well-known institutions, including Harvard University, University of Glasgow, and Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.

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• Government efficiency, transparency and accountability
• Johnson, Boris – Prime Minister - ACOBA advice
• Advisory Committee on Business Appointments

Advice Letter: Boris Johnson, Co-Chair, Better Earth Ltd

Updated 2 May 2024

© Crown copyright 2024

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected] .

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1. BUSINESS APPOINTMENT APPLICATION: The Rt Hon Boris Johnson, former Prime Minister. Paid appointment with Better Earth Ltd. 

You sought advice from the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (the Committee) under the government’s Business Appointments Rules for Former Ministers (the Rules) on taking up a role with Better Earth Ltd (Better Earth). 

The purpose of the Rules is to protect the integrity of the government. Under the Rules, the Committee’s remit is to consider the risks associated with the actions and decisions you made during your time in office, alongside the information and influence you may offer Better Earth as the former Prime Minister. The material information taken into consideration by the Committee is set out in the annex.

The Committee’s [footnote 1] advice is not an endorsement of the appointment - it imposes a number of conditions to mitigate the potential risks to the government associated with the appointment under the Rules.

The Ministerial Code sets out that ministers must abide by the Committee’s advice. It is an applicant’s personal responsibility to manage the propriety of any appointment. Former ministers of the Crown, and Members of Parliament, are expected to uphold the highest standards of propriety and act in accordance with the 7 Principles of Public Life.

2. The Committee’s consideration of the risks presented

Better Earth is a sustainability consultancy firm and it states its mission is to build a sustainable future economy.  As the former Prime Minister, you were involved in policy decisions made across government - including environmental policy. It is significant that policy decisions on climate and the environment would have had effect across a number of sectors, rather than benefit any specific company. You did not meet with, nor did you make any decisions specific to Better Earth during your time in office. Therefore, the risk that this appointment can reasonably be perceived as a reward for decisions made in office is low. 

There is a broad overlap between this appointment and your time in office. As Prime Minister, you had access to sensitive information across government. The Committee noted there are several mitigating factors that limit the real and perceived risks associated with your access to sensitive information. Though you were actively involved in policy, the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and the Cabinet Office were consulted and confirmed:

• they are not aware of any sensitive information you have access to that would offer an unfair advantage to the company;
• environment and climate policies you were previously involved in are now in the public domain for example, the Ten Point Plan & COP 26, or have moved on significantly under new government administrations; and
• it has been over 17 months since you left office and last had access to information.

Better Earth operates as a consultancy firm and its clients are unknown.  Despite the mitigations above, there remains a risk that you could be seen to offer an unfair advantage to its clients as a result of your access to information and influence. The Committee agreed with your former department that this is limited given the length of time that has passed since you left public office and that the majority of information you had access to will no longer be sufficiently up to date or will already be in the public domain. It considered the risks were most likely to arise on matters that you were involved in and where you are aware they are still in development and decisions have not yet been made public; or where you had had an official relationship with the client/investor as Prime Minister.

As the former Prime Minister, there is the risk that you could offer Better Earth unfair access and influence across government. You will also have met with and discussed environment and climate matters with a range of external organisations. There is a risk you could use your network outside of government to unfairly benefit the company in building its business. 

3. The Committee’s advice 

The Committee recognised that the risks associated with your access to information are limited. However, given you will be working with clients and investors which are as yet unknown, the associated unknown risks must be addressed. The Committee has imposed a condition to limit your role, preventing you from advising on any matters that you were involved in and have yet to be determined or made public; or where you had a relationship with the client/ investor.

The remaining risks identified in this application can be appropriately mitigated by the other conditions below. These make it clear that you cannot make use of privileged information, contacts or influence gained from your time as Prime Minister in ministerial service to the unfair advantage of Better Earth or its clients.

The Committee advises, under the government’s Business Appointment Rules, that your appointment with Better Earth Ltd be subject to the following conditions: 

you should not draw on (disclose or use for the benefit of yourself or the persons or organisations to which this advice refers) any privileged information available to you from your time in ministerial service;

for two years from your last day in ministerial service, you should not become personally involved in lobbying government or any of its arm’s length bodies on behalf of Better Earth Ltd (including parent companies, subsidiaries, partners and clients); nor should you make use, directly or indirectly, of your contacts in government and/or ministerial office to influence policy, secure business/funding or otherwise unfairly advantage Better Earth Ltd (including parent companies, subsidiaries, partners and clients); 

for two years from your last day in ministerial service, you should not provide advice to Better Earth Ltd (including parent companies, subsidiaries, partners and clients) on the terms of, or with regard to the subject matter of, a bid with, or contract relating directly to the work of the UK government and its arm’s length bodies; 

for two years from your day in ministerial service, you should not become personally involved in lobbying contacts you developed during your time in office in other governments and external organisations for the purpose of securing business/investors for Better Earth Ltd; and 

for two years from your last day in ministerial office, your role with Better Earth Ltd should be limited to providing advice on matters that do not conflict with your time as Prime Minister.  In doing so, you must not advise Better Earth Ltd or its clients on matters you were involved in which are not yet determined or have not yet been made public.  Further, you must not advise clients/investors you had a relationship with in your role as Prime Minister.  

The advice and the conditions under the government’s Business Appointment Rules relate to your previous role in government only; there are separate rules administered by other bodies such as the Office of the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists, the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards and the Registrar of Lords’ Interests [footnote 2] . You are reminded that as a Member of Parliament you have a separate ban on paid lobbying under the Parliamentary Code of Conduct. It is an applicant’s personal responsibility to understand any other rules and regulations they may be subject to in parallel with this Committee’s advice.

By ‘privileged information’ we mean official information to which a minister or Crown servant has had access as a consequence of his or her office or employment and which has not been made publicly available. Applicants are also reminded that they may be subject to other duties of confidentiality, whether under the Official Secrets Act, the Civil Service Code or otherwise.

The Business Appointment Rules explain that the restriction on lobbying means that the former Crown servant/Minister “should not engage in communication with government (Ministers, civil servants, including special advisers, and other relevant officials/public office holders) – wherever it takes place - with a view to influencing a government decision, policy or contract award/grant in relation to their own interests or the interests of the organisation by which they are employed, or to whom they are contracted or with which they hold office.”

You must inform us as soon as your commission is live or is announced. You must also inform us if you propose to extend or otherwise change the nature of your consultancy as, depending on the circumstances, it may be necessary for you to make a fresh application.

Once the appointment has been publicly announced or taken up, we will publish this letter on the Committee’s website, and where appropriate, refer to it in the relevant annual report.

4. Annex - Material Information 

4.1 the role .

Better Earth is a sustainability consultancy firm and it states its mission is to build a sustainable future economy. Its website states it is a partner for business transformation covering topics such as sustainability strategy, decarbonisation, circular economy or social due diligence. The website states ‘…we show ways in which companies can operate profitably within planetary boundaries while respecting human needs. We accompany companies in taking their path to the future economy. And we support investors in deciding where to invest and how to transform their portfolio companies’.

In your paid, part-time role as Co-Chair, you described your responsibilities as: 

• overseeing the strategy and direction of Better Earth; 
• setting the agenda for the board; 
• representing the company at meetings with potential clients and investors; and
• completing the usual legal responsibilities associated with a Chairman. 
• no involvement or contact with government. 

You confirmed the other Co-Chair will be Amir Adnani, President, CEO and Co-Founder of Uranium Energy Corp - a US based uranium production and exploration company which operates North America’s newest uranium mine.

4.2 Dealings in office 

You advised the Committee that as Prime Minister, you worked on relevant policy.  For example, a 10-point plan to achieve net zero and you also led efforts to encourage other countries to make similarly binding commitments at the UK-hosted COP26 summit. You stated that you did not meet with, nor have access to sensitive information specific to Better Earth. 

4.3 Departmental Assessment 

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the Cabinet Office were consulted and provided the following:

• you would have made decisions in relation to environmental policy, though you made no decisions specific to Better Earth; 
• the departments do not have a relationship with Better Earth; 
• you had access to a range of information and policy advice on net zero and climate issues as a senior member within the government it is possible you were exposed to strategic information that would benefit any employer. 
• much of the information you had access to is no longer of relevance given the time that has already passed (over 17 months) and they were not aware of anything specific that would unfairly benefit Better Earth; and
• the Cabinet Office said ‘…the currency of any retained information is likely to be significantly degraded (especially considering the changes in government since)’.

The Cabinet Office noted the following risks in this application to be appropriately mitigated:

• your network of contacts developed within office which may provide an unfair advantage to Better Earth; and
• the unknown nature of Better Earth’s clients - specifically that there is the risk of a client engaging in lobbying the UK government.

This application for advice was considered by Andrew Cumpsty; Isabel Doverty; Hedley Finn OBE; The Rt Hon Baroness Jones of Whitchurch; The Rt Hon Lord Eric Pickles; Michael Prescott; and Mike Weir. Dawid Konotey-Ahulu CBE and Sarah de Gay were unavailable.  ↩

All Peers and Members of Parliament are prevented from paid lobbying under the the House of Commons Code of Conduct and the Code of Conduct for Members of the House of Lords. Advice on your obligations under the Code can be sought from the Parliamentary Commissioners for Standards, in the case of MPs, or the Registrar of Lords’ Interests, in the case of peers  ↩

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