Question:
What should I emphasize in a cover letter to be an administrative
assistant at a local university?
Answer:
-Check the university's web site and see if they have a mission statement, so
that you can tie yourself into their stated goals. Also see what they've
been in the news for lately: if it's something good, some big initiatives,
mention how excited you'd be to be part of them.
-In response to your Adminstrative Assistant position advertised in the (put
in pertinent info here). I have the qualifications necessary to effectively
handle the responsibilities of this position.
As an extraordinarily organized and detail oriented individual, I believe my
work experience has thoroughly prepared me for this opening in your firm
(with your company, whoever).
I feel confident that I can make an immediate contribution to your office,
and I believe that a personal conversation would be to our mututal
advantage. I am enclosing a copy of my resume for your personal
consideration. I can be reached at the above address or by telephone at
-The stuff we looked for the last time we hired one:
1. Computer skills computer skills computer skills! List them on your resume,
and draw attention to them in your cover letter. Make an anonymous phone call
to the university to find out what operating system and office software they
use, and mention those by name in your letter.
2. Your service-oriented attitude. PR is very important to universities, and
virtuall all administrative assistants take outside phone calls-- depending on
what department you're in, they could be from students, parents, the business
community, or even high-roller big donors and alumni. Your interpersonal
skills and commitment to customer service are paramount. Frankly, in my
office, I care more about how the support staff speak to callers than how they
speak to me.
3. Your self-motivation and ability to work independently. University
administrators are typically overworked and being pulled in numerous directions
at once. They need assistants who don't need hand-holding and who they can
depend on to make them look good.
