good cover letter for a receptionist job

Receptionist Cover Letter Example & How-To Guide in 2024

You're the first face people see when they walk in, and you've got multitasking skills to rival a Swiss Army knife.

You’re a receptionist, and you’re ready to greet any challenge with a smile and a solution.

But when it comes to describing all your skills and qualifications in a cover letter, you suddenly feel like you've hit a wall. 

All the professionalism and charm you have in person just don’t translate into words.

But don't sweat it—this article is your all-in-one tool kit for writing the best receptionist cover letter and getting your foot in the door for an interview.

Here's what we're going to cover:

• A Top-Notch Receptionist Cover Letter Example
• 5 Steps to Writing a Receptionist Cover Letter

3 Essential Receptionist Cover Letter Tips

Let's dive in!

Receptionist Cover Letter Example

5 Steps for the Perfect Receptionist Cover Letter

Now that you've just seen what a great receptionist cover letter looks like, it’s time to start your own.

And it’s time for us to show you how to write a cover letter ! 

Just follow these steps:

#1. Put Contact Information in the Header

Start your receptionist cover letter with your key contact information. 

Place them at the top, just like you would on your resume . Here’s what to include:

• First and Last Name. Always start with your full name.
• Job Title. Be specific about the job you're applying for, like "Front Desk Receptionist." It helps the hiring manager sort through applications faster since they’re probably hiring for several job openings.
• Email Address. Use a simple, professional email. An old quirky email won't work, so swap "[email protected]" for "[email protected]."
• Phone Number. Double-check that your phone number is correct. If you're applying outside your country, make sure to add the dial code in front.
• Location. Just the city and state or country are fine. But if you're willing to move for the job, be sure to mention that somewhere on your resume and cover letter.
• Relevant Links (optional). If you’ve got a LinkedIn profile , you can add a link.

Now, time for the hiring manager’s contact information :

• Company Name. Write down the company's name. If it belongs to a larger company, such as a hotel that’s part of a conglomerate, you can just write the hotel’s name.
• Hiring Manager’s Name. Try to find out the name of the person who’ll be reading your cover letter. Check the job ad, the company website, or LinkedIn for a head start.
• Location. If the business you’re applying to has more than one location in the same city, like a gym that’s part of a franchise, specify the exact location, such as the street address.
• Date of Writing (Optional). You can add the exact date of writing to give your receptionist cover letter a professional touch.

#2. Address the Hiring Manager

Once you've got your contact information sorted, aim to address your cover letter to the person who's going to actually read it. 

And skip the old "To Whom It May Concern" line while you’re at it. 

The trick here is to do a bit of digging. Look through the job ad, company website, or LinkedIn job post to find the hiring manager for the receptionist role you’re eyeing. That way, you can find their name and address them in your cover letter.

Use formal titles like Mr. or Ms., followed by their last name. If you're unsure about their gender or marital status, go with their full name. Like this:

• Dear Ms. Thompson,
• Dear Jamie Thompson,

If you hit a dead end in finding the hiring manager's details, don't stress. You can address the letter to the department or the company at large. Here’s an example:

• Dear Front Desk Team,
• Dear Reception Hiring Group,
• Dear HR Recruitment Staff,
• Dear Office Manager,

#3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement

Hiring managers often spend just a few seconds scanning each application. So, catching their eye right away is critical to getting them to read the rest of your receptionist cover letter.

Start your first paragraph with who you are and why you're keen on the job. Your enthusiasm for the role or the company can make the hiring manager want to read more about you.

Researching the company can also really pay off. The more you know about them, the better you can show why you'd fit right in. It sends the message that you're not just firing off applications everywhere—you're genuinely interested in this particular receptionist role.

If you've got some solid receptionist experience, consider kicking off your cover letter with an experience or skill that sets you apart from other candidates. 

But remember to keep it short and sweet. The goal is to spark the hiring manager’s interest and encourage them to read more.

#4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details

The core part of your receptionist cover letter is where you can really dig deep into why you're the ideal pick for the job.

But don't just repeat everything from your receptionist resume . The hiring manager isn’t interested in the same information. Your cover letter is your chance to really flex your professional skills and qualifications in a way that makes you look like a better fit than every other candidate.

To do this, read through the job ad and mention any of your relevant achievements in the reception or admin fields. For example, you can make your cover letter stand out by emphasizing the specific skills mentioned in the job ad. If the position requires top-notch organization skills or multitasking skills, focus on those—not your unrelated pizza delivery skills from years ago.

Knowing more about the company can also give you an edge over other candidates. If you're familiar with their work culture or the type of clients they handle, say so in your cover letter. This shows you've done your homework and can present yourself as a good fit for their team.

Last but not least, try to give off some energetic vibes. Make it clear how eager you are for the role and how you're sure you can make a real difference with your skills and experience.

#5. Wrap It Up and Sign It

How you end your receptionist cover letter is arguably the most important part.

The goal is to leave the hiring manager with a strong, positive impression that confirms everything you’ve told them so far. So, your conclusion should briefly restate why you're the right fit for the job or sum up the key skills that prove it.

To wrap it all nicely, add a call to action to your cover letter. For example, encourage the hiring manager to take the next step, like discussing your application in more detail or arranging an interview. This proactive approach can stick with them and boost your chances of getting a call.

Finally, keep it professional with a closing line and sign your full name at the bottom. Here's an example:

Please feel free to reach out to me at the contact details provided to arrange an interview. I'm keen to discuss my application further when it suits you.

Warm regards,

If "Warm regards" doesn't resonate with you, here are some other polished options:

• Kind regards,
• Respectfully,
• Thank you for considering my application,

You've got the basics of how to write a cover letter.

Now, let's take your receptionist cover letter to the next level with some great cover letter tips :

#1. Match Your Resume

Regardless of your field, it’s essential for your cover letter and resume to reflect the professionalism you'll bring to the front desk.

Make sure your cover letter matches your resume like a uniform would match you with the rest of your team. This basically means keeping the contact information organized neatly on the page, with the same font style and size throughout your cover letter.

And just like juggling calls and visitors, you need to keep an eye on the spacing and margins to make sure your cover letter is at the right length .

Or Use A Cover Letter Template Instead

Feeling overwhelmed?

Here’s a shortcut—our cover letter templates .

Crafted with input from hiring managers around the globe, they're on-point with industry standards and look stunning. You can create your receptionist resume using our free resume templates , and then you’ll have a sleek cover letter for it in no time.

#2. Mention Skills and Keywords

Even the most well-written cover letter can fall flat if it doesn’t contain enough job-related keywords .

The truth is, that hiring managers have a checklist of what they want a candidate to bring to the table, and it’s these essential skills and qualifications that they’re looking for in your cover letter. When writing your receptionist cover letter, make sure you use enough keywords from the job ad.

But don’t just randomly throw in words you recognize. You want your cover letter to convey a story about how you’re the best candidate for the job. If the employer is looking for excellent customer service skills, you need to prove it. Mention how you developed your customer service skills and how they can help you excel at the job you’re applying for. 

#3. Proofread the Final Draft

You've already put in hard work to make your cover letter shine, so don’t let typos or grammar errors ruin your chance. Nothing screams "unprofessional" louder than sloppy writing.

In fact, most hiring managers will throw out an application over minor mistakes .

Avoid this by giving your cover letter a careful read and paying close attention to your text. It might sound obvious at first, but far too many candidates think they can skip it and end up in the hiring manager’s “no” pile.

Once you’ve done your part, try using a handy spell-checking tool like Grammarly . This can scan your text, catch errors you missed, and even suggest style improvements. Once you’re done, you can even hand your cover letter over to a friend. Having a fresh set of eyes check your cover letter can help spot mistakes both you and your spell-checking tool missed.

Key Takeaways

There you have it!

Now, you’re ready to write the perfect receptionist cover letter and land that job you have your sights set on.

But to make sure you’ve got it down, let’s recap our main points:

• Making sure your receptionist cover letter matches your resume gives your application a neat, professional look. Just use a resume and cover letter builder so you can create both documents easily.
• Structure your cover letter so that you have an intriguing first paragraph and then give the details afterwards. Use the body of your cover letter to expand on your skills, experiences, and how they make you right for the job.
• Check the job ad for relevant skills and keywords the employer is looking for. This way, you can easily match what the hiring manager wants to see and leave a great impression.
• Always proofread your cover letter before sending it. Even a tiny mistake can cost you a job opportunity, and it isn’t worth the risk.

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Receptionist Cover Letter Example

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You should start your Receptionist cover letter by addressing the hiring manager directly, if possible. If you don't know their name, use a professional greeting like "Dear Hiring Manager". Then, introduce yourself and express your interest in the receptionist position. Mention where you found the job posting and why you're interested in the role. For example, "I was excited to see your job posting for a Receptionist on your company website. With my 3 years of experience in customer service and administrative tasks, I am confident I can contribute positively to your team." This introduction is professional, direct, and shows your enthusiasm for the role.

The best way for Receptionists to end a cover letter is by expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity, reiterating their interest in the position, and inviting the employer to take the next step. For example, "I am excited about the possibility of bringing my unique skills and experience to your team and am confident that I would make a valuable addition to your company. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my application further. Thank you for considering my application." This ending is effective as it shows eagerness, confidence, and professionalism. It also encourages the employer to move forward with the hiring process. Remember to end with a formal closing such as "Sincerely" or "Best Regards," followed by your name.

Receptionists should include several key elements in their cover letter. 1. Contact Information: At the top of the cover letter, include your name, address, phone number, and email address. 2. Salutation: Address the hiring manager by name if it's known. 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 relevant to the receptionist position. This could include customer service skills, organizational skills, proficiency in specific software, or experience handling administrative tasks. 5. Achievements: If you have any achievements or accomplishments from previous roles that are relevant, include them. This could be something like improving a filing system or implementing a new process that increased efficiency. 6. Personal Qualities: Receptionists are often the first point of contact in an organization, so it's important to highlight qualities like friendliness, professionalism, and excellent communication skills. 7. Knowledge about the Company: Show that you've done your research and understand what the company does. This shows your interest in the role and the company. 8. Closing: In your closing paragraph, express your enthusiasm for the role and the opportunity to contribute to the company. Thank the hiring manager for considering your application. 9. 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 the hiring manager why you're the best fit for the role.

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Receptionist Cover Letter

You can easily adapt this receptionist cover letter for your own use. Send a stand out application cover letter, get the employer's attention and increase your chances of getting the receptionist job.

Package your background and experience into a professional and powerful cover letter that stands out and gets you the job interview. Highlight your strengths and skills as they relate directly to the job opportunity.

SAMPLE RECEPTIONIST COVER LETTER

Your Name Your Address Your Contact details (phone and email) Date Mrs Mary Stevens Hiring Manager ABC Company y15 South Parkway Long Island, NY 11551

Dear Mrs Stevens

Your job posting for a receptionist caught my attention straight away as my skills and experience are a close match to your requirements for this position. I would appreciate careful consideration of my credentials as outlined below and within the enclosed resume.

I have three years work experience as a receptionist in a large organization responsible for handling all calls and visitors in addition to providing extensive organizational and administrative support.

I am a self-directed and independent worker who has taken the initiative to learn as much as possible about the company I work for in order to become a valuable information resource.

Among my particular strengths are my organizational and planning skills. I have developed a number of processes to manage my many work tasks and make sure I meet the demands of a fast-paced work environment. I utilize technology to assist me wherever possible and have a good working knowledge of a number of computer applications including MS Office.

My strong communication skills and an outgoing, energetic personality ensure first-rate customer service to both clients and colleagues. I thoroughly enjoy dealing with a wide variety of people and take pride in being a receptionist.

ABC Company enjoys an excellent reputation and I am confident that I would be an asset to your company. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my abilities in more depth and am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.

Please contact me via phone or email to arrange a convenient time for us to meet. Thank you for your time and consideration and I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Jane Jobseeker Enclosure

How to write a winning receptionist resume

Need help with writing a good resume? Use the sample receptionist resume to build an excellent resume.

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Top 5 Receptionist Cover Letter Tips

• read through the job posting carefully to ensure you know what the employer is looking for before you start writing your cover letter
• Find out the name of the person to whom it should be addressed and avoid general salutations
• customize each cover letter to the target job opportunity
• Focus on your skills and strengths as they relate directly to the job requirements as stated in the job posting
• close your cover letter strongly

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How to Write a Cover Letter for a Receptionist Job

Last Updated: June 20, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Kolby Goodman . Kolby Goodman is a Career & Job Search Coach and the Founder of The Job Huntr. With over eight years of experience, he specializes in resume edits, interview preparation, LinkedIn profile feedback, and professional interview coaching. Additionally, his career advice has been featured in publications such as The Huffington Post. Kolby holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from San Diego State University. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 156,863 times.

Receptionists serve as the first line of contact between a company and its visitors, so the job is very important. A job as a receptionist is ideal for candidates with great organizational and interpersonal skills. If you think this would be a good career choice, your first step is writing a great cover letter. With a little bit of work, you can put together a cover letter that will grab the attention of potential employers and help you get the receptionist job you want.

Sample Cover Letter and Template

Gathering Information

• Look at the job description and pick out the duties that you have experience or skill with. Pick only the top two or three skills that are relevant to the job posting. Prepare to address these skills in your cover letter.
• Do the same with the qualifications section of the posting. Pick out your qualifications that match those of the job, and make note of them so you can state them in your letter.

• Place your name, title, and address on the top left of the paper.
• Place the date below this.
• Put the person's name, title, and address below this.
• Address the person appropriately. Start with "Dear Mr." or "Dear Mrs."
• Have 1-inch margins around the paper and use single spacing. Don't indent, just use a double space in between paragraphs.
• Use an easy-to-read font such as Times New Roman or Arial, in 12-point font.
• End with "Sincerely," then leave 4 lines so you can manually sign your name. Below this, type your name and title.

Writing the Cover Letter

• If you're unaware of the recipient's gender, then use the person's full name after "Dear."

• The opening sentence should read something like: "I am writing with interest in the receptionist position at your company." When actually writing the letter, make sure to name the company.
• If someone at the company recommended that you apply for the position, mention him or her here. In this case, the opening sentence would read: "I am writing with interest in the receptionist position at your company that John Smith recommended to me."

• A good introduction would be: "I am a recent graduate of New York University, where I majored in business."

• Mention exactly what the company does, and why these activities interest you. Don't be afraid to compliment the company here -- a little flattery can help break the ice with a potential employer.

• Address specific parts of the job posting. This shows that you've done your work, and will also display your qualifications in a nice, succinct way for the recipient.
• Mention your past experience and how it will suit you for this job. Here is a good opportunity to elaborate on some points on your resume that don't get fully covered on the resume itself. For example, a past internship is only a quick entry on your resume, but perhaps you gained invaluable skills on it that will make you a perfect fit for this job. Mention that here.
• Specifically, you should focus on customer service and computer experience. Receptionists work on the computer and interact with people every day, so this experience is crucial.

• Your closing should sound something like this: "As you can see from my qualifications, I am an ideal candidate for this position. I greatly look forward to hearing from you and speaking further. Thank you very much for your time and consideration."

Expert Q&A

• All said and done, your letter should be no more than a page long. Employers receive a lot of applications, and if your cover letter is too long, the recipient might just throw it out instead of taking the time to read it. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://writing.wisc.edu/handbook/assignments/coverletters/
• ↑ https://english.washington.edu/writing-cover-letter
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/professional_technical_writing/basic_business_letters/index.html
• ↑ https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/cvs-and-cover-letters/cover-letters
• ↑ https://www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/jobs-and-careers/applying-for-a-job/what-is-a-cover-letter/how-to-write-a-cover-letter
• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/how-to-write-a-cover-letter
• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/how-to-close-a-cover-letter-examples
• ↑ https://www.washington.edu/doit/key-elements-cover-letter

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How to craft a compelling cover letter.

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During the job application process, you should always submit a cover letter alongside your resume. This is particularly important when you’re applying for more competitive, senior positions.

A carefully crafted cover letter allows you to grab the recruiter’s attention and explain to them why you're the best candidate for the job.

But this will only happen if it’s well-written, so your cover letter needs to be persuasive, concise, and engaging. That’s a lot of pressure on just a few sentences, but getting it right will boost your chances of getting a response.

Here is how to craft a compelling cover letter, along with some top tips to increase your chances of securing an interview.

Understand how to set out your cover letter

Your cover letter should appear in the body of an email or as a message if you’re applying through a job site. You should avoid attaching your letter as a separate document, otherwise the recipient is unlikely to read it.

It’s also important that you keep your cover letter short and sweet, remembering that recruiters are busy people and they have to review a lot of applications every day.

With that in mind, it’s best to stick to between 4 and 6 short and snappy sentences.

Make your subject line appealing

The first thing the recruiter will see when they open their inbox is the subject line and a bad subject can instantly ruin your chances of them opening your email at all.

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Instead, you need to stand out and give them a reason to read on.

Don’t simply label the email with the job title or the phrase ‘job application’. Go one step further to prove you are the perfect candidate in just a few words.

What this means is providing a subject line that is a short summary of your experience. For example, ‘project manager with 15 years experience’ or ‘web developer with JavaScript experience’.

Kick-off with a strong introduction

The purpose of your cover letter is to engage the reader instantly and make them want to review your resume and get to know more about you.

So you need to kick off with a strong introduction.

This means addressing the recipient by their name, whether that’s the hiring manager or the employer. You might need to do a little research to find this information, either using the job description, LinkedIn, or the company website.

You should also try to steer clear of overly formal greetings like “Dear sir/madam” and instead, take a professional but friendly tone starting with ‘hello’ or ‘hi’.

Next, your introductory sentence should outline which role you're applying for and demonstrate what makes you the most suitable candidate for the role.

Crafting a compelling cover letter can be the key to securing your next role.

Showcase your most relevant skills and experience

It can be tricky to know what to include in your cover letter , but the body of your email (or message) should be made up of three or four sentences that highlight your key skills and experience.

You can use the job description to determine which skills and abilities are most important to the employer. That way, you can highlight these and show them what you have to offer.

You should also provide examples from past roles that prove how your previous experience has shaped you and made you the ideal candidate.

Just remember that you only have a few sentences in which to impress them, so first focus on any requirements that are essential to the job. That way, the reader can instantly see that you’re a good fit.

This will encourage them to open your resume.

End with a strong call to action

You should conclude your letter by once again expressing your enthusiasm for the role and stating your desire to secure a personal interview.

Remember, recruiters are busy people, so it’s also important to thank them for taking the time to read and consider your application.

Proofread your letter very carefully

Once you've finished writing your cover letter, you need to proofread it thoroughly to make sure there are no errors. In fact, it’s best to do this several times.

A polished and compelling cover letter should not have any spelling or grammatical mistakes.

This looks unprofessional and sloppy, so take the time to re-read your application. You might even consider using an online spell checker or have a friend or family member review your letter before you send it off, just to be sure.

A well-structured cover letter, complete with tailored, impactful writing is the key to standing out in a crowded job market, and help you to land a job quicker than the average time of 3.8 months.

So, if you hope to secure an interview, be sure to use these tips and insights to craft an engaging and compelling cover letter. It may only be a few sentences long, but it really can give you a competitive edge.

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