How to Write a Cover Letter for a Receptionist Position

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What Is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is an important document that is submitted during the job application process with your resume.

Its main focus is to provide more in-depth information than the resume does, as the resume is more of a bird’s eye view of your past experience and skills.

They go into greater depth about your skills and qualifications and help you to make clear why you are a good candidate for the position that you are applying for.

So if you already have a winning receptionist resume read on to figure out how to pair it with a well-written receptionist cover letter.

The letter is the first impression that a hiring manager has of you, so it is important that you tailor it to not only your skills but to the job itself and what the company is looking for, too. 

If you are looking for a full guide on cover letters or aren’t applying for a receptionist position specifically check out our post on How to Write a Cover Letter.

Diving in

Writing a Cover Letter For a Receptionist Position

Not all cover letters should be the same– while the format is typically similar, the job that is being applied for will dictate what you are emphasizing in yours, especially in terms of work experience and qualifications.

If you are unsure of how to format one, think of a traditional handwritten letter.

There are also plenty of cover letter examples and formatting guides out there on the internet if you are still stuck.

Take a look at some of the cover letter tips below in terms of what to include in your cover letter to find success in your hunt for a receptionist position.

Follow Directions

First things first, always follow directions when applying for a receptionist job opening.

Certain companies will have different ways they like to receive things, for example, and all of these directions should be found in the job listing or on their website.

If you do not follow directions properly, this is a surefire way for hiring managers to write off your application.

Be sure to read the job posting carefully and only include the documents that are being asked for.

Provide Examples

Real-world examples are crucial, not only when it comes to your interview, but in your letter, too.

Using specific examples helps to prove that you know what you’re talking about and that your skills can hold up when needed.

For example, if you say that you have strong organizational skills, talk about an instance where these skills helped out the team in your previous position.

Were you able to streamline the scheduling system or reorganize how things were being filed in the office?

This helps to show initiative as well, making you look like a valuable team member.

Highlight Any Relevant Experience

Another important part of your resume and receptionist cover letter is relevant experience.

Potential employers will want to know if you have experience related to the receptionist position that you are applying for.

This could either be a past position as a receptionist, or even job experience that is not the same but has overlapping skill sets– for example, being an administrative assistant.

This helps to show that you will require less on-the-job training and will be able to get up to speed quicker, which helps save the company time and manpower.

Even if you are writing a cover letter for a receptionist with no experience these skills can be transferable between lots of situations in everyday life. 

 

Touch on Common Receptionist Duties and Required Skills

  • Strong communication skills (while on multiple phone lines)
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Professional attitude (dependability)
  • Problem-solving
  • Microsoft fluency (Technical skills)
  • Planning skills (Multitasking / Prioritizing)
  • Attention to detail

Edit Your Cover Letter Closely

Once you have written out your cover letter, provided examples, and highlighted relevant experience, you are still not done.

You need to go back in and edit your cover letter with a critical eye to ensure that everything is spelled right and is grammatically correct.

A polished cover letter gives a much better impression, but it is especially important if you are applying to be a receptionist because receptionists are expected to have strong communication skills and an eye for detail.

Think of a polished version as a strong and confident handshake.

 

To Wrap Up

Conclusion

There are a lot of similarities between cover letters for different positions. It can be easy to just fire off the same one to all postings in hopes of a response.

The key is to make sure you are specific and targeted when sending out a cover letter. 

When applying to a receptionist position it is important to include skills you have directly related to the success you will bring to the receptionist role. 

A simple way to do this is to read the job description and see what skills they are looking for specifically. 

You can then build off those in your cover letter.

Best of luck in the future, you are now ready to write great cover letters and land that role. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

What do you write in a cover letter for a receptionist position??

If you are looking to write a great receptionist cover letter, you should talk about the skills you have that are well suited to the job. You should talk about your organizational skills, communication skills, and other common receptionist skills. Of course, it is also important to highlight any specific skills that are called out in the job description. If you are struggling to start, consider using a cover letter sample or a “cover letter builder” to get you headed in the right direction.

How do I write a cover letter for a receptionist position with no experience?

Even if you do not have previous experience as a receptionist, you can still apply for a receptionist position. In your cover letter, highlight any relevant or applicable job experience in past positions where duties and responsibilities are similar to those of a receptionist, for instance. Do not focus on what you lack, but instead, champion your unique skills and qualifications.

How do I write a cover letter for a front desk job?

When writing a cover letter, you will want to first open with a strong introduction and then emphasize any skills or experience that would make you well suited for a front desk job. Some examples are your organizational skills, people skills, and communication skills. (Refer to the list above)

What are the qualities of a good receptionist?

It is important to note that a receptionist is often the first person that clients meet when walking through the doors of a business. For this reason, it is important that the person hired has a positive, friendly attitude and good people skills. Consistency, multi-tasking skills, and strong organizational skills are also key here.