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Cover letter example

Secretary cover letter example

For a secretary role, the letter itself is a test. The employer will check spelling, layout and tone before reading the content. Keep it short, show you understand the office you are applying to (sector, size, tasks) and give one example of how you kept things organised.

Cover letter example

Replace the parts in brackets with your own details.

Subject: Secretary position, [Company name]

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am applying for the secretary position advertised by [Company name]. For the past [x] years I have worked as a secretary at [Current employer], a [type of business] of [x] people, where I handle the phone, the post, correspondence and the director's diary.

Most of my day is spent keeping information moving. I answer clients and suppliers, prepare quotes and letters from the managers' notes, and make sure every document is filed where the team can find it. Last year I reorganised our shared folders by client and year, which reduced the time spent searching for old documents and made handovers easier during holidays. I also follow up unpaid invoices in coordination with our accountant.

Your company works in [sector], which I know from [experience or training]. I am comfortable with Word, Excel and Outlook, and I adapt quickly to sector software.

I am available from [date] and would welcome the chance to meet you.

Yours faithfully,[First Name Last Name][Phone] | [Email]

What to highlight

  • Your experience in the same sector or a similar office
  • Writing quality and attention to detail
  • Phone and reception skills
  • Organisation: filing, diaries, follow-up
  • Software you master

Mistakes to avoid

  • Sending a letter with spelling or formatting errors.
  • Writing more than one page.
  • Copying the job ad's list of tasks without saying what you have done.
  • Using an informal tone or an unprofessional email address.

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Frequently asked questions

Should a secretary's letter be in French?

Yes, unless the ad is in English or the employer is an international firm. The letter shows your written French, which you will use every day. If English is an asset for the role, mention it in the letter rather than writing the whole letter in English.

Handwritten or typed?

Typed, sent as a PDF or in the body of an email. Handwritten letters are now rare and only requested in specific cases. Use a clean layout with your details at the top left and the employer's at the right, as in a standard French business letter.

How do I address the letter if no name is given?

Use 'Madame, Monsieur' in a French letter or 'Dear Sir or Madam' in English. If you can find the office manager's or director's name on the website, use it, since it shows you looked into the company.

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