How to Write a Receptionist Cover Letter (Samples & Tips)

Receptionists are the first point of contact for customers and clients at an office.  Therefore, they should make a good impression for the organization because it can affect an organization’s success. Writing an excellent receptionist cover letter is your first step towards getting a job as a receptionist.

Responsibilities of a receptionist:

  • Greeting and directing customers
  • Answering inquiries
  • Answering phone calls
  • Escorting customers or clients to their meeting rooms
  • Monitoring the access of visitors into the office
  • Getting  information on customers and redirecting it either via email or other messaging modes to required authorities
  • Maintaining documents and records
  • Handling correspondence
  • Copying and filing documents
  • Creating schedules
  • Administrative tasks like managing the calendar.
  • Collecting and distributing courier deliveries
  • Preparing travel documents for employees
  • Setting appointments
  • Keeping the reception area clean
  • Organizing meetings
  • Helping with other administrative and office duties when not busy

Some of these responsibilities are common for all receptionists. However, there are some that are specific to certain professions.

For example, a hospital receptionist will:

  • Collect insurance cards from patients
  • Confirm cover
  • Direct patients to correct rooms

While in a beauty parlour, a receptionist will:

  • Book appointments
  • Serve as cashier
  • Direct clients to their appointed stylist

Table of contents

1. Skills and qualifications needed to be a receptionist
2. Receptionist cover letter tips
3. Receptionist cover letter sample

Skills and qualifications needed to be a receptionist

  • Problem-solving
  • Customer service
  • Strong communication skills
  • Professional appearance
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Organizational skills
  • Ability to prioritize
  • Multitasking abilities
  • Proactivity
  • Computer skills
  • Ability to work under pressure in fast-paced environments

Receptionist cover letter tips

1. Tailor your resume and cover letter to the position advertised
Go through the job description and note down the requirement and qualifications needed for the position. Include the keywords used in the job listing in your cover letter. This will show the employer that you are the ideal candidate for the position. It also shows that you did not just use a form resume or cover letter. A form or general resume is the one you pull out for every job posting. It’s a lazy cover letter or resume that includes general skills required for any job.

2. Provide relevant examples
Don’t just say you have organizational skills. Show it. Explain how you achieved a goal or changed how things were done using your organizational skills. Show how this improved efficiency or productivity at your previous organization. These examples prove that you have what the employer is looking for in a great candidate.

3. Follow the directions given
The job description will provide instructions on how they want the application sent, whom to address your application letters to and by what date. Include all attachments they require including resumes, certificates, portfolios, etc. Make sure you’ve read the description correctly so that you only include what is needed and in the correct format. Send your application before the deadline expires.

Read through the job description to know what the employer wants before writing the cover letter. Do write the correct name and address of the company. It is important to address the cover letter to the right person. Make sure their names are spelled correctly too.

4. Be detailed
Avoid information that is not important. Make sure that the cover letter gives all the essential details you need to showcase your skills, qualifications, and experiences with regards to the position you are interested in.

5. Emphasize your strengths
Your cover letter is not the place to show the employer that you lack a specific skill. Avoid any negativity on your resume or cover letter. Don’t dwell on negatives. Anything that shows that you lack a specific skill they need should not be on your cover letter. Focus on showcasing your good attributes only. Avoid using humour, exaggeration or repeating information that you’ve already mentioned in your resume.

Include information about your passions, your strong points and what you can do well. This information helps the employer decipher your character, how your qualities fit the role and the value you’ll bring to the company. Your passion will show dedication and that you love what you do.

6. Make an impression
Make sure that your receptionist cover letter makes a good impression on the employer from the word go. It should show your organization skills, neatness, incredible research skills, and attention to detail.

Emphasize skills such as friendliness, excellent communication, and professionalism.
Additionally, include experiences related to the job role. Connect the skills you have to the attributes they require for the position. Ensure your resume and cover letter stand out. Illustrate in the best way possible and using the right words how your experiences make you a good fit for the role. Do research on the company so that you can customize your cover letter to the company culture and needs.

Make a strong closing statement that shows your passion and interest in the position and thank the hiring manager for taking the time to review your application. Ensure your cover letter is professional and official. Even though you know the hiring manager, make sure your professionalism shows. She or he may not be the only one who views your cover letter and resume.

7. Include correct salutation and signature
Avoid using “To whom it may concern’. If no hiring manager’s name is indicated in the job description, find out from the company website. If not mentioned, find previous job postings for names of the hiring manager. Make sure they are relevant to your position. End your hard copy cover letter with a handwritten signature.

8. Include the subject in your email cover letter
If sending your application where the body of the email is your cover letter, include a subject line that clearly defines the position and your name. “Receptionist -Audrey Winy” sounds clear and concise.
Note that in email cover letters, your contact information and employers contact information will not be at the top of the page. Your contact information will appear at the end. Include your email address after your name and phone number. Salutations and body will, however, look the same as when you write a hard copy or when you attach the cover letter.

9. Edit your copy
As a receptionist, one of your most significant skills will be attention to detail. Proofread your copy. Make sure it has no grammar, spelling or structure errors. Make sure the sentences mean what they say, get rid of ambiguity, long sentences, and repetition. Make sure the cover letter is flawless before you hit send.

Does the cover letter look professional? Does it impress you? You have to remember that the employer will be thorough. They will be looking for the slightest mistake to help reduce the number of applications. They want to find the best among the applications that have been submitted.

Having a well-written receptionist cover letter will help you get the job. Research and make sure you have all the information you need on the company and how to write a good cover letter. The above tips will help you craft a cover letter that gets the attention of the hiring manager and gets you invited for an interview.

Below is a sample receptionist cover letter to help you as you write and customize your cover letter.

Receptionist cover letter sample

[Name]
[Address]
[Current City, State Zip Code]
[Current Phone Number]
[Correct Email]

[Today’s Date]

[Hiring manager’s Title/ Name]
[The Organization/ Company]
[Their Address]
[The organization’s/ company City, State Zip Code]

Dear Mrs Vanguard,

I write in response to the Tile and Carpet Receptionist position advertised on The Daily Monitor. I believe that my communication and innovation expertise make me a perfect fit for the role. I have more than 5 years’ experience as a receptionist and will bring in a passion for problem-solving and competency. I also have a friendly, enthusiastic and professional attitude for the position.

I have been working as a receptionist at Reef Organization where I manage the reception area and maintain a functional workspace. I operate well independently with little or no oversight. I also respond well to customers’ and colleagues’ requests in an efficient and timely manner.

I am also proficient in:

  • Making sure the reception area is neat, organized, and professional
  • Developing up to date reports from documents, dictation, and meetings
  • Working on multiple phone lines, in a busy work environment
  • Managing and writing correspondence
  • Multitasking and prioritizing tasks
  • Ensuring employees and visitors follow security procedures
  • Handling appointment booking and cancellations.
  • Rescheduling appointments via email and phone.

I am equipped professionally to handle a busy office environment like yours. At Reef Organization, I managed over 60 clients in a day, attended to employee queries and requests, directed customers to the correct offices and answered questions about the company either via phone or in person. I am equipped with technical skills on a variety of software including QuickBooks, Trello, and Microsoft Office. I also have experience using scheduling programs like CheckFront, Mind-Body, and 10to8.

I am aware that Tile and Carpet are seeking a receptionist with the ability to handle more than phone calls and emails. Given the full range of experience and responsibilities at my current position, I believe I have the skills and qualifications needed to handle tasks your company requires for the job.

I have attached my resume and certificates and look forward to your correspondence.
Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely,

[Name]

Comment below and let us know if you use any of these tips when writing your cover letter.

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