When writing your receptionist cover letter, focus on how you can make a good first impression on behalf of the company that posted the job. Also, emphasize your other relevant skills, such as customer service, task prioritization, or appointment scheduling. This guide offers cover letter examples and tips for landing your next receptionist position.
Receptionist Cover Letter Templates and Examples
- Entry-Level
- Mid-Career
- Senior-Level
How To Write a Receptionist Cover Letter
A great receptionist cover letter usually has five sections, outlined below. When possible, connect each section back to your defining administrative skills and the employer’s hiring needs. The following advice and examples show what to include in your cover letter so it’s optimized for each job application.
1. Heading
At the top of the page, include your resume contact header, the date, and any basic details you have about your recipient (as in the example below). To set a clear focus, add the title “Receptionist” to your contact header.
You can then modify your title to align with each job posting. For instance, use the title “Medical Receptionist” if it’s closer to the role in question and still true to your experience. Also, you can add a descriptor like “public-facing” or “customer-focused” to emphasize your background in serving similar office visitors.
(Note: Feel free to omit this section if you send your letter by email and your contact details are part of your signature.)
Example
Gregor Moses
Receptionist | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | San Francisco, CA 54321 | LinkedIn
December 12, 2024
Alastair Henson
Senior Hiring Manager
Mercedes Benz
(987) 654-3210
[email protected]
2. Salutation
Whenever you can, address your recipient by name – it’s the quickest way to signal you’re sending a job-specific letter and not a boilerplate. If you can’t find the recipient’s name, use a variation of “Dear Hiring Manager” so your greeting is still tailored somewhat to each job application.
Examples
Dear Ms. Johnson:
Dear Receptionist Hiring Manager:
Dear Autodesk Hiring Manager:
3. “Hook” or introduction
Catch the reader’s attention by starting your letter with a clear example or measure of your success as a receptionist. What’s one way you’ve excelled as companies’ initial point of contact with office visitors, clients, or the general public? In the receptionist cover letter example below, see how citing an award nomination lets the applicant quickly highlight their relevant service skills.
Example
In 2023, I was shortlisted for the “Corporate Receptionist of the Year” award based on my ability to work quickly under pressure and my warm and professional attitude. I hope to bring the same standards of excellence to the senior receptionist role at your company.
4. Body paragraph(s)
Use the main section of your letter to tell why this receptionist job suits or interests you. For instance, maybe it would let you hone your skills in customer service. Or the employer is a nonprofit whose mission resonates with you, so you’d love to help them answer inquiries and distribute information to the public.
Following this explanation, cite a few more of your main skills or achievements, possibly as bullet points.
Example
Mercedes Benz’s focus on customer care makes it the ideal environment for my skills. My commitment to client satisfaction will make me an asset to the company. Below are three of my recent achievements:
- Redesigned the booking system to reduce appointment wastage by 37%
- Praised for high efficiency by managers in my most recent pay review
- Reduced stationary costs by 30% by sourcing more cost-effective suppliers and implementing a new inventory system
5. Call to action
Finally, request an interview and thank the hiring manager for their consideration. You can briefly restate your ability to provide prompt, courteous service in an office setting. To end your cover letter, use a simple closing like “Sincerely” or “Best regards” and then your name.
Example
I’d love to discuss this opportunity with you further. Please let me know what day and time are best for you. Thank you very much for your consideration.
Best Regards,
Emily Garcia
Receptionist Cover Letter Tips
1. Highlight your adaptability
Use bullet points to show how you can add value as a receptionist no matter what each shift brings. For instance, you could feature your talent for prioritizing urgent tasks on a busy day with many office calls and visitors. On the other hand, you might emphasize how you actively fill “downtime” with support duties like data entry or payment processing. Also, consider any improvements you’ve made to front desk procedures or phone systems and how those helped drive better efficiency or client relations.
Example
I’m excited to tell you how my achievements have prepared me for this opportunity. These highlights include:
- Managing a welcoming front office environment by maintaining a cheerful attitude and keeping the lobby clean and organized
- Entering data into Electronic Health Records systems with 100% accuracy
- Training new administrative staff on front desk operations
2. Focus on client relations
Many receptionist jobs require frequent interactions with customers, both in person and by phone. When applying to one of these positions, provide details on your general communication style and show how that’s led to positive client interactions at the front desk or other facilities where you’ve worked.
Example
Receiving 99% positive client feedback in 2022 was the highlight of my receptionist career to date. Feedback forms mentioned my professional demeanor and prompt handling of requests. I am excited to provide the same outstanding service to customers as a receptionist at Mercedes Benz.
3. Keep it concise
Limit your cover letter to one page, or around 250 words. Resist the urge to tell your whole career story, even if you have an extensive background as a receptionist. Give just enough detail to pique hiring managers’ interest so they take a closer look at your resume.
Receptionist Text-Only Cover Letter Templates and Examples
- Entry-Level
- Mid-Career
- Senior-Level
Emily Garcia
Receptionist | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Charleston, SC 09876 | LinkedIn
February 1, 2024
Beverly Johnson
Office Manager
Valley Dental Care
(987) 654-3210
[email protected]
Dear Ms. Johnson,
Handling a high volume of calls while greeting patients at the front desk reception at my current position has taught me excellent customer service skills in a busy environment. I believe my reliability and positive attitude led management to praise my work often.
After seven years of experience as a receptionist, I am drawn to Valley Dental Care’s impressive reputation for quality patient care. Your clinic’s focus on customer service is a great fit for my skills.
I’m excited to tell you how my achievements have prepared me for this opportunity. These highlights include:
- Managing a welcoming front office environment by maintaining a cheerful attitude and keeping the lobby clean and organized
- Entering data into Electronic Health Records systems with 100% accuracy
- Training new administrative staff on front desk operations
I’d love to discuss this opportunity with you further. Please let me know what day and time are best for you. Thank you very much for your consideration.
Best Regards,
Emily Garcia
Receptionist Cover Letter Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a cover letter useful for receptionist jobs? -
A cover letter lets you make a strong first impression and preview the polished communications style you’ll bring to the role. With a confident and engaging cover letter, you help hiring managers envision your positive interaction with their many office visitors or clients.
Should I tailor my cover letter for each job application? -
Yes. The main advantage of a cover letter over a resume is it lets you speak directly to the hiring manager about why you fit the role. By tailoring your letter to each application, you can make the most of this and boost your chances of an interview.
How do I write a cover letter for a receptionist job with no experience?-
Focus on your transferable skills and experience. For instance, maybe you’ve provided high-quality service in other customer-facing jobs. Or maybe you were praised for streamlining processes in a recent internship. Also, consider how your work, education, or volunteer experiences align with the company’s mission.
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