Receptionist Cover Letter Example

Why a profession-specific cover letter matters 

Your receptionist cover letter is your opportunity to show that you’re not just any candidate — you’re the right one for the position. A job-specific cover letter highlights what makes you perfect for a particular role. It’s a platform to sum up your skills, know-how, and attitude.

When paired with a great CV, your receptionist cover letter will help you set yourself apart and demonstrate why you’re the top pick for the job. Need some help getting started with your resume? Check out our CV examples for inspiration. We also have CV and resume templates you can use to perfect your layout.

Key components of a receptionist-specific cover letter 

A receptionist cover letter is a means of differentiating yourself from other applicants and making a great first impression on the hiring manager. Your cover letter needs to include the following:

• Brief, Friendly Introduction: Introduce yourself and tell the reader exactly why you’re interested in working for their business
• Career Highlights: Provide a rundown of your relevant accomplishments and awards, like “Employee of the Month” recognition
• Skills and Talents: Highlight any specific skills and talents you possess, such as Microsoft Word and Excel mastery, certifications, etc.
• Problem-Solving Stories: While your receptionist cover letter should be concise, it’s good to include a brief story of your problem-solving capabilities 
• Values: Discuss how your values and mission align with those of the company you’re applying to
• A Focused Sign-Off: Close your receptionist's cover letter by thanking the reader for their time and letting them know how they can reach you for an interview

It’s also important to end your receptionist cover letter with a list of any attachments you’ve included, such as your resume.

From start to finish, every aspect of your receptionist cover letter needs to serve a purpose. Stay focused, remember your objective, and make sure your letter includes all of the components above.

Receptionist Cover letter format 

When it comes to writing a cover letter, receptionists should follow a standardized format. Your receptionist cover letter must include the following:

• Header: Include your contact information, the employer’s name, and the date
• Greeting: Address the hiring manager by name
• Introduction: Introduce yourself and state the position you’re applying for
• Body: Highlight your relevant skills and experiences 
• Conclusion: Summarize your qualifications and express your interest in the position 
• Closing Statement: Finish with a simple closing like “Respectfully” or “Sincerely,” followed by your name

Remember that this general format applies to virtually all cover letters. If you decide to broaden your horizons and apply for another position in the future, you can use this same format.

Sample Cover Letter for Receptionists

Joan Johnson
123 Broadway Ave
Nashville, TN 37011
joanjohnson@example.com
(615) 123-4567

Jennifer Jones
Hiring Manager
Hospitality Hotel
123 Answer St
Nashville, TN 37011

30 October 2024

Dear Ms. Jones,

My name is Joan Johnson. I am writing to express my interest in the receptionist position at Hospitality Hotel, which I found posted on Jobseeker. With my experience in managing front desk operations and providing exceptional customer service, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team and create a welcoming and productive environment for your clients and staff.

In my current role at the Nashville Star Hotel, I handle a broad assortment of tasks that range from greeting visitors and managing phone lines to scheduling appointments and handling formal correspondence. My ability to multitask has allowed me to streamline front desk operations, improving efficiency considerably since I took the position two years ago. Additionally, my proficiency in various office software, including Microsoft Office Suite, enables me to handle administrative tasks with ease and accuracy. 

One of the reasons I am drawn to the Hospitality Hotel is its reputation for providing five-star customer service. My passion for exceeding customer expectations aligns with this priority. Whether it’s greeting visitors with a warm smile or resolving any concerns they may have, I take pride in ensuring that every interaction is positive and professional. 

In my current role, I was commended for handling high-volume call situations during peak hours with composure, resulting in increased customer satisfaction. I have also received “Employee of the Month” honors on three separate occasions in the 24 months I have worked at the Nashville Star Hotel and was recognized as “Support Employee of the Year” in 2023.

I am motivated by the challenge of being the first point of contact and the face of the company. My excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and positive attitude make me well-equipped to manage the diverse needs of clients and colleagues alike. I am thrilled at the prospect of bringing my unique blend of abilities and experience to the Hospitality Hotel, and I am eager to contribute to the continued success of the establishment.

I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and expertise align with your team’s needs. Please do not hesitate to contact me by phone at (615) 123-4567 or by email at joanjohnson@example.com. Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely,
Joan Johnson

Attachment: Resume

Dos and Don’ts

Hopefully, you have a better idea of the core elements that make up a solid receptionist cover letter. Now, let’s look at some general “dos” and “don’ts” when composing your letter.

Do:

• Use cover letter templates 
• Use matching CV templates
• Tailor your cover letter to the company and position; if applying for multiple positions, edit your cover letter accordingly 
• Demonstrate that you’ve done your research
• Highlight your communication skills
• List your technical skills, like familiarity with specific phone systems or scheduling software 
• Carefully proofread everything — attention to detail is critical for receptionists

Don’t:

• Summarize your resume
• Go over one page — keep it concise and to the point
• Use a generic greeting like “To whom it may concern”
• List the duties you’ve performed with no context

Your receptionist cover letter isn’t just an expanded version of your resume or CV. It should complement the information included in your resume while giving hiring coordinators a preview of your personality, work ethic, and character.

Additional tips 

Remember, a receptionist cover letter is about showcasing your personality and skills. Add a touch of your unique flair to make your letter memorable. 

One winning strategy is to emphasize action words. Verbs like “managed,” “coordinated,” and “streamlined” add energy to your writing and paint a picture of you efficiently handling your duties. Using specific keywords can also help your receptionist cover letter make it past the applicant tracking system (ATS), which filters out letters that lack the right terminology.

Telling a story is a powerful way to connect with your audience. Instead of saying you’re good at handling tough situations, briefly narrate an instance where you turned a challenging situation into a positive outcome. 

You should also review various resume examples to ensure that your resume is the perfect complement to your receptionist cover letter. Your CV and cover letter are a package deal — if one is lacking, it could cost you a big opportunity.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to follow up. If you haven’t heard anything in a week or two, sending a polite follow-up email will demonstrate your continued interest.

Perfect your receptionist job cover letter with Jobseeker 

Our receptionist cover letter examples will help your application stand out and make you a more appealing candidate.

Using the tips above, you can create a cover letter that includes all relevant content and follows a structure that will capture the hiring team’s attention. However, a great cover letter for receptionists isn’t complete unless you pair it with the perfect resume.

Check out Jobseeker’s receptionist resume example to make sure your resume or CV includes all the information hiring managers are looking for. You can also use a dynamic resume template to take the hassle out of creating or updating your resume.