Written by
RC Team
Author
Updated on April 13th, 2023
Table of contents
- How to Write an Office Manager Cover Letter when You Are Experienced
- Cover Letter Example for an Office Manager With Experience
- Writing an Office Manager Cover Letter with No Prior Experience
- Example Cover Letter for Office Manager With No Experience
- Example Cover Letter for Office Manager With Employment Gap
- Supercharge Your Office Manager Cover Letter with These Power Tips
- Key Takeaways for Your Office Manager Cover Letter
As an Office Manager, you play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and efficient running of an office or organization. Your cover letter is your first chance to demonstrate that you can handle that role and are the best candidate for the job.
In this post, you’ll find power tips, specific examples, and tailored samples to help you write an ultra-personalized letter that addresses the unique requirements of an Office Manager position.
Some of the things you’ll learn:
- How to use keywords that will give your resume great results
- How to list specific examples of your previous related job duties
- Which courses and certificates look best on an Office Manager cover letter
- How to address the lack of experience to your advantage
💡Tip: According to the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) the job outlook for Office Managers is “bright”. Update your cover letter today and take advantage of the many opportunities!
How to Write an Office Manager Cover Letter when You Are Experienced
Begin by reviewing the Experience section of your resume to determine what duties and accomplishments from previous positions to highlight in your cover letter.
Try our step-by-step resume builder, if you haven’t already done so. It will provide you with valuable insights into how to improve your resume.
Now, let’s start.
1. Begin With a Powerful Opening
Your first paragraph should immediately capture the attention of the reader and clearly state that you’re applying for the Office Manager position.
Additionally, you should briefly mention your interest in the job or why you believe you are a good fit for the company.
Here are several examples of effective opening paragraphs you can adapt for your cover letter:
I am excited to apply for the Office Manager position at Digital Stationery. With over five years of experience in office administration, I am confident in my ability to manage day-to-day operations, coordinate with staff, and provide exceptional support to the executive team.
As an experienced Office Manager, I am writing to express my interest in the position at Digital Stationery. With a strong background in project management and team leadership, I am confident that I can bring a wealth of skills and knowledge to help your company achieve its goals.
I am thrilled to apply for the Office Manager position at Digital Stationery. With a proven track record of success in managing budgets, developing policies and procedures, and coordinating office functions, I believe I have the experience and skills necessary to excel in this role.
Remember, the first paragraph of your letter should be engaging and persuasive. It should encourage the reader to continue reading and consider you as a strong candidate for the position.
2. Key Experiences Worth Mentioning in Your Office Manager Cover Letter
Any hiring manager would love to see that you have experience, along with data to back up your talk.
Consider mentioning some of these key experiences to impress your potential employer.
- Managing office operations: Describe how you oversaw office tasks such as scheduling appointments, organizing files, and coordinating meetings.
Example: “I implemented a new inventory system that reduced office supply costs by 32% while ensuring adequate supplies were always available for the team.”
- Supervising staff: Highlight your experience in managing and mentoring administrative assistants, receptionists, or other staff members.
Example: “As an office manager, I led a team of five administrative assistants, conducting performance reviews, providing feedback and mentoring, resulting in a 20% increase in productivity and efficiency.”
- Budget management: Discuss how you managed the office budget, including purchasing supplies and equipment, and managing expenses.
Example: “Implemented cost-saving measures to manage a $500K annual office budget, resulting in a 10% reduction in expenses.”
- Communication and collaboration: Share examples of how you communicated with different departments, collaborated with colleagues, and resolved conflicts.
Example: “I actively communicated and collaborated with cross-functional teams to coordinate office events and projects, resulting in successful and timely completion of tasks while fostering a positive team environment.”
- Customer service: Discuss how you got your team to provide excellent customer service to clients, vendors, and other stakeholders.
Example: “Demonstrated exceptional customer service by handling customer complaints and inquiries, resulting in a 30% increase in customer satisfaction ratings.”
- Project management: Explain how you successfully planned, implemented, and completed office projects within budget and on time.
Example: “I successfully led and completed a renovation project, overseeing contractors, managing timelines, and ensuring the project was completed on time and within budget, resulting in a modernized and efficient workspace for the entire team.”
- Training and development: Highlight your experience in training and developing new hires or staff members to improve office efficiency and productivity.
Example: “I developed and implemented a comprehensive training program for new hires, including onboarding procedures and ongoing professional development opportunities, resulting in a 20% increase in employee retention and productivity.”
3. Office Manager Cover Letter Dos and Don’ts: Demonstrative Statements
- To wrap up this section, let’s look at 2 examples, both correct and incorrect, to fully understand how to write a compelling introduction.
❌ Wrong:
I am applying for the Office Manager position at Microsoft. I have worked as an Office Manager for three years. I am organized and detail-oriented, and I have experience managing a team. I am also proficient in Microsoft Office.
This is a bad example because it:
- is too general,
- does not provide any specific details about the applicant’s achievements or contributions in their previous roles,
- does not mention any skills or qualifications that are required for the job they are applying for.
✅ Right:
During my three years as an Office Manager at ABC Corporation, I streamlined the administrative processes by implementing an electronic document management system, reducing paper usage by 50%. Additionally, I successfully led a team of 10 employees, resulting in a 20% increase in productivity.
This is an excellent example because:
- It provides specific details about the applicant’s achievements and contributions in their previous role.
- It quantifies the applicant’s claims, making them much more credible.
Let our cover letter writing guide do the heavy lifting for you. Take a look to create your letter with ease and confidence.
Cover Letter Example for an Office Manager With Experience
Take a look at the sample below to familiarize yourself with the key components of a strong cover letter for a seasoned Office Manager.
Text Format
Hiring Manager’s name
Company name
Company address
Date
Dear Mr/Ms. [Hiring Manager Name]
I would like to apply for the Office Manager position being offered by [Company]. As an experienced Office Manager with over six years of responding to the needs of a fast-paced accounting firm, I think I am the best choice for the job.
Working with [Current company], I have been managing a team of ten administrative employees, coordinating meetings and office-wide events, as well as improving communication efficiency. I have made full use of my expert proficiency in Microsoft Office and Quickbooks to ensure that the daily running of the facility is as smooth as possible.
My greatest achievement thus far has been in implementing brand-new cloud meeting and conference room management tools. These have improved office communication by 12% and greatly reduced issues regarding meeting room availability.
I am highly enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with [Company] and would be thrilled to discuss the position further in a face-to-face meeting.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing the role in person in the future.
Sincerely,
Name
Address
Phone number
Email address
Check out a variety of Office Manager resume samples for more ideas on how to word parts of your cover letter.
Writing an Office Manager Cover Letter with No Prior Experience
Whether you are looking for a career change into an Office Manager role or just lack work experience, in this section you’re going to find some powerful tools to succeed with your application.
Office Manager Skills You Can Highlight when Inexperienced
The first step is to understand which qualifications the recruiter is looking for in an Office Manager.
This knowledge will help you showcase your skills and prove that you can still be the right fit for the role, even if you lack relevant experience. Some ideas:
- Strong organizational skills: Together with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.
- Excellent communication skills: Both written and verbal, with the ability to collaborate and work effectively with others.
- Proficient in using office software: Such as Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
- Detail-oriented: Highly attentive to accuracy in all tasks.
- Self-motivated: Able to work independently as well as in a team.
- Ability to learn quickly: Plus to adapt to new situations and challenges.
- Proven ability to multitask: Includes working under pressure while maintaining a positive attitude.
- Knowledge of office equipment and procedures: Including filing, record-keeping, and data entry.
Look at the following examples from candidates fresh out of college:
“As a member of my college debate team, I honed my communication skills by presenting and defending arguments in front of diverse audiences.”
“As a full-time student with a part-time job, I developed strong time management skills to balance my academic and work responsibilities.”
“Through my involvement with a local community garden, I developed innovative solutions to address common gardening challenges, such as limited space and resource constraints.”
Mention Your Education and Any Applicable Internship Experience
When applying for an Office Manager position with no work experience, emphasizing your education and relevant internships can turn into your key to success.
Review the tips and examples below for guidance:
- List any relevant coursework or certifications: Such as business administration, project management, or communication.
Example: “I recently completed a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, where I gained valuable knowledge in office operations and project management.”
- Highlight any volunteer experience: Point out transferable skills, such as customer service, event planning, or administrative support.
Example: “During my internship with XYZ Company, I provided administrative support to the office manager, where I developed strong organizational and communication skills.”
- Emphasize any internship experience: If you have any relevant internship experience, you absolutely need to mention it in your cover letter.
Example: “During my internship at ABC clinic, I assisted the office manager in patient scheduling, managing medical records, and billing. This experience has equipped me with knowledge of medical office operations and has developed my communication skills while working with patients and medical professionals.”
Example Cover Letter for Office Manager With No Experience
Writing a cover letter can be intimidating. Especially if you’re new to the workforce.
Take a look at the following Office Manager cover letter sample tailored for fresh graduates. It shows you how to effectively present the essential elements of a successful letter for candidates who are just starting out.
Text Format
Hiring Manager’s name
Company name
Company address
Date
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am thrilled to express my interest in the Office Manager position at [Company]. While I do not have direct experience in this specific field, I am eager to leverage my diverse skill set and experience to excel in this role.
As a recent graduate with a degree in business management, I have acquired a strong foundation in analytical thinking and problem-solving.
Additionally, my internship in customer service and sales has given me a solid understanding of the importance of prioritizing the needs of clients and customers.
Although I understand that this position requires a unique set of skills and knowledge, I am confident in my ability to learn quickly and adapt to new challenges. As an organized and detail-oriented individual, I take pride in ensuring that all tasks are completed accurately and efficiently.
Moreover, I am excited about the prospect of working with a team of professionals at [Company] to contribute to the organization’s success.
Thank you for considering my application for the Office Manager position at [Company]. Please let me know if you require any further information or if there are any next steps I should be aware of.
I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.
Sincerely,
Name
Address
Phone number
Email address
Avoid common cover letter mistakes by using our samples and advice.
Example Cover Letter for Office Manager With Employment Gap
In this section, you can find a sample cover letter for an Office Manager position that addresses an employment gap in a positive and professional manner, so you can confidently draft your own according to your situation.
Hiring Manager’s name
Company name
Company address
Date
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am excited to apply for the Office Manager position at [company]. I have over seven years of experience in managing day-to-day office operations, including supervising staff, managing schedules, and overseeing budgets.
As you will see on my resume, I took a two-year sabbatical to care for an elderly parent. Although it was a challenging time, it was also an opportunity to develop important skills in patience, time management, and empathy. These skills have given me a renewed focus on the importance of teamwork and have helped me develop a compassionate leadership style.
During my sabbatical, I made it a priority to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies, trends, and regulations relevant to office management. I took online courses, attended webinars, and read industry publications to keep my knowledge and skills current.
I am excited to bring these abilities to your company and am confident that I can excel in the Office Manager role. I am well-versed in using office productivity software and have experience in creating and implementing policies and procedures that improve workflow efficiency.
Thank you for considering my application. I would be thrilled to meet with you to discuss how I can contribute to your company’s success.
Sincerely,
Name
Address
Phone number
Email address
Read our article on how to navigate gaps in your application for more examples and advice.
Supercharge Your Office Manager Cover Letter with These Power Tips
If you’ve read this far, then you are ready to supercharge your Office Manager job search.
Let’s dive in into some power tips and take your job application to the next level!
1. Use Office Manager Keywords
It is essential to tailor your cover letter to the specific job posting and use the same keywords.
For instance, if the job description requires excellent organizational skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office, mention in your cover letter how your experience relates to these traits:
I was thrilled to come across the job posting for an Office Manager position that requires someone with strong organizational skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Throughout my career, I have honed my organizational skills by efficiently managing office supplies, scheduling appointments, and coordinating meetings. Moreover, my expertise in Microsoft Office has enabled me to streamline data management and create visually appealing presentations for senior management.
The following is a list of the most commonly used keywords in Office Manager job ads:
Soft Skills Keywords:
- Communication
- Organization
- Time Management
- Leadership
- Problem-solving
- Multitasking
- Detail-oriented
- Team player
- Self-starter
Software Keywords:
- Microsoft Office
- Google Docs
- Trello
- Slack
- Zoom
- Asana
- Monday.com
- QuickBooks
- Smartsheet
Administrative Keywords:
- Customer service
- Project management
- Budget management
- Team management
- Calendar management
- Vendor management
- Data entry
- Inventory management
- Office equipment
💡 Tip: To increase your chances of passing Applicant Tracking System (ATS) filters, use relevant keywords mentioned in the job posting.
2. Courses and Certificates to Boost Your Office Manager Job Prospects
Adding a certificate or official title to your resume always looks good on a resume, and it will prove that you went the extra mile to learn something new about office management.
The following courses and certificates can help boost your chances of securing an Office Manager position.
- Certificate in Office Management: It equips applicants with a comprehensive skill set, covering administrative, communication, software proficiency, leadership, and other essential abilities.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification: This certification demonstrates a candidate’s advanced project management expertise and ability to lead complex projects.
- Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) Credential: This credential is useful for Office Managers as it validates their proficiency in various administrative functions, such as record-keeping, scheduling, and document management.
- Customer Service Certification: The certification illustrates a candidate’s proficiency in delivering outstanding assistance to clients, coworkers, and other parties involved, ensuring a seamless and harmonious office environment.
- Time Management Training: This training benefits Office Managers by providing them the expertise to effectively prioritize tasks, distribute resources wisely, and consistently adhere to deadlines.
- Business Writing Course: It develops an applicant’s ability to communicate professionally and clearly in written form and is crucial for creating well-structured reports, persuasive proposals, and concise emails.
- Social Media Marketing Course: Office Managers can obtain through this course the expertise needed to manage a company’s digital presence, empowering them to interact effectively with customers, endorse the organization, and preserve a strong brand reputation.
- Conflict Resolution Training: This type of training enables applicants to effectively address and resolve interpersonal issues within the workplace, enhancing collaboration, productivity, and overall team morale.
3. Show Off Your Essential Software Knowledge
By expanding your office management software capabilities, you’ll undoubtedly capture the interest of hiring managers and enhance your employment prospects.
Below you can find a list of software applications that Office Manager candidates can benefit from, as well as some ideas of how to include them in your cover letter.
The following comprehensive list will help you enhance your office management software skills and will definitely impress hiring managers:
- QuickBooks (accounting software)
Example: “My proficiency in QuickBooks allows me to efficiently manage financial operations, including accounts payable and receivable, financial reporting, and bank statement reconciliation. In a previous role, I improved invoice processing time by 20% with a new QuickBooks system implementation.”
- Trello or Asana (project management software)
Example: “In my previous position, I utilized Asana to launch a new product, resulting in a 25% increase in sales compared to the initial projections. I am confident in my Asana expertise and believe that it will enable me to contribute to your organization’s success in project management and team collaboration.”
- Salesforce or HubSpot (customer relationship management software)
Example: “As an Office Manager, I have experience in utilizing HubSpot to manage and enhance the organization’s marketing, which resulted in a 30% increase in sales in my previous role.”
- Slack (team communication and collaboration)
Example: “With Slack, I have created and managed channels for effective team communication, ensured prompt response to client inquiries, and reduced email traffic by 50%. In my previous role, I led a team in using Slack to resolve customer complaints within 24 hours, resulting in a 95% customer satisfaction rate.”
Hootsuite or Buffer (social media management software)
Example: “With my expertise in Buffer, I have successfully managed and optimized the organization’s social media presence by creating and scheduling 5 posts per week across various platforms, tracking post performance metrics, and maintaining 90% positive sentiment from customers.”
Key Takeaways for Your Office Manager Cover Letter
As we’ve discussed, writing an impactful Office Manager cover letter can be a little tricky depending on your circumstances, but there are strategies you can use to turn the situation in your favor.
Let’s recap:
- If you have relevant work experience: Highlight your skills and qualifications in a strong opening while emphasizing the experience that best matches the position.
- If you lack experience: Focus on connecting your education and any internships or volunteer work to the relevant skills required for the position. Be sure to mention any courses or workshops you have taken that have prepared you for an Office Manager role.
- If you’re missing valuable skills: Take the time to update your qualifications by taking any of the courses mentioned in this article to enhance your chances of landing the job.
And if after reading this you’ve realized that your resume could also do with a brush-up, take advantage of our HR-approved Office Manager resume templates to upgrade it along with your cover letter. Remember that, when it comes to getting the job, customizing your application to the offer you’re after is usually the best way to go.
Start your cover letter
Last modified on April 13th, 2023
FAQs
What is a good cover letter for office manager? ›
I am confident that I'm a great fit for this role. With more than 10 years of experience as an Office Manager for a busy legal firm, I am adept at handling the demands of a fast-paced work environment while maintaining the highest standards of quality.
What are the 4 tips for a great cover letter? ›- Make It Personal. To make your cover letter seem more personable, it's a good idea to address the reader directly. ...
- Past, Present, and Future. ...
- Research is Key! ...
- Keep It Brief.
- Customize your letter. ...
- Supplement your resume, don't repeat it. ...
- Include keywords and supporting details. ...
- Address any missing pieces. ...
- Proofread and ask for feedback.
A good cover letter for a management level position will include information on your accomplishments, the leadership roles you have held, and how you can help the organization succeed if you were to get the job.
What do employers look for in an office manager? ›Excellent time management skills and ability to multitask and prioritize work. Attention to detail and problem solving skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong organizational and planning skills.
What makes me a good office manager? ›A great Office Manager will take it in their stride by tapping into their flexibility. There is rarely a 'typical' day in the office anymore. The ability to adapt to change will be critical to your success. Being proactive and anticipating future needs is one of the best assets an office manager can have.
What are 3 keys to a successful cover letter? ›- Tailor each cover letter to one specific position.
- Use industry jargon specific to your career field.
- Identify the employer's key words and use them.
- Make all statements positive. ...
- Show originality but not cuteness.
- Use action verbs and phrases.
- Sound determined and confident not desperate.
A cover letter should be 3 paragraphs – Introduction, Sales Pitch and Conclusion.
What are the 4 C's used to write a cover letter include? ›Use the 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 recruiter for the…
To become an employer magnet, they'll need a handful of essential qualities known as the 4 C's: Creativity, Communication, Collaboration, and Critical Thinking.
- Being overly formal. “Dear Sir/Madam…” ...
- Being too informal. On the opposing side of the court is the peril of being too informal. ...
- Using a stock cover letter. ...
- Saying too much. ...
- Forgetting to proofread. ...
- Bragging. ...
- Focusing too much on yourself. ...
- Clumsy language.
What makes a cover letter stand out? ›
A cover letter specifically relates your skills and experience to the job description and requested qualifications. It explains why you would love to have the job in question. It shows you've done research on the company, by commenting on its mission or key leadership.
What makes an impressive cover letter? ›Highlight your qualifications and emphasize your strengths which are most relevant to the industry, organization, and position. Be specific. Use 2-3 examples of your work or academic experience to communicate your motivation and how your skills and experience prepared you for the job.
How do you start a management cover letter? ›Start Your Cover Letter for Manager Positions With a Strong Opening. Start with saying “Dear” and then use their actual name. Open by giving a brief introduction into your current position, professional background, and leadership experience. State your intention to apply for this particular management job offer.
How do you show leadership skills in a cover letter? ›Highlight your skills and experience
You can mention a few leadership decisions you made in previous roles and the quantifiable results they produced. It's beneficial to scan the job description and customize your cover letter to describe scenarios that showcase the skills the employer considers integral for the role.
- Communication.
- Work ethic.
- Leadership.
- Adaptability.
- Teamwork.
- Microsoft Word.
- Microsoft Excel.
- Microsoft Outlook.
- introduce yourself.
- mention the job (or kind of job) you're applying for (or looking for)
- show that your skills and experience match the skills and experience needed to do the job.
- encourage the reader to read your resume.
The letter should include the following:
Professional greeting. Paragraph 1: A brief introduction and why you are writing. Paragraphs 2 and 3: Your qualifications for the job for which you're applying. Closing Paragraph: Appreciation for being considered for the job, and how you will follow up if you have a contact ...