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Secretary Cover Letter Template

Professional template and example for Australian job applications

Secretary Cover Letter Example

Dear Hiring Manager, I’ve kept diaries, filed reports, and kept a steady hand on front-desk operations for years. At [Previous Company], I helped reduce meeting scheduling conflicts by 30 percent through careful diary management and clear briefing notes for the team. I’m aiming to bring that same practical approach to [Company Name], where steady organisation and clear communication matter most. In this role I would focus on diary and travel arrangements, mail handling, and reception duties, while keeping records tidy and accessible. I’m comfortable proofreading documents, transcribing dictation, and ensuring briefing notes are accurate and concise. I work best with practical tools, and I’ve used MS Office, Outlook, and basic bookkeeping for petty cash handling in busy offices. One example stands out: a period of back-to-back external and internal meetings required quick coordination of venues, AV tech, and attendee lists. I lined up all elements, prepared briefing packs, and sent out timestamped meeting minutes the same day. The result was a smoother flow for the team and fewer missed follow-ups, with significantly improved reporting turnaround. I’m available for a chat about how I can support [Company Name] in handling reception, correspondence, and records with a calm, methodical approach. I’m happy to discuss timing and next steps when convenient. Kind regards, [Your Name]

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What happens next: Our AI will match your skills to the job requirements, highlight relevant achievements, and create a compelling narrative that positions you as the ideal candidate.

Why This Secretary Cover Letter Works

Opening Paragraph

Hook with specific achievement + role alignment

Skills Match

Maps experience to job needs + company research

STAR Example

Situation-Task-Action-Result with numbers

Professional Close

Forward momentum + availability

Key Requirements for Secretary Roles

Essential Skills to Highlight

Make sure your cover letter demonstrates these key skills:

Liaison and CommunicationDrafting Reports and Briefing NotesProofreadingDiary and Calendar ManagementTravel Arrangements CoordinationMail Processing and FilingReception and Visitor ManagementTelephone and Inquiries HandlingDictation TranscriptionBookkeeping and Petty Cash Handling

Tip: Include specific examples of how you've used these skills in your STAR example paragraph.

Core Responsibilities to Address

Align your experience with these typical responsibilities:

  • Liaise with Staff to Arrange Meetings
  • Prepare Reports
  • Briefing Notes and Correspondence
  • Proofread Documents for Errors
  • Maintain Appointment Diaries and Travel Arrangements
  • ...and more

Tip: Reference 2-3 of these responsibilities when describing your relevant experience.

Secretary Cover Letter Best Practices

Structure (4 Paragraphs)

Opening (40-60 words): State the role and company, plus one compelling hook
Match (100-130 words): Map 2-3 achievements to their top requirements
Proof (80-100 words): One detailed STAR example with quantified results
Close (30-40 words): Confirm fit and invite discussion

Essential Requirements

  • • Length: 250-350 words (one A4 page)
  • • Australian English spelling and dates (DD/MM/YYYY)
  • • Address to specific person when possible
  • • No photos or personal details (DOB, etc.)

What Makes It Strong

  • • Specific achievements with numbers
  • • Company research in second paragraph
  • • Keywords from the job description
  • • Professional but personable tone

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • • Generic opening lines
  • • Repeating your CV chronologically
  • • Including salary unless asked
  • • Exceeding one page