The letter, part by part
Emily Dubois (Executive Assistant to the Chief Financial Officer) is applying to be an Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer at Pacific Crest Biosciences. Here is what each paragraph does.
- The hook
- The proof
- The fit
- The close
Dear Ms. Mendez,
Supporting a CEO through a period of rapid growth requires more than calendar skills; it requires anticipating what is coming next. Pacific Crest Biosciences' expansion into clinical trials will make your CEO's time more valuable than ever. I would like to protect that time as your new Executive Assistant, bringing six years of senior-level support and a habit of solving problems before they reach the executive's desk.
Currently, I support the CFO of Marisol Medical Devices, managing a calendar that often includes 40 meetings a week across three time zones. I planned our annual investor summit for 120 guests, finishing 8% under budget. I also built a board-pack process that cut preparation time from five days to two. Over three years, I have handled confidential financial information without a single breach or error.
An effective EA blends discretion, judgment, and polished communication. I draft correspondence in my executive's voice, prepare briefing notes, and track action items until they close. I am an expert in Outlook, Concur, and Microsoft Teams, and I quickly learn new platforms. I also build trusted relationships with board members and external partners, which helps leaders stay focused on decisions that matter.
I would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss how I could support your CEO during this important chapter. I can provide references from two senior executives I have supported, and I am happy to complete any practical exercise you use in your process. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Emily Dubois
Skills to mention
Employers hiring a executive assistant often look for these. Name the ones you really have, with an example.
Phrases you can borrow
Change the details to your own, then copy them into your letter.
I anticipate my executive's needs so meetings, travel, and decisions run smoothly without last-minute surprises.
I handle confidential information with complete discretion and have maintained a perfect record throughout my career.
I draft correspondence in my executive's voice, saving them hours every week.
I build strong relationships with board members and partners that make my executive's work easier.
Tips for a executive assistant cover letter
- Mention the seniority of executives you have supported and the scale of their responsibilities.
- Show proactive problem-solving, not just task completion.
- Highlight confidentiality and discretion with a concrete example.
- Quantify events, travel, or processes you have managed.
- Keep the letter flawless; errors are especially damaging for detail-focused roles.
Mistakes to avoid
- Listing basic clerical tasks while ignoring strategic support and judgment.
- Including any typo, which undermines claims of attention to detail.
- Revealing confidential details about current or past executives.