Should an executive assistant cover letter name the executives I support?

Give their title and the type of firm. Names are better left for the interview or references, unless the role is public.

What makes an EA cover letter stand out?

Evidence of anticipation: papers always early, a crisis handled before the principal knew, a budget beaten. One example of each beats a list of skills.

How do I write the letter when moving from PA to EA level?

Show scope: the seniority of the person you support, the number of stakeholders and any projects you owned end to end, such as an event or a process change.

Executive Assistant cover letter example

Executive Assistant cover letter example: an opening that mirrors the principal's life, proof from travel, board papers and events, and references offered.

Resume for this role

Charlotte Ainsworth

Executive Assistant to the CEO | Private Equity and Professional Services

London

30 October 2026

Jonathan HaleChief Operating OfficerHolborn Ridge CapitalLondon

Re: Executive Assistant to the Managing Partner

Dear Mr Hale,

Your advert for an Executive Assistant to the Managing Partner at Holborn Ridge Capital describes a principal who travels constantly and a diary that needs someone to own it. That is the role I have held for the CEO of Marlowe Capital Partners since 2021.

My CEO takes 25 to 35 meetings a week across four time zones and makes more than 60 trips a year. I plan them so he always has the right papers and a realistic schedule, including fundraising roadshows arranged at 48 hours' notice. I also run board and investment committee administration, and papers have gone out five working days in advance for every one of the six board and four committee meetings a year since I took it on.

Last year I organised our investor offsite for 220 guests and brought it in £30,000 under a £250,000 budget. It is a good example of how I work: plan early, negotiate firmly with suppliers and keep the principal informed without bothering him with detail.

Before private equity I supported two corporate partners at Hartwell Reid LLP through live deals, including 14 remote signings in 2020, and raised the team's on-time billing from 70% to 95%. I am used to confidential material and to being the person who notices what is missing from a pack before it goes out.

I bring 11 years of executive support in private equity, law and property. I would be delighted to discuss the role with you, and I can give references from both principals.

Yours sincerely,

Charlotte Ainsworth

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How this letter works

What each part of the letter above does, and how to do the same in yours.

The opening

It restates the advert's picture of the principal, always travelling, diary needing an owner, and says Charlotte already does that job. An EA letter should read like the person who will manage the principal's time: concise and sure.

Whom to address

Address the COO, HR partner or the principal's chief of staff named in the advert; recruiters handling EA roles will usually tell you who reads the shortlist. Use "Dear Mr Hale", without a full stop, in a British letter.

Requirements matched to proof

The posting asks forOwn a complex, international diary: The letter shows25 to 35 meetings a week across four time zones; 60+ trips a year.
The posting asks forBoard and committee administration: The letter showsPapers out five working days early for every meeting.
The posting asks forEvent and budget management: The letter showsA 220-guest investor offsite delivered £30,000 under budget.

Length

Five paragraphs inside the usual 250 to 400 words, on one page. Senior EAs are hired partly on their writing, so every sentence is short and does work.

This letter: 253 words.

The closing

It offers references from both principals, which is what a firm checks for an EA before anything else. "Yours sincerely" matches the named greeting.

Mistakes to avoid in this letter

Describing tasks, not judgement
Booking travel is expected. Show the judgement: what you protect in the diary, what you decide alone, what you escalate.
Naming principals carelessly
Discretion is part of the job. Describe the role ("the CEO") unless the person is publicly known and you have permission.
A long letter
An EA who cannot keep a letter to one page raises doubts about briefing a busy principal.

Questions about this cover letter

Should an executive assistant cover letter name the executives I support?: Give their title and the type of firm. Names are better left for the interview or references, unless the role is public.
What makes an EA cover letter stand out?: Evidence of anticipation: papers always early, a crisis handled before the principal knew, a budget beaten. One example of each beats a list of skills.
How do I write the letter when moving from PA to EA level?: Show scope: the seniority of the person you support, the number of stakeholders and any projects you owned end to end, such as an event or a process change.

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