LPN
When applying for a nursing job, most people think of creating the perfect resume and putting together a reference list. It is often forgotten that a cover letter can help elevate your application to the top of the employers list as a potential candidate.
The more time you spend crafting your cover letter to adequately describe your experience and qualifications, interest in the position, and a little bit about yourself, the better chance you will have at landing the nursing position you want.
I have been on several nursing interviews and written numerous nursing cover letters thus far in my nursing career and I want to share the tips I have learned along the way.
If you have come across cover letter examples online, you have probably seen a good amount of them use the phrase “To Whom It May Concern.” This is an impersonal way of greeting a potential employer and it doesn’t give you the standout factor you want when attempting to get the attention of the employer.
Instead, take the time to research or ask the name or names of the individuals you will be interviewing and use the names to open the cover letter. The hiring manager will likely appreciate and take notice of the effort you took to find this information to personalize your cover letter.
Again, do not be afraid to include personalization in your cover letter. Potential employers are looking for candidates who have more than the educational qualifications and work experience. Employers also want to know a little bit about you and why you are the best candidate for the job.
It is always wise to do your research on the company you are applying for and explain why you have a special interest in the company. Expressing the reasons, you became a nurse is another fantastic way to personalize your cover letter.
Do not try to be someone you are not in your cover letter. Often times, people can tell when someone is being disingenuous. By staying true to yourself you will have the best chance at getting the position that is right for you, your interests, and personality.
Do not shy away from expressing how much you are interested in the position; employers like to see someone who is passionate about the specific job opportunity and not someone who seems desperate for any job.
You may have been told before not to appear too eager, however, I have found that if you suppress your enthusiasm the employer may not take you or your interest in them as seriously.
As a licensed healthcare professional, it is important you come across in your cover letter as an educated individual. Format, proper spacing, font size, font, spelling, and grammar are just a few things you want to pay special attention to when creating your cover letter.
A potential employer will likely not pay much attention to a cover letter that appears it was thrown together quickly and not well thought out. Keep in mind the cover letter should be an addition to your resume and not a repeat of the resume. It is important to keep the cover letter length under control. One page is usually adequate to include all the information you need.
When creating a cover letter, it is imperative to keep in mind the sequence of the information you want to present.
For example, my cover letter starts with a brief personal explanation of why I chose nursing. My second paragraph highlights my interest in the company and position and the qualifications I would bring to the position.
My third paragraph briefly re-states why I believe I am a good fit for the position.
Lastly, I leave my phone number and let the employer know I look forward to hearing from them about the opportunity. I also thank them for taking the time to consider me as a potential employee.
As easy as it would be to create a generic cover letter that you can use for all positions you have interest in; it is wiser to tailor a cover letter specific to each company you are applying for.
Of course, there may be certain areas of the cover letter that will remain the same. Be sure you are only applying for positions you have a genuine interest in.
If you want to make your cover letter stand out to a prospective employer even more, there are cover letter templates online that are specific to nursing. I have found some of the best cover letter nursing templates on Etsy. Just type in “Nurse Cover Letter” in the search bar.
There are also resume templates that are specific to nurses. Just make sure the template you choose is professional, easy to read, and fits your personality.
If you are looking even further to create a lasting impression, being particular about the type of paper you choose to print your cover letter on can go a long way.
I usually print my resumes and cover letters to take along to interviews and give them to the interviewers. I have always printed my resumes and cover letters on linen paper and the interviewer always takes notice and appreciates the extra effort. It is another way to show you are a true professional that pays attention to detail, and what employer doesn’t appreciate that?
In conclusion, if you are not familiar with writing cover letters, it can seem like an intimidating task. Trust me, it is not as daunting as it seems. I have given you a lot of information and particular things to consider when creating your cover letter; the most important thing to remember is that your cover letter accurately represents who you are and describes your interest in the position.
I have no doubt that if you put these tips to use, you will catch an employer’s interest.
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