Nursing Resume Cover Letter: What You Need to Land the Job

• Although they are not always required, cover letters are a great way to stand out among other job applicants.
• Want to craft a nursing resume cover letter, but not sure what to include? No worries, we got you covered!
• From a brief introduction to showcasing your skills, we’ve got everything you need to help land you your next nursing job!

A nursing resume cover letter can make a significant impact on your chances of getting an interview for a new job.  

Although nine times out of ten they are optional, a cover letter shows the hiring manager, “Hey! I’m a great candidate, and I am going the extra mile because I deserve this position.”  

So yes, it does take a little extra time to craft and tailor to the specific position you are applying to, but it may truly be the difference in you getting an interview over someone else.  

But the question is, ‘what goes into a nursing resume cover letter?’ we’ve got you covered!  

Components of a Great Nursing Resume Cover Letter

Nursing career experts, Incredible Health, offer what they believe to be some of the most necessary components to a nursing resume cover letter, let’s look and elaborate further. 

Header

A survey evaluating the habits of hiring employers identifies that over 70% spend less than five minutes reading a candidate’s resume.  

The header of a nursing resume cover letter should only contain pertinent information that the employer should know about you. 

• First and last name 
• Phone number, mailing, and email addresses 
• Your LinkedIn profile (if applicable) 

Following, it is important that you include some information about the company you’re applying to, as well as the hiring manager (their name, phone number, and email address, if applicable).  

In sum, you don’t have much time, so keep this short and simple, but prove that you’ve done your research.   

Professional Greeting

This is where you really need to be creative! 

Rather than starting off the letter with the classic: 

“Dear Hiring Manager,  

Your job posting for this *whatever position you’re applying for* caught my eye, and I believe that I am a great candidate.”  

Instead, try this: 

“Dear Hiring Manager (or if you know their name, use that instead as it will catch their eye immediately), 

I was excited to hear that this job opportunity was available from a former colleague of mine *enter a mutual connection who works at the facility you’re applying at*. We worked together for several years serving as *what specialty or position you were in, be specific*, and he/she recommended that I apply for this position.  

By doing so, you have not only caught the employer’s attention, but you have shown that you are a good team player, have relevant experience of the position you are applying for, and that you have a positive connection at the facility.  

Introductory and Background Paragraphs

This is your time to shine! 

The introductory and background paragraphs are where you are going to break down all the relevant experiences that you have and why you’re the best candidate for the job. Connect these to the keyword descriptors that are included in the job posting.   

Tip: Don’t go into too much detail. Leave a bit to be desired and make it a conversation starter in the interview.  

Qualifications

Typically, these are going to be looked over in your resume, so unless you want to analyze on them further, I would leave these out. 

Cover letters should be short, confident, and to the point.  

Conclusion and Formal Ending

Give the employer something to remember you by!  

Say something that makes you as the individual applying for this position stand out from all the other applicants.

Talent solutions and job seeker resource, Robert Half, highlights the key components your nursing resume cover letter conclusion should possess. Check them out! 

1. Sum up your strengths. 
2. Be polite and confident.  
3. Thank the employer/hiring manager. 

If you use these recommendations as a guideline for building your cover letter, you’ll be sure to stand out and have a better shot at landing the position!  

Best of luck!

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