How to Write A Cover Letter for Nursing
As you’re applying for new positions, you may find that some nursing jobs require or recommend a cover letter. Yikes. Maybe you’re not the strongest writer, or you don’t even know where to begin so you’re tempted to skip this application all together. Don’t let this be the reason you don’t apply! We’ve got you covered with tips, tricks, and a template to create a glowing cover letter.
Why is a cover letter important?
It gives you the opportunity to make a great first impression and tell your story as it relates to the position you’re applying for. Think why you want this position, why you’re a good candidate for the role, and what you know about the company.
How can you get started? Here are the basics:
Create a header
Include an intro, body, and conclusion
Let’s breakdown each part:
Header
Include your name and contact information that matches what’s already on your resume. Think name, credentials (ex. Jane Smith, BSN, RN), address, phone number and email.
Make sure your header is in a slightly larger font than the letter itself.
Make sure the format of your header matches your resume’s header. Ideally, both your resume and cover letter should match in their style.
Introduction
Identify the position you’re applying for and where you found it. If this is a referral, include the name of the person or organization.
Reference their organization’s mission statement or values to prove you have researched the company and tie in how your values align with theirs.
Body
Highlight your skills and why you want to work for this organization.
The body should be 2-4 short paragraphs. Brevity is your friend! The shorter the letter, the higher the readability.
Discuss your hard and soft skills, experience, and anything else that will make you stand out.
Include computer skills! If you are proficient in a particular electronic medical record, that will help you to stand out.
Conclusion
Reiterate your interest
Restate your enthusiasm for the organization
Express how you’re looking forward to their response and discussing further how you can be an asset for their specific needs
Now that you have a basic understanding and outline, let’s discuss some important tips that will really make you stand out.
Proofread! Nursing requires attention to detail, so grammar and spelling errors will stand out even more. Using AI tools like Wordtune or Grammarly (both have free versions) can help rewrite sentences and catch these errors.
Tie your qualifications to the position: Make sure to mention how your skills match what the job description is asking for.
Address the correct person or department: As this is a letter, you must include who you are addressing the letter to. If there is not a specific person listed, you can use “Hiring manager” or “hiring committee”.
Demonstrate your passion: This will show your interest in the role is authentic. Including your motivations, desire to learn, and open-mindedness are key.
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EXAMPLE TEMPLATE TAKEN FROM NURSEJOURNAL.ORG
Name and Credentials
Town, State | Phone | Email
Personalized LinkedIn profile URL (optional)
Date
Dept and/or contact person
Facility or organization
Street
Town, State, Zip
Dear ________________:
Paragraph 1: Begin by stating the position for which you are applying. Say something about the organization to demonstrate that you’ve done your homework and understand what they’re all about, and that this letter is not at all “cookie-cutter” in nature.
Paragraph 2: Share select highlights of your career, expertise, experience, skills, or personal characteristics that are directly applicable to this position and/or this employer. You can emphasize something from your resume that you want them to make note of, as long as you don’t use exactly the same language as your resume, which is redundant.
Paragraph 3: This is a good place to highlight some of your “soft skills” (e.g., communication, emotional intelligence, relational intelligence, patient education, compassion, empathy, etc).
Paragraph 4: Here you can call attention to your computer skills, EMR experience, etc., as well as any other tech skills worth mentioning.
Closing paragraph: Tie the letter together, reiterate your interest, and express your enthusiastic desire to have the opportunity to meet to discuss your experience and the position further.
Sincerely,
Your name and credentials