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A nursing cover letter is still crucial in the job application process. It’s often the first impression a potential employer will have of you. A cover letter is a chance to tell your story and call attention to aspects of your resume you want a reviewer to notice.
It’s also a chance to explain to an employer why you want to work for them, what you know about them, and why you’re an ideal candidate. A strong cover letter can tip the balance in your favor, helping you stand out from the competition and land an interview.
In the following guide, we walk you through writing a strong nursing cover letter, mistakes to avoid, and real-world tips that will keep you focused. Check out our downloadable nursing cover letter template and a sample letter to get started. Once you master the process, you’ll be writing winning cover letters in no time.
Writing a cover letter can feel overwhelming for many nurses, especially because it’s difficult to know what to say, how much to reiterate what’s on your resume, and what information to include or not. A cover letter is an opportunity to explain aspects of your professional or personal history that a resume can’t always get across. Your passion and interests come through, along with your ability to communicate clearly. Review the following steps to write a stand-out cover letter. Feel free to use our sample letter and downloadable template. The cover letter is a significant part of convincing employers that they absolutely need to meet you!
The more targeted and specific your cover letter is, the better. If you demonstrate your understanding of the organization’s mission, values, or other aspects that seem important, this can let a potential employer know that you’re savvy and did your research. Impress them with your knowledge of their facility.
Writing about your relevant skills tells potential employers that you have what it takes and are a viable candidate. If your letter doesn’t point out anything that makes you significantly qualified to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, they might not call for an interview.
While nursing can be very task-based and focused on hard clinical skills, communication is an enormous part of what makes nurses effective. Collaboration, cooperation, emotional intelligence, forging positive relationships, and being able to empathically connect with patients and their families are key to being a successful nurse. Be sure to mention that you can meet these aspects of what being a nurse is all about.
You can’t cover every single thing that’s amazing about you, but, based on the position you’re applying for, you can cherry-pick the most important qualities. For example, for a hospice position, you’re going to need excellent communication and patient education skills, and the ability to empathize and show compassion. Showcase qualities that make you the ideal candidate.
Expressing passion is a plus and shows potential employers that your interest in the position is authentic. Enthusiasm and a go-getter attitude are positive attributes in employers’ eyes. Being able to communicate your deeper motivations and desire to be of service can make you stand out.
In nursing, being willing to learn from your mistakes is essential, as is being ready to acquire new skills and gracefully receive feedback. Tell them you’re coachable, teachable, amenable to feedback, and a sponge for learning new things. Show open-mindedness and a desire to always improve and grow as a nurse.
A nurse cover letter should include a header with your name, credentials, and contact information, plus the receiver’s contact information. The body of the letter should specifically address the position you’re applying for, and how you can fulfill the characteristics, credentials, skills, knowledge, and expertise required.
Your cover letter does not need to include phrases like, “My references are available upon request”; “Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns”; or “I can be contacted via email at _____________or via phone at _____________.” These are all givens, and if your contact information is in your header, there’s no need to say it again.
A new grad nurse cover letter can’t demonstrate the level of skill, expertise, and knowledge as a seasoned nurse. New grads haven’t accumulated years of nursing experience, but they have their academic and clinical performance, enthusiasm, passion, and related healthcare experience to share, whether paid or volunteer. When employers advertise new grad positions, they understand that new grad resumes and letters can’t reflect the resumes of experienced nurses.
In these days of online applications, a cover letter may be optional, meaning that applicants can upload a cover letter if they choose to. For some applications, a cover letter will be required. Consider this: if a cover letter is optional, why not go the extra mile and write a strong one? If your resume and experience are comparable to another candidate’s, your cover letter could give you the edge. After all, a resume can’t by nature express much personality, but a cover letter can. So, make a strong impression with a well-crafted letter, whether it’s required or not.
