Writing a cover letter is one of the most important tasks in the job search process. This letter serves as an introductory link between potential employee and employer, and thus often makes the first impression for the job applicant. As one of the fastest-growing most in-demand careers of the 21st century, nursing in particular requires a solid first impression. An effective nursing cover letter should usually abide by the traditional cover letter format: tailoring the letter to each individual employer and selling your skills and strengths through work experience, education, and a positive attitude.
The introductory portion of a nursing cover letter should foremost be accurate and cordial. You should conduct adequate research and determine a specific individual for the salutation. In larger organizations such as major hospitals, this may me a human resources director. For smaller places of business like clinics, however, you may interview directly with a physician or another nurse. Proper spelling of the individual's name and using the correct gender address are also important, as the greeting is likely the first item the reader will see.
Following the salutation in a nursing cover letter, you should provide a brief one- or two-sentence summary of the desired position. You might also mention what brought this open position to your attention. Whenever possible, a direct reference to one of the organization’s employees or colleagues is desirable; you may have learned of the position through networking, for example.
The next section of a nursing cover letter should briefly detail why the your particular skills and experience are the best fit for the position. Educational background should garner a mention. For nurses, advanced education usually entails an associate, a bachelors, and perhaps a masters degree in nursing from an accredited institution. Scores on any regionally required examinations can also be noted. The occasional use of relevant nursing terms can further solidify an applicant's knowledge and ability.
In addition, this section should correlate volunteer, internship, and employment experiences with skills required for the nursing job. A few specific examples of accomplishments presented in a positive light will immensely improve the letter and separate it from the rest. Nurse-relevant skills like a high tolerance for stress, teamwork, and problem-solving can be demonstrated. Details of direct patient experience also establish the your proficiency in various routine tasks like drawing blood. If you have had non-health care related jobs that can highlight certain personality strengths or relevant skills, these should be mentioned as well.
Personal information should only be given in a nursing cover letter to the extent that it is relevant to the job. If you have a life experience that can elaborate on reasons for selecting the nursing profession, it may be mentioned briefly. Passion for the profession — particularly in health care with its patient-centered focus — will likely translate favorably. Otherwise, you should keep the correspondence professionally-focused.
Perhaps most crucial, each nursing cover letter should be tailored for the specific position in question. If you use a single template for each position and only change the names on the salutation, a seasoned reader will likely notice. Once again, proper research into the organization and its accomplishments and goals can give you a competitive edge.
You should present yourself as the answer to a prospective employer's problem. For larger hospitals or other businesses, a scan of the organization’s mission statement and its place in the news can help you highlight potential problem or shortage areas within the organization. Small clinics or private nursing jobs may also be targeted, as these jobs often feature specific patients with specific needs.
The conclusion of a nursing cover letter should reaffirm your confidence and enthusiasm. The cover letter should be less than one page, and should thank the reader for his or her consideration. The closing might then restate the applicant’s optimism about the position and subtly prompt the reader to set up an interview. A signed farewell address could add a final personal touch.
