Sample Nurse Cover Letter and Advice from HR Pros
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the demand for nurses and other medical professionals across the globe has skyrocketed. Nurses in particular are in short supply in a lot of medical institutions. So, some hospitals have adopted the practice of hiring new grad nurses to cope with the shortage.
If you are in the nursing profession and are looking to explore new opportunities, you will definitely need a relevant skillset in your field. However, in addition to that, you will also need a well-written cover letter and resume to send out with your application.
Below, we will look into how to write an efficient cover letter for those in the nursing profession. To start, let's take a quick look at this cover letter example.
As you can see, the above registered nurse cover letter includes several key sections. Namely, there is a header, greeting, introduction, middle paragraphs, a call to action, and sign-off. Let’s study each of these sections in a bit more detail.
Cover letter header
The header may seem like the simplest part of your cover letter that doesn’t really require any thought. A typical cover letter header would include the following:
- Full name and professional credentials
- Country/state/city where you are located
- A way to get back to you (phone or email)
However, a cover letter header can also offer additional space for including some extra useful information. For instance, it can include a link to your professional social media (like LinkedIn), website, or online portfolio.
Cover letter greeting
It’s best to start your cover letter by addressing the hiring manager by name. You can check the company’s website or LinkedIn profile to find out the name of the HR manager who may be reading your application. If there is no way to find out who will be reviewing your resume, you can use a general greeting like “Dear Hiring Team” or “Dear Hiring Manager”. However, do not use impersonal phrases like “To Whom It May Concern”. Such a greeting is considered to be quite old-fashioned.
Cover letter introduction
The introduction of your cover letter should explain who you are as a professional and why you are interested in the position you are applying for. As you can see from the resume sample above, the applicant mentions their professional credentials, important personal qualities, and career aspirations.
Cover letter middle paragraphs
The middle paragraphs of your cover letter are its main part. They should illustrate why you are the best candidate for the job and highlight your skills. It should explain that you are fully aware of all the challenges and responsibilities that come with the position you're applying for.
As you can see from the above, the first paragraph explains the applicant’s motivation and background.
The second paragraph illustrates that the applicant’s experience and skillset match perfectly what is required for the job.
Finally, the third paragraph focuses on personal skills that are important for the nursing profession.
Cover letter conclusion and sign-off
The final paragraphs of your cover letter should include a call to action. Mention when you will be available to start in the new job. Say that you will be waiting for feedback on your application and thank the hiring manager for taking the time to review your application.
Summing it up
The purpose of any cover letter is to make your case as the best person for the job. You should explain why you are interested in this specific position, what relevant skills and expertise you possess, and how they match the job description. Keep your cover letter concise and be as specific as possible. So, use numbers, references, certifications, and more. Add links to your professional social media, if applicable.
On the other hand, keep in mind that there is no one-fit-all solution for writing a cover letter. Naturally, a new grad nurse cover letter would be different from that of an experienced nurse. Plus, your cover letter should also be customized for the company or organization you are applying for. Learn more about how to write a cover letter here.
Finally, to complete your application you will also need an effective resume. Learn how to compose a good resume in our article on Nurse Resume Sample and Tips from HR Pros.
How can we help?
Registered Users have an access to creating, editing, viewing and storing of up to 2 documents (1 resume, 1 cover letter).