how to make a cover letter for hospital

Healthcare Cover Letter Example (w/ Templates & Tips for 2024)

You've clocked in countless hours in hospitals and clinics, dedicating your skills to healing and caring for the sick. The sounds of heartbeats and monitors are as familiar to you as the rhythm of your own breath.

Your commitment to healthcare speaks volumes.

Yet, when it comes to writing a cover letter for your job application, you feel like you're attempting surgery with a stethoscope.

We know your struggle, and we’re here to help.

In this article, we’re going to guide you through perfecting the cover letter for your next job application.

Here's what we'll dive into:

• What a Standout Healthcare Cover Letter Looks Like
• 5 Simple Steps to Writing a Stellar Healthcare Cover Letter
• 3 Essential Cover Letter Tips for Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare Cover Letter Example

5 Steps for the Perfect Healthcare Cover Letter

You've just glimpsed what a job-winning healthcare cover letter looks like.

Now, it's your turn to write one . Just follow the steps we're about to share, and you'll be on the right track:

#1. Put Contact Information in the Header

When it comes to writing your healthcare cover letter, it all begins with your contact information, just like on your resume .

Let's dive into what you should include:

• Full Name. Make sure your complete name is right at the top of the page.
• Professional Title. Match the professional title on your cover letter with the specific healthcare position you're applying for. Hiring managers often sift through numerous applications, so clarity about the role you're targeting is a real plus.
• Email Address. Opt for an email address that's both professional and straightforward. A combination of your first and last names works best. (e.g: [email protected])
• Phone Number. Make sure that the phone number you provide is accurate so the hiring manager can easily reach you. If you're applying for a healthcare job abroad, remember to include the international dial code.
• Location. Typically, your city and state or country are sufficient. However, if you're considering relocation, be sure to mention it.
• Relevant Links (optional). If you have any relevant websites or social media profiles, such as LinkedIn, feel free to include them.

Once you've squared away your contact information , it's time to add the hiring manager's details:

• Company Name. State the name of the healthcare organization you're applying to.
• Hiring Manager's Name. If possible, include the name of the hiring manager for the specific healthcare department you're interested in.
• Hiring Manager's Title. If you discover that the hiring manager for this job ad has a more specific title, such as department head, you can use that instead of the generic "Hiring Manager."
• Location. Specify the city and state or country of the healthcare facility, particularly for organizations with a global presence. If you want to be extra specific, you can even include the exact street address.
• Date of Writing (optional). For a professional touch, consider adding the date when you wrote your cover letter, though this is optional.

#2. Address the Hiring Manager

The next step to writing the perfect healthcare cover letter is to address it properly.

And we strongly advise against using the generic "To Whom It May Concern."

Getting the greeting right can make a positive impression on the hiring manager.

Do a bit of research first. Take a look at the job listing and the company's website, or check their profiles on LinkedIn or other social media. This can help you uncover the name of the person who'll be reviewing your cover letter, so you can personalize your cover letter’s greeting .

Next, address them in a formal yet friendly manner. Use "Ms.", "Mr.", or a title like “Dr.” when applicable, followed by their last name. If you’re not sure about their gender or marital status, just use their full name. Here are some examples:

• Dear Ms. Rodriguez
• Dear Dr. Rodriguez
• Dear Julio Rodriguez

If you can't find specific information about the hiring manager or the department head, it's perfectly okay to address your letter to the department or the company in general. Maintain a professional and friendly tone:

• Dear Healthcare Department
• Dear Hiring Team
• Dear Human Resources Team
• Dear Head of Department X

#3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement

The truth is that hiring managers don’t take more than a few seconds to decide if your cover letter is worth reading in depth.

So, making a strong first impression is vital for a successful healthcare cover letter.

Begin your cover letter’s opening paragraph by introducing yourself and explaining why you have a genuine interest in the role. Expressing your enthusiasm for the healthcare industry or the specific position is a compelling way to capture the hiring manager's attention.

Doing some research on the healthcare organization can be useful here. The more you learn about the employer, the better you can emphasize your alignment with their work culture and mission. This demonstrates to the hiring manager that you're not just casually applying everywhere and seeing what sticks—you have a sincere interest in this particular role.

If you have the experience, you can boost your introduction by highlighting a significant accomplishment or mentioning a skill that makes you an ideal fit for the position. Just remember to keep this part snappy. You only have to spark the hiring manager's interest and encourage them to explore the finer details of your healthcare cover letter.

#4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details

Now that you’ve captured the hiring manager’s attention, it’s time to dive into the details.

The body of your cover letter is where you need to prove you’re the best candidate for the position. But don’t make the mistake of just repeating everything from your healthcare resume . This is the place where you can tie in your professional skills and experiences in a manner that sets you apart.

The best way to outshine the other applicants is to use the job advertisement as your compass. Read it carefully and keep in mind what skills and experiences the company expects from its candidates.

Whether it's expertise in a particular medical field or proficiency in a specific type of medical software, make sure to mention these in your healthcare cover letter. Based on the information you find, pick out a few of your relevant achievements and use them to convince the hiring manager that you’re the best candidate for the role.

Illustrating your knowledge of the company, its healthcare initiatives, or the industry itself can also be a great advantage. If you're familiar with the company's healthcare services, specify so in your cover letter to prove your alignment with their mission and organizational culture.

And don’t forget to infuse enthusiasm into your writing. Your passion for the role should shine through as much as your healthcare know-how. Convey your confidence in your skills and experiences, and express your eagerness to contribute to the company's healthcare mission.

If you need more inspiration, check out these other cover letter examples !

#5. Wrap It Up and Sign It

Once you’ve written the bulk of your healthcare cover letter, it’s time for the finishing touches.

Knowing how to end your cover letter can make the difference between winning a hiring manager over or getting tossed into the “no” pile.

Make sure you leave a positive impression on the hiring manager with a strong conclusion that reinforces your suitability for the role. Summarize your standout skills and why you're the ideal candidate.

Afterward, include a compelling call to action, inviting the hiring manager to delve deeper into your application. This proactive approach can boost your chances of securing an interview.

Lastly, sign off your letter like a professional. Choose an appropriate closing and include your full name, like so:

Please feel free to reach out to me via the provided email or phone number to discuss my application further. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to explore my qualifications with you.

Best regards,

Frank Jenkins

And remember, if you find "Best regards," too common, there are alternative sign-offs to consider, such as:

• Kind regards,
• Respectfully yours,
• Thank you for your consideration.

3 Essential Bartender Cover Letter Tips

We’ve covered the fundamentals of writing a healthcare cover letter, and now it's time to take it to the next level.

Just follow these useful cover letter tips :

#1. Match Your Resume

Ready to carve a path as a healthcare professional?

Make sure your healthcare cover letter aligns seamlessly with your resume template . This makes it much easier for the hiring manager to pick your documents out of the pile.

Your contact information should be clearly visible on your resume’s header, and the body of your text should fit neatly on the page. Maintain consistent font styles and sizes throughout your documents, and adjust the page margins and line spacing of your cover letter so it sticks to one page .

Or Use A Cover Letter Template Instead

Don’t have time to start from scratch?

Just use our free resume builder and pair it with one of our matching cover letter templates .

Say goodbye to your struggles with the formatting or layout. Our templates are your shortcut to a polished cover letter that complements your resume. Made with input from global hiring experts, they guarantee you a professional, industry-ready application in minutes.

#2. Mention Qualifications

Don't let your cover letter be a missed opportunity by skipping out on your relevant healthcare qualifications.

Sure, your healthcare resume already lists your education, but your cover letter lets you really dive deeper. It's your chance to tell the story behind that medical degree or that special training you took. Help the hiring manager see why those experiences make you a great fit for the role.

It's all about giving them the full picture of what you bring to the table, which increases your odds of getting an interview.

#3. Be Formal

Keeping your cover letter formal is essential. This isn't a casual email; it's your introduction to a healthcare institution, and missing the mark is a huge mistake .

Being formal shows that you're dedicated and professional. However, this doesn't mean you can't show some of your personality. It's all about balancing professionalism with polite friendliness.

Make sure you’re using the appropriate language and steer clear of slang. For example, instead of saying you can "handle things," specify that you're "competent in patient care." Maintaining formality positions you as a reliable and professional candidate who’s taking this healthcare role seriously.

Key Takeaways

That's it for crafting the ideal healthcare cover letter!

We hope you feel more confident in writing your own cover letter, and we have no doubt you’ll land your dream job in no time.

Before we say goodbye, let's revisit some of our article’s key points:

• Start your healthcare cover letter by clearly listing both your contact details and those of the hiring manager. Accuracy is crucial here since a single typo could mean missing out on an interview opportunity.
• Grab the hiring manager’s attention right from the beginning. If the opening paragraph doesn't engage them, they might not make it to the crucial details that follow.
• Use the main body of your resume to dive deeper into your standout achievements and skills. Align them with the job advertisement to make your case compelling.
• End with a compelling reason for them to get in touch, whether it's a call or an interview invite.
• Make sure your application is a matching set, so your resume and cover letter stand out from the rest. If you're pressed for time, consider using one of our matching resume and cover letter templates for a polished look.

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How to write a cover letter.

In the previous section, Ch.2: Cover Letter Format , we covered how to professionally build your cover letter to meet the expectations of recruiters. Here, we'll discuss how to write your cover letter , section-by-section to create the best letter possible to land an interview.

The better your cover letter, the better your chance of securing an interview and leading to a potential position.

Knowing how to write a cover letter is key to coming off as a professional and landing the job interview you want. Since it's the first impression a prospective employer will have of you, make sure the document is clear and concise and conveys how you want to be received.

Typically, employers and hiring managers will read the cover letter before opening up the resume. This means that if your cover letter is deemed as unprofessional or doesn’t sell your skills for the open position, they might not even consider opening your resume and reviewing your professional experience.

Luckily, writing a cover letter has become very standardized, which means there aren't that many differences when it comes to format.

However, fitting your qualifications and achievements into three small paragraphs can be much more difficult than writing something long-winded - as you might be unsure of what to include and exclude.

While learning how to write a cover letter, be sure to keep in mind that you can only include so much, so only include the most important, most relevant factors to get your point across.

Part of the tricky thing writing a cover letter is that you need to know what to exclude, and what to include. Including too much information will feel like a tall task for the healthcare recruiting and hiring manager to sift through. Whereas including too little will make it seem as if you aren’t qualified for the position itself.

Writing a good cover letter is a balancing act, and we’ve got all the things you need to consider when crafting your cover letter.

How to Write a Cover Letter:

A strong cover letter is comprised of 3 components: the introduction salutation, the body paragraphs, and the conclusion, including salutation, signature, and other information.

(The numbers in the document above match the sections below)

1. Introduction Salutation

Show them you did research and know whom you are talking to. If you can, used social media outlets like Facebook and LinkedIn to find out who'll be receiving your application and address it to them.

You'll catch their attention much more efficiently by stating their name, giving your application priority over others.

Including their name will also highlight that you have written a personal cover letter to them, and not just some generic one you send to every healthcare recruiter or hiring manager.

The more personal your cover letter feels to them, the more authentic you will come across in your desire to have a position with the company you are applying for.

2. Body Paragraphs

This is where you should let your uniqueness shine. Use the body section to show where you came from, what you've achieved, and what skills you have to meet their need.

Write about situations that are relevant to the job and highlight a skill they're looking for without restating the information on your resume.

Give them great examples and tell compelling stories, engaging their attention. Highlight your key accomplishments and show them how you can fulfill the job position. Give the employer something they want.

Remember, when writing these various sections - it’s important that you showcase value.

You want to showcase the value that you can provide the company and why you should be considered for the available position over other candidates.

Employers don’t want just want do’ers, they want achievers. So think about that when crafting each individual section.

First Paragraph

The first paragraph should remain relatively short and concise and use it to grab them with a strong introduction -- introduce yourself, and explain why you're contacting them. Include your name, the position you're applying for, and where or how you found out about the position.

If you know anybody that works at the company (or any person you can name drop) list them; tell how you know them or that they referred you. Referrals have much more impact on employers than blind-hires.

In addition, in the first paragraph you want to detail some of your general qualifications. Some of these general qualifications include: basic info about yourself, degrees obtained, area of study, area of expertise, and career goals.

After detailing some of the general qualifications above and providing a little bit of a background for yourself, you want to detail how those general qualifications and your background align with the goals of the company.

As we mentioned earlier, it is important to showcase how your background aligns more closely with the company goals, more-so than other applicants.

Second Paragraph

The second paragraph is where things can become more in depth since it's the heart of your letter. Use this section to show how you can meet the company’s need, as well as, show how you’ve addressed similar situations - using specific examples and prior experience.

Essentially, this paragraph is useful for talking about the job description. One thing you want to do before writing this section is to research the company.

It’s one thing to know what a company does and detailing how your goals align in the first paragraph - it’s another thing to detail how you are well versed in their industry and current and future trends.

Showcasing this knowledge is a great way of showing your passion for the industry itself. One of the common questions in an interview is how familiar you are with the industry itself.

Those applicants who showcase their experience in the industry can set themselves apart from those applicants who know nothing about the industry.

When an applicant is perceived as having little knowledge of an industry, companies worry that they might have to spend extra time and effort in getting the employee up to speed with current trends and future directions.

Another great tip to use in your second paragraph of your cover letter is to include specific keywords that were in the job posting itself.

In this way, if the company you are applying to requires a cover letter submission through an applicant tracking system that pulls keywords and information out of each document, you can have several keywords and keyword phrases that relate to the job posting itself.

Something every employer is happy to see, as it highlights the fact that you did your research on the position itself.

Highlight aspects of recent work that relate to the position you're applying to, and how you've gone above and beyond to accomplish goals relating to it.

You're allowed to use experience from education, work, or volunteer/charity as long as you don't simply repeat what's on your resume.

You can also use this section to elaborate on accomplishments that your resume might not speak about; use this paragraph to highlight your strengths and make a good impression to your employer.

Lastly, use this paragraph to help transition to the third paragraph, tying everything together.

Third Paragraph

Tie everything together and show/explain how you're the best candidate for the position with the third paragraph. Further tailor yourself to the position and summarize your accomplishments in a way that casts you as the candidate who will solve their problem. This is what the main objective of the third paragraph is; tell them how you can help.

You can elaborate on aspects of your qualifications that don't directly relate to your experiences as well, but would be beneficial to the employer.

Think outside the box here and be creative with the connections you make; everything in this paragraph should show them how you can solve their issues.

Another thing you wish to accomplish in this third paragraph is to create a call to action. You want to drive the individual reading your cover letter to invite you to an interview or the next step in the application process.

Lastly, tell the employer that you look forward to hearing from them and specify a date in which you intend to follow up on your application.

It is important that you tactfully ask for an interview in the closing; which, leads into the final section of the letter content.

In addition, you want to thank them for spending time and reading your cover letter.

3. Closing Salutation & Signature

Ask for the interview. There is one reason for writing a cover letter and resume, and that's to get an interview. Thank them for their consideration in advance, and let them know you would like a follow up and put a future meeting on the table.

Again, don’t drag it out; be clear and concise. Rewrite your phone number and give them an invitation to call you anytime to schedule an interview.

Cover letter conclusion example:

Cover Letter Tips - Dos:

Writing your cover letter with these three blocks will set the foundation for your document, but it is important that you follow a few rules to enable your cover letter to hit a homerun. Here are six things you need to consider while writing:

1. Know your audience

It is vital that you know who you will be writing to. Just like you resume, you want to draft your cover letter with a prospective employer in mind and write for them. Do research on the company you want to work for and determine the gatekeeper.

Write for the hiring personnel and focus on what their company needs. It doesn't matter what you want as a job seeker as much, as it’s what you can do for the company as a whole which will determine whether or not you get the position.

So, use your cover letter to demonstrate how you can help.

Researching your company is easy with today’s technology; Google and LinkedIn are powerful tools for researching anything you need regarding the job market.

You can find the company's website and specific individuals who work there, and it is good to research both the company and specific people, as mentioned previously.

You can use the company’s website to find the name of the person you want to write to; the website will give you the name, exact title, and what they need/do for the company.

If you can’t find what you need on the company’s webpage, you can search Google for online directories — sometimes just typing in the name of the company can pull up documents and archives on your prospective employer.

In addition, these google searches might even provide additional contact details such as different emails that might be in use, or other important individuals you might want to CC (carbon copy) in your email.

As much of the hiring process is determined by several individuals, it would be a good idea to make sure that the content over your cover letter is accurate for the person who would be making the hiring decision or reviewing the applications as they get submitted.

Be friendly, professional, and enthusiastic about the field you are applying to. Nobody wants a robot that churns out blanket statements and boring sentences.

Healthcare recruiters and hiring managers can tell right off the bat whether or not your cover letter is a generic one that you send to every position you apply for, or if you have hand crafted it for the individual position.

Your tone can indicate whether or not it is a generic cover letter, or if you have specifically crafted it for the respective position.

One way to showcase that you have specifically crafted the cover letter for the respective position is to show the company that you want to work in that specific field, that you’re good at your job, and that you love doing what you do.

Be engaging. Ask questions your prospective employer might ask themselves, and answer them with examples of how you tackled obstacles and accomplished similar tasks that align themselves with what the company needs.

3. Be Compelling

Don't be boring. Most people remain too stuffy in their letters and use the same cliche statements; "I'm responding to...; I can do...".

Instead, tell about interesting adventures that demonstrate skills you can bring to the table; talk of your travels and combine that with lessons you learned that also apply to the position.

You want to separate yourself from the other candidates who will be using these generic statements. One great way is to tell a story.

Tell a story to demonstrate your skills instead of just saying you have the skills. It is more interesting and memorable to tell about the time your skills were put to the test and how you rose to the occasion.

One of the common questions in an interview is to talk about when you have used specific skills related to the position.

So if you do decide to use a story about using your skills in your cover letter, remember to bring it up in the interview once again.

This way, you can remind healthcare recruiters and hiring managers about your unique cover letter if they happen to forget it by the time the interview rolls around.

4. Be Concrete

One thing you want to make sure that you do is to avoid the abstract. Give specific accounts and tell about actual stories that tie in with concrete skills and accomplishments that are relevant to what the company needs for the job.

One additional thing you should avoid doing is use flowery language. As we mentioned earlier, you want to make sure that you avoid including flowery language that would make your cover letter longer than it needs to be.

Avoid flowery language and provide very specific examples on why you are great candidate and can help the company be great.

5. Be Concise

Employers go through roughly 200 cover letters per position, so to have the best chance of staying out of the trash, keep it short and sweet. Avoid being redundant in your cover letter; It is important to be direct and cut to the chase.

Don’t drag the cover letter out and don’t add too much irrelevant personal information. The whole document should stick to the three blocks and be about three paragraphs—try to stay at one page, three-quarters if possible.

Only include the information that is relevant to the position in your cover letter.

6. Sell Yourself

A well written cover letter enables you to make a great first impression and is meant to highlight your strengths and to sell yourself to your prospective employer.

Don’t sound too haughty, but it’s okay to brag on yourself a little—as long as you have concrete instances to demonstrate your skills.

Highlight your successes and reinforce your resume; don’t repeat it, but back it up with examples of why you are the best at what you do.

It really elaborates upon the achievements in your resume, or add some depth that your resume can't convey.

Among all things, be sure to use strong verbs and strong examples-- remember, be compelling.

Knowing what to avoid can be as important as knowing what to include, and try to avoid mistakes that can potentially land your document in the trash can.

Cover Letter Tips - Don'ts:

Now that we’ve covered all of the things you should include in your cover letter, here are a few things you should avoid including.

As mentioned previously, you want to ensure that you only include all the necessary details, so avoid including the following things.

1. Don’t Be Dull

The first thing you want to avoid doing, is appearing to be dull. In essence, you don’t want to be dull. Spice it up a little.

Many professionals will tell you that you want to be as plain jane as possible, but you also have to remember that hiring managers and healthcare recruiters read hundreds of cover letters for a vacant position.

This means that after a while, every single cover letter starts to blur together. You don’t want to just be another cover letter in the stack, you want to stand out a bit.

You want to stand out in the best way possible, which is to make the healthcare recruiter or hiring manager feel like they have to get in touch with you to learn more about you and see how your skills would be a good fit for the position.

Don’t write like a robot - show some personality. Try to compel them and sell yourself in your cover letter.

You want to be careful to avoid making it seem as if you are over-selling yourself or boasting about your experience.

Doing so will make it seem as if you are boasting about your skills to hide your inexperience in other areas, or that you will be difficult to work with due to your boastful personality.

Essentially, there is a delicate balance you need to find in how much you sell yourself in your cover letter.

In the same essence, you don’t want to undersell yourself, because then you might come off as unqualified.

Lastly, tell them what a great company they are, and demonstrate how you can contribute to that greatness through the use of your skill set and experience.

2. Don’t Talk About Salary

One of the questions that is frequently asked on applications is what your expected or desired salary would be the for the available position.

Because of the fact that this question is one of the mandatory questions, many choose to include it on their cover letter to showcase that they reviewed the application and put it on there for additional consideration.

Even though many people choose to put it on the cover letter, it is not recommended.

Just don't do it. One of the problems that come with putting your desired salary or salary range on your cover letter is that it creates the illusion that the only thing you care about is the money.

You don't want want the main reason you want the job to be about money, and It’s not important at this juncture and any talk of it can hinder negotiation tactics.

If you place your desired salary range too high or too low, you can automatically disqualify yourself from future consideration.

If you place your desired salary range too high, then your cover letter will automatically disqualify you from companies who cannot afford to pay someone that much money - or require that they work their way up to that pay grade.

If you place your desired salary too low, then it makes it appear as if you are desperate or that you are unqualified for the position.

On the rare occasion that your desired salary is in the range that the employer is willing to pay, then you have negotiated against yourself by letting them know the range you would settle at.

You want to avoid negotiating against yourself, as you want to showcase that your skill set and experience would make you a better fit than the other applications the employer is reviewing.

Wait until you get an offer to negotiate salary — unless they bring it up beforehand.

3. To Whom It May Concern

"To whom it may concern" is both old and outdated, and it shows that you did no research in discovering who you will be talking to or who handles new hires.

Take the time to find out who you are writing to. Hiring managers and healthcare recruiters will be more impressed if you call them by name in your letter — everyone loves hearing their name. It makes them feel important.

In addition, it creates a more personal approach that you are writing about your desire to have the job to a singular person, instead of using “to whom it may concern”, which could be read by anybody.

Use psychology to give you leverage of situations like this. It is important to show that you did research, and calling them by name, makes it personal.

If you can't find out who will be receiving your submission, omit the line altogether. It's redundant and wastes space that can be used on an example or your skills or experience to strengthen your application.

4. Don't Write Blanket Cover Letters

Tailor each cover letter for a specific job, so you can highlight specific skills that can fill the need of each job. Using the same cover letter for a retail job and a nursing position, will not help you in the long-run.

Many professionals will use the same cover letter for every single job, and you can separate yourself as a more desired candidate if you tailor your cover letter for each position.

Employers, hiring managers, and healthcare recruiters want to see individuals who put more effort into each cover letter, because it showcases your work ethic and desire to work for that company.

Each position is unique and so should each cover letter. Even though your stories might be the same, you can emphasize different points of them to highlight individual skills.

However, if you need to save time, you can create cover letters for categories of positions.

For example, create one cover letter for nursing and one for physician's assistant, and then change small amounts of information depending on the job you're applying to.

This approach makes your job search much more efficient and saves a lot of time in the long run and will cut down some time if you don’t wish to fill out a cover letter each time for a new position.

5. Don't Use "I" Too Much

In your cover letter, you want to avoid using “I” too often. Using “I” gets redundant, and sounds like you have no other words in your vocabulary.

While your cover letter should be about you, you don't have to keep reiterating that. We already know it's about you, so try and come up with different subjects for your main sentences.

Try making some of the subjects about the prospective company, past companies, past experiences, and accomplishments.

If you keep saying "I" it will make your cover letter dull and uninteresting - something we’ve already covered earlier in our cover letter requirements that you want to avoid.

6. Don't Over Do It

Be clear and concise; say what you need to and wrap it up. Remember that a cover letter is a document that, coupled with your resume, demonstrates your skills and highlights stories that reinforce why you are the perfect fit for the position.

Sell yourself and demonstrate how you can meet the company’s needs. Spice up your writing and engage their attention, and show them you know how to write a cover letter.

Be confident in your writing. You are the best fit, so demonstrate that to your prospective employer.

7. Avoid Spelling and Grammar Mistakes

One thing that you need to make sure you do before submitting your cover letter is to avoid spelling mistakes and grammatical errors. There are plenty of available resources to use that can make checking for errors even simpler.

In addition, you can always ask a friend or coworker to review your cover letter to ensure that there are no mistakes that you should fix.

It’s always a good idea to have someone else review it to determine whether or not you are coming across how you’d like, and that your experience and skills translate well throughout the document.

One of the things that will instantly disqualify you from further consideration is having spelling or grammar mistakes in your cover letter.

When you have spelling or grammar mistakes in your cover letter, it comes across to potential employers and healthcare recruiters that you didn’t bother to spend the extra few seconds making sure there are no errors.

Which begs the question, will you take that same approach in your professional career?

Avoid presenting this image to someone who is going to determine the future you might have with that company, and spend the few seconds to review your cover letter before officially submitting it.

8. Avoid Rambling

You should avoid rambling in your cover letter. A cover letter is similar to a resume in that you want to convey what you can do for a company in a succinct manner.

As mentioned previously, healthcare recruiters and hiring managers review hundreds of cover letters for a vacant position, so you want to ensure that you provide them with all the information they need quickly.

If a cover letter is too long, they won’t even review it after the first paragraph. So if you are saving all the juicy details in your cover letter after the first paragraph and your cover letter is too long, then they won’t even consider reading very far.

To avoid this, just make sure that all the detail you are providing is absolutely critical in the cover letter, and it follows the three paragraph outline we have specified above and in Ch. 2: Cover Letter Format , as well.

9. Avoid Too Much Personal Information

One additional thing you need to avoid doing when crafting and writing your cover letter is to avoid using too much personal information.

Healthcare recruiters and hiring managers do not need to know about your personal details unless it specifically relates to your ability to do the position itself.

In many cases, you can avoid mentioning personal information at all, unless it is brought up in the interview. And only certain things can be brought up in an interview due to regulations and employee employer relations.

Typically, those questions only relate to whether or not there are any restrictions that might prevent you from completing the job as assigned.

So to avoid oversharing any information, just list the critical information that you need to provide on your cover letter, and keep the details on your cover letter related to your skills and previous professional experience as it relates to the available position.

10. Don't Rehash Your Resume

One thing you want to ensure that you do is to avoid rehashing all the data on your resume. Your cover letter allows you to expand upon your resume due to the fact that the information isn’t all just bulleted information.

Even though your cover letter allows you to expand upon your resume, you should avoid rehashing it.

When professionals rehash their resume, it begs the question as to why someone should review the resume if you mention everything that is on it.

Your cover letter should be useful for expanding upon how you used those skills or specific examples of accomplishments you listed on your resume.

For additional information, you can say that you would be happy to expand upon the details more in an interview.

Using this useful technique is a great way of once again declaring that you would like to move forward in the candidate application and selection process.

11. Avoid Highlighting Unnecessary Skills For The Job

Similar to avoiding the use of personal information, you also want to avoid highlighting skills that would be unnecessary for the job.

For those professionals who typically use the same cover letter for every application that they submit — this is one of the main problems associated with their cover letters.

Due to the fact that these cover letters are used for a wide array of positions, many people will list skills that can be used in every position, and not skills for individual positions.

When crafting your cover letter, you should ensure that you write it so that each of the listed skills is useful for that specific job.

When you place the skills that you possess on each individual cover letter, you are separating yourself from those candidates who will list skills that don’t relate to the position itself.

Your cover letter should consist of an introduction salutation, three body paragraphs, and your conclusion salutation. For formatting the dates and contact information, check out Ch. 2 Cover Letter Format .

To write a great letter, find out who your audience is and tell them, through examples, why you're the best candidate for the position.

Keep things streamlined, concise, and easy to interpret so that the reader can quickly draw information from it.

Clutter may cause your application to be dismissed. Remember, they have a problem and are looking to solve it. Be the solution and you'll have no problem scoring an interview.

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Ch. 3: How To Write A Cover Letter

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Writing a Successful Nursing Cover Letter With Examples and Templates

Jul 01 2022

Career Resources / Job Searching / Nursing Cover Letter

Reviewed by: Kiley Griffin, R.N.

Writing an effective nursing cover letter may seem unnecessary–trust us: it’s not. Roughly 45% of job seekers send resumes without a cover letter . Yet, a majority of employers prefer cover letters to go with a resume. 

When looking for a new job , nurses often spend the most time developing their resumes . Sometimes they neglect their cover letters or don’t write one at all.  

Whether you are a new grad nurse or a nurse veteran, a good cover letter is a great way to separate yourself from the pack. Even if a hiring manager only skims it, it can mean the difference between you and another candidate getting the job if something catches their eye.

In this post, we will explore the following:

• Examples and a Template for a Nursing Cover Letter

When Nursing Cover Letters Are Required

• Benefits to Writing a Cover Letter
• Steps for Writing a Cover Letter
• Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Cover Letter

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Nursing Cover Letter Examples and Templates

With the right care and effort, you can craft a professional nursing cover letter that helps distinguish you from other candidates.  

We’ve provided two sample nurse cover letters and a template to help give you an idea of what to write.

Nursing Cover Letter Template

Hiring Manager name Nursing Recruitment 1234 Any Place Road Sometown, California 11111 (999)999-9999 June 16, 2021 Your Name Title Current Employer Mailing Address Phone Number Email Address Dear Hiring Manager, I am pleased to learn of this opportunity, as I found the qualities you are seeking for this position to be an excellent match for my skills, education, and experience. I have a robust background and leadership experience in emergency nursing, trauma/critical care, change leadership, and a commitment to providing high-quality care through standardizing workflows to align with best practices. It is in response to similar challenges that I have excelled during my career as a manager, director, and clinical leader.  Also, I am particularly interested in [the company] because of your excellent reputation, community engagement, and focus on delivering high-quality care to patients. My current role primarily includes providing strategic direction to the clinical operations of the Emergency Department, Trauma Base Hospital, and Crisis Stabilization Unit. I also establish and enforce policies and procedures for the hospital. Additionally, I ensure that financial targets are met within my scope of responsibility. Moreover, I am confident that I can support your strategic objectives of the ICU and provide stability in the department with regard to achieving quality outcomes, staff development, and meeting financial targets. I look forward to discussing in detail with you the ways in which my experience and determination will make further significant contributions to your organization. Respectfully, [Your Name]

Here are the most common scenarios when a nursing cover letter is required:

• Applying directly to a specific person: Suppose the job posting invites applicants to apply to a particular individual instead of a general application system. In that case, it is appropriate to include a cover letter and address it to the individual . This is especially important for new grad nurses with less experience.
• Referral for a position: Don’t skip the cover letter If you apply for work based on another professional or mentor’s recommendation. Use the cover letter to explain that someone referred you to the job and specify whom. This allows hiring managers to see that someone they value as a trusted professional in the healthcare industry believes you are qualified for a position.
• When requested in a job listing:  Some job listings specifically request candidates to submit a professional cover letter with their application. Following job listing requirements to include a cover letter shows hiring managers that you follow instructions and have an eye for detail. Both are essential qualities in the nursing profession.

Benefits to Writing a Nursing Cover Letter

Knowing you are the best candidate for the job and proving it are two different things. You may have an impeccable nursing resume ; however, 20 other candidates are applying for the same position.

Nursing careers are in demand , but that does not mean there isn’t competition for specific nursing positions such as a nurse practitioner or nurse educator .

Resumes are neatly spun packages of information about a candidate’s education, job history (when applicable), and professional certification . They leave little room for information about who you are as a candidate. 

That is where a good cover letter comes in. With the proper cover letter format, your cover letter will offer several advantages and is a great way to showcase your nursing skills.

Identify your intent

Resumes indicate your worth. Cover letters reveal your intent . Outline how your desires and skills align with the job you are applying for. This shows the hiring manager you are interested in the position.

Hopefully, it’s not going to be just another job for you. It will become part of your mission and vision as a nursing professional . For instance, if a position will help grow your leadership skills and prepare you for an advanced nursing career, state that as part of the intent. 

Provide a more in-depth description

Your education and credentials make up only a small portion of who you are as a nursing professional. How someone looks on paper is not an indicator of how they will perform. It does not accurately gauge their character.

In that sense, a cover letter provides a sample of what the hiring manager will expect in the interview.

Using a cover letter to honestly explore your strengths, weaknesses, experiences, interests, and perspectives is an asset. Maybe your resume includes a certification or award you are proud of. Expand on it in the cover letter. 

Pro-tip: Using some of the traits and terms found in the job’s job description is a great way to stand out as a candidate, as it shows you have the qualities the employer is looking for.

What makes you proud of that achievement and how does it make you the best candidate for the position?

Explain the gaps

Hiring professionals suggest resumes span one page for new nurses and those with less than 10 years of experience. Due to length limits, it is hard to explain any gaps in work history. Also, resumes leave out room for detailing why you may have shifted gears from an earlier career into nursing. 

A cover letter provides the perfect opportunity to explain these situations.

Establish a willingness to work

Cover letters add an extra touch to a job application. As stated, nearly half of all job applicants fail to include a cover letter with their job applications unless requested.

Going that extra mile shows a hiring manager that you are willing to put the work in to get the job done right. That is a desirable quality for any business or industry, especially in nursing and other healthcare careers.

Remember that a cover letter should focus on a resume’s highlights, fleshing them out in a more meaningful way.

These are key purposes of a nursing cover letter.

Include only information that falls into one of the four benefits listed above to get the most mileage out of your cover letter.

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Steps for Writing Your Cover Letter

The nursing field requires structure and proper etiquette .

You wouldn’t walk into a patient’s room and say,

“hey, Adam, what’s up, man?” 

The same need for etiquette and structure applies to writing a cover letter. 

Accordingly, we have provided steps to writing a successful nursing cover letter. 

1. Create a header

When a nurse injects a patient with a vaccine, they clean the area first with an alcohol wipe. They don’t just stick the needle in. In the same vein, you need to start by listing your name, phone number, email, and residential address . 

Make sure you put the date under that information. 

Last, include the recipient’s contact information as well. 

2. Use a professional greeting

This is your first impression – show respect. Using “Dear” will work when sending a formal cover letter. If you don’t know the hiring manager’s name, simply write “Dear hiring manager.” 

3. Write your opening paragraph

Your first paragraph serves as the bait or pitch to get the hiring manager’s attention. Don’t bother placing a fishing lure of fluff to try and get their attention. It’s essential to lead with honesty and earnestness. 

While writing this paragraph, make sure you include the title for the position you’re applying to. If you’re applying to work as an RN , state that. Next, articulate why you applied for this job to begin with and your overall excitement to obtain this role.

Make sure that you key in on specific details about the position and how they interest you.

Here’s an example of a stellar opening paragraph:

I am thrilled at the opportunity to apply at St. Joseph’s Hospital as an ICU nurse. As an ICU nurse with over six years of experience, I have gained the necessary skills to perform my role excellently. Specifically, I am excited about the opportunity to work on a 35-bed unit with the demands it requires. I think that my experience, passion, and skill set make me an ideal ICU nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

4. Write your background paragraph

Dedicate this paragraph to your career in nursing up to this point. You want to include all the most applicable skills that pertain to this position. Be specific. Include the detailed duties that you performed that correspond to this new role. 

If you’re applying to work in oncology, but have training in wound therapy, maybe don’t lead with that. Try including only relevant examples. 

Next, include any measurable achievements you’ve had in other jobs that relate to this role. Keyword: measurable . 

Here’s an example of a job posting for an ICU nurse:

Now, here’s a great way to respond to such a job posting:

My experience as a CVICU nurse has allowed me to develop the necessary skills to provide exceptional nursing care through a continuously evolving education. One of my greatest achievements is training 10 CVICU nurses to handle the CVICU and work with external pacemakers and post-cardiac surgery care. By working alongside a variety of health care providers at all levels, I have been able to establish outstanding collaboration and delegation abilities. Through my education, a strong emphasis on patient advocacy and ethical decision-making has been incorporated. Therefore, I have learned to place patient care at the utmost importance. I have developed strong assessment and critical thinking skills. This allows me to deliver the highest quality patient-centered care.

5. Expand on qualifications

Try adding a few short stories that can highlight your primary achievements. This is a great opportunity to highlight your soft skills as well. 

Some potential soft skills include:

• Communication skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Ability to work under pressure

6. Craft a conclusion

In your concluding paragraph, circle back to why you’re the best candidate for this role. Try to expand on your eagerness to obtain the position. End the paragraph with a call to action . A call to action expresses your desire to hear from them soon with next steps regarding the hiring process.

7. End your letter formally

Just like you began your letter, conclude your letter professionally with a “Sincerely” or “Respectfully,” followed by your name. Ending your letter this way helps it end on a high, formal note. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Your Cover Letter

In the nursing profession, a mistake can lead to a lawsuit. When writing a nurse cover letter a mistake could lead to you not getting a job. Below are some of the common mistakes to avoid when writing your cover letter.

• Typos: The nursing profession has a lot of difficult and wonky spellings. For example, you may be proficient at Arrhythmia management , but do you know how to spell it? Having typos within your cover letter sends the message to your hiring manager that you might not be detail-oriented and that’s one of the most important traits in a nurse.
• Focusing too much on yourself: According to Forbes, this is another common mistake to avoid . Often people try to list all their accomplishments in ways that don’t directly tie into how they can help the company . You want your cover letter to be strategic and it’s imperative to list ways that you can help the employer.
• Lying: This should be obvious but it’s crucial that you tell the truth in your cover letter. The truth will eventually come out. The best policy is to just practice honesty.
• Addressing the letter to the wrong person: This is a critical mistake. The recruiter or hiring manager probably will just stop reading at that point.
• Re-writing your resume: Unfortunately, this is a common error when writing a cover letter. As explained earlier: resumes explain your worth, cover letters show your intent. They are two separate documents and a hiring manager will know if you attempt to merge them.
• Using a different font than your resume: It may seem like a small detail, but using the same font on your resume shows that you pay attention to detail.

You’ve made it. Congratulations!

Writing a cover letter on its own separates you from the pack. However, writing a strong cover letter makes you an even more intriguing candidate. A nurse wouldn’t leave a stitch when sewing up a wound and neither should you leave a job unfinished when applying for a job.

Nursing Cover Letter FAQs

Your nursing cover letter shouldn’t be longer than a page. The recruiter should be able to read it quickly and get a good idea of what you offer the company. Anything longer than that and you risk the recruiter tossing your letter.

It’s best to use either Times New Roman or Arial when writing a nursing cover letter.

The cover letter should expand on information found in the resume. It should provide insight into your skills, qualifications and background.

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Medical Internship Cover Letter Example

Get invited for more job interviews & pick up more ideas for your cover letter with our free, editable Medical Internship cover letter example. Copy-paste this cover letter example as it is or edit it directly using our HR-approved cover letter maker.

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Medical Internship Cover Letter Example (Full Text Version)

Dear Sir/Madam,

Please accept my application for the Medical Internship within Brando Hospital in High River, Canada as I believe that the combination of my previous experience, field education, and developed skills set makes me a perfect candidate for the role. Moreover, if given the opportunity, I will be coming to you with a pro-active approach, an excellent work ethic, and a strong determination to meet all your goals and expectations.

As stated in my enclosed resume, I am a third-year Medicine student at the Swansea University, where I am among the top 2% of students with the best academic results. On top of academia, I also participate in multiple extracurricular activities, for instance, Medical Society, Psychology Society, and Riding Club. The involvement in these activities has helped me to become an effective team player and taught me how to work with people from various countries, cultures, and backgrounds. As a part of my studies, I also served as a Medical & Health Volunteer in Ethiopia for three months. This tremendous experience has allowed me to work with various field professionals and experts and gave me a great opportunity to focus more on helping others.

Additionally, I worked as a Medical Intern at High River General Hospital for more than four months. There, I was mainly in charge of communicating with patients, scheduling appointments, and maintaining and organizing confidential files and records. Besides that, I assisted in the patients' assessments, collected their blood pressure and temperature, and prepared examination rooms. For constantly executing perfect work, I was awarded Intern of the Month.

Last but not least, I am a native Portuguese speaker with a proficiency in English and a basic knowledge of Chinese. Offering a strong attention to detail and accuracy, great manual dexterity and physical stamina, and the ability to remain calm under pressure, I am certain the I would execute the role successfully. Thank you for your time and consideration and I look forward to hearing back from you in the near future.

Kind regards,

Milan Šaržík, CPRW

Milan’s work-life has been centered around job search for the past three years. He is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW™) as well as an active member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Careers Coaches (PARWCC™). Milan holds a record for creating the most career document samples for our help center – until today, he has written more than 500 resumes and cover letters for positions across various industries. On top of that, Milan has completed studies at multiple well-known institutions, including Harvard University, University of Glasgow, and Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.

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How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship? (+5 Real Internship Cover Letter Examples)

• Julia Mlcuchova , 
• Updated March 20, 2024 8 min read

Trying to figure out how to write a cover letter for an internship ? Look no further!

POV: After weeks and weeks of searching for the right internship opportunity, you've finally found it. But, at the end of the posting, there's a single short sentence that takes you aback:  “Please, attach a cover letter to your application .”

Although some consider cover letter writing to be a relic of the past, it still holds its rightful place in the professional world. 

Because a well-written and persuasive cover letter can sometimes make up for the lack of work experience on your resume . And if you're trying to apply for an internship , this is probably your case, too. 

So, continue reading this article and learn: 

• What is a cover letter for an internship;
• Whether you need to attach a cover letter to your internship application;
• How to write one in 7 steps;
• 5 real-life internship cover letter examples .

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

What is a cover letter for an internship?

Do you need a cover letter for an internship, how to write a cover letter for an internship in 7 steps, 5 real-life internship cover letter examples, key takeaways: how to write a cover letter for an internship.

Generally speaking, an internship cover letter is a formal document that accompanies your resume when applying for an internship. 

When it comes to its content, a cover letter for an internship falls somewhere between a traditional cover letter and a motivational letter . 

• A traditional cover letter , used by job applicants with years of experience, is supposed to underline some of the candidate's most relevant and impressive skills, qualifications, and work achievements . 
• A motivational letter , used mostly in academia, aims to communicate one's passion for the subject, their motivation, and personal goals . 

Hence, a cover letter for an internship combines the purpose of the traditional cover letter (convincing the recruiters that you're the right person for the job) with the tone and strategy of the motivational letter (writing about personal motivations and goals).

A truly successful internship cover letter should answer the following questions:

• Who are you? 
• Why are you interested in this particular internship?
• Why are you the best fit for this internship?
• What do you want to gain from this internship?

Absolutely! 

In fact, you should always attach a cover letter to your internship application , even if it isn't explicitly required from you.  

Why, you ask? 

Well, consider this: Internships are crucial stepping stones towards your dream career. And they're also incredibly competitive. A single internship opening can be answered by tens of applicants at a time. 

But how can you stand out from a crowd of equally inexperienced candidates? Certainly not by your non-existent professional accomplishments, right? 

When companies look for interns, they don't expect you to have a ton of real-life experience. They aren't looking for a “finished product,” but for someone with a genuine desire to learn and enthusiasm for the job. 

And these two are your weapons of choice!

How can a cover letter for an internship help you?

Apart from the reasons mentioned above, your internship cover letter is also responsible for: 

• Conveying first impression. Usually, recruiters will read your cover letter before looking at your resume. So, it's the perfect opportunity to introduce yourself to them in a memorable way. 
• Showing your efforts. Next, taking the time to craft a thoughtful cover letter shows that you're willing to put in that extra effort to stand out from the rest of the candidates. 
• Highlighting your communication skills. Also, a well-written cover letter demonstrates your ability to articulate your thoughts clearly and professionally. 
• Showing your professionalism. When you walk into a room, it's polite to introduce yourself and shake everybody's hand. This is exactly what a cover letter does! To attach one to your application is a common courtesy.

Now that you're familiar with the whats and whys , let's have a look at how to write a good cover letter for an internship step-by-step. 

For example : Application for [name of the internship] internship – Surname.

Then, place your contact information (your name; professional email address; phone number; link to your website / portfolio / social media accounts if relevant) directly into the header .

If you know the recipient's name, address them by “ Dear [full name] ,” or “ Dear Mrs/Mr [last name] ,”. If you don't know who to address the cover letter to , address it more generally to “Dear Hiring Manager,” .

In the first paragraph of your cover letter , start by stating your name and where you studied (including your current degree and year of study). Proceed by explaining how you came to know about the internship and what are your motivations for applying to it.

Since you don't have much work experience, you can talk about your academic achievements; relevant coursework; dissertation project; extracurricular activities; volunteering; membership in relevant societies, etc.

The closing paragraph of your cover letter should reiterate your desire to get the specific internship, express gratitude to the recipient for their time and consideration, and include a final call for action (i.e. "I look forward to discussing the next steps during an interview." )

Finally, based on how you greeted the recipient of your cover letter, you can sign off with either “ Yours sincerely ,” or “ Yours faithfully ,” . If you addressed the recruiter by their name, sign off with the former; if not, use the latter.

Don't feel like writing your internship cover letter by hand?

Let our AI cover letter writer create the first draft of your internship cover letter!

Undoubtedly, the best way to learn something is to look at specific examples . And that's exactly what we're going to do right now! 

Below, we've prepared 5 internship cover letters written by real people with the help of our cover letter templates .

And, each of them is accompanied by our internship cover letter writing tips that you can implement into your own cover letter! 

FYI, you can use each of these examples as the first draft for your very own internship cover letter – simply click on the red button and start personalising the text (or let AI handle it).

#1 Philips Marketing Intern Cover Letter Sample

Internship cover letter example:.

This cover letter sample was provided by a real person who got hired with Kickresume’s help.

What can you take away?

• Eye-catching header.  Firstly, the header is visually clearly separated from the rest of the text. This makes the recruiters notice it immediately. Plus, the contact information of the company is also featured in the left-hand corner - just like it would be on an actual letter.
• Research the company before applying. Notice sentences like: “ I really like and relate to what Philips stands for … ” and “ Furthermore, it is very appealing that Philips operates on an international level… ”.This shows that the candidate’s done a thorough research of the company's philosophy and structure.

#2 Warner Bros. Public Relations Intern Cover Letter Example

• Share a personal story. This can help you establish a sentimental connection between you and the company. Show them that for you, working for their company means more than any old internship.
• Name-drop a referral. Now, this is a little bit of a cheat code. But, if you happen to know about anyone who has worked/currently works for the company, slip their name into your cover letter.

#3 University of Massachusetts Boston Intern Cover Letter Example

What can you take away  .

• Write about what you want to gain from the internship. It shows that you're not there just to have something to put on your resume; but that you’re motivated by the idea of gaining actual industry knowledge and skills.

#4 Audit/Tax Summer Internship at CohnReznick Cover Letter Sample

• Mention any relevant academic activities. If you're wondering how to write a cover letter for an internship with no experience whatsoever, this is your way to go! For example, notice how this candidate noted all of his relevant courses, skills, association membership, and competition participation.
• Focus on transferrable skills. Especially when your study programme doesn't necessarily fit the internship opening to a T. Instead, focus on any transferable skills you've picked up. 

#5 Intern at NBC Cover Letter Sample

• Keep your opening and closing paragraphs short and sweet. As you can see in this example, it helps keep a certain visual harmony of the overall document. And, despite the length, both paragraphs do exactly what they're supposed to. Besides, recruiters might be discouraged to read the rest of your cover letter if your introductory paragraph is too long.

To sum it all up, an internship cover letter is a formal document that you submit together with your resume when applying for an internship. Its content should be something between a traditional cover letter and a motivational letter.

Its purpose is to introduce yourself to the recruiters in a more personal way than the resume allows. 

The main things you want your internship cover letter to communicate are:

• who you are,
• why you're interested in this opportunity,
• what make you the best fit for the internship, 
• your motivation (your long-term professional goals),
• your desire to learn (what you want to gain from the experience).

To write a truly impactful and persuasive cover letter, we recommend following these 7 key steps: 

• Specify which internship you're applying for in the subject line.
• Include your contact information in a header.
• Address the recipient appropriately.
• Introduce yourself & your motivations in the opening paragraph.
• Elaborate on why you're a good fit and what motivated you in body.
• End your cover letter with a confident closing paragraph.
• Finish off with a polite sign off. 

Finally, if you feel that the examples provided in this article aren't enough, you can always find more in our cover letter database . 

Julia has recently joined Kickresume as a career writer. From helping people with their English to get admitted to the uni of their dreams to advising them on how to succeed in the job market. It would seem that her career is on a steadfast trajectory. Julia holds a degree in Anglophone studies from Metropolitan University in Prague, where she also resides. Apart from creative writing and languages, she takes a keen interest in literature and theatre.

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