How to Write a Cover Letter

Your nursing education teaches you everything about providing outstanding patient care. You are well prepared in details, from interpreting lab values to determining nursing interventions to implementing critical thinking. But what about actually getting your dream job after you graduate and get your license? Are you prepared for that?

Nurse Plus is committed to giving you the tools you need to succeed as a new nurse. We’re with you from preparing to pass your NCLEX all the way to applying for a position and scoring an interview that will get you hired.

We’ve told you how to craft a professional resume and what to do to make a positive impression at your interview. But there’s one final piece to the puzzle…you need to provide a Cover Letter with your application.

What is a Cover Letter, anyway?

A Cover Letter is a short (one page, 2-3 paragraphs) letter of introduction that accompanies your resume. It’s a brief summary that tells the employer a bit about yourself. It also gives you the opportunity to provide additional information about the skills and experiences—professional or personal--that uniquely qualify you for the job you seek.

It shows that you have reviewed the position’s requirements and that you’ve researched the organization’s missions and values. You can state why you’re excited to work there and why you are the best person for the job. This is where your enthusiasm counts!

NOTE: A Cover Letter is not one-size-fits-all. Each one must be personalized to the organization, the position, and the specific requirements of that position. It takes time on your part, but the payoff is great.

Why should you include a Cover Letter?

When it comes to being one of the top candidates for a job, you need to stand out from others who are also applying. One of the best ways to do that is to create an exceptional Cover Letter to demonstrate your skills, as well as your desire to be considered for the position. It’s your chance to tell your story and convince hiring managers to contact you to learn more.

In summary, a well-written, error-free Cover Letter can mean the difference between landing a job interview or not. Human Resources software screens applicants swiftly. Your goal is to secure a conversation with someone who can actually schedule an interview with you and proceed with the hiring process.

Here’s why taking time to include a Cover Letter is important:

• Nearly 50% of applicants do not submit a Cover Letter with their application, unless the employer requires one.
• Even when an organization doesn’t require a Cover Letter, 73% of hiring managers read them anyway.
• More than 75% of hiring managers will move your resume up a notch if you include a Cover Letter with your resume.
• Required or not, 83% of recruiters take a Cover Letter into consideration for their hiring decisions.
• Employers like to receive a Cover Letter because it demonstrates that you have put in extra effort and that you are serious about your application.

Okay, so what should I say in my Cover Letter?

Glad you asked! Your Cover Letter should support your resume, not repeat it. Here are tips to get you started:

1. Paragraph One: Show enthusiasm and confidence in the first paragraph. Example: “I’m excited to apply for the _______ position at ______. My experience during my nursing education led me to want to specialize in ______. I feel that the mission and values of _____ are a good fit for both of us.” Demonstrate that you’ve researched the organization and/or the job description by briefly including:
   1. Why you want to work there
   2. Any past experience with the organization
   3. Your interest in that specialty
   4. Your confidence that you are a good fit for the position
2. Paragraph Two: Your experience and feedback related to the position. Example: “During my clinical rotation in _______, my nursing professor(s) stated that I _________.” I also did independent research in _______ because I was so interested in _______. I realized that this area of nursing was my potential career track.”
3. Paragraph Three: Thanks, you will contribute to success, and your call-to-action.

Example: “Thank you for your consideration. I’m confident that I can contribute to the success of _____[organization]. I look forward to hearing from you to discuss the next steps in the hiring process.”

Can you show me a sample Cover Letter?

Absolutely! There are a few templates for new RN/LPN/LVN licensed professionals. Here is an example:

One more example, please?

Of course! Here is another sample. Use these examples to get inspiration to write your own Cover Letter. There’s no right or wrong—you’re already ahead of the pack by including a Cover Letter. The important thing is that it represents you.

What else should I do?

Just a few more details:

• Match the font of your Cover Letter to your resume.
• Proofread, proofread, proofread! It’s hard to edit your own work, so ask someone else to look it over.
• Include exact key words from the job description in your cover letter. The Automatic Tracking Systems (ATS) filter screens for key words in your application in order to push it forward for human review.
• Don’t cut-and-paste your resume to make a Cover Letter. Include details not in your resume, such as your GPA, awards, personal experiences, research about the organization, etc.
• The greeting should begin with “Dear” and the recipient’s full name. If you can’t locate their full name, use “Dear Hiring Manager.” Even better: Call the organization and ask for Human Resources to find the person’s name. DO NOT write “To Whom It May Concern.”
• If you have personal experience, such as a family member with a disease that relates to your application for a specific position, include it.
• The more personal, the better. You have one paragraph to persuade the hiring manager that you are the ideal candidate.
• If you do not have a relatable personal story, that is still okay. Tell what draws you to this position.

Why is my Cover Letter necessary?

We know, it’s a lot of extra work, even in a job market that is always clamoring for nurses. However, if there is an organization or nursing position that you really want, it’s worth the extra time to include a Cover Letter.

Use one of our templates, or search for one on your own. The important thing is to include a Cover Letter with your resume. It can mean the difference between being considered—and hired—or being passed over as just another applicant who randomly sends their resume everywhere.

You’re now a professional licensed nurse. Wear that title proudly and demonstrate it by sending out a carefully worded Cover Letter to accompany your resume. Update both your resume and Cover Letter with each career change. And, as always, keep your Nursing Portfolio up to date.

About the Author

Winona Suzanne Ball

Nursing Adviser, RN | MHS, Governors State University, IL
Full member of the American Nurses Association. Learn more