writing cover letter for nursing job

How to Write a Nursing Cover Letter

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• How to Write a Cover Letter
• Mistakes to Avoid
• Cover Letter Tips
• Frequently Asked Questions

Nursing Cover Letter Template

Sample nursing cover letter, are you ready to earn your online nursing degree.

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.

4 Steps to Write Your Nursing Cover Letter

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!

Create a Header with Your Contact Information

Introduce yourself and note the position you’re applying for in the opening paragraph, highlight your skills and the reasons you want to work for this employer, write a closing paragraph and restate your interest, 7 mistakes to avoid in your nursing cover letter.

• Submitting Spelling and Grammar Errors: Nursing requires excellent documentation and attention to detail. Grammatical errors are unprofessional, and they can paint a picture of someone who doesn’t value attention to detail. Many resume reviewers will likely pass on a candidate whose resume and/or cover letter contain errors.
• Copying Your Resume: Your nursing cover letter can highlight aspects of your resume , but it shouldn’t be a verbatim copy. Find creative ways to underscore your key characteristics, skills, or experiences without repetition.
• Using Incorrect or Inconsistent Format: It’s best practice for your cover letter and resume to match in terms of design, font, and format. This creates a branded, visually cohesive application package.
• Forgetting to Tie Your Qualifications to the Position: Your cover letter should be targeted and specific, addressing the position you’re applying for and its qualifications, skills, and responsibilities. If you don’t tie your qualifications to the job in question, that makes a weak case for you getting an interview.
• Failing to Address the Letter to a Specific Person or Department: Many postings fail to provide the name of an individual or a department to address in your letter. If they provide this information, use it. If they don’t, you can use the generic “Hiring Manager” or “Hiring Committee”.
• Starting Every Paragraph with “I”: Be creative in finding different ways to begin each paragraph (see our sample letter for examples). If two paragraphs begin with “I”, that’s OK, but no more than that.

Tips from Nurses on Writing Your Nursing Cover Letter

Research potential employers, explain relevant skills that meet the position’s qualifications, include your soft skills, highlight your best qualities, demonstrate your passion, showcase your ability and willingness to learn, check for errors, frequently asked questions about nursing cover letters, what should a nurse cover letter include.

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.

What should a nurse cover letter not include?

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.

What’s the difference between a new grad nurse cover letter and an experienced nurse cover letter?

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.

Are nursing cover letters necessary?

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.

Download our cover letter template (DOCX, 14KB)

Name and Credentials

Town, State | Phone | Email

Personalized LinkedIn profile URL (optional)

Dept and/or contact person Facility or organization Street Town, State, Zip

Dear ________________:

Paragraph 1: Begin by stating the position for which you are applying. Say something about the organization to demonstrate that you’ve done your homework and understand what they’re all about, and that this letter is not at all “cookie-cutter” in nature.

Paragraph 2: Share select highlights of your career, expertise, experience, skills, or personal characteristics that are directly applicable to this position and/or this employer. You can emphasize something from your resume that you want them to make note of, as long as you don’t use exactly the same language as your resume, which is redundant.

Paragraph 3: This is a good place to highlight some of your “soft skills” (e.g., communication, emotional intelligence, relational intelligence, patient education, compassion, empathy, etc).

Paragraph 4: Here you can call attention to your computer skills, EMR experience, etc., as well as any other tech skills worth mentioning.

Closing paragraph: Tie the letter together, reiterate your interest, and express your enthusiastic desire to have the opportunity to meet to discuss your experience and the position further.

Sincerely, Your name and credentials

Miguel Schwartzkoffnian, BSN, RN

Annabelle, HA | 000-000-1000 | [email protected]

LinkedIn.com/in/MichaelSchwartzfoffianbsnrn

April 3, 2023

Department of Nursing Recruitment University of Tabula Rasa Medical Center 301 Rasa Drive Glen Tabularea, MOO 22222

Dear Nursing Recruitment Department:

As a caring and dedicated summa cum laude graduate of Adelphi University’s BSN program, please accept my enthusiastic interest in the Registered Nurse – Respiratory/Intermediate Care position posted on your website. I am both personally and professionally aligned with the values that are a very clear aspect of your organization’s mission. From your “Power of Caring” funding of your expanded Outpatient Care Center to your “Next Generation” initiative, I can clearly see the forward-thinking philosophy underlying UTRMC and its reputation as an innovative facility and community member.

During my education, I thrived in clinical practice where I received positive preceptor feedback following each rotation. I am highly coachable, and as you can see from my resume, I bring more than six years’ related healthcare experience as both an EMT and CNA. I am already well-versed in code blue response, Foley catheter insertion and care, venipuncture, ECG interpretation, and non-complex wound care. Comfortable in new settings, I am not afraid to ask questions to enhance my learning and improve the quality of care I deliver to patients and their families. I thrive in multidisciplinary environments, and I use my highly-developed communication skills and emotional and relational intelligence to foster a sense of camaraderie and collaboration among my colleagues, and nurse-patient relationships built on trust.

As a digital native and quick learner, I am highly competent using the Epic and Cerner EMRs and Microsoft Office Suite, and I have full confidence in my natural curiosity and powers of critical thinking in relation to learning new technologies and digital interfaces.

I have a great deal to contribute as a member of the UTRMC community of clinicians. I look forward to discussing the intersection of my skills and experience with the needs of your inspiring organization that embraces its role beyond the actual facility and into the surrounding community it serves.

Sincerely, Miguel Schwartzkoffnian, BSN, RN

Page last reviewed on February 24, 2023

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How to Write a Nursing Cover Letter That Stands Out + Examples

• Do You Need One?
• What to Include
• 6 Common Mistakes
• Cover Letter Template
• Cover Letter Example
• Don't Forget It!

You're not alone if you think writing a nursing cover letter is intimidating. However, a great cover letter may be the difference between landing the job or having your application ignored. 

Keep reading for expert advice regarding the importance and benefits of writing a nursing cover letter and common mistakes to avoid, and some examples you can use!

Do You Need Nursing Cover Letters?  

The cover letter is your chance to highlight your past experience and let the hiring manager know why you believe you're the best fit for the role. The hiring manager will quickly notice you are motivated and enthusiastic about the job prospect. 

It's also your first chance to show your articulation and communication skills. A well-crafted cover letter makes an impression that instantly sets you apart from other applicants. 

Benefits of Writing a Nursing Cover Letter

Most candidates don't take the time to create a cover letter. In the world of online applications, attaching one is usually optional and feels like extra work. So many applicants fill out the bare minimum and move on to the next job posting. 

Stand out from the competition - Write a killer cover letter. 

Why you should take the time to create your cover letter

• Increase chances your application is reviewed
• Highlight your accomplishments, skills, and qualifications
• Showcase your personality and communication skills
• Make a great first impression
• Show your interest in the position/company

Your resume is important, but the cover letter sets the tone for your entire application. Check out our Ultimate Guide to Nursing Resumes to learn more about current resume etiquette and trends.

Writing a nursing resume can feel overwhelming. It’s no easy task! Nowadays, nursing resumes must be able to pass through resume reading software before it even reaches a recruiter. That’s why we’ve put together THREE nurse resume templates to cater to your unique professional needs and employment situation.

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What to Include in Your Nursing Cover Letter

Did you learn how to write business letters in school? Have you forgotten everything about how to format them? You’re not alone - we’ve got your back here at Nurse.org. 

Let's go through the basic format of a nursing cover letter that can be used at any stage of your professional development, including entry-level and specialty changes. 

The header is simple; it’s just contact information for both you and the hiring organization. The basic format is:

Phone Number

Email Address

Street Address  

• City, ST, Zip Code

Hiring Manager (Use name if possible)

• Healthcare Organization 

The best advice here is to find out the hiring manager's name so you can personalize the greeting. 

How to find out the name of a hiring manager:

• If you have a connection in the organization, ask who will review your application. 
• Review the company website or LinkedIn to find the manager or director for the position. 
• Call the Human resources department. This can be hit or miss, but it's worth a shot if you haven't found the right person. 

Generic greetings should be your last resort. If you've tried and still can't find the name, "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear Nursing Recruitment Team" will work. You'll wow them with the rest of your letter. 

Paragraph #1: Opening

In the opening paragraph, identify the position you're applying for and briefly state why you're a good fit. HR and hiring managers often look at resumes for several positions, so this is a chance to remind them that you are applying for X opportunity. It signals the hiring manager to read the rest of your letter and resume with that position in mind. 

Paragraph #2: Background & Qualifications

Your qualifications paragraph is the most important one in your cover letter. Briefly summarize your background, skills, and traits that make you the perfect candidate for the position in about 2-3. Use keywords from the posted job description that complement your skill set. You can also use bullet points to make this paragraph stand out.

Note for new grads: All of your background experience is valuable. Suppose you don't have healthcare-specific work experience. In that case, you can highlight customer service skills, eagerness to learn new processes, and highlights from nursing school clinical experiences. 

Notes for nurses transitioning to new specialties: Give a brief career synopsis and highlight the skills you think will best transfer to the new specialty. Emphasize strengths that align with the job position posting. 

Paragraph #3: Compliment the Organization

Your final paragraph shows you're serious about the position. Research the organization and state why you want to join their team. You can find great information and keywords to use on the job post or their website.

Closing the Nursing Cover Letter

Your closing sentence is brief and invites further conversation. Restate your contact information and Invite the hiring manager to discuss the role further. Then, add in a final closure and your signature. Congratulations,  your letter is complete!

The closure should be respectful and professional. Examples include

• Respectfully
• Sincerely yours
• Yours truly
• With warm regards
• Best regards

How to List Your Nursing Credentials

It’s easy to get confused about how to list your nursing credentials. The correct way to sign your name with credentials is:

[Name], [Highest level of education completed], [License type], [Certifications]

Jane completed an associate degree and is a Registered Nurse without other certifications (yet). Her signature is Jane Doe, ADN, RN

If Jane goes on to complete her BSN and Pediatric certification, her signature changes to: Jane Doe, BSN, RN, CPN

We’ve got templates below to help you get started, but first let’s review some common mistakes you should avoid. 

6 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Your Nursing Cover Letter   

Writing a great nursing cover letter may seem daunting, but the process does get easier with practice. Here are a few common nursing cover letter mistakes and pitfalls to avoid.

1. Leaving Grammatical Errors and Typos

Most programs have some spell and grammar check capabilities, but don't rely on them alone. Websites such as grammarly.com offer free proofreading and grammar review. Make sure to review that all names are correctly spelled.

2. Using a Generic Greeting

Do your research to find the hiring manager’s name. If you can’t find it, open the letter with “Dear Hiring Manager.” Avoid “To whom it may concern” at all costs. 

3. Forgetting to add Keywords

Read the job description carefully. Find keywords that relate to your experience and use them throughout the cover letter. 

4. Not Following Instructions

Follow any specific requirements listed in the job description or application website. If the listing says to upload your cover letter as a PDF, save your document as a PDF before submitting it. 

This is your first test to see if you pay attention to detail and follow directions. Don't fail before you even get started!!

5. Using the Same Cover Letter for Different Jobs

Each position and organization are unique; don’t repeatedly use the same letter. However, you also don't need to start from scratch each time! 

Save your cover letters as you write them so they’re available to edit next time. Highlight different skills if needed. Make it personal to the new position by including keywords from the job listing.

6. Forgetting to Proofread and Edit

Notice how #1 and #6 are almost identical? It’s on purpose - proofreading is the most critical aspect of writing. Here are some tips to help you make sure your cover letter is perfect:

Read your letter out loud. Does it make sense? Do any of the sentences sound strange when you read them out loud? 

Walk away . Putting a bit of time between writing and finalizing your edits can make a world of difference in the final draft.

Enlist a friend. Ask a  trusted friend, career advisor, or faculty member to read the letter before you hit send. 

Nursing Cover Letter Template

Here’s everything your nursing cover letter should include.

City, State, Zip Code

Healthcare Organization Name

Telephone Number

Email address

Dear (Mr. Mrs. Ms.) ________,

Dear Nursing Recruitment Team,

Opening: 2-3 sentences that express your excitement. Name the exact position you are applying for and the organization. Briefly state why you are the best fit. 

Background & Qualifications: 2-4 sentences to highlight your applicable certifications, achievements and strengths. You may use bullet format to draw attention to this section.

Compliment the Organization: 2-3 sentences to show you’ve researched the organization and position. Highlight organizational values that align with yours.

Closing sentence: Thank the hiring manager for taking time to review your application. Invite them to contact you to arrange an interview. 

With warm regards, 

Your Name, (credentials)

Example Nursing Cover Letter

(718) 555–0100

[email protected]

123 Main Street; 

City, ST 12345

August 01, 2023

Hailey Johnson

Human Resources

Mercy Healthcare

123 Broadway Ave;  City, ST 12300

Dear Ms. Hailey Johnson,

I am excited to apply for the Registered Nurse residency program at Mercy Healthcare. I recently graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing and believe the skills and knowledge gained during nursing school will be highly valuable to your team.

I received excellent clinical reviews throughout nursing school and graduated with honors. I have excellent time-management skills and look forward to further developing hands-on skills through clinical practice. My ability to coordinate tasks and collaborate with others allows me to provide excellent patient care. 

Mercy Healthcare is well-known for patient-centered care and shared governance. I look forward to making a difference in patients’ lives through compassion, dedication, and excellent nursing care. 

Thank you for considering my application. I can be reached at (718) 555–0100 or [email protected] to arrange an interview and further discuss my qualifications.

Ava Smith, BSN, RN

Don't Forget Your Cover Letter!

Always, always, always attach a cover letter to your job applications. These templates should help you get started. Attaching a cover letter immediately sets you apart from the candidates who do not take the time to write or attach one. Highlight your strengths and show the hiring manager that you’re serious about the position. Then start prepping your answers to  common interview questions for when you get that call.

Joleen Sams is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner based in the Kansas City metro area. During her 10-year RN career, Joleen worked in NICU, inpatient pediatrics, and regulatory compliance. Since graduating with her MSN-FNP in 2019, she has worked in urgent care and nursing administration. Connect with Joleen on LinkedIn or see more of her writing on her website.

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Nursing Cover Letter Examples For 2024 (20+ Skills & Templates)

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Looking to land more nursing job offers?

Crafting a strong cover letter is key. This comprehensive guide is packed with everything you need to know in order to write a job-winning nursing cover letter , complete with effective strategies, essential skills, helpful templates, and real-life examples.

You can trust that all the insights and tips in this guide are based on data from coaching thousands of job seekers, just like you, who have gone on to secure positions at some of the world's most reputable companies.

Whether you're a seasoned nurse or just starting out, reading this guide from start to finish can help you land your dream role. But if you're short on time and looking for specific information, here's a breakdown of what's included:

• What To Know About Writing A Job-Winning Nursing Cover Letter
• The Best Skills To Include On A Nursing Cover Letter

How To Address A Nursing Cover Letter

• 3 Nursing Cover Letter Examples

The 8 Best Nursing Cover Letter Templates

3 tips for writing a job-winning nursing cover letter.

Here's the step-by-step breakdown:

Nursing Cover Letter Overview: What To Know To Write A Cover Letter That Wins More Job Offers

What do healthcare centers look for when hiring for a nursing role?

Hospitals and clinics look for nursing candidates with a nursing degree or diploma from an accredited program and a valid nursing license. Certification in a specialty area, such as pediatrics or critical care, may also be preferred.

Nurses should have both technical skills, such as administering medication and using medical equipment, and strong interpersonal skills, such as communication, empathy, and collaboration. They should be adaptable, flexible, able to make quick decisions, and solve problems in complex situations.

Professionalism and ethical standards are also important qualities in nursing roles. Nurses work as part of a larger healthcare team, so employers often look for candidates who are team players and can work effectively with others.

Your resume should show your potential employer that both your personality and your experience encompass all of these things.

Additionally, there are a few best practices you want to follow to write a job-winning nursing resume:

• Highlight your experience.  Highlight your nursing experience that is most relevant to the job you are applying for. Focus on clinical skills, procedures, and technologies you are experienced with.
• Emphasize your communication and interpersonal skills.  Provide examples of how you have effectively communicated with patients, family members, and colleagues.
• Include keywords from the job description:  ensure your resume is optimized for applicant tracking systems (ATS).
• Highlight your problem-solving and decision-making skills.  Provide examples of how you have addressed complex issues and made effective decisions.
• Include any relevant certifications, awards or professional development courses.  List any nursing certifications, licenses, and professional memberships you hold.
• Quantify your work:  Use numbers and statistics to quantify your achievements, such as the number of patients you cared for or the success rate of your treatments.
• Proofread: Make sure to thoroughly proofread your cover letter for any grammatical errors or typos. A well-written, error-free letter can make a strong first impression. I recommend using Hemingway App to do this.

Let's dive deeper into each of these so you have the exact blueprint you need to see success.

The Best Nursing Skills To Include On Your Cover Letter

Keywords are one of the most important factors in your cover letter. They show employers that your skills align with the role and they also help format your cover letter for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

If you're not familiar with ATS systems, they are pieces of software used by employers to manage job applications. They scan cover letters for keywords and qualifications and make it easier for the employers to filter and search for candidates whose qualifications match the role.

If you want to win more nursing interviews and job offers, you need to have a keyword-optimized cover letter. There are two ways to find the right keywords:

1. Leverage The 20 Best Nursing Keywords

The first way to find the right keywords is to leverage our list of the best keywords and skills for a nursing cover letter.

These keywords were selected from an analysis of  real nursing  job descriptions sourced from actual job boards. Here they are:

• Patient Care
• Communication
• Collaboration
• Team Member
• Coordination
• Instruction
• Flexibility
• Certification
• Accountability

2. Use ResyMatch.io To Find The Best Keywords That Are Specific To Your Cover Letter And Target Role

The second method is the one I recommend because it's personalized to your specific cover letter and target job.

This process lets you find the exact keywords that your cover letter is missing when compared to the individual role you're applying for.

Here's how it works:

• Open a copy of your target nursing job description
• Head over to  ResyMatch.io
• Select the “Job Description Scan” from the scan type selector in the upper right corner of the tool
• Copy and paste the nursing job description into the field on the left
• Hit scan and review the results

ResyMatch is going to scan the target job description and show you the exact keywords and skills that are relevant for the role and that you should weave into your cover letter.

Here's a video walking through this whole process:

Personalization is what makes a cover letter stand out. That starts from the very first sentence where you greet the person reading your cover letter! There are two ways to do this well:

1. Use The Hiring Manager's Name

The first, and best, is by including the hiring manager's name. Let's say that you discovered the hiring manager's name from a post on LinkedIn or via an informational interview.

This is the jackpot! All you need to do is use their name in the introduction, like this:

2. Use This Formula: To The [Department] Team at [Organization]

If you don't have the hiring manager's name, no problem! You can address your cover letter to the team that you're applying to.

For example, if you're applying to for a Product Marketing Manager role at Discovery Education, you might start you cover letter like this:

This shows the reader that this letter has been written specifically for them and the content inside of it will support that.

It's much more relevant and personal than  “To Whom It May Concern!”

For more advice on writing a strong opening to your cover letter, check out this guide.

3 Nursing Cover Letter Examples For 2023

Now let's take a look at all of these best practices in action. Here are three cover letter examples for different situations from people with different backgrounds that are all applying for nursing roles:

Nursing Cover Letter Example #1: A Traditional Background

Our first example is a cover letter written by a candidate with traditional nursing experience. Here is what an example of their cover letter might look like:

Nursing Cover Letter Example #2: A Non-Traditional Background

Our second cover letter example comes from a candidate looking to transition from a social work background into a nursing role. This cover letter illustrates how they identify and speak to their transferable skills:

Nursing Cover Letter Example #3: Landing A Nurse Practitioner Role

Our third example highlights a candidate with extensive nursing experience who is looking to take a leap in their career and land a Nurse Practitioner role.

At this point, you know all of the basics you'll need to write a nursing cover letter that wins you more interviews and offers. The only thing left is to take all of that information and apply it to a template that's going to help you get results.

We made that easy with  our CoverBuild tool . It has 8 proven templates that were created with the help of recruiters and hiring managers at the world's best companies. These templates also bake in thousands of data points we have from the job seekers in our audience who have used them to land job offers.

You're off to a strong start! But I've got a few more tips to help you take your cover letter to the next level:

1. Use ChatGPT To Write Your Cover Letter In <30 Seconds

All of these tips and best practices work, but you still have to implement them. Normally, that'd mean you sitting down and spending hours brainstorming ideas, typing, deleting, and typing again, and then feeling absolutely drained.

Now there's a way to work around all of that so you save your best energy for the writing and edits that matter most. Here's how it works:

• Head to ChatGPT (you'll need to create an account – it's free)
• Ask ChatGPT,  “Please write me a cover letter for a nursing role. The role I'm applying for is [Job Title] role at [Employer]. Here is the job description: [Paste Job Description]. And here is my resume: [Paste Resume].
• Watch ChatGPT write up a pretty darn good cover letter base!

Here's a video of me doing this with a real cover letter if you want to see the steps in action:

Note:  I  do not recommend or advise that you simply copy and paste the content from ChatGPT into your cover letter and submit your application. ChatGPT is great for doing 80% of the baseline work, but you still need to review, revise, and personalize the content yourself.

2. Include Measurable Metrics And Outcomes

Too many job seekers only focus on the actions that they took and not the outcomes that resulted from those actions. As a hiring manager, it's impossible to differentiate between a dozen candidates who were all “Responsible For Monitoring Patient Progress.”

If you want to win, your cover letter should speak to the specific outcomes that you drove in previous roles. That could be:

• The percentage by which your patients' health improved under your care
• The average reduction in hospital readmissions
• The average parent satisfaction rate
• The rate by which you and your team were able to reduce medical errors

These numbers will show hiring teams what you're capable of and make your value crystal clear!

3. Match Your Cover Letter And Resume Design

They're the exact same car, down to the year, make, and model. The only difference is the way the product was presented. Like I said, quality impacts perceived value.

One of the best ways to boost the quality of your cover letter is to make it look clean, professional, and have it match your resume. That's why the resume templates in our resume builder tool match the cover letter templates in our cover letter builder:

If you use both tools to create your cover letter and your resume, your entire application is going to be top notch.

Key Takeaways To Wrap Up Your Job-Winning Cover Letter

You made it! We packed a lot of information into this post so I wanted to distill the key points for you and lay out next steps so you know exactly where to from here.

Here are the 5 steps for writing a job-winning nursing cover letter:

• Start with a proven cover letter template from CoverBuild.io
• Use  ResyMatch.io to find the right keywords and optimize your cover letter for each nursing role you apply to
• Start your nursing cover letter with a personalized greeting for the hiring manager or Human Resources representative.
• Emphasize the measurable outcomes and value you drove in previous roles (include metrics!)
• Compare the draft of your nursing cover letter to the examples on this page to make sure you're on the right path
• Use a tool like  Hemingway App to proofread your cover letter before you submit it

If you follow those steps, you're going to be well on your way to landing more nursing interviews and job offers.

Now that your cover letter is taking care of, be sure to check out our guide on writing a job-winning Nursing resume (with examples!)

Laura Lorta

Laura is an Editor at Cultivated Culture. She transitioned from teaching into the world of content so she's no stranger to career pivots. She also has a bachelors in Entrepreneurship and a Masters in Curriculum & Instruction / Bilingual Education. She currently shares job search advice to help people like you land jobs they love without applying online.

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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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Get matched with these and thousands more permanent jobs on Incredible Health.

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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How to Write a Strong Cover Letter as a Nurse

Table of Contents

In today's healthcare job market with digital professional profiles and resume screening software tools, is a cover letter necessary? Cover letters for nursing jobs are effective—in certain situations—and here's why. 

A cover letter is your opportunity to speak directly to the person reading it, to engage their interest and persuade them that taking the time to interview you is worth their while. Resumes and online professional profiles all subscribe to a general format of chronologically listing skills and work experience, which is crucial information to demonstrate that you meet the requirements for the position. Still, they cannot make a targeted, personalized effort, which is where your cover letter steps up to the plate as your heavy hitter. 

In this guide, we'll explore when you should create a cover letter for nursing jobs, cover essential points and perspectives that you should include, review a nurse cover letter template, provide a nursing cover letter example, provide quick tips, and answer a few questions.

When Should You Do a Cover Letter for a Nursing Job?

With an industry-wide demand for nurses and nursing assistants, you may think hospitals and other healthcare facilities need you more than you need them. However, hiring managers will still be discerning even if your profession is in high demand. Whether or not you do a cover letter is entirely up to you. Nonetheless, as we've already discussed, the opportunity a cover letter provides to share insight and personalization can be to your benefit, particularly in the following situations:

• When competition for the job is high: Stand out from the pack and draw their attention to you.
• When you have gaps in your work history: In a resume, there isn't the space or context to explain any gaps in your work experience. Did you go back to school? Did you move? Did you become a parent or caregiver for someone in your family? Did you try another profession? A cover letter provides the perfect opportunity to explain.
• When you want to transition to another department or work setting: You can make connections between your work experience in one facility and how you can apply those skills to the new setting or department. For example, a registered nurse with experience in a long-term care setting who wants to transition to working in a hospital setting can point out that their expertise in a long-term care facility requires strong communication skills with other clinicians, diligent documentation skills, and the ability to build patient rapport, all of which apply to a hospital setting.
• When it is required: If you don’t submit a cover letter when the hospital or other facility requests it, odds are high that you’ll be automatically removed from the interview pool of candidates.

What Is a Good Cover Letter for a Nursing Job?

A solid cover letter for a nursing or nursing assistant job will incorporate the following three points:

• Why do you want this specific nursing job? 
• Why do you want to work for this particular employer?
• Why are you a prime candidate for this job?

Let's flesh those points out a bit.

Why Do You Want This Nursing Job?

New nurses and nursing assistants may feel at a disadvantage if they compare their resumes to those of colleagues with years of experience. Yet, a cover letter is an excellent tool to overcome that somewhat. Explore the question, "Why do I want to be a nurse or nursing assistant?" Those reasons and motivations are uniquely yours, and when put into words specific to the job you're applying for, they demonstrate your passion and character.

Seasoned nurses and nursing assistants can shine by showcasing their experience as a demonstration of their dedication to the work setting, unit, specialization, department, etc. If you're applying for a position in a new setting, specialty, or department, here is your opportunity to explain your ambitions and motivation so hiring managers don't automatically discount you when they glance at your resume.

Why Do You Want to Work for This Specific Employer?

Here is where you target your readers and assure them they are not one of one hundred reading the same cover letter. It's okay to use templates for your nursing resume cover letter—in fact, we'll get to that further down. However, what is not doing you any favors is for you to submit the same cover letter regardless of position and facility. It would help if you personalized it, wrote a little about why you want to work for that employer, and showed them that you've researched them and how your learning aligns with your personal or professional values. What should you search for? Try looking into the following:

• What are the healthcare facility's mission and vision statements?
• What does their website say about their work culture?
• Have there been recent press releases about the facility?
• Are they part of any new initiatives?
• What is their relationship with the community?

Why Are You a Prime Candidate for the Job?

The resumes of experienced nurses and nursing assistants are fuller with skills and work experience, all of which may or may not apply to the job they are applying for, and some of which may be overlooked at a glance. Use your cover letter to draw the reader's attention to your specific skills and experiences that apply to the job and demonstrate your worth as a candidate for the position.

New nurses and nursing assistants can reframe their newness and lack of experience to an advantage because their mindset is one of openness to learning. You are on the cusp of attaining your goal of putting your education into practice, which can translate into enthusiasm, determination, and adaptability.

Nursing (RN, LPN, CNA) Cover Letter Templates

The header of your cover letter should have the following:

• The header formatting should match the design of your resume. 
• The header should state your full name (as it appears on your license or certification) followed by your credentials. 
• The header should display your town or city and state of residence. 
• The header should state your phone number and email address. 

Next up, you'll address the letter to the recipient and healthcare facility directly by including the following:

• Date of sending or submitting the cover letter
• Recipient name and department (if there is no specific point of contact for the position, specify the department)
• Healthcare facility name
• Healthcare facility address
• Healthcare facility phone number (specific to the person of contact for hiring if you have it)
• Healthcare facility email address (specific to the person of contact for hiring if you have it)

Following the recipient's contact info, you'll write the greeting and introduction paragraph. Your introduction paragraph is the introduction of you. Who are you, what position are you applying for, and where did you find the job? If someone referred you professionally, indicate who referred you to ensure the reader makes that connection.

After the introduction paragraph, you'll write a paragraph or two that focuses on your qualifications and experiences that can tie directly to the position for which you are applying. This point is crucial; don't just reiterate your resume experience; you need to specify experiences and connect them to the desired position.

For the closing paragraph, restate your interest in the position and express your desire to discuss your qualifications further in an interview. 

Nursing Cover Letter Example

We've taken everything from the above cover letter template and put it into an example.

Nancy Nurse, LPN

Wichita, KS | 316-300-1106 | [email protected]

December 20, 2023

Jackie Smith, Department of Nursing Recruitment

Evergreen Regional Hospital

1234 E. Main, Wichita, KS 12345

316-123-4567

[email protected]

Dear Jackie Smith,

I'm excited to submit my application and resume for your consideration for the position of Licensed Practical Nurse at Evergreen Regional Hospital posted on your website. Evergreen Regional Hospital's mission to provide individualized patient-centered care aligns with my personal and professional values. That alignment, combined with my qualifications and experience, makes me an ideal candidate for the position. 

As an LPN at the Mayberry Family Clinic, I spend most of my time assisting Dr. Adams and Dr. Smith by conducting pediatric patient assessments, taking vitals, administering injections, wound care, and patient-family education for aftercare and prevention.

My prior three years of experience working in Memory Care at Beta Care Living helped me develop strong collaboration and communication skills with other nurses, clinicians, and physicians and sharpened my clinical skills in direct patient care for a high volume of residents with complex diagnoses and needs, all of which I believe are also crucial for a successful LPN in a hospital setting. I've developed a reputation as a compassionate and reliable nurse with my supervising nurses and residents' families through my commitment to resident care, demonstrated by my valuable insights for creating resident-specific care plans, dedicated patient care, and patient-family education.

I am confident I can be an asset to the Evergreen Regional Hospital team as my combined experience in working with pediatric patients, senior patients, and their families gives me the knowledge and capability to work with patients of all ages who come to the hospital. I look forward to hearing from you to discuss further how my qualifications can be put into practice, benefiting both patients and staff at Evergreen Regional Hospital.

9 Quick Tips for Your Nursing Cover Letter

Regardless of your level of licensure or the job you are applying for, follow these tips for a cover letter that is effective and professional:

• Match the formatting, font, and design of your cover letter with that of your resume. The resume and cover letter should look like they belong together (despite being uploaded separately). 
• Have a professional email address. With your email address being front and center in the header of your cover letter and resume, everyone will see it. If your email address is anything other than your first and last name, sign up for a new one for job hunting. Understandably, only your first and last name may not be available on your chosen domain, so if you have to add numbers or a symbol, avoid being flowery or silly.
• Keep the cover letter length to one page. You'll only write three or four paragraphs with the header and recipient contact information at the top. Most recruiters or hiring managers will do a quick scan, so a second page is unlikely to be seen. 
• Write your cover letter in first-person narrative. First-person narrative means using "I," "my," "me," etc. This narrative is a divergence from your resume—which you should write in the third person—and traces back to how the cover letter is more personalized than the resume. 
• Keep it professional. Despite the first-person narrative and the insight into your character here, be careful to avoid familiarity and be professional.
• Resist the urge to copy/paste. Although you'll spotlight qualities and experiences already listed on your resume, you must present them differently. Copying what you've already written in your resume is monotonous and misses the point of the cover letter entirely.
• Do spell checks and grammar checks. Our brains can overlook small grammar and spelling errors when reading information we already know. Use the spell and grammar checks on Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or free online software such as Grammarly to be confident.
• Mix up your paragraph and sentence starts. Even though this letter is about you, if each sentence starts with the word "I," it will seem repetitive. If you're getting stuck with this tip, write everything first without worrying about how the sentences start, and then once finished, go back and read through it, looking for ways to switch it up.
• Avoid offering references upon request. That standard phrase is redundant; every hiring and recruiting manager knows they can request references.

Nursing Cover Letter Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do I need a cover letter for per diem jobs at Nursa?

• No. Cover letters benefit long-term employment opportunities and are written specifically for the position and facility you are applying to. Often, RNs, LPNs, and CNAs on Nursa will pick up shifts at different facilities and settings, meaning a cover letter for your Nursa profile is unnecessary.

Q. Does working per diem shifts help my resume?

• Yes. Working per diem shifts can benefit nurses and nursing assistants because it demonstrates capability, adaptability, and versatility. 

Q. How can I tie in my per diem work to my cover letter?

• Capability, adaptability, and versatility are powerful traits in a nursing professional. Capitalize on those skills and explain how they can benefit your prospective employer. 

Q. Where can I find more cover letter samples for nurses and nursing assistants?

• Resume Genius has a variety of nursing cover letter examples that are useful for RNs, LPNs, and CNAs.

Q. Where can I find tips for writing a nurse or nursing assistant resume?

• Check out our article, Resume Tips for New Grads and Seasoned Nurses .
• Yale School of Nursing
• Nursing Cover Letter Made Easy
• Resume Genius

Lori is a contributing copywriter at Nursa who creates compelling content focusing on location highlights, nurse licensing, compliance, community, and social care.

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Career Advice > Job Search > Resumes and Cover Letters > Nursing Cover Letter Examples and Writing Tips

Nursing Cover Letter Examples and Writing Tips

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Your resume is a snapshot of your credentials and experience, but it does not reveal your personality, enthusiasm, or communication skills. For that, you have a cover letter. Before you review our nursing cover letter examples, let’s address one question: Do you have to send nursing cover letters at all? The short answer is yes, unless a job posting says not to. Let’s look at why cover letters matter and what you should include to get an employer interested in you.

From a healthcare manager’s point of view, it’s important that a team of nursing professionals is full of good-spirited individuals who get along and fit in with the organization. It’s hard to glean that kind of information about a candidate from their nursing resume .

If you can communicate like-minded values and a passion for your work in your cover letter, you’re more likely than not to receive an invitation to interview. In addition to looking at nursing cover letter examples to get ideas and inspiration, you can follow the steps below to learn how to write a nursing cover letter customized specifically for each job to which you apply.

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Nursing Job

Most nursing cover letter examples have five to seven paragraphs. That may seem like a long letter, but keep in mind that each section can be just two or three sentences. These are the main components that should be featured:

This is the easy part. You need your name and contact information up top, plus your phone number and email address. Include the job title you’re applying for if it’s not in the first sentence of your introduction.

You probably know how to open a letter with “Dear Fill-in-the-Blank.” To get extra points with the employer, find out who will be reading the letter and use their name. You can search for the HR manager’s name on the organization’s website or LinkedIn, do a Google search, or simply pick up the phone and ask.

Introduction

Your cover letter introduction aims to grab the readers’ attention so they want to continue reading. Tell them what interests you about the job and include a brief sentence about why you’re qualified. You can also tell them why you’re looking for a job — maybe you’ve moved to a new area, been laid off, want to continue to develop your skills, or you just want to take your career to a higher level.

Your Background

Your full job history is on your resume, so don’t repeat it here. Instead, read the job ad sentence by sentence and learn how your background fits the overall job function. For example, imagine an ad asks for experience working in gerontology, and you previously worked in a rehabilitation facility with patients of all ages. Your cover letter is a great place to talk about the work you did specifically with older patients in the facility, what you enjoyed about the work, and something you learned that relates to the job responsibilities in the ad.

Your Qualifications

Tell the reader why you’re the person they should hire. To do this, read the job ad very carefully again and match the crucial keywords. For example, the words manager and supervisor imply the same thing — that you’ve overseen others. If the job is for a manager, and your past title has been supervisor, make the switch and refer to your experience as that of a manager. Continue to match words that represent your qualifications. Putting them in bullet points makes your letter easier to read.

The last sentence or two of your letter should accomplish three tasks:

• Emphasize how you fit the job requirements.
• Thank the recipient for taking the time to read your letter.
• Request the opportunity for an interview.

Choose your closing phrase. Among your choices are sincerely, warm regards, and best regards, followed by your name. Check out our nursing cover letter examples for more sign-off ideas. Don’t forget: To make sure your letter is free of typos, proofread it and ask someone else to take a look as well. You might use an online tool such as Grammarly to pick up mistakes that may have slipped past you.

How to Write a Nursing Cover Letter That Connects: 3 Tips

You can stand out from other nurse cover letter samples by making a genuine connection with a healthcare hiring manager. These three tips can show you how.

1. Show Enthusiasm for the Job

A shower of confetti and the sound of a marching band when the hiring manager opens your letter would be … annoying. You can communicate your enthusiasm for the job by including keywords featured in the job ad and explaining how you match the qualifications. This tells the employer you paid attention to their needs. If you don’t have much of an experience section on your resume and you need to write an entry-level nursing cover letter, this is one area you can and should emphasize.

For example, imagine that the posting says you will be required to record your activities in a weekly report. Rather than just saying you’ve got experience doing that, you can point out how you always enjoyed reviewing your accomplishments during the past week while writing your report. That demonstrates a dedication to the role.

2. Show Enthusiasm for the Organization

You want to make the reader feel special, so be sure to mention a few reasons why you want to work for this particular organization. It can help you stand out as someone who wants this job and not just any old job.

The job ad may have some information about the organization’s mission and values. If not, you may find it on their website on the homepage or in an “about us” section. The key is to write a sentence or two about their values or philosophies that match up with your own.

3. Show Enthusiasm for the Profession

When discussing your job experience, include a sentence about why you chose to work in healthcare or what you like most about it. This shows employers that you’re engaged and committed to contributing to the field.

Nursing Cover Letter Examples

• Caregiver cover letter
• Cardiac nurse cover letter
• Cath lab nurse cover letter
• Clinical nurse specialist cover letter
• CNA cover letter
• Critical care nurse cover letter
• Dermatology nurse cover letter
• Dialysis nurse cover letter
• Director of nursing cover letter
• ER nurse cover letter
• Flight nurse cover letter
• GNA cover letter
• Hospice nurse cover letter
• ICU nurse cover letter
• Infusion nurse cover letter
• Labor and delivery nurse cover letter
• LNA cover letter
• LPN cover letter
• LVN cover letter
• Medical assistant cover letter
• Med-surg nurse cover letter
• Neonatal nurse cover letter
• New grad nurse cover letter
• NICU nurse cover letter
• Nurse anesthetist cover letter
• Nurse educator cover letter
• Nurse manager cover letter
• Nurse midwife cover letter
• Nurse navigator cover letter
• Nurse practitioner cover letter
• Nursing student cover letter
• Occupational health nurse cover letter
• Oncology nurse cover letter
• Operating room nurse cover letter
• PACU nurse cover letter
• Pediatric nurse cover letter
• Postpartum nurse cover letter
• Psychiatric nurse cover letter
• RMA cover letter
• RN cover letter
• RN case manager cover letter
• School nurse cover letter
• SRNA cover letter
• STNA cover letter
• Surgical tech cover letter
• Telemetry nurse cover letter
• Trauma nurse cover letter
• Travel nurse cover letter
• Utilization review nurse cover letter

Is Your Cover Letter Ready to Go?

Find your inspiration in our nursing cover letter examples, then let us help you find a great place to work. Ready to take control of your career? Explore great nursing jobs that are available right now.

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Example of a Nurse Cover Letter (Template+Guide)

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Even though nurses are in demand you still have to bring your “A” game when you’re applying to nurse jobs.

That’s why in this article we’re going to cover how to write a nurse cover letter .

A cover letter is often an afterthought, or not even thought of at all for many nurses.

While there is an increased need for skilled nurses, the nursing field is still highly competitive.

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may receive a commission. For more info, please  see my disclaimer . 

The Purpose of a Nurse Cover Letter

When applying for nursing jobs, it helps to have a detailed resume and an effective cover letter. Having a quality cover letter is an essential part of the job-hunting process ( source ).

It acts as an introduction and a summary of skills, and it gives employers an overview of why you’re the right candidate for the job.

A well-crafted cover letter may even make the difference when HR departments struggle to decide between two candidates.

The cover letter is also tailored for each job application.

It should include details related to the specific facility where you’re applying for a job, and it provides a chance for you to explain why your skills match the needs of the employer ( source ).

Before you start writing, I suggest that you take the time to look at a few examples and explore some tips.

Here is everything that you need to know to write a stellar nursing cover letter.

Related Article: Why Your New Nurse Resume is NOT Working

What Should You Include in a Cover Letter for a Nursing Job?

The first step in writing a quality nurse cover letter is ensuring that it includes the required information and follows the standard format.

Here is a quick overview of what you need to include:

• Your contact information
• The addressee’s contact information
• The job listing or title
• The salutation
• The main body
• The call to action
• The sign-off

The letter starts with your name. Make sure you include your certification or licensing status, such as “Jane Smith, RN.” On the second line, add your address, phone number, and email address.

The next section includes the date and the contact information of the hiring manager.

Include the contact’s title, such as “Human Resources Manager.”

If you’re submitting a resume for a job that you find online or in a paper, you may want to reference the source.

For example, “RE: Registered Nurse Entry Position.”

The salutation is a simple greeting. Most cover letters start with “Dear” followed by the contact’s name.

If you don’t know the name of the hiring manager, you can simply include “Dear hiring manager.”

The main body and call to action are the most important parts of the letter. This is where you sell your skills, experience, and traits to make yourself the most attractive candidate on paper.

The sign off is a simple ending to the letter.

Candidates often sign off with “best regards” or “sincerely.” If you want to come across as being more original, you can use a synonym, such as:

• “Regards”
• “Yours sincerely”
• “Yours respectfully”

Avoid anything too personal, such as:

• “ Cheers”
• “Love”
• “Take care”
• “Best wishes”

Related Article: What You Should Bring to a Nurse Interview

What Details Should You Discuss in the Body?

Other than the contact information, salutation, and sign off, you’ll include a few short paragraphs to help sell yourself. These sections include the main body and call to action. The body contains three parts:

• Achievements

Hiring managers typically scan the cover letter to see if anything is out of place or missing, such as the hiring manager’s name.

After a quick scan, they’ll read the opening paragraph, which is where you need to hook them.

The hook should include two to three lines that promote your skills and build interest.

Toward the end of the article, I’ll provide a couple of examples so that you can see what an effective hook looks like.

The second paragraph discusses why you want the job and why you’re the most qualified candidate. Don’t simply list the number of years that you’ve worked or say that you like to help treat patients.

This section needs to maintain interest from the opening paragraph.

End the second paragraph with a line drawing attention to your achievements, such as “among my accomplishments.” These two short paragraphs are followed by a bullet point list of your biggest achievements.

Again, don’t simply list your certifications or past employment.

Those details are included in the resume. This is where you include information that isn’t typically added to the resume.

Consider any major challenges that you’ve overcome or initiatives that you helped get off the ground.

For example, perhaps you’ve trained nurses or helped establish a blood drive that allowed your hospital to achieve a new record. Include three or four bullet points.

You don’t want to fill the cover letter with a lengthy highlight reel of your achievements.

The body ends with a short sentence summarizing why you’re interested in the job.

For example, “I’m looking forward to how much more I can achieve in a setting like NAME OF HOSPITAL.”

Related Article: Common Nurse Interview Questions + Answers

How to Write an Effective Call to Action

After the body, it’s time to write the call to action. Calls to action are used in marketing to give potential customers a clear direction.

When you view a product page, you may see a button that says, “click here to get the best price” or “sign up today to get a free gift.” The call to action is asking you to perform a specific action.

The call to action at the end of your cover letter should ask the hiring manager to contact you to set up an interview.

This is another portion of the cover letter where you don’t want to simply state facts, such as, “I’d appreciate if you contact me to set up an interview at a time that is convenient.”

You want to use this closing line to stand out from other candidates.

You may even use the call to action to remind the hiring manager of your past accomplishments. Here’s a short example:

“Can we arrange a meeting to explore how my experience and drive can help increase patient care at HOSPITAL?”

In marketing, the call to action is typically just three to seven words. With a nursing cover letter, it can be a full sentence.

The goal of this sentence is to summarize the point of the cover letter in a question.

You want to arrange an interview, but you need to tell the hiring manager why they should contact you instead of the dozens of other candidates.

Asking a question also forces the person reading your letter to consider a response before they even open the rest of the resume.

Related Article: 10 Must-Know Nurse Interview Tips

How Do You Know What the Hiring Manager Is Looking for?

One of the main purposes of the cover letter is to show the hiring manager that you’re the right person for the job, so how do you know what they want?

The details are often included in the job description.

When you look at dozens of job listings, it’s easy to skim the details and focus on whether you meet the qualifications.

Within the details, you’ll often find specific traits, skills, or experience that the hospital or healthcare facility wants in a new nurse. Most job listings include the following information:

• Hospital Name
• Position requirements
• Position responsibilities

The position responsibilities typically include the details that can help you stand out as the most qualified nurse.

You may see a listing that includes the following responsibilities:

“Perform approved therapeutic procedures and diagnostic procedures while assisting the MDs with medical procedures.”

Find at least one aspect of the listed responsibilities where you can showcase your talents or experience.

You may have experience in an ER assisting MDs or perhaps you’ve trained doctors in how to use the latest diagnostic equipment.

Always thoroughly read the job description while trying to find connections to your past achievements.

Make a note of any specific details where you can illustrate your skills or previous projects. You can use this information when crafting the main body of your cover letter.

Review Sample Nurse Cover Letters for Nursing Jobs

The last step in preparing your own cover letter is to look at a couple of examples.

The first one is for an entry-level position, making it a suitable example for those applying for their first nursing jobs .

The second example represents a nurse with several years of experience looking to further his or her nursing skills.

Nurse Cover Letter Example 1 – Entry-Level Nursing Position

Your Name, RN

Your city, State (abbreviated) zip code | phone number | email address

Current date

Hiring manager’s name Hiring manager’s job title Example Hospital Address City, state, zip code

RE: Entry-Level Registered Nursing Position

Dear Ms. Smith,

Graduating with high honors from Example University and achieving the highest grade on my NCLEX-RN exam are two of my most satisfying accomplishments. I would be even more satisfied utilizing my education to help improve the quality of patient care at Example Hospital.

With three years of clinical experience, I have had the chance to work in a variety of settings. Example Hospital always stood out as a place that truly put the patients first. I believe this is the perfect environment for me to further my real-world training and shine. Here are several of my past achievements:

● Finished first in my class at the respected Example University Nursing School.

● Established an outreach program to provide health education to senior citizens.

● Led a blood drive program with local high schools to promote health education in the schools.

Education has been my focus for the past few years, and I’m excited to continue this education at Example Hospital.

Can we arrange a meeting to consider the ways that my commitment can help Example Hospital’s patients?

Best regards,

You may have noticed that this cover letter doesn’t include a list of certifications or skills.

If the job requires specific certifications, knowledge of patient records and charting systems, and communication skills, you don’t need to list them on the cover letter, as they’ll be included in the resume.

Nurse Cover Letter Sample 2 – Experienced Nursing Position

Y our Name, RN

RE: Experienced Nurse Practitioner

The last three years of my life have been committed to reducing workplace hazards, helping to make my facility one of the safest healthcare facilities in the region. I would love to bring this same level of commitment to Example Hospital.

As a nurse practitioner with five years of experience, I appreciate the practices put in place at Example Hospital. The systems that your facility already has in place should provide the perfect environment for my skills and expertise to have the biggest impact. My previous accomplishments include:

● Established a system for reducing exposure to hazardous materials, reducing workplace accidents by 80% in three years.

● Led an initiative that helped form a partnership with a local college to provide clinical rotations to nursing students.

● Became the lead nurse in charge of scheduling , helping to reduce work hours by 10% without reducing the quality of patient care.

I look forward to bringing these same skills to a patient-focused facility like Example Hospital.

Can we arrange a meeting to review how my experience can address the needs of Example Hospitals’ patients?

Yours sincerely,

These cover letters are short, to the point, and help highlight several unique achievements that you may not have room to include in the resume.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nurse Cover Letters

1. do you need special formatting or paper for the nursing cover letter.

Besides the content of your letter, you need to consider the paper, ink, font, margins, and styling. Use 10pt or 12pt text sizes with simple fonts, such as:

• Courier New
• Times New Roman

Don’t choose a font that is hard to read or cartoonish, such as Comic Sans. Stick to black ink and only use one font for the entire letter.

If the text is difficult to read, your resume will likely get tossed.

Resumes are printed on standard 8.5 x 11-inch paper. It’s the size that fits in most folders, filing cabinets, and printers.

The paper that you use for the resume should also match the paper used for the cover letter.

Most people use plain white paper. Avoid any specialized resume paper with thick scrollwork or frilly borders.

While bright paper should be avoided, you can use a very lightly tinted paper with a hint of blue, gray, pink, or tan.

This can help your cover letter stand out without the hiring manager needing to read a single sentence.

2. Do Nurses Need a Cover Letter?

Absolutely they do.

A cover letter can make the difference between you getting the job interview or not. A nurse cover letter provides additional information related to your nursing resume.

It’s also a way for you to highlight or add additional skill sets or experiences you think will be needed for the job.

3. What are Some Easy Tips for Writing a Good Nursing Cover Letter?

• Keep it short, sweet and to the point.
• Make sure to change the cover letter based on what job your applying for. Don’t just use the same cover letter for every job application.
• Personal Stories are found as long as they enhance your resume and go along with what the facility is looking for.
• Make sure to show some passion and enthusiasm for the job your applying for.
• Proofread! Proofread! Proofread!

We hope you found these tips helpful in helping you get and ace your next nursing interview.

Related Articles to Nurse Cover Letter

• How to Set Smart Goals in Nursing
• Nurse Burnout Prevention
• Example Resignation Letter for Nurses
• Example of a Nursing Interview Thank You Letter (Template)

About the Author

Thomas Uzuegbunem is a registered nurse who graduated with a bachelor’s in business and went on to get his bachelor’s of science in nursing. He’s worked in the ICU, mental health (inpatient, outpatient), & GI specialty areas. He’s the lead editor and founder of Nurse Money Talk.

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Nursing Cover Letter Example

Crafting a perfect cover letter is not an easy thing. It is a chance to present yourself and show the hiring manager your expertise and skills. Before you apply for the nurse position, you should know how to write a cover letter that works. Our article will help you overcome this challenge. Here, you will find a cover letter sample nursing and answers to these questions:

• what to include in the cover letter;
• how to format and structure it;
• how to present the information effectively.

If you need a cover letter fast, you can use our cover letter builder with 20+ templates. Get the assistance of a certified cover letter writer service and use the tips from our best career experts.

Cover Letter for Nursing [Example]

Before applying for a job position, make sure that your cover letter nursing is readable and corresponds to the requirements of the professional cover letter. In the cover letter example nursing, you can find all data to include step by step. 

Check the cover letter for the nursing example below to ensure that you followed all the recommendations.

Miranda Peterson

4558 Blossom Street

New York City

525-045-678-05

[email protected]

[Date when you send the cover letter]

Hiring Manager’s Name

354 Company Address

Sacramento, CA, 94567

(xxx)-xxx-xxx-xx

[email protected]

Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx.] [Hiring Manager’s Surname],

I am writing to express my interest in the position (Title of the Position). I believe that my 2 years of expertise as a nurse practitioner at Saint Andrew Hospital and my enthusiasm make me a perfect candidate for this position. My medical and leadership skills will help me become a good head nurse in your department.

The attached resume highlights that I am a professional in this field, well-versed in patient care, leadership, and multitasking. My key achievements demonstrate that I can cooperate with the team and be a good head nurse to manage all the processes in your hospital. Also, I am a perfect communicator able to speak Spanish.

I decided to try myself at the position of a head nurse after Professor Miller recommended joining the Saint Andrew Hospital crew. 

Could we schedule the meeting this week to discuss how I could participate in the training program for the candidates? 

Thank you for taking the time to review my application. Do not hesitate to call me at 525-045-678-05 or email me at [email protected].

Nursing Cover Letter Template

The structure of the cover letter is crucial to organize the information appropriately. Do not forget about these recommendations from our nursing cover letter template to make your letter well-organized:

• start with a heading (your contact details);
• the cover letter should include approximately 3-5 paragraphs;
• divide the cover letter into several sections;
• finish with salutation. 

Don't forget of your Linkedin profile! Now it is a new priority! If you need help, be aware our Linkedin writing services always have your back!

Ultimate Guide on How to Write a Nursing Cover Letter

No doubt that writing a nursing cover letter is quite hard without professional guidance. It’s necessary to practice to master writing skills. That’s why we researched all information about cover letters and shared the tips with you in this article. Additionally, you can use our nursing cover letter example to craft your own.

If you still have some questions, our writers are always ready to provide you support and assistance at any time. We will also discuss all issues related to cover letter writing in detail. Let’s start with the formatting of the cover letter and its specific features.

Adhere to Letter Formatting Recommendations

When searching for the answer to the questions on how to write a nursing cover letter, you want to know the formatting recommendations. To impress the recruiter with a professional letter before the interview, follow this guide:

• use eye-friendly fonts;
• 1.15 spacing and 1 inch per edge margins;
• add white spaces between the paragraphs.

Cover Letter Heading

The next important thing is how you start your cover letter. It always begins with the header where you put your personal data and contact details. The hiring manager pays attention to the top of the cover letter for nurse during the first seconds, so you should organize it correctly. 

Cover Letter Sample for Nursing [Heading]

Look through this cover letter for nursing sample to understand how to format it effectively. 

Contact details are crucial for the hiring manager to answer your letter and invite you to the job interview. 

Date and Company Details on Cover Letter

The next step is to indicate the date and the company details. Follow the example cover letter for nursing to submit this section. Place the date after the header and then mention the recruiter’s name, the name of the company, and its address.

Example Cover Letter Nursing [Date and Company Details]

Adhere to the cover letter nursing example below to format everything professionally. You can always use font size or bold text to highlight this part of the letter.

Sacramento, CA, 10028

Cover Letter Greeting

The greeting is the next important component of the nursing cover letters, and beginning it correctly results in a good first impression. The cover letter greeting should start with the name of the hiring manager. But if you don’t know the name, replace it with “Dear Marketing Team” or something like this.

Cover Letter Example for Nursing [Greeting]

Use this cover letter greeting to write your own. Our professional career experts provided a cover letter sample nursing for you to know how to organize each of the sections. 

I am writing to express my interest in the position (Title of the Position). 

What to Include in a Nursing Cover Letter [Body]

The body of the cover letter is the opportunity to promote yourself and show all your skills, experience, and accomplishments. Make sure that you add only relevant information. It should take approximately two or three paragraphs. Adhere to our sample nursing cover letter to ensure that you mentioned all necessary data. 

Nursing Cover Letter Sample [Body]

Look through the nursing cover letter samples and include similar data in your body.

I am writing to express my interest in the position (Title of the Position). I believe that my 2 years of expertise as a nurse practitioner at Saint Andrew Hospital and my enthusiasm make me a perfect candidate for this position. 

Closing Paragraph for Cover Letter

Many people think that only the first paragraph matters in the cover letter. But the closing paragraph is crucial to mention the person who can recommend you or make it eye-catching for the recruiter. Consult the cover letter nursing sample to see what information you can include in this section for getting hired.

Nursing Cover Letter Example [Closing]

See the cover letter example nursing and use one of the techniques listed above to write your own closing paragraph. 

You can still get help from a nursing resume writing service to make your resume stand out.

Skills to Highlight in CV

Mentioning the skills in the body of the cover letter helps show that you are the perfect candidate for the position. Also, hard and soft skills can be used as keywords for the applicant tracking system (ATS). 

While analyzing the cover letter nursing example, you can find some samples of the skills to include in your letter:

• patient and family education;
• compassion;
• critical thinking;
• communication skills;
• multitasking;
• patient care;
• leadership;
• dedication.

Do not forget to maintain a balance between the interpersonal and professional skills in your cover letter.

Search for the Keywords in Company’s Job Posts

One more important issue while writing a cover letter is to mention the keywords (like hard and soft skills in the previous section). You can search for some examples of job advertisements and read the description of the position. In these job posts, you can find the clues to mention in your letter. 

Even if you know how to write a cover letter for a nursing job, the keywords increase the chances of applying to the desired company. That’s why do not skip this recommendation.

Wrapping Up

Now you know all the secrets of writing a cover letter example for nursing, how to divide the letter into sections, and how to present the data effectively. Also, you can use sample cover letters for nursing to compose your own. Do not forget to follow these simple recommendations:

• divide the cover letter into several sections (heading, greeting, body, and the closing paragraph);
• format the letter according to the basic requirements;
• mention only relevant information;
• the body of the letter aims to present you as the best candidate.

If the example cover letter nursing is not enough for you, remember that our best professional resume writing services are always ready to provide assistance and answer all your questions. Do not hesitate to use our writing service to get the job of your dream with ease.

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How to Write a Cover Letter That Will Get You a Job

I ’ve read thousands, maybe tens of thousands, of cover letters in my career. If you’re thinking that sounds like really boring reading, you’re right. What I can tell you from enduring that experience is that most cover letters are terrible — and not only that, but squandered opportunities. When a cover letter is done well, it can significantly increase your chances of getting an interview, but the vast majority fail that test.

So let’s talk about how to do cover letters right.

First, understand the point of a cover letter.

The whole idea of a cover letter is that it can help the employer see you as more than just your résumé. Managers generally aren’t hiring based solely on your work history; your experience is crucial, yes, but they’re also looking for someone who will be easy to work with, shows good judgment, communicates well, possesses strong critical thinking skills and a drive to get things done, complements their current team, and all the other things you yourself probably want from your co-workers. It’s tough to learn much about those things from job history alone, and that’s where your cover letter comes in.

Because of that …

Whatever you do, don’t just summarize your résumé.

The No. 1 mistake people make with cover letters is that they simply use them to summarize their résumé. This makes no sense — hiring managers don’t need a summary of your résumé! It’s on the very next page! They’re about to see it as soon as they scroll down. And if you think about it, your entire application is only a few pages (in most cases, a one- or two-page résumé and a one-page cover letter) — why would you squander one of those pages by repeating the content of the others? And yet, probably 95 percent of the cover letters I see don’t add anything new beyond the résumé itself (and that’s a conservative estimate).

Instead, your cover letter should go beyond your work history to talk about things that make you especially well-suited for the job. For example, if you’re applying for an assistant job that requires being highly organized and you neurotically track your household finances in a detailed, color-coded spreadsheet, most hiring managers would love to know that because it says something about the kind of attention to detail you’d bring to the job. That’s not something you could put on your résumé, but it can go in your cover letter.

Or maybe your last boss told you that you were the most accurate data processor she’d ever seen, or came to rely on you as her go-to person whenever a lightning-fast rewrite was needed. Maybe your co-workers called you “the client whisperer” because of your skill in calming upset clients. Maybe you’re regularly sought out by more senior staff to help problem-solve, or you find immense satisfaction in bringing order to chaos. Those sorts of details illustrate what you bring to the job in a different way than your résumé does, and they belong in your cover letter.

If you’re still stumped, pretend you’re writing an email to a friend about why you’d be great at the job. You probably wouldn’t do that by stiffly reciting your work history, right? You’d talk about what you’re good at and how you’d approach the work. That’s what you want here.

You don’t need a creative opening line.

If you think you need to open the letter with something creative or catchy, I am here to tell you that you don’t. Just be simple and straightforward:

• “I’m writing to apply for your X position.”

• “I’d love to be considered for your X position.”

• “I’m interested in your X position because …”

• “I’m excited to apply for your X position.”

That’s it! Straightforward is fine — better, even, if the alternative is sounding like an aggressive salesperson.

Show, don’t tell.

A lot of cover letters assert that the person who wrote it would excel at the job or announce that the applicant is a skillful engineer or a great communicator or all sorts of other subjective superlatives. That’s wasted space — the hiring manager has no reason to believe it, and so many candidates claim those things about themselves that most managers ignore that sort of self-assessment entirely. So instead of simply declaring that you’re great at X (whatever X is), your letter should demonstrate that. And the way you do that is by describing accomplishments and experiences that illustrate it.

Here’s a concrete example taken from one extraordinarily effective cover-letter makeover that I saw. The candidate had originally written, “I offer exceptional attention to detail, highly developed communication skills, and a talent for managing complex projects with a demonstrated ability to prioritize and multitask.” That’s pretty boring and not especially convincing, right? (This is also exactly how most people’s cover letters read.)

In her revised version, she wrote this instead:

“In addition to being flexible and responsive, I’m also a fanatic for details — particularly when it comes to presentation. One of my recent projects involved coordinating a 200-page grant proposal: I proofed and edited the narratives provided by the division head, formatted spreadsheets, and generally made sure that every line was letter-perfect and that the entire finished product conformed to the specific guidelines of the RFP. (The result? A five-year, $1.5 million grant award.) I believe in applying this same level of attention to detail to tasks as visible as prepping the materials for a top-level meeting and as mundane as making sure the copier never runs out of paper.”

That second version is so much more compelling and interesting — and makes me believe that she really is great with details.

If there’s anything unusual or confusing about your candidacy, address it in the letter.

Your cover letter is your chance to provide context for things that otherwise might seem confusing or less than ideal to a hiring manager. For example, if you’re overqualified for the position but are excited about it anyway, or if you’re a bit underqualified but have reason to think you could excel at the job, address that up front. Or if your background is in a different field but you’re actively working to move into this one, say so, talk about why, and explain how your experience will translate. Or if you’re applying for a job across the country from where you live because you’re hoping to relocate to be closer to your family, let them know that.

If you don’t provide that kind of context, it’s too easy for a hiring manager to decide you’re the wrong fit or applying to everything you see or don’t understand the job description and put you in the “no” pile. A cover letter gives you a chance to say, “No, wait — here’s why this could be a good match.”

Keep the tone warm and conversational.

While there are some industries that prize formal-sounding cover letters — like law — in most fields, yours will stand out if it’s warm and conversational. Aim for the tone you’d use if you were writing to a co-worker whom you liked a lot but didn’t know especially well. It’s okay to show some personality or even use humor; as long as you don’t go overboard, your letter will be stronger for it.

Don’t use a form letter.

You don’t need to write every cover letter completely from scratch, but if you’re not customizing it to each job, you’re doing it wrong. Form letters tend to read like form letters, and they waste the chance to speak to the specifics of what this employer is looking for and what it will take to thrive in this particular job.

If you’re applying for a lot of similar jobs, of course you’ll end up reusing language from one letter to the next. But you shouldn’t have a single cover letter that you wrote once and then use every time you apply; whatever you send should sound like you wrote it with the nuances of this one job in mind.

A good litmus test is this: Could you imagine other applicants for this job sending in the same letter? If so, that’s a sign that you haven’t made it individualized enough to you and are probably leaning too heavily on reciting your work history.

No, you don’t need to hunt down the hiring manager’s name.

If you read much job-search advice, at some point you’ll come across the idea that you need to do Woodward and Bernstein–level research to hunt down the hiring manager’s name in order to open your letter with “Dear Matilda Jones.” You don’t need to do this; no reasonable hiring manager will care. If the name is easily available, by all means, feel free to use it, but otherwise “Dear Hiring Manager” is absolutely fine. Take the hour you just freed up and do something more enjoyable with it.

Keep it under one page.

If your cover letters are longer than a page, you’re writing too much, and you risk annoying hiring managers who are likely sifting through hundreds of applications and don’t have time to read lengthy tomes. On the other hand, if you only write one paragraph, it’s unlikely that you’re making a compelling case for yourself as a candidate — not impossible, but unlikely. For most people, something close to a page is about right.

Don’t agonize over the small details.

What matters most about your cover letter is its content. You should of course ensure that it’s well-written and thoroughly proofread, but many job seekers agonize over elements of the letter that really don’t matter. I get tons of  questions from job seekers  about whether they should attach their cover letter or put it in the body of the email (answer: No one cares, but attaching it makes it easier to share and will preserve your formatting), or what to name the file (again, no one really cares as long as it’s reasonably professional, but when people are dealing with hundreds of files named “resume,” it’s courteous to name it with your full name).

Approaching your cover letter like this can make a huge difference in your job search. It can be the thing that moves your application from the “maybe” pile (or even the “no” pile) to the “yes” pile. Of course, writing cover letters like this will take more time than sending out the same templated letter summarizing your résumé — but 10 personalized, compelling cover letters are likely to get you more  interview invitations  than 50 generic ones will.

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