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25 Nursing Cover Letter Samples & Writing Guide for 2024

• Nursing Cover Letter
• Nursing Cover Letters by Type
• Nursing Cover Letters by Role
• Write an Outstanding Nursing Cover Letter

Nurses tackle difficult situations for their patients, providing care under stressful circumstances. Nurses are there when patients need help with medicines, a drink, or someone to talk to.

But despite tackling the most precarious situations at work, writing a cover letter to complement a nursing resume can feel more daunting than handling a crowded emergency room. Do you even have the time and energy after a 12-hour shift?

Luckily, we can help with our nursing cover letter examples and tips that will impress any medical director. Then, polish your application off with our free resume builder and AI cover letter generator to create stunning documents in no time.

Nursing Cover Letter Example 

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Why this cover letter works

• Especially in your opening and closing, include details like why you applied for the position, what you appreciate about the company, and what you hope to achieve in the future. 
• Your cover letter isn’t the place to be modest; beyond just metrics, name things you’re good at and what you want to accomplish in your future company.
• Some good skills you can include are collaboration, leadership, and technical abilities. Just make sure your examples relate to the job description in some way. 
• So long as you focus on your skills and how you can use them, you’ll exude confidence, not arrogance.

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Nursing New Grad Cover Letter Example

• Luca perfectly executes this in his nursing new grad cover letter by sharing his stint during Hurricane Harvey, where he helps with wound care. Personal moments like these, supported with transferable skills , can be your lever into your professional world.

Registered Nurse (RN) Cover Letter Example

• Describe a situation that reveals your expertise if relevant to the job description. Perhaps you were part of a rapid response team or alerted the doctor when a patient woke in the middle of surgery. Think back on a challenge where you emerged victorious.
• For example, if you want to be a critical care nurse, mention how your time as a forensic nurse helped you develop decision-making skills when helping patients with psychiatric disorders.
• Pick work experience according to what the employer needs. Are they looking for an ER nurse, someone with pediatric experience, or an oncology RN? Include experience within those fields.
• If you don’t have expertise in a particular area, talk about previous positions with transferable skills. 

Experienced Nurse Cover Letter Example

• Here’s a bummer, though: the hiring manager doesn’t want to hear about those misadventures with friends (save them for the breakroom once you get the job, not your application). But a heartfelt snippet about that visit to a local hospital years ago painting a picture of the moment you knew nursing was your calling? That’s the kind of story that grabs hold and doesn’t let go.

Nursing Preceptorship Cover Letter Example

• You want to keep your nursing preceptorship cover letter concise, ideally to a single page. And it’s not just about brevity; it’s respect for the recruiter’s time and demonstrating your ability to prioritize and articulate information well. Even so, focus on what matters—your qualifications, passion for the practice, and readiness to contribute to the facility). Otherwise, you’ll get the same response you got last time—the heartbreaking silence.

Nurse Manager Cover Letter Example

• Take James, for example. He doesn’t just mention his job duties; he dives into a story about spearheading a data integration project that reduces time-to-insight by 16%. And he doesn’t stop there—see how he layers on other must-have skills for a nurse manager (we’re talking communication, decision-making, and team coordination). You don’t want to be just in the running but leading the pack for that coveted interview.

Nursing Instructor Cover Letter Example

• The hiring institution wants to see how you nurtured nursing students and generated an impact. So, go ahead and paint the town red with anecdotes of meaningful student engagements and measurable outcomes (Cue improving program completion rate by 8%).

ICU Nurse Cover Letter Example

• Once you know what you do differently, you can measure your results against others and find the numbers you need for your ICU nurse cover letter.
• Double-check for special requirements, like a copy of your BLS and ACLS cards.

Director of Nursing Cover Letter Example

• So, here’s the thing: unlike your resume, your director of nursing cover letter doesn’t have a skills section, making bringing them to life in a recount your best, if not only, option. Like, say you championed an initiative to save time, and boom, that’s flaunting your teamwork skills right there (a must-have interpersonal soft skill for any leadership role).

School Nurse Cover Letter Example

• Got a Master of Science in school nursing? Flashing it in your school nurse cover letter isn’t just dropping another credential; it communicates that you’ve devoted time to acquiring the knowledge required to practice and yield desirable results. That might just be the final push needed for the hiring manager to pick up the phone and dial your number.

Labor and Delivery Nurse Cover Letter Example

• It’s simple: consider what the hiring organization is looking for and demonstrate how transferable skills mastered from previous roles translate into the role. The critical thinking, meticulous organization, and ability to perform under pressure cultivated in my previous role… from Sofia’s cover letter makes for an excellent example of this strategy in action.

Nursing Residency Program Cover Letter Example

• Sprinkle some personal touch into your piece. How, you wonder? Swap out the impersonal tone for a hearty first person (I) and go ahead to express your aspirations for the role. After all, you’re selling yourself and you’ve got to capitalize on every chance to say “Hey, I’m not just another application but someone deeply passionate about joining your team.”

Pediatric Nurse Cover Letter Example

• There’s no magic tech that lets you edit your cover letter once you release it to the recruiter, so before that, read it carefully, word for word, to ensure that it’s free of errors. And if you’re falling short of confidence, don’t hesitate to leverage Grammarly or other spell checkers.

Emergency Nurse Cover Letter Example

• But then, what’s the right way to address recruiters? First, steer clear of hey and hi — they’re just too casual. Instead, use dear like Aisha does. Also, do a little digging to find the recruiter’s name to stand out and let them know you took the initiative to learn more about the hiring company.

Aesthetic Nurse Cover Letter Example

• Say, for example, you led a team of 23 to achieve operational targets and reduced operational costs by 16%; put that in your aesthetic nurse cover letter. It even makes it more compelling by thrusting your exemplary leadership skills into the limelight.

NICU Nurse Cover Letter Example

• Customizing your NICU nurse cover letter is pretty easy; ensure it aligns with the target role. Let’s say, for example, the hiring organization is after specific skills. Mention and demonstrate them in your cover letter to maximize your chances.

Neonatal Nurse Cover Letter Example

• Maya’s approach is pretty commendable here. She goes beyond expressing interest, specifically praising Hartford Hospital’s “Help Me Grow” initiative and clearly states her enthusiasm to further their mission. That screams someone already on board with the team’s vision.

Dental Nurse Cover Letter Example

• Jump in with a positive (and intriguing) fact that shines a light on your personal connection with the practice. For instance, Kai opens with “Growing up, I was fascinated by the impactful role compassionate healthcare professionals play in nurturing young smiles.” Now, that isn’t just an intro; think of it as an attention-grabbing headline that sets you miles apart from the rest.

Operating Room Nurse Cover Letter Example

• Ideally, pick a two-column operating room nurse cover letter template. For an added flair, bold your first name, the hiring manager’s, and the date, then use a different font color for your last name. Harness such subtle enhancements not for aesthetics, but to showcase your organizational skills.

Psychiatric Nurse Cover Letter Example

• For your case, go for a standard professional font (think Arial, Cambria, Calibri, Times New Roman, etc.) to ensure it’s neat and legible and lessen the recruiters’ eye strain to make a positive impression.

Charge Nurse Cover Letter Example

• Ace that first paragraph by kissing up to the company you’re applying to. For example, Clara goes with, “ Diving into the feedback from over 2,903 staff on Indeed and the impressive 3.7 rating from more than 1,778 votes on Glassdoor, I was captivated by the positive reflections of…” A cakewalk, right?

Travel Nurse Cover Letter Example

• But don’t stop at the praises. Show how you can boost the hiring establishment’s reputation, with your narration coming across as professional and authentic. You want to focus on putting your proficiencies and skills under the limelight, aligning with the need for versatility and adaptability in travel nursing.

Nurse Case Manager Cover Letter Example

• To ensure you don’t miss out on a wonderful opportunity, always include your up-to-date professional contact information prominently at the top of your nurse case manager cover letter. And that includes your name, email address, phone number, and LinkedIn profile link. Simply put, make it easy for the prospective employer to reach you.

Nursing Faculty Cover Letter Example

• Ready to capitalize on the rev-chron layout for your nursing faculty cover letter? Here’s how to do it: describe your most recent job and go backward; most recruiters have a thing for this format because it aligns with modern hiring practices. Plus, they don’t have to try too hard to find the candidate’s deets.

Acute Care Registered Nurse Cover Letter Example

• You probably have a desired salary range in mind but mentioning it can be off-putting, alongside telling the hiring manager when they should call you or anything else you expect from them. Remember, presumption is the quickest path to losing the race.

Does your nurse resume need a little TLC?

Hopefully, our cover letters have given you the confidence you need to personalize your own. Don’t neglect your nurse resume, though, because we’ve got tons of resume samples you can edit—just like this one here.

Nursing Resume

Need a resume to pair with your nursing cover letter?

or download as PDF

3 Tips for Writing an Outstanding Nursing Cover Letter

As a nurse, you know the value of research, critical thinking, and compassionate care for each patient, but did you know you can use those same skills to write your cover letter? 

All you need is to research the company, share relevant successes, and monitor your tone to create a cover letter that will catch any manager’s eye.

Tip 1: Get to know the organization

You wouldn’t walk into a patient’s room without knowing their medical history, so you shouldn’t write a cover letter without some research first. But don’t worry—this research is far easier than studying for the NCLEX exam. 

Start by looking at the job description and the company’s website. Once you know what the employer needs, find a way to incorporate their requirements into your cover letter. 

Does the company need a certified nephrology nurse? Be sure to mention your time in a dialysis clinic. Do they want someone experienced in labor and delivery? Write a paragraph about your previous position as a midwife. 

Don’t forget: similar to how you customize your care for each patient, you should customize your cover letter for each new position. Employers will have different requirements even if you’re applying for niche roles.

Tip 2: Go a few steps further than your resume

Repetition is usually good, but not regarding your cover letter and resume. Both are essential documents, but they should support, not mimic, each other. 

Your cover letter is the best way to show your personality, which is especially important in nursing. Your employer needs to determine more than just your qualifications; they’ll want to know you’ll work seamlessly with their team. 

To achieve this, include any  experience and skills  you have solving complex medical problems or times when your personality traits significantly improved your patients and the organization.

If you’re wondering where to start, look at this example from one of our cover letters: 

As an LPN at Cedar Ridge Clinic, I frequently saw entire families. Beyond greeting patients and assessing their condition, I engaged with each one personally, remembering details from their previous visits and asking about family members. Moreover, I researched ways to reduce their medical bills, such as requesting assistance from the clinic’s charity funds. By developing a relationship with my patients and helping them find affordable care, they were 48% more responsive to the doctor’s suggestions, and we reduced their clinic stay by 28%. 

Although this example includes metrics and responsibilities, it also underscores the nurse’s compassion and interpersonal communication skills, which are major green lights for employers. 

Tip 3: Tone is everything

Nursing relies heavily on decorum and empathy, so your cover letter should sound professional and compassionate, but where do you start? Let’s walk through it step-by-step.

For example, a local hospital needs a pediatric nurse who’ll care for special needs children. Working with challenged children requires patience, high emotional intelligence, and strong critical thinking skills, so you’ll want to reflect those abilities. 

To do so, start by picking what experience to include and what to omit to keep your cover letter to one page. Any longer, it will likely be thrown into the recycle bin since recruiters and managers have limited time.

Once you’ve condensed, work on adopting a kind tone. Use words with positive connotations, limit jargon, and adjust your syntax to be direct (but not blunt). Think of it this way: you’re trying to demonstrate your ability to communicate with anyone, so your writing needs to be understandable, easy to read, and compassionate. 

Use words with positive connotations, limit jargon, and adjust your syntax to be direct (but not blunt) .

But don’t stress if you haven’t found the right words yet; revision is the next step. Ask someone to read it through, find any grammatical or punctuation errors, and determine if they would hire you based on what you’ve written.

Use Our Informative Outline to Start Your Nursing Cover Letter

Any great strategy needs a solid structure to make it succeed; use our outline to plan your cover letter for your next nursing role. 

How to start a nursing cover letter

Your contact info:  If your employer doesn’t know how to contact you, they can’t hire you. Don’t leave them in the dark—include your address (city and state) and phone number.

• Formatting : Leave your name out of your address if using a block format. 

Date:  Every letter needs a date, even a cover letter. Include the date near the top, and make sure it reflects the day you submit, not the day you started writing. 

• Formatting : Write the full date, e.g., January 5, 2023.

Inside address:  An inside address is the employer’s address, including the hiring manager’s name and title, plus the medical organization’s physical location. 

It may sound silly to include the employer’s location since they’re reading the letter, but it adds credibility. Addressing the manager by name and listing their location demonstrates your research, especially if there are multiple locations within the organization.

Casey Matheson, StarRN Recruiter West Valley Medical Center 1717 Arlington Ave. Caldwell, ID 83605

• Formatting : Each part of the address should be on a new line. Double space between the inside address and greeting to make it aesthetically pleasing. 

Greeting:  A proper salutation is always a good idea in a cover letter. Since most healthcare organizations are pretty formal, use the standard “Dear Ms./Mr.” followed by the manager’s name. 

We know this isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Finding the person in charge of hiring at your clinic, hospital, physician’s office, or other healthcare location can be as difficult as getting an IV in a deep vein.

However, don’t skip over this step because it’s hard. This small inclusion demonstrates your research; everyone likes personal acknowledgment, so it’s a win-win. We recommend scouring LinkedIn or the company’s website and medical job boards to find details about the company and its employees. 

• Formatting : Use a colon after the greeting instead of a comma per business standards.

Dear Ms. Matheson:

How to write your nursing cover letter

Body:  The body of your nursing cover letter should be three to four paragraphs that convey your eagerness for the job, qualifications, and interest in further discussion. 

Opening paragraph:  Nursing can be thrilling, but you’d be surprised at how many cover letters make it sound like the most boring job in the world, starting with the opener.

Many opening paragraphs sound downright sterile and robotic, like this one: 

Good day—my name is Laura Howell, and I am inquiring about the Travel Med Surg RN position. I have four years of experience in the healthcare industry and the necessary knowledge and skills to help your organization take better care of its patients. 

Besides including their name, this opener is entirely depersonalized and generic. Having several years of experience means nothing if you don’t qualify or quantify it, and nothing about this opening suggests real passion for the company (or even nursing in general). 

Instead, mention the organization by name and explain why you’re interested in the position:  

As a nurse, I always want to provide safe, quality care to every patient, which Natchaug Hospital embodies. Your success stories about helping others with addictions and mental illnesses convinced me that your hospital truly upholds the values of equity, safety, and integrity. I am confident that as an RN at Natchaug Hospital, I can lead my fellow nurses, develop modernized treatment plans, and collaborate with healthcare staff to make our patient’s experience more effective and comfortable.

In just one paragraph, you can quickly tell the candidate’s passion for nursing, their goals as a nurse, and why they want to work at Natchaug Hospital.

Paragraphs 2-3:  Your cover letter should reflect more than basic skills; nursing is more than just “preparing documentation” and “assessing patients.” 

These paragraphs need to provide evidence for your assertions in the opening paragraph. Make each one a spotlight on one of your achievements.

Did you diagnose a patient when even the doctor was stumped? Did you save someone’s life through your attention to detail? Find your best moments, and don’t be shy about relaying your successes.

If you’re wondering where to start, use one of our examples as a guideline: 

My last position was in the ICU for St. Maisha Hospital. While there, I treated many non-English speaking patients who lived below the poverty line. Though challenging, I learned to assess patients and communicate with them and their families regardless of language barriers and lack of funds. I petitioned for yearly fundraisers to provide resources for families to get the care they deserved and established volunteer-based language classes for nurses and doctors. These initiatives mean patients were treated 27% faster and spent 46% less time in the hospital.

Although this paragraph has metrics, it focuses on the nurse’s ability to communicate and relate to people. It’s personal without being sentimental and professional without being cold. 

Closing paragraph:  You are excellent at ensuring patients have what they need before leaving your care, so do the same in your cover letter. Summarize how your values and qualifications align with the organization’s needs and express your desire to discuss further. 

Whatever you do, don’t leave them hanging like this:

As you can see, I have the experience and the skills to be a nurse at your location. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

If ever there was a more generic closing paragraph than this, we haven’t found it. This closer offers nothing unique about the applicant or the business and hardly sounds enthusiastic. 

Instead, give the hiring manager something to remember with details specific to you and the job: 

Providing adequate care for my patients is only the tip of the iceberg; I connect with patients personally and consistently seek to improve. As a nurse with HCA, I will provide individualized care to patients and collaborate with families, doctors, and healthcare staff to create better patient care plans. Thank you for raising the standard of healthcare in the US, and I eagerly await your response.

This closer effectively concludes the conversation while demonstrating their interest in the position and why they’re the best choice for the employer.

• Formatting:  Single-space your nursing cover letter but double-space between paragraphs. 

Signature:  End your cover letter on a high note and with a “thank you” if you haven’t already said so. 

Chase Turner

• Formatting : If you’re presenting any hard copies of your nursing cover letter, quadruple space to sign your name in blue/black ink. 

Enclosure(s):  Adding an enclosures section is greatly appreciated in the healthcare industry. This section lists other documents you’ve included in your application, reminding the reader there’s more to come. 

Nursing cover letter enclosures can include the job application, a resume, a transcript, writing samples, and licensure documents, to name a few. 

Enclosures: Resume Georgia RN License Copy of BLS & ACLS cards

• Formatting : Use the singular or plural form of “enclosure,” depending on how many things you attach.

Check the Health of Your Nursing Resume

Congrats, you’ve finished your nursing cover letter! You’re one step closer to the nursing job you’ve always wanted. 

But wait—don’t forget you still need to  make a resume . Whether you need to build an  outline of a resume  or are in the finishing stages of filling out a  resume template , we have the tools you need to write a great nursing resume. 

If you’re finding it hard to start, you can edit this nurse resume directly.

ICU Nurse Resume

No matter where you’re at in the job hunt, remember: you’re a great nurse, and your patients know it. Now go out there and prove that with a stellar resume and cover letter!

Ideally, you should connect with your role as a nurse and the type of medical organization you’re applying to. For instance, if the position involves providing care to elderly patients, then connecting with why you want to help elderly patients maintain a good quality of life and minimize pain could be great points to focus on.

You can lean on how your associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing has equipped you to be successful in the role, such as how you achieved excellent grades in your pathophysiology classes. Also, connect your passion to the role and desire to help others as much as possible to stand out.

Nurses need a large skill set, but detailing every ability you possess in your cover letter wouldn’t be the best idea since it would likely lose a hiring manager’s attention. Instead, focus on the primary needs of the job. Will you be in an emergency response sector? Then focusing on skills like wound dressing or controlling bleeding may be essential to emphasize within your cover letter.

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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30 Professional Nurse Cover Letter Examples for 2024

Your nurse cover letter must immediately highlight your dedication to patient care. Showcase your commitment through a personal anecdote or a professional accomplishment. Illustrate your ability to work in high-pressure environments with ease. Demonstrate your expertise with specifics about your clinical skills or special certifications.

All cover letter examples in this guide

Aesthetic Nurse

Agency Nurse

Clinical Nurse

Clinical Research Nurse

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Cover letter guide.

Nurse Cover Letter Sample

Cover Letter Format

Cover Letter Salutation

Cover Letter Introduction

Cover Letter Body

Cover Letter Closing

No Experience Nurse Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

Embarking on your job search, you've swiftly discovered the importance of a well-crafted nurse cover letter, a step that often feels daunting. Beyond your resume, this letter is your chance to narrate your proudest professional achievement in a story that captivates your future employer. While maintaining formality, sidestep the clichés that bury your unique voice, and keep it concise; your powerful, one-page introduction can set the stage for career success. Let's dive in and design a cover letter that stands out.

• Including all the must-have paragraphs in your structure for an excellent first impression;
• Learning how to write individual sections from industry-leading cover letter examples;
• Selecting the best accomplishment to tell an interesting and authority-building professional story;
• Introducing your profile with personality, while meeting industry standards.

And, if you want to save some time, drag and drop your nurse resume into Enhancv's AI, which will assess your profile and write your job-winning cover letter for you.

If the nurse isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:

• Nurse resume guide and example
• Social Work Student cover letter example
• Oral Surgery Assistant cover letter example
• Licensed Practical Nurse cover letter example
• Pacu Nurse cover letter example
• Nicu Nurse cover letter example
• Ob Gyn Medical Assistant cover letter example
• Hemodialysis Nurse cover letter example
• Public Health cover letter example
• Medical Surgical Nurse cover letter example
• Pediatric Nurse cover letter example

Nurse cover letter example

TAYLOR FOSTER

Chicago, IL

+1-(234)-555-1234

[email protected]

• Highlighting specific achievements related to the role, such as reducing infection rates, shows the candidate’s impact on previous organizations and implies potential benefits for the new employer.
• Emphasizing leadership experience and the ability to manage a multidisciplinary team aligns with responsibilities that may be required in a Registered Nurse position at a hospital.
• Illustrating a commitment to patient care and safety helps align the candidate's values with those of the healthcare facility, which is an essential aspect of working in a hospital environment.
• Explicitly stating the willingness to discuss how the candidate's skills and experience can benefit the hospital demonstrates proactive engagement and eagerness to contribute to the institution's mission.

Standard formatting for your nurse cover letter

Structure your nurse cover letter, following industry-leading advice, to include:

• Header - with your name, the role you're applying for, the date, and contact details;
• Greeting - make sure it's personalized to the organization;
• Introduction paragraph - no more than two sentences;
• Body paragraph - answering why you're the best candidate for the role;
• Closing paragraph - ending with a promise or a call to action;
• Signature - now that's optional.

Set up your nurse cover letter for success with our templates that are all single-spaced and have a one-inch margin all around.

Use the same font for your nurse cover as the one in your resume (remember to select a modern, Applicant Tracker System or ATS favorites, like Raleway, Volkhov, or Chivo instead of the worn-out Times New Roman).

Speaking of the ATS, did you know that it doesn't scan or assess your cover letter? This document is solely for the recruiters.

Our builder allows you to export your nurse cover letter in the best format out there: that is, PDF (this format keeps your information intact).

The top sections on a nurse cover letter

• Header : Includes the nurse's contact information, the date, and the employer's contact details; this section sets a professional tone and ensures the recruiter knows who the letter is from and how to get back in touch.
• Greeting : Addresses the hiring manager or recruitment team by name if possible; personalization shows the nurse has done their research and is genuinely interested in the position at that specific healthcare facility.
• Introduction : Briefly introduces the nurse, stating their current role, years of experience, and enthusiasm for the position applied for; this segment hooks the reader and gives a snapshot of the nurse's professional identity.
• Body : Describes the nurse's relevant experience, special skills, accomplishments, and any certifications that are pertinent to the job posting; it provides proof of competence and illustrates how they can contribute to the healthcare team and patient care.
• Closing : Summarizes the nurse’s interest in the role, thanks the reader for considering their application, and includes a call-to-action, such as expressing eagerness to discuss how they can contribute to the facility in an interview; it wraps up the letter with politeness and forward momentum.

Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter

• Clinical skills and technical knowledge: Shows that the candidate is well-prepared to perform necessary medical procedures and provide high-quality patient care.
• Excellent communication skills: Enables effective interaction with patients, families, and the healthcare team, and is crucial for patient education and advocacy.
• Compassion and empathy: Essential for providing patient-centered care and for building trust and rapport with patients undergoing stressful health challenges.
• Adaptability and flexibility: Demonstrates the ability to handle the fast-paced and often unpredictable nature of healthcare environments.
• Attention to detail: Critical for administering medications, updating patient records accurately, and ensuring patient safety.
• Teamwork and collaboration: Vital for working effectively with interdisciplinary healthcare teams and ensuring cohesive patient care.

Greeting recruiters with your nurse cover letter salutation

What better way to start your conversation with the hiring manager, than by greeting them?

Take the time to find out who the professional, recruiting for the role, is.

Search on LinkedIn, the company website. And for those still keen on making a fantastic first impression, you could even contact the organization, asking for the recruiter's name and more details about the job.

Address recruiters in the nurse greeting by either their first name or last name. (e.g. "Dear Anthony" or "Dear Ms. Smarts").

If you're unable to discover the recruiter's name - don't go for the impersonal "To whom it may concern", but instead use "Dear HR team".

List of salutations you can use

• Dear Hiring Manager,
• Dear [Employer's Name],
• Dear [Department] Team,
• Dear [Title] [Last Name],
• Dear [Job Title] Hiring Committee,

Get creative with your nurse cover letter introduction

Recruiters are going to assess plenty of candidate profiles for the role. Thus, anything you do to stand out will win you brownie points.

Use your nurse cover letter introduction to share something memorable about your experience .

But before you go down the rabbit hole of creativity and humor, align your message with the company culture.

For example, if you are applying for a role in some startup, use those first two sentences to tell a funny story (about your experience) to quickly connect with the recruiter.

What to write in the body of your nurse cover letter

Now that you've got your intro covered, here comes the heart and soul of your nurse cover letter.

It's time to write the middle or body paragraphs . This is the space where you talk about your relevant talent in terms of hard skills (or technologies) and soft (or people and communication) skills.

Keep in mind that the cover letter has a different purpose from your nurse resume.

Yes, you still have to be able to show recruiters what makes your experience unique (and applicable) to the role.

But, instead of just listing skills, aim to tell a story of your one, greatest accomplishment.

Select your achievement that:

• covers job-crucial skills;
• can be measured with tangible metrics;
• shows you in the best light.

Use the next three to six paragraphs to detail what this success has taught you, and also to sell your profile.

Closing paragraph basics: choose between a promise and a call to action

You've done all the hard work - congratulations! You've almost reached the end of your nurse cover letter .

But how do you ensure recruiters, who have read your application this far, remember you?

Most nurse professionals end their cover letter with a promise - hinting at their potential and what they plan on achieving if they're hired.

Another option would be to include a call for follow-up, where you remind recruiters that you're very interested in the opportunity (and look forward to hearing from them, soon).

Choose to close your nurse cover letter in the way that best fits your personality.

Keep this in mind when writing your zero experience nurse cover letter

Even though you may not have any professional experience , your nurse cover letter should focus on your value.

As a candidate for the particular role, what sort of skills do you bring about? Perhaps you're an apt leader and communicator, or have the ability to analyze situations from different perspectives.

Select one key achievement from your life, outside work, and narrate a story that sells your abilities in the best light.

If you really can't think of any relevant success, you could also paint the picture of how you see your professional future developing in the next five years, as part of the company.

Key takeaways

Winning recruiters over shouldn't be difficult if you use your nurse cover letter to tell a story that:

• Is personalized by greeting your readers and focusing on key job skills greets;
• Isn't spread all over the place, but instead focuses on one key achievement and selling your value as a professional;
• Introduces your enthusiasm for the role, passion for the job, or creativity in communication;
• Is also visually appealing - meeting the best HR practices;
• Ends with a nod to the future and how you envision your growth, as part of the company.

Nurse cover letter examples

Explore additional nurse cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

Cover letter examples by industry

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• Content tailored to the job posting you're applying for
• ChatGPT model specifically trained by Enhancv
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Nursing Cover Letter Examples and Templates for 2024

• Cover Letter Examples

How To Write a Nursing Cover Letter

• Cover Letter Text Examples

When writing your nursing cover letter, focus on how you can support patients’ health and recovery at the hospital or facility that posted the job. Also, emphasize your related skills like problem-solving, family relations, or medication administration.

This guide will help you write a cover letter that gets you interviews for your next job in nursing.

Nursing Cover Letter Templates and Examples

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

To write a great nursing cover letter that separates you from other candidates during the job search, it’s important to tell your unique story within the health care field. Emphasize the positive impact you’ve had on patient outcomes and clinical operations throughout your work history. Feature tangible accomplishments that paint a compelling picture of your experience as a registered nurse. Below, we’ll provide useful tips and insights to help you craft a powerful nursing cover letter:

1. Contact information and salutation

List all essential contact information at the top of your nursing cover letter , including your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn URL. Be sure to address the hiring manager by name — Mr. or Ms. [Last Name]. If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, use a variation of “Dear Hiring Manager.” Avoid using outdated greetings such as “To Whom It May Concern,” as your salutation should be direct and personalized.

2. Introduction

To maximize the impact of your nursing cover letter, lead with a strong opening paragraph to draw the reader in. Convey your years of experience within the medical field and key clinical specializations that align with the role you’re applying for. Feature one of your most notable achievements as a registered nurse to immediately show the hiring manager your proven track record of success.

In the example below, the candidate details how they successfully reduced an operating budget while maintaining high patient care standards. By providing deeper insights into your medical background, you can bolster the strength of your nursing cover letter.

As a nursing manager, I successfully modified my unit’s budget by cutting 15% of costs without sacrificing patient care. I hope to bring the same level of success to a position at Mount Sinai Medical Center.

3. Body paragraphs

Continue to illustrate your clinical experience, qualifications, and accomplishments in the body paragraphs of your nursing cover letter. Start by mentioning the hospital’s reputation, culture, and mission statement and why you’re interested in joining their team. Draw attention to aspects of your experience as a registered nurse that help you stand out from other applicants during the hiring process. In the example below, the candidate features their background providing care to elderly patients in residential facilities, which paints a clearer picture for the hiring manager.

Since acquiring my nursing degree and LPN license in 2017, I have set my career path toward caring for individuals living in residential facilities. As a part of your team, I can bring:

• Efficiency: I can perform many tasks, such as medication administration, injections, and catheters independently.
• Communication: My current management has commended me for excellent bedside manners and teamwork.
• Dependability: I’ve maintained a perfect attendance record at my current position.

4. Nursing skills and qualifications

Although it’s unnecessary to feature a list of skills on your nursing cover letter, incorporate key clinical terms that align with the position you’re targeting. Integrate these terms where they fit naturally to avoid negatively impacting the flow of your sentences. Below, we’ve compiled a range of clinical skills you can highlight on your nursing cover letter:

5. Closing section

Close out your nurse cover letter with a call to action (CTA) inviting the hiring manager to interview you. Further emphasize how your clinical background can benefit the hospital you’re targeting. Be sure to thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration in the last sentence.

I look forward to meeting with you to discuss how my patient care skills and plan-of-care knowledge would benefit the team at San Diego West Medical. Please contact me at your earliest convenience to discuss a meeting time that would suit your schedule.

Best regards,

Nursing Cover Letter Tips

1. show you can support and advocate for patients.

Start your letter with a clear example of your success in your field. As the American Nurses Association puts it , nurses are “the glue that holds a patient’s health care journey together.” View your work experience from that perspective. How have you coordinated with doctors and other health care personnel? And how have you guided or supported patients’ progress to new stages of treatment or recovery? Your answers to these questions can help you find a powerful work highlight to open your letter.

At San Diego Bay Hospital, I have been named employee of the year twice (2016 and 2018) and received numerous accolades and commendations for my excellent patient care skills. I would be proud to replicate this success at San Diego West Medical.

2. Explain why you’re drawn to the opportunity

On a separate document or sheet of paper, take 10 minutes to brainstorm why this nursing job or employer interests you. For instance, maybe the role is in pediatrics, a patient age group you’d be eager to work with again. Or perhaps the hospital or clinic has a stated mission or patient care philosophy that resonates with you.

When you’re done brainstorming, review your notes: Do any stand out as important or persuasive? Take another 10 minutes to brainstorm and elaborate on them. Repeat this process until you have two or three concise sentences that speak to the job opening. By adding these to your cover letter, you can show nurse managers you read their job posting and are responding to it directly.

In addition to a master’s degree in nursing, I have over five years of proven experience providing high levels of care to all my patients. Due to my extensive medical knowledge, management experience, and patient-centered focus, I would be a valuable addition to your nursing staff.

3. Highlight your other work strengths

Add a short list of bullet points to cover your success in other key areas of nursing. With each bullet point, show the skill in action by giving an example of how you improved clinical operations or patient outcomes. For instance, you could display leadership by describing how you helped train nurse assistants on new department practices.

Some of my past successes include:

• Training new nurses and staff members in electronic medical record (EMR) and EHR protocols and system updates, resulting in better patient health records
• Created new scheduling systems that cut 17% of scheduling waste from the unit
• Designing and implementing a new nursing career development program that assisted nurses wanting to further their training, reducing the unit’s turnover by 23%

Nursing Text-Only Cover Letter Templates and Examples

Philip Glossman Licensed Practical Nurse | [email protected] | (540) 123-4567 | 689 Whisper Lane, Thornburg, VA 22565

January 1, 2024

Dr. Ralph Hughes Nursing Director Hughes Home, Inc. (540) 098-7654 [email protected]

Dear Dr. Hughes,

When my grandmother moved into your community five years ago, I knew that I wanted to serve families at Hughes Home upon completing my nursing education. In response to your Indeed listing, I gladly offer my skills and experience as a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Now that you have a need for a professional with my credentials, I am eager to discuss with you how I can contribute to the ongoing success of the community that cared for my grandmother. Please contact me at your earliest convenience to set up an interview.

Philip Glossman

Zoey Logan Registered Nurse | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | 123 South St., San Diego, 12345

January 7, 2024

Jessica Stanley Senior Hiring Manager San Diego West Medical (987) 654-3210 [email protected]

Dear Ms. Stanley,

In addition to a master’s degree in nursing, I have over five years of proven experience providing high levels of care to all my patients. Due to my extensive medical knowledge, management experience, and patient-centered focus, I would be a valuable addition to your nursing staff. Some of my notable accomplishments include:

• Assisted in creating nursing schedules that helped to create a 5% reduction in scheduling waste from my unit
• Extensive experience in working in the trauma and ICU wards
• Trained seven new nursing staff in the EMR systems and best practices.
• Educated patients in post-operative care and medication before discharge

Best Regards,

Sarah Pettigrew Nursing Manager | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | 123 Main St., Miami, FL 12345

David Higgins Senior HR Manager Mount Sinai Medical Center (987) 654-3210 [email protected]

Dear Mr. Higgins,

I have over 17 years of experience in caring for patients and managing staff. I showcase a broad range of nursing experience, having worked in various wards, including pediatrics, obstetrics, trauma, and ICU. My patient care record and excellent communication skills make me a valuable addition to your medical team.

• Created new scheduling systems that cut 17% scheduling waste from the unit
• Designing and implementing a new nursing career development program that assisted nurses wanting to further their training, reducing the unit’s turnover by 23%

I’d like to set up a meeting at your convenience to discuss how my work experience and health care knowledge could be of use to Mount Sinai Medical Center. Please feel free to contact me with a time that suits your schedule.

Sarah Pettigrew

Nursing Cover Letter Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to start a cover letter -.

With a clear example of your success in the role you’re pursuing. The concept of “show, don’t tell” absolutely applies to your cover letter’s first paragraph. For instance, don’t just tell the hiring manager you’re a “proactive nurse professional.” Demonstrate you’re proactive by citing a time you exceeded expectations or found a new way to support and advocate for patients.

Should I say “My name is…” on a cover letter? -

No. As long as your name appears in the letter’s closing section, you don’t need to state it otherwise.

What traits are useful to highlight in my cover letter? -

Desired qualities in nursing professionals include empathy, precision, dedication, collaboration, and emotional resilience. Consider which of these traits best describe you, then give an example or two of how you’ve shown them in a work setting.

Craft a new cover letter in minutes

Get the attention of hiring managers with a cover letter tailored to every job application.

Jacob Meade

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, ACRW)

Jacob Meade is a resume writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience. His writing method centers on understanding and then expressing each person’s unique work history and strengths toward their career goal. Jacob has enjoyed working with jobseekers of all ages and career levels, finding that a clear and focused resume can help people from any walk of life. He is an Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) with the Resume Writing Academy, and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.

Check Out Related Examples

Entry-Level Nurse Cover Letter Examples and Templates

Licensed Vocational Nurse Cover Letter Examples and Templates

Nurse Resume Examples and Templates

Build a resume to enhance your career.

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How to Write a Nursing Cover Letter

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Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.

• 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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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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Writing a Successful Nursing Cover Letter With Examples and Templates

Jul 01 2022

Career Resources / Job Searching / Nursing Cover Letter

Reviewed by: Kiley Griffin, R.N.

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

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

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

In this post, we will explore the following:

• Examples and a Template for a Nursing Cover Letter

When Nursing Cover Letters Are Required

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

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Nursing Cover Letter Examples and Templates

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

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

Nursing Cover Letter Template

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

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

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

Benefits to Writing a Nursing Cover Letter

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

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

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

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

Identify your intent

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

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

Provide a more in-depth description

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

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

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

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

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

Explain the gaps

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

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

Establish a willingness to work

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

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

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

These are key purposes of a nursing cover letter.

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

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Steps for Writing Your Cover Letter

The nursing field requires structure and proper etiquette .

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

“hey, Adam, what’s up, man?” 

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

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

1. Create a header

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

Make sure you put the date under that information. 

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

2. Use a professional greeting

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

3. Write your opening paragraph

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

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

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

Here’s an example of a stellar opening paragraph:

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

4. Write your background paragraph

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. Expand on qualifications

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

Some potential soft skills include:

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

6. Craft a conclusion

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

7. End your letter formally

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

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Your Cover Letter

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

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

You’ve made it. Congratulations!

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

Nursing Cover Letter FAQs

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

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

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

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Expert Nursing Cover Letter Examples | 65+ ATS-Friendly Templates

Embark on a journey of creating a compassionate Nursing Cover Letter with GreatResume's examples and expert guidance. Whether you're an experienced nurse or considering a career change, our resources will help you create a cover letter that showcases your dedication to providing high-quality care. Explore the samples provided and learn how to tailor your cover letter for various nursing positions.

Cover Letter examples for top nursing jobs

Use the following guidelines and Cover Letter examples to choose the best resume format.

Advanced Practice Rn Cover Letter Sample

Caregiver Cover Letter Sample

Chief Nursing Officer Cover Letter Sample

Introduction:

Welcome to GreatResume's Nursing Cover Letter examples! Crafting a strong cover letter is essential in the field of nursing, where empathy, compassion, and clinical expertise are paramount. Whether you're applying for a position as an Acute Care Nurse, ER Nurse, or Nurse Practitioner, our examples and expert advice will guide you in creating a compelling cover letter that showcases your dedication to patient care and nursing excellence.

About Nursing:

Nursing is a noble profession that involves providing holistic care to individuals across various healthcare settings. Nurses play a vital role in patient advocacy, health promotion, and the overall well-being of those they serve.

How to Tailor Your Nursing Cover Letter for Different Positions:

• Customize for Specific Roles: Tailor your cover letter for each nursing position to address the unique requirements of the job.
• Highlight Clinical Expertise: Emphasize your clinical skills and expertise relevant to the nursing role, such as patient care, assessment, and healthcare coordination.
• Address Specific Responsibilities: Align your cover letter with the specific responsibilities outlined in the job description, whether it's for an ER Nurse, Pediatric Nurse, or Nurse Practitioner role.
• Showcase Patient-Centered Care: Illustrate your commitment to patient-centered care and how your nursing skills contribute to positive health outcomes.
• Express Passion for Nursing: Convey genuine interest in the role and how your nursing expertise positively impacts the lives of patients.

Crafting a Strong Opening Paragraph for Your Nursing Cover Letter:

• Capture Attention: Begin with a compelling statement or a brief anecdote that highlights your passion for nursing.
• Express Intent: Clearly state your interest in the nursing position and articulate your motivation for applying.
• Highlight Key Nursing Skills: Mention specific nursing skills that make you well-suited for the role, such as clinical proficiency, communication, and empathy.
• Showcase Industry Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of nursing best practices and the importance of continuous learning in the nursing field.
• Conclude with Enthusiasm: End the opening paragraph on a positive note, expressing excitement about the opportunity to contribute to patient well-being.

Sample Nursing Cover Letter:

Personal Details:

• Full Name : Nurse Sarah Johnson
• Address : [Your Address]
• Phone : [Your Phone]
• Email : [Your Email]

Summary : Compassionate and skilled Registered Nurse with [X years] of experience in providing high-quality patient care. Proven expertise in [mention any specialties or areas of focus].

Professional Experience:

• St. Mercy Hospital, Position: Registered Nurse, [Date Started] - Present
• Achievements and responsibilities...

Educational Background:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), [Nursing School Name], [Year of Graduation]
• Patient-centered care
• Clinical proficiency
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Healthcare coordination
• Continuous learning and professional development

Passion for Nursing: Share a brief story or statement that illustrates your passion for nursing and your commitment to providing compassionate care to patients.

Navigating a Career Change in Your Nursing Cover Letter:

• Transferable Skills: Emphasize transferable skills from your previous career that can be applied to nursing roles, such as communication or organizational skills.
• Highlight Relevant Experience: Showcase any experiences that demonstrate your adaptability and excellence in roles requiring empathy and compassion.
• Professional Development: Mention any nursing-related certifications, courses, or training that you've completed.
• Show Enthusiasm for Patient Care: Express excitement about transitioning into the nursing field and contributing your unique skills to patient well-being.

FAQs with Answers:

Q1: What certifications are essential for a nursing professional?

A1: Essential certifications may include Registered Nurse (RN) licensure, Advanced Practice Nurse certifications, and certifications specific to the nursing role.

Q2: How can I showcase empathy in a nursing cover letter?

A2: Share examples of situations where your empathy positively impacted patient care, demonstrating your commitment to compassionate nursing support.

Q3: Is it necessary to include nursing certifications in a cover letter?

 A3: Including relevant nursing certifications can enhance your credibility and demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards in patient care.

Q4: How important is continuous learning in a nursing cover letter?

A4: Emphasize your commitment to continuous learning, showcasing your awareness of evolving nursing practices and your dedication to staying updated.

Q5: Can I use the same nursing cover letter for different positions?

A5: While you can use a template, customize each cover letter to address the specific requirements of the nursing job you're applying for.

Q6: Should I include references in my nursing cover letter?

A6: It's generally not necessary to include references in the cover letter; save them for the resume or job application if required.

Let’s explore related cover letter examples:

• Acute Care Nurse Cover Letter
• Advanced Practice RN Cover Letter
• Caregiver Cover Letter
• Chief Nursing Officer Cover Letter
• ER Nurse Cover Letter
• Geriatric Nurse Practitioner Cover Letter
• Intensive Care Nurse Cover Letter
• Labor and Delivery Nurse Cover Letter
• LPN Cover Letter
• Nurse Practitioner Cover Letter
• Nursing Assistant Cover Letter
• Oncology Nurse Cover Letter
• Pediatric Nurse Cover Letter
• Registered Nurse Cover Letter
• Public School Nurse Cover Letter
• Trauma Nurse Cover Letter

More Resume Examples for the Next Step in Your Resume Career jobs

• Acute Care Nurse Resume
• Advanced Practice Rn Resume
• Caregiver Resume
• Chief Nursing Officer Resume
• Er Nurse Resume
• Geriatric Nurse Practitioner Resume
• Labor And Delivery Nurse Resume
• Nurse Practitioner Resume
• Nursing Assistant Resume
• Oncology Nurse Resume
• Pediatric Nurse Resume
• Registered Nurse Resume
• Public School Nurse Resume
• Trauma Nurse Resume

More Cover Letter Examples for the Next Step in Your Cover Letter Career jobs

• Advanced Practice Rn Cover Letter
• Er Nurse Cover Letter
• Labor And Delivery Nurse Cover Letter
• Lpn Cover Letter

Get started with a winning Cover Letter template

Cover letter magic: expert examples to make your words shine.

Step into the world of "Cover Letter Magic." Here, you'll find a treasure trove of expertly crafted 700+ cover letter examples that will help your words shine. These examples are like a special guide that shows you how to write amazing cover letters. They cover all kinds of jobs and situations, and each one has been checked by an expert who knows all about cover letters.

Nursing cover letter example

The purpose

A few writing rules, getting the tone right, tone of voice.

Whether you’re an experienced RN or are just finishing nursing school, you’re looking at a job market that desperately needs you. And if you’re going to put your own health on the line to heal others, you deserve the best nursing job you can get. 

An exceptional nursing cover letter is essential to stand out among other qualified applicants pursuing the same positions you seek.At Resume.io, we are specialists at helping people find the jobs that are right for them. 

Our resources include 180+ occupation-specific writing guides and corresponding cover letter examples. We also offer resume writing tools, informative blogs and field-tested templates to help you create both types of job application documents.

What you are reading here is a detailed guide to one crucial part of the job hunt equation — the cover letter (also known as an application letter). Here’s what we will discuss in this writing guide, backed by a nursing cover letter example:

• The current job role and outlook for nurses
• Why a cover letter is a critical companion to an outstanding resume
• How your nursing cover letter should be structured and formatted
• How to optimize the impact of each cover letter section: header, greeting, introduction, body and closing
• The psychology behind writing that triggers both a rational and an emotional response
• How to make your job application an irresistible pitch that no employer will ignore.

Looking for some more inspiration? Check out our related cover letter examples below: 

• New Grad Registered Nurse Cover Letter Sample
• Carer Cover Letter Sample
• Nursing Student Cover Letter Sample
• LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) Cover Letter Sample
• CNA Cover Letter Sample
• Caregiver Cover Letter Sample
• Medical Receptionist Cover Letter Sample
• Medical Assistant Cover Letter Sample
• Physical Therapist Cover Letter Sample
• Occupational Therapy Cover Letter Sample
• Phlebotomist Cover Letter Sample
• Pharmacy Assistant Cover Letter Sample
• Healthcare Cover Letter Sample
• Medical Cover Letter Sample
• Doctor Assistant Cover Letter Sample

Today's outlook for nurses

As a nurse you are a heroic first responder on the front lines of the battle against all that ails us. And your superpower has never been needed more. 

It's no wonder that this role is projected to grow at a rate of 6% between 2022 and 2032, which is faster than average. With more than 3 million nursing jobs in the United States, it's clear to see that this is a vocation that will always be in high demand. 

Bonus: Land yourself one of these caregiving roles, and you can expect to make an average of $81,220 per year.

Why you need a nursing cover letter

A cover letter for anyone seeking a nursing job is a one-page pitch that is submitted along with a resume. The goal is to introduce yourself to a potential employer while highlighting the nursing experience, skills and qualities that make you ideal for the job. 

It’s also a personal appeal — you are asking for a job, after all, not demanding one. Think of it as a way of starting a friendly conversation with an individual who is in a position to hire a nurse like you.

You’ve heard of the “elevator pitch” — you have the opportunity to get on an elevator with a VIP who is looking to make a hire. 

You have precious few seconds to introduce yourself, establish a friendly connection, express your interest in the nursing job and explain why you would make an ideal candidate. When you hear a “Ding,” your time is up because this executive will get off the elevator. 

The challenge is to make such a positive impression, in a very brief window in time, that this executive wants your contact info and will actually call you later. 

This is essentially what the nursing cover letter is all about — it’s an elevator pitch in writing. Rather than just send this exec a resume, you have made a personal introduction that is far more likely to trigger a personal and emotional response.

A cover letter is usually between 200 and 400 words long, and should never exceed one page. Recent nursing graduates often try to make up for a lack of resume experience by writing long, expounding cover letters that dive into every possible corner of their educational journey. 

Unfortunately, this can be an automatic “out” in the eyes of many employers. Instead, focus on creating a strong argument by selecting only a handful of convincing points and carrying these themes throughout the letter. 

It’s also very important to follow basic formatting and font guidelines when drafting your cover letter. Stick to trusted font styles like Georgia, Calibri, Helvetica and Arial  with a size between 10 and 12 points. A whimsical font like comic sans might seem tempting, but it’s a big no-go. You can find more details about styling in this general cover letter writing guide. 

Remember, at the end of the day a nursing cover letter is all about maximizing your chances. Any spelling or grammar errors, wacky fonts or messy formatting will distract a hiring manager from your main purpose and bring down the likelihood of landing the position. 

Best format for a nursing cover letter

A good cover letter for nurses, or virtually any other occupation, will follow the same basic structure:

• The cover letter header
• The greeting / salutation
• The cover letter intro
• The middle paragraphs (body of the letter)
• The ending paragraph of your cover letter (conclusion and call-to-action)

Dear Dr. Rowntree,

I write to express an interest in your accelerated nurse midwifery programme for recently-qualified CNMs. During my seven-year nursing career, I have always sought to learn from the best, and there is no better place than at Mount Bisai.

After graduating with a BSN from NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing I worked as a licensed RN for four years and then decided to take my Masters in Nurse Midwifery. I passed my CNM two years ago, and as a relatively recent Certified Nurse Midwife, I am conscious that the learning process has now firmly moved into the delivery room.

A broad range of experience from prenatal to delivery and postpartum care ensures that I can make a difference in terms of caring for my patients’ needs. I have worked with obstetricians on 150+ complicated cases and while I have a firm grounding in high-risk conditions, I am keen to take on more theory and practice at Mount Sinai. I was commended for lowest rates of C-sections amongst my graduating cohort and I believe that my empathetic interpersonal skills have been vital in offering the highest level of care.

Education is an important aspect of the birthing journey and I strive to take every opportunity to advise around nutrition, exercise, rest and general wellness. Every day matters. 

I have 90 letters of recommendation from new parents – many of which focus on how my prenatal efforts have contributed to a sense of calm preparedness when it is time for baby to arrive. 

I would welcome a chance to get to know your maternity team and glimpse what I might be like to work with you. I love the job and I want to be the best midwife that I can be.

Yours sincerely,

Jackie Elise

Cover letter header

Perhaps the silliest mistake you could make in a cover letter (or a resume) would be to leave out your contact information, so the employer has no idea how to reach you. If submitting by email, you might think the employer could simply hit “Reply.” 

But if your email is forwarded or printed to share with other decision-makers, your email address could easily get lost. Don’t make it difficult for employers to figure out how to reach you or you could lose out on that nursing job. 

Your name, phone number, email address (and optionally your snail-mail address, if required) should appear at the very top of your cover letter, in the header, also known as a letterhead. 

In addition to providing crucial information about how to contact you, the header should be attractively designed to grab the reader’s eye, and to provide white space that breaks up the solid black paragraphs of text that follow. 

Many good letterheads will put your name top and center in the largest font on the page, demonstrating your confidence and making it easier for employers to remember you.

Align document styles

Use the same fonts, font sizes and formatting styles in your cover letter and your resume. An employer should be able to hold your cover letter in one hand and your resume in the other and see at a glance that they came from the same person. 

This kind of consistency shows that you’re organized and you pay attention to detail. It gives you a visual brand and makes you more memorable. The writing style in your resume and cover letter should also be similar, though you should beware of repeating the same phrases in the two.

Goal of the cover letter header: Stand out from other nursing candidates with a distinctive-looking header that identifies who you are and how recruiters can reach you.

Cover letter greeting

This simply refers to the “Dear Xxxxx” portion of your letter. Many years ago, the universal guideline was to write “Dear Mr. Smith:” (ending in a colon), or if the recipient was unknown, “Dear Sir or Madam:”. (But you should avoid the old-school, gender-specific “Gentlemen:”.) 

In many ways, email has changed the way greetings are written, tending to make them less formal, and often ending in a comma rather than colon. But beware of adopting a tone that is too casual in a formal business letter addressed to people you don’t know.

Get the basics right first!

If you know the name of the person who is making the hiring decisions, use it in the greeting. People like to see their own names, and this practice proves that you are not sending out a generic cover letter to various recipients. 

Lean toward using the last name: “Dear Mr. Brown:”. If it’s a woman, beware of “Miss” or “Mrs.” and go with “Ms.” Of course, if you’re writing to a doctor of either gender, go with the title “Dr.” 

In some cases, it’s impossible to tell from a name whether the person is male or female — it could be a British woman named Jean ( Jeen ) or a Frenchman named Jean ( Zhan ). In such a case, you might look for this person’s picture online, or you might simply call the company and ask if Jean (or Alex, Chris, Dale or Sam) is a man or a woman. 

If you have no idea, your best fallback might be to break the last-name rule and simply write Dear Jean:”. However, some companies take pains to obscure the name of the actual hiring manager, and they might find it a bit disturbing if you’ve gone to great lengths to figure it out. In such cases, the best approach is often to make your greeting more generic, for example, “Dear XYZ team.”

Goal of the cover letter greeting: Start off by directly addressing the reader in a friendly, professional manner.

Cover letter introduction

“I am writing….” Hold it! They already know why you are writing. If you hadn’t been writing, they wouldn’t have your letter in front of them. 

Search and destroy the phrase “I am writing” from every cover letter you send. Your cover letter introduction is absolutely crucial — you need to hit the ground running with one bold and sincere sentence that both identifies the job you’re seeking and offers an early hint as to your qualifications.  

Goal of the cover letter introduction: Lead off by emphasizing the value you would bring to this employer as an experienced and motivated nurse.

Cover letter middle part (body)

This is where the rubber hits the road. The middle paragraphs of cover letters are vital. You’ve introduced yourself, you’ve said what you do — now you get two, maybe three paragraphs to explain why you’re great at it. And you need to provide some facts to back it up. 

One useful method  is known by the acronym "STAR," which stands for “situation, task, action, result.” The simpler variation "CAR" stands for “context, action, result.” 

Describe situations/contexts you have faced in your career as a nurse, and use strong verbs to describe the actions you took and the positive results you achieved. Use facts and figures wherever possible to quantify your accomplishments — for example, how many babies did you help deliver during your time in the maternity ward? How many patients did you attend during your time in the ER?

Goal of the cover letter body: Build your case for being an ideal job candidate by highlighting key nursing career accomplishments and abilities.

Education is an important aspect of the birthing journey and I strive to take every opportunity to advise around nutrition, exercise, rest and general wellness. Every day matters.

I have 90 letters of recommendation from new parents – many of which focus on how my prenatal efforts have contributed to a sense of calm preparedness when it is time for baby to arrive.

How to close a nurse cover letter (conclusion and sign-off) 

Your conclusion should suggest a call to action — you are eager to hear back, you would be delighted to schedule an interview, or perhaps you propose to give your target a call next week. Here you need to come off as determined, confident and decisive, without sounding entitled or presumptuous. 

End on a strong note, leaving no doubt in your reader’s mind that you are serious about this job and that you should be taken seriously as a nursing candidate.

Goal of the cover letter closing: End with a call to action that implies you expect a response from recruiters.

Writing psychology: how to convey your work ethic in your cover letter

In his best-selling book “ Thinking, Fast and Slow ,” the Nobel Prize-winning theorist Daniel Kahneman outlined two ways people think. The “fast” way is emotional, automatic and unconscious — like making a disgusted face when you’re shown a gruesome image. 

The “slow” way is more logical, conscious and calculating — like digging deep into your memory to recognize a once-familiar sound. 

The faster, more emotional way of thinking governs most of our daily thought processes, but the slower, more deliberative style is what it might take, for example, for a hiring manager to read a letter carefully and say, “This sounds like a great nursing candidate.” 

Emotional responses can actually trigger more deliberative responses. This is why it’s important to use a certain amount of emotional, passionate language in your letter — speaking to the heart, as it were, rather than to the head. This will grab your reader’s attention and make him or her slow down and read more closely.

One way to use this insight is by using emotional language as bookends — opening with emotion, switching to facts and closing with emotions. For example: In my previous nursing jobs, I’ve always been known for having a “big heart,” and for engaging with patients from a deep sense of compassion, as if they were my own family. (This is emotional language.) Yet my experience and seniority have also made me the no-nonsense, go-to person in my unit when other nurses need advice, and even doctors frequently consult with me on treatment regimens. (This is factual language.) 

What I love about this job is seeing great patient outcomes — and seeing the joy on the faces of family members when medical intervention achieves desirable results . (This is emotional language again, bookending the factual language.)

Every cover letter should be unique, tailored to a specific recipient. Study your target, scour its website and social media posts, and familiarize yourself with the kind of language it uses and the image it projects. Then strive to make your tone match the tone of the company you’re targeting. Health-care providers deal with life-and-death issues, so they will typically use a serious, formal tone in addressing their market. Yet watch for the nuances of how they do so, and style your letter accordingly.

Two important things to bear in mind: 

• If you’re responding to a specific nursing job listing, study it like it’s gospel. Look at the requirements and qualifications, understand the company’s needs, and make sure you address these specifically in your cover letter.
• Keep it short. Hiring managers are busy people — they don’t want to read your novella. You get one page, so make it count with a proper mix of emotional and factual language. Less is often more, so cover the bases but leave your reader curious to learn more about you.

Nursing cover letter with no experience

How do you write a cover letter without experience? The short answer is that as a registered nurse, you do have experience, and it's probably more than you realize! 

During your training, you spent time in clinical settings working with nursing supervision. That counts as your first job. You may have had jobs unrelated to nursing as well. These have transferrable skills that you can detail in your letter. 

Use the same format of emotion, facts, emotion, but be honest about your desire to take your first role as an RN. Many employers seek out nurses new to the career because they are excited by their first opportunity and are up on all the latest nursing information. 

Also remember that nurses are in high demand, so you have a great chance of snagging a great job right out of school. Just make sure you don't overstate your experience or come off as too eager. Maintain a professional tone at all times. Below is a sample sentence from a nursing cover letter for a first job.

My nursing training proved to me that I have chosen the right career and I am eager to begin contributing to excellent patient care as a registered nurse.

Basic mistakes in a nursing application letter (and how to avoid them)

Here are some of the common mistakes people make in writing cover letters:

• Spelling mistakes. Bad spelling, grammar and punctuation can absolutely derail your chances of landing an interview. Proper English is not optional. If English is not your long suit, consider finding an editor to proofread your letters.
• Formatting errors and bad fonts. Many text editors will result in buggy letter formats and strange-looking headers. Even the choice of font can be problematic. The templates and tools we offer at resume.io are your best bet to sidestep all these problems.
• Not including white space. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that because you get one page, you have to fill it with black text top to bottom and side to side. Your visual style should be an eye-pleasing mix of text and blank space, not too dense and not too sparse. Using professional tools is your best way to make sure you get this right.
• Using old-hat sayings. Avoid clichés, and don’t write like a robot. We’ve already mentioned the biggest cover letter cliché, “I am writing….” Also, please don’t say you’re a “self-starter” or a “team player.” Use forceful, original language, and write like a human being. Do not say, for instance: In consideration of your listing for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), I would like St. John’s Hospital to consider the candidacy of a professional, experienced health-care provider such as myself. Keep it real — the way a normal person speaks — and avoid word bloat.

The best way to avoid all these mistakes is to use one of the field-tested cover letter templates and professional guidance at resume.io. We can’t write the letter for you, but we will take the guesswork out of this crucial element of your job application.

Take your career growth to a new level with these 10 expert tips to writing and formatting the best cover letter.

Key takeaways

• Your cover letter is your personal introduction to a hiring manager, and your “elevator pitch” explaining why you’re the right candidate for the job.
• Unless you’re specifically asked not to submit a cover letter, always consider the cover letter an essential part of a job application.
• Follow proper cover letter structure and make sure each portion of your letter achieves what it’s supposed to.
• Use emotional language to trigger a personal response, offset by factual and rational language that positions you as the right candidate.

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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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Resume Worded   |  Career Strategy

13 general nurse cover letters.

Approved by real hiring managers, these General Nurse cover letters have been proven to get people hired in 2024. A hiring manager explains why.

Table of contents

• General Nurse
• Nurse Educator
• Registered Nurse
• Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Nurse Practitioner
• Registered Nurse - Critical Care
• Nurse Practitioner - Family Practice
• Alternative introductions for your cover letter
• General Nurse resume examples

General Nurse Cover Letter Example

Why this cover letter works in 2024, connection to the company.

This sentence effectively demonstrates the candidate's personal connection to the company and its values, which helps to establish genuine interest and enthusiasm for the role.

Highlighting Relevant Experience

By sharing specific accomplishments and experiences from their nursing career, the candidate showcases their ability to handle complex cases and work with multidisciplinary teams, proving their value as a General Nurse.

Aligning with Company Values

When you mention a company's values like their commitment to innovation and patient-centric care, it shows that you've made the effort to understand what they stand for. This resonates with hiring managers as it indicates you are more likely to be a cultural fit within their organization.

Showcase measurable impact

Sharing specific metrics, like a "30% decrease in readmission rates," gives a clear picture of your contribution and its significance. It's not just about what you did, but about the positive effect it had. This tells me you understand your role from a broader perspective and can deliver tangible results.

Highlighting mentorship and team growth

Improving staff retention by 25% through a mentorship program shows your ability to foster growth and teamwork. It underscores your leadership skills and your understanding of the importance of a cohesive and skilled team in healthcare.

Aligning personal and job-related values

When you stress your excitement about being a part of a team that leads medical innovation while prioritizing compassionate care, it shows alignment between your personal beliefs and the job's ethos. It shows me you're passionate about the role and that you understand our mission.

Professional and forward-looking closure

Your sign-off line is polite, expresses gratitude, and looks to the future. It shows a readiness to advance the conversation and contribute to the team, which is a great way to wrap up your cover letter.

Show your alignment with the hospital's values

When you share how your personal care philosophy matches the hospital's mission, it helps me see you're a good fit.

Highlight your patient care achievements

Talking about your successful projects and patient outcomes demonstrates your ability to make a real difference.

Demonstrate specialized skills in nursing

Mentioning your wound care success shows you have valuable expertise we need in treating diverse patient needs.

Express enthusiasm for teamwork in healthcare

When you mention looking forward to working with our team, it tells me you value collaboration as much as we do.

Close with a forward-looking statement

A polite thank-you and expressing eagerness to discuss your role further sets a positive, proactive tone.

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Connect Your Personal Experience With The Company's Mission

Sharing your experience at the health fair not only shows me you're familiar with Adventist Health but also that you're already a fan of our approach to care. This tells me you believe in what we do, making you a potentially great fit.

Showcase Your Core Nursing Skills And Accomplishments

Detailing your ability to manage a caseload and spearhead a project that significantly reduced patient falls gives me a clear picture of your competence and initiative. It's evidence you're a proactive problem-solver, exactly what we need.

Align Your Philosophy With The Company's

When your personal nursing philosophy mirrors ours, it's a big green light. It means you're likely to thrive in our environment and reinforces that you're not just looking for any job, but a role that fits your values.

Confidence Is Key

Stating your confidence in making a valuable contribution is compelling. It's not just about having the skills; it's knowing you have them and can use them to make a difference. That's the mindset of someone who gets things done.

Invite Further Discussion

Expressing eagerness for a discussion goes beyond just applying for a job; it invites a conversation. It shows you're ready to engage, share more about your fit for the role, and learn how you can contribute to our mission. It makes me want to pick up the phone.

Show your commitment as a general nurse

When you talk about your passion and years of experience, it tells me you're not just looking for any job. You want a place where you can grow and contribute meaningfully.

Highlight your skills and empathy in nursing

By mentioning your strong clinical skills and empathy, you're showing that you understand the core values of nursing. It's not just about technical skills, but also about caring for patients as individuals.

Mentorship experience matters

When you mention mentoring new nurses, it highlights your leadership skills and your commitment to improving the nursing profession. It shows you're a team player who's invested in the growth of others.

Align with the hospital’s goals

Saying you're drawn to the hospital's focus on improvement and innovation makes me see you as a proactive nurse who will drive positive changes in our patient care practices.

Express your interest in joining the team

Your willingness to discuss how you can contribute to our team shows a readiness to engage and a genuine interest in being part of our hospital's community.

Nurse Educator Cover Letter Example

Demonstrating initiative and results.

Creating workshops that led to a 40% improvement in emergency response time illustrates your proactive nature and your ability to influence real-world outcomes. It's a concrete example of your potential value as a Nurse Educator.

Illustrating effective training techniques

Increasing proficiency in critical care techniques by 50% through a simulation-based training program is a big deal. It's a testament to your innovative approach to training and your commitment to quality nursing care.

Connect your career goals with the role

Your excitement about shaping the future of nursing through education shows that you see the role as more than just a job. It demonstrates your commitment to the nursing profession and your alignment with Mayo Clinic's mission. This is important as it suggests that you would be highly motivated in the role.

Acknowledging and looking ahead

Expressing appreciation for the consideration of your application, while looking forward to potentially contributing to the educational programs, is a graceful and positive way to wrap things up. It's clear that you're ready and eager to move forward.

Registered Nurse Cover Letter Example

Connect your passion to the hospital’s reputation.

Sharing that you're drawn to our reputation for patient-centered care makes me confident in your commitment to our values.

Show impact with patient care initiatives

Describing your role in reducing patient falls by 30% showcases your direct impact on improving patient safety.

Emphasize your interest in healthcare innovation

Your excitement about joining a hospital known for innovation in patient care tells me you’re forward-thinking.

Acknowledge the hiring manager's time

Thanking me for reviewing your application shows your professionalism and respect for the hiring process.

State your eagerness to contribute

Conveying your eagerness to make a positive impact reassures me of your dedication to our patients and mission.

Show your nurse commitment

When you link your personal values with the hospital's mission, it shows you're not just looking for any job – you're looking for this job.

Building patient relationships is key

Highlighting your ability to connect with patients and their families shows that you understand the heart of nursing.

Community outreach enhances nurse roles

Mentioning your volunteer work emphasizes your dedication beyond the hospital walls and to the broader health of the community.

Passion for public health matters

Expressing eagerness to contribute to health initiatives shows you're a nurse who cares about the bigger picture.

Align your goals with the hospital's

Demonstrating how your personal nursing philosophy and skills match the hospital’s objectives indicates a symbiotic potential partnership.

Clinical Nurse Specialist Cover Letter Example

Show your alignment with the company's values.

When you pinpoint your attraction to Northwell Health's culture of excellence and innovation, it signals to me that you've done your homework and genuinely care about where you work. This isn't just a job to you; it's about being part of something bigger.

Quantify Your Achievements

Talking about slashing sepsis-related mortality rates by a whopping 25%? That's the kind of tangible impact we're looking for. It tells me you're not just going through the motions; you're saving lives and making real changes.

Highlight Your Enthusiasm For Specific Opportunities

Your excitement about our emphasis on collaboration and cutting-edge care jumps off the page. It makes me think you're going to hit the ground running, eager to contribute to what we're passionate about.

Politeness Goes A Long Way

A simple thank you can make your application more memorable. It's courteous, it's professional, and it shows you're someone who values others' time and consideration.

Express Your Eagerness To Contribute

When you talk about bringing your passion and expertise to our team, I'm convinced you're not just looking for any job – you're looking for this job. And that's exactly the kind of dedicated professional we want.

Nurse Practitioner Cover Letter Example

Match your nurse practitioner passion with the employer's model.

Showing admiration for the employer’s healthcare model immediately sets a common ground for your application.

Proactive patient care is crucial

Emphasizing your focus on empowering patients highlights your role as a facilitator of health, not just a provider of care.

Continuous learning as a nurse practitioner

Mentioning your dedication to evidence-based practice and quality improvement underlines your commitment to the profession’s highest standards.

Contribute to the mission of affordable care

Your excitement to support the employer's mission shows you're invested in making a real difference.

Discuss alignment with the healthcare provider's goals

Requesting a discussion about how your qualifications meet the employer's needs suggests you’re looking for a meaningful, long-term engagement.

Registered Nurse - Critical Care Cover Letter Example

State your interest in critical care nursing.

Starting your cover letter by clearly stating your interest in the critical care position immediately tells me where your passion lies. It's important to be direct about your goals.

Demonstrate your expertise in critical situations

Talking about your experience in managing complex cases in the ICU shows that you're not just experienced, but also capable of handling the high-stress situations characteristic of critical care nursing.

Lead by example in critical care

By organizing training sessions, you're showing initiative and a commitment to not just your own growth, but also the improvement of the entire ICU team. This is a key quality in a critical care environment.

Match your ambitions with the hospital’s reputation

Your admiration for the hospital's excellence in critical care and commitment to technology and research shows that you're looking for a place where you can both contribute and grow professionally.

Show eagerness to discuss your role

Asking for the opportunity to discuss your qualifications further demonstrates a proactive approach and a strong desire to be part of the team. It shows you're already thinking about how you can fit into and benefit the hospital.

Nurse Practitioner - Family Practice Cover Letter Example

Start with clarity.

Begin your cover letter by directly stating the position you're applying for. This approach shows focus and helps the reader understand your intent without confusion.

Show your nurse practitioner impact

Talk about your experience and key achievements. Highlighting your strong clinical skills, commitment to best practices, and the ability to create trust with patients demonstrates your readiness for the role.

Highlight teamwork in healthcare

Emphasize your experience working with teams to create patient care plans. This shows you understand the importance of collaboration in healthcare settings.

Connect with the clinic's mission

Express why you're drawn to the clinic's goals. Showing alignment with their mission suggests you will be a motivated and committed team member.

Close with an invitation to discuss

Ending your cover letter by inviting further discussion about your fit for the role is a proactive step. It shows eagerness and openness for dialogue.

Alternative Introductions

If you're struggling to start your cover letter, here are 6 different variations that have worked for others, along with why they worked. Use them as inspiration for your introductory paragraph.

Published in

Cover letters

Nursing Cover Letter (15 Best Sample Letters & Templates)

Nursing is one of the most important and fulfilling jobs in the job industry. Nurses stand with patients by the bedside, helping them to concur with various illnesses and providing them with healthy caregiving services. Just like any other competitive job in the employment industry, finding a nursing job can sometimes be challenging. That is why you need to arm yourself with a well-crafted nursing cover letter that well presents your qualifications.

What is a Nursing Cover Letter?

A Nursing Cover Letter is a document that a registered nurse uses when applying for a nursing job. It offers the applicant an opportunity to expand on his or her experience and skills. Additionally, the Nursing Cover Letter presents the nurse with an opportunity to express their interest in a nursing position within a healthcare facility. In many cases, your potential employers will be impressed first by your cover letter. If it’s impressive enough, you will always win your ticket to an interview. When writing your nursing cover letter, always remember several applicants eyeing for the same position. Therefore, in order to stand tall from the crowd, it’s essential that you have a professionally written letter.

Skills to be added

When writing a nursing cover letter, specific key skills should be added. These skills can be categorized into two parts; personal skills (primary/essential nursing skills) and soft skills.

Key nursing skills:

These skills are essential and expected of all nurses. They include computer literacy, bedside monitoring, accounting, billing software, knowledge of medications, monitoring vital skills, patient and family education, patient evaluation and assessment, maintaining patient charts, providing counseling, etc.

Soft skills:

Soft skills are the more approachable skills that can be developed to enhance or supplement your overall skill set. Examples of soft skills include teamwork, patience, people skills, initiative, conflict resolution, compassion, adaptability, prioritization, multitasking, problem-solving skills, interpersonal skills, customer service skills, leadership skills, etc.

How to Write a Nursing Cover Letter

Now that you have the tips at your fingers, writing a Nursing Cover Letter shouldn’t be a grim. In order to get you started, you can use the following step by step guides:

Write your name and personal information

First, you need to start your Nursing Cover Letter by writing down your official names then followed by contact information. Also, you need to include the official address of your physical residence.

Once you’ve listed down your personal details, the next step is to indicate the date in which the letter is being written. The Date should be placed just below the address.

Recipient’s information details

In this section, you need to include the name, contact information, and recipient address. Just in case you don’t have the above information, you can always refer to the company’s website for more information.

Opening paragraph

Start your letter with an official greeting. For instance, you can say ‘Hello,’ or ‘Dear Sir.’ Make sure your opening paragraphs are brief and communicate your enthusiasm for the applied post.

Once you are through with your introduction, you need to proceed with the body paragraphs. Here, you will make the reader understand your qualifications, your skills, and experience in the industry. The body paragraph should be detailed enough with the necessary contents to convince the reader that you are the best candidate for the job.

Moreover, don’t forget to mention your key qualifications as per the job descriptions. You can also include your past achievements, awards, or any other impacts you’ve made within the nursing industry in the past. Lastly, convince the reader that you intend to use your skills and experience to impact the job post you are applying for positively.

Conclude your letter

After the body paragraph, you need to summarize your cover letter by reiterating the reason why you are fit for the role. Again, show your passion and enthusiasm towards the job post. Also, don’t forget to include a call to action. This will make your potential employers want to make contact.

The last part of your nursing cover letter should be the sign-offs. You can write ‘Sincerely,’ before writing down your full names, followed by your signature.

Sample Letters and Examples

Nursing cover letter sample.

[Applicants Name]

[Applicants Address]

[Applicants Contacts]

[Recipients Name]

[Recipients Address]

[Recipients Contacts]

Dear Mr. /Mrs. /Ms. [Hiring managers name],

I am excited to apply for the position of the nurse as advertised on your company’s website. With my experience, skills, and expertise, I believe I am the rightful candidate for this job.

I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Hopkins Medical School. Besides, I have over five years’ experience working as a registered nurse at Metropolitan Medical Center. I am an organized, independent, and dedicated person with excellent skills in nursing. My commitment and dedication to serving my patients are always unshakable. Besides, I have excellent leadership skills. This helps me work and interact freely with my staff so as to achieve a collective goal.

Currently, I work at Johns Hospital, where I am charged with the responsibility to evaluate patients’ medical conditions on a daily basis. Also, I coordinate workforce management among my colleague nurses as well as other subordinates. While serving at the Johns Hospital, I have managed to win three awards for the most dedicated nurse on three consecutive occasions.

My experience and skill mastery makes me the best candidate to fill your vacancy. I firmly believe that my relationship with your company will be of mutual benefit. While it is a guarantee I will offer a positive impact on the quality of health delivery in your hospital, I will also get the chance to develop my career entirely. I am highly optimistic and looking forward to hearing back from you. I would love to talk about my skills further during an interview. Please find my attached resume and work history.

[Signature]

Tips for Writing an Outstanding Nursing Cover Letter

For you to write a notable nursing cover letter, there are some key secrets you need to keep in mind. These include the following:

• You need to personalize your cover letter. In other words, own your wordings and relate the position to your own experience, skills, and expertise.
• Identify what the reader (hiring manager, interviewer, or human resource) wants and precisely respond to.
• Give references to your expertise where necessary.
• Be zealous when writing the cover letter
• Refrain from using common opening lines such as ‘to whom it may confirm.’ Instead, use greetings such as ‘Dear’ followed by the person’s Name.
• Your cover letter should be clear, precise, and concise to make it captivating enough.
• Make good use of official and polite language.
• At the conclusion, make sure you include a strong line stating your willingness to share in detail your experiences.

Writing a great nursing cover letter is about knowing the right words to say. It is also a matter of personal style, judging your strengths, and identifying the type of nursing position you are best suited for. A well-crafted nursing cover letter can help you land an interview for the position you want and give management a good idea about your personality and work style. Your nursing cover letter should be tailored to the specific requirements of the position you are applying for and reflect your best skills and experience. It should also make a direct, convincing argument for why you would be an asset to the company.

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Nursing Cover Letter Sample

As 439,300 new nursing careers are added to the job market between now and 2024, your cover letter should help you land an interview – not hurt you. It should be a valuable tool that increases your chances of employment. But is it?

Many companies are using applicant tracking systems (ATS) to sort and screen resumes, so using a writing service that specializes in healthcare cover letters, like TopResume, can ensure that your application gets through those systems with ease – and doesn’t get tossed aside.

Nursing Cover Letter Flaws to Fix

If you’re applying to jobs that require a healthcare cover letter, it’s important to ditch the errors that could ruin your chances. Such mistakes include:

• It lists references. A cover letter is not the best place for a list of references. Save this list for a separate document that can be given to the recruiter or hiring manager at the end of the interview process.
• It puts the reader to sleep. What's the purpose of having a healthcare cover letter if all it does is bore the reader? Don't make this impression. Keep the cover letter writing light, to-the-point and informative so it keeps the hiring manager interested all the way through.
• It’s clearly a template. As the hiring manager sifts through tens, sometimes hundreds of applications, you don't want yours to have the exact wording and structure as five others. Your nursing cover letter should follow a structured format, but the material within should be unique to yourself and what you can offer a healthcare facility.
• It has typos and/or grammatical errors. A good way to get a hiring manager to toss your cover letter in the trash is to forget about proofreading. If it's riddled with errors, it comes across as unprofessional. It also shows you didn't care enough to check for mistakes before submitting your job application.

Now that you’ve seen a nursing cover letter sample, how does yours stack up? Do you have revisions to make? Two of our resume packages (Career Evolution and Executive Priority) include cover letter writing. We guarantee you’ll get 2x more job interviews within 60 days or we’ll rewrite your resume for free.

Get the nursing interview you’re hoping for. Use our cover letter writing service today!

Samples by Category

• Executive Assistant
• Executive/CEO
• Nursing (Healthcare)

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Nurse cover letter examples. 7 format to get you the job

Nurse cover letter examples.

Are you embarking on a journey toward a new nursing job? Crafting a compelling cover letter is critical. This guide will explore seven nurse cover letter examples, equipping you with the tools to create impactful introductions tailored to various roles. From registered nurses to new grads and specialized positions, let's dive into crafting cover letters that elevate your nursing career.

Select your cover letter sample

• Registered nurse job cover letter example
• Remote nursing job cover letter example
• Transport nurse job cover letter example
• School nurse job cover letter example
• Nurse practitioner job cover letter example
• Telehealth or work-from-home nurse job cover letter sample
• New Grad nurse cover letter example
• How to write a cover letter for a nurse job

Registered nurse cover letter sample

[Your Name] [Your Address] Hiring Manager [Organization Name] I am writing to express my interest in the Registered Nurse position at ABC Aged Care Facility, as advertised. With a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, current AHPRA registration, and [insert years of experience] years of experience as a Registered Nurse, I am eager to bring my expertise in clinical care to your modern 32-bed facility in beautiful Bridgetown.

Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a commitment to providing high-quality clinical care that respects the dignity and promotes the wellbeing of residents. My experience has honed my skills in clinical supervision, resident care, and the ability to foster meaningful connections with residents and their families. I am particularly drawn to ABC’s focus on staff and resident wellbeing and the opportunities for professional development and career advancement you offer.

I have a proven track record of effective communication and problem-solving skills, enabling me to accurately assess resident needs and contribute positively to the team environment. My commitment to ongoing professional development has equipped me with the knowledge and skills to excel in a supportive and flexible working environment like ABC.

I am enthusiastic about the possibility of contributing to your team and making a positive impact on your residents' lives. I am also interested in discussing how the flexible roster and accommodation options can support my integration into the community.

Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to discussing how my qualifications and experiences align with the needs of ABC Aged Care Facility. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience. I can be reached at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email].

Sincerely,  

Remote Area nurse cover letter sample

[Your Name] [Your Address] Hiring Manager [Organization Name]

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the advertised Remote Area Nurse (RAN) position. With over five years of general nursing experience, including significant work in remote and rural settings, I am eager to bring my passion for emergency response, patient triaging, and chronic disease management to [Organization Name]. My background provides a strong foundation in providing culturally appropriate and high-quality nursing care across community nursing, primary health care, and emergency healthcare services.

Having worked extensively in remote areas, including [insert any specific locations or experiences, if any], I understand these settings' unique challenges and opportunities. My experience has honed my ability to work effectively independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating closely with visiting healthcare teams to ensure an integrated service approach. I am particularly passionate about utilizing my knowledge of population health and health promotion to make a meaningful difference in the lives of remote South Australians.

My commitment to primary health care and community development is matched by my skills in effective communication, initiative, and resilience, both emotionally and physically. These attributes, coupled with my demonstrated understanding of the social determinants of health, equip me to contribute positively to your team and the communities you serve.

I am motivated by the opportunity to join [Organization Name] and contribute to improving health outcomes for individuals in remote and rural communities. I am keen to bring my skills and experiences to your esteemed organization and look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing this exciting opportunity with you. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience. I can be reached at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email].

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Transport nurse cover letter sample

[Your Name] [Your Address] Hiring Manager [Organization’s Name]  

I am writing to express my strong interest in the casual ground transport nurse position at your ABC base, as advertised. With over three years of post-graduate experience as a Registered Nurse, current registration with AHPRA, and a solid patient care and coordination foundation, I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to your team.

Although my primary nursing experience has been in [insert your area of expertise or most recent nursing role], I possess a keen interest and understanding of the dynamics of patient transport within healthcare settings. My background has equipped me with robust communication and interpersonal skills, essential for liaising effectively with drivers, hospitals, and flight nurses to ensure seamless patient transitions. I am particularly attracted to this role's unique blend of clinical care and logistical coordination, offering a fulfilling path as I transition towards retirement.

I am committed to the wellbeing of every patient under my care, demonstrated through meticulous attention to their needs and comfort during transport. My experience has honed my ability to swiftly assess and respond to patient conditions, ensuring their stability and safety en route. Eager to expand my expertise in transport nursing, I am ready to embrace the support and training provided by your esteemed organization to excel in this role.

Additionally, I meet all the requirements for the position, including the willingness to obtain a National Police Check, Working with Children Check, and fulfilling the immunization schedule for category A Healthcare workers. My dedication to continuous professional development and adherence to health and safety protocols will significantly contribute to your team.

I am excited about the possibility of bringing my diverse skill set and experience to your organization. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to the excellence and reliability of your patient transport services. Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to join your esteemed team potentially and can be reached at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email] to arrange an interview.

School Nurse job cover letter example

Your Name] [Date] [Principal’s Name] [School Address] Dear [Principal’s Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the Registered Nurse position at ABC School, as advertised. With a solid background in nursing, including extensive experience in providing both physical and mental health care, I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to the wellbeing and safety of students within your school community.

In my previous roles, I have demonstrated a solid ability to offer expert first-aid care and support to individuals with complex medical conditions and mental health challenges. My experience developing and implementing health policies and procedures in accordance with relevant legislation positions me well to work alongside the Director of Student Welfare in establishing an effective first aid room service that is compliant with healthcare regulations.

My commitment to fostering a supportive environment extends beyond clinical care. I believe in creating strong, trusting relationships with students, staff, and parents alike, ensuring that the school's health services enhance the educational experience and support ABC School's overall mission. My approach is always student-centred, nurturing students' abilities while ensuring their health and wellbeing.

I am drawn to ABC School's family atmosphere and personalized, nurturing education. I am keen to bring my expertise in nursing and passion for youth wellbeing to your team, contributing to a safe and supportive school environment where students can thrive.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss further how I can contribute to the health and safety of the ABC school. I am available for an interview at your convenience and can be reached at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email].

Sample for Nurse practitioner job cover letter example

[Your Name] [Your Address] Hiring Manager [Organization Name] Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the surgical nurse position at your esteemed institution, as detailed in the job description. With a Master’s in Nursing, APRN – NP licensure, RN First Assist Certification, and [insert years of experience] years of experience in specialized surgical areas, I am well-prepared to provide advanced nursing care under the direction of a surgeon.

Throughout my career, I have honed my skills in conducting complex patient care procedures, performing patient assessments and physical examinations, and executing minor surgical procedures. My experience aligns with the position's key accountabilities, including coordinating patient care plans, managing pre-operative and post-operative care, and utilizing advanced assessment skills to anticipate and address complex patient problems specific to surgery.

I am particularly drawn to this role because of its emphasis on collaboration and patient education. My approach to patient care has always been holistic, emphasizing the technical aspects of nursing and the importance of educating patients and their families on medical processes, medication, nutrition, and health promotion. This role’s focus on collaboration with patients, families, clinicians, and referral services resonates with my professional philosophy and experience.

My certifications, including my Current {state} Licensure as a Registered Nurse and APRN – NP, along with BLS certification, equip me with the qualifications needed to excel in this role. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to your team and to further develop my skills in a supportive and challenging environment.

I am eager to bring my expertise in surgical nursing to [Organization Name], where I can contribute to patients' wellbeing and recovery. I look forward to discussing how my background, skills, and certifications make me the perfect candidate for this position. I am available for an interview at your convenience and can be reached at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email].

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to contributing to your team.

Sincerely, [Your Name

Sample for Telehealth or Work from-home nurse job cover letter examples

[Your Name] [Your Address] Hiring Manager  

I am writing to express my enthusiasm for the telehealth nurse position advertised by your organization. With over three years of comprehensive experience in [mention your primary area of nursing, e.g., acute or primary health care], I am excited to contribute to improving access to healthcare nationwide through your innovative 24/7 service. My background in emergency, triage, and [any other relevant experience] nursing has equipped me with the necessary skills to deliver high-quality care and advice remotely.

The prospect of working flexibly from anywhere aligns perfectly with my professional goals and personal commitments. I am particularly drawn to this role's opportunity to expand my expertise across a diverse range of nursing domains. My dedication to continuous professional development has seen me actively engage in CPD activities to ensure my practice remains at the forefront of nursing excellence, in line with AHPRA requirements.

In my current/previous role [tailor this based on your experience], I have demonstrated a keen ability to provide efficient assessment, advice, triage, and referral assistance in a high-paced environment. My experience in handling both inbound and outbound calls, my proficiency in IT and strong oral and written communication skills ensure that I can effectively meet the demands of a telehealth nursing role. I am known for my patience, professionalism, and ability to build rapport and trust quickly, which are crucial for delivering patient-centred care remotely.

I am excited about the chance to work in a team that values hard work, supports success, and celebrates success. I am committed to contributing to such an environment and eager to bring my skills in quick problem-solving, governance, and compliance to your team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background, skills, and enthusiasm align with the needs of your team. I am available for an interview at your convenience and can be reached at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email].

New graduate nurse cover letter for a staff nurse

I am writing to express my enthusiasm for the nursing position advertised at ABC Centre, as listed on [where you found the job posting]. As a recent nursing graduate from [Your University], I am eager to bring my foundational nursing knowledge, dedication to providing empathetic patient care, and ability to adapt to challenging situations to the Fulham team quickly.

During my clinical placements at [Name of Hospitals or Clinics], I worked in diverse settings, including [mention any specific departments or units, e.g., emergency care, if applicable]. These experiences honed my nursing skills, particularly in conducting health assessments, administering medications, and contributing to patient care plans. My education and hands-on practice have prepared me to face the fast-paced and unique challenges of nursing within a correctional setting.

I am drawn to ABC Centre's comprehensive and professional nursing services because of its commitment to delivering high-quality care in a correctional environment. The role's focus on emergency care, health promotion, and interdisciplinary collaboration aligns with my career aspirations and passion for making a meaningful difference in patients' lives.

My ability to communicate effectively and empathetically was further developed through [any relevant experiences, such as volunteer work, presentations, or group projects in your studies]. I am committed to leveraging these skills to support the health and wellbeing of ABC Centre's diverse patient population, recognizing the importance of cultural awareness and resilience.

I am excited about the prospect of joining ABC Centre as a new graduate and contributing to your team. I want to discuss how my background, skills, and enthusiasm can help your nursing team achieve its goals. Thank you for considering my application.

I look forward to the opportunity to discuss it in further detail.

How to write a cover letter for a nursing job

Writing a cover letter for a nursing job involves conveying your qualifications, experiences, and enthusiasm for the role. Here's a simplified guide on how to write a cover letter for a nursing job

• Introduction:
• Begin with a professional greeting.
• Mention the nursing position you're applying for.
• State where you found the job listing (e.g., hospital website, job board).
• Education and Credentials:
• Highlight your nursing degree (e.g., BSN, MSN) and the institution.
• Include any certifications relevant to the nursing field (e.g., Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse).
• Clinical Experience:
• Detail your hands-on nursing experience, including clinical rotations or previous nursing positions.
• Mention specific areas of expertise or units you’ve worked in (e.g., pediatrics, emergency care, ICU).
• Skills and Competencies:
• Emphasize core nursing skills (e.g., patient care, medication administration, wound care).
• Highlight soft skills critical to nursing (e.g., compassion, communication, teamwork).
• Professional Achievements:
• Note any recognitions or awards received in the course of your nursing career.
• Describe any successful projects or initiatives you led or contributed to significantly.
• Personal Qualities:
• Convey personal attributes that make you an excellent fit for the role (e.g., resilience, attention to detail, empathy).
• Knowledge of the Facility:
• Show that you’ve done your research by mentioning something specific about the hospital or clinic (e.g., its mission, values, patient care philosophy).
• Express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to patient care at the facility.
• State your availability for an interview and include your contact information.
• Thank the hiring manager for considering your application.

Closing comments

In conclusion, mastering the art of crafting a standout nursing job cover letter is essential for propelling your career forward. Following the examples and tips outlined in this guide, you can confidently tailor your cover letters to specific roles, showcasing your qualifications, experiences, and passion for nursing. Remember to highlight your unique skills, achievements, and dedication to patient care while demonstrating your understanding of the facility's values and mission. With each cover letter you send, you're not just applying for a job – you're telling your professional story and positioning yourself as the ideal candidate. So, embrace the opportunity to stand out, and let your cover letter pave the way to exciting new opportunities in the dynamic nursing field. Best of luck on your journey!

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Nurse Cover Letter Example

Whether you’ve just finished nursing school and are searching for your first job or you’ve been in the nursing profession for a while and just want a change of scenery, you’ll need a strong cover letter to get where you want to go. In this guide to nursing cover letters, you’ll learn practical tips to support your job search and make your application stand out.

Why a profession-specific cover letter matters 

Whereas a resume or CV is a concise rundown of your skills, experience, and certifications, a cover letter offers a chance to showcase your personality, values, and career goals. Your nursing cover letter should offer a quick, concise glimpse into who you are as a nursing professional.

This is your chance to showcase your passion for providing quality patient care and demonstrate your critical thinking skills. You should also briefly explain why you want to work at the medical facility that posted the job. When hiring managers understand who you are and what motivates you, they’ll feel more confident bringing you into the fold.

Key components of a nursing-specific cover letter 

Your nursing cover letter needs to include a broad spectrum of information about your nursing education, quality patient care, and nursing skills. It should also include the following key components:

• Personalized Greeting: Address the hiring manager by name to show attention to detail and avoid sounding generic
• Introduction: Clearly state the nursing position you’re applying for and how you learned about it
• Professional Experience: Recap your nursing experience, focusing on relevant areas to the position; mention specific roles, responsibilities, and achievements
• Skills and Certifications: Highlight any special skills or certifications that set you apart, such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC)
• Personal Attributes: Outline your soft skills and attributes, such as communication, emotional intelligence, and passion
• Motivation and Enthusiasm: Express your enthusiasm for the position and medical facility you’re applying to
• Closing Statement: Conclude by summarizing your qualifications, expressing your desire for an interview, and thanking the reader for their time

To land your dream job, you’ll need an eye-catching cover letter and a well-organized resume to match. If you need a rundown of what to include on your resume, check out our helpful resume examples . Before you know it, you’ll be sending out applications and booking interviews.

Nurse Cover letter format 

Much like your resume , your nurse cover letter should follow a standardized format to ensure that it includes all requisite information. Here’s the basic structure:

• Header: Include your contact information at the top, followed by the date, then the employer’s contact information
• Greetings: If you know the hiring manager’s name, address them directly 
• Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and state the position you’re applying for
• Body: Sum up your experience, skills, and motivation in a few paragraphs
• Closing: Express your interest in an interview, thank the reader, and mention why you believe you’d be an asset to the organization
• Signature: End with a professional closing and your signature

While your nursing cover letter needs to include lots of information, hiring managers don’t want to read your life story. Stick to this basic format and make sure every sentence has a purpose and helps you stand out from other applicants.

Sample cover letter for nursing

Jane Cares [email protected] (512) 555-5555 Austin, TX 73301

Sandra Hyres Austin Rehabilitation Center  123 Main St, Austin, TX 73301  30 October 2023

Dear Ms. Hyres,

My name is Jane Cares, and I am writing to express my interest in the Registered Nurse position at Austin Rehabilitation Center as advertised on Jobseeker. With a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Fairfield University and four years of dedicated experience in a fast-paced hospital setting, I am eager to bring my blend of clinical expertise and compassionate patient care to your healthcare team.

In my current role at Austin Hospital, I handle a diverse set of responsibilities that range from administering medications and developing patient care plans to assisting with emergency care and offering emotional support to patients and their families. I primarily work with elderly patients and those recovering from major operations, which has provided me with a skill set that aligns with the objectives and scope of care provided by your facility. 

My experience in the palliative care department has instilled in me the importance not just of clinical skills but also empathy, patience, and effective communication. I am proud of my involvement in a project to improve patient satisfaction scores, which we successfully raised by 10% through targeted improvements in patient communication and care protocols.

I am drawn to Austin Rehabilitation Center because of its commitment to extending the quality of life of its patients and its innovative rehabilitation program. I share this commitment and am excited about the opportunity to contribute to such a forward-thinking initiative. 

Furthermore, I am adept at working in interdisciplinary teams and remain calm and effective in high-pressure situations. I possess considerable proficiency in electronic health record systems and have acquired numerous certifications. I am also a fast learner and will be able to quickly acclimate to your organization’s record-keeping and charting software.

I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to bring my unique skills and passion for nursing to Austin Rehabilitation Center. I am dedicated to providing the highest quality of care and continuing to develop professionally to meet the ever-evolving demands of the nursing profession.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my experience and commitment to nursing excellence can contribute to the compassionate care that Austin Rehabilitation Center provides. I am available at your convenience for an interview. 

Respectfully,

Attachments: Resume

Dos and Don’ts 

As you look over various nursing cover letter examples, it’s wise to remember some general “dos” and “don’ts” that will help you write a great letter.

• Tailor each cover letter to the specific job and facility
• Use a professional tone and clear language
• Highlight your achievements with specific examples
• Show your knowledge about the healthcare facility and its values
• Proofread for grammar and spelling errors 
• Use a generic cover letter
• Include irrelevant personal information or overly personal anecdotes
• Simply repeat your resume; instead, provide context and depth to your experiences
• Underestimate the value of a great closing statement
• Forget to follow up if you haven’t heard back in a week or two

It’s also important to make sure your resume template and nurse cover letter template match — you can imagine how embarrassing it would be if there were subtle (or not-so-subtle) discrepancies between the two documents. Even something as small as a variation in font size and style could hurt your chances of landing the job. 

Additional tips 

As you can see, a lot goes into creating the ideal nursing cover letter. Here are some extra nursing cover letter tips to help you craft the perfect cover letter. 

• Research the Facility: Understanding its culture, values, and patient population can help you customize your cover letter
• Use Keywords: Many healthcare facilities use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to process resumes and cover letters; use keywords in your cover letter to help your application make it past these systems
• Be Concise: Limit your cover letter to one page, as the hiring managers will likely be reviewing dozens of applications 
• Tell a Story: When appropriate, use a brief story to illustrate your passion for nursing and relevant experience
• Follow Up: If you haven’t heard back in a week or two, send a polite follow-up email

We recommend checking out our CV examples so you can craft the perfect resume to go with your cover letter.

Distinguish yourself with our nursing cover letter examples 

When it comes to writing a cover letter, nursing professionals like yourself must adhere to established best practices while finding ways to make your application stand out. This can admittedly be tough, especially if you’re new to the nursing profession or are participating in a highly competitive hiring process.

The good news is that our nursing cover letter templates can jumpstart your writing process. Make sure to check out our resume and CV templates too. Together, Jobseeker’s vast selection of resources will take the hassle out of applying for nursing jobs and help you land the position of your dreams.

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ATS Resume Templates

Download an ATS-friendly resume template for free. These templates can be edited in Microsoft Word and can be accurately scanned by an applicant tracking system.

If you’ve made it to this page, then you probably already know more about applicant tracking systems (ATS) than the average job seeker. That gives you an advantage! Why?

Many companies use ATS to manage resumes and applications. In fact, Jobscan research shows that over 97% of Fortune 500 companies use an ATS.

If an ATS can’t read or understand the information on your resume, then your application might not be seen when a recruiter searches for candidates with specific skills or experience – even if you have those skills or the experience!

Your resume needs to be ATS-friendly in order to give you the best chance of getting a job interview. That means that you need an ATS resume template.

We’ve designed 15 ATS resume templates that can be downloaded as Microsoft Word files and easily edited. Download one for free or use our free resume builder to get a customized ATS-friendly resume in minutes.

Free ATS Resume Templates

Executive and Management ATS-Friendly Resume Templates

As a leader, you want your experience and accomplishments to shine. These resume templates give you opportunities to show the measurable results you’ve achieved, as well as your hard and soft skills .

Using correct formatting is critical here. The ATS needs to be able to parse all of that vital information and categorize it correctly. You also need your resume to be searchable by an ATS so that when a recruiter filters candidates by skills, your application stays on the list.

Entry-Level ATS-Friendly Resume Templates

You might not think you have a lot to show on your resume, but you do! These templates provide sections where you can highlight your education, internships, volunteer experience , personal accomplishments, and more.

An ATS-friendly resume will help you get found by recruiters and hiring managers. This is important because an entry-level position could have hundreds of applicants! Use these templates to make sure the ATS picks up your skills and experience.

Make your resume faster with our free resume builder

Write your resume the free and easy way with the only resume builder designed specifically with ATS-compliant resume templates.

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ATS Resume Templates - What You Need to Know

How to make the perfect ats resume.

Remember, an ATS is just a computer filing system. It needs to be able to scan and understand the text on your resume in order to correctly parse the information and sort it properly.

An ATS will never auto-reject a resume, but an ATS optimized resume does make it easier for a recruiter to find you among the sea of applicants.

Even more importantly, an ATS-friendly resume naturally follows expert-recommended resume writing standards as well. That means that when the recruiter personally views your resume, it will include the relevant information they’re looking for and will be formatted in a way that makes it easier to read

Follow these tips for making the perfect ATS resume :

1. Tailor your resume to the job you are applying for

Focus on quality over quantity. Each job you apply for is unique, even if they all have the same title. Every company has different needs for that role. The job description will make it clear which hard skills, soft skills, experience, and education the company is looking for. So tailor your resume to show them that you are the perfect candidate.

Tailoring each and every resume can be time consuming, but it’s worth the effort!

You can speed up this process by using a tool like Jobscan’s resume scanner . Powered by AI-technology , this tool analyzes your resume against the job description and provides you with a resume score that tells you how closely your resume matches the job description. It also tells you exactly what you need to do to increase your score.

2. Match your resume keywords to skills found in the job description

Recruiters might use an ATS’ search function to find applicants with specific skills. How do you know what skills they will search for? By examining the job listing. Use a resume scanner to automatically pick out the hard and soft skills the recruiter might search for, and then include those on your resume.

Even if the recruiter doesn’t search applications for those skills, they’ll definitely be looking for mentions of them on each resume they review.

3. Use long-form and acronym versions of keywords

Some ATS will only return resumes with the exact keywords the recruiters would search for. For example, if you included “Search Engine Optimization” in your resume but the recruiter searched for “SEO,” your profile may not appear in the results. Try to include both the acronym and the unabbreviated form of the term.

Use a tool like Jobscan’s resume fixer to make sure your resume doesn’t contain mistakes that will eliminate you from consideration.

4. Use Chronological or Hybrid resume format to write your resume .

Recruiters do not like the functional resume format . Unless you’re making a career change, a functional resume is going to work against you. (And even then, we recommend you steer clear of the format for a career change resume .)

The best format for the ATS is traditional reverse chronological. You can also use chronological and hybrid resume formats as these are familiar to most recruiters.

5. Use an easy-to-read, traditional font

For readability, use a traditional serif or sans serif font. Untraditional or “fancy” fonts can cause parsing errors, which means the full text of your resume won’t be searchable.

6. Use standard resume section headings

Section headers like “Where I’ve Been” in place of “Work Experience” will confuse applicant tracking systems, causing them to organize information incorrectly.

7. Save your file as a .docx if possible

A docx file is most compatible with ATS.

What is the best resume format for ATS?

There are three standard resume formats to choose from in your job search. They shape your first impression and determine the way recruiters and hiring managers view your fit as an applicant.

Your resume formatting can also determine how well your resume is parsed within an applicant tracking system (ATS) and how likely you are to be noticed as a result.

Regardless of the format you use, the most important thing is to use standard section headings like Experience, Skills, and Education. That will make it easier for the ATS to categorize the text.

How to tailor your ATS-friendly resume to a job

Tailoring your resume proves to recruiters that you’re an experienced professional. Most importantly, it shows them that you’re the perfect fit for this role.

Follow these three steps for tailoring your resume to a job description:

1. Examine the specific job description of the position

Go line by line through the job description and ask yourself these questions:

• “Does my resume experience section clearly state that I can do what’s required of this role?”
• “Am I using the same language found in the job description or job posting?”

You might find several different or missing skills and keywords in your generic resume.

2. Match skills and keywords from the job description

Mirroring the language, keywords, and buzzwords found within the job description is the easiest way to demonstrate you’re a better match than the competition.

The best way to show you’re the best fit for the position is to take words from the job posting and strategically put them in your job descriptions and other resume sections. A resume scanner will automatically pull out these keywords in seconds and speed up this process.

3. Write your job title clearly

Recruiters might search for people who have done the job they’re hiring, so list your job titles clearly and match the titles to the one in the job posting when possible. If you haven’t held the job before, list it under your name at the top or as part of your summary section.

What is Applicant Tracking Software (ATS)?

An applicant tracking system (ATS) is software used to assist with human resources, recruitment, and hiring. While each system offers a different package of features, applicant tracking systems are primarily used to help hiring companies organize and navigate large numbers of applicants.

For example, an ATS stores job candidate information like resumes, cover letters, references, and other recruitment and hiring data that HR teams can easily access and organize. It will also track job candidates and their application status throughout the hiring pipeline.

Ultimately, an ATS automates time-consuming administrative tasks such as manually screening applicants, reading resumes, scheduling interviews, and sending notifications and emails to job candidates and employees.

Can you add graphics to your resume?

When it comes to creating an ATS-friendly resume , the rule is: The simpler, the better. ATS are improving at scanning different formatting features, but not all of them are good at this.

Adding graphics and images could cause ATS parsing errors , which means the text on your resume won’t be fully searchable or accurately categorized by an ATS. We recommend that job seekers err on the side of caution. Avoid graphics, images, and photos.

Are Google Docs or Microsoft resume templates ATS-friendly?

They can be. We talked about some formatting features to avoid on your resume – fancy graphics and non-traditional fonts. Those features can trip up an ATS, even if they’re on a Word document or Google Docs file.

However, as long as you follow the guidelines on this page, or use one of these ATS resume templates, you’ll be fine.

How to get your cover letter past the ATS?

To increase your cover letter’s chances of passing an ATS, focus on using a clean format without complex formatting, incorporate relevant keywords and phrases from the job description, and ensure that your content is easy for the ATS to parse.

Consider using a tool like Jobscan’s cover letter generator to help you create an ATS-friendly cover letter. If you already have a cover letter, run it through our cover letter checker tool to get personalized feedback on how to improve your cover letter and make it more compelling to employers.

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Score your resume and start optimizing it to get more job interviews