Diving into the job market, you've likely realized that a standout resume isn't enough; a general nurse cover letter is your next hurdle. It's not about echoing your resume; it's your chance to weave a compelling narrative around your proudest nursing feat. Striking the balance between formality and a refreshing absence of clichés can be tricky, especially when you're confined to one page. Let's explore how to craft a cover letter that's as engaging as it is concise.
- Step your best foot forward in the general nurse cover letter introduction;
- Be inspired by other professionals' certified cover letters;
- Structure your general nurse cover letter to feature what matters most;
- Close off your general nurse cover letter to make a memorable impression on recruiters.
But where to start writing? Upload your resume into Enhancv's AI, which will prepare your general nurse cover letter (all you need to do is personalize it, and you'll be good to go).
If the general 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
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- Entry Level Dental Assistant cover letter example
- Charge Nurse cover letter example
- Nursing Assistant cover letter example
- Front Office Medical Assistant cover letter example
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General Nurse cover letter example
Taylor Foster
Chicago, IL
+1-(234)-555-1234
help@enhancv.com
- Quantify achievements - The cover letter provides specific percentages when describing improvements in patient transfer protocols and recovery times, which helps to solidify the candidate's accomplishments and demonstrates a measurable impact on patient care.
- Relevant experience - It mentions the candidate's previous roles in similar healthcare environments, which assures the hiring manager, that the experience is directly applicable to the position at Mercy Hospital.
- Alignment with institution's values - The cover letter makes a clear connection between the candidate's professional philosophy and the hospital's commitment to patient-centered care, showing that the candidate's values are in line with the organization’s.
- Call to action - The cover letter ends with an invitation to discuss how the candidate's experience aligns with the hospital's needs, prompting the hiring manager to take the next step by offering an interview.
What are the basics of the design or format of your general nurse cover letter?
To start, here's a reminder for you: the Applicant Tracker System (or software that is used to assess candidate profiles), won't be reading your general nurse cover letter.
Recruiters enjoy reading general nurse cover letters with a standardized format that uses:
- the same font as the resume (e.g. modern ones like Raleway or Volkhov are prefered over the clichéd Times New Roman or Arial);
- single spacing to keep the content concise and organized (this is all ready for you in our cover letter templates);
- a one-inch margin to wrap around the text, like in our cover letter builder;
- PDF as a file format, as it allows your design (and visual element) to stay the same.
Finally, we can't go on without mentioning the key sections of your general nurse cover letter.
In the top one-third, make sure to include a header (with your contact information, name, role, and date), a salutation, and an introduction.
Next, follows the heart and soul of your general nurse cover letter or its body.
End your general nurse cover letter with a closing paragraph and, if you wish, a signature.
The top sections on a general nurse cover letter
- Header: Including contact information and the date, ensuring the recruiter knows who you are and how to reach you easily.
- Greeting: Addressing the cover letter to the appropriate person or department shows professionalism and attention to detail.
- Introduction: Briefly presenting your nursing background and expressing enthusiasm for the role, setting the tone for why you're a suitable candidate.
- Body: Highlighting your relevant nursing experience, key accomplishments, and specific skills that align with the job description, demonstrating your capability and fit for the position.
- Closing: Ending with a strong statement of intent to follow up, along with a thank you, shows your proactive approach and appreciation for the recruiter's consideration.
Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter
- Clinical competence and hands-on nursing experience: Recruiters look for individuals who have a strong foundation in nursing practice and the necessary skills to provide high-quality patient care.
- Excellent communication skills: Being able to communicate effectively with patients, families, and the healthcare team is vital for ensuring patient safety and facilitating collaboration.
- Adaptability and flexibility: Nurses often work in fast-paced environments that require the ability to adjust quickly to changing circumstances and patient needs.
- Empathy and compassionate care: Recruiters want nurses who can provide empathetic support and understand the emotional and psychological needs of patients.
- Attention to detail: Precise documentation, medication administration, and adherence to protocols are crucial for patient safety and effective treatment outcomes.
- Leadership qualities and teamwork: Nurses must be able to take initiative when necessary, work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams, and potentially supervise other staff members.
What greeting should you use in your general nurse cover letter salutation
A simple "Hello" or "Hey" just won't work.
With your general nurse cover letter salutation, you set the tone of the whole communication.
You should thus address the hiring managers by using their first (or last name) in your greeting.
But how do you find out who's recruiting for the role?
The easiest way is to look up the role on LinkedIn or the corporate website.
Alternatively, you could also contact the organization via social media or email, for more information.
Unable to still obtain the recruiter's name?
Don't go down the "To whom it may concern path". Instead, start your cover letter with a "Dear HR team".
List of salutations you can use
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Dear [Department] Manager,
- Dear Director of Nursing,
- Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
- Dear Dr. [Last Name],
- Dear Members of the [Hospital/Department Name] Team,
Your general nurse cover letter intro: showing your interest in the role
On to the actual content of your general nurse cover letter and the introductory paragraph.
The intro should be no more than two sentences long and presents you in the best light possible.
Use your general nurse cover letter introduction to prove exactly what interests you in the role or organization. Is it the:
- Company culture;
- Growth opportunities;
- Projects and awards the team worked on/won in the past year;
- Specific technologies the department uses.
When writing your general nurse cover letter intro, be precise and sound enthusiastic about the role.
Your introduction should hint to recruiters that you're excited about the opportunity and that you possess an array of soft skills, e.g. motivation, determination, work ethic, etc.
Structuring your general nurse cover letter body to add more value
You've hinted at your value as a professional (this may be your passion for the job or interest in the company) in your introduction.
Next, it's time to pan out the body or middle of your general nurse cover letter.
When creating your resume, you've probably gone over the advert a million times to select the most relevant skills.
Well, it's time to repeat this activity. Or just copy and paste your previous list of job-crucial requirements.
Then, select one of your past accomplishments, which is relevant and would impress hiring managers.
Write between three and six paragraphs to focus on the value your professional achievement would bring to your potential, new organization.
Tell a story around your success that ultimately shows off your real value as a professional.
Ending your general nurse cover letter: a closing paragraph with a promise
If you're thinking of finishing your general nurse cover letter with a "Sincerely yours" or "Thanks for the consideration," you need to read on.
End the final paragraph of your general nurse cover letter with a twist:
- a promise - of how you'd grow as a professional, part of the company, or improve organizational metrics;
- a call to action - prompt interviewers with some follow-up actions if they are interested in your profile.
A personalized ending would surely help you to stand out by being a memorable candidate.
Addressing limited to no experience in the general nurse cover letter
There's nothing to worry about if you lack professional experience.
Your general nurse cover letter could bridge the gaps in your professional history by focusing on what matters most to recruiters, that's either:
- skills - focusing on transferable ones you've gained, thanks to your life experience (e.g. volunteering, certificates, etc.);
- achievements - select the most relevant and noteworthy one from your history (e.g. education, projects, etc.);
- motivation - describe how you envision your professional growth in the next up to five years, thanks to this opportunity.
Key takeaways
Within this Enhancv guide, we've provided you with plenty of advice and inspiration on writing your general nurse cover letter:
- Always make sure your general nurse cover letter is tailored to the role you're applying for to make a good impression on recruiters;
- In your general nurse cover letter include a header (with your name, the role you're applying for, date, and contact details) and an introduction of up to two sentences that highlight your key accomplishment or why you'd fit the role;
- Focus your general nurse cover letter body on one sole achievement through your career and all the valuable lessons, skills, and know-how you've learned (that are relevant to the role);
- Ensure your general nurse cover letter closing statement isn't generic and includes either a call to action or a promise;
- If you lack professional experience, shift recruiters' focus to a relevant achievement (thanks to your academic or versatile experience) or toward your dreams and goals for professional growth.
