Are you confident in your cover letter?
I (Mike) recently wrote a cover letter for a job application. It was atrocious. The cover letter felt shamefully self-promoting, unfocused, and not specific to the job opening. When I never heard back from the job, it made me realize that I was comfortable keeping my CV and resume up to date, but my cover letter writing skills have deteriorated after 11 years at the same job.?
This experience is not unique. Research demonstrates at up to 70% of jobs are never listed while nearly 80% of jobs are filled through professional networking. (For more information on the power of professional networking in healthcare, check out this episode of the WCRT podcast). When job opportunities are identified through networking and professional connections, a resume or CV may be required, but usually not a cover letter. However, a good cover letter is an essential part of any job application, and healthcare professionals may miss out on career opportunities if the cover letter is lacking.?
A well-written cover letter helps you stand out from the competition and increases your chances of getting an interview.?
- Submitting a cover letter when not required by the job posting can increase a candidate's chances of being hired by 50% (source: CareerBuilder).
- Cover letters are especially important for entry-level candidates (source: Forbes).
- 60% of hiring managers expect cover letters to be customized for each job application (source: Robert Half).
- In the same survey, 25% of hiring managers said a generic cover letter is the most common mistake job seekers make.
Below, we have included some tips and resources for healthcare professionals to create good cover letters. At the end of the newsletter, we have also written a generic cover letter template. Please feel free to use this cover letter as a starting point, but remember to personalize it to the specific job application. For more information on cover letters, check out our most recent podcast episode here.
Tips to move your cover letters from good to great:
- Start by addressing the recipient by name. If you can find the hiring manager's name, be sure to use it. This shows that you've taken the time to research the organization and that you're genuinely interested in the position.
- Keep the cover letter concise and focused. Limit your cover letter to one page or approximately 3-4 paragraphs to ensure it is concise and impactful. Focus on the most relevant qualifications, experiences, and achievements that directly relate to the job opening.
- State your qualifications and experience. Briefly explain why you're a good fit for the position and why you're interested in working for the organization. Be sure to highlight your relevant skills and experience.
- Personalize your letter. Don't just send out the same cover letter to every job you apply for. Take the time to tailor your letter to each specific position and organization. This shows that you're serious about the opportunity and that you've done your research.
- Use a professional and confident tone. Maintain a professional tone throughout the cover letter, using clear and concise language. Convey confidence in your abilities and qualifications without sounding arrogant or overly self-promotional.
- Avoid generic statements and clichés. Customize your cover letter to avoid generic statements that could apply to any applicant. Instead, provide specific examples and details that demonstrate your unique qualifications. Avoid overused clichés and buzzwords that may diminish the impact of your message.
- Proofread and edit for grammar, spelling, and clarity. Carefully proofread your cover letter for any grammar or spelling errors. Use grammar and spell-check tools, and consider reading it aloud to catch any mistakes. Ensure that your ideas are expressed clearly and coherently. Double-check sentence structure, word choice, and overall clarity.
- Seek feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors. Share your cover letter draft with trusted colleagues or mentors who can provide constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement. Consider their input on the overall tone, content, and effectiveness of your cover letter to enhance its quality.
- Address employment gaps or career transitions. Address employment gaps or career transitions proactively and briefly in your cover letter. Provide a concise and honest explanation that focuses on any relevant experiences, transferable skills, or professional development during those periods. Emphasize how your unique background and diverse experiences make you a valuable candidate, despite any gaps or transitions.
Additional Cover Letter Resources
- ???The Muse offers comprehensive guidance on cover letter writing, including specific tips and examples for healthcare professionals. Their website provides valuable insights into crafting effective cover letters that stand out to employers.
- ???CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, offers a dedicated section on healthcare cover letters. It provides sample cover letters, tips on tailoring your letter to the healthcare industry, and guidance on effectively communicating your qualifications and passion.
- ???Resume Genius features a collection of medical cover letter examples that can serve as a reference for healthcare professionals. The examples cover a range of healthcare positions and offer insights into how to showcase relevant skills and experiences effectively.
- ???LinkedIn Learning offers a variety of online courses on cover letter writing. These courses provide step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and interactive exercises to help healthcare professionals craft compelling cover letters.
Here is an example of a cover letter that you can use as a template:
Dear [Hiring Manager name],
I am writing to express my interest in the [position title] position that I saw advertised on [website]. I have been working in the healthcare industry for [number] years, and I have a strong passion for providing quality care to patients.
In my previous role as [previous position title] at [previous organization], I was responsible for [list of responsibilities]. I have a proven track record of success in [list of accomplishments].
I am confident that my skills and experience would be a valuable asset to your organization. I am a highly motivated and results-oriented individual with a strong work ethic. I am also a team player and I am always willing to go the extra mile.
I am eager to learn more about the [position title] position and the [organization name] organization. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
