Cover letter guidance needed

[sunrays1981]

HI everyone,

I have been job searching a few months and still am not employed. I have tweaked my current cover letter several times and plan to do a big push of applications over the next week and want to make sure my cover letter is on target. Any help is greatly appreciated. :)

Name infoxxxxxxx

February 3, 2015

Nursing Recruiter

city, state, zip

Dear Nursing Recruiter,

Please accept the attached resume as my application for the full time xxxxx that is listed on your career site. I have recently graduated from xxxx College School of Nursing's accelerated baccalaureate program and am eager and excited to begin my nursing career at xxxx Hospital. I have recently relocated to xxxx and currently have my RN license in xxxx and have also obtained my xxxx RN license through endorsement as of September 2014.

As a new graduate nurse it is important for me to work at a facility that is both supportive and encouraging as I transition from being a student nurse to an RN. The xxxxx seems like an amazing program to be a part of and build my experience. I was fortunate to complete my 144 hours of practicum on the Neurology Acute Care Unit at xxxx Regional Medical Center, a level one-trauma center. I was able to interact and provide care to a wide variety of patients from many different backgrounds. My clinical instructors encouraged me to think critically and adapt to a constant changing work environment while utilizing the nursing process. I learn best by doing and thrive during challenging and rewarding tasks.

I know I would make a great fit with your already successful team because I am committed to providing compassionate and patient centered care. In addition to my clinical experiences, my professional experiences have helped me to become better organized, improve my time management skills, and work more effectively.

Thank you for your consideration for this position. I would be grateful to have an opportunity to meet with you to discuss my qualifications and how I may fit into xxxx Hospital. Please feel free to contact me at xxx-xxx-xxxx

Sincerely,

me

** Do I need to more specific to the actual position and why I want that exact position or is this a good base to use for multiple applications/positions?

Thanks again!!

[mariebailey, MSN, RN]

I thought it was great! You clearly expressing your interest in their organization, and you also clearly state what you have to offer them.

[sunrays1981]

Thanks! Its been a work in progress.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I liked the first and last paragraphs. However, the first sentence of the 2nd paragraphed made me cringe -- link fingernails on a blackboard. It makes you sound like a prima dona who is going to demanding and high-maintenance. My initial reaction would be to reject that application then and there (... but in reality, I would keep reading and maybe give you a chance to interview.) Lose that sentence -- definitely.

Also, the next sentence talks about "building your experience." Lose that, too. It makes you sound like you are just using me and the job I have available as a way of boosting your resume so that you can move on to another job soon. I'm not interested in hiring someone who is already looking at moving on -- and just using me and my unit as a short-term stepping stone. Instead, talk about what appeals to you about the job I have to offer and why this is the type of work you want to do ... and the type of patient population you want to work with long term.

I hope my comments don't upset you. I mean them kindly -- to tell you what the letter looks like ... and "how it reads" to someone who has committed years to building a strong department and who is looking to hire a new member of the team. I hope you can use my comments to strengthen your letter so that you look attractive to someone like me.

Good luck!

llg

[sunrays1981]

Thank you for the response. No offense taken. I appreciate the advice and will redo that area of the cover letter. Any words of wisdom will only improve my chances.

[sunrays1981]

" why this is the type of work you want to do ... and the type of patient population you want to work with long term."

llg

Do you think when adding this to my cover letter that it would be best adding it onto the 1st paragraph or create a new one? I'm hesitant to have too many paragraphs which could look like too much fill and nonsense and make someone skip over it?

[rndreams14]

Just thought I would add one piece of advice. I recently just finished cover letters for my recent Job Search, and while researching information on cover letters I found one piece of advice that helped me. The tip was that if you could find the recruiter's name and address the cover letter to them it seems more personal instead of "dear nursing recruiter." I don't know if you will find this tip beneficial but I just thought to add it in. Best of luck!

[sunrays1981]

Thanks I have seen that too but sometimes it seems like that info is hidden but I will definitely try harder to find it. Thanks!

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

I felt the same reading your cover letter as llg. You need to explain to the recruiter the value you will add to their organization.

Each cover letter should be tailored to the organization's job description and values. Use some of their key phrases in your cover letter to specifically highlight why you would be a good candidate for that position.

There are resources here within the career section of AN and websites such as Monster.com. Look at some of the professionally written cover letters to have a better idea how to word yours.

[KellyRN2013]

attached is an example of my cover letter that I use and just change out the name of the company and position, etc. Also, make sure you use KEY words that are used in the description for the job. Like if it says "we are looking for a detail-oriented individual that is eager to learn" then make sure you put the key words of Detail oriented and Eager to learn within your cover letter. Also let them know that you can work in a multi-faceted environment.

In response to you advertisement on jobs.roanoke.com, I am writing to apply for the position of **************. I recently obtained my Registered Nurse License, but I have been a Licensed Practical Nurse for six years. I am a detail-oriented individual that is compassionate and ready for a challenge. I possess all my knowledge in the work place and provide the best care and support for my patients and their family. My supervisors have indicated that I have excellent skills in nursing, I'm eager to learn, able to multi task in a high faceted environment, and I am a very quick learner. I have proficient computer skills that I use every day on our electronic medical records system.

As my resume indicates, through my coursework and work experience I have acquired skills in an independent working environment. Being an advocate for my patient is very important to me as a nurse. My experience as a Home Healthcare nurse has prepared me well for this field. I feel that I would be a great asset to your nursing team.

For your considerations, I have enclosed my resume that details my education, skills, work experience, and certifications. Please call me at **Phone Numbers** or email me at **email** to set up a time to further discuss how my abilities would be of benefit to your company. Thank you for your consideration of my application and I hope to hear from you soon.