Cover Letter for New Graduate

[HopefulSRNA1234]

As we all know, just getting an interview as a new grad in the nyc job market is rough business. My resume is pretty solid but still I haven't had any interviews despite my many job applications. As I'm not used to writing cover letters as a new grad nurse I'm thinking mine might be a bit weak.

To those of you who have been successful in landing an interview as a new grad what sort of things did you talk about in your cover letter? Did you focus on your accomplishments, your prior work history, why you want the job, your career goals, why you went into nursing or anything else? Right now mine mainly focuses on my accomplishments and why I went into nursing. Any tips would be much appreciated!!

[labordude, BSN, RN]

I think my one and only cover letter for nursing was for my new grad position. Are you only applying through the online system for these jobs? Have you thought about finding the name of the hiring manager and sending it directly to them? I've seen people debate the value or appropriateness of directly contacting a manager, but if it gets you anything it's your name in their head. There is no way to guarantee that your resume ever got past HR to them, this makes sure that it does. I would not recommend e-mail, fax, or snail mail. For the best effect, Priority Mail or Fedex it to them. I have had great success in getting past the front door, so to speak, using this method. Also, as you put it, the new grad market is tight in NYC. Have you considered relocating even temporarily to better markets. I did this to get into my first choice area and I ended up so much better off. Good luck.

[HopefulSRNA1234]

Thanks for the tips! I've only been applying online so I suppose my resume has only been going to the vast piles of resumes that HR has. How would I find the names and contact info for actual managers?

Unfortunately relocation is not an option for me. I'd love to move to another state or even upstate for a year if that meant a job but I'm stuck here in this job market for the next few years at least.

[labordude, BSN, RN]

If you are applying to specific units, you can always call the unit and ask for the name of the manager. If they really want to know why, you can say (honestly) that you want to send them a letter. If the hospital has a new graduate coordinator, sometimes that is listed on the website itself or you can glean information through the magic that is Google. Sometimes getting a little creative can pay dividends. If you are interested in having someone look at your cover letter and/or resume, you can send me a private message and I'd be happy to help. I've used several different forms of resume layout and tried putting different highlights, points, etc with varying levels of success. By far, the most successful thing is done is get an actual point of contact.

[HopefulSRNA1234]

Thanks so much!! This is awesome :). I'm definitely going to do this :).

And yes, if you're willing to, I'd love a second pair of eyes on my resume/cover letter. I'm going to work on it a bit this weekend but will pm you a copy when I'm done. Thanks so much for offering. And if you find that you don't have the time later, no worries; the advice you gave was already a huge help!