Cover Letter??

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Specializes in GYN/Med-Surg.

So I decided to call a bunch of places and get the fax numbers to fax my resume instead of letting my applications get lost in cyber space. My question is, do I need to include a cover letter? (I am a new grad RN, BSN) If so, could it be a general cover letter that I can use for each facility or do you recommend making several copies and personally addressing it to each facility? And does anyone have any tips on what to include in this cover letter? Templates, etc.? I am new to this so I am unsure of what to do with this and am afraid of doing/writing the wrong thing. Previously, I hadn't been using a cover letter for my online apps, but have started to include one in recent applications.

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Absolutely yes. More so. And personalized to each place.

Posting from my phone, ease forgive my fat thumbs! :)

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Google search templates

Posting from my phone, ease forgive my fat thumbs! :)

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Specializes in GYN/Med-Surg.

Thanks! Should I write a completely different cover letter specific to each place (they are all ambulatory surgery centers) or just make sure to address it to each place at the top?

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I am a nursing supervisor at an ASC who is hiring right now. Your cover letter must be personalized. Nothing ticks me off faster than a generic cover letter.....just as bad as no letter at all.

It is actually very easy to do. Look at the company's website....all of it. Let me know you have looked through it and what you think of my facility.

"I am very excited to have the opportunity to apply to your facility. I have thoroughly reviewed your website and am very impressed with your 100% patient satisfaction score. It truly takes a team effort to reach that standing. I am a team player and feel and I would be an asset to you team because......"

IF I had received a cover letter like this from somebody they would be at the tiptop of my interview pile. Sadly I did not.

Good luck! ASCs are a great place to work!

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Specializes in GYN/Med-Surg.

Thank you for your advice! I appreciate it. I will post here the cover letter that I've been using:

[My address here]

May 16, 2013

[XYZ Surgery Center

0000 First Ave. S.

City, FL 00000]

Dear Hiring Manager, - [if I have the name of the person I'm addressing this to, I insert it here]

I am writing to state my interest in a Registered Nurse position with XYZ Surgery Center. I have graduated with my BSN from the University Of City College of Nursing with honors in May 2012. I am confident my educational background and work experience will be extremely beneficial to your team. [if their website has some useful info about awards, etc., I could include that here]

My clinical experience as a student nurse has given me the confidence and opportunity to hone crucial skills to care for patients efficiently and safely. I have the capability and willingness to work together with other healthcare professionals as part of a team. These capabilities, coupled with my compassion, dependability, and reliability, are what I can offer as a member of the team.

Furthermore, my experience as a nurse technician in the acute rehabilitation unit at XYZ Hospital has strengthened my critical thinking skills, taught me how to remain organized while handling several tasks at once, and care for patients who come from different cultures and backgrounds.

I am very excited to have the opportunity to apply to your facility. I would like to be considered for an RN position on your team. Should you require any additional information, I can be contacted by email at askdjf;[email protected]. I would be grateful for the chance to further discuss my background, qualifications, and interests in detail.

Thank you for considering me for an opportunity.

Warmly,

New Nurse RN, BSN

How is this? I am not sure if it's too long/wordy or stands out enough. Any critiques would be great!

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The letter isn't about YOU. It's to tell them how YOU can be an asset to THEM-- example- I have a certification in STEMI care, so I would target my letter something like this "the certifications I have with regard to STEMI care will enhance the team that you currently have working in this field. Your excellent research and care in this field along with my certifications and experience Will allow me to add to your already renowned team" super rough, and OBVIOUS but I think you get it? Tell them how hiring you will make them a better place and will draw more revenue.

Posting from my phone, ease forgive my fat thumbs! :)

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Capability is used twice in one paragraph, find another word. Your clinical didn't teach you anything (not that I agree with that statement, I believe clinical is crucial and some do learn A LOT, but that's how they see it). The "layout" strategy is para 1- about you, intro..para 2- how you can help make them a better place for patients...para 3- assume you have the job, you are looking forward to an interview, you are looking forward to meeting the manager and further discussing work opportunities.

Posting from my phone, ease forgive my fat thumbs! :)

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Specializes in GYN/Med-Surg.

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I needed that. Should I completely omit the paragraphs about my clinical and nurse tech "experience"?

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Agree with PPs - cover letters are essential.

The cover letter should indicate that you have taken the time to learn about that employer & provide information as to WHY you are such a good fit for that particular job/department. Be sure to connect the dots re: your ability to commit to the organization's mission, philosophy, etc. is an important factor - particularly if they are a tax-supported (aka "charity") hospital, faith-based or serve a specific type of patient population. You should be able to find all that information on their web site.

Also - it is a good idea to indicate where you found the job listing.... "position listed in the Daily Humbug on Sunday, May 5th" This is a courtesy that is appreciated by recruiters & hiring managers as they need to know the most effective way to advertise their positions.

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Thank you thank you, thank you! I needed that. Should I completely omit the paragraphs about my clinical and nurse tech "experience"?[/quote']

The tech would apply here, as it was an actual job, but don't forget to tie in why being a tech helped make you a great fit for this job!

Posting from my phone, ease forgive my fat thumbs! :)

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