cover letter vs letters of rec

allnurses Guide · May 19, 2011

It is not an either/or thing.

The cover letter demonstrates you are an articulate, educated individual who can form a complete sentence, utilize proper grammar and punctuation and care enough about getting the job to go to the effort of personal correspondance. It is your introduction of yourself and your first impression.

Letters of recommendation are simply someone else's opinion of you and hold less weight than a cover letter. In fact, many of the hospitals no longer want them - they send out a survey to your references, who fill it out anonymously and then the answers are computer compiled to form an averaged opinion of you.

Never skip the cover letter. Letters of recommendation are useful if they are asked for and often are best presented at the interview rather than with the resume.

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · May 19, 2011

A cover letter should always be included with a resume. It is where you introduce yourself, explain the position you are applying for, highlight your skills and qualifications, and express your desire for an interview. It should be specific to the job you are applying for. You should adjust your cover letter for the facility and job qualifications.

Letters of recommendation are completely different. Most larger facilities will not want letters of recommendation with your application. They have hundreds to sort through and they aren't going to read anything extra. It's your cover letter and resume that make you stand out and attractive. You should bring your letters with you to the interview, if you are chosen, or state on your resume that they are available upon request. If you are asked for letters of rec on the application, or there is a spot on the online application where you can attach one, go ahead. But only if you are asked.