Have an interview...still need a cover letter?

[Kitty Hawk, ADN, RN]

I applied on a whim for a research position for an outpatient facility back with the mega hospital system I left...but since it's outpatient it's not a dealbreaker. I actually got emailed for an interview and am meeting with 2 interviewers.

I just filled out the basic online app and attached my resume. I didn't feel the need to attach a cover letter bc honestly I am interested on learning more about the position but it's not something I have my heart set on. I'm fine where I am, but I knew going into this one, it would be a stepping stone. There's no urgency like my 2 other positions that knew I had to get out, it was that or my sanity, but it is building and taking a toll.

On one hand I'm fine to stay and at least get my year for stability purposes. However I learned why there's a revolving door for the nurses and why 2 walked out with no notice! That's not me though, trying as it can be, I love the hours (Mon-Fri no weekends) and my boss who is not a nurse is awesome and he's very generous with vacations, I already have my July set no problems and family for me comes 1st. The office negativity and constant drama is something I try to block out for the most part. I'd like to have stability too as I've only been at current position for a little over 8 mos. But there's not a whole lot of room for growth, it's pretty much the same thing every day which no doubt is great on the no stress level.

However if I can move onto something better, I'd be a fool not to try. There's always the possibility I may become really excited with the job details.

Usually I do the professional thing and create a thought out cover letter. However I'm meeting with 2, I know their names but I didn't think I could address 1 letter to 2 people and to duplicate the same letter seems stupid. So what would you do? I'm honestly shocked I got contacted, I realize it may not lead to anything but generally to have an interview means they're interested or they wouldn't have bothered.

Thanks.

[Kitty Hawk, ADN, RN]

Ok, I'm not trying to answer myself, really I'm not! But the previous was more of a rant and I see I'm more conflicted than I admit to myself! so that's something I need to figure out.

Anyway, point is isn't the cover letter to attract the future employer to want to call FOR the interview, as in pretty much selling yourself? Or is it good professionalism to always do one?

I just don't want to look like I missed the boat if the only time one should be done is during the application process and afterwards looks odd.

If I should do have one, how to handle it for 2 people? I plan on sending a thank you afterwards regardless, I'm good there

[NoviceRN10]

If you have already landed an interview I see no point in presenting a cover letter at the same time you are there to present yourself in person.

[Kitty Hawk, ADN, RN]

If you have already landed an interview I see no point in presenting a cover letter at the same time you are there to present yourself in person.

Thank you! That's what I was thinking, but I wasn't sure being most advice on etiquette is to have one. Heck, I wasn't even sure if now since everything is electronic if it makes sense to have hard copy of the resume, but apparantly that's always done.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I would always write a nice cover letter. It provides another opportunity to make a good impression, to summarize the highlights of your resume, and/or to clarify anything they may have questions about.

Given your scenario, I would probably say something like ...

"Dear Person #1 and Person #2. I am so happy to have a chance to interiview for the XYZ position. The interview will give me a chance to meet the two of you and learn more about the XYZ position. As you can see from my application and resume, I have an experience [or interest] is blah blah blah etc. If you have any questions about anything in my application, please don't hesitate to call me at 111-1111 or e-mail me at [email protected].

Thank you for your consideration,

My signature"

It looks professional and keeps shows you "do things right. I'd also write a thank-you note to both of them (either together or separately) after the interview.