What sticks out in a cover letter?

llg, PhD, RN · Sep 16, 2015

1. That the applicant has experience of some kind (and a demonstrated long-term interest) in the field in which they want to work. It doesn't have to be professional RN experience, but I want to see something that shows that the applicant has had a genuine interest in the field for some time and acted upon that interest to get some actual experience with that type of work and/or patient population. For example, don't tell me you have "always loved kids and wanted to work with children" -- and then show me a resume that includes lots of volunteer experience working with every type of population except kids! That makes you look like a liar.

2. I am impressed by people who think clearly, can state a point clearly, etc. Don't include a lot of fluff or flowery language. That really turns me off.

3. Leadership and/or notable achievement. I can tell the difference between someone who was member of a student organization and just sat in the back of a couple of meetings -- and the people who were officers in the organization, chairmen of projects, etc. I can tell the difference between someone who participated in an activity for a semester or two -- and someone who was the champion, the leader, or whatever. Padding a resume or cover letter with meaningless/minimal participation in a few activities just screams "Mediocre!" to me. I want to hire people who are going to do a great job, not just minimally participate. I am more impressed by someone who participates in fewer things, but who does well in the few activities they choose - even if it is just holding down a job and doing well at that -- than I am in someone with a list of "extra-curriculars" a mile long but with mediocre achievement.

AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Sep 17, 2015

Thank you for such a thoughtful and insightful reply!

Annie

jrt4 · Sep 17, 2015

In the last 7 years I haven't read one. Not because they are not there but just because I frankly don't really care. Whether I call someone in for an interview is all about their resume. I do appreciate a thank you note or email after the interview. It shows that they are really interested.

Tips for resume:

-Keep it short

-For new grads...include all work experience...were you a manager at Hollister for 3 years in college...were you a financial assistant at BMO as your first career? Include it!

-Also for new grads...I do not need to know each clinical that you had...I already know that everyone rotates through each area of nursing...however any end of program practicum or internships are extremely helpful!

-Include any special skills...do you speak a foreign language?

AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Sep 17, 2015

I should rephrase that I am not a new grad, I know my initial post is confusing as far as that goes. I have 8 years of nursing experience, but for the past few I have worked per-diem, but only because in this area no B.S.N. equates to very little job opportunity. I want to work in the NICU or other pediatric area, so I will be applying for positions in those areas once I have the B.S.N.

Annie

llg, PhD, RN · Sep 17, 2015

Sorry I misinterpreted your OP a little -- but the principles discussed in my early post apply. (1) Long-term interest, demonstrated with some actual activity in the general area, (2) minimal fluff and/or exaggeration, (3) achievement -- not just serving time, doing the minimum needed to get by.

Good luck to you!