Effective Cover Letters

In healthcare, online applications are becoming the norm. So is an old-fashioned cover letter really necessary? Yes, says Jen Jenks, nurse recruiter at Regions Hospital. She notes that most online systems allow applicants to paste a letter into the application or to send it as an attachment.

By Nancy Giguere, Star Tribune Sales and Marketing

Last update: November 9, 2009 - 11:16 AM

"A good cover letter helps you sell yourself," Jenks says. "Some hiring managers won't consider a candidate who doesn't include a letter."

Be Concise And Correct

An effective cover letter is concise - usually no more than three paragraphs. It should be addressed to the appropriate person, not "To Whom It May Concern." If you don't know the recruiter's name, call human resources, and ask.

Remember to reread the letter before sending. Spelling errors can disqualify a candidate because they show a lack of attention to detail," Jenks says.

Avoid The Generic

Before writing the letter, do your research. Visit the organization's website or read the annual report. Then in your letter, tell why you would fit into the organizational culture: for example, "I'm impressed by your use of the shared governance model."

Avoid repeating information that's on your résumé, but do mention one or two elements that make you stand out, such as an "employee-of-the-year" award. Include pertinent information that isn't on your résumé, like your work toward specialty certification. If you're a new grad, briefly tell how extracurricular activities or a part-time job helped you develop important skills, such as teamwork or customer service.

Show Your Passion

Explain why you went into healthcare: "I was inspired by the great nursing care my brother received after his accident" or "Physical therapy made a real difference for my friend."

Personal stories show that candidates are passionate and excited about their work. "And those are the kind of people we like to hire," Jenks says.

Nancy Giguere is a freelance writer from St. Paul who has written about healthcare since 1995.

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