Land the Interview with a Well-Written Cover Letter
Your résumé
may give hiring managers a sense of whether you can do the job, but your
cover letter shows them how you’ll do it.
There’s an art to a good cover letter. It’s not as personal
as a note to a friend, but it is an opportunity to let your enthusiasm
and professionalism shine. Here’s how to make the most of it.
The "Rule of Three"
A cover letter should be just three paragraphs. Don’t let its short
length deceive you—a carefully crafted cover letter is a powerhouse,
combining obvious and subtle messages into a potent sales
tool.
Obvious messages include the information you provide about your experience
and education and how they relate to the job for which you’re applying.
But what about subtle messages? The paper you choose, the format you use,
and the tone of your letter communicate volumes about your professional
habits.
Finally, just the fact that you’ve taken the time to write a cover
letter—many nurses don’t—gives you an advantage.
Address
The most professional inside-address format displays the date above your
name and address, and the hiring manager’s name
and address below that. Always direct a cover letter to a particular
person; all
it takes is one
phone call to get the right name. Asking for the correct spelling is
important, too—there are many variations in first and last names.
(Is it Marianne or Mary Ann? Anderson or Andersen?) And don’t
forget to confirm the manager’s title. This is one of those
subtle messages: Everyone appreciates being addressed personally.
And while a manager
may
not notice when her name is spelled correctly, she’ll definitely
notice if it’s not.
Paragraph one
The opening paragraph is your chance to introduce yourself and explain
how you heard about the job. If a mutual friend or colleague referred
you, mention his name in the first sentence. And do your homework: Learn
something about the facility so you can explain, specifically, why
you’re
the perfect person for the position.
Paragraph two
Put yourself in the hiring manager’s shoes. What would you want
to know about a candidate for this job? When you approach this paragraph
from the manager’s point of view, it’s easier to provide
the most relevant information about your qualifications. Match this
paragraph
as closely as possible to the job description: If it lists required
certifications, be sure to include them here. And if it’s a nurse
manager position, don’t list your staff
nursing experience. Show the manager you understand her needs
by giving her exactly what she’s requested.
Paragraph three
Your last paragraph should discuss what will happen next. Would you like
an application or more information? This is the place to request it.
Do
you want to set up an interview?
Tell the manager you’ll contact him within a week for an appointment—and
then do just that. Include your daytime contact number in case he’d
like to contact you sooner. Then, restate your interest in the job
and
why you’re
the ideal candidate.
Finishing touch
Print your cover letter on the same high-quality paper as your résumé.
White and ivory are classic; avoid brightly colored or flimsy copy paper.
Always proofread carefully—you never get a second chance to make
a good first impression. (Proofreading tip: Read the letter backwards.
It’s
easier to spot misspellings.) And don’t rely on spell-check alone
for accuracy. Your computer checks for spelling errors but it doesn’t
know you meant to write “for,” not “form.”
Above all, don’t be afraid to show enthusiasm.
A nurse who enjoys her profession and is excited about a potential new
opportunity makes a very appealing and memorable candidate.
