Cover Letters: What they are, why you need one and what to put in them?

by | Jul 10, 2022 | Advice & Support, Cover Letters, New Graduates, Nursing Applications | 2 comments

job applicant passing her documents

Cover Letters for Nursing Applications

Have you ever written a cover letter for a nursing application?

If so, then you know how hard it can be to write a good one. I’ve had my fair share of experiences with cover letters (both writing them and reading them), and I wanted to help make the process easier for you.

After reading this blog, you will:

  • Understand what a cover letter is
  • The aim and purpose of a cover letter
  • The importance of a cover letter for your application
  • The structure and what to include in yours

The cover letter is the first impression the selector will have of the candidate, and its negative or positive impact is going to influence his or her further reading of the CV.

Important Messages

  • You always need a Cover Letter
  • The cover letter is a document of equal importance to the CV

Purpose

  • Highlights the difference with the rest of the candidates.
  • To convince the selector to invite you to an interview.
  • Shows your motivation.
  • Reflects your skills for written communication.

Aim

Remember to make your cover letter eye-catching; you want the reader to be taken in, read on to your CV and give you an interview. You want to distinguish yourself from the rest!

Benefits to YOU!

The content directly explains the candidate meets the requirements for the position, emphasising and directing the attention of the selector towards the abilities, skills and knowledge the candidate has proved, with concrete examples based on previous experience or non-work experience (ie. if you have never worked or have been outside the job market for a while).

Structure

Paragraph 1: Present and explain the aim of the cover letter.

Paragraph 2: Why you are interested in the company that you are writing to, nursing, and in this particular position.

Paragraph 3: What you contribute (achievements, experience); abilities and capacities that you will use to carry out the position’s functions.

Paragraph 4: An invitation to the interview. Be creative when finishing the letter; do not use the expression “I’ll wait for your call.” Mention you can call to arrange an appointment or meeting, not an interview.

Tips

  • Cover Letters with CVs are SUPERIOR!
  • Writing a cover letter ensures you do not forget important things, excludes misunderstandings, and also serves as a reminder.
  • You have control of and can select your words and contextual meanings carefully.
  • You are able to structure your line of reasoning, without interference. This is possible due to the one-way communication style of the cover letter. This results in gaining time but also influencing the other party more effectively in less time than that a phone call or physical interaction.
  • People take the written words with more attention than a phone call to introduce your CV, so ensure you introduce yourself well.
  • Keep the design, layout, and final product simple, clean, and effective.
  • Show yourself—Give them something more about you than just your academic background and experience. Show your interest in that company, show the skills you have and you have developed in many professional and personal areas. You will have transferrable skills and interests that will give further context and market you.
  • Ensure you proofread your cover letter, read it out loud multiple times and get someone else to read it before you submit it. If this is not executed well, your CV may not even be looked at!

To Ace Your Application

You must master the following, in order, starting with:

  • You – Cover Letter – Curriculum Vitae – Interview

You can find Tips for your Nursing Application HERE.

Learn about CVs in my recent Blog HERE.

👉🏼  If you found this blog post helpful, leave a comment below 👇🏼 😁

Want help with your cover letter or application?

Reach out and let’s chat!

2 Comments

2 Comments

  1. Emma Taylor

    I find Cover letters to be one of the most intimidating part of applying for a job. Great advice and tips that I will definitely use for futures cover letters!

    • Aussie Nurse Educator

      Hey 👋🏼 Emma!
      Thank you for commenting 😊

      It is definitely an intimidating part of the process! Also very crucial aspect of the application.

      I’m glad you found the advice helpful 🙂

Submit a Comment

Check Out These Related Posts

By Aussie Nurse Educator

Clinical Nurse Specialist with a passion for anaesthesia and emergency care. Dedicated educator focused on digital education, personal development and wellbeing. Join me as we develop, learn and grow together.

Let’s Develop, Learn & Grow Together!

Join my monthly newsletter!