4 Tips to Improve Your Healthcare Cover Letter

You’ve spent painstaking time and energy perfectly wording your resume to reflect your experience and skills. Before you send it off to your next dream job, there’s one last key document for your application: the cover letter.

Here is what you need to know about cover letters and the top four tips for writing a winning version that will stand out from the other applicants.

 

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a document that explains why you are interested in the role you’re applying for and your qualifications. The purpose of a cover letter is to entice a recruiter or hiring manager enough to read your resume. It’s your chance to highlight what makes you perfect for their opening.

Your cover letter will highlight your top qualifications and why you’re best for the role when done correctly. 

 

Tip #1 Address Your Letter

Avoid “To Whom It May Concern” as much as possible! Always aim to address your letter to a specific person. The recruiter's or hiring manager’s name is often directly on the job posting (especially LinkedIn posts). If not, research the company to find an individual's name to address the letter. Typically, the best person to address is the head of the department in charge of your role.

 

Tip #2 Make it Specific

Tailor your letter to the specific role mentioned in the job posting. While it might be tempting to write a general cover letter and fire it away to multiple job openings at once, personalization will go a lot further. Call out specific qualifications mentioned in the requirements and discuss how you meet them.

For example, if a job posting mentions wanting a “team player,” use your cover letter to point out your experience working in a collaborative atmosphere. If the post discusses knowing a foreign language, talk about your foreign language skills.

Your cover letter is your chance to highlight how your skills and experience fit perfectly with their opening. Take the time to tailor it to each posting.

 

Tip #3 Keep it Short

The purpose of a cover letter is to quickly intrigue or excite an employer, not provide in-depth details about your background. A good resume will provide the specifics and complete information about your experience and qualifications. Anything too long will make the recruiter's eyes glaze over, and they will quickly move on to a more interesting application.

Keep your resume to a few paragraphs and the details to your resume. Take a look at some healthcare cover letter examples to get a sense of length and what to discuss at each point.

Tip #4 Edit and Revise

Don’t send off your cover letter without carefully reviewing it first. Download a copy-checking app to check for grammar mistakes, and check it to make sure your writing is clear, concise and flows properly.

Have a trusted friend or family member read through your cover letter – even better if they are familiar with the healthcare field. They can offer suggestions to help you communicate the most compelling points about your qualifications.

Attention to detail is critical for most healthcare jobs. Your cover letter should reflect your dedication to accuracy.

 

Land Your Next Healthcare Interview with a Cover Letter

Right now is the perfect time to be applying for your dream healthcare job. A cover letter is an important way to stand out and get a hiring manager to look at your resume. Make it personalized, short, and carefully worded to ensure it catches their eyes.

 

Need more help landing your perfect healthcare job? Bookmark the myHealthTalent blog to get the latest on finding and getting your healthcare career.