So, you finally found your dream NP job! You’ve updated your resume and filled out the application form. But wait, they’re asking for a cover letter? Although this may seem like an extended school assignment, its importance cannot be underestimated.
Despite the age of technology, companies frequently still ask for a cover letter. While there are no specific cover letter rules, there does seem to be a right and wrong way to write one. The goal of this post is to discuss how to create a professional, error-free nurse practitioner cover letter that helps you land your dream clinical job.
General NP Cover Letter Tips & Tricks
For starters, a cover letter is essentially your personal sales pitch. What makes you an awesome nurse practitioner? What makes you unique? A good way to start is to generate a list of your qualities and achievements that aren’t already obvious in your resume or application. The days of cookie-cutter cover letters are over. Let your passion shine! The cover letter should reflect who you are, pique the reader’s interest and direct them to your resume.
Generally, cover letters should have a clean design with concise, grammatically correct syntax. You might wish to download a free Microsoft Word cover letter template. Also, consider using Grammerly, a free service that edits your writing. The cover letter should be about one page, tailored to a specific job and addressed to a specific person, if possible.
First Paragraph
Start by introducing yourself. You may choose to make your name a hyperlink to your LinkedIn profile or personal website. State the title of the position, and summarize why you are most excited about this job. If someone specific referred you, mention them by name.
Body Paragraphs
In the following paragraphs, tell your story. Who are you, and what makes you the perfect candidate for this job? Consider starting by summarizing your education and academic achievements along with your certifications. Elaborate upon your clinical work and call out times when you went above and beyond the call of duty.
Have you won any awards or been recognized for special achievements? Were you a member of any organization committees or spearhead any quality improvement initiatives? Avoid repeating facts listed in your resume. You might want to include a brief statement on your philosophy of care. What motivates you, and why do you work as a nurse practitioner?
Highlight special skills you may have. Be sure to tailor your letter to the specific job description. Make note of any additional languages you speak. Consider highlighting your ability to work on a team and collaborate with other healthcare professionals.
Concluding Paragraph
End your cover letter with a final statement of interest and thank the reader for his or her time and consideration. Leave your contact information and possibly a hyperlink to your LinkedIn profile or personal website. Conclude with a salutation such as sincerely or kindest regards or something else that reflects your personality.
Example NP Cover Letter
Included below is an example NP cover letter to help get you started. Remember, tailor it to your personal voice and the specific job!
Dr. Jocelyn Foley,
My name is Melissa DeCapua, and I am a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. I am extremely interested in brain stimulation therapies and would like to be considered for a position at your ECT clinic. I have three years of experience working with ECT, TMS and DBS as well as an advanced certification in brain stimulation therapy.
I started my career as a registered nurse at Cincinnati Children’s psychiatric hospital before earning a doctorate degree in nursing practice from Vanderbilt University to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner. I graduated magna cum laude and was recognized with the Nursing Faculty Award. Since then, I have practiced as a nurse practitioner across a variety of psychiatric specialties and settings.
Most recently I worked closely with Dr. Katie Phan at her brain stimulation clinic. I conducted initial and follow-up evaluations and monitored psychotropic medications during TMS treatments. I led a variety of clinical trials and developed a new clinical practice guideline regarding the use of SSRIs during DBS. I was also an active member on the Advanced Practice Clinician counsel and organized the annual Out of the Darkness walk.
I am energetic, creative, personable and hardworking. I highly value team-based healthcare and believe that each discipline uniquely contributes to best practice. At heart, I am an advanced practice nurse with a passion for providing excellent behavioral healthcare for individuals across the life span.
I hope that you will consider me for an interview. I look forward to learning more about this position. For more information about me, visit my website www.melissadecapua.com/about-melissa and feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/melissadecapua.
Sincerely,
Melissa DeCapua, DNP, PMHNP-BC
By Dr. Melissa DeCapua, DNP, PMHNP, A Nurse Practitioner’s Guide to the Perfect Cover Letter, on healthecareers.com