How To Write a Healthcare Cover Letter

Article shared from Indeed.com

Careers in healthcare are usually in high demand, and can be very rewarding for people who enjoy caring for others in a medical capacity. Preparing successful application documents, such as a cover letter, can be one step toward beginning a career in the healthcare field. In addition to communicating your qualifications with a hiring manager, writing a cover letter can also help you reflect on your own abilities which can help you feel confident. In this article, we explain how to write a cover letter for a healthcare role and provide a template and example to help you with yours.

Related: Healthcare Skills: Definition and Examples

What is a cover letter for healthcare?

A cover letter in the healthcare industry is a document that career candidates use to explain their interest in and qualifications for a role in the healthcare field. It is usually submitted together with a resume and any other items an employer requests, and includes more detail about your most compelling qualifications.

Specific information in your cover letter might include specific achievements from your education and previous healthcare employment experiences, as well as personal qualities that will make you a good fit for the role you are applying for. Successful cover letters are often tailored to the specific role mentioned in a job listing, and connect your qualifications to the requirements of the job.

Related: The Healthcare Resume: Definition, How-to and Examples

How to write a cover letter for a healthcare role

To help you write a successful cover letter for a healthcare role, here are some steps you can use:

1. Review the listing

Read the listing you are applying for carefully, making note of any industry-specific keywords. Many employers use software to screen applications before a hiring manager reviews them, so including these keywords might increase the chances of your materials appearing before a person.

2. Brainstorm details

Next, brainstorm details from your healthcare background and experience that fit the keywords in the listing. Consider your education, experience, awards and achievements, using your resume for inspiration. Try using a digital brainstorming tool or handwritten document to record your thoughts. Be sure to remember the keywords and necessary requirements from the job listing, as you’ll want to tailor your cover letter to those specific details.

Related: 15 Brainstorming Exercises To Generate Ideas

3. Organize your ideas

Review your brainstorm list, and look for patterns to help you organize your cover letter into meaningful paragraphs. For instance, you might notice that you have included many details about your education, your healthcare expertise and your health safety record. You may also choose to use a template to help order your thoughts. Try using an outline or a tool such as a map to diagram your cover letter structure.

4. Write a rough draft

Next, turn your outline or map into complete sentences to create a rough draft of your cover letter. Separate your thoughts into paragraphs that each address one specific topic. Add transition words and phrases to clarify the relationships between your ideas, and be sure each thought leads logically into the next. Remember to include specific language from the healthcare job listing you are applying for.

5. Revise and edit

Finally, review your cover letter to ensure you are communicating the most compelling and relevant points about your qualifications. Consider asking a trusted friend or mentor to read your cover letter and make suggestions, especially if they are familiar with the healthcare hiring process. Be sure your grammar, usage and mechanics are correct, because clean, clear editing can show that you are a professional with attention to detail—an important part of most healthcare roles.

Healthcare cover letter template

To help you in your own writing process, here is a healthcare cover letter template you can use:

To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to express my interest in applying for the [specific position name] listed on your website. Between my educational background and relevant experience, I am confident that I can help support your hospital’s mission of [reference to facility’s specific values and mission].
My training and commitment to [one of your key qualities] began during my time at [college you attended]. I worked with dedication to [name an accomplishment], and I [name another accomplishment, with outcome]. I learned how to [list some of your skills].
In my time since college, I’ve worked in a number of positions that furthered my skills as a healthcare provider. I have served in [specific roles and the services you provided]. I would be thrilled to continue my learning and growth while supporting the mission of [facility] in a [job title] role.
I would love to discuss my qualifications with you further at your convenience, and I have attached my resume as well for your convenience.
Sincerely,
[your name]

Healthcare cover letter example

To inspire your own cover letter, here is an example for you to use:

To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to express my interest in applying for the healthcare assistant position listed on your website. Between my educational background and relevant experience, I am confident that I can help support your hospital’s mission of providing the best care to every patient with research-based practices and compassion.
My training and commitment to excellent patient care began during my time at Healthcare Assistant College. I worked with dedication to earn high grades in all of my courses, and I worked to complete diverse experiences in my clinical hours to better help as many different patients as possible. I learned how to work independently, with careful attention to detail, and I cultivated my lifelong passion for helping others by adhering to the highest standards in safety and care.
In my time since college, I’ve worked in a number of positions that furthered my skills as a healthcare provider. I have served in long term healthcare facilities, a hospital and in-home health, and in each position I took every opportunity to learn and expand my skills. I would be thrilled to continue my learning and growth while supporting the mission of your hospital in a healthcare assistant role.
I would love to discuss my qualifications with you further at your convenience, and I have attached my resume as well for your convenience.
Sincerely,
Pat Jones