Composing the Cover Letter • First, copy and paste your name and contact information from your resume to the top of your cover letter. This will give your application materials a consistent appearance. In addition, the font used on the cover letter should match the font on your resume. • The ideal scenario is to address the cover letter to an individual, but in today’s reality, this may not be possible. If you are unable to locate the name of the recruiter or hiring manager after doing some research, then address your cover letter to Dear Hiring Manager: or Dear Human Resources Administrator: • The cover letter should be at least three paragraphs in length, professionally focused and concise (200 word maximum). • In the second paragraph of the cover letter, you should connect your skills, experience and qualifications to those in the job posting. For this reason, you will need to write a different cover letter for each position you apply for. PARAGRAPH ONE: Explain why you are writing; include the name of the position, job number and field or area of interest. You may also include where or how you heard of the job opening. If a person has directed you to this position, ask if you may use his/ her name in the cover letter. For positions you found through a website or job fair, add that information as well. Consider adding one or two sentences that demonstrate you have researched the company and convey your enthusiasm for the position. PARAGRAPH TWO: Mention your qualifications that you think would be of greatest interest to the employer and apply specifically to that position. Read the job posting carefully as it is important to connect your skills, experience, accomplishments and education to what the employer is seeking. You should not copy exactly what is on your resume, but instead highlight and explain situations where you have gained the experience that relates to the job description. If you have related job experience or specialized training, be sure to point it out. Remember to present your skills showing not just what you have done, but what you can do for that organization. This paragraph should answer the question, “Why should I hire you?” PARAGRAPH THREE: Refer the reader to your additional documents (resume, application, portfolio) that give information concerning your qualifications.
It is important that you include a request for an interview in this paragraph. If you are applying for a position outside of your local area and you will only be there for a limited period of time, let them know your schedule. Thank the reader for their time and consideration. Sign your letter with an appropriate closing, such as “Sincerely,” and type your name. Finally, type “Attachment” to alert the reader to your accompanying resume. Sample Cover Letter for a Job Posting This is a sample job posting for an RN position at Best Healthcare Center in Anytown, PA. Remember that when writing a cover letter, you should match your skills, experience and qualifications to those the employer is asking for in the job posting. Note how Nathan Nurse does this in the second paragraph of his cover letter and also how his resume supports his qualifications for this position. RN Job Description Job ID #8675309 Calling all qualified RNs—Help us reach out and make a difference in the lives of others! Best Healthcare Center, Anytown, PA 12345 is currently seeking RNs with long-term care experience to fill the position of Nurse. The ideal candidate for the Nurse position will be a Registered Nurse in the State of Pennsylvania and will have previous clinical experience in long-term care. As a Best Healthcare Center employee, you will enjoy competitive wages and PTO plans. We offer you a menu of benefit options from life and disability plans to medical, dental and vision coverage from quality benefit providers. We also offer a 401(k) with employer match and Flexible Spending Accounts. Qualified RNs, respond to this ad with your resume to join a world class team of nursing professionals! • RN with a current nursing license as required by Pennsylvania state law • Graduate of an accredited nursing program • Current CPR license • Previous clinical experience in a long-term care environment • Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with a team of interdisciplinary professionals, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies and the general public • Must be knowledgeable of nursing and medical practices and procedures as well as state, federal and regulatory requirements that pertain to long-term care • Must be able to interpret and implement the programs, goals, objectives, policies and procedures of Best Healthcare Center that are necessary for providing quality patient care
34 CCAC Job Search Manual
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