how to write a cover letter for a hospital job

Healthcare Cover Letter Example (w/ Templates & Tips for 2024)

You've clocked in countless hours in hospitals and clinics, dedicating your skills to healing and caring for the sick. The sounds of heartbeats and monitors are as familiar to you as the rhythm of your own breath.

Your commitment to healthcare speaks volumes.

Yet, when it comes to writing a cover letter for your job application, you feel like you're attempting surgery with a stethoscope.

We know your struggle, and we’re here to help.

In this article, we’re going to guide you through perfecting the cover letter for your next job application.

Here's what we'll dive into:

• What a Standout Healthcare Cover Letter Looks Like
• 5 Simple Steps to Writing a Stellar Healthcare Cover Letter
• 3 Essential Cover Letter Tips for Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare Cover Letter Example

5 Steps for the Perfect Healthcare Cover Letter

You've just glimpsed what a job-winning healthcare cover letter looks like.

Now, it's your turn to write one . Just follow the steps we're about to share, and you'll be on the right track:

#1. Put Contact Information in the Header

When it comes to writing your healthcare cover letter, it all begins with your contact information, just like on your resume .

Let's dive into what you should include:

• Full Name. Make sure your complete name is right at the top of the page.
• Professional Title. Match the professional title on your cover letter with the specific healthcare position you're applying for. Hiring managers often sift through numerous applications, so clarity about the role you're targeting is a real plus.
• Email Address. Opt for an email address that's both professional and straightforward. A combination of your first and last names works best. (e.g: [email protected])
• Phone Number. Make sure that the phone number you provide is accurate so the hiring manager can easily reach you. If you're applying for a healthcare job abroad, remember to include the international dial code.
• Location. Typically, your city and state or country are sufficient. However, if you're considering relocation, be sure to mention it.
• Relevant Links (optional). If you have any relevant websites or social media profiles, such as LinkedIn, feel free to include them.

Once you've squared away your contact information , it's time to add the hiring manager's details:

• Company Name. State the name of the healthcare organization you're applying to.
• Hiring Manager's Name. If possible, include the name of the hiring manager for the specific healthcare department you're interested in.
• Hiring Manager's Title. If you discover that the hiring manager for this job ad has a more specific title, such as department head, you can use that instead of the generic "Hiring Manager."
• Location. Specify the city and state or country of the healthcare facility, particularly for organizations with a global presence. If you want to be extra specific, you can even include the exact street address.
• Date of Writing (optional). For a professional touch, consider adding the date when you wrote your cover letter, though this is optional.

#2. Address the Hiring Manager

The next step to writing the perfect healthcare cover letter is to address it properly.

And we strongly advise against using the generic "To Whom It May Concern."

Getting the greeting right can make a positive impression on the hiring manager.

Do a bit of research first. Take a look at the job listing and the company's website, or check their profiles on LinkedIn or other social media. This can help you uncover the name of the person who'll be reviewing your cover letter, so you can personalize your cover letter’s greeting .

Next, address them in a formal yet friendly manner. Use "Ms.", "Mr.", or a title like “Dr.” when applicable, followed by their last name. If you’re not sure about their gender or marital status, just use their full name. Here are some examples:

• Dear Ms. Rodriguez
• Dear Dr. Rodriguez
• Dear Julio Rodriguez

If you can't find specific information about the hiring manager or the department head, it's perfectly okay to address your letter to the department or the company in general. Maintain a professional and friendly tone:

• Dear Healthcare Department
• Dear Hiring Team
• Dear Human Resources Team
• Dear Head of Department X

#3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement

The truth is that hiring managers don’t take more than a few seconds to decide if your cover letter is worth reading in depth.

So, making a strong first impression is vital for a successful healthcare cover letter.

Begin your cover letter’s opening paragraph by introducing yourself and explaining why you have a genuine interest in the role. Expressing your enthusiasm for the healthcare industry or the specific position is a compelling way to capture the hiring manager's attention.

Doing some research on the healthcare organization can be useful here. The more you learn about the employer, the better you can emphasize your alignment with their work culture and mission. This demonstrates to the hiring manager that you're not just casually applying everywhere and seeing what sticks—you have a sincere interest in this particular role.

If you have the experience, you can boost your introduction by highlighting a significant accomplishment or mentioning a skill that makes you an ideal fit for the position. Just remember to keep this part snappy. You only have to spark the hiring manager's interest and encourage them to explore the finer details of your healthcare cover letter.

#4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details

Now that you’ve captured the hiring manager’s attention, it’s time to dive into the details.

The body of your cover letter is where you need to prove you’re the best candidate for the position. But don’t make the mistake of just repeating everything from your healthcare resume . This is the place where you can tie in your professional skills and experiences in a manner that sets you apart.

The best way to outshine the other applicants is to use the job advertisement as your compass. Read it carefully and keep in mind what skills and experiences the company expects from its candidates.

Whether it's expertise in a particular medical field or proficiency in a specific type of medical software, make sure to mention these in your healthcare cover letter. Based on the information you find, pick out a few of your relevant achievements and use them to convince the hiring manager that you’re the best candidate for the role.

Illustrating your knowledge of the company, its healthcare initiatives, or the industry itself can also be a great advantage. If you're familiar with the company's healthcare services, specify so in your cover letter to prove your alignment with their mission and organizational culture.

And don’t forget to infuse enthusiasm into your writing. Your passion for the role should shine through as much as your healthcare know-how. Convey your confidence in your skills and experiences, and express your eagerness to contribute to the company's healthcare mission.

If you need more inspiration, check out these other cover letter examples !

#5. Wrap It Up and Sign It

Once you’ve written the bulk of your healthcare cover letter, it’s time for the finishing touches.

Knowing how to end your cover letter can make the difference between winning a hiring manager over or getting tossed into the “no” pile.

Make sure you leave a positive impression on the hiring manager with a strong conclusion that reinforces your suitability for the role. Summarize your standout skills and why you're the ideal candidate.

Afterward, include a compelling call to action, inviting the hiring manager to delve deeper into your application. This proactive approach can boost your chances of securing an interview.

Lastly, sign off your letter like a professional. Choose an appropriate closing and include your full name, like so:

Please feel free to reach out to me via the provided email or phone number to discuss my application further. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to explore my qualifications with you.

Best regards,

Frank Jenkins

And remember, if you find "Best regards," too common, there are alternative sign-offs to consider, such as:

• Kind regards,
• Respectfully yours,
• Thank you for your consideration.

3 Essential Bartender Cover Letter Tips

We’ve covered the fundamentals of writing a healthcare cover letter, and now it's time to take it to the next level.

Just follow these useful cover letter tips :

#1. Match Your Resume

Ready to carve a path as a healthcare professional?

Make sure your healthcare cover letter aligns seamlessly with your resume template . This makes it much easier for the hiring manager to pick your documents out of the pile.

Your contact information should be clearly visible on your resume’s header, and the body of your text should fit neatly on the page. Maintain consistent font styles and sizes throughout your documents, and adjust the page margins and line spacing of your cover letter so it sticks to one page .

Or Use A Cover Letter Template Instead

Don’t have time to start from scratch?

Just use our free resume builder and pair it with one of our matching cover letter templates .

Say goodbye to your struggles with the formatting or layout. Our templates are your shortcut to a polished cover letter that complements your resume. Made with input from global hiring experts, they guarantee you a professional, industry-ready application in minutes.

#2. Mention Qualifications

Don't let your cover letter be a missed opportunity by skipping out on your relevant healthcare qualifications.

Sure, your healthcare resume already lists your education, but your cover letter lets you really dive deeper. It's your chance to tell the story behind that medical degree or that special training you took. Help the hiring manager see why those experiences make you a great fit for the role.

It's all about giving them the full picture of what you bring to the table, which increases your odds of getting an interview.

#3. Be Formal

Keeping your cover letter formal is essential. This isn't a casual email; it's your introduction to a healthcare institution, and missing the mark is a huge mistake .

Being formal shows that you're dedicated and professional. However, this doesn't mean you can't show some of your personality. It's all about balancing professionalism with polite friendliness.

Make sure you’re using the appropriate language and steer clear of slang. For example, instead of saying you can "handle things," specify that you're "competent in patient care." Maintaining formality positions you as a reliable and professional candidate who’s taking this healthcare role seriously.

Key Takeaways

That's it for crafting the ideal healthcare cover letter!

We hope you feel more confident in writing your own cover letter, and we have no doubt you’ll land your dream job in no time.

Before we say goodbye, let's revisit some of our article’s key points:

• Start your healthcare cover letter by clearly listing both your contact details and those of the hiring manager. Accuracy is crucial here since a single typo could mean missing out on an interview opportunity.
• Grab the hiring manager’s attention right from the beginning. If the opening paragraph doesn't engage them, they might not make it to the crucial details that follow.
• Use the main body of your resume to dive deeper into your standout achievements and skills. Align them with the job advertisement to make your case compelling.
• End with a compelling reason for them to get in touch, whether it's a call or an interview invite.
• Make sure your application is a matching set, so your resume and cover letter stand out from the rest. If you're pressed for time, consider using one of our matching resume and cover letter templates for a polished look.

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Health Care Cover Letter Examples and Templates for 2024

• Cover Letter Examples

How To Write a Health Care Cover Letter

• Cover Letter Text Examples

A great health care cover letter can make all the difference during the job search. The key is to demonstrate your unique clinical background and commitment to quality patient care using your most impressive career achievements. This guide offers health care cover letter examples and expert tips to help you craft an eye-catching cover letter and land your next job opportunity.

Health Care Cover Letter Templates and Examples

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

A great health care cover letter has several key elements. It needs to encapsulate your professional experience and accomplishments and tell your unique journey within the medical field. As you build your document, focus on crafting engaging content that truly captures your passion and commitment to improving the quality of life for patients. Below, we’ll walk you through each section of your health care cover letter:

1. Contact information and salutation

In the header of your health care cover letter, list your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn URL. Be sure to address the hiring manager by name — Mr. or Ms. [Last Name]. If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, use a variation of “Dear Hiring Manager.” Avoid salutations such as “To Whom It May Concern,” as this language is more direct and personal.

2. Introduction

Open your health care cover letter with a powerful introduction to draw the reader in and entice them to read further. Start by introducing yourself and conveying your interest in the role. Emphasize your years of experience within the health care industry and any clinical expertise that matches the organization’s needs. Include a defining career achievement to demonstrate your proven track record of success as a medical professional.

I am interested in the medical director position with the Seattle Washington Medical Center. In my 15-year career within the health care industry, I’ve developed an array of expertise in clinical program development. I’ve also served as both a medical director at St. Francis of Assisi Hospital and as a licensed physician at Virginia Mason Hospital.

3. Body paragraphs

Continue to feature your accomplishments and clinical expertise in the body paragraphs of your health care cover letter. Start by mentioning something specific about the hospital’s reputation, culture, or mission statement and why this draws you to apply for the opportunity. For example, if an organization is known for providing cutting-edge cancer treatments, emphasize how this relates to your unique background in oncology.

Seattle Washington Medical Center’s reputation for providing cutting-edge cancer treatments attracts me to apply for this opportunity. During my time at St. Francis of Assisi Hospital, I developed a clinical program strategy for the Oncology department. My experience as a health care executive would be an asset to your organization based on my previous successes:

• Led large-scale change management initiatives to increase the utilization of evidence-based care approaches, resulting in a 5% reduction in patient mortality rates
• Collaborated with hospital leadership, physicians, and nurses to develop hospital guidelines and policies, which included driving patient-centered care and advocacy
• Oversaw a $40 million operating budget and reduced medical equipment costs by 15%

4. Health care skills and qualifications

Rather than including a list of skills, use your health care cover letter to show how you’ve applied your medical knowledge to treat patients in fast-paced clinical environments. Feature health care-related skill sets that match the hospital’s needs using tangible examples from your career. Below, we’ve compiled a list of key terms to keep in mind when building your health care cover letter:

5. Closing section

The conclusion of your health care cover letter provides one last opportunity to impress potential employers. Include a call to action that invites the hiring manager to bring you in for an interview. Reinforce how your unique medical background can enhance the quality of patient care for their organization. Be sure to thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration in the last sentence.

I look forward to speaking more about how my background in change management can aid the Seattle Washington Medical Center in the medical director role. I’m available by phone and email at your convenience. Thank you for your consideration.

Jane Langston, MD

Health Care Cover Letter Tips

1. feature your clinical expertise.

Your clinical expertise should serve as the focal point of your cover letter. As you build your content, carefully review the job description and feature medical skills that align with the hospital’s needs. If you’ve completed a certification in a key clinical area, mention this in your introduction.

2. Highlight patient-centered care and advocacy

Patient-centered care is an important trend in health care delivery, as it helps maintain the voice of the patient throughout treatment. It also helps align the treatment planning process according to the patient’s physical, emotional, and cultural needs. Branding yourself as a patient advocate also shows hiring managers more about who you are as a person and as a health care professional.

3. Quantify your health care achievements

Quantify your career achievements using hard numbers and metrics to establish a sense of scope for the reader. For instance, you might mention that you achieved a 95% patient satisfaction rating in a large hospital with a 1:5 patient ratio. This sends a clear message to hiring managers that you can deliver quality care to patients in high-volume, clinical environments.

Health Care Text-Only Cover Letter Templates and Examples

Sarah Engels  Licensed Professional Counselor | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Portland, OR 12345 | LinkedIn

January 1, 2024

Roger Smith Hiring Manager Lifestance (987) 654-3210 [email protected]

Dear Mr. Smith,

I’m interested in applying for the therapist position at your organization. As you’ll see from my resume, I have expertise in trauma-based interventions and family counseling. My commitment to emotionally-focused therapy (EFT) strongly aligns with Lifestance’s mission.

Upon graduating from the University of Colorado with a Master of Psychology degree, I began work as a counselor trainee at the Boulder Medical Center. It entailed delivering counseling services to individuals, couples, and families with diverse cultural backgrounds. I can help improve the quality of life for your patients based on my career achievements :

• Conducted evidence-based trauma interventions for diverse patient populations and supported initiatives to provide additional resources and professional services
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop EFT models
• Utilized standardized assessments to measure patient progress and successfully reduced depression and anxiety levels in 90% of patients

I hope to have further discussions on how my expertise in EFT can benefit your practice. You may contact me via phone or email at your convenience. I appreciate your time and consideration.

Sarah Engels, licensed professional counselor

Heather Cline  Medical Surgical Nurse | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | San Jose, CA 12345 | LinkedIn

Arnold Rosenberg Hiring Manager Palo Alto Hospital (987) 654-3210 [email protected]

Dear Mr Rosenberg,

I am interested in applying for the medical surgical nurse position with the Palo Alto Hospital. I feel that my extensive background within the health care industry would be an asset to your organization. As a board-certified medical surgical nurse, I developed expertise in case management and disease prevention while employed at the San Diego Hospital.

Palo Alto Hospital’s commitment to patient advocacy is what draws me to apply for this opportunity. At San Diego Hospital, I delivered patient-centered care to patients in alignment with cultural, physical, and emotional needs. I can help drive positive patient outcomes for your organization based on my career achievements:

• Delivered compassionate care to patients in a 400-bed hospital, communicated symptoms and treatment options with empathy and understanding, and achieved a 92% satisfaction rating
• Supported process improvement efforts to better patient flow and enhance clinical outcomes, resulting in a 15% reduction in average patient wait times
• Collaborated with physicians, nurses, and multidisciplinary teams across various medical units

I look forward to speaking with you further about how my expertise in patient-centered care can benefit Palo Alto Hospital. If you have any questions, you may contact me via phone or email at your convenience. I appreciate your time and consideration.

Heather Cline, registered nurse

Jane Langston  Medical Director | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Seattle, WA 98122 | LinkedIn

Christa Johnson Hiring Manager Seattle Washington Medical Center (987) 654-3210 [email protected]

Dear Ms. Johnson,

Seattle Washington Medical Center’s reputation for providing cutting-edge cancer treatments draws me to apply for this opportunity. During my time at St. Francis of Assisi Hospital, I developed a clinical program strategy for the Oncology department. My experience as a health care executive would be an asset to your organization based on my previous successes:

Health Care Cover Letter FAQs

Why should i include a health care cover letter -.

Although cover letters aren’t always required for a job application, including one can sometimes help differentiate you from other candidates. In addition to reinforcing your strongest qualifications, the cover letter allows you to convey a genuine interest in the job opportunity. Mentioning something specific about the hospital’s mission or reputation shows you’ve done your research beforehand and can increase your odds of landing the interview.

Are cover letters becoming obsolete? -

According to a LinkedIn poll conducted by Forbes , 70% of correspondents voted that cover letters are no longer needed during the application process. While cover letters aren’t always required, writing one demonstrates your enthusiasm and genuine interest in the role you’re applying for. This can sometimes make all the difference in generating interviews during the job search .

Should I use an artificial intelligence tool to write my cover letter? -

Using an artificial intelligence (AI) tool to get started may be a viable option, but never let it write your cover letter in its entirety. Despite recent advancements, documents produced by AI run the risk of being overly derivative and generic. Your cover letter should express your passion and commitment to improving the lives of your patients. Relying solely on an AI tool strips the document of your unique voice.

Craft a new cover letter in minutes

Get the attention of hiring managers with a cover letter tailored to every job application.

Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

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