By: Arthur Hall
Submitted: 2011-03-01 22:38:01 | Word Count: 713
The importance of a killer medical cover letter is a critical issue. Health care jobs are in high demand and the competition for them is stiff. Your cover letter must be in excellent health in order to impress a hiring manager or nurse. Before you send off your application package give your cover letter a complete physical. After your cover letter passes the exam with a clean bill of health you are ready to get your job search started. Remember, a killer medical cover letter is just what the doctor ordered.
The prescription for a medical cover letter is basically the same as the prescription for a general cover letter. It is more than just a rambling list of skills and experiences. The cover letter is a firm handshake, a warm smile and an intelligent ice-breaker neatly printed on one convenient page. A killer medical cover letter provides the hiring manager an overview of your qualifications with a healthy dose of personality thrown in for good measure. Compose your medical cover letter with that in mind to ensure that your chances of hearing from the hiring manager are much higher.
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This kind of cover letter is all about selling yourself as the consummate medical professional you are. Your cover letter must grab the hiring manager's attention and keep them paying attention long enough to get to your resume. Bold headlines and creative titles serve to pique the interest of a hiring manager. Say something the reader will remember as soon as you can and the reader will definitely want to find out more.
Revealing parts of your personality can also be accomplished with a good cover letter. A passion for what you do is important and conveying that is of the essence. Indicate that you are not only professional but compassionate and inspired to provide quality health care. Let the hiring manager know why you love what you do. Dedication and a positive attitude are both qualities that hiring managers are looking for when they read your cover letter.
The sheer volume of cover letters that hiring managers receive for openings in this field puts you in a predicament. Standing out among all of the other submissions is absolutely necessary. When the hiring manager opens your letter they should be able to form a quick diagnosis in your favor. The visual appeal of your cover letter has to be taken into account. A physically fit medical cover letter is certain to yield a better prognosis for success.
Assess the facility and adjust your cover letter treatment to their standard of care. If you are applying for a position at a progressive care facility mention your volunteer work with the elderly. If you know that shift work and long hours are required for the job, assure the hiring manager that you are aware it and more than ready to comply. If you let the hiring manager in on the fact that you are the antidote for whatever ails their facility or clinic you can rest assured that your phone will be ringing off the hook.
Close your medical cover letter with a reaffirmation of your interest in the available position. Thank the hiring manager for taking time out of their busy roster to consider you for the job. Follow that thanks with a brief statement of your hopes and intent. Advise the hiring manager of your plans. Make yourself accessible to the hiring manager by phone or in person and provide the contact information essential to facilitate that communication.
Finally, a cover letter that looks like it needs intensive care is not going to get you an early appointment with the hiring manager. A thorough check up for your new cover letter is preventive medicine at its best. Spell check is not the best diagnostic tool at your disposal. Run one but then conduct your own physical check up as well. Typos, misspelled words and poor grammar are all glaring symptoms of an unhealthy cover letter. Do not be afraid to get a second opinion. Often, having someone else read your cover letter is the best way to vaccinate against those pesky mistakes that might just get your submission package placed under a strict quarantine.
