application letter to hospital

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.

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

• Skip to main content
• Skip to footer

Incredible Health

Empowering healthcare professionals to find and do their best work.

Writing a Successful Nursing Cover Letter With Examples and Templates

Jul 01 2022

Career Resources / Job Searching / Nursing Cover Letter

Reviewed by: Kiley Griffin, R.N.

Writing an effective nursing cover letter may seem unnecessary–trust us: it’s not. Roughly 45% of job seekers send resumes without a cover letter . Yet, a majority of employers prefer cover letters to go with a resume. 

When looking for a new job , nurses often spend the most time developing their resumes . Sometimes they neglect their cover letters or don’t write one at all.  

Whether you are a new grad nurse or a nurse veteran, a good cover letter is a great way to separate yourself from the pack. Even if a hiring manager only skims it, it can mean the difference between you and another candidate getting the job if something catches their eye.

In this post, we will explore the following:

• Examples and a Template for a Nursing Cover Letter

When Nursing Cover Letters Are Required

• Benefits to Writing a Cover Letter
• Steps for Writing a Cover Letter
• Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Cover Letter

Get job matches in your area + answers to all your nursing career questions

Let's get started

What's your current role?

Nursing Cover Letter Examples and Templates

With the right care and effort, you can craft a professional nursing cover letter that helps distinguish you from other candidates.  

We’ve provided two sample nurse cover letters and a template to help give you an idea of what to write.

Nursing Cover Letter Template

Hiring Manager name Nursing Recruitment 1234 Any Place Road Sometown, California 11111 (999)999-9999 June 16, 2021 Your Name Title Current Employer Mailing Address Phone Number Email Address Dear Hiring Manager, I am pleased to learn of this opportunity, as I found the qualities you are seeking for this position to be an excellent match for my skills, education, and experience. I have a robust background and leadership experience in emergency nursing, trauma/critical care, change leadership, and a commitment to providing high-quality care through standardizing workflows to align with best practices. It is in response to similar challenges that I have excelled during my career as a manager, director, and clinical leader.  Also, I am particularly interested in [the company] because of your excellent reputation, community engagement, and focus on delivering high-quality care to patients. My current role primarily includes providing strategic direction to the clinical operations of the Emergency Department, Trauma Base Hospital, and Crisis Stabilization Unit. I also establish and enforce policies and procedures for the hospital. Additionally, I ensure that financial targets are met within my scope of responsibility. Moreover, I am confident that I can support your strategic objectives of the ICU and provide stability in the department with regard to achieving quality outcomes, staff development, and meeting financial targets. I look forward to discussing in detail with you the ways in which my experience and determination will make further significant contributions to your organization. Respectfully, [Your Name]

Here are the most common scenarios when a nursing cover letter is required:

• Applying directly to a specific person: Suppose the job posting invites applicants to apply to a particular individual instead of a general application system. In that case, it is appropriate to include a cover letter and address it to the individual . This is especially important for new grad nurses with less experience.
• Referral for a position: Don’t skip the cover letter If you apply for work based on another professional or mentor’s recommendation. Use the cover letter to explain that someone referred you to the job and specify whom. This allows hiring managers to see that someone they value as a trusted professional in the healthcare industry believes you are qualified for a position.
• When requested in a job listing:  Some job listings specifically request candidates to submit a professional cover letter with their application. Following job listing requirements to include a cover letter shows hiring managers that you follow instructions and have an eye for detail. Both are essential qualities in the nursing profession.

Benefits to Writing a Nursing Cover Letter

Knowing you are the best candidate for the job and proving it are two different things. You may have an impeccable nursing resume ; however, 20 other candidates are applying for the same position.

Nursing careers are in demand , but that does not mean there isn’t competition for specific nursing positions such as a nurse practitioner or nurse educator .

Resumes are neatly spun packages of information about a candidate’s education, job history (when applicable), and professional certification . They leave little room for information about who you are as a candidate. 

That is where a good cover letter comes in. With the proper cover letter format, your cover letter will offer several advantages and is a great way to showcase your nursing skills.

Identify your intent

Resumes indicate your worth. Cover letters reveal your intent . Outline how your desires and skills align with the job you are applying for. This shows the hiring manager you are interested in the position.

Hopefully, it’s not going to be just another job for you. It will become part of your mission and vision as a nursing professional . For instance, if a position will help grow your leadership skills and prepare you for an advanced nursing career, state that as part of the intent. 

Provide a more in-depth description

Your education and credentials make up only a small portion of who you are as a nursing professional. How someone looks on paper is not an indicator of how they will perform. It does not accurately gauge their character.

In that sense, a cover letter provides a sample of what the hiring manager will expect in the interview.

Using a cover letter to honestly explore your strengths, weaknesses, experiences, interests, and perspectives is an asset. Maybe your resume includes a certification or award you are proud of. Expand on it in the cover letter. 

Pro-tip: Using some of the traits and terms found in the job’s job description is a great way to stand out as a candidate, as it shows you have the qualities the employer is looking for.

What makes you proud of that achievement and how does it make you the best candidate for the position?

Explain the gaps

Hiring professionals suggest resumes span one page for new nurses and those with less than 10 years of experience. Due to length limits, it is hard to explain any gaps in work history. Also, resumes leave out room for detailing why you may have shifted gears from an earlier career into nursing. 

A cover letter provides the perfect opportunity to explain these situations.

Establish a willingness to work

Cover letters add an extra touch to a job application. As stated, nearly half of all job applicants fail to include a cover letter with their job applications unless requested.

Going that extra mile shows a hiring manager that you are willing to put the work in to get the job done right. That is a desirable quality for any business or industry, especially in nursing and other healthcare careers.

Remember that a cover letter should focus on a resume’s highlights, fleshing them out in a more meaningful way.

These are key purposes of a nursing cover letter.

Include only information that falls into one of the four benefits listed above to get the most mileage out of your cover letter.

Top nurse jobs on Incredible Health

🏥 nurse practitioner, cardiac care.

West Orange, NJ | $99,000 to $153,000 /year

🏥 Registered Nurse – Hospice

Arlington, MA | $75,000 to $150,000 /year

🏥 Registered Nurse – Medical Surgical/GI/Operating Room

Atlanta, GA | $60,000 to $100,000 /year

🏥 Registered Nurse – Recent Grad ICU

Dublin, GA | $40,000 to $80,000 /year

🏥 Staff Nurse (RN), Med Surg

Newburyport, MA | $75,000 to $150,000 /year

Get matched with these and thousands more permanent jobs on Incredible Health.

Steps for Writing Your Cover Letter

The nursing field requires structure and proper etiquette .

You wouldn’t walk into a patient’s room and say,

“hey, Adam, what’s up, man?” 

The same need for etiquette and structure applies to writing a cover letter. 

Accordingly, we have provided steps to writing a successful nursing cover letter. 

1. Create a header

When a nurse injects a patient with a vaccine, they clean the area first with an alcohol wipe. They don’t just stick the needle in. In the same vein, you need to start by listing your name, phone number, email, and residential address . 

Make sure you put the date under that information. 

Last, include the recipient’s contact information as well. 

2. Use a professional greeting

This is your first impression – show respect. Using “Dear” will work when sending a formal cover letter. If you don’t know the hiring manager’s name, simply write “Dear hiring manager.” 

3. Write your opening paragraph

Your first paragraph serves as the bait or pitch to get the hiring manager’s attention. Don’t bother placing a fishing lure of fluff to try and get their attention. It’s essential to lead with honesty and earnestness. 

While writing this paragraph, make sure you include the title for the position you’re applying to. If you’re applying to work as an RN , state that. Next, articulate why you applied for this job to begin with and your overall excitement to obtain this role.

Make sure that you key in on specific details about the position and how they interest you.

Here’s an example of a stellar opening paragraph:

I am thrilled at the opportunity to apply at St. Joseph’s Hospital as an ICU nurse. As an ICU nurse with over six years of experience, I have gained the necessary skills to perform my role excellently. Specifically, I am excited about the opportunity to work on a 35-bed unit with the demands it requires. I think that my experience, passion, and skill set make me an ideal ICU nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

4. Write your background paragraph

Dedicate this paragraph to your career in nursing up to this point. You want to include all the most applicable skills that pertain to this position. Be specific. Include the detailed duties that you performed that correspond to this new role. 

If you’re applying to work in oncology, but have training in wound therapy, maybe don’t lead with that. Try including only relevant examples. 

Next, include any measurable achievements you’ve had in other jobs that relate to this role. Keyword: measurable . 

Here’s an example of a job posting for an ICU nurse:

Now, here’s a great way to respond to such a job posting:

My experience as a CVICU nurse has allowed me to develop the necessary skills to provide exceptional nursing care through a continuously evolving education. One of my greatest achievements is training 10 CVICU nurses to handle the CVICU and work with external pacemakers and post-cardiac surgery care. By working alongside a variety of health care providers at all levels, I have been able to establish outstanding collaboration and delegation abilities. Through my education, a strong emphasis on patient advocacy and ethical decision-making has been incorporated. Therefore, I have learned to place patient care at the utmost importance. I have developed strong assessment and critical thinking skills. This allows me to deliver the highest quality patient-centered care.

5. Expand on qualifications

Try adding a few short stories that can highlight your primary achievements. This is a great opportunity to highlight your soft skills as well. 

Some potential soft skills include:

• Communication skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Ability to work under pressure

6. Craft a conclusion

In your concluding paragraph, circle back to why you’re the best candidate for this role. Try to expand on your eagerness to obtain the position. End the paragraph with a call to action . A call to action expresses your desire to hear from them soon with next steps regarding the hiring process.

7. End your letter formally

Just like you began your letter, conclude your letter professionally with a “Sincerely” or “Respectfully,” followed by your name. Ending your letter this way helps it end on a high, formal note. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Your Cover Letter

In the nursing profession, a mistake can lead to a lawsuit. When writing a nurse cover letter a mistake could lead to you not getting a job. Below are some of the common mistakes to avoid when writing your cover letter.

• Typos: The nursing profession has a lot of difficult and wonky spellings. For example, you may be proficient at Arrhythmia management , but do you know how to spell it? Having typos within your cover letter sends the message to your hiring manager that you might not be detail-oriented and that’s one of the most important traits in a nurse.
• Focusing too much on yourself: According to Forbes, this is another common mistake to avoid . Often people try to list all their accomplishments in ways that don’t directly tie into how they can help the company . You want your cover letter to be strategic and it’s imperative to list ways that you can help the employer.
• Lying: This should be obvious but it’s crucial that you tell the truth in your cover letter. The truth will eventually come out. The best policy is to just practice honesty.
• Addressing the letter to the wrong person: This is a critical mistake. The recruiter or hiring manager probably will just stop reading at that point.
• Re-writing your resume: Unfortunately, this is a common error when writing a cover letter. As explained earlier: resumes explain your worth, cover letters show your intent. They are two separate documents and a hiring manager will know if you attempt to merge them.
• Using a different font than your resume: It may seem like a small detail, but using the same font on your resume shows that you pay attention to detail.

You’ve made it. Congratulations!

Writing a cover letter on its own separates you from the pack. However, writing a strong cover letter makes you an even more intriguing candidate. A nurse wouldn’t leave a stitch when sewing up a wound and neither should you leave a job unfinished when applying for a job.

Nursing Cover Letter FAQs

Your nursing cover letter shouldn’t be longer than a page. The recruiter should be able to read it quickly and get a good idea of what you offer the company. Anything longer than that and you risk the recruiter tossing your letter.

It’s best to use either Times New Roman or Arial when writing a nursing cover letter.

The cover letter should expand on information found in the resume. It should provide insight into your skills, qualifications and background.

• Browse jobs
• Free nursing CEUs
• Interview questions
• Job search guides
• New nurse graduates
• Nurse advice Q&A
• Nurse specialty quiz
• Nurses blog
• Nursing degree guides
• Personal finance
• Resume guide

BROWSE JOBS

• Los Angeles
• Philadelphia
• San Francisco
• Washington, DC
• Schedule a demo
• Why Incredible Health
• Customer case studies
• Inside Incredible Health
• Contact & support

1 Healthcare Cover Letter Example

Healthcare professionals are the lifeline of any medical institution, proficiently diagnosing, treating, and caring for patients while ensuring their comfort and well-being. Similarly, your cover letter is the lifeline of your job application, adeptly presenting your skills, experiences, and dedication to patient care. In this guide, we'll delve into the best cover letter examples for Healthcare professionals, helping you to craft a compelling narrative that underscores your commitment to health and healing.

Cover Letter Examples

Cover letter guidelines, healthcare cover letter example, healthcare administrator cover letter example, mental health clinician cover letter example, how to format a healthcare cover letter, cover letter header, what to focus on with your cover letter header:, cover letter header examples for healthcare, cover letter greeting, get your cover letter greeting right:, cover letter greeting examples for healthcare, cover letter introduction, what to focus on with your cover letter intro:, cover letter intro examples for healthcare, cover letter body, what to focus on with your cover letter body:, cover letter body examples for healthcare, cover letter closing, what to focus on with your cover letter closing:, cover letter closing paragraph examples for healthcare, pair your cover letter with a foundational resume, cover letter writing tips for healthcares, highlight relevant skills and experiences, use healthcare specific language, show empathy and compassion, proofread and edit, customize each cover letter, cover letter mistakes to avoid as a healthcare, generic cover letters, ignoring soft skills, lengthy cover letters, failure to proofread, not showing enthusiasm, cover letter faqs for healthcares.

The best way to start a Healthcare cover letter is by directly addressing the hiring manager, if their name is known. If not, "Dear Hiring Manager" is appropriate. Begin by introducing yourself and stating the position you're applying for. Then, briefly mention your most relevant qualifications or experiences that make you a strong candidate for the role. It's also beneficial to show enthusiasm for the healthcare field and the specific organization you're applying to. This shows you've done your research and are genuinely interested in the role.

Healthcare professionals should end a cover letter by summarizing their interest in the position and the unique skills they bring. It's important to express enthusiasm for the opportunity and to thank the reader for their time. For example, "I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and experiences to your team and am confident that I can bring value to your organization. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing this opportunity further." It's also crucial to include contact information, even if it's already on your resume. This makes it easier for the hiring manager to reach you. Always end with a professional closing like "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your name.

A Healthcare cover letter should ideally be about one page in length. This is because hiring managers often have many applications to go through, so a concise, well-structured letter is more likely to grab their attention. In terms of word count, aim for between 250 to 400 words. This length allows you to clearly and succinctly express your interest in the position, highlight your most relevant skills and experiences, and explain why you would be a good fit for the healthcare organization. Remember, the cover letter is your opportunity to make a strong first impression, so every word should count.

Writing a cover letter with no experience in healthcare can seem daunting, but it's all about showcasing your transferable skills, passion for the field, and eagerness to learn. Here's a step-by-step guide: 1. **Start with a Professional Greeting**: Address the hiring manager by name if possible. If you can't find their name, use a professional greeting like "Dear Hiring Manager". 2. **Introduction**: Begin by stating the position you're applying for. Mention where you found the job posting. If someone referred you, mention their name and position. 3. **Express Your Interest**: Explain why you're interested in the healthcare field. This could be a personal reason or a professional goal. Show enthusiasm and passion for the field. 4. **Highlight Transferable Skills**: Even without direct experience, you likely have skills that are relevant to healthcare. These could be soft skills like communication, empathy, and problem-solving, or hard skills like data analysis or proficiency in a second language. Use specific examples to demonstrate these skills. 5. **Education & Training**: If you have any education or training related to healthcare, be sure to mention it. This could be a degree, a certification, or even a relevant course or seminar. 6. **Show Willingness to Learn**: Emphasize your eagerness to learn and grow in the healthcare field. This shows potential employers that you're committed and motivated. 7. **Conclude Professionally**: Thank the hiring manager for considering your application. Express your hope for the opportunity to further discuss your qualifications. 8. **Sign Off**: End with a professional sign-off like "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your full name and contact information. Remember to keep your cover letter concise and to the point. Use a professional tone and language, and proofread carefully for any errors. Tailor your cover letter to each job application, focusing on the skills and qualifications mentioned in the job posting.

Related Cover Letters for Healthcares

Medical assistant cover letter.

Nursing Assistant Cover Letter

Medical Technologist Cover Letter

Healthcare Cover Letter

Healthcare Administrator Cover Letter

Mental health clinician cover letter, related resumes for healthcares, healthcare resume example.

Try our AI-Powered Resume Builder

13 Professional Healthcare Cover Letter Examples for 2024

Your healthcare cover letter needs to stand out with clear evidence of your relevant skills and experience. Show a deep understanding of the medical position you're applying for and its requirements. Demonstrate your commitment to providing exceptional patient care and any specialized expertise you might have. Make sure to include any certifications or trainings that align directly with the role in question.

All cover letter examples in this guide

Case Manager

Clinical Director

Clinical Trial Manager

Healthcare Project Manager

Occupational Therapist

Physician Assistant

Public Health

Radiologic Technologist

Respiratory Therapist

Speech Pathologist

Surgical Tech

Cover letter guide.

Healthcare Cover Letter Sample

Cover Letter Format

Cover Letter Salutation

Cover Letter Introduction

Cover Letter Body

Cover Letter Closing

No Experience Healthcare Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

Crafting a healthcare cover letter can often be a stumbling block in your job application process. Perhaps you've just discovered it's required, and the realization hits: it's not just an echo of your resume. Instead, it's your chance to weave a compelling narrative around your proudest professional triumph. Striking the delicate balance between formality and originality without tipping into clichés or exceeding the one-page limit poses a true challenge. Let's walk through how to surmount these hurdles and pen a cover letter that stands out.

• Including all the must-have paragraphs in your structure for an excellent first impression;
• Learning how to write individual sections from industry-leading cover letter examples;
• Selecting the best accomplishment to tell an interesting and authority-building professional story;
• Introducing your profile with personality, while meeting industry standards.

And, if you want to save some time, drag and drop your healthcare resume into Enhancv's AI, which will assess your profile and write your job-winning cover letter for you.

If the healthcare isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:

• Healthcare resume guide and example
• Dental Nurse cover letter example
• Practice Nurse cover letter example
• Registered Nurse cover letter example
• Veterinary Nurse cover letter example
• Hospital Pharmacist cover letter example
• Medical Technologist cover letter example
• Nursing Student cover letter example
• Oral Surgery Assistant cover letter example
• Professional Nurse cover letter example
• Dermatology Medical Assistant cover letter example

Healthcare cover letter example

Joshua Nelson

Seattle, Washington

+1-(234)-555-1234

[email protected]

• Personalization and Specific References: The opening sentence demonstrates familiarity with the company's work and achievements, signaling that the writer has researched the company and understands its mission, thereby creating a connection with the hiring manager.
• Demonstration of Relevant Experience: By detailing a successful direct mail campaign and showing tangible results, like the 20% spike in engagement, the writer exemplifies a track record of success in the field that is directly relevant to healthcare marketing.
• Connecting Past Work to Potential Contributions: The candidate smoothly transitions from past experiences to potential future contributions, implying that their skills and accomplishments can be beneficial to the hiring company’s future projects and goals.
• Call to Action: By expressing a desire to schedule an interview and delve deeper into how their experiences can align with the company’s goals, the writer encourages the hiring manager to move forward with the application process, demonstrating eagerness and initiative.

Five tips on formatting your healthcare cover letter

Do you want to make a good impression on recruiters and, at the same time, follow the best industry advice on writing your healthcare cover letter?

Make sure to include the following:

• Header and Salutation;
• Introductory paragraph;
• Body paragraph;
• Closing paragraph;
• Signature (this one is up to you).

Remember to use the same modern, simple font for your healthcare cover letter as you did for your resume (e.g. Lato, Rubik, etc.)

Ensure your healthcare cover letter is single-spaced and is wrapped around a one-inch margin, like in our cover letter templates .

Once completed, use our cover letter builder to export your healthcare cover letter in the best format to keep your information intact - PDF.

At the end of the day, your healthcare cover letter won't be assessed by the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) software, but by the recruiters. Your information should thus be legible, organized, and follow a structured logic.

The top sections on a healthcare cover letter

Header: It should include your contact information, the date, and the employer's contact information, to ensure the letter is properly addressed and professional.

Opening Greeting: This should address the hiring manager by name if possible, demonstrating that you have personalized the letter and are attentive to details.

Introduction: Your introduction should grab the recruiter's attention by mentioning your relevant healthcare experience or specialized qualifications, making you stand out as a candidate.

Body of the Letter: This section should detail your previous healthcare roles, specific accomplishments, and how you can apply your skills to solve problems unique to the healthcare industry the employer is facing.

Closing and Call to Action: Your closing should express your enthusiasm for the opportunity, invite further discussion, and include a polite request for an interview, showing initiative and eagerness to move forward in the application process.

Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter

• Clinical competence and technical proficiency in relevant medical procedures: Ensures patient safety and the ability to provide high-quality care.
• Empathy and strong interpersonal skills: Facilitates better patient communication and care by understanding their needs and concerns.
• Teamwork and collaboration: Essential for working effectively with multi-disciplinary healthcare teams to provide comprehensive patient care.
• Adaptability and crisis management skills: Important for responding to rapidly changing clinical situations and emergencies in a healthcare setting.
• Knowledge of healthcare regulations and compliance: Critical for ensuring legal and ethical standards are met in clinical practice.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development: Necessary to stay updated with the latest medical knowledge and techniques, which improves patient outcomes.

Personalizing your healthcare cover letter salutation

Always aim to address the recruiter from the get-go of your healthcare cover letter.

• the friendly tone (e.g. "Dear Paul" or "Dear Caroline") - if you've previously chatted up with them on social media and are on a first-name basis;
• the formal tone (e.g. "Dear Ms. Gibbs" or "Dear Ms. Swift") - if you haven't had any previous conversation with them and have discovered the name of the recruiter on LinkedIn or the company website;
• the polite tone (e.g. "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear HR Team") - at all costs aim to avoid the "To whom it may concern" or "Dear Sir/Madam", as both greetings are very old-school and vague.

List of salutations you can use

• Dear Hiring Manager,
• Dear [Specific Department] Team,
• Dear [Recipient's Name],
• Esteemed Selection Committee,
• Respected Human Resources Director,
• Dear Dr. [Recipient's Last Name],

The healthcare cover letter introduction: focusing on your unique value, with a creative twist

You are not the only one wondering how to start your healthcare cover letter. Those first two sentences introduce your profile and should be memorable.

No pressure.

When beginning your healthcare cover letter , immediately point out the unique value of working with you. In other words, what you promise to bring to the role by using your past track record of success.

Start your healthcare cover letter with a creative twist by telling a joke or stating something relatable. Select this type of introduction only if it aligns with the company culture.

The middle or body of your healthcare cover letter body: a great instrument to tell a story

Now that you've set the right tone with the greeting and introduction of your healthcare cover letter, it's time to get down to business .

Hear us out, the body of your healthcare cover letter is the best storytelling instrument you have, in your job-hunting arsenal.

Writing the next three to six paragraphs, take the time to reassess the advert to discover job-crucial requirements.

Next, choose one accomplishment that covers those key skills and talents.

Use precisely that achievement to tell an exciting story of how you match the ideal candidate profile.

In the undertones of your story or healthcare cover letter body, hint at the difference you'd make and sell your application as the perfect one for the job.

Ending your healthcare cover letter: a closing paragraph with a promise

If you're thinking of finishing your healthcare cover letter with a "Sincerely yours" or "Thanks for the consideration," you need to read on.

End the final paragraph of your healthcare cover letter with a twist:

• a promise - of how you'd grow as a professional, part of the company, or improve organizational metrics;
• a call to action - prompt interviewers with some follow-up actions if they are interested in your profile.

A personalized ending would surely help you to stand out by being a memorable candidate.

The zero experience healthcare cover letter: shifting the focus to your unique value

Don't worry if you have no conventional professional experience . Within your whole experience, there's plenty more you can write about in your healthcare cover letter.

Take, for example, your biggest achievement or award - dedicate your cover letter body to describe it and the job-relevant skills you've learned.

Your professional ambitions could also take center stage. Describe what you plan on achieving in the next five to ten years and the efforts you're making towards your dreams.

Key takeaways

Within this Enhancv guide, we've provided you with plenty of advice and inspiration on writing your healthcare cover letter:

• Always make sure your healthcare cover letter is tailored to the role you're applying for to make a good impression on recruiters;
• In your healthcare cover letter include a header (with your name, the role you're applying for, date, and contact details) and an introduction of up to two sentences that highlight your key accomplishment or why you'd fit the role;
• Focus your healthcare cover letter body on one sole achievement through your career and all the valuable lessons, skills, and know-how you've learned (that are relevant to the role);
• Ensure your healthcare cover letter closing statement isn't generic and includes either a call to action or a promise;
• If you lack professional experience, shift recruiters' focus to a relevant achievement (thanks to your academic or versatile experience) or toward your dreams and goals for professional growth.

Healthcare cover letter examples

Explore additional healthcare cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

Cover letter examples by industry

AI cover letter writer, powered by ChatGPT

Enhancv harnesses the capabilities of ChatGPT to provide a streamlined interface designed specifically focused on composing a compelling cover letter without the hassle of thinking about formatting and wording.

• Content tailored to the job posting you're applying for
• ChatGPT model specifically trained by Enhancv
• Lightning-fast responses

Beyoncé ’s resume proves she is the true artist of the year

The different ways of submitting a resume, graduate with honors resume, how to put coding bootcamp on resume, typo on your resume here's what to do., parts of a job-winning resume: how to choose resume elements.

• Create Resume
• Terms of Service
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Preferences
• Resume Examples
• Resume Templates
• AI Resume Builder
• Resume Summary Generator
• Resume Formats
• Resume Checker
• Resume Skills
• How to Write a Resume
• Modern Resume Templates
• Simple Resume Templates
• Cover Letter Builder
• Cover Letter Examples
• Cover Letter Templates
• Cover Letter Formats
• How to Write a Cover Letter
• Resume Guides
• Cover Letter Guides
• Job Interview Guides
• Job Interview Questions
• Career Resources
• Meet our customers
• Career resources
• English (UK)
• French (FR)
• German (DE)
• Spanish (ES)
• Swedish (SE)

© 2024 . All rights reserved.

Made with love by people who care.

All Formats

11+ Job Application Letters for Doctor – PDF, DOC

Ever since medical practice changed into an organized profession, humans have experienced a significant improvement in the quality of life. Doctors and nurses are the backbones of our healthcare system. Of course, there are other medical professionals such as orderlies, radiology technicians, and dietitians that are employed in the healthcare industry, but the vast majority of diagnosis and patient care are performed the doctors and nurses. You may also see doctor templates .

Job Application Letter for Junior Doctor

• Google Docs
• Apple Pages

Free Job Application Letter for Medical Doctor

Job Application Letters for Doctor

• Write the objective of your application at the beginning of the letter.
• Mention the source from where you come to know about the job.
• Write about your qualification(s) and why you are a perfect fit for the position.
• Add your skills and experiences relevant to the job if you have any.

Sample Medical Job Application Letter Template

Doctor Job Application Letter Template

Application Letter Sample For Any Position

Free Medical Doctor Job Application Letter

Free Doctor Job Application Letter in PDF

Doctor Job Application Letter Example

Free Doctor Job Application Letter Format

What Makes a Doctor a Doctor?

The roles and responsibilities of a doctor.

• Doctors diagnose and treat patients, including prescribing medications.
• Some doctors perform surgeries, others are internists or general practice doctors, and some choose to become specialists such as neurologists, cardiologists, or anesthesiologists.
• Doctors make decisions regarding patient care and then consult with nurses and other medical professionals to make sure the care instructions are carried out.

Free Doctor Job Application Letter

Sample Doctor Job Application Letter

Free Hospital Doctor Job Application Letter

Free Junior Doctor Job Application Letter

The Doctor-Nurse Debate

Why download our letter templates, more in letters, job separation letter, job application letter for accountant assistant, application introduction letter, job application executive letter, partnership application letter, management application letter, visa application letter to embassy, letter of endorsement for grant application, application letter for funding support, job advice letter.

• FREE 26+ Covid-19 Letter Templates in PDF | MS Word | Google Docs
• Thank You Letter for Appreciation – 19+ Free Word, Excel, PDF Format Download!
• 69+ Resignation Letter Templates – Word, PDF, IPages
• 12+ Letter of Introduction Templates – PDF, DOC
• 14+ Nurse Resignation Letter Templates – Word, PDF
• 16+ Sample Adoption Reference Letter Templates
• 10+ Sample Work Reference Letters
• 28+ Invitation Letter Templates
• 19+ Rental Termination Letter Templates – Free Sample, Example Format Download!
• 23+ Retirement Letter Templates – Word, PDF
• 12+ Thank You Letters for Your Service – PDF, DOC
• 12+ Job Appointment Letter Templates – Google DOC, PDF, Apple Pages
• 21+ Professional Resignation Letter Templates – PDF, DOC
• 14+ Training Acknowledgement Letter Templates
• 49+ Job Application Form Templates

File Formats

Word templates, google docs templates, excel templates, powerpoint templates, google sheets templates, google slides templates, pdf templates, publisher templates, psd templates, indesign templates, illustrator templates, pages templates, keynote templates, numbers templates, outlook templates.

Privacy preference center

We care about your privacy

When you visit our website, we will use cookies to make sure you enjoy your stay. We respect your privacy and we’ll never share your resumes and cover letters with recruiters or job sites. On the other hand, we’re using several third party tools to help us run our website with all its functionality.

But what exactly are cookies? Cookies are small bits of information which get stored on your computer. This information usually isn’t enough to directly identify you, but it allows us to deliver a page tailored to your particular needs and preferences.

Because we really care about your right to privacy, we give you a lot of control over which cookies we use in your sessions. Click on the different category headings on the left to find out more, and change our default settings.

However, remember that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience of our website. Finally, note that we’ll need to use a cookie to remember your cookie preferences.

Without these cookies our website wouldn’t function and they cannot be switched off. We need them to provide services that you’ve asked for.

Want an example? We use these cookies when you sign in to Kickresume. We also use them to remember things you’ve already done, like text you’ve entered into a registration form so it’ll be there when you go back to the page in the same session.

Thanks to these cookies, we can count visits and traffic sources to our pages. This allows us to measure and improve the performance of our website and provide you with content you’ll find interesting.

Performance cookies let us see which pages are the most and least popular, and how you and other visitors move around the site.

All information these cookies collect is aggregated (it’s a statistic) and therefore completely anonymous. If you don’t let us use these cookies, you’ll leave us in the dark a bit, as we won’t be able to give you the content you may like.

We use these cookies to uniquely identify your browser and internet device. Thanks to them, we and our partners can build a profile of your interests, and target you with discounts to our service and specialized content.

On the other hand, these cookies allow some companies target you with advertising on other sites. This is to provide you with advertising that you might find interesting, rather than with a series of irrelevant ads you don’t care about.

Medical Internship Cover Letter Example

Get invited for more job interviews & pick up more ideas for your cover letter with our free, editable Medical Internship cover letter example. Copy-paste this cover letter example as it is or edit it directly using our HR-approved cover letter maker.

Related resume guides and samples

How to build a compelling formal sciences student resume

How to build a great high school student resume

How to craft a job-winning humanities student resume

How to build an effective student internship resume

How to write a professional natural sciences student resume

How to build an effective applied sciences & professions student resume

How to write a great social sciences student resume

Write an eye-catching resume as a university student

Medical Internship Cover Letter Example (Full Text Version)

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to express my interest in the Medical Internship position at Brando Hospital in High River, Canada. I believe that my combination of experience, education, and skills make me a strong candidate for this role.

I am currently a third-year Medicine student at Swansea University, where I rank in the top 2% of students academically. In addition to my studies, I am actively involved in extracurricular activities such as the Medical Society, Psychology Society, and Riding Club. These experiences have helped me develop strong teamwork and interpersonal skills. I also have hands-on experience as a Medical & Health Volunteer in Ethiopia for three months.

Furthermore, I have over four months of experience as a Medical Intern at High River General Hospital, where I was responsible for various administrative and patient care tasks. I was recognized as Intern of the Month for my dedication and attention to detail.

I am a native Portuguese speaker with proficiency in English and basic knowledge of Chinese. With strong attention to detail, physical stamina, and the ability to work well under pressure, I am confident in my ability to excel in this role.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications in more detail.

Milan Šaržík, CPRW

Milan’s work-life has been centered around job search for the past three years. He is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW™) as well as an active member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Careers Coaches (PARWCC™). Milan holds a record for creating the most career document samples for our help center – until today, he has written more than 500 resumes and cover letters for positions across various industries. On top of that, Milan has completed studies at multiple well-known institutions, including Harvard University, University of Glasgow, and Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.

Edit this sample using our resume builder.

Don’t struggle with your cover letter. artificial intelligence can write it for you..

Similar job positions

Medical Assistant Nurse High School Student Mental Health Therapist Natural Sciences Student Social Sciences Student University Student Pharmacy Technician Humanities Student Professions And Applied Sciences Student Veterinary Dentist

Related university student resume samples

Related student cover letter samples

Let your resume do the work.

Join 5,000,000 job seekers worldwide and get hired faster with your best resume yet.

Letter Templates & Example

Sample Application Letter for Nurse Employment Philippines: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you a nurse looking for employment in the Philippines? Look no further because we have got you covered! We understand how challenging finding the perfect job can be, especially in the healthcare industry where competition is stiff. That’s why we’ve put together some sample application letters that you can use as a guide or edit as needed to suit your qualifications and preferences.

As a nurse, your application letter is the first thing that potential employers will see. It’s essential to make a good first impression and showcase your skills, experience, and character. We know that writing an application letter can be daunting, but with our samples and tips, you’ll be on your way to landing your dream job in no time.

Our collection of sample application letters for nurse employment in the Philippines covers various fields, including hospitals, clinics, and home care settings. Each sample is unique and tailored to a specific job description and employer. The best part is that they are all available for free!

Whether you’re a fresh graduate or a seasoned nurse with years of experience, our samples will help you craft a winning application letter that will set you apart from other applicants. So, what are you waiting for? Check out our sample application letters for nurse employment in the Philippines and get started on your job search journey today!

The Best Structure for a Sample Application Letter for Nurse Employment in the Philippines

If you are a nurse looking for employment in the Philippines, it is important to know how to write an effective application letter. Your application letter is the first impression you will make on potential employers, so you want to make it count. In this article, we will discuss the best structure for a sample application letter for nurse employment in the Philippines.

Firstly, you should start with a strong introduction. Begin with a formal greeting, such as “Dear Hiring Manager,” or “To Whom It May Concern.” Then, introduce yourself and state the position you are applying for. Make sure to include the name of the hospital or healthcare facility you are applying to.

Next, you should focus on highlighting your qualifications and experience. Mention your relevant nursing certifications, education, and work experience. If you have any specialized skills or training, such as in ICU or emergency care, make sure to include these as well. The goal here is to showcase your credentials and emphasize why you are the best candidate for the job.

In the third paragraph, explain why you are interested in working for the hospital or healthcare facility. Do some research on the organization and identify their mission and values. Then, explain how your own values align with theirs and how you believe you can contribute to their team. This shows the employer that you are not just looking for any job, but that you specifically want to work for their organization.

In the conclusion, summarize your qualifications and interest in the position. Thank the employer for considering your application and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to interview. Include your contact information and encourage the employer to reach out to you with any further questions.

In general, your application letter should be well-organized, easy to read, and free of errors. Use a professional tone throughout, but also let your personality shine through. Remember, the goal is to stand out in a positive way and make a strong impression on potential employers.

In conclusion, an effective application letter for nurse employment in the Philippines should include a strong introduction, highlight your qualifications and experience, showcase your interest in the organization, and end with a professional conclusion. By following this structure, you can increase your chances of landing the nursing job of your dreams.

Nurse Employment Application Letter Samples

Application letter for nurse employment in a hospital.

I am writing this letter to apply for a nursing position in your esteemed hospital. As a passionate and dedicated nurse with five years of experience, I believe that I can contribute significantly to the healthcare team at your hospital. I am familiar with the latest medical procedures and technologies, and I have excellent communication and interpersonal skills that help me connect with patients and their families. Moreover, I have a keen eye for detail, and I am adept at handling emergencies and critical situations.

Thank you for considering my application. If you have any questions or would like to discuss my qualifications further, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best regards,

Application Letter for Nurse Employment in a Private Clinic

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am excited to apply for the nursing position in your private clinic. My experience working in public hospitals has given me the necessary skills to work independently while providing compassionate care to patients. I am confident that my knowledge of medical procedures, excellent communication skills and ability to work with the medical team make me a valuable asset to your clinic. I have always been passionate about nursing, and I am excited to continue my career in a private setting where I can provide personalized care to patients in a comfortable environment.

Kindly find my resume and other relevant documents attached to this letter. Please contact me if you require further information or if there are any questions you would like to ask.

Application Letter for Nurse Employment in a Nursing Home

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to express my interest in the nursing position in your nursing home. I have six years of experience in geriatric care and extensive knowledge of medical care and support for the elderly. I take pride in developing individualized care plans for each resident and ensuring their comfort and safety. I have worked with residents with various conditions, including Alzheimer’s, dementia and Parkinson’s disease. I understand that caring for older adults requires patience, compassion and empathy, and I am confident that I have these qualities to make a positive impact on the lives of your residents.

I look forward to the opportunity of contributing to your facility, and I would be grateful for the chance to discuss my qualifications further. Thank you for considering my application.

Yours sincerely,

Mark Johnson

Application Letter for Nurse Employment in a Healthcare Agency

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am writing to apply for the nursing position in your healthcare agency. As an experienced nurse with a background in community care, I am passionate about providing care to those in need while promoting health education and wellness to the community. I am knowledgeable about home health services, including wound care, medication management and rehabilitation. Working in your agency would give me the opportunity to continue making a difference in people’s lives while expanding my skills and experience.

Please find my resume and other relevant documents attached for your perusal. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Warm regards,

Rhoda Hernandez

Application Letter for Nurse Employment in a School

Dear Principal,

I am writing to express my interest in the nursing position in your school. As a registered nurse with a passion for health education and wellness, I believe that I can contribute significantly to your school community. I am knowledgeable about child and adolescent health, immunizations and health screenings, and I have experience in providing care to students with disabilities. I have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and I am able to work effectively with students, parents, and other members of the school community. I am excited about the opportunity of promoting health and wellness within the school environment and contributing to the wellbeing of your students and staff.

Please find my resume and other necessary documents attached to this letter. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Alexandra Caesar

Application Letter for Nurse Employment in a Government Healthcare Facility

I am writing to apply for the nursing position in your government healthcare facility. I have five years of experience in public health, and I have worked with patients of different ages and cultures. I am knowledgeable about health assessments, disease prevention and health promotion, and I am proficient in Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and other relevant technologies. Moreover, I am aware of the current healthcare-related laws and regulations and their impact on the healthcare system. Working in your facility would give me an opportunity to serve the community while developing my skills in public health and health management.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing my qualifications with you further.

Rafael Serrano

Application Letter for Nurse Employment in a Military Base

I am writing to apply for the nursing position in your military base. As an experienced nurse with a background in emergency and critical care, I am confident that I can provide high-quality care to military personnel and their families. I have extensive knowledge of military health systems and have experience in working with patients with complex medical conditions, including trauma patients. I am self-disciplined, able to work in high-stress environments, and I am adept at emergency medical procedures, triage, and other relevant processes. Working for the military would be an honor and a privilege, and I would be grateful for the opportunity to serve my country in this capacity.

Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Jacob Rogers

Tips for Writing a Sample Application Letter for Nurse Employment in the Philippines

Applying for a nursing job in the Philippines requires a well-crafted application letter. The competition may be tough, but you can increase your chances of getting noticed by following these tips:

• Address the letter to the right person . Do your research to find out who the hiring manager or decision-maker is. Addressing your letter to a specific person shows that you’ve done your homework and that you’re genuinely interested in the position.
• Showcase your qualifications and accomplishments . Highlight your skills and experiences that are relevant to the job. Make sure to mention any awards or recognitions you have received, as well as any contributions you have made to your previous workplace.
• Keep it concise and focused . Your letter should be no more than one page long and should focus on the most important details. Use short paragraphs and bullet points to make it easy to read.
• Use a professional tone . Avoid using slang or casual language. Your letter should be written in a formal and professional manner. Use the right tone that would best fit your personality and the position you’re applying for.
• Customize your letter for each application . Avoid using a generic template for all your applications. Tailor your letter to the specific job you’re applying for. Showcase how your skills and experiences match the needs and requirements of the job.
• Proofread and edit your letter . Before submitting your application, make sure to proofread your letter for any spelling and grammatical errors. Ask someone you trust to review your letter for feedback and suggestions.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of standing out from the other applicants and landing your dream nursing job in the Philippines!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Sample Application Letter for Nurse Employment Philippines What should be the content of a nurse application letter?

A nurse application letter should include your personal information, educational background, work experience, and skills and qualifications that make you a good fit for the job. It should also express your interest in the job and highlight your passion for nursing.

How long should a nurse application letter be?

Generally, a nurse application letter should be one to two pages long. It should be concise, yet detailed enough to showcase your suitability for the position.

Should I include my photograph in my nurse application letter?

No. Including a photograph is not necessary and may even be frowned upon by some employers due to discrimination concerns. However, you can attach a professional photo to your resume.

Can I use a generic nurse application letter for different job applications?

No. Each job application requires a unique application letter that specifically addresses the job requirements and company values. Using a generic letter will only show the employer that you did not put much effort into your application.

What are some tips for writing an effective nurse application letter?

Some tips for writing an effective nurse application letter include tailoring your letter to the job description, using strong action words, showcasing your abilities and achievements, keeping the tone professional and positive, and proofreading for errors.

Should I mention any personal challenges or health issues in my nurse application letter?

No. Your nurse application letter should focus on showcasing your strengths and qualifications. Personal challenges or health issues should not be mentioned in your application as they may be seen as irrelevant or give the wrong impression about your suitability for the job.

What should I do after submitting my nurse application letter?

After submitting your application, you should follow up with the employer to express your continued interest in the job and inquire about the status of your application. This demonstrates your initiative and eagerness to work for the company.

Thanks for Sticking Around!

Before I let you go, I want to say a big thank you for reading through my sample application letter for nurse employment in the Philippines. I hope this has given you a better idea and inspiration for crafting your own letter and keep following our blog for more career tips and articles. Wishing you the very best in pursuing your nursing career dream! Till next time!

Employment Contract Sample Philippines DOLE: What You Need to Know Explore Essential Employment Contract Sample PH for Your Business Employment Contract Sample in the Philippines: Guidelines and Template Regular Employment Contract Sample Philippines: A Comprehensive Guide Get an Employment Contract Sample Philippines: Everything You Need to Know 5 Employment Certificate Sample Philippines You Can Use as a Guide

2024 Medical School Letters of Recommendation Guide

• By Med School Insiders
• January 10, 2024
• Medical Student , Pre-med
• Letters of Recommendation , Medical School Application

Medical school letters of recommendation are often under-appreciated. Not giving your letters the respect and attention they deserve is extremely detrimental to your application and could be the difference between being accepted or rejected.

Letters of recommendation are vital to an effective and successful medical school application. They provide a respected professional’s opinion of you, as opposed to your own claims or the opinion of a biased friend or relative. A quality letter from a professor at an academic institution or someone who works with students through extracurriculars holds a lot of weight.

Letters of recommendation offer an impartial summary of your unique skills from a qualified professional—so they have a big impact on admissions committees.

Learn why letters of recommendation are so important, how to ask, and common mistakes to avoid. In this post, we’ll cover the Why, Who, What, Where, When, and How of letters of recommendation.

Applying through TMDSAS or AACOMAS? We have a guide dedicated to TMDSAS Letters of Recommendation and AACOMAS Letters of Recommendation .

Why Letters of Recommendation Are So Important

Letters of recommendation are a crucial piece of the medical school application. Some argue they’re even more important than the personal statement since the personal statement is naturally biased. After all, a personal statement is all about trying to paint yourself in the absolute best light.

Read our free Step-by-Step Guide: How to Write a Medical School Personal Statement for tips on getting started, what to include, and common mistakes to avoid.

On the other hand, letters of recommendation are written by respected professionals, such as mentors, professors, and physicians. An admissions committee is very likely going to take their word over yours. If the person you ask to write your letter of recommendation has worked closely with you and speaks very highly of you, it’s a big deal.

A negative letter of recommendation is a huge problem. A poor or lukewarm letter of recommendation could do irreparable harm to your application. You must approach this process in advance with plenty of organization, taking care to choose your letters wisely.

Who to Ask For Letters of Recommendation

You’ll need to include a total of four to five letters with your medical school application.

Three of these must be academic letters written by undergraduate professors—two science letters and one non-science letter. The two remaining letters are from your extracurriculars, typically research and clinical experience.

While it may be tempting to secure a respected, recognizable name to write your letters, it’s much more important that you choose someone who knows you well and thinks very highly of you. If you’ve only had a few conversations with the person you’re asking to write your letter, it won’t be effective. They simply won’t have that much to say about you and can’t offer much insight into who you really are.

Choose someone who can speak about your strengths on a deep level. The letter will have a much greater impact on the admissions committee.

Use our framework to maximize your chances of success: How to Choose Medical School Letters of Recommendation Writers .

What to Provide to Letter of Recommendation Writers

The people you’re asking to write a letter are busy with their own careers and lives. It’s up to you to make the process as smooth and simple as possible. In order to do so, there are a number of key pieces you need to provide.

• Submission instructions —Provide the writers of your letters of recommendation with all of the information they need to submit your letter to the submission service. Typically, this is the AMCAS Letter Service (for allopathic medical schools.) Your letter writer won’t be submitting the letter to you; they will need to submit it directly to the service. Provide your letter writer with a Letter Request Form, available in the Main Menu of the Letters of Evaluation section. This form is a PDF generated in the AMCAS application for each of your designated letter authors, and it includes your mailing address, AAMC ID, the Letter ID, and information about how to submit letters to AMCAS. The Letter ID is a unique seven-digit code assigned to each letter entry on your AMCAS application. It must be provided to each letter writer in order to correctly match their letter with the letter entry you created in your application.
• Updated CV —A comprehensive, organized, and professional summary of your academic, work, and extracurricular achievements to date. If you need any assistance crafting your CV, consider our advising services .
• Academic transcript.
• Personal Statement —If available. Ideally, you should have at least a first draft of your personal statement prepared by the time you request a letter, but you may ask for academic letters early in your undergrad. If you don’t have a draft yet, write a brief summary of the reasons you are pursuing medicine, including what makes you a unique and qualified candidate.
• MCAT score —This should be included in your CV, but it’s possible the letter writer will ask for a more verifiable source, such as a score printout. If you haven’t taken the MCAT, don’t delay asking for a letter just because you don’t have your MCAT score yet.
• Submission deadline —Include the date in writing, either through email or printed with the materials you provide to the letter writer. Make sure the date is at least a week in advance of when you actually need to submit the letter. We recommend giving letter writers six to eight weeks to complete a letter after receiving the materials listed above. This means it’s important to start the process two to three months before you plan to submit your application.
• A printed copy of materials —Even though the LOR submission process is completely digital, you may have letter writers who prefer to read and review physical materials. Ask them if they would like you to deliver or mail a printed packet of all of the above. It’s up to you to make this process as simple as possible for them and a crisp manila envelope with all of your materials and submission information is a nice touch for those less digitally inclined.

Where — Asking for Letters of Recommendation Virtually

Asking for a letter of recommendation in-person may not be possible, which means you will need to request a letter via email or possibly over Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams, and so on. While this may not feel as personal as you intended, all of us need to adapt to our new virtual world.

Virtual meetings are our new normal, so it’s important to cultivate relationships with potential letter writers and mentors online. A mentor could be someone you worked with, someone you met through a mutual contact, or you might find one through professional networks like LinkedIn.

For more advice on how to build relationships with mentors and letter writers online, read our article: Connecting with Mentors Over Zoom .

When to Ask For Letters of Recommendation

Start thinking about your letters of recommendation as soon as possible. It will take time to figure out who to ask and even longer to build strong relationships. If you have someone in mind, they may not have the time or feel they know you well enough, so make sure you have a backup plan and budget extra time in case a letter falls through.

Ask toward the end of your time working together or shortly after the conclusion of a class. Don’t wait months or years. You want the letter writer to have you on their mind so they can write a genuine letter full of fresh enthusiasm.

How to Ask For Letters of Recommendation

If you are requesting a letter of recommendation virtually, you can use our sample request template. Be sure to personalize the request with a sentence or two about your relationship. This could include involvement in their class/organization, the time you spent working together, what you enjoyed or learned, or how they inspired you.

Get Our Free Letter of Recommendation Template!

Tell us where to send your free copy of our Letter of Recommendation Request Template!  By signing up, you agree to receive occasional Med School Insiders newsletter emails. You can one-click unsubscribe at any time.

Parent Student

You have Successfully Subscribed!

1 | think about your letters well in advance.

Letters of recommendation can make or break your medical school application. Who you ask can make all the difference. Approach relationships with professors and mentors with the idea that they could potentially be one of your letters of recommendation.

2 | Work to Develop Strong Relationships

Relationships take time. Cultivate your relationships with professors and prospective mentors as soon as possible, and mark how often you check-in with them using a calendar. Share your goals and successes with them so they can clearly see your progress and watch you grow. Express gratitude, and be sure to help them in whatever way you can. Relationships are two-way streets, after all.

If in-person office hours are difficult, be diligent about scheduling virtual meetings . You still need to build strong relationships even if you are unable to meet in person.

3 | Only Ask People Who Will Give You a Strong Letter

This is crucial. If you don’t know a professor all that well or scored anywhere under an A- in their class, do not ask that professor for a letter. Ask someone who you have worked with closely, knows you well, and thinks highly of you.

If the person you ask expresses any hesitation, don’t pursue the letter further. Their hesitation is a sign that they either don’t know you well enough, don’t have positive things to say, or simply don’t have the time. It’s better to catch that hesitation early on as opposed to ending up with a late or lukewarm letter.

More tips: How to Get Strong Medical School Letters of Recommendation .

4 | Make the Process as Simple as Possible

Provide all of the necessary materials to make writing and submitting the letter as smooth as possible. See what to provide in the above section, and ask them if they need anything else ahead of time.

5 | Provide a Deadline to Ensure You Receive Letters on Time

The best letter in the world won’t matter if it’s late. Provide a clear deadline to ensure you receive your letters on time.

Give your letter writers as much time as possible, as they are extremely busy and have likely received plenty of other requests. We recommend two-three months. Set a reminder two weeks out from the due date.

For more tips, check out our advice on How to Ask For Medical School Letters of Recommendation .

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid the following common letter of recommendation mistakes.

• Asking someone who doesn’t know you well.
• Asking for a letter when you haven’t thoroughly prepared.
• Forgetting to provide the writer with the necessary materials.
• Asking people who don’t know you well enough to provide real insight into who you are.
• Not obtaining a variety of letters across science, non-science, and extracurriculars.
• Asking the professor of a class you scored below A- in.
• Coming across as overly-friendly or unprofessional when asking for a letter.
• Waiting too long after working with someone to ask for a letter.
• Getting a letter from someone who was reluctant when you asked.
• Not thinking about letters of recommendation early in your application preparation.

Letters of Recommendation FAQs

How many letters of recommendation do i need.

The medical school letter of recommendation requirements vary from school to school. Most schools require at least three letters, but some may ask for four or five. Make sure you check the specific requirements of each school you hope to apply to.

Since the number varies based on the school, we recommend all applicants plan to have four to five letters of recommendation spread across science professors, non-science professors, and extracurriculars.

How Many Letters of Recommendation for Medical School Are Required?

How do I submit letters of recommendation?

Your letter writers must submit their letter electronically through the AMCAS Letter Writer Application or Interfolio . You do not review or submit your own letters of recommendation.

You will need to provide each of your letter authors with submission information, including your AAMC ID, and a unique seven-digit Letter ID. Each letter writer will be assigned an individual Letter ID when you add them to your AMCAS application, which is needed in order to upload your letter(s).

If you are applying through multiple services, AMCAS, TMDSAS, AACOMAS, etc., Interfolio acts as a go-between so that writers only need to upload once. They will still need their unique seven-digit Letter ID for your letter to be matched to your application. There is a small yearly fee to use Interfolio’s Dossier Deliver service .

Letters submitted through either process will be marked as received—immediately with AMCAS, or within three days with Interfolio. Contact your letter writer and ask them to submit the letter again, if a letter is not marked as received by the deadline you provided.

When are letters of recommendation due?

Include your letters with your medical school application. You can also add letters of recommendation up until you submit your secondary application, though you shouldn’t procrastinate. They are a key piece of your application that shouldn’t be left to the last minute. It takes time to ask for letters, and you need to give the letter writer adequate time to complete it.

Secondary applications are due between July and January, but it’s best to submit yours, along with your letters, by the end of the summer.

Read our Medical School Application Timeline to ensure you plan ahead and don’t miss any important deadlines.

What if a letter writer doesn’t submit a recommendation?

If a letter is not marked as received through the electronic portal you are using, contact your letter writer and ask them to submit the letter again.

In rare circumstances, a letter writer may disappear or stop responding. They are people too, and emergencies happen. This is why it’s so important to have more letters planned than the bare minimum required for your application.

What if a potential letter writer says no?

If a potential letter writer says no, it means they do not feel they know you well enough, they’re already swamped with other requests, or they don’t have confidence in you. Whatever the reason, it’s important to move on and look for another option.

Even if they hesitate before saying yes, it may be better to find someone else. A poor or even lukewarm letter can jeopardize an otherwise excellent medical school application.

Who can write a letter besides professors?

You should have letters from two science professors and one non-science professor. In addition to professors, you may choose to ask a research PI or mentor, a physician you shadowed or worked closely with, or a volunteer activity supervisor.

You could also ask a TA or an employer for a letter of recommendation if they know you better than your other options. What’s most important is that you choose letter writers who know you very well and will speak highly of you.

Are extracurricular letters required?

While not required, we recommend securing letters of recommendation from extracurriculars that were particularly significant. This may include research mentors or principal investigators (PI), physicians that you shadowed, or leadership from other volunteer organizations. If appropriate, aim to secure a letter from each of your three most meaningful activities on your AMCAS.

Who shouldn’t give me a recommendation?

Don’t ask someone who is positively biased towards you, such as a friend or family member. Your letters should come from people who can provide an honest and impartial recommendation.

If the person you ask seems hesitant or unenthusiastic about submitting a letter of recommendation on your behalf, don’t push it; instead, find someone else. A poor or even neutral letter can jeopardize an otherwise excellent medical school application.

Can I add additional letters after I submit my application?

Yes, you can add additional letters after your application is submitted, but you cannot delete or change the letters your writers submit.

Although you can add letters of recommendation after submitting your application, we do not recommend it. Strong letters take time, so give your letter writers as much time as possible to compose thoughtful, detailed letters. You should choose four to five strong letter writers—having more won’t increase your chances, but it can dilute your positive recommendations with ones that aren’t as strong.

What types of letters does AMCAS accept?

AMCAS accepts Committee Letters, Letter Packets, and Individual Letters. Committee Letters are authored by a prehealth committee or prehealth advisor representing an evaluation of you by your institution. A Letter Packet is a set of letters assembled by your institution, often including a cover sheet from your prehealth committee or advisor. Individual Letters are written by, and represent, the opinions of one letter writer. All three letter types count as one letter entry.

Can I see my letter of recommendation?

Letters of recommendation are submitted confidentially, and you do not get to see them. Don’t ask letter writers what they have written, as they are under no obligation to show you. You should have absolute confidence that the person you ask knows you well and will speak highly of you.

How should I thank letter writers?

Don’t forget about your letter writers as soon as your application is submitted. Send a thank you email once they submit their letter and consider sending them a handwritten card by physical mail when you are accepted to medical school.

What If You’re Asked to Write Your Own Letter?

You may be asked to write your own letter by people who don’t typically write medical school letters of recommendation, such as those who are not part of the medical school world.

While it does mean more work, it’s important to remember that this is as much a win as earning a strong letter of recommendation. If the person you asked to write you a strong letter asks you to write it yourself, it means you just secured a yes . You have a letter writer, even if you have to write the letter yourself. They want to support you, but you’ve got to do the leg work.

Learn How to Write Your Own Letter of Recommendation , including 7 mistakes to avoid.

Get Help From Professionals

Med School Insiders offers Comprehensive Medical School Admissions Packages that will help you with every step of the application process. Our team of doctors has years of experience serving on admissions committees, so you’ll receive key insights from people who have been intimately involved with the selection process.

Read our Guide to Understanding the Medical School Application Process , which includes an application timeline, what you need to include in your application, mistakes to avoid, and what happens next.

Med School Insiders

Am I Ready to Apply to Medical School?

Are you ready to apply to medical school? Applying before you’re ready is a costly mistake. Find out if you’re on the right track for acceptance this cycle.

2024 AACOMAS Application Guide for DO Schools

Use our AACOMAS application guide for an ideal DO school application timeline, what you need to include, mistakes to avoid, and frequently asked questions.

2024 TMDSAS Application Guide for Texas Medical Schools

Use our TMDSAS medical school application guide for key insight into the primary application process. We’ll outline an ideal application timeline, what you need to include, mistakes to avoid, and FAQs.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Join the Insider Newsletter

Receive regular exclusive MSI content, news, and updates! No spam. One-click unsubscribe.

Customer Note Premed Preclinical Med Student Clinical Med Student

• Graduate and Professional School Planning

Composite Letter Services

Case Western Reserve University undergraduate students and recent alumni applying to medical or dental schools may apply for a Composite Letter Packet to be submitted by a healthcare careers advisor. The packet consists of individual letters of recommendation submitted to the Career Center from faculty, professional mentors and supervisors, and a letter of evaluation from a healthcare careers advisor.

Eligibility for a Composite Letter Packet

Only current CWRU undergraduate students and alumni who received their undergraduate degree from CWRU less than three years ago are eligible to apply for a Composite Letter Packet. Those who meet that criteria must have a cumulative undergraduate and science GPA of 3.0 or higher OR have completed an academic enhancer post-baccalaureate program with a GPA of 3.5 or higher to be eligible to apply for a Composite Letter Packet. Anyone who does not meet these guidelines is ineligible to apply for a Composite Letter Packet.

Required Letters of Recommendation

The Composite Letter Packet requires three letters of recommendation from CWRU faculty. Two faculty letters must come from STEM areas (biology, physics, chemistry, mathematics). At least one of these two letters must come from a STEM faculty member who has taught a course in which you were enrolled. The third faculty letter must come from a non-STEM area, such as the arts, humanities, social sciences or business. NOTE : The best practice for STEM letter writers is always biology, chemistry, physics and math; medical schools are HIGHLY unlikely to consider subjects such as biomedical engineering and nutrition to be STEM for their purposes. 

Up to two additional letters may be submitted for inclusion in the letter packet. These optional letters may come from additional faculty members (CWRU or non-CWRU), primary investigators and research mentors, health professionals you have shadowed, advisors, or supervisors.

Guidance for Requesting Letters of Recommendation

First-Time Applicants that completed the Medical School Application and Preparation Canvas Course by the posted deadline and Re-Applicants for Composite Letter Packets will collect letters of recommendation through PrivateFolio .

Create Your PrivateFolio Account

• Use the CWRU referral link to create your PrivateFolio account: privatefolio.com/auth/webUser/signup?invitedReferralCode=Case-Western-Pre-Health
• Enter your information, choose a password, and press " Submit " to create your account.
• You will receive a confirmation email. Click on the confirmation link in this email, and then log in to your account using your email address and password.
• You will be asked to choose an account term. The cost for one year of access to PrivateFolio is $9.99; they also offer three years of access for $24.99, and five years of access for $37.99.

Request Confidential Letters of Recommendation

• Log in to your PrivateFolio account .
• Under " Recommendation Letters ", click on " Request a Letter ."
• Fill in your letter writer's name and contact information, as well as a title for the document (e.g., Professor FIRST NAME, LAST NAME - Letter of Recommendation). This title will be visible to the writer and any institution you send deliveries to.
• You have the option of modifying the text of the request that will be sent to your letter writer. We highly recommend that you specify a due date for the letter and that it should be signed .
• Check the box indicating that you waive rights of access ( this is required to ensure the confidentiality of letters ).
• Click on " Submit ."
• Your letter writer will receive an email with the details of your request and a link through which he or she can upload the letter.
• You will receive a confirmation email once the letter writer has submitted their letter to PrivateFolio and it is available. Our Healthcare Careers staff will also be able to view the letter.

For additional guidance, visit the "Collecting Letters of Recommendation for Composite Letter Packets" page in the Canvas course.

Application Requirements

First-Time Applicants, including students who previously applied for a Composite Letter Packet but did NOT submit their primary application to medical or dental school:

• Complete the Canvas Course  (Attend live or watch recording of Composite Letter Info Session, Submit Pre-Application Self-Assessment, and get 80% or better on each quiz) by Jan. 5, 2024.
• Submit application by Feb. 2, 2024
• Complete Composite Letter Interview appointment after application submission by May 24, 2024

Re-Applicants who applied to medical or dental school WITH a completed Composite Letter Packet in a previous cycle:

• Submit application by May 24, 2024
• If desired, complete optional Composite Letter Interview appointment by June 21, 2024

Any students that fail to satisfy the above requirements will be ineligible to receive a Composite Letter Packet, but are strongly encouraged to proceed with the application process by requesting individual letters of recommendation through their respective application systems.

Summary of Dates and Deadlines

• Dec. 1, 2023 : Application cycle opens
• Jan. 5, 2024 : Last day for First-Time Applicants to complete the Canvas Course (Complete Pre-Application Self-Assessment, quizzes, and view Composite Letter Info Session)
• Feb. 2, 2024 : Last day for First-Time Applicants to submit their applications
• May 24, 2024 : Last day for Re-Applicants to submit their applications AND Last day for First-Time Applicants to complete their Composite Letter Interview
• June 3, 2024 : Letters of Recommendation for First-Time Applicants due
• June 21, 2024 : Last day for Re-Applicants to complete optional Composite Letter Interview
• June 28, 2024 : Letters of Recommendation for Re-Applicants due
• Aug. 10, 2024 : Guaranteed Date for Composite Letter Packets to be submitted

How to Get the Best Recommendation Letters for Law School

Think through the references you will ask for letters and when and how you will approach them.

Good Law School Recommendation Letters

Getty Images

Make sure the person who writes your letter of recommendation is someone you have a good relationship with.

Although they are rarely decisive, recommendations letters are a meaningful factor in law school admissions.

Most other law school application materials, such as personal and diversity statements , present your case in your own voice. Recommendation letters are one of the few ways for admissions officers to hear others’ impressions of you.

While your transcript and test scores may say a lot about your academic skills, they don’t communicate what kind of person you are, or how you think or relate to other people. One student might get straight A's while acting like a pompous jerk, while another helped others, steadily improved through hard work or had the courage to take on challenging research.

Hearing stories about you from a professor or work supervisor helps law admissions officers build a three-dimensional picture of who you are and how you might contribute to the law school community.

This is why it is important to approach recommendation letters strategically, even though they’re just one part of your application process. 

Whom to Ask for a Recommendation Letter

Unless you are an older applicant who has been in the workforce for many years, you should get at least one law school recommendation letter from a professor. Others might come from other professors, mentors or supervisors from an internship, job or activity .

One mistake that applicants make is to request a recommendation letter from someone they think is a big shot – a well-known professor, a high-level executive or a family friend who is a venerable lawyer or local politician.

This is only a good idea if such a person teaches or works with you directly and can speak knowledgeably about your work and your goals. If your relationship is more indirect or distant, it can come across as superficial and uninformative, like a vague book blurb by a celebrity who seems unlikely to have read the book.

Above all, ensure the recommendation letter will be positive! If you detect signs that you have chosen the wrong reference to write a letter, move on to someone who can speak about your strengths more knowledgeably and enthusiastically. 

What a Recommendation Letter Should Include

If a recommendation letter is simply a series of compliments strung together, it will sound generic, no matter how effusive or truthful it is. An effective letter should back up its claims with specific details and examples of times when you stood out because of your dedication, helpfulness, initiative or insight.

A recommendation letter does not have to be unwaveringly positive. In fact, a letter that shows how you have grown, overcome adversity, responded constructively to feedback or taken responsibility for yourself can show the kinds of “ soft factors ” that law school admissions officers seek.  

How to Request a Recommendation Letter

Once you have identified a reference who is likely to write you a strong recommendation letter, ask him or her politely. Explain why you are applying to law school, why you think he or she would be a good reference and when you will need the letter.

Be prepared for the recommender to ask for your resume or other materials. For example, a professor might ask to see copies of your papers for the class, or any feedback received.

You might offer to provide more information or details as needed or to discuss the letter in a meeting or phone call. However, do not crowd your initial request with ideas and advice. That could come across as presumptuous.

If a recommender has a personal connection to a school you are applying to, consider requesting a school-specific letter , in addition to a more general recommendation letter.

Finally, avoid writing a recommendation letter yourself . If a recommender asks you to do so, gently explain why this is a bad idea and instead offer to provide ideas and notes that he or she could incorporate into his or her own letter. 

How Many Recommendation Letters to Request

Very few law schools require more than one recommendation letter. Many limit you to two, although some allow up to five.

It is important that all your recommendation letters are strong and substantive, because they may take time away from other aspects of your application. Quality matters more than quantity.

If you are worried that one of your letters is not as strong as the others, don’t submit it. A mediocre letter could very well overshadow better letters read alongside it. Just think about how often you read a mixed review that turns you off of a business, even if the other reviews seem positive. 

When to Request a Recommendation Letter

Recommendation letters are submitted and processed through the Credential Assembly Service of the Law School Admission Council. Since they can take a couple of weeks to process, it’s a good idea to get them in before you plan to apply.

Anticipate that your recommender may need at least a few weeks to write the letter, particularly at busy times of the year. That means that you should request recommendation letters more than a month before you plan to apply.

For applicants planning to apply in the fall, it is best to request letters over the summer or early fall. It’s OK to request letters earlier, as well. For example, if you just finished a summer internship where you worked together well with your boss, you might request the letter before leaving, even if you don’t plan to apply anytime soon. 

What if Your Recommendation Letter Is Delayed?

While law school admissions are rolling , a week or so of delay will not be of consequence. So, consider waiting until your application is complete before you submit it.

That said, if it is late in the cycle, or if you are aiming to meet an early decision deadline , waiting may not be an option. As long as you have the minimum number of recommendation letters required, your application can be submitted. You can always add further letters to your file later.

Remember that a law school is unlikely to review your application as soon as it is received. So, if a recommendation letter is delayed for a few days, it is unlikely to matter. If the letter is important and it may be delayed for some time, notify the admissions office by phone or email that another recommendation letter is forthcoming and ask if your application could be put on hold until it is received.

Of course, the best way to ensure that a recommendation letter does not hold up your application is to request it several weeks in advance. The law school admissions process is stressful enough without having to wait on other people!

Tips to Boost a Law School Application

Tags: law school , graduate schools , education , students

About Law Admissions Lowdown

Law Admissions Lowdown provides advice to prospective students about the law school application process, LSAT prep and potential career paths. Previously authored by contributors from Stratus Admissions Counseling, the blog is currently authored by Gabriel Kuris, founder of Top Law Coach , an admissions consultancy. Kuris is a graduate of Harvard Law School and has helped hundreds of applicants navigate the law school application process since 2003. Got a question? Email [email protected] .

Popular Stories

Top Business Schools

Student Loans

Morse Code: Inside the College Rankings

Paying for College

You May Also Like

A guide to executive mba degrees.

Ilana Kowarski and Cole Claybourn May 24, 2024

How to Choose a Civil Rights Law School

Anayat Durrani May 22, 2024

Avoid Procrastinating in Medical School

Kathleen Franco, M.D., M.S. May 21, 2024

Get Accepted to Multiple Top B-schools

Anayat Durrani May 16, 2024

Premeds and Emerging Medical Research

Zach Grimmett May 14, 2024

How to Get a Perfect Score on the LSAT

Gabriel Kuris May 13, 2024

Premeds Take 5 Public Health Courses

Rachel Rizal May 7, 2024

Fortune 500 CEOs With a Law Degree

Cole Claybourn May 7, 2024

Why It's Hard to Get Into Med School

A.R. Cabral May 6, 2024

Pros, Cons of Unaccredited Law Schools

Gabriel Kuris May 6, 2024

Watch CBS News

Biden administration cancels $7.7 billion in student debt for 160,500 people. Here's who qualifies.

By Aimee Picchi

Edited By Anne Marie Lee

Updated on: May 23, 2024 / 11:38 AM EDT / CBS News

The White House on Wednesday said it has approved $7.7 billion of student debt cancellation for 160,500 borrowers, part of its ongoing effort to provide relief after the Supreme Court last year  blocked  President Joe Biden's plan for broad-based college loan forgiveness. 

With the latest round of forgiveness, the administration has erased a total of $167 billion in student loans for 4.75 million people, or about 1 in 10 student loan borrowers, the Department of Education said. 

The people who qualify for forgiveness in the latest round of debt cancellation include public servants such as teachers and law enforcement officers, as well as tens of thousands of people who have signed up for Biden's new loan repayment program , called SAVE. That program, created last year, pegs a borrower's monthly payment to their income, lowering their financial payments, and is designed to fix a pitfall of earlier repayment programs that allowed interest to snowball.

"One out of every 10 federal student loan borrowers approved for debt relief means one out of every 10 borrowers now has financial breathing room and a burden lifted," U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in the statement. 

Concerns about the cost of college are on the rise, with about half of Americans saying college is worth the money only if you don't have to go into debt, according to a new Pew Research Center analysis . And only about 1 in 5 Gen Z college grads say their diploma was worth the investment, compared with more than half of baby boomers, MassMutual found  in a new survey.

Here's what to know about the latest round of forgiveness. 

Who qualifies for loan forgiveness?

The Biden administration said there are three groups of borrowers who have been approved for forgiveness in the latest round.

• 66,900 borrowers will have $5.2 billion forgiven through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, which is designed to help public servants such as teachers, nurses and law enforcement officers get their debt canceled after 10 years of repayments. 
• 54,300 borrowers will have $613 million forgiven through the SAVE plan. 
• Another 39,200 borrowers will have $1.9 billion forgiven through adjustments to their income-driven repayment plans. These plans were sometimes mismanaged by loan servicers, which made it more difficult for some borrowers to achieve forgiveness. 

How will I know if I qualify for forgiveness?

The Biden administration said that people who qualify under this latest round of debt cancellation will get an email about their approval. 

The debt cancellation will then be processed in the next few weeks, it added. 

Will Biden offer more student loan forgiveness? 

Yes, because the Biden administration is working on a new effort to provide broad-based loan forgiveness through the Higher Education Act. 

The new plan could provide relief to about 30 million borrowers, either erasing some or all of their college loans. 

The Biden administration on Wednesday said the public comment period on the new regulation closed on May 17, with the Department of Education now reviewing the thousands of comments it received. 

"Our goal is to publish a final rule that results in delivering relief this fall," the Education Department said in the Wednesday statement. 

How can borrowers sign up for SAVE? 

The SAVE plan is open for enrollment here .

The income-drive repayment plan bases monthly payments on income and family size, with some lower-income households with more family members paying little to nothing each month. For instance, a family of four with less than $50,000 in annual income would have monthly payments of $0. 

Another benefit to the program is that it eliminates snowballing interest. In previous plans, borrowers sometimes saw their balances grow if their monthly payments didn't cover all their interest, a financial situation called "negative amortization." That's why some borrowers may have left college with, say, $20,000 in debt but ended up with much larger balances even after years of repayment.

• Biden Administration
• Student Debt

Aimee Picchi is the associate managing editor for CBS MoneyWatch, where she covers business and personal finance. She previously worked at Bloomberg News and has written for national news outlets including USA Today and Consumer Reports.

More from CBS News

Biden administration cancels more student loan debt: What to do if you don't qualify

Biden honors fallen U.S. troops on Memorial Day

TSA sets new record for number of travelers screened in a single day

Texas' Tony Gonzales tries to fight off YouTube personality in runoff election