When applying for a job in healthcare, you’ll usually be required to submit a cover letter along with your resume as part of the application. The documents are used to express your interest in a position and explain your qualifications.
A resume outlines your relevant skills and experiences, and a cover letter provides additional context and details for the person reviewing your application.
In this article, we explain how you can write a great cover letter and resume to help you land the job you want.
Steps to Write a Resume and Cover Letter
1. Review the job description
Before you get started, take time to review the description for the job that you’re interested in applying for. Make a list of the important skills and requirements that are included in the description and take note of any keywords. This might include things like certification or training that are required for the role, or terms like healthcare, time management, leadership, critical thinking, or others.
2. Map out your examples
After reviewing the job listing, start thinking of what details to include in your resume and cover letter. Reference the list of skills and keywords you created in step one and think about a time when you've used those skills to accomplish something important at work. For example, if you're applying for a nursing job and one of the keywords is patient care, think of an example of how you provide quality patient care at work.
3. Create an outline
To begin, you’ll want to create an outline for each document with the sections that you’ll want to focus on. Both resumes and cover letters have standard information that recruiters expect to see.
A cover letter usually contains the following sections:
The date you're submitting the application.
Your contact information with your phone number, email address and home address.
The recipient's name and address. This information can often be found on the Facilities website under Human Resources or the Department information, on LinkedIn, or the job posting.
An opening greeting such as, "Dear" or "Hello".
An introductory paragraph that includes the healthcare role you're applying for.
One to two body paragraphs that focus on your background and qualifications.
A concluding paragraph that reiterates the reasons that you're suited for the role.
A closing statement such as "Sincerely" or "Warm Regards".
Your signature.
A resume contains the following sections:
A summary statement describing the type of role that you’re seeking and the value that you’d bring to the facility you’re applying to.
A list of your work experience with the dates you worked there, your job title(s), the name of the establishment(s), along with 2-3 highlights from the role. Tip: Reference the list of keywords you created in step one to decide the experience you’d like to include.
The education you have as it relates to the job you’re applying for. This should include the dates you attended, the name of the school and the program you were in.
Any skills you have that would be an asset for the role you’re applying for. Tip: Reference the list of skills you created from the job description in step one to decide which skills of your own you’d like to include.
Your contact information includes your phone number, email address and home address.
As an option, you can include any professional accomplishments, volunteer work, or certifications that you have if they relate to the job you’re applying for.
4. Write a draft
Now it’s time to start writing your first draft. At this stage, focus on turning the list you created into complete sentences and organizing your information into paragraphs under your outlined sections. Don’t worry about making errors at this stage, you can fix those later.
5. Proofread and edit
You’re almost there! The last step is to proofread your cover letter and resume. Start by reading the documents aloud so you can hear how it sounds. Make edits to get rid of awkward phrases, fix grammatical errors, and remove unnecessary information. Repeat this process a few times until you read it without making changes. Tip: Use free proofreading software like Grammarly or Hemmingway Editor to double-check your work and feel confident about your changes.
Are you ready to land your dream job in healthcare?
If you're ready to land a rewarding role in healthcare, consider working with an agency like Cedrus where you'll be well on your way to finding job satisfaction, financial security, and opportunities for career growth.
We actively hire Registered Nurses (RNs), Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs), Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Healthcare Aides (HCAs), Personal Support Workers (PSWs), Sanitation & Laundry Personnel, Dietary Aides, Cooks, and more.
To get started, send your resume to hr@cedruscareservices.ca.