Cover Letters

Introduce yourself with a well-crafted cover letter!

While your resume provides a quick overview of your qualifications, your cover letter can provide additional details and fill in the gaps. For example, you can explain your interest in a specific position or company, why you decided to go into this profession, how you can bring value to the organization, and anything else that may need an explanation on your resume (an employment gap, a career change, etc.). It also allows you to reemphasize your qualifications, as well as demonstrate your professionalism and writing skills.

To get started, think about how your experience, background, skills, and interests aligns with the specific job description. This will guide your letter.

• Your Experience
  What have you done that makes you a great fit for the job?
  Think about previous full- or part-time jobs, course projects, clinical or externship experience, or volunteer experience.
• Your Background
  How does your background make you a great fit for the job?
  Think about previous jobs or experience, volunteer work, education and credentials you’ve earned, and any other background information that highlights your qualifications.
• Your Skills
  What job-relevant skills do you have?
  Think about job-specific skills, as well as transferrable skills like writing, adaptability, time management, planning, problem-solving, management, communication, teamwork, etc.
• Your Interests
  Don’t be afraid to show some enthusiasm!
  Why are you excited about the position? How do you want to contribute to the professional field or company mission?

Review the following pro tips for writing a strong letter.

• Tip 1: Connect the Dots
  Refer to the job description and company website for inspiration. Look for keywords and phrases in the company’s position description to include in your cover letter.
• Tip 2: Introduce Yourself
  This is your opportunity to share essential information about your candidacy with the hiring manager. For example, you may want to share information about prior training, certifications, or experience that make you a qualified candidate for the role you are applying for.
• Tip 3: Provide Evidence
  In the body of your cover letter, you want to provide evidence that you have the skills and qualifications required for this position. Be sure to include previous job duties/responsibilities, including projects you’ve worked on, skills you gained, and any other useful information that connects you to the role.
• Tip 4: Show Some Passion
  Look up information on the company website about the mission or values of the organization. This research will give you the opportunity to have talking points in your letter and show some enthusiasm for the company you are applying at.
• Tip 5: Proofread Your Letter
  Review your letter carefully for grammatical or spelling errors! It’s a good idea to have a friend, family member, colleague, or professional proof it, too, to make sure it’s concise and free of errors. You can request a review from a MedCerts Career Coach using the Ask a Career Coach form.

Refer to the Highlighted Resources below for sample cover letters and additional tips!