Nursing Cover Letter and Resume Checklist
Nursing Cover Letter and Resume Checklist
Checklist for Excellent Nursing Cover Letters and Resumes
Sure, you've sent out resumes and cover letters a hundred times. But just in case, here is a great checklist that you can use to ensure that you have covered everything that is needed, and are putting yourself in the best possible position for getting and interview: [Feel free to print this checklist and mark things off]
For Your Cover Letter:
______ Keep it to one page or less. Long letters are less likely to get thoroughly read.
______ Sign the letter in blue or black ink only. Anything else will be a RED flag.
______ Speak convincingly and sell yourself. If you are tentative or hesitant in your letter, the person screening applicants might put you at the bottom of the list.
______ Be clear about which job you are applying for. Be clear - and be accurate. For everyone's sake, don't mention the wrong job in your letter (because you've been recycling your cover letters)!
______ Write in a positive and enthusiastic tone, like this particular job is the one you have always dreamed of (just don't go overboard).
______ Do not use photocopies of your cover letter. Employers will assume you weren't interested enough in the job to bother creating an original cover letter.
______ Use a standard letter format. Legal size paper, or smaller sheets are non-standard and will draw unwanted questions.
______ If there are anomalies in your resume (such as employment gaps) explain them as briefly and positively as possible.
______ Tell the employer how hiring you will help them. Be sure of your abilities, but not over-confident.
______ Keep a copy of each cover letter for future reference. It's also good to track when you sent letters so that if you've sent many, you can know who might be calling at any one time.
______ Try to avoid "I" statements as much as possible. Show that you were a part of a team, but do indicate your position. For example, "I led a team of managers"
For Your Resume:
______ Avoid including too much job experience. Just go for what is relevant and recent. What you did 30 years ago is unlikely to be helpful right now.
______ Your objective statement should clearly state the type of job you are looking for, and should obviously match the job you are applying for closely.
______ Your accomplishments and skills should be presented in the best possible light, without fabricating.
______ The design of your resume should be easy to read, and the layout should be clear. Avoid too many dividing lines in your text and don't use any graphics. Keep it simple.
______ Ensure your contact information is 100% correct. Email and phone numbers should be checked and double-checked. Tell whomever might be answering the phone to be professional, too. That means children, spouses, and others shouldn't be playing games when answering the phone - especially if it isn't a call from Grandma.
______ Include a reference sheet on a separate piece of paper if it is part of the application instructions. Otherwise "references available upon request" at the end of your resume is fine. Make sure that your references are going to be positive!
Tips for Both
______ Ensure your cover letter and resume use the same paper, otherwise this looks unprofessional.
______ Good quality paper is essential, at least 24lb white or off-white. No colored paper or prints please.
______ Proofread at least three times for spelling, grammar, and consistency. Have someone else go over your work just in case. Not showing attention to detail here will certainly not help your chances for a nursing job interview.
______ If possible, mail in a 9" x 12" or 10" x 13" envelope, so your resume and cover letter will be flat and crisp. Otherwise, fold them in thirds with the cover letter on top.
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