Cover Letters: Do I need one? 

By: Sarah K. Wells, MSN, RN, CEN, CNL

Cover letters were once a standard MUST for every job application. Times have changed and with the transition to computer-based job applications, cover letters are now NOT necessary for most new job opportunities. 

There are still a few situations where a cover letter can make the difference between being hired or not. Here are my recommendations on when you will want to include a cover letter with your nurse job application: 

• Gaps on the Resume - If you have periods of time without work, a cover letter is needed. Some common reasons for these gaps are staying home to care for a child or relative, extended illness or injury, and school programs including getting your prereqs. If this applies to you, make sure to make a brief explanation of any gaps to avoid concern from potential employers. 

• Moving from One State to Another - If you are currently living in California but applying to jobs in New Jersey, you will want to include a cover letter with a short explanation of your planned move. This will reassure potential employers that you are committed to relocating. 

• Nurse License & Legal Issues - If you have any issues with your nursing license, you need to explain this in a cover letter. This would include delays in getting it issued. You may want to get a consultation on how best to word this if you are explaining any legal challenges that you may have experienced. 

• Background Check Problems - If something is going to pop up on your background check that is concerning, like past arrests that have been resolved, you need to explain this in a cover letter. A common example is a DUI incurred many years ago. This will still come up on your background check, so be proactive and explain that issue before hiring personnel find it. 

New year, new job? Use the Winning Nurse Resume & Cover Letter Templates to make this year YOUR year!  Join the conversation on IG or Facebook @newthingnurse and join nurses and nursing students who are focused on success!

About the Author: Sarah K. Wells, MSN, RN, CEN, CNL is an 11+ year nurse dedicated to helping nurses of all experience levels and specialties achieve success in their careers. Sarah founded New Thing Nurse to help provide support and guidance to the nursing community in a simple and direct format. Sarah’s vision is to foster a more supportive and fulfilled nursing world that spreads throughout healthcare and beyond.