How to write a cover letter that will get read!

Written by Dr Ashe Coxon

"How do I write a cover letter?" is a very common question which is asked in our CV preparation sessions and CV workshops. 

There is no right or wrong way however you want your cover letter to really show the reader the best bits of you and why you are perfect for the role. 

The below information will provide some suggestions on how to structure a cover letter and provides a template example. 

Generally, a cover letter is a narrative about you and why the employer, or hospital should employ you. The role of the cover letter is different to a resume or CV, as the cover letter is a narrative that allows you to showcase why you are perfect for the role.

The role of the cover letter is not as common in hospitals for junior doctor recruitment, but some hospitals may request one and some organisations may specifically ask that you do not submit a cover letter or email.  Cover letters become more common place in senior roles, management or leadership roles or non clinical roles.  If a cover letter is optional as part of your application, submit one as it will allow you to stand out to the employer.

Most cover letter writing experts would all differ slightly in what they feel is the best structure, but they all agree that the purpose of the cover letter is to outline your particular strengths and highlight why you are the perfect candidate for the role.

Below are some tips on writing a cover letter;

- Make your cover letter specific for the position you are applying for, don’t submit a generic cover letter.

- Highlight your most relevant or exceptional qualifications or skills to help employers see why you are perfect for the position.

- Before writing your cover letter, spend some time reflecting on exactly why you are applying for the job and what skills, experience and knowledge you bring to the job. Think of some examples of how and why you are good at particular things and how you stand out from others. This content will form a large part of your cover letter.

- Once you have examples, try to provide an accurate description of that that skill is. For instance, if you know of the nurses on the wards enjoy your company and trust you, ask yourself why that is? Are you a good communicator? Are you reliable? Are you efficient? Are you friendly?

- Aim to keep your cover letter to one page. Cover letters should be succinct, tidy and can use bullet point formats.

- Make sure you refer to the requirements of the role as outlined in the position description. If there is no position description provided, you can outline the presumed roles expected.

- Always remember to provide your contact information (e.g. phone number and email address), and if possible add a link to your LinkedIn profile which brings more professionalism.

- Do not add or share other social media links such as Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok or Facebook.

- Always proofread your cover letter before submitting!

Example Cover letter template

Your name

Your address

Your phone number and email address

Date (Date letter was written)

Full Name of Contact Person (Bold. Tip: Address to the name on the job application/ position description)

Contact Person’s Job Title

Hospital’s Street address City, State

Contact persons email and phone number

Dear (Contact Person - ensure full title of name and correct spelling. If contact person is unknown you can choose to write Dear Sir/Madam/Doctor/Professor etc),

RE: Program/Position Name and Reference Number

Opening Paragraph: What and Why?

-  State the position/program you are applying for and how you heard about it.

- Summarise why you are interested in this position/program/hospital, particularly mention if you have previously worked at the hospital or have any other experience there (Eg Voluntary, research, university years)

- Show that you’ve researched the hospital by incorporating information such as their mission statement, values, particular specialties, and how this aligns with your interests and values. Here is the opportunity to show that you have the same values as them and what you can provide them as an organisation.

Second Paragraph: Your Qualifications and Knowledge

- The second part is your narrative in which you can showcase that your past experiences have made you capable enough to be the best suited candidate available for that specific position.

- Highlight your qualifications and previous employment, including rotations relevant to the role you are applying for

- Eg If applying for an Emergency Medicine SHO position you could write “I am a PGY2 doctor with general registration who has completed all mandatory internship rotations plus 2 emergency medicine rotations and 10 weeks in a rural hospital with a focus on rural emergency medicine.

- Highlight your knowledge you have gained through previous experience, roles and jobs and how it would be beneficial in this role and meet the needs of this employer.

o Note – Can include voluntary roles, committees etc if you haven't directly experienced work in this field. Can also include any non-medical roles you may have that has direct experience. (Eg Applying for pathology training program you can mention working as a phlebotomist in medical school etc.)

- You can choose to give an example of an experience which highlights your knowledge in the field applying for. (Eg Applying BPT and can highlight any research/ audits/ experience you may have had that sets you apart from others)

Third Paragraph/Fourth Paragraph: Your Skills and Experience

· This is where you show to employer you have the skills and experience to bring to the job. In this paragraph acknowledge the skills required to be a good doctor and how you in particular meet these requirements. Provide brief examples of how and where you have developed these skills.

o Eg – Knowledge, clinical skills, empathy, communication skills and clinical reasoning skills are essential for a doctor progressing through their career and I have proficiently developed these skills over my internship year. These skills have been learnt through my experience as an intern, observing my senior medical colleagues plus my nursing and allied health colleagues. My end of term assessment forms consistently reflect the acquirement of these skills as I consistently received ‘excellent’ in these domains.

· Discuss the skills, strengths and experience you could bring to the job, being sure to connect them to the tasks and required skills listed in the position description.

o Eg Applying for PGY3 critical care year and providing examples of episodes where you may have led a team in resuscitation etc to showcase you have skills and interests in this area

- Tip: Always read the position description expectations and refer to these in the cover letter in areas that you particularly excel in

Closing Paragraph: Conclusion

· Summarise any particularly important, or standout points that you want the employer to remember

· Refer to any other attached documents, such as your CV/Resume or Academic Transcript. Invite them to read your CV/resume so the reader is aware this is what contains more information about you

· If there are interviews, state that you look forward to meeting them and discussing your application further at an interview.

· Make it easy for the hospital to contact you: list your email address, as well as your phone number and times you can be reached. (Note – Be aware of what your email address name is, and also your message bank message)

· Thank them for their consideration.

Yours sincerely, Your full name

Now you are armed with some examples of how to structure your cover letter there is no stopping you! Go forth and write a winning cover letter! 

If you wish find out more in depth information on cover letters, CV writing and career statements then join Medical Career Plannings online, self paced course titled 'Medical CV preparation for doctors and medical students'.  https://www.medicalcareerplanning.com.au/courses

Or email for more information at [email protected]