Recruiters and health care facilities receive thousands of CVs for open positions, so how do you make sure you stand out among other high-quality candidates? A well-crafted physician cover letter can do just that and serve as your place to shine. This is where you have the opportunity to show more of your personality and make an impression on recruiters and hiring employers.

When writing your cover letter, follow these steps and highlight your positive attributes to share what you bring to the position:

Know the purpose of your cover letter

Before diving into the writing process, it’s important to understand the purpose of your physician cover letter. Unlike your CV, which focuses mainly on your qualifications and experiences, the cover letter allows you to showcase your personality, communication skills, and passion for practicing medicine. It’s an introduction to your CV and provides an opportunity to express your interest in the specific role and organization to which you’re applying.

Research and personalize

To make your cover letter stand out, it’s important to conduct thorough research on the organization and the opportunity. Look into their mission, vision and goals, and customize your letter to emphasize how your skills and experiences align with them.

Personalize your cover letter to be specific to the opening for which you are applying. Share how your skills and experience would help with that particular role.

Create an engaging introduction

Engage the reader right away with a strong introduction. Express your desire to apply for the opening and briefly mention your qualifications and expertise.

Share why you are interested and what attracted you to the position or organization to keep the recruiter or hiring organization interested.

Share relevant experience

In the middle paragraphs, explain how your training, experience and skills will provide value to the role and the organization. Emphasize those that directly align with the requirements of the job.

Discuss your clinical expertise, research experience, leadership roles and any unique skills that set you apart.

Show passion

Highlight your passion for the specialty and demonstrate how your enthusiasm aligns with the organization’s mission and values.

If possible, share specific examples of how you’ve made a difference in patient care or contributed to medical advancements. By showcasing your passion and dedication, you create a compelling narrative that resonates with whoever reads your cover letter.

Close with action

In the closing paragraph, express your gratitude for the opportunity to apply and reiterate your interest in the position. Indicate your eagerness to discuss your qualifications further and provide contact information. Encourage the recruiter or hiring employer to review your attached CV and express your willingness to provide additional information or references as needed.

 

Putting all the pieces together will allow you to create an appealing physician cover letter and will help you get noticed. You can use this as a template for your cover letter and personalize the italicized text:

Hi [recruiter, hiring manager or department head’s name],

I’m writing to express my interest in the [position title] listed on [job board, site,
etc.]. As [description of health system; ex: “one of the nation’s leading non-profit
organizations”], I greatly appreciate [health system name]’s commitment to [insert
company vision], and I feel confident I can contribute to advancing this mission
alongside your team.

During the past [number of years spent practicing], I have served as [title] with
[health system or practice] and leveled up my experience not only providing clinical
care, but also in [example of a specific strength; ex: utilizing EMR software].
Additionally, I have acquired several of the skills I believe are crucial to meeting and
exceeding the expectations of this role, including, but not limited to [skills,
experience, specific circumstances or examples].

Additionally, during my training at [residency program], I gained valuable
experience [describe other important certifications, development opportunities
pursued, etc.], which I also feel confident would translate well to the short- and
long-term goals outlined for this position.

I look forward to speaking more with you about how my experience in [specialty]
can support [health system name] and the [city in which the job is located]
community. I appreciate your consideration and I will be available to discuss this
exciting opportunity further with you at your earliest convenience.

Thank you,

Dr. [name]
[Contact information]

 

Once you start your search, writing your physician cover letter and CV is an important next step. Making your cover letter personalized with your relevant experience and skills and your passion for the specialty and practice will increase your chances of getting noticed and making a good first impression with recruiters and organizations.