Resumes and Cover Letters

As you get ready to start a job search, you need to have a few familiar elements ready to go. Namely, your resume and cover letter. Here’s the truth: There’s no such thing as a generic version of either. One size most definitely does not fit all. If all job ads were the same, then yes, one resume would be all you needed to apply to any job, anywhere. Our library of sample nursing resumes and cover letters will show you the right way to present your relevant skills to attract hiring managers.

The free sample nursing resumes and cover letters in this section run the gamut of job titles. Use them as templates to write your own.

What Employers Look for in Resumes

Obviously, a resume for an RN is going to look different from that of a nurse practitioner or CNA. The education, experience, and relevant skills are specific to each job title. But it’s not enough to slap your credentials onto a sheet of paper and consider the task complete. We’ll teach you how to write an effective resume, section by section. Details count, including:

Proper formatting: A resume must be neatly organized and easy to read. A messy or incomplete resume is not a good look.

Spelling and grammar: This is a reflection of your attention to detail. Do not underestimate the power of a few misspelled words to grind down your chances of securing a job.

Quantifying your successes: Don’t simply list the duties of your previous jobs. Hiring managers are familiar with what’s required in your position. They want to see the results you brought to the proverbial table.

A Cover Letter Can Take You Far

The sample nursing resumes and cover letters we provide can help you show a prospective employer how you stand apart from the rest of the candidates. One way to demonstrate your personality and passion for the profession? A great nursing cover letter — new grad, this means you too!

A cover letter is a resume’s counterpart that can mean the difference between you getting hired over someone who has comparable experience. If a job ad requests a cover letter, that means it’s not optional, so don’t overlook it. Again, you need to tailor your letter to each job ad.

Cover letters aren’t meant to regurgitate the information in your resume. We’ll show you how to construct a meaningful cover letter, step by step, that connects your skills and personality to a specific job’s requirements.

Review our sample nursing resumes and cover letters to get many more useful tips before you start applying to jobs.