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Sample CNA Resume Cover Letter

A successful CNA job hunt requires a few tools, creation of a certified nursing assistant resume, and a written cover letter. A cover letter is a one-page document that accompanies your resume and is an opportunity to introduce yourself as the optimal candidate by summarizing your skills and background in a way that is going to attract the attention of hiring personnel. There are a few key items to include when writing your cover letter, and a general format to follow to ensure that it looks polished and professional. This guide will provide an example and template, followed with step-by-step insight.

CNA Cover Letter Example and Template

[Your first and last name]
[Your phone number]
[Your professional email address]
[Date of application submission]
[Name of hiring manager]
[Title of the hiring manager]
[Name of healthcare facility]
[Address of the healthcare facility ]  

Dear [name of the hiring manager or department],  

I am writing in regard to the available certified nursing assistant position with [name of the healthcare facility]. I graduated from my CNA training courses with academic achievement, and have dedicated myself to providing compassionate and safe care during my time interning with [name of internship facility]. I am excited by the prospect of bringing my experience to [name of the healthcare facility] by joining your staff.

I have a keen desire to help people in need and want to make a lasting impact by providing safe, clean, and empathetic healthcare. As an intern, I polished my skills creating accurate measurements and reports for patient files while demonstrating a kind and helpful demeanor. My responsibilities included providing assistance to patients including feeding, hygiene, oral care, dressing, bathing, peri-care, medicine administration, and mobility assistance. I am available for flexible shifts and understand the importance of composure in emergency citations.

I believe that I can help [name of facility] continue to establish and maintain a supporting and healing environment. Your mission statement [insert mission statement] deeply resonates with my personal goals of providing the highest standard of healthcare, to the utmost of my ability. 

Thank you [hiring manager or department name] for your time. I am eager to explore the opportunities and value I can bring to [name of healthcare facility] in an interview. Best Regards,

[Your First and Last Name]
Enc. Resume

CNA Cover Letter Writing Tips and Formatting

There is a general format that you should follow when creating your cover letter, but each section should include personalized information that highlights your experience, accomplishment, and skills. Cover letters should also be specifically tailored for the company that you are applying to work for; don’t send the same generic cover letter out with every application. Furthermore, it is vital that you ensure all information in your cover letter is accurate, and that you proofread the document before submission. The following sections will provide insight into how information is ordered, as well as what to include in each component of your CNA cover letter.

Header

The header of your cover letter should include:

  • Your full name;
  • Your contact info such as your phone number and professional email address;
  • The date you intend to submit your application, resume, and cover letter;
  • The correct title and name of the hiring manager;
  • The name of the company you are applying to;
  • The address of the company you are applying to.

It is important to note that the email address you include in your job hunt is professional. A professional email address may look as such:

  • [first name, or first initial][last name, or last initial]@[email provider].com.

Greeting

After you have created your header, the greeting is the first part of your cover letter. Address your cover letter to the hiring manager, using their name and professional title. The hiring manager’s name and title may be written on the job posting, or you may have to do a little research to discover it. You can typically find the hiring manager’s name by searching the company’s website.

If you cannot find the name of the hiring manager, it is best to use as personalized language as possible, such as:

  • Dear [name of department] Hiring Manager,
  • Dear Hiring Manager,
  • Dear [name of department] Team.

Using accurate personal names, department names, and titles, rather than a generic “Dear Sir or Madam,” shows that you have done your research and are truly invested in gaining employment with this specific institution.

Cover Letter Text

The body of the cover letter can be broken down into three short paragraphs, each with a defined purpose. It is important to make each section as succinct and focused as possible, as the entire cover letter should fit on one page, with a rough total of 300-500 words in a 12-point font.

  • Introduction: The introductory paragraph is going to be your first impression, so you will want to put your best foot forward with your attention-grabbing top achievements. This may include academic awards you gained in your training, internships, CNA-related goals you have accomplished, or unique job or volunteer experiences you have that set you apart from other candidates.
  • Professional skills and abilities: The second paragraph should showcase your specific CNA clinical skills and aptitudes for the duties and responsibilities of a CNA job. It can be helpful to look closely at the job description posted by the institution to cater your language directly to their needs. For example, if they make note that they are looking for a CNA with a high level of compassion and who can accurately maintain patient records, specifically address that in your cover letter. Provide examples of times you’ve been compassionate or empathetic while paying attention to detail. It is important to be brief. You do not need to give a complete description of the chain of events, but you do need to provide enough detail to showcase how you were able to accomplish the task with the necessary skills and aptitude.
  • Aligning with the company: The third paragraph is your opportunity to showcase why your skills and aptitudes personally make you the right candidate for the company. You may be competing against other candidates with similar skillsets and backgrounds, so you will need to focus on why you are the right fit for the company. You can accomplish this by doing a bit of research about the company and discovering what sets the organization apart from others. It may be their mission statement, their targeted demographics, or specific features of care that they accommodate. For example: let’s say the healthcare provider you are applying to work for has a focus on pediatrics or seniors. Make sure to target the values, environment, or focus, and explain why you are the right fit for them.

Conclusion

Your cover letter should conclude with a few elements:

  • Courtesy: Thank the hiring manager for their time.
  • Call to action: Mention that you would like the chance to discuss the value you can bring the healthcare facility in an interview.
  • Formal closing: You should use a formal closing such as:
    • Best Regards;
    • Sincerely;
    • Thank you.

Your formal closing may also include “Enc. Resume”, which means that your resume directly follows your CNA cover letter. Choosing a certified nursing assistant career has many benefits. This may include the salary and wages for CNA positions, increasing demand in the industry, the potential of job growth, security, flexibility, and serving society as an integral part of the health industry. Once you have completed your CNA training program, and have obtained your CNA certification, you are ready to build your resume and cover letter for the job hunt to get the certified nursing position that you desire.

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