Registered Nurse Cover Letter Examples & Guide for 2025

Writing a strong cover letter requires close attention to detail, from the tone of voice to avoiding those pesky spelling or grammar mistakes.

Overlooking similar small details can weaken your application.

Many candidates also struggle with how to address the letter, often opting for 'Dear Sir or Madam' when they can’t find the correct contact. This can make your cover letter feel impersonal.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to perfect these crucial elements, ensuring your cover letter is polished and professional without relying on clichés.

Registered Nurse cover letter example

Importance of cover letters in the United Kingdom

A well-crafted cover letter can significantly strengthen your job application by emphasising why you’re an ideal fit.

Here are some reasons why it matters:

• Personalisation: Employers expect your cover letter to demonstrate how your skills and experience align with the company’s needs and/or values.
• Addresses what is omitted from your CV: If your career path includes gaps or changes, your cover letter is the best place to address these positively and explain their relevance.
• Opportunity to stand out: Many applicants have similar qualifications, so a tailored cover letter can show your unique attributes and experience.

What UK employers expect from a cover letter

You only have one chance to impress your potential UK employers, so be wise about writing your cover letter.

When doing so, follow these three simple but essential steps:

• Do your research: Begin by researching the company and the role you're applying for. Check their website, social media pages, and relevant news to understand what drives their business.
• Highlight company values: Identify the company's core beliefs and explain how your personal and professional experiences resonate with them. For instance, if the organisation prioritises innovation, provide examples where you've demonstrated creative thinking.
• Match your skills to the job: Analyse the job description carefully and pick out the most important skills or qualifications they’re seeking. Be sure to mention your relevant achievements that prove you're the perfect fit for the position.

How to format a registered nurse cover letter

Have you ever wondered about the formatting and structure of your cover letter?

Read on to discover some guidance from industry-leading professionals:

• Within the header, include your address and contact details, the employer's name and address, and the date, followed up by a personalised salutation.
• The body should should consist of an opening paragraph, middle paragraphs expanding on your unique experience and skills, and a closing paragraph.
• End with a formal sign-off and your signature.
• Choose modern fonts such as Volkhov, Chivo, or Bitter instead of the more traditional Arial or Times New Roman.
• All of ENhancv's templates maintain single-spacing with approximately 1-inch (2.5 cm) margins on all sides to ensure a neat presentation.
• Always send your cover letter as a PDF to keep the formatting intact and prevent any edits once submitted.

Your CV and cover letter maintain consistent formatting. Use the same fonts, margins, and style to create a professional and cohesive look for your application.

Finally, remember that Applicant Tracking Systems (the software some companies use to align job keywords to your experience, also known as ATS) do not read cover letters–it's intended solely for recruiters. Make it stand out by highlighting your achievements and relevant skills for the role.

How to write your registered nurse cover letter salutation

Now it's time to make it personal—in your cover letter greeting, you should always address the hiring manager directly. Whenever possible, use their name, depending on how well you know them (e.g., 'Dear Mr Smith', 'Dear Abbie').

You can find their name by searching on LinkedIn (start by looking for the job posting and the recruiter), visiting the 'About' page of the company's website, or by calling reception or administration to enquire.

How to write your registered nurse cover letter intro

It's never a bad time to show enthusiasm about the role, company, or team in your cover letter introduction.

Begin by sharing one or two aspects that genuinely excite you about the position—whether it's the company culture, specific responsibilities, or the team's past achievements.

Your enthusiasm demonstrates that you'll bring a strong work ethic, are eager to contribute, and are motivated to succeed.

How to write your registered nurse cover letter body

Which makes for a stronger cover letter body: a long-winded account of everything you’ve ever done, or a focused achievement that’s directly relevant to the job?

Hint: recruiters prefer the second.

When writing your cover letter, select your most impressive achievement that:

• Directly aligns with the job description and role.
• Is quantifiable with tangible metrics like numbers or percentages.
• Maps out your hard and soft skills, showcasing what makes you unique.
• Tells the story of the impact you could have on the organisation.

How to write a closing paragraph

There’s a wrong and a right way to close your cover letter. Here’s how.

The wrong way is to end with a signature or a formal 'Thank you in advance.'

The right way is to either promise how you’d make a positive impact on the company or ask when you can expect a response. This will highlight you as a forward-thinking candidate who’s enthusiastic about securing the role.

Conclusion

A standout cover letter is crucial for making an strong impression in your job search in the UK market. Personalise your letter by addressing it to the hiring manager and aligning your skills with the job description.

Use concrete examples to highlight your greatest achievement and convey your enthusiasm for the position. Finally, ensure that both your cover letter and CV are presented professionally for a consistent application.