If you're a doctor seeking career advice and professional guidance on how to create the perfect cover letter, CVapp.ie can help! With our expertise in CV and cover letter creation, we'll equip you with the tools and knowledge you need to create a compelling cover letter that helps you stand out from the crowd. Whether you're a newly graduated doctor or an experienced physician, CVapp.ie can help you capture the attention of potential employers and create the perfect cover letter.
For a truly exemplary cover letter, we recommend incorporating the following structure:
Not sure how to follow this structure? No problem! We’ll explore each section throughout this guide and give you customisable examples to help you along the way. First thing’s first: let’s begin with the cover letter header:
The cover letter header is often the largest visual element on your cover letter, so it’s important to get this section right! To create an effective cover letter header, you'll need to include important contact details, including your full name, professional title (e.g., Dr.), address, phone number, email address and any links to professional websites you'd like to include. Your header should be formatted in a professional, clean and organised manner. Fortunately, our CVapp.ie Cover Letter Builder has a wide range of professional designs for you to choose from: whether you’re looking for a modern, simple, professional or creative design layout, simply select the template you like and input your information.
For doctors, we recommend opting for a more professional or simple approach, but no matter which template you choose, all of our templates have been designed by professionals and approved by experts, so you can be sure that your cover letter starts you off on the right foot with potential employers.
First impressions matter—especially when it comes to landing your dream doctor's job—and cover letters hold the key to leaving a great first impression on potential employers. We recommend using a personalised greeting such as "Dear Mr. Marshall" or "Hello Mrs. Kerry." Addressing employers by their names adds a personalised touch and can help establish a connection with employers. It can also help show that you’ve taken the time to research and engage with the company on a deeper level.
But what if you're unsure of the recipient's name? Instead of leaving your letter without a proper greeting, consider addressing it to a specific team or department. You can address the recipients as "Dear Team Company" or "Dear Company Recruiting Team."
Check out our example of a cover letter greeting below:
Dear Ms. Fitzgerald,
The introduction of your cover letter should grab the attention of employers and encourage the reader to continue reading the rest of your cover letter. You can start your introduction off strong by expressing your interest and enthusiasm in the position, as well and the organisation or institution you’re addressing your letter to, and highlight why you’re interested in the role. Additionally, you might like to mention any relevant connections you may have with the organisation or its mission, or what inspires you about the organisation or institution you’re applying to. As a doctor, you’ll likely be applying to healthcare institutions, so it’s important to research the institution and their values before beginning your cover letter. Lastly, it’s important to keep your introduction brief and engaging to capture the reader's attention right from the start.
Here’s our example of a great cover letter introduction:
There is an old adage that states that the best indicator of true wealth in this lifetime is one's health. After nine years of working as a doctor across Dublin, Galway and Cork, I am inclined to believe this adage is true; it is clear that our health drastically impacts our quality of life, perhaps more than anything else. As a doctor, is a privilege to treat, support and nurse patients back to health. Nothing compares to improving the health of patients and providing good news to families. I am delighted to apply for a doctor's position with Harcourt Family Hospital, and I am deeply appreciative of your time and kind consideration of my application.
Doctors are typically highly skilled individuals, and it can be difficult to summarise all the ways in which you can provide value into just one paragraph. Fortunately, in the body paragraphs of your cover letter, you have the space and freedom to highlight any qualifications or professional experiences that can help you provide value to the organisation or institution you’re applying to. You can start off by discussing your educational background, including any areas you may specialise in, and any internships, residencies or professional courses you have completed. You can also list any key details about your clinical experience or any proficiencies you may have in the medical field. It’s important that your body paragraphs are tailored to the specific job you’re applying for, so be sure to research the organisation or institution and study the job description carefuly to ensure you have a good understanding of what employers are looking for.
Where possible, it’s also best to include concrete examples of any claims you outline in your body paragraphs. If you can use numbers, facts or figures, that’s even better! Take a look at our body paragraphs example here:
I am fully licensed to practice medicine in Ireland after receiving my MB Bch BAO degree at NUI Galway. My clinical practice has been conducted in the wards of four regional hospitals, where I’ve learned the essence of offering appropriate care to patients, honing my communication techniques and cultivating empathy. Coupled with the technical skills I obtained during my preliminary education and training, I am confident that I am a valuable asset to the team at Harcourt Family Hospital.
My desire to work with the Harcourt Family Hospital is partially influenced by my desire to work closely with families. As a family doctor, your impact goes beyond performing diagnostic tests and treating injuries. You have the unique opportunity to provide real support and guidance to families. As a family doctor, you never see patients as statistics. Instead, you're able to help change the lives of patients and restore hope in meaningful, tangible ways. There is no feeling more gratifying than helping patients recover from illness and reach a improved level of health and wellbeing. My ambition to work as a family doctor with the Harcourt Family Hospital stems from my appreciation for the work I will do, the impact I can create, and the relationships I will build with my patients and their families.
Your conclusion is your final opportunity to leave a positive impression upon employers, so it’s important to end your cover letter on a good note! Summarise any key points from your cover letter that help highlight you as an ideal candidate for the role. It’s also essential to thank the reader for considering and reviewing your application. You can conclude your cover letter with a professional closing, such as "sincerely" or "best regards," followed by your full name and contact information. Simplicity and professionalism go a long way! We’ve included a customisable conclusion to help you finish your cover letter off strong. Check out out below!
I have attached my CV and I am happy to answer any and all questions pertaining to my career. I would love the opportunity to connect with you at your earliest convenience to discuss this role further.
Yours sincerely.
Molly Healy
CVapp.ie is here to support your professional growth throughout all stages of your career. Be sure to check out the CVapp.ie website and blog for more career tools and resources. Good luck, we believe in your greatness!
Team CVapp.ie