best public health cover letter

Professional Public Health Cover Letter Examples for 2024

Your public health cover letter must immediately highlight your understanding of health trends and policies. It should reflect your ability to analyze data for community benefits. Ensure that your cover letter showcases experience in designing and implementing health programs. Your commitment to improving public health outcomes must resonate through every word.

Cover Letter Guide

Public Health Cover Letter Sample

Cover Letter Format

Cover Letter Salutation

Cover Letter Introduction

Cover Letter Body

Cover Letter Closing

No Experience Public Health Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

Embarking on a job search in the public health sector, you've likely realized the importance of a compelling cover letter. This isn't a mere echo of your resume; it's your chance to share an impactful professional story—think of that one big achievement you're beaming with pride over. But beware, while formality is your friend, clichés are not. Keep it succinct, no more than a page, to ensure your standout moment takes center stage. Let's dive in and craft a cover letter that opens doors.

• Some inspiration from other professionals' job-winning cover letters;
• The best structure and format for your public health cover letter;
• Insights on how to write about your best achievement to stand out;
• A creative twist on your public health cover letter intro.

Upload your public health resume to Enhancv's AI, which will quickly scan and prepare a job-winning cover letter for you.

If the public health isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:

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Public Health cover letter example

ZOEY WALKER

San Jose, California

+1-(234)-555-1234

[email protected]

• Highlighting quantifiable achievements, such as the "35% improvement in access to healthcare services" and the "25% reduction in emergency room visits," which provide concrete evidence of the candidate's impact in previous roles.
• Emphasizing experience in securing funding, a critical aspect for a non-profit or community health organization, demonstrated by the "$4M in funding" the candidate procured through collaboration with government agencies.
• showcasing leadership skills and the ability to work with a diverse team by mentioning the "dedicated team of 20 health professionals" the candidate managed, indicating her capacity to lead effective teams and projects.

Five tips on formatting your public health cover letter

Do you want to make a good impression on recruiters and, at the same time, follow the best industry advice on writing your public health cover letter?

Make sure to include the following:

• Header and Salutation;
• Introductory paragraph;
• Body paragraph;
• Closing paragraph;
• Signature (this one is up to you).

Remember to use the same modern, simple font for your public health cover letter as you did for your resume (e.g. Lato, Rubik, etc.)

Ensure your public health cover letter is single-spaced and is wrapped around a one-inch margin, like in our cover letter templates .

Once completed, use our cover letter builder to export your public health cover letter in the best format to keep your information intact - PDF.

At the end of the day, your public health cover letter won't be assessed by the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) software, but by the recruiters. Your information should thus be legible, organized, and follow a structured logic.

The top sections on a public health cover letter

Header: Include your contact information and the date, followed by the employer's contact information. It's important because it allows the recruiter to know who you are and how to contact you for follow-up.

Greeting: Address the cover letter to the specific individual in charge of the hiring process, if known, to demonstrate that you have researched the organization and are serious about the position.

Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and specify the public health position you are applying for; this shows the recruiter immediately that your cover letter is relevant to the vacancy.

Body: Discuss your relevant public health experience, specific skills, and accomplishments. Highlighting particular successes, such as successful health campaigns or research, will make you stand out as a capable candidate in the public health sphere.

Closing: Finish your cover letter reinforcing your enthusiasm for the role and the value you would bring to the organization, and include a call to action, such as stating your availability for an interview. This leaves the recruiter with a clear sense of your proactive attitude and eagerness to contribute to their public health initiatives.

Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter

Understanding of Public Health Principles : Recruiters look for candidates who can demonstrate a foundational knowledge of public health systems and the social determinants of health, as this is crucial for effectively creating programs and communicating health messages.

Experience with Epidemiological Tools : Proficiency in using tools and methodologies for tracking disease spread and health trends is essential for identifying public health risks and devising strategies to mitigate them.

Program Planning and Evaluation Skills : Candidates who can showcase their experience in planning, implementing, and evaluating public health programs are highly valued, as these skills ensure that initiatives are effective and resources are used efficiently.

Policy Knowledge and Advocacy : An understanding of health policy, coupled with experience in advocacy work, is important for those contributing to the development and reform of health systems and policies.

Cultural Competency : Being culturally sensitive and aware of different populations' needs and nuances is critical for tailoring public health initiatives that are inclusive and effective across diverse communities.

Communication and Education Abilities : Strong skills in both written and verbal communication, along with the ability to educate and engage the community on health issues, are key for disseminating information and driving behavior change.

Greeting recruiters with your public health cover letter salutation

What better way to start your conversation with the hiring manager, than by greeting them?

Take the time to find out who the professional, recruiting for the role, is.

Search on LinkedIn, the company website. And for those still keen on making a fantastic first impression, you could even contact the organization, asking for the recruiter's name and more details about the job.

Address recruiters in the public health greeting by either their first name or last name. (e.g. "Dear Anthony" or "Dear Ms. Smarts").

If you're unable to discover the recruiter's name - don't go for the impersonal "To whom it may concern", but instead use "Dear HR team".

List of salutations you can use

• Dear Hiring Manager,
• Dear [Department] Team,
• Dear Dr. [Last Name],
• Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
• Dear [First Name] [Last Name],
• Dear Selection Committee,

Using your public health cover letter intro to show your dedication

We know just how difficult it is to start writing your public health cover letter introduction .

There are so many great qualities you have as a professional, which one should you choose?

How about writing up to two sentences about your passion and commitment to the work you do or are set to do?

Try to describe exactly what you enjoy about the potential role.

A positive attitude from the get-go will help you stand out as a motivated public health professional.

What to write in the middle or body of your public health cover letter

Here's where it gets tricky.

Your public health cover letter body should present you in the best light possible and, at the same time, differ from your resume.

Don't be stuck in making up new things or copy-pasting from your resume. Instead, select just one achievement from your experience.

Use it to succinctly tell a story of the job-crucial skills and knowledge this taught you.

Your public health cover letter is the magic card you need to further show how any organization or team would benefit from working with you.

Two ideas on how to end the final paragraph of your public health cover letter

Closing your public health cover letter , you want to leave a memorable impression on recruiters, that you're a responsible professional.

End your cover letter with how you envision your growth, as part of the company. Make realistic promises on what you plan to achieve, potentially, in the next six months to a year.

Before your signature, you could also signal hiring managers that you're available for the next steps. Or, a follow-up call, during which you could further clarify your experience or professional value.

Addressing limited to no experience in the public health cover letter

There's nothing to worry about if you lack professional experience .

Your public health cover letter could bridge the gaps in your professional history by focusing on what matters most to recruiters, that's either:

• skills - focusing on transferable ones you've gained, thanks to your life experience (e.g. volunteering, certificates, etc.);
• achievements - select the most relevant and noteworthy one from your history (e.g. education, projects, etc.);
• motivation - describe how you envision your professional growth in the next up to five years, thanks to this opportunity.

Key takeaways

Your public health cover letter is your best shot at standing out by showing your motivation and the unique skills you'd bring to the job:

• Chose no more than one achievement, which you'd be talking about in the body of your public health cover letter, by focusing on skills and outcomes;
• Address recruiters with their first or last name, or "Dear Hiring Manager" in your public health cover letter greeting;
• Introduce in no more than two sentences what makes your profile unique (perhaps it's your motivation, enthusiasm, or appreciation of the company you're applying for);
• Select the same font you have used in your resume (avoid Times New Roman and Arial, as most candidates tend to invest in them);
• Close your public health cover letter with a promise of how you see yourself growing in the company and the benefits you'd bring about.

Cover letter examples by industry

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5 Public Health Specialist Cover Letter Examples

Introduction.

In today's competitive job market, it is crucial for public health specialists to stand out from the crowd when applying for new positions. One effective way to do this is by crafting a well-written cover letter that highlights your skills, experiences, and passion for public health. A cover letter serves as a personal introduction to potential employers, giving them a glimpse into who you are as a professional and why you are the perfect fit for their organization.

A strong cover letter can make a lasting impression and significantly increase your chances of landing an interview. It allows you to showcase your unique qualifications and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field of public health. In this article, we will provide you with several examples of exceptional cover letters for public health specialists. These examples will illustrate the key components of a successful cover letter and provide you with inspiration for crafting your own compelling introduction. So let's delve into the world of cover letters and discover how you can make yours shine!

Example 1: Epidemiologist Cover Letter Example

Key takeaways.

Sarah's cover letter effectively showcases her expertise and experience in the field of epidemiology, positioning her as an ideal candidate for the Epidemiologist position at the CDC.

When applying for a specialized role like epidemiology, it's crucial to highlight specific experience and accomplishments that demonstrate your proficiency in conducting research, analyzing data, and implementing disease prevention strategies.

She emphasizes her experience working with prestigious organizations like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO), which underscores her ability to contribute to global health initiatives and work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.

Highlighting experience with reputable organizations in the field of epidemiology can significantly enhance your credibility and demonstrate your ability to work on complex public health issues.

Sarah also mentions her current role as a Senior Epidemiologist at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, where she has successfully managed statewide disease surveillance programs and implemented evidence-based interventions. This showcases her ability to lead and implement practical solutions to prevent and control disease outbreaks.

Emphasize your leadership and management skills in your cover letter, especially if you have experience in overseeing public health programs or collaborating with diverse stakeholders. This demonstrates your ability to make a meaningful impact in your role as an epidemiologist.

To further strengthen her cover letter, Sarah could have highlighted specific disease areas or research projects she has worked on to showcase her expertise in a particular area.

Consider mentioning any specialization you have in the field of epidemiology, whether it's in infectious diseases, chronic diseases, or environmental health. This can help you stand out as a candidate with niche expertise that aligns with the CDC's needs.

Example 2: Health Educator Cover Letter

Michael's cover letter effectively showcases his experience and passion for health education, positioning him as an ideal candidate for the Health Educator position at the American Red Cross.

When applying for a health educator role, it is crucial to highlight relevant experience in developing and implementing health education programs. This demonstrates your ability to effectively educate and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health.

He emphasizes his experience working with diverse populations and addressing a range of health concerns, such as nutrition, hygiene, disease prevention, sexual health, and reproductive health.

Highlight your experience in addressing various health issues and working with diverse communities. This shows your versatility and adaptability as a health educator, as well as your ability to tailor programs to meet the specific needs of different populations.

Michael also mentions his collaboration with community partners and organizations, demonstrating his ability to form partnerships and expand the reach of health education programs.

Highlight your collaboration skills and ability to work with community partners. This showcases your ability to build networks and leverage resources to maximize the impact of health education initiatives.

The cover letter could further highlight Michael's specific qualifications and certifications in health education, as well as any additional relevant experience or volunteer work.

Don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, such as Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), and any additional experience or volunteer work that further strengthens your qualifications as a health educator. These details can significantly enhance your application and demonstrate your commitment to the field.

Example 3: Environmental Health Specialist Cover Letter

Jennifer's cover letter effectively showcases her experience and passion for environmental health, making her an ideal candidate for the Environmental Health Specialist position at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

When applying for a specialized role like an Environmental Health Specialist, it's crucial to convey your knowledge and commitment to the field. This demonstrates your ability to contribute effectively and align with the organization's mission.

She highlights her experience in conducting research, implementing initiatives, and collaborating with experts to develop strategies for mitigating environmental health issues.

Emphasize your hands-on experience in conducting research and implementing initiatives to address environmental health challenges. This demonstrates your ability to apply scientific knowledge to real-world situations and develop effective solutions.

Jennifer also mentions her success in leading a project to assess health risks associated with industrial waste disposal, resulting in the implementation of stricter regulations and improved waste management practices.

Highlight specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to identify environmental risks, develop strategies for prevention, and make a tangible impact. This showcases your problem-solving skills and your potential to contribute to the organization's objectives.

However, the cover letter could further emphasize Jennifer's specific qualifications and certifications in environmental health, which would strengthen her application.

Don't forget to highlight any specialized certifications or qualifications you have in environmental health. These details can significantly reinforce your expertise and make you stand out as a highly qualified candidate.

Example 4: Public Health Nurse Cover Letter

Emily's cover letter effectively showcases her experience and passion for public health nursing, making her a strong candidate for the Public Health Nurse position at the World Health Organization (WHO).

When applying for a specific role, it's important to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the organization's mission and values. This shows the hiring manager that you understand the specific requirements of the position and are genuinely interested in contributing to the organization's goals.

Emily emphasizes her experience in working in diverse cultural settings and her ability to provide comprehensive care to individuals and communities. This demonstrates her adaptability and cultural sensitivity, which are crucial qualities for a public health nurse.

Public health nurses often work with diverse populations and need to be able to navigate different cultural norms and practices. Highlighting your experience in this area can set you apart from other candidates and show that you have the necessary skills to work effectively in multicultural environments.

Emily also highlights her achievements in implementing evidence-based interventions and improving health outcomes. Her successful vaccination campaign, which increased immunization rates by 20% among vulnerable populations, demonstrates her ability to design and implement effective health promotion strategies.

Employers value candidates who can demonstrate tangible results and the ability to make a positive impact. Highlighting specific achievements and quantifiable outcomes in your cover letter can help you stand out and showcase your ability to drive positive change.

Overall, Emily's cover letter effectively showcases her experience, skills, and passion for public health nursing, making her a strong candidate for the Public Health Nurse position at WHO.

Example 5: Health Policy Analyst Cover Letter

Marcus' cover letter effectively positions him as an ideal candidate for the Health Policy Analyst position at the World Bank.

When applying for a health policy analyst role, it is essential to highlight your experience in policy analysis, program evaluation, and evidence-based decision-making. This demonstrates your ability to contribute to the organization's mission of improving health outcomes.

Marcus highlights his achievements as a Health Policy Analyst at USAID, where he led a successful evaluation of a maternal health initiative in sub-Saharan Africa. By showcasing his ability to identify areas for improvement and implement targeted interventions, he demonstrates his impact in reducing maternal mortality.

Emphasize your specific achievements and the positive outcomes you have contributed to in your previous roles. This demonstrates your ability to drive change and make a tangible impact in the field of health policy.

He also mentions his experience as a Health Policy Researcher at the IMF and a Health Policy Intern at the UNDP, which highlights his comprehensive understanding of global health challenges and policy frameworks.

Highlighting your experience in different organizations and roles within the health policy field demonstrates your versatility and ability to adapt to different contexts. This can be particularly valuable in a global organization like the World Bank.

Overall, Marcus effectively showcases his technical skills, policy analysis expertise, and passion for global health, making him a strong fit for the Health Policy Analyst position at the World Bank.

Skills To Highlight

As a public health specialist, your cover letter should highlight the unique skills that make you a strong candidate for the role. These key skills include:

Epidemiology : Epidemiology is a fundamental skill for public health specialists. It involves the study of patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in populations. Highlight your knowledge and experience in conducting epidemiological investigations, analyzing data, and interpreting findings to inform public health interventions.

Health Education : Public health specialists play a crucial role in promoting health education and disease prevention. Emphasize your ability to develop and implement effective health education programs, targeting specific populations and addressing their unique needs. Showcase your skills in designing educational materials, conducting workshops, and evaluating the impact of health education initiatives.

Environmental Health : Public health is closely intertwined with environmental factors. Demonstrate your expertise in assessing and managing environmental risks that impact public health. This may include conducting environmental assessments, monitoring air and water quality, investigating outbreaks related to environmental exposures, and developing strategies to mitigate environmental health hazards.

Public Health Nursing : Public health nursing combines clinical expertise with a focus on population-level health. If you have a nursing background, highlight your experience in providing direct care to individuals and communities, conducting health assessments, promoting preventive care, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals to improve health outcomes.

Health Policy Analysis : Public health specialists often work on developing and analyzing health policies to address societal health challenges. Showcase your ability to conduct policy research, evaluate existing policies, and propose evidence-based recommendations to improve public health. Highlight any experience you have in analyzing the impact of policies on population health and working with stakeholders to advocate for policy changes.

These skills are essential for public health specialists and demonstrate your ability to contribute to improving population health outcomes. Tailor your cover letter to highlight the specific skills that align with the requirements of the job you are applying for, showcasing your expertise and passion for public health. By effectively communicating your skills and experiences, you can make a strong impression on potential employers and increase your chances of landing your desired role.

Common Mistakes To Avoid In Cover Letters

When crafting your cover letter for a public health specialist position, it's important to avoid these common mistakes:

• Focusing Too Much on Personal Experiences : While it's important to highlight relevant experiences, avoid focusing solely on your personal achievements. Instead, tailor your cover letter to showcase how your skills and qualifications align with the specific needs of the organization. Highlight your ability to contribute to the field of public health and address the mission of the organization.

Key Takeaway : Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate how your skills and qualifications align with the specific needs of the organization and the field of public health.

• Neglecting to Showcase Technical Skills : Public health specialists require a range of technical skills, such as data analysis, program evaluation, and policy development. Don't forget to highlight these skills in your cover letter. Provide examples of how you have successfully applied these skills in previous roles or projects. This will demonstrate your ability to contribute to the organization's goals.

Key Takeaway : Showcase your technical skills and provide examples of how you have successfully applied them in previous roles or projects.

• Failing to Demonstrate a Passion for Public Health : Public health is a field driven by a passion for improving the health and well-being of communities. Your cover letter should convey this passion and demonstrate your commitment to the field. Avoid generic statements and instead, provide specific examples of how you have actively engaged in public health initiatives or projects. This will show the hiring manager that you are genuinely interested in making a difference.

Key Takeaway : Demonstrate your passion for public health by providing specific examples of your engagement in public health initiatives or projects.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a strong cover letter that showcases your qualifications, skills, and passion for public health. Remember to tailor your cover letter to the specific needs of the organization and demonstrate how you can contribute to their mission.

A well-crafted cover letter is a critical component of a job application for a public health specialist position. It provides an opportunity to showcase your skills, experiences, and passion for public health, while also demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively. By tailoring your cover letter to each specific job opportunity, you can impress potential employers and increase your chances of securing a meaningful position in the field.

Throughout this article, we have provided several examples of cover letters for public health specialists, highlighting key elements that make them strong. These examples have shown the importance of addressing the specific requirements of the job, demonstrating relevant experience and skills, and expressing a genuine passion for public health.

One key takeaway from these examples is the importance of researching the organization and job description before writing your cover letter. By understanding the specific needs and goals of the organization, you can tailor your cover letter to align with their values and mission. This shows employers that you have taken the time to understand their organization and are genuinely interested in contributing to their work.

Another key takeaway is the importance of using specific examples and accomplishments to illustrate your qualifications. Instead of simply stating that you have experience in a certain area, provide specific examples of projects or initiatives you have worked on and the impact you have made. This helps employers understand the depth and breadth of your experience and demonstrates your ability to apply your skills in a practical setting.

In conclusion, a well-crafted cover letter can significantly enhance a public health specialist's chances of securing a meaningful position. By tailoring your cover letter to each specific job opportunity, addressing the specific requirements of the position, and using specific examples and accomplishments to illustrate your qualifications, you can impress potential employers and contribute to the advancement of public health initiatives. Remember to proofread your cover letter carefully, ensuring it is free from errors and effectively communicates your skills and passion for public health. Good luck with your job search!

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3 Public Health Cover Letter Examples Working for 2024

• Public Health Cover Letter
• Dietitian Cover Letter
• Nutritionist Cover Letter
• Write Your Public Health Cover Letter

You see the big picture when it comes to healthcare. You help patients develop care plans that mitigate their chances of negatively affecting their health or the health of those around them. You also work internally at your organization to develop public healthcare education and services.

But are you still wondering how to translate the immense value of what you do and write a cover letter and complementary nutritionist resume to land you that dream job?

That’s alright. We’ve spent years helping public healthcare professionals like you along their career journey. Check out our three public health cover letter examples for inspiration, along with our seasoned tips and AI cover letter generator !

Public Health Cover Letter Example

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Why this cover letter works

• Take a cue from Lila who executes this hack in her intro by highlighting an alarming percentage increase in tuberculosis cases in Colorado. Such a concerning trend directly corresponds with the responsibilities of an epidemiologist.

Level up your cover letter game

Relax! We’ll do the heavy lifting to write your cover letter in seconds.

Dietitian Cover Letter Example

• Perhaps you have been crowned Dietician of the Year Award for your approach to food allergy management. Flaunt it as a testament to your wins and aptitude.

Nutritionist Cover Letter Example

• Maybe it was seeing your family grapple with different dietary challenges or when you experienced the power of a holistic approach to nutrition. Whichever your case, harness it as your secret to a compelling nutritionist cover letter introduction.

Related cover letter examples

• Nutritionist Resume
• Medical Assistant
• Phlebotomist

How to Write Your Most Effective Public Health Cover Letter

So, what kind of public health job are you applying for? Do you work with schools to ensure that children have access to healthy meals, or are you looking to assist with disease outbreak education?

Always make sure your cover letter is crystal clear when it comes to your niche . . . and matches the job description , too! You wouldn’t want to push for a job in public health education with a cover letter that’s overly centered around your geriatric nutrition-planning skills. Write your cover letter to align yourself with the job description .

Writing your greeting and introduction

While your work might focus on large groups of people, you’ll need to personalize your cover letter. Avoid dated, generalized greetings, and do the necessary homework to find the name of who you’re writing to.

After your greeting, draw the reader in by expressing your desire for the job and sharing motivations that align with the organization’s values. Pop in a couple of qualifying skills that relate to the job for a good hook, too!

Tweak your opener and all its introductory qualifications to fit each individual job description . Now’s your time to show why you’re the right fit for this particular public health role!

Don’t end up with an opener like this, which gives no examples or sense of professionalism whatsoever:

Well, that won’t work

I’m thoroughly qualified to work with the public and keep everyone healthy. Let me tell you why I’m so good at it so you can hire me.

Look how much better this opener is, with its excellent connection via company values and seamless example of highly relevant qualifications:

You’re ready to go!

Dear Ms. Clark:

With Colorado’s tuberculosis case rate increasing by 59% since the fall of 2022, I’m eager to venture into the Denver Health Research Institute role that calls for my epidemiological expertise. Reflecting on my recent position as a senior epidemiology specialist at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), I’m well prepared to tackle the current epidemiological challenges your institution faces today.

Writing and perfecting your body paragraphs

After a stellar greeting that intrigues your reader by mentioning your prowess in public health, lead into a few body paragraphs that exemplify your qualifications in more detail. Tweak your wording, emphasis, and any company references to align with your potential employer.

You might want to highlight the excellent feedback you received on your data models that prevented diseases from running wild in public schools. Or, you might want to talk about a particularly moving case where your nutrition plans improved the quality of life for geriatric patients.

Whichever success stories you choose, make sure you substantiate them with metrics for your impact! Think of disease case reduction counts, patient satisfaction percentages, your organization’s online ratings, or any other quantifiable data that bolsters your credibility.

Here’s an example of an effective body paragraph:

I spearheaded nutritional analysis and food allergy management programs at Harbor of Health by bringing novel recognition methods to the fore: My efforts aided in the early detection of potential allergies among our patients. As a result, we reduced hospital food-related allergic reactions by an impressive 43% Further, I received the “Dietitian of the Year” award in 2019 for excellence in employing analytical tools for nutritional analysis and fostering a more cohesive approach to food allergy and sensitivity management in Memphis.

Closing and signing off your cover letter effectively

Whew, nice work! Now you can nail home your desirability for the open health care role by concluding your cover letter strategically. Re-state why you want that job, reinforcing your connection with the company.

Summarize how your unique personal traits and abilities solve obstacles that align with the organization’s current struggles—whether that means your knack for stopping disease in its tracks or your skill with nutrition planning.

Don’t forget a call to action and a thank-you, either! Invite the reader to contact you for further discussion and thank them for their time.

You can say thanks in the closer paragraph or as your formal signoff before your name. If you choose the former, use a professional signoff and always use your real name.

Make sure your closer doesn’t wind up vague and informal with zero qualifying info, like this one:

Oh boy . . .

Awesome, so there you go! I’m ready to start pretty soon, so let me know when I can help and stuff.

This closer is way better, concluding everything with a strong wrap-up of qualifications, shared values that connect with the organization, and a polite call to action.

Now we’re looking good!

As a licensed medical professional with solid experience working with local health institutions and an unwavering commitment to improving community health statuses, I bring forth a nuanced understanding of local health issues and comprehensive skills in solving them. I am eager to discuss how my skill set can help drive your esteemed institution’s mission forward. Thank you for your consideration.

Public Health Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid

• Since your job role revolves around helping others, you’ll need to show you can consider the organization’s needs before your own during the application process! You can demonstrate this through your writing tone and the points you focus on: Don’t over-emphasize why you want to work for the business—focus on how hiring you will help them and the people who utilize their healthcare services.
• Your job in public health will contain tons of variety overall but consistently require you to stay organized while you help people develop wellness plans. Highlight your ability to keep everything well-managed and patient-friendly by making sure each paragraph’s main point transitions smoothly into the next. Basically: Your cover letter is telling a story about your achievements! You want the shift to each next “chapter” to feel natural.
• This is a big one, so make sure you pay attention to any keywords that are sprinkled throughout the job listing! Whatever the job description and requirements list the most often is usually what they value the most. So, your cover letter paragraphs should center around similar obstacles you’ve overcome or values you’ve demonstrated in previous roles.
• As a public health professional, you’ll need to firmly establish your credentials: You can’t just say you fit in well at work and expect that to cut out your competition! Think of numerical data like crisis recovery or weight loss percentages, improvements in nutrition ratings, or reduced work hours thanks to your suggestion to automate calculations for patient records. When you can prove your mettle, you’ll go far!

If you have them, don’t leave them out! Draw the reader’s attention to any additional certifications, professional recommendations, a resume, and/or other qualifying materials. Just write “Enclosures:” at the end of your cover letter and list each item you include.

Revisit the job description and look for any value statements that stand out. Check the business’ website (especially any “About” pages), and look for their professional social media accounts. The more current initiatives you can connect with, the better.

This isn’t as big of a “thing” as it used to be. Unless a job listing specifically asks you to include the recruiter’s or your mailing addresses, you can leave them out. Take the opportunity to spend your page space on qualifying examples of success instead!

• Career Development Resources

Cover Letters

A cover letter is an invitation for a potential employer to read your resume. The purpose of this letter is to present your skills and experience. Cover letters highlight your writing ability and allow you to make a case for why you are a good candidate for this particular job.

Cover letters should be:

• Well-organized, focused, and concise.
• Individually tailored — never use a form letter.
• Addressed to an individual by name.
• Written in your own words.
• Centered on the page with one inch margins.
• No more than one page in length.
• Closed with a request for action (i.e. meeting, phone conversation)
• Signed in ink.
• Printed on the same paper stock as your resume.

Cover Letter Guide

The cover letter is an important document. It serves three primary purposes:

• It provides an opportunity for you to express your interest and qualifications for the position and organization
• It allows you to draw parallels between your experience and the requirements of the position
• It demonstrates your writing skills and professionalism

DOS AND DON’TS

• Write a separate cover letter for each job
• Target your letter to position and organization
• Focus on your skills and employers needs
• Limit length to one page
• Use the same paper and font as your resume
• Have someone else proofread your letter
• Address your letter to a specific person whenever possible
• Discuss skills or experiences you lack
• Use a form letter
• Forget to include your contact information

COVER LETTER STRUCTURE

Your Home Address City, State Zip Code Phone Number

Current Date

Employer’s Name Title Organization Street Address City, State, zip Code

Dear Mr., Ms., Dr. _______________:

FOR AN ADVERTISED JOB OPENING:

First Paragraph:  Briefly introduce yourself. Tell your contact what you want, how you know about his/her organization, and how you learned about the job opening. Try to trigger the reader’s attention with an interesting first sentence.

Second Paragraph:  Give a concise overview of your work history and skills you possess have that will help your performance at this job. Do not go into as much detail as in your resume. Refer him/her to the enclosed resume for more information.

Third Paragraph:  State your confidence in your abilities and give information on how you can be contacted.

Final Paragraph:  Express appreciation of his/her consideration, and mention that you are looking forward to hearing form or meeting him/her.

WHEN NO CURRENT OPENINGS ARE KNOWN:

First Paragraph:  Briefly introduce yourself. If another person referred you to the reader, mention the name of your referent and why you are specifically writing to this reader and organization.

Second Paragraph:  State that you are exploring employment opportunities in your field. State clearly that you would like to obtain advice, suggestions, and information about position in this field, and that you do not expect the reader to know of any available job openings at this time. Be specific about your reasons for wanting to meet the reader. You may wish to enclose a resume, or you can take one to the meeting.

Third Paragraph:  State that you will call on a certain day to arrange a brief meeting at his/her convenience.

Final Paragraph:  Express appreciation of his/her consideration and assistance, and mention that you are looking forward to hearing form or meeting him/her.

Sincerely, (signature in blue or black ink) Full name typed

Enclosure (Alert your reader to the fact that another document accompanies your letter.)