In our continuing series of sample cover letters, this example would be appropriate for a dietitian who has recently gained certification as a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE). It shows the applicant’s enthusiasm for patient education, despite her limited experience in making presentations.

About this letter

• If you know the recipient of the letter is female, but don’t know her marital status, “Ms.” is perfectly acceptable.
• The words in boldface throughout the letter below are keywords that were used in the job description. Using the same keywords in the cover letter will get it through the organization’s applicant tracking software.
• This letter is specifically written toward the job description found at the bottom of this page. The applicant meets the “required” qualifications and didn’t let the “preferred qualifications” deter her from applying.
• It’s contained on a single page.

A template for your own cover letter

[Date]

Ms. Susan Smith
Manager, Human Resources
Company name
Company address

Dear Ms. Smith,

This letter is response to your online posting for the position of Certified Diabetes Educator at HealthCallings.com. I believe my experience in patient education and my passion for communicating relevant information to people with diabetes will be of interest as you identify candidates for this position.

Five years ago, I completed my dietetic internship program at XX Hospital, and continued there as a rotating clinical dietitian. Through my interaction with patients, I discovered that diabetes management was my core area of interest, and therefore I pursued further education and training in diabetes care. In the last three years I have attended the annual meeting of the American Association of Diabetes Educators twice, paying for these trips myself. These experiences helped me meet the requirements for the Certification Exam for Diabetes Educators, and I successfully passed the national exam last fall.

Since that time, I have provided diabetic patients with in-depth information at three hospital seminars. I focused on the importance of choosing whole grains to best manage blood glucose levels, and offered various samplings of whole grain food products — much to the delight of the participants. I enjoy public speaking and motivating people to better manage their health. My co–workers have complimented me on my excellent presentation skills, saying my approach simplifies scientific information. (One of my pastimes is community theater, so speaking in front of a crowd comes naturally to me.)

With “CDE” behind my name, I am eager to put my new credentials to work for a new employer. While I enjoy my work at XX Hospital, it does not allow me to focus 100 percent on diabetes care. And I’m also interested in a position, such as this one, that offers standard work hours, rather than rotating shifts.

My resume provides details of my education and achievements. I hope we have an opportunity to meet and discuss how my dietetic skills can support your patient demographic.

Sincerely,

Your name, with credentials
Your address
Your phone number

Related article:
Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Cover Letter

© Health Callings, Dice Holdings Inc., 2013

Job description

Provide high level of diabetic care to patient demographic. Provide patients with more consistent and more in-depth education for their disease. Provide training/education to the patient demographic. Conduct/provide/offer group patient seminars on diet, exercise, monitoring, glucometer and pump training, continuous glucose monitoring, and various other educational pieces.

REQUIRED *Registered Dietitian *Excellent written and oral skills *Excellent presentation skills *CDE (Certified Diabetes Educator)

Preferred Qualifications: Masters in Nutrition or Education preferred.