BCBA cover letter example

As a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA), you touch the lives of patients and their families by helping them overcome behavioral challenges and develop strategies to achieve the best possible outcomes. Now it’s time to develop a strategy that lands you your next great job, and it all starts with a convincing BCBA cover letter.

In this cover letter writing guide, along with the corresponding BCBA cover letter example, we’ll cover the following topics to help you write the best cover letter possible:

• How to choose the best cover letter format
• What paragraphs the cover letter should include and how to maximize the effect of each
• What approach to take when writing your cover letter
• What mistakes to avoid when writing your BCBA cover letter

Best format for a BCBA cover letter

The format of a BCBA cover letter should contain the following elements:

• The cover letter header
• The greeting/salutation
• The cover letter intro
• The middle paragraphs (body of the letter)
• The ending paragraph of your cover letter (conclusion and call-to-action)

For more insight into the do’s and don’ts of cover letter formatting, make sure to check out this comprehensive cover letter guide which offers more general advice about how to go about compiling cover letters. In this guide, we’ll look at each specific section to make your BCBA cover letter as convincing as possible. For a head start on writing your own, check out the adaptable BCBA cover letter example below.

Cover letter header

The header of your cover letter is the vital section at the top of the page that captures your name and contact information so that the hiring manager can 1. identify your document and 2. contact you easily should they want to set up an interview. In addition to your name, you should make sure to include your phone number, a professional email address, and your LinkedIn URL if you have one. You may choose to include a city or location, but a full mailing address is no longer seen as necessary on cover letters in most situations. You can check out our adaptable cover letter sample for more insight into the proper formatting of the header.

Cover letter greeting

The cover letter greeting may only be a few words but it is one of the most important sections on the page. That’s because this is the place where you address the person who will be reading your cover letter and set the tone for the rest of the document. Whenever possible, we recommend using the hiring manager's (or letter recipient’s) name in the greeting in order to establish a connection and show that you’ve taken a moment to familiarize yourself with the company. Sometimes, this is not possible, especially in large organizations where a hiring team may review each candidate. In this case, alternatives like “Dear (Clinic Name) Hiring Team” can be substituted.

Cover letter introduction

The introduction of your cover letter consists of the first 1-2 sentences which set the tone for the rest of the letter. This is the place to capture the reader’s attention and give your strongest argument for why you are the best possible candidate for the BCBA role. Luckily, there are a few ways to write your cover letter introduction. You may consider starting with an anecdote, establishing a connection to the hospital or clinic, or highlighting a top skill you bring to the table. Check out the adaptable resume sample below for more ideas on how to write your own introduction.

Cover letter middle part (body)

The middle part of your BCBA cover letter is where you'll have the most space to expand on your key qualifications and the experiences that make you the best candidate for the job. This section is the longest part of the resume and can sometimes intimidate applicants who don't know how to structure it. One way to think of the body section is to divide it into smaller anecdotes – usually two or three of them are enough to convey your skills and achievements in a concise way. 

First, list the Situation that you found yourself in, then describe the Task required of you. Next, share the Action you took and the positive Result you achieved. This simple structure is known as the STAR Method and can be used to help organize your anecdotes more effectively. For more ideas on how to write the middle section, check out our adaptable BCBA cover letter sample below.

How to close a BCBA cover letter (conclusion and sign-off)

The hard part is behind you and now it's time to close your BCBA cover letter and encourage the hiring manager to get in touch. The best way to do this is through a call to action. This sentence expresses your enthusiasm for the position and lets the hiring manager know that you look forward to the possibility of an interview. The key is not to come across as arrogant or entitled to the job while politely suggesting that they contact you. You can also leave your phone number and email address again here, space permitting. Then sign off politely and include your full name. See our adaptable BCBA cover letter sample below for more details.

Basic mistakes in a BCBA application letter (and how to avoid them)

As a medical professional, your BCBA cover letter will be held to a higher standard than applicants for other roles. Make sure to eliminate costly errors by following these tips:

• Avoid generic cover letters. There's nothing wrong with looking at a cover letter sample for inspiration but ultimately you should submit your own personalized cover letter to each job you apply to. That means changing the examples and language for each application to best suit the job description for the company and role. Hiring managers can tell when you have submitted a copy-paste cover letter and won’t look upon it kindly.
• Avoid spelling and grammar mistakes. It might seem obvious but typos and poor syntax are not acceptable, especially for professional roles like BCBA. Make sure to double-check your writing, use spell check, and even ask a friend to proofread before you submit.
• Avoid poor formatting. A great BCBA cover letter shouldn't be flashy or full of images but it should be attractive, professional, and organized. Show that you pay attention to detail and that you're serious about the position by choosing a layout with a neutral color scheme that highlights your experience. Consider using a professionally designed cover letter template to help you get started, like the templates available here at Resume.io.

Key takeaways

1. A great BCBA cover letter is the perfect addition to your resume because it allows you to expand on the experiences and the outcomes that make you a successful therapist.
2. Make sure to draw the reader into your cover letter through a great introduction that highlights a skill, mentions a connection to the employer, or shares an anecdote about one of your achievements.
3. Professional formatting is key when it comes to presenting yourself as a serious candidate. Check out our adaptable resume cover letter sample as a model for your own application.