LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) cover letter example

You’ve worked extremely hard to acquire the training and experience that make you an outstanding licensed practical nurse. Make your job search as easy as possible by starting with an impressive LPN cover letter.

This writing guide is backed by LPN cover letter examples you can adapt for your own use. We’ll cover these topics:

• The best format for structuring your LPN cover letter
• How each cover letter section emphasizes your ideal LPN qualifications: header, greeting, introduction, body and conclusion
• Common cover letter mistakes to avoid.

Best format for an LPN cover letter

With efficiency being a key nursing performance indicator, you should appreciate the simplicity and straightforwardness of a cover letter structure that works for all occupations. It includes these components:

• Header
• Greeting
• Introduction
• Body
• Closing and sign-off

Each of these sections serves a vital purpose to ensure your cover letter is both complete and short — no more than 400 words on a single page.

At first glance, the page formatting should look inviting to read — neat, clean, streamlined and professionally polished, with ample white space. Ease of reading should carry all the way through, reflecting suitable choices of fonts and sparing graphic touches.

Here is an adaptable LPN cover letter example that you can customize for the position and hiring organization:

Cover letter header

Cover letter headers are also all about efficiency and effectiveness. An eye-pleasing header design will visually set your LPN job application apart from all the rest. Its essential practical purpose is to make your contact information stand out so recruiters can readily get in touch and it should contain your name, occupation, phone number, address and email.

Enhance the overall impact by aligning the header and other design elements of your cover letter and resume documents for an unmistakably matching pair. 

Cover letter greeting

Do your best to find out who will be receiving your cover letter so you can address that person by name in the greeting. If no one is specified in the job application instructions, check the employer’s website or make a phone call and ask. 

Address the reader as “Dear <Dr.> <Mr.> <Ms.> Surname.” If you’re unable to identify any specific hiring manager by name, your next best option is a generic alternative such as “Dear Nurse Recruiter” or “Dear (Employer Name) Hiring Team.”  

Below you’ll find the greeting from our adaptable LPN cover letter example.

Cover letter introduction

Lead off your LPN cover letter with two or three compelling statements that make recruiters curious enough to keep reading. Ultimately, they’ll seek further details in your resume.

The qualifications you emphasize up front — perhaps years of experience, training credentials or special expertise — must resonate with hiring managers in directly relatable terms. Speaking to the employer’s needs and wants shows you’ve informed yourself about the position and workplace. Conveying why you want to work for this organization more than any other shows your capacity for commitment.

Here’s the introduction from our LPN cover letter sample.

Cover letter body

The middle section or body of your LPN cover letter makes your case for belonging on this healthcare team. First consider the employer’s needs and then use this section to elaborate on your most relevant experience, training and skills. 

Highlight a few shining examples of accomplishments that made a difference to your patients, supervisors, co-workers or administrators. Cite facts and figures to illustrate tangible outcomes, or even the scope of your responsibilities during a typical work shift. Add a story or comment that reflects your inspiration, purpose and dedication as a nurse. 

This LPN cover letter sample illustrates what you might include in the middle part:

Cover letter closing (sign-off and conclusion)

Other than adding a final reminder of why you’re the ideal LPN for this job, your cover letter conclusion should not actually sound conclusive. Leave the next step up in the air with a call to action. The onus is on recruiters to respond somehow, not set your letter aside and forget about it.

Express your interest in visiting the healthcare facility. Perhaps ask if you can follow up with a phone call to arrange for a meeting, and even propose a mutually convenient time. At least convey how much you look forward to hearing back. Be careful that your tone sounds confident and hopeful, but not arrogant or pushy.

Last comes a professional sign-off: your full name below “Sincerely,” “Best regards” or “Best.” 

Below is the closing section of our LPN letter example.

Common cover letter mistakes to avoid

In a profession where even the smallest error can be costly, failure to error-proof your LPN cover letter sends the wrong message to recruiters. These are some of the most common preventable mistakes.

• Mass-produced generic cover letters that don’t target the specific position and employer come across as lazy and unmotivated.
• Meaningless clichés and redundant word bloat waste page space and the reader’s time.
• Typos, spelling mistakes and grammatical goofs reflect poorly on your communication skills and attention to detail.
• Unattractive or messy-looking documents are a turn-off, especially in a field where neat and clean are synonymous with professional.

Key takeaways for an LPN cover letter

• Each cover letter element can strengthen your case for being an ideal match to the LPN position.
• Tailor your letter to the employer’s needs by highlighting accomplishments that will resonate.
• Check out our LPN cover letter sample for more ideas on creating a great page layout.