A medical cover letter is a document submitted as part of an application for a job as a medical assistant.
The applicant uses a cover letter to showcase their skills and interests and explain why they are interested in the job. A medical assistant performs various functions, including:
- Taking medical histories
- Preparing patients for examinations
- Explaining the procedures to patients
- Informing patients about special diets and medication
- Preparing, maintaining, and updating patients’ medical records
- Schedule patient visits and send reminders
- Taking inventory of office and supplies
A cover letter is essential when applying for a job because it allows applicants to showcase their specialized skills to the recruiter. These jobs often require specific skills; using this letter, you can state and explain your skills while showing how you’ve used them and how they apply to the job you’re seeking.
Use Professional-Looking Format
A professional cover letter allows you to highlight all your skills and qualifications to the recruiter. A professional format ensures you make an excellent first impression on the recruiter. The format also counts towards the general outline of your document and makes it easy for the recruiter to scan it and get the information they need.
You should format the cover letter as follows:
- Use a professional font for your cover letter. Some fonts, especially those that are cursive, give the impression that you’re not professional. Some recommended professional fonts include Times New Roman, Arial, and Helvetica. Make sure you use similar fonts in both; your resume and cover letter.
- The largest font size you should use in your cover letter should be 12 points, and the smallest should be 10 points.
- You must keep the length of your cover letter to one page, as recommended by professionals.
- Your margins should be at least 0.5 inches and at most 1 inch, depending on how much space you need.
- You must make sure your document is aligned to the left.
- Use single spacing for your cover letters and ensure proper spacing between paragraphs.
- Most employers recommend saving and sending your cover letter in PDF format, as it is easier to read and print and cannot be easily edited.
Five Steps: How to Write a Cover Letter?
A cover letter must highlight the applicant’s best skills and qualifications. To ensure this, the applicant should ensure they follow the steps below:
A professional header should contain all your contact information, including; your name, title, phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile, the date the application is being made, and the contact details of the hiring manager.
EXAMPLE
[Your Name]
{Title]
[Phone Number]
[Email]
[LinkedIn Profile]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Title]
[Company]
[Address]
[City, State, Zip code]
Step 2: Address the hiring manager
After introducing yourself and indicating the address of the hiring manager, you need to address the hiring manager in a way that captures their attention. It is preferred to address the hiring manager by name to create a personal connection.
EXAMPLE
Dear [HR Manager’s name],
Step 3: Write the opening by mentioning the job position
After addressing the hiring manager, your first paragraph must be concise. This section decides whether the recruiter wants to read the cover letter further. This should be a professional introduction to who you are and the position you seek. Mention the role exactly as it is stated in the job description; this leaves no doubt as to why you’re making the application. In the first paragraph, mention your best skills and highest and most relevant education qualifications to catch the recruiter’s attention.
EXAMPLE
My name is [full name]. I am interested in taking the [mention the position role] in [the hospital or medical facility name].’ I saw your job ad in [mention where you saw the job posting.]. I am a [state the most relevant certifications] with [write number of years of experience]. My experience has exposed me to diverse medical environments, and I believe my [specify relevant skills] and experience will significantly contribute to your team.
Step 4: Write the body of the cover letter
The body of your cover letter contains the bulk of the application. Mention your skills and qualifications. Beginning with your educational details, list your experience and skills. These jobs entail performing specialized tasks; as such, you need to describe your skills and explain how you have utilized them.
The body of your cover letter should follow the order below:
- Write your education details: The jobs require specific educational qualifications. Highlighting your capabilities in your cover letter lets the hiring manager know that you are qualified for the job. Your qualifications may include bachelor’s or associate degrees or a postsecondary certificate. Whatever the qualifications you may have, you must mention them in your cover letter.
- Elaborate your experience: These are highly specialized jobs and often have a standard list of skills you should possess. Therefore, it is crucial to list your work experience to show your expertise. Previous work experience also allows you to show how you gained your skills and used them. List previous experiences by stating that you have worked in an office and performed administrative duties. When applying for an entry-level job, you do not have much work experience; you should talk about the highlights of your internship, the things about the facility you like, or give a referral from another employee.
- Highlight your skills and abilities: In medicine, most hiring managers need to know whether you have the required skills for the job. Listing your skills lets the hiring manager know your skill level and expertise. Enlist soft skills, especially interpersonal skills, since the medical field requires professionals to have good bedside manners. It also shows that you are a well-rounded employee. When applying for your first job, you may list the highlights of your internship or aspects of the job that interest you. Your cover letter is your way of pitching to the recruiter. That is why you should list your best skills; you can highlight your other skills in your resume.
Some of the skills you can list are:
- Strong written and verbal communication
- Customer service
- Bookkeeping skills
- Active listening
- Adaptability
- Basic Life support skills
- Manual dexterity
- Proficient in taking patient records and doctor instructions
- Related software management
EXAMPLE
The body of your cover letter may look like this:
I am a certified medical assistant with [mention relevant education certifications]. Your advertisement mentioned that you need an assistant who can [mention the skills in the job description]. I believe that I am [mention the matching skills], which make me a suitable candidate for the advertised position. Further, I have experience in [mention relevant work experience with detailed examples], which I believe is suited for [mention the advertised position].
Step 5: Close the letter by requesting an interview
The conclusion of your cover letter should be a concise summary of the content of your letter. The language used should convey enthusiasm on your part. To emphasize your interest in the job, ask for an interview in person or virtually or express interest in the recruitment process. Thank the recruiter for their consideration and time. Be sure to end the letter with a professional salutation. A well-written conclusion increases your chances of getting a callback.
EXAMPLE
I would like to have a chance to discuss how my skills would help [mention the facility] achieve its objectives more in person or in an interview on a day and time of your choosing. I appreciate your consideration.
Kind regards,
[Digital signature]
Medical Assistant Cover Letter Template
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Today’s Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Their Job Title]
[Healthcare Facility Name]
[Facility Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Medical Assistant position at [Healthcare Facility Name], as advertised on [where you found the job listing]. With a [degree or certificate] in [field of study], complemented by my hands-on experience in patient care and medical administrative tasks, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team.
During my time at [Previous Employer or Clinical Internship], I honed my skills in a range of clinical procedures and administrative duties, including taking patient histories, vital signs, assisting with examinations, scheduling appointments, and maintaining patient records. My dedication to providing high-quality patient care was recognized when [mention any recognition or positive feedback received]. I am committed to enhancing patient experiences while supporting healthcare providers and administrative operations.
My key strengths include:
- Proficient in [mention any software or equipment, e.g., electronic health records (EHR) software, phlebotomy equipment].
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, enabling me to establish rapport with patients and collaborate effectively with healthcare teams.
- A strong understanding of health and safety protocols, ensuring all procedures are performed in compliance with regulatory standards.
I am particularly drawn to [Healthcare Facility Name] because of [mention what you admire about the facility, such as its reputation, commitment to patient care, innovative treatments, etc.]. I am eager to bring my expertise in [mention specific skills or areas, e.g., patient education, clinical tasks, administrative support] to [Healthcare Facility Name], contributing to the efficiency of your services and the well-being of your patients.
Enclosed is my resume, which provides further details about my professional achievements. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background, skills, and enthusiasm can contribute to the exceptional care provided at [Healthcare Facility Name]. I am available for an interview at your convenience and can be reached at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address]. Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to bring my passion for healthcare and patient support to your team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Cover Letter
Dear Dr. Clarkson,
I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the Medical Assistant position advertised on the website for Sunrise Health Clinic. With a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) designation and over three years of hands-on experience in both clinical and administrative roles, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the esteemed team at Sunrise Health Clinic.
In my recent position at City Health Services, I successfully managed a wide range of responsibilities, including patient intake, recording vital signs, administering injections, and performing EKGs. My commitment to optimizing patient care processes led to a 20% increase in clinic efficiency and significantly improved patient satisfaction scores. Additionally, my proficiency in electronic health record (EHR) systems and medical billing software has streamlined administrative operations, allowing for more efficient appointment scheduling and accurate record-keeping.
What draws me to Sunrise Health Clinic is your dedication to community health and the comprehensive care approach your team embodies. I am particularly impressed by your clinic’s initiatives in preventive care and health education, areas I am deeply passionate about. I am eager to bring my skills in patient education and support, along with my clinical and administrative competencies, to further enhance your clinic’s mission to provide outstanding care to the community.
My experience has equipped me with a well-rounded skill set, including first-rate communication and time management abilities, which I see as crucial for a Medical Assistant who often acts as a liaison between patients and healthcare professionals. I thrive in fast-paced environments, and my previous supervisors have praised my ability to manage priorities and solve problems proactively.
I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to discuss how my education, experience, and skills could be beneficial to your team. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and can be reached at (555) 234-5678 or via email at jasmine.patel@email.com. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the excellent patient care at Sunrise Health Clinic.
Sincerely,
Jasmine Patel
Key Takeaways
The letter effectively conveys the candidate’s interest in the Medical Assistant position, demonstrating their qualifications and enthusiasm for the role. Here’s an analysis of its effectiveness:
Clear Intent: The letter starts with a clear expression of interest in the position, setting the tone for the rest of the communication and ensuring the recipient understands the purpose.
Relevant Qualifications: The candidate highlights their Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) designation and three years of experience in clinical and administrative roles, showcasing their suitability for the position.
Accomplishments: Specific examples of achievements at the previous job, such as improving clinic efficiency and patient satisfaction scores, lend credibility to the candidate’s claims of competency.
Alignment with Company Values: By expressing admiration for the clinic’s dedication to community health and preventive care initiatives, the candidate demonstrates alignment with the organization’s values, potentially resonating with the employer.
Transferable Skills: Emphasizing skills like communication and time management showcases the candidate’s readiness to excel in various aspects of the role, beyond just technical competencies.
Proactive Invitation for Interview: The letter closes with a proactive invitation for an interview, signaling the candidate’s eagerness to discuss their qualifications further, which can leave a positive impression on the employer.
Overall, the letter effectively presents the candidate as a qualified and enthusiastic applicant for the Medical Assistant position, likely making them stand out among other candidates.
Cover Letter Templates
You can download free templates, which are given below:
Consider the Following
When writing the cover letter, you need to ensure it is straightforward enough that the recruiter can scan and see your qualifications. Your cover letter should increase your chances of getting a callback.
It would be best to consider the following:
Tailor the cover letter to the job posting
Jobs in the medical field are specific to qualifications and the tasks to be performed. Therefore, to ensure that your cover letter attracts the recruiter’s attention, you must tailor your cover letter to the job posting. Customize your cover letter using the keywords and tasks in the job description. State the relevant skills and qualifications to maximize highlighting your achievements.
Use action verbs
Action verbs draw attention to your skills and highlight your achievements. They show that you’ve gone beyond describing your qualifications and show how you performed tasks.
Some of the action verbs you may use are:
- Improved
- Reduced
- Conveyed
- Discussed
- Explained
- Specified
- Facilitated
- Administered
- Nurtured
- Supported
- Standardized
Wrapping Up
A cover letter is part of your application. It should boost your chances of getting the job. However, it would be best if you highlighted the best of your skills and qualifications. It should also convey your interest in the position and willingness to participate in the recruitment process. Your cover letter is the first chance to make a good impression on the recruiter; a professionally formatted letter shows that you are meticulous and organized. You should research the facility, see what they look for in an employee from their profiles, and use the same to tailor your cover letter to the job. If you need to add a reference, be sure they are a person with a professional capacity similar to your potential employer, this boosts your chances of getting the job.
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