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I remember how hard it was to find genuine examples of cover letters when I was applying for my GNP. While generative AI and countless templates are now readily available online, I wanted to share mine.
It was authentically written without AI, and it got me the grad year of my choice. I hope these tips and my template help you land your dream GNP, too. You can find it at the bottom of this guide!
Who wrote this Guide?
Zoe Youl is a critical care registered nurse with over a 10 years experience in healthcare education. As Head of Community at Ausmed Education, she helps shape learning and development strategies for healthcare professionals. Zoe holds a Master of Nursing (Management and Leadership), has worked internationally, setting standards in Nursing Professional Development, and is the Director of Ausmed’s accredited provider unit.
Passionate about supporting the next generation of nurses, Zoe is here to share insights that will help students and Graduates navigate their first few challenging years in the profession, build confidence, and prepare for a successful career in healthcare.
A cover or application letter is your chance to introduce yourself, show that you align with the GNP and broader organisation, and stand out. Ultimately, you want to be unique and authentic.
Writing a strong cover letter allows you to introduce yourself, connect with the GNP program coordinator you’re addressing the letter to, and showcase why you're the ideal candidate to be a Grad at their organisation. Attention to detail, formatting and genuine, well-structured content is imperative.
While a CV is much longer and tiny errors (although they should be avoided) may be less noticeable, any errors in a cover letter, waffling or poorly structured content are on show. It’s one page; it needs to be great!
My top two tips for writing a great cover letter are to address and title the document correctly and structure the letter coherently.
First impressions matter. A cover letter, which will be read first, really, really matters. Ensure your cover letter is addressed to the right person and has the correct title, organisation, and address.
Double-check the name the GNP refers to in the application and use the specific title they have requested (e.g., "Cover Letter" or "Application Letter") in the title of your document.
Here’s a recommended structure with tips for each paragraph:
Start with a positive acknowledgment, for example:
“As a final year nursing student at Australian Catholic University, it is with great pleasure that I submit my application for the St Vincent’s and Mercy Private Division 1 Graduate Nurse Program.”
I cannot stress how important this is! Each application needs to be different, but that doesn't mean you have to start each one from scratch.
It would be silly because between assignments and placements, not to mention part-time jobs and life, it's not like you've got all this extra time!
So be smart, duplicate where you can, but absolutely do tailor each application, particularly the cover letter, to each GNP application.
After the introduction, explain why the GNP at this organisation resonates with you. Take the opportunity to highlight shared values or state a personal connection or experiences that align you with their mission.
For example, this is how I highlighted a personal connection to the hospital and alignment with the organisation’s values:
“I strongly believe that St Vincent’s and Mercy Private Hospital is not only the perfect place to successfully complete my Graduate year, but also offers a long and rewarding nursing career.
It is reassuring to know that values such as compassion, accountability and respect are required in my approach to patients and their families. Coming as I do from nearby Catholic secondary and tertiary education institutes, I feel a strong connection to these values and the community that St Vincent’s and Mercy Private serves. I would be proud to provide the best possible healthcare to all members of this community in a compassionate and caring manner.”
Next, you want to demonstrate that you’ve done your homework. Show how their GNP offers what you seek, and where possible, if subsequent roles, opportunities or initiatives that the organisation offers align with your future career goals.
“I have a strong affinity with St Vincent’s and Mercy Private, most notably, because of the support offered to graduate nurses and the strong emphasis on ongoing nurse education. Knowledge that St Vincent’s and Mercy Private offers the highest graduate to nurse educator ratio is also very attractive.
This gives me great confidence that, if selected, I would be warmly welcomed into the St Vincent’s and Mercy Private family, receive a great deal of encouragement and be presented with a vast number of learning opportunities throughout the year. The opportunity to complete three four-month rotations, including a possibility to experience specialty rotations is also a great incentive. Furthermore, completing an Advanced Clinical Practice Year and postgraduate studies after completing my Graduate year are exciting prospects for the future.”
This will set the scene for the next paragraph, which should touch on why you’re an ideal candidate (in a humble manner, without boasting).
Explain what you bring to the table without boasting. This is how I connected my values, skills and strengths to the GNP and organisation:
“If selected for a graduate position at St Vincent’s and Mercy Private, I am certain that I would bring an enthusiastic, patient-centred and professional attitude to any team. I am committed to providing the highest quality patient care and have a strong desire to learn from all opportunities presented to me.”
As you begin to wrap things up, acknowledge the enclosed documents and your readiness for the next steps. This once again shows your attention to detail and organisational skills and that you are familiar with their process.
For example, here’s how I wrapped up my application letter:
“Enclosed within my application is a succinct two-page curriculum vitae, with two nominated referees, a certified copy of my academic transcript (with results legend) and certified copies of my two most recent medical/surgical clinical placement records. I have also included a passport-sized photo at your request.”
End your cover letter with a professional sign-off, such as “I would welcome the opportunity to support this application with an interview”, and a courteous (not too friendly or overly personal) closing salutation, such as "Yours sincerely," followed by your name.
Adding a signature can also add a personal touch.
All the tips for formatting and reviewing your CV apply here also.
Consistency in font, spacing, and structure is key. Proofread thoroughly and seek feedback.
Finally, I hope these tips and the template help you. Remember, though, be authentic. This letter represents you, your passions, values and connections. Success is a letter tailored to the GNP application and reflects who you are and what matters to you.
Get Zoe's Cover Letter Template
Need to see these tips in pracice? Download Zoe's cover letter to see how she landed her dream grad position.
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