director of pharmacy cover letter

16+ Pharmacy Director Cover Letter Examples & Samples

Discover 15+ pharmacy director cover letter examples tailored for 2024, designed to help you create a compelling application for pharmacy leadership roles. Gain insights into effective cover letter customization, find pharmacy manager cover letter samples, and explore essential tips for crafting a standout application that highlights your qualifications.

As the backbone of any successful pharmacy, the role of a Pharmacy Director is crucial in ensuring the delivery of high-quality patient care and the efficient management of pharmacy operations. Professionals in this role are responsible for overseeing pharmacy staff, managing budgets, ensuring regulatory compliance, and implementing effective patient safety protocols. To stand out in a competitive job market, it's essential to showcase your key skills and attributes, like leadership, problem-solving, and a deep understanding of pharmacy regulations, in your application. A tailored, well-written cover letter is your opportunity to emphasize these qualities and make a lasting impression on hiring managers. In this guide, we present over 15 pharmacy director cover letter examples for 2024 that cater to industry expectations and highlight your unique strengths. You’ll also find tips for customizing your cover letter to target specific roles, ensuring that your application complements your resume and showcases your qualifications effectively. Dive in and empower yourself to create a compelling cover letter that elevates your candidacy for pharmacy leadership positions.

Pharmacy Director Cover Letter Example

How to write a pharmacy director cover letter.

Crafting an impactful pharmacy director cover letter is essential for making a strong impression on hiring managers and demonstrating your professional capabilities in pharmacy leadership. A well-structured cover letter not only presents your qualifications but also showcases your attention to detail, which is critical in the pharmacy field. In this section, we will guide you through the process of formatting your cover letter to reflect your expertise and suitability for a pharmacy director position.

Key Components of a Pharmacy Director Cover Letter

Cover Letter Header

Your cover letter header is the first impression you make. It should include your name, address, phone number, and email, along with the date and the employer's contact information. This layout conveys professionalism and organization from the outset.

Cover Letter Greeting

Use a polite and formal greeting to address the hiring manager by name whenever possible. This personal touch can help establish a connection right from the beginning.

Cover Letter Introduction

In the introduction, briefly state your interest in the pharmacy director position and mention where you found the job listing. This section sets the tone and context for your application, making a case for why you are the ideal candidate.

Cover Letter Body

The body of your cover letter should include specific examples of your skills and achievements relevant to the pharmacy director role. Highlight your leadership experience, regulatory knowledge, and proficiency in managing pharmacy operations. This is where you can effectively use pharmacy director cover letter examples to illustrate your suitability.

Cover Letter Closing

Conclude your cover letter with a strong closing statement, expressing your enthusiasm for the opportunity and reiterating your qualifications. A compelling closing can leave a lasting impression and prompt the hiring manager to consider your application further.

Each part of your cover letter is essential in showcasing your professionalism and fit for the pharmacy director position. Let’s break down each section and highlight what to focus on to make your cover letter stand out.

Cover Letter Header Examples for Pharmacy Director

Great header.

Robert Smith, PharmD

(555) 123-4567

[email protected]

Explanation

The cover letter header is a critical component of your application as a Pharmacy Director, as it establishes the first impression for hiring managers. This section typically includes your contact information, the date, and the recipient’s information. A well-organized header conveys professionalism and attention to detail, essential traits for a role that involves overseeing medication management and pharmacy operations. An effective header sets a serious and professional tone for your entire application, influencing how the rest is perceived.

What to Focus on with Your Cover Letter Header

When applying for a Pharmacy Director position, your cover letter header should be clear, accurate, and formatted with professionalism. Include your full name, direct phone number, and a professional email address. It may also be beneficial to incorporate your job title or a credential (e.g., PharmD) to immediately convey your qualifications. When addressing the recipient, include their full name, title, and organization to convey respect and attention to detail. The layout should align with the design of your resume for consistency, maintaining a polished presentation that reflects your leadership capability in pharmacy management. Avoid including unnecessary details, such as your home address unless it is explicitly requested.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using a casual name format (e.g., 'Bob' instead of 'Robert Smith')
Including an unprofessional email address (e.g., '[email protected]')
Not aligning the header with the formatting of your cover letter

To ensure your cover letter header stands out, use a professional-looking font and keep the size between 11 and 12 points. Keep your contact information neatly aligned and consider bolding your name to make it stand out. Consistency is key; make sure the header matches the font and style of the rest of your cover letter and resume for a cohesive look.

Cover Letter Greeting Examples for Pharmacy Director

Great greeting.

Dear Dr. Williams,

Bad greeting

The greeting of your cover letter serves as the initial contact with the hiring committee and is crucial in making a positive first impression. For a Pharmacy Director position, it is essential to showcase your professionalism and respect for the organization. The greeting sets the tone for your cover letter and illustrates your understanding of the importance of leadership in the pharmacy realm. A well-crafted greeting indicates that you are methodical and detail-oriented, qualities that are vital for this senior role.

How to Get Your Cover Letter Greeting Right

In the context of applying for a Pharmacy Director role, it’s imperative to address the letter to the hiring manager or HR representative directly by name, if known. If you cannot find a name, address your greeting to the pharmacy department hiring committee or use the title of the position, such as 'Dear Pharmacy Hiring Committee.' Avoid generic greetings like 'To Whom It May Concern,' which can come across as impersonal. Strong examples include 'Dear Dr. Smith,' or 'Dear Pharmacy Department Hiring Committee.' This personalized approach reflects not only your professionalism but also your genuine interest in leading their pharmacy operations.

To craft the best cover letter greeting as a Pharmacy Director applicant, prioritize professionalism and specificity. Use a formal greeting with a name if possible, or a suitable title if the name is unavailable. This demonstrates your commitment to excellence and respect for the hiring process.

Cover Letter Intro Examples for Pharmacy Director

Great intro.

With over ten years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical care and team leadership, I am excited to apply for the Pharmacy Director role at [Company Name]. My track record of implementing innovative pharmacy programs and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards aligns perfectly with your commitment to excellence in patient care. I am particularly drawn to [Company Name] due to its dedication to community health and wellness, and I am eager to contribute to your mission of enhancing patient outcomes through strategic pharmacy management.

I am writing to apply for the Pharmacy Director position. I have experience working in pharmacies and am looking for a good opportunity. I believe I could be a good fit because pharmacies need directors, and I want to work for your company.

The introduction of your cover letter is crucial for a Pharmacy Director position, as it serves as your opportunity to make a strong first impression on the hiring team. This role requires not only extensive pharmaceutical knowledge and management skills but also the ability to inspire confidence in your leadership. A well-crafted introduction should highlight your relevant experience while expressing your enthusiasm for both the position and the organization. It’s essential for the introduction to convey your understanding of the responsibilities and challenges of a Pharmacy Director, and why you are the ideal candidate to tackle them.

How to Craft an Effective Cover Letter Introduction

Begin your introduction with a strong statement about your years of experience in pharmacy management or directorial roles, along with a few key qualifications that make you a standout candidate. Clearly express your excitement about the opportunity to lead in this capacity, and mention specific values or goals of the organization that resonate with you. Be sure to articulate how your leadership style and vision align with the company’s mission, showcasing your commitment to improving patient care and optimizing pharmacy operations.

Starting with a bland or generic introduction without specific details about your experience or passion for the role.
Neglecting to mention the organization by name or its unique attributes that draw you to the position.
Failing to demonstrate how your experience aligns with the goals and challenges faced by the pharmacy department.
Using cliches or overly formal language that lacks a personal touch.

To make your cover letter introduction stand out, emphasize your passion for improving pharmacy operations and patient care. Include specific examples of past achievements or leadership experiences that showcase your relevant skills. Also, make sure to illustrate how your goals and values align with those of the organization, which can create an impactful connection with the hiring team.

Cover Letter Body Examples for Pharmacy Director

As a seasoned Pharmacy Director with over a decade of experience, I have successfully led multidisciplinary teams to enhance medication safety and optimize patient care within our institution. For instance, I spearheaded a medication reconciliation initiative that reduced adverse drug events by 30% within the first year of implementation. I believe in a collaborative approach to pharmacy management, ensuring that all team members are engaged and empowered to contribute to patient outcomes. My commitment to continuous improvement is reflected in the successful establishment of a training program for pharmacy staff, which increased team productivity and morale. I am eager to bring my expertise in strategic planning and operational efficiency to your organization, ensuring that we not only meet but exceed healthcare standards for patient care.

I have worked in pharmacies for many years and have some leadership experience. I think I am good at managing teams and ensuring everything runs smoothly. I mainly focus on getting the job done and helping my staff as much as I can. I want to apply for this position because I believe it could be a good opportunity for me and my career. I am excited to learn and try my best if given the chance.

The body of your cover letter is crucial for a Pharmacy Director position, as it provides the opportunity to showcase your leadership experience, strategic vision, and commitment to patient care. This section must clearly communicate your qualifications, professional philosophy, and how you plan to lead the pharmacy team in aligning with institutional goals. By including specific, relevant details about your past achievements and your approach to pharmacy management, you can effectively demonstrate your fit for the role.

How to Craft an Effective Cover Letter Body

When crafting the body of your cover letter for a Pharmacy Director position, focus on articulating your relevant experience in pharmaceutical care and your leadership capabilities. Describe specific initiatives you have led that improved pharmacy operations, enhanced patient safety, or optimized medication management processes. Additionally, clearly convey your philosophy on patient-centered care and how it aligns with the organization's mission. Use concrete examples, such as successful implementation of a medication therapy management program or collaboration with healthcare teams to improve patient outcomes, to underscore your effectiveness and vision for the pharmacy department.

Being overly generic about your duties without providing specific examples of accomplishments.
Failing to connect your experience to the specific needs or goals of the organization.
Using jargon or technical language that may not effectively communicate your qualifications to all readers.
Neglecting to highlight your leadership skills and the impact of your management style on team performance.

To make your cover letter body stand out, emphasize your specific achievements and how they relate to the role of Pharmacy Director. Highlight your leadership style and the positive impact it has had on your teams and patient care, backing up your claims with tangible examples. This approach will showcase your qualifications and your vision for the pharmacy department.

Cover Letter Closing Paragraph Examples for Pharmacy Director

Great closing.

I am excited about the opportunity to lead the pharmacy department at [Organization Name]. With over 10 years of experience in pharmacy management and a strong commitment to improving patient outcomes, I am confident that my strategic vision aligns with your organization's goals. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my leadership skills and dedication to advancing pharmaceutical care can contribute to your team’s success.

Bad closing

Thank you for considering my application. I hope to work with you and contribute to the pharmacy team. Please let me know what the next steps are.

The closing paragraph of your cover letter is your final chance to seal the deal with a hiring manager. For a Pharmacy Director, this segment is critical as it reiterates your qualifications, demonstrates your leadership capabilities, and highlights your commitment to pharmaceutical care and organizational goals. A strong closing can set you apart from other candidates by effectively summarizing your fit for the role and your eagerness to contribute to the organization’s success.

How to Craft an Effective Cover Letter Closing

When closing your cover letter as a Pharmacy Director, it’s essential to summarize your extensive experience in pharmacy management and your strategic vision for enhancing pharmacy operations. Emphasize your knowledge of industry regulations and your ability to lead a team towards achieving patient-centric goals. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to work with the organization and your readiness to discuss how you can help drive their mission forward during an interview.

Ending with a generic statement that lacks specificity about the position or organization.
Failing to highlight unique qualifications or experiences relevant to the Pharmacy Director role.
Using passive language that undermines your confidence and decisiveness.
Neglecting to request a follow-up interview or express eagerness for further discussions.

To effectively close your cover letter, emphasize your enthusiasm for the Pharmacy Director position and articulate how your skills align with the organization's needs. Reinforce your readiness to discuss your leadership approach in an interview, and express a strong desire to contribute positively to patient care and pharmacy operations.

Cover Letter Writing Tips for Pharmacy Directors

Highlight your leadership in pharmacy management.

In your cover letter for a Pharmacy Director position, it's essential to emphasize your leadership skills in managing a pharmacy department. Discuss your experience in overseeing pharmacy operations, implementing policies, and guiding a team of pharmacists and technicians. Highlight your ability to foster a culture of safety and efficiency, and mention any initiatives you've led that improved patient care or streamlined operations. This demonstrates your readiness to take on the responsibilities that come with directing a pharmacy.

Demonstrate Your Clinical Expertise

Pharmacy Directors are expected to blend managerial acumen with clinical knowledge. Use your cover letter to illustrate your clinical experience, including relevant certifications and specialties. Discuss how you have utilized your expertise to enhance medication therapy management or address patient safety issues. Providing specific examples of how your clinical background has positively impacted pharmacy services or patient outcomes will strengthen your application.

Share Your Success in Strategic Planning

Strategic planning is crucial for a successful Pharmacy Director. Detail your experience in developing and executing strategic initiatives that align pharmacy services with organizational goals. Mention any quantitative results from initiatives you've implemented, such as increasing medication adherence rates by a specific percentage or reducing costs through inventory management improvements. Clear metrics will highlight your ability to drive change and demonstrate your strategic thinking skills.

Customize Your Cover Letter for Each Opportunity

Avoid generic cover letters. Tailor your cover letter specifically to the Pharmacy Director role you’re applying for by researching the organization’s mission, values, and recent achievements. Reference specific programs or policies they have in place and explain how your vision aligns with their goals. This personalized approach shows your genuine interest in the position and demonstrates your understanding of the employer's unique needs.

Maintain a Clear and Professional Format

Your cover letter should present a polished image, reflecting the professionalism expected in pharmacy leadership. Start with a strong introduction that states your intention. Use clear and concise paragraphs to organize the main points and conclude with a summary of your qualifications and a call to action, inviting further discussion. Be sure to proofread for grammar and clarity, as attention to detail is paramount for a Pharmacy Director responsible for important regulatory and safety standards.

Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid as a Pharmacy Director

Failing to highlight leadership experience.

One of the most significant mistakes candidates make when applying for a Pharmacy Director position is not emphasizing their leadership experience. Hiring managers look for proven track records in managing teams and overseeing pharmacy operations. Failing to detail achievements in leadership roles can prevent candidates from standing out in a competitive field. Instead, describe specific instances where you successfully led a team, implemented policy changes, or improved workflow efficiencies.

Neglecting Regulatory Knowledge

Pharmacy Directors must navigate complex regulatory requirements, yet some candidates overlook the importance of showcasing their knowledge in this area. Ignoring this aspect can lead hiring managers to question your competence in ensuring compliance with state and federal laws. Be sure to mention relevant certifications and direct experiences in maintaining compliance or managing audits, providing examples like “Conducted a successful audit that ensured 100% adherence to the DEA regulations.”

Using Vague Language

A common mistake is using vague language instead of specific, impactful statements that illustrate your capabilities. Statements like “managed pharmacy operations” do not convey the true breadth of your experiences. Instead, opt for clarity and specificity, such as “Oversaw pharmacy operations for a 200-bed hospital, increasing medication delivery accuracy by 40% through enhanced training and workflow redesign.”

Overlooking Soft Skills

While technical knowledge is crucial, Pharmacy Directors must also possess strong soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence. Many candidates forget to highlight these attributes in their cover letters, focusing solely on their technical capabilities. Make sure to include examples demonstrating how your soft skills improved team dynamics or patient outcomes, such as “Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to streamline patient care processes and reduce medication errors by 25%.”

Ignoring the Company Culture

Lastly, many Pharmacy Director applicants fail to address how their values and experiences align with the organization's culture. Ignoring this important factor can make your cover letter seem impersonal or generic. Take the time to research the organization and mention specific values or initiatives that resonate with you. For instance, you might say, “I am particularly impressed by your commitment to patient-centered care and would love to contribute to and expand upon your initiatives in this area.”

Cover Letter FAQs

How do i structure my pharmacy director cover letter.

Start with a clear and engaging opening that mentions your interest in the Pharmacy Director position and your current role or qualifications. Follow with paragraphs that detail your relevant experience, focusing on leadership in pharmacy operations, regulatory compliance, and patient care management. Use specific examples to illustrate your successes, such as improving medication safety or enhancing operational efficiency. Conclude with a summary of your enthusiasm for the role and your commitment to advancing pharmacy practice within the organization.

What should I emphasize in my Pharmacy Director cover letter?

Emphasize your leadership skills, experience with medication management systems, and your ability to navigate healthcare regulations. Highlight achievements such as successful program implementations, optimizing workflow, or staff training and development. It's important to connect these experiences to the specific needs outlined in the job description, showing how you can add value to the organization.

How long should a Pharmacy Director cover letter be?

Your cover letter should ideally be one page long. This is enough space to succinctly convey your most relevant experiences and qualifications. Focus on clarity and directness—avoid overly lengthy descriptions and instead aim to showcase your key achievements and readiness for the role in a concise manner.

What key skills should I highlight in my Pharmacy Director cover letter?

Highlight key skills such as strategic planning, team leadership, advanced knowledge of pharmacy operations, and strong communication abilities. Discuss your experience with budgeting, staff management, and developing pharmacy protocols. Illustrate how these skills relate to the goals of the organization and improve patient outcomes.

How can I demonstrate my industry knowledge in a Pharmacy Director cover letter?

Be sure to mention current trends in pharmacy care, such as the integration of technology in medication management, advancements in clinical pharmacy services, or changes in healthcare legislation. Sharing insights on how these trends affect patient care or pharmacy operations demonstrates that you are knowledgeable and proactive in your approach to pharmacy management.

What are common mistakes to avoid in a Pharmacy Director cover letter?

Avoid generic statements that could apply to any position and instead tailor your letter specifically to the Pharmacy Director role. Don't repeat your resume; use the letter to provide context around your experiences and accomplishments. Also, ensure that you address any key qualifications or skills listed in the job description to demonstrate your fit for the position.

How can I effectively convey my passion for pharmacy leadership in my cover letter?

Share a brief story about a successful project or initiative you've led that exemplifies your dedication to improving patient care or enhancing pharmacy practice. This narrative will illustrate your commitment to the field and help hiring managers understand your motivation for applying for the Pharmacy Director position.

What should I do if I don't have all the qualifications listed in the Pharmacy Director job description?

Focus on the qualifications and experiences you do possess that align well with the role. Emphasize your willingness to learn and adapt by providing examples of how you've successfully taken on new challenges in previous positions. Highlight transferable skills or ongoing professional development efforts that prepare you for the specific responsibilities of a Pharmacy Director.

How do I showcase my problem-solving abilities in a Pharmacy Director cover letter?

Provide a specific example where you encountered a challenge, such as improving medication error rates or enhancing the pharmacy's workflow. Detail the steps you took to address the issue, the strategies you implemented, and the positive outcomes achieved. This illustrates your critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities effectively.

Director of Pharmacy Operations Cover Letter Example

Pharmacy manager cover letter example, clinical pharmacy director cover letter example, pharmacy services director cover letter example, pharmaceutical services manager cover letter example, senior pharmacy consultant cover letter example, pharmacy program director cover letter example, director of pharmacy practice cover letter example, pharmacy compliance director cover letter example, head of pharmacy department cover letter example, pharmacy supervisor cover letter example, pharmacy director of clinical services cover letter example, vice president of pharmacy services cover letter example, pharmacy quality assurance director cover letter example, pharmacy director of operations cover letter example, related cover letter samples.

Clinical Pharmacist

Regulatory Affairs Specialist

Pharmacy Technician

Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

Biopharmaceutical Scientist

Clinical Research Associate

Pharmacovigilance Specialist

Research Scientist

Pharmacology Professor

Get Hired Fast — with AI-Powered Job Applications

Just upload your resume, and let our genius AI auto-apply to hundreds of jobs for you.

The #1 AI Cover Letter Generator

Pharmacy Director Cover Letter Example

Cover letter best practices and template for 2024 - pharmacy director.

Highlight your extensive experience in pharmacy management, including overseeing daily operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, and managing budgets. Emphasize your leadership skills, commitment to patient care, and ability to drive strategic initiatives to improve pharmacy services. Writing a compelling cover letter is crucial for catching the attention of hiring managers. Statistics show that a well-crafted cover letter increases your chances of getting an interview by over 50% . Your cover letter should be tailored to the specific job you're applying for, highlighting your relevant experiences and demonstrating your enthusiasm for the role. It's not just about reiterating your resume; it's about providing a narrative that shows why you're the right fit for the job . Use your cover letter to tell your story, focusing on how your skills and experiences align with the job description and company values . Employers appreciate cover letters that are concise, clear, and direct, typically preferring documents that are no longer than one page. By following these guidelines, your cover letter can make a strong impression, setting the stage for your resume and propelling you towards the interview phase.

Our Pharmacy Director Cover Letter Template

Cameron Martinez

[email protected]

(715) 613-7271

Dear Walgreens Hiring Team, As a leadership Pharmacy Director with 2 years of experience and I'd love to join your team, as seen on LinkedIn. In my current position Successfully led a team to achieve a 98% customer satisfaction rating over the last year and now I'm excited to continue my journey by contributing and growing at Walgreens. Here’s why I believe I'd be a perfect fit for the position: First, I’ve always been intellectually curious about comprehending how thing work in the Healthcare sector. As a Pharmacy Director at CVS Health, I wanted to push myself and understand each specific of my day to day. Before starting my career, I've obtained a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) at University of California, San Francisco. These academic skills were the foundations which helped me to become the go-to person to ask about overseeing pharmacy operations and staff. Second, I have plenty of experience ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. At CVS Health, I’ve managed delicate situations related to managing budgets and financial performance and been successful at meeting approaching deadlines where I had to think quickly on my feet. As the company scaled, I’ve taken increased responsabilities including mentoring and helping newcomers adapt to company culture. Finally, I am excited about Walgreens's vision and core values. As a detail-oriented and compassionate Pharmacy Director, I recognize the importance of working in a company with a patient-centered and innovative. I am genuinely excited about the opportunity to contribute to Walgreens, and I am ready to commit to the high standards and ambitions your team upholds. Thank you for considering my application. Sincerely, Cameron Martinez

Need High Quality Cover Letters today?

Professional Cover Letters are essential. But writing the right one can be tough. Letterfy uses AI to generate a ready to send pdf cover letter for you in seconds.

Ready in seconds, not hours
Get Started
Editable in browser
Ready-to-send PDF with a minimal design

The Best AI Cover Letter Generator.

Letterfy has helped hundreds of young professionals from all over the world land their dream job interviews.

Upload your Resume Once.

Upload your resume once and leave some personal information that will appear in your cover letters. You can choose between 5 languages.

Paste Job Description.

Copy and Paste the job you are applying to. Our AI Cover Letter Generator will write an ATS-optimized cover letter for you.

Download a ready-to-send PDF Cover Letter.

You can edit the cover letter in browser if you need to. The formatting has a minimal and clean design.

Get hired by top companies worldwide.

More Healthcare Cover Letter Examples

Clinical-pharmacist cover letter.

Check our CLINICAL-PHARMACIST cover letter template.

PHARMACY-MANAGER COVER LETTER

Check our PHARMACY-MANAGER cover letter template.

HEALTHCARE-ADMINISTRATOR COVER LETTER

Check our HEALTHCARE-ADMINISTRATOR cover letter template.

This site is intended for healthcare professionals

How to write a successful pharmacy cover letter

Writing a cover letter that helps you stand out from other applicants can be challenging. Pharmacy career consultant Amy Zydzienowski, from Vertica Career Consultants, explains how it is done.

Writing a good covering letter for a pharmacy job can help you stand out from other applicants

Shutterstock.com

Also read: How to write a successful pharmacy CV

Do I really need to write a cover letter? In my role as a pharmacy recruiter and career coach, I am often asked whether a cover letter is a necessary accompaniment to a CV as part of a job application. Some people believe that cover letters just repeat information from their CVs — others are concerned that recruiters never even read them. However, if you can write a cover letter that explains why you are the right candidate for the job you want, you can ensure that your application stands out for the right reasons.

Cover letters — what’s the point?

Traditionally, you would send a CV and cover letter by post in response to a job application or as a speculative approach. Your cover letter would introduce you in a professional sense, explain why you were applying for the position and provide some evidence of your competency for the role.

Nowadays, applications are less frequently sent by post — they are usually emailed or completed online. Despite this, presenting a professional cover letter is still part of the established protocol. If you are responding to a job advertisement in today’s competitive pharmacy jobs market, it is likely you will be one of many applicants (sometimes one of hundreds). Therefore, you need to do everything you can to ensure your application stands out, which includes an excellent cover letter.

Consider the hiring manager’s point of view

Before you start writing your CV and cover letter, you need to ask yourself: “What would the hiring manager want to see in the application?”

One way to find out is to simply call and ask the hiring manager or recruiter exactly what they would like to see. A recent survey of US employers by Saddleback College in America has shown that they can have differing views on whether a cover letter is important, how long it should be and what information it should contain. By asking the employer directly, you can find out their specific views and tailor your cover letter accordingly.

Laying out your letter

There are no set rules for your cover letter, but a good structure is important. The cover letter is telling a story about you and, like all good stories, it should have a beginning, middle and end.

The beginning

If the application is being posted then use a standard letter format, with your own address and date on the right and the organisation’s contact name and address on the left. For email applications, put your cover letter in the main body of the email and add your CV as an attachment. Your cover letter can be ignored more easily if you attach it as a separate document.

You should always try to address your cover letter to a specific person when possible. This will be easier if you have already called the hiring manager. Research by Forum3 (now called Charity People), a not-for-profit recruitment company for the third sector, suggests you are 10–15% more likely to receive a reply if you address your application to a person and 5% more likely to get an interview [1] . If you do not know the name of the person, then use a professional address such as “Dear Sir or Madam”.

Immediately after addressing the reader, you should state the purpose of the application, so that the reader can quickly understand the reason for the email. For example, “Reference: Application for Band 6 hospital pharmacist role”. This could also be included as the subject line of the email.

The first paragraph should describe what your current professional situation is and why you are applying for the position. This paragraph should also include any research you have done into the role or organisation, including anyone you have spoken to, any site visits you have undertaken and the name of anyone who may have referred you. If you have taken the time to research the organisation and the role, this could be a key differentiator for your application. However, you should avoid making generic statements, such as “I want to join your esteemed company”. Make sure anything you say about an organisation is relevant to them and based on the research you have undertaken.

Your cover letter should demonstrate to the reader that you have the key skills and experience relevant to the particular role. You can do this by providing specific examples, tailored to the requirements listed in the job description, of when you have demonstrated these from your own experience to date. Choose three or four of these relevant examples that each tell a story about your skills, experience or traits and provided a positive outcome for the stakeholders involved in the situation.

These examples could come from any part of your life, as long as they are relevant. Newly qualified pharmacists will likely use examples from their pharmacy placements, academia, part-time work and also extra-curricular activities, in order to demonstrate a range of skills. A more experienced pharmacist candidate would generally choose examples from their work history because it is the most relevant. However, sometimes it is appropriate to bring in other examples, such as voluntary work.

Always try to use an active voice when explaining your achievements, because this serves to make the reader feel that you were in control in these situations. Additionally, try to avoid making vague or generic statements that could apply to any applicant.

If an achievement is strong enough to be included in your cover letter, it should be repeated on your CV. Try not to repeat examples word-for-word on both documents — instead, try to interpret them differently. Sometimes, due to time constraints, the hiring manager may bypass your cover letter and go straight to your CV, which could mean they miss your best examples. In addition, repetition will serve to reinforce these key messages like a sales brochure would, which is, in essence, what your CV and cover letter are.

In your final paragraph, thank the reader for taking the time to read your application and summarise why you feel you are a good fit for the role, based on your skills and experience. State how and when you can be contacted with regards to arranging an interview and then make sure you are available when you say you will be.

Sign off the letter professionally with “Yours sincerely” (to a specific person) or “Yours faithfully” (to an unnamed person), followed by your name.

Formatting your letter

In terms of format, a cover letter is usually written as a traditional letter, laid out in paragraphs. It is different to your CV, which is an abbreviated document that uses various techniques to draw the eye to the most important parts quickly and make the document as succinct as possible. In your cover letter, keep your language concise and purposeful. To achieve this, you may need to redraft your letter several times.

The grammar, spelling and formatting of your cover letter is just as important as the content of the document, so make sure it is perfect. Particularly, ensure you have spelt names and company names correctly and there are no typing errors. Research from student recruitment website StudentGems.com suggests half of employers discard job applications that contain spelling or formatting errors.

Choose a standard, well known and professional font, such as Arial, Verdana, Calibri, Times New Roman or Trebuchet. This will make the letter easier to read and will also support applicant tracking systems that may not be able to pick up lesser-known fonts. Keep your font size between 10 and 12 for ease of reading.

Through my own experience of recruiting pharmacists, I have observed that the standard of today’s pharmacy job applications is generally quite poor. If you spend time putting together a strong application, which includes an excellent cover letter, then it will stand out to an employer and increase your chances of securing the role.

[1] The company has since rebranded as www.charitypeople.co.uk and the research is no longer available online.