Vet Nurse Cover Letter (With Template and Example)

Updated 14 March 2023

When applying for work as a vet nurse, having the correct formal documentation can demonstrate your suitability to a hiring manager. A cover letter outlines the information included on your resume and is often the first thing a hiring manager reads about you. Understanding what to include in your cover letter can help you succeed with your application. In this article, we explain what a vet nurse cover letter is, outline the key responsibilities of the role, list what to include when writing your letter and provide a blank template and example cover letter for your reference.

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.

What is a vet nurse cover letter?

A vet nurse cover letter is a single-page document you submit alongside your resume when applying for a position as a vet nurse. This document highlights your skills, experience and education in the field to show you have proven expertise and competence to work as a vet nurse. While your resume mentions all your details, your cover letter further explains your abilities as a vet nurse and shows your employability. Use your cover letter to explain more about yourself, including your passions, motivation for becoming a vet nurse and aspirations for your career.

How to write a vet nurse cover letter

Here's a detailed look into the steps to follow when writing a cover letter for a vet nurse position:

1. Check the job description for keywords

When an employer advertises an available vet nurse position, they typically include keywords to highlight the specific qualities they're searching for in a candidate. These keywords might reference specific vet nurse skills, such as preparing animals for surgery or performing x-rays on animals. The advert might also mention the years of experience the employer prefers for a candidate. Review the job description to find these keywords and include them in your cover letter and resume.

2. Include your contact information

Before writing the main content of your cover letter, add your contact information at the top of the page so it's the first thing a hiring manager sees. Write your name in a bold or slightly larger font than the rest of the document. On a separate line, write your phone number, email address, city and state or territory. Using vertical lines between this information can space it evenly and make it easier to read.

3. Write the date and a greeting

Beneath your contact information, write the date. On a separate line, write a greeting to the hiring manager. Research the workplace to find the hiring manager's name or write a generic greeting, such as Dear hiring manager if you can't find the name. Making this extra effort can demonstrate your attention to detail and display your interest in working for the employer.

Related: How to Become a Veterinarian

4. Introduce yourself and express your employability

In your opening paragraph, introduce yourself and explain why you're a suitable vet nurse candidate. Specify the full title of the role you're applying for and the employer's name, and express your excitement for applying for the position. This paragraph is also an opportunity for you to explain why you think you're a good fit for the hiring workplace. Support this with examples of your skills that relate to the keywords in the job advert, such as good communication skills or empathy.

5. Explain your credentials

In your second paragraph, describe the credentials that make you an ideal candidate for a vet nurse position. This can include your experience working in a similar position, specific abilities or educational background. Elaborate on these points and include keywords found in the job advert. For example, consider explaining how your data entry skills help you update records correctly after taking samples from animals.

Discussing your experience is often the most effective way of showing your suitability for a position. Also mention your qualifications, as vet nurses typically require some level of further education to apply for a position. This may be a certificate, such as a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, or a bachelor's degree, for example, in veterinary nursing.

6. Highlight your achievements

Your second paragraph can also highlight your achievements in vet nursing and explain how they helped a previous employer. Using figures to prove your positive impact can show a hiring manager your worth as an employee. For example, you might explain how you coordinated the inventory of medicines to minimise over-ordering and increase profits.

Find vet nurse jobs

7. Express your gratitude to the hiring manager

In the last paragraph of your cover letter, thank the hiring manager for reviewing your application. This can show that you're polite and professional. Such traits are usually necessary for vet nurses as they work closely with colleagues and customers.

A possible expression of gratitude might be Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. Follow this line with a call to action, which prompts the hiring manager to consider contacting you about your application. A call to action might be I look forward to hearing from you about this exciting opportunity.

8. Formally close your cover letter

End your cover letter with a formal closing line. A simple version might be With kind regards, followed by your full name. Underneath that, add your physical or digital signature. A polite and well-structured closing helps to display your professionalism.

9. Proofread your cover letter

Read through your document multiple times to ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors. An error-free letter shows the hiring manager that you have excellent attention to detail. There are various free spellchecker applications to help you catch more difficult mistakes. Ask your family and friends to read your document to find any remaining errors. Ensure the information you've included in the cover letter matches that on your resume to keep it consistent.

Vet nurse cover letter template

Here's a blank template cover letter for an experienced vet nurse:

[First name] [Last name], [Degree or certification if applicable]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City], [State or Territory]
[Date]
[Company Name]

Dear [Hiring manager's first name] [Hiring manager's last name],

[Express excitement for the position, including the role title and the company name.] [Introduce yourself by explaining why you're applying for the job, how the job aligns with your career goals and what specifically draws you to the company.]

[Explain your relevant experience and qualifications without repeating what's in your resume.] [Highlight one to two relevant achievements with facts and data when possible.] [Explain why you'd be a good fit for the company.] [Optional: address employment gap or career transition.]

[Express gratitude]. [Summarise qualification]. [Restate interest in role]. [Call to action + availability and preferred contact method].

[Complimentary close],

[Signature]

Example vet nurse cover letter

Here's an example of a cover letter for a vet nurse with experience:

Angela Martin, Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing
+61 805 624 517 | a.martin@email.com | Adelaide, SA
17 February 2023
Greenwood Zoo

Dear Mr Richard Grayson,

I am excited to apply for the Veterinary Nursing position at Greenwood Zoo. I have over seven years of experience working as a vet nurse and have developed strong data entry and customer service skills that have helped me assist hundreds of customers.

While working at my current role at Wentworth Veterinarian, I have successfully performed a wide variety of vet nursing duties, such as taking blood and stool samples, labelling and filing samples, assisting veterinarians with surgery, informing customers about results and managing inventory to maintain stock levels. I handled an overhaul of the Wentworth database that led to a more efficient filing system and stock-ordering process, which decreased over-ordering and wastage and increased overall profits by 11%. During my tenure at Wentworth, our clinic received multiple awards for outstanding service and an award for business excellence.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I am confident that my abilities and experience can contribute to the team at Greenwood Zoo. I look forward to hearing from you about this exciting opportunity.

With kind regards,

Angela Martin