I hope someone can help me.....I need to write an expression of interest letter for a position that might be available at work (they don't know if they have the funding yet, but they want to get started with looking for someone to fill the positions, so when they get the funding, they can start straight away).
The position is for a Level 2 RN (I'm level 1 at the moment), to train in doing procedures that are currently done by the doctors, and to help another RN (who will be a level 4) to develop a training package and guidelines for other nurses.
The level 2 position is for 2 days a week (perfect for me!), and both people are being asked to commit to the position for 6 months (when the project is to be done by).
Anyway, the ad that the boss sent around (not sure if it was just to those of us that work on his ward, or to more people), is asking for us to send a cover letter which demonstrates our sound clinical and communication skills.
I have worked on the same ward, with the same boss for the last 5.5 years, since I was a grad nurse - and the boss knows that I'm an idiot (be silly a lot), and that I have times when my mouth works faster than my brain, and that I sometimes forget the word that I am looking for, and say something stupid instead.
I reckon that I have sound clinical skills, but have never even seen the procedure that we would be performing in the position, where others that I work with (not sure if any are applying for one of the positions) have assisted the doctors with the procedure (they do it in outpatients, and the boss has rotated some people through the position out there, and I would have maybe been due to go out there when I went on maternity leave, so I never did it, and have only worked part-time since I returned, so still haven't ben able to do it).
I asked the boss if it would matter that I have never been in the same room as the procedure, and he reckons maybe only for the first 2 weeks, and then I should be right.
So anyway, how do I write a expression of interest letter when the boss already knows me, and I can't tell any little white lies, and talk myself up?
This is from a sample of an expression of interest letter to show what I mean by the little white lies "Adept at leading a team or working as part of a team, I am also an enthusiastic self-starter able to work from home. I have initiative and loads of drive. My personal motto is: "Never give up". Technical skills include telephone and face-to-face selling, Word, Outlook and Excel software proficiency and strong communication skills." - again, the boss knows me, so knows that I am not really that much of a self-starter, and I often have troubles showing my enthusiasm (if I have any at all! hehe)
Thanks for any help - I need to have it in by tomorrow!! (he didn't give us much time, they just want to get started)
Honestly - when the position doesn't necessarily call for something, I don't think anyone necessarily exudes it.
I never thought I had managerial skills until I was managing shifts - and neither did my manager. I wouldn't call them little white lies... I don't know.
Honesty is great, and if the boss knows you then maybe it's worth being straightforward and saying that although you have not demonstrated it in the past - that you look forward to the opportunity to prove yourself?
Not much help am I? Sorry! Just had a thought and decided to babble. Good luck anyhow!
I see your point - will seriously consider using it.....
I hope to have a rough draft by the time DH gets home at midnight, and then he can approve it for me, but if what I have done is crap, then he will be rather cranky pants with me!
How would you say that you know you aren't necessarily a team leader (well, I reckon I could, but i don't think the boss does...or maybe there is just too many senior staff on my ward, and they get chosed first?), but a good team member?
Maybe say something like "Whilst leadership is not my strongest trait, I add strength to a team and would be honored if I were to be given the opportunity to learn new procedures under the guidance of my team leader."
Hmmm, actually I've always been pretty bad at resumes and cover letters etc for job applications, so maybe listening to me isn't the best idea.
How about something along the lines of.
I am confident of my ability to lead in situations that call for it, but prefer to work alongside my colleagues. or something liek that? prefer probably isnt the best word though
I have kind of drafted 3 different paragraphs of what I think needs to be said, and have kept them all on the same document, so DH can read all of my versions, and pick the best, and adapt it from there, but I would still be stuck on the first sentence if you hadn't helped me!
Expression of Interest Letter
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