Your physical therapist cover letter is a testament to your role as a provider of vital care to patients who are recovering from or living with illnesses, injuries, disabilities, and more.
To do justice to your skills and experience, your cover letter must be top-notch! So, let's make it happen with our comprehensive guide, brimming with the best writing tips, customizable templates, cover letter samples, and plenty of examples.
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In this guide, we teach you the key steps for writing an impressive physical therapist cover letter. Keep reading to learn how to:
- Give your physical therapist cover letter structure with a header & headline
- Personalize your physical therapist cover letter for a specific job
- Craft an attention-grabbing physical therapist introduction
- Showcase your relevant skills & accomplishments as a physical therapist
- Write an effective closing statement as a physical therapist
- Access valuable resources for job-seeking physical therapists
1. Give your excellent physical therapist cover letter structure with a header & headline
Unlike a resume, a cover letter is not divided into sections with clear titles. To give your cover letter structure and visual flow, you need to create a header and headline.
A cover letter header is the first information an employer will see, containing key details such as:
- Your name and professional title
- Your professional contact information
- The name of the company you're applying to
- The address of the company you're applying to (especially important if the company has multiple different locations)
Here is an example of a well-formatted physical therapist header
Hillary Smith, Physical Therapist
(123) 456-7890 | hillarysmith@email.com | linkedin.com/in/hillary-smith
To: Atlanta Sports Medicine, Inc.
Physical Therapy Department
1234 Street Address
Atlanta, GA, 30301
As for your cover letter headline, this is an optional title you can add to your cover letter to help the main points in your letter stand out and to initially hook an employer’s attention.
An effective headline will include a keyword related to the position, an eye-catching number or trigger word, a powerful adjective or verb, and a promise to the employer.
Here is an example of a good physical therapist headline, as well as a brief explanation of its main components
My 3-Step Approach to Compassionate Physical Therapy & How It Will Benefit Your Clients
Trigger Word/Number: 3-Step Approach
Keyword: Physical Therapy
Adjective/Verb: Compassionate, Benefit
Promise: Your Clients – this serves as a promise because it tells the employer you’ll discuss how your qualifications can be applied to their company and clients’ benefit specifically.
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2. Personalize your physical therapist cover letter for a specific job
Any time you write a cover letter as a physical therapist, it’s essential to personalize the content of that letter for the specific job you are applying to. This not only helps to impress employers but also shows you have great attention to detail.
To personalize a cover letter, you’ll need to research the company thoroughly beforehand. Look for information such as the company’s values, projects or programs they are involved in, and specific staff members at the company who are likely to review your application.
Using this last bit of information, you can create a personalized greeting that addresses a specific person by name and informs the employer immediately of your due diligence.
Here are 3 examples of personalized cover letter greetings
- Dear Practice Manager Jill Swift,
- Dear Ms. Jill Swift,
- Dear Ms. Jill Swift & the PT team,
3. Craft an attention-grabbing physical therapist introduction
While your headline and personalized greeting help to impress and engage the employer, to truly hold their attention you need a well-written introduction.
Strong cover letter introductions often include:
- A summary of your professional history and specializations
- A statement on why you are enthusiastic about applying to this company
- A mutual acquaintance (when possible)
Pro Tip: Always include a mutual acquaintance when you can, as this is a golden ticket to leaving a fantastic first impression on employers. If you need help networking to find a mutual acquaintance, try using LinkedIn to expand your professional network and community.
Here is an example of an attention-grabbing physical therapist introduction
Dear Practice Manager Jill Swift,
I am a physical therapist with 6 years of specialized experience working in sports therapy. Recently, I was hired for a temporary position with a local school to help teach student-athletes about the importance of physical therapy. The athletic coach at this school, Mr. John Jones, is a long-time client of your practice and strongly recommended I apply for this position.
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4. Showcase your relevant skills & accomplishments as a physical therapist
Once you’ve ensured the employer’s attention is on you, it’s time to begin describing your most relevant skills and accomplishments as a physical therapist.
When describing these qualifications, make sure the information you include is specific, contextual, and quantifiable. This helps an employer to see not just your key qualifications but also the real-life value you can contribute to their business or practice.
Here are 6 examples of physical therapy skills to describe in a cover letter
- Patient consultations
- Diagnosing physical mobility problems
- Developing treatment plans
- Providing patient education
- Clear communication abilities
- Knowledge of various exercises and stretches
Here is an example of how to describe an accomplishment in a physical therapist cover letter
As a physical therapist at [Former Employer], I worked with more than 40 patients seeking ongoing care each year. For each of these patients, I developed a unique treatment plan that included monthly check-ins and progress reports. All 40 of my patients saw significant improvements in their mobility, with more than 70% reporting full recovery within 2 months.
5. Write an effective closing statement as a physical therapist
To conclude your physical therapist cover letter effectively, you need a thoughtful closing statement that encourages the employer to contact you. Along with stating your enthusiasm toward the position, this closing statement should also include:
- How and when you can be best contacted
- When you plan to follow up
- A formal sign-off
Here is an example of an effective closing statement from a physical therapist’s cover letter
I am incredibly excited by the prospect of working for your practice and hope to connect with you directly within the next week. The best way to contact me is at (123) 456-7890 between the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or after-hours at hillarysmith@email.com. I plan to follow up next Tuesday about this position if I have not yet heard back.
Best Wishes,
[Applicant Name]
If you’ve ever wondered how a cover letter differs from a resume, this article will tell you everything about the key differences between the two.
6. Top resources for job-seeking physical therapists
Job searching doesn't have to be a pain in the neck! With the right resources and a bit of patience, you'll find a position that gets your career moving in the right direction. You can start by checking the following:
- Industry-specific job boards: Visiting niche websites like PTJobs.com, PhysicalTherapist.com, and HealthJobsNationwide.com is just about the most straightforward approach you can take.
- General job search platforms: Platforms like Glassdoor, Indeed, ZipRecruiter, or SimplyHired aggregate job postings from all industries. But with a bit of filtering, you can discover compelling vacancies based on your specialization and preferred location.
- Networking: Don't forget to create a strong LinkedIn profile and use the platform’s job search feature to find openings. Follow companies of interest and join professional groups related to physical therapy to expand your network and uncover job opportunities.
- Professional associations: Alternatively, consider checking official websites of organizations like the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), the World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT), the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). The can give you access to job listings, further training, and the latest industry insights and trends.
- Hospital and clinic websites: Many hospitals and clinics list job openings directly on their websites. Regularly check the careers section of local hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and healthcare facilities for new postings.
Remember, every step you take is a step closer to your dream job. So stretch your skills, flex your connections, and get ready to land that perfect role!
Physical Therapist Cover Letter FAQ
How do I effectively convey my commitment to patient care in my cover letter?
You can share specific situations from your professional life that illustrate your dedication. Discuss any patient-centered initiatives you’ve been involved in or highlight feedback you’ve received from patients. Mention your approach to building strong patient relationships and how you personalize treatment plans to meet individual needs. This helps to show that you prioritize patient well-being and are committed to providing high-quality care.
How do I highlight my experience working with a diverse patient population in my cover letter?
Simply by mentioning specific demographics you’ve worked with, such as children, elderly patients, athletes, or patients with chronic conditions. Discuss how you adapt your treatment approaches to meet the unique needs of each group. For example, you might describe your experience in creating effective pediatric therapy programs or your work in a multicultural community health clinic.
How can I effectively convey my passion for physical therapy in my cover letter?
You can share what inspired you to enter the field and what motivates you in your daily work. Use expressive language to show your enthusiasm. For example, you could write about a memorable patient success story that reaffirmed your commitment to helping others regain their mobility and improve their quality of life. Giving emphasis to your dedication and love for the profession will resonate with potential employers.
How should I use keywords from the job listing in my physical therapist cover letter?
First of all, you need to carefully read the job listing and highlight the specific skills, qualifications, and attributes mentioned. Then, integrate these keywords naturally throughout your cover letter to demonstrate that you meet the job requirements. For example, if the job listing emphasizes “orthopedic rehabilitation” and “patient assessment,” make sure to include these terms when discussing your relevant experiences and accomplishments.
What are some common mistakes to avoid in my cover letter?
Some of the most common mistakes include: being too generic, NOT tailoring your cover letter to fit the requirements of a specific job posting,, and focusing too much on what you want rather than what you can offer. Avoid repeating your resume verbatim; instead, expand on key achievements and explain their relevance to the job.
