Official Therapist Blog

Cover letter tips for landing your first physical therapist job

Author Therapy Career Blogger | 02.17.2010

If you recently graduated from a therapy program or expect to graduate soon, there’s good news – and bad news – on the job front.  Though you’ve chosen a career with great growth, there’s still plenty of competition out there – meaning it’s imperative to have a great physical therapy resume that is accompanied by an even stronger physical therapist cover letter.

As we’ve reported, the need for PTs is on the rise, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  Demand is strong; new grads are encouraged to apply today to Travel Force and start reaping the rewards and benefits of travel therapy jobs!

But, it’s up to you to present yourself as the strongest candidate possible for those physical therapist jobs.  That means having a resume that includes all of your skills and experience learned in school and during internships and the like.

In addition,  it also means creating a cover letter that sings your praises – loudly. This document needs to be a persuasive marketing tool that highlights your strongest points and reiterates why the employer should consider you for that physical therapist job.

Here are some tips on writing a great cover letter for a physical therapy job:

• Highlight key professional skills developed throughout your career (school and otherwise). Did you develop some sort of “specialty” while in school — a skill you were known to be particularly good at? Mention it!
• Emphasize your knowledge of pertinent technologies; the more cutting-edge, the better.
• Cite evidence of leadership abilities. For instance, if you led a research team, discuss how you motivated your team to accomplish the project
• Discuss your academic achievements as proof of your intelligence and competence.
• Relate your skills, experience, and interests to the employer’s needs. (Do some research on the company or facility: Go online, or ask your Travel Force Consultant for tips and insights.)

For more guidelines, see the APTA’s Guide to the Cover Letter.

And, once you’ve gotten that all-important physical therapist job interview, prepare by reviewing our Interview tips for travel therapists.