Key Takeaways
- A cover letter should add to your CV, not repeat it.
- Tailor every letter to the role and employer.
- Keep it to one page.
- Include specific examples of relevant experience.
Why Write a Cover Letter?
A good cover letter explains why you want this particular role, highlights the most relevant parts of your experience, and shows how you communicate, which matters in a patient-facing job.
Structure
- Introduction — the role, where you saw it, and one sentence on why you are a strong candidate.
- Relevant experience — your most relevant experience, with specific examples.
- Skills and motivation — what you bring and why this employer.
- Closing — your availability for interview, and thanks.
Example 1: Hospital Phlebotomist
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to apply for the Phlebotomist position at [Employer] (reference [number]). With [X] years’ experience in primary care phlebotomy and a phlebotomy certificate from [provider], I am confident I can contribute to your team.
In my current role at [Employer], I take blood from a wide range of patients, including children, older people and patients who are anxious about needles. I am trained in capillary sampling and I am comfortable with electronic requesting systems and incident reporting.
I am drawn to this role because of [Employer]’s focus on community care and patient access. I hold an enhanced DBS check and current BLS certification.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my application and am available for interview at your convenience. Thank you for considering it.
Example 2: Private Clinic
Dear [Clinic Manager’s Name],
I am writing to apply for the Phlebotomist position at [Clinic Name] as advertised on [platform]. I have worked in both public and private healthcare and understand the importance of a patient-focused service.
Over the past [X] years I have taken blood in outpatient clinics and at workplace health events, and I am comfortable working independently and managing my own appointments.
What attracts me to [Clinic Name] is your reputation for personal care. I hold an enhanced DBS check and professional indemnity insurance.
I would be glad to attend an interview and can provide references from previous clinical roles. Thank you for your time.
Example 3: Mobile Phlebotomy
Dear [Recruiter/Manager],
I am writing to express my interest in joining [Company Name] as a mobile phlebotomist. I have worked as a community phlebotomist for [X] years and enjoy caring for patients in their own homes.
In my current role I visit patients across a wide area, including older people at home and care home residents. I am experienced in lone working, sample transport and managing my own schedule, and I hold a full UK driving licence and have my own vehicle.
I am DBS-checked, insured, and experienced in taking blood from children and older patients. I am comfortable using digital apps for scheduling and documentation.
I would welcome the chance to discuss how I can contribute to your team and can attend an interview at short notice.
Useful Phrases
- “patient-centred care”
- “infection prevention and control”
- “a diverse patient population”
- “incident reporting and clinical governance”
Common Mistakes
- “To Whom It May Concern” — find the hiring manager’s name, or use “Dear Hiring Manager”.
- Repeating your CV — add context and personality instead.
- Too long — keep it to one page.
- Not proofreading — errors suggest a lack of attention to detail.
- Not naming the employer — a generic letter suggests you have not researched the role.
See also our CV writing guide and interview preparation guide.
Booking blood draws for your patients?
Lola Dispatch is an invitation-only platform healthcare businesses use to book mobile blood draws with approved phlebotomists. It does not take bookings from the public.