Tips for Writing a Successful Resume
We have prepared this information for you to use, as a guideline, whether you are creating your resume for the first time or updating it.
Why a resume?
A resume is important because it is:
- Your potential employer's first professional impression of you!
- Your chance to generate enough interest in you to win an interview.
- Your opportunity to highlight your strengths, skills and experience to make you stand out from other candidates.
- REMEMBER: Your resume is screened in 30 -60 seconds!
Where to start?
- Visit the World Wide Web for resume writing tips from different search engines, such as: yahoo.com or google.com.
- Start with a rough draft outline. You will go through several versions, it is to be expected.
Information to include:
- Identification- List name, address, phone number - including home and cell - and email address. Keep information at the top of page and use a bold, larger font than for body of resume. Remember, if a second page is necessary, to put your name in the upper right hand corner.
- Objective- This is not necessary for entry level positions. Use an objective, if looking for an advanced, specific position.
- Education- Placed near top, if you are a recent graduate. It includes: school name, degree, major, graduation date (month/year), GPA (if at least a 3.0) and academic honors or awards. List highest degree first. If you have more than 3 years work experience, list your education at the end of the resume, before reference information.
- Continuing education- This heading is used for an experienced candidate.
- Clinical education experience- This is for specialty externships or courses. Do not list course curriculum.
- Work or Professional experience- List employer info include: city/state, your start/end dates, including month and year, beginning with the most recent position. The use of bulleted, short sentences to describe specific skills, responsibilities and patient population is helpful to the reader. Do not use paragraph format. Do not go beyond 10 years in your resume. For new grads- any 'service' positions are great experience!
- Professional Activities- List any job-related special projects or leadership activities. Do not list personal information or hobbies.
- Professional Affiliations/Memberships- List status and dates of involvement.
- Licensure/Certification- Include dates.
- Computer experience/knowledge- List any programs you feel are relevant.
- Professional references - Available upon request. Bring specific contact information to the interview, in case you are asked.
Putting your resume in print.
- A resume should be produced on a computer or typewritten. Handwritten resumes are not acceptable.
- Use a font size that is legible and clear such as: Helvetica, Verdana, Arial and Times New Roman. Use an 8-12 font size for the body. Many resumes are faxed, leading to distortion of letters! Use bolding, underlining and bullets when necessary.
- Keep to one page. If two pages are necessary, make sure your name is on the upper right corner of page two.
- Write your resume in 'general' person, not first or third person.
- Remember "spell check" does not check inappropriate word usage or grammar. Do not use contractions or abbreviations.
- Print on high quality paper, white, cream or light gray. Colors are difficult to copy. Do not include folders, they are usually discarded.
- If using a "template" be sure to check spacing.
- Use "numbers" to make an impact, when appropriate.
- Match words in your resume to the job description.
- Make sure you save your resume on at least 2 disks.
- Keep your resume visually powerful, free of gimmicks and easy to read!
- Keep your resume updated as you change positions.
- Emailing your resume- It should be sent in a Word attachment, unless otherwise stated. Be sure to title it in the format of "Last Name First Name Resume."
- This makes it easy to find, when saved. Refer to the specific "position of interest" in the email subject line. Call to make sure your resume was received!
Do you need a cover letter?
- The value of a cover letter is to present your intentions, qualifications and availability to a prospective employer, as well as personalizing your resume. It may be a good way to highlight your skills, as an experienced nurse. However, it is not necessary.
- Use standard business format, addressing the letter to a specific individual.
- Limit it to one page, with four to five paragraphs.
- 1st paragraph- Introduce yourself, what you want and how you heard about organization.
- 2nd paragraph- Highlight the most interesting aspects of your background and what you can do for the organization.
- 3rd paragraph- Show confidence in your abilities and give your contact information.
- 4th paragraph- Arrange for follow up information and express appreciation.
