When searching for a job in health care, developing an effective résumé can be
challenging. That's why we've gathered some tips from experts. Their insights will help
you write a concise and focused résumé that highlights your professional experiences
and growth.
Résumé basics
Every résumé should contain several categories that tell a nurse manager or recruiter the basic information about you.
Contact information - At the top of your résumé, list your name, address, home
phone number, cell phone number, e-mail address, and the url for your Web site (if you
have one).
Objectives - In this part of your résumé, describe what type of position you
want, what unit you would like to work on, what shift you might prefer and your willingness
to relocate (if you're looking for a staff position).
Goals - Share your aspirations to further your education or specialize in a
particular field. Some experts, however, feel this information takes up valuable space and
should be reserved for a cover letter.
Professional experience - Use simple language and be honest. List your job title,
the dates of employment, and the unit and hospital where you worked. Describe the duties of
each job that you have held. Use action verbs like "managed" or "spearheaded," instead of
"responsibilities included."
Education - Note where you obtained your nursing degree, date of graduation and any
honors or awards you received at school.
Licensure/certification - Include your state licenses and numbers, along with
certifications and the groups that awarded them.
Professional organizations - List all the nursing and specialty groups that you've
joined. Association membership denotes a commitment to your profession.
Publications/Presentations - Include articles that you've published in nursing
journals and presentations that you've given at work or meetings.
Awards - List awards for your accomplishments on the job and honors you've received
from professional organizations.
References - On a résumé, you can simply say, "Available upon request." Ask someone
who's familiar with your work ethic and people skills to serve as a reference. Check with
your references periodically to make sure that their contact information is still
accurate.
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Finding a format that's right for you
When designing a résumé, make it easy to read and select a format that showcases your
abilities in the best light. Make sure your name is prominent enough so the reader instantly
knows whose résumé this is.
Type headings in capitals or bold so they stand out. Select a type size that's large enough to
read easily and use no more than two different fonts. Proofread your résumé carefully to make
sure there are no typographical errors. As a general rule, keep the length to no more than two
pages.
If it's a paper document, make sure there's adequate white space so the reader can make
notes. Plain white or cream paper, or one with a thin color border, works best to convey a
professional image. Most importantly, accuracy is key. If the reader starts to validate
information and finds inaccuracies, further review of the résumé is unlikely.
Here are descriptions for different types of résumé formats:
Chronological résumé - This traditional format focuses on your employment history in
reverse chronological order. It's a concise explanation of your job responsibilities at each
place of employment and it may be most helpful if you're a recent grad.
Modified functional résumé - This highlights your skills, focusing on how well you
performed your job rather than where you worked and for how long. It's ideal for experienced
nurses or nurses who want to try a different specialty.
Regardless of which format and style you choose, the most important things to remember are
accuracy and attention to detail. Any mistake is significant and will immediately – and
dramatically – decrease a reader’s interest in that candidate.
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