When you apply to a job, your chances of getting that job largely depend on the quality of your resume. Even if you are highly qualified, a poorly written resume can spoil everything.
So, it’s not all about what you know; it’s how you present yourself in your resume. In this post, we are going to provide 15 tips that will help you create a great nursing resume.
1. Be specific
Read the job posting carefully and tailor your resume to the requirements of the job. Highlight the required certifications and skills. Write the resume in such a way that the recruiter is convinced of your skills and educational qualifications.
2. Be careful about length
The length of your application should be determined by factors such as the requirements of the job, and the audience. It is important to note that the recruiter will spend 30 seconds or less looking at the resume. So, make sure the information is succinct. Do not make the resume unnecessarily lengthy.
3. Highlight your success
Professional certifications, affiliations, awards and honors show that you are willing to learn and grow. Highlight your achievements, but do not boast. Just state them in a straightforward way. You can use bullet points.
4. Indicate facility type
Facility information lets your potential employer know your specialty and level of experience. So, if you have experience in a facility program, do not forget to mention it.
5. List computer skills
The healthcare industry is getting digitalized pretty fast. These days, hospitals and clinics prefer nurses who are comfortable with technology. Therefore, your computer skills can increase your chances of landing a job. List your experiences with Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and Electronic Health Records (EHR).
6. Be Keyword-friendly
Large clinics and hospitals receive a lot of applications, and therefore use software to sort through the most relevant applications. That is why using relevant keywords is a very good idea. You can find relevant keywords in the job posting. Include these keywords naturally. Yes, you have to keep the application tracking system in mind when writing your resume. Here it gets a little bit technical.
Many applicants do not have enough time or skill to write their resumes, and therefore use professional writing services. These days, a trained nurse seeking a job may simply get in touch with a nurse resume writing service and get the job done by a resume writer. Job seekers in all industries are now using these services.
7. Include education
It is not all about your level of education; it is about how you present your educational qualifications. List the institutions you have attended, and mention your graduation dates.
If you have recently completed your education and do not have any professional experience, formal education is the only thing with which you have to impress your recruiter.
8. Pay attention to detail
Maintain consistency when formatting your resume. In your application, write your name in a bold font and make sure it is the most prominent text in the entire page. Use bold fonts to draw your recruiter’s eye. Make sure there is no error.
9. Clarify your career objective
Try to draw the attention of the recruiter without wasting time. Remember, you have just a few seconds to make an impression. Tell who you are and what you want to achieve.
Write about your background experience in a succinct way. Briefly explain how your expertise can benefit your potential employer. Highlight your strengths without boasting.
10. Include your volunteer experience
Your volunteer experience shows your potential employer that you truly care about your community. It also shows that you are passionate about your profession. In the healthcare industry, this experience is highly valued, and it greatly increases your chances of getting a job.
11. Include the details of your nursing certification and license
Include details such as licensing state, license type, license number and expiration date.
Your license number is your public record, so you should include it. Some people do not provide it for reasons concerning privacy. But the recruiter’s job gets a lot easier if you provide your license number.
Also, provide details about your certifications. Certification details include certifying body, certification name, and expiration date.
12. Your availability
Nursing is different from most other professions, partly because nurses have to work round the clock. In your resume, mention the shifts you are comfortable with. Also, mention whether you can relocate if needed.
Even if your job description specifies it, feel free to include this information. The reason is simple. The employer may have another underadvertised opening, and you may be qualified for that post.
13. Look at the resume from the recruiter’s perspective
Just imagine that you are the recruiter. Thinking in this way, you can figure out what to include in your resume. If you are an upcoming MSN or BSN graduate, mention when you are going to earn your degree.
There are different types of nursing degrees. Therefore, you should clearly specify what program you are attending.
14. Present yourself as a well-rounded candidate
In the healthcare industry, expertise in a narrow field is often inadequate. Employers look for nurses who have additional skills and can work in any environment. Indicate in your resume that you have interest in things other than your field of expertise.
15. Edit and update your resume
Your resume should constantly evolve. If you have recently completed a certificate course or attended a conference, mention that. Consider updating it even if you have not added anything to your skill set in a year or so. You, as a person, are always evolving. Make sure your resume reflects that change.
Final thoughts
You have worked hard for the nursing program. Now put some effort into your resume. You do not need to rush. Take your time to write it. Consider it an opportunity to get inside the head of your potential employer.
