Preparing Your Next Resume – International Nurses Association

Preparing Your Next Resume – International Nurses Association On average, nurses will change jobs 5-7 times during their career. Even if you are not looking to change jobs, it's always a good idea to have your resume prepared just in case your dream job becomes available. Update your resume every 3 months, or anytime you have a new accomplishment to add to it.

Professional Resume Anytime you begin the resume process, devise a plan of exactly how it will outline. There are several great apps to help organize and outline your resume, find which one works best for you, and follow the platform to prepare your resume. Be sure to include any and all pertinent information to the job that you are interested in. Experts suggest listing your skills in nursing at the top of your resume so that your skills suited for the job stand out and are noticed immediately. Don't worry about goals; skills are what a hiring manager is seeking.

Related: Balancing Nursing School with Your Life

What to Include on Your Resume Professional Affiliations. Any professional affiliations for nurses that you have belonged to, currently, or in the past. Be sure to elaborate on any positions you held within the organization. Give a short description of what your duties were within the organization.

Awards and honors. Mention honors from school, work, volunteering, and clubs related to the medical profession.

Earned Degree. Specify exactly what degree you earned. Studies show that without the mention of the degree, many resumes are overlooked. Be sure to include the school's name, your area of study, and if a recent graduate, you’re GPA. Nursing Certification Details and License. Indicate what your license is, LPN, RN, etc. state licensed in, expiration date, license number.

Advise the reader of your availability. Make it easy on the hiring staff by letting them know what date you can start, it could get you selected over another applicant. Clearly state what shift and hours you are available.

Don’t fail to mention your computer experience, computerized medical records, reports, etc.

Resume Basics When preparing your resume, you want to include your accomplishments, and mention areas that you are especially knowledgeable in, however be cautious not to embellish. You never want to be put in a situation that you are expected to perform a medical procedure or test that you have never done, with no assistance. When you indicate you are knowledgeable within an area, and are hired based on that information, you will be expected to know it.

Resume Example Format You’re Name Your address Your phone Your email Short summary of skills that match job description Professional Experience Education Additional Trainings and Certifications: Many people include information on resumes that were either irrelevant, or do not pertain to the job at hand. Don’t waste paper space by saying references available, it goes without saying you will provide references when requested. The person reading your resume needs to read the entire page in less than one minute, comprehending it. Keep in mind, your resume is your first foot in the door, so make sure it represents you well.

Related: Make Your Resume Stand Out! Resume Tips Do include a short objective. It's lets the potential employer know what your goals and ambitions are. Most employees want to see what your future expectations are, how goal oriented you are, and are you searching for a job or a career. List your significant accomplishments, just be cautious not to let your resume read as it you have accomplished everything, you could come across as someone that would get bored in a position such as the one

in consideration. There is a fine balance of sounding like a good employee, and sounding like super-nurse. Make sure you use perfect grammar, checking your spelling and punctuation. If you have doubts regarding your resume, consult a professional resume writer.

Interviewing If you are selected for an interview, there are some dos and don’ts to help land the job. 

  

  

Do dress appropriately for your interview. The strict guidelines for a navy or black suit has become out-dated, however, be aware of what you opt to wear. Nothing too flashy, simple, neat and professional works best.

Wear a minimum amount of jewelry, no large dangling earrings or oversized necklaces. Again, plain and simple is best.

Makeup should be very natural, no dark lipsticks or eye shadows, just enhance, don't try to disguise.

Don’t talk about your personal life. If asked about your family, answers politely, but don't elaborate. Too much talk of personal life is one of the most common complaints of human resource experts. An interviewer is not legally allowed to ask certain questions, however they are trained to lead you into providing answers without even being asked.

Don't chew gum during your interview. This may seem like a given, however, human resource managers say this is still a fairly common, and very annoying practice.

Do smile throughout your interview when appropriate. It's important to show you are friendly, and pleased to have the interview.

Do ask questions about the job, it shows that you have an interest, and that you want information regarding your potential responsibilities. This will also assure you that the job is a good fit for your skills.

Following some simple etiquette rules can go a long way in being considered for the position. Research the medical facility well, prior to your interview.

Mention your findings in the interview, such as, “I noticed blank hospital is the largest in the region”. The more informed you are, the better off you are. Avoid any subject that could be Considered controversial, it's very easy to insult someone when you start in include controversial. Just continue to discuss the available job, and sell yourself in that position.

With some planning, and research, you can ensure you have the best chance of landing your dream job, just devote some time to learning about the company behind the job, it shows the interviewer you have done your homework, and have a real interest in the position.

Related: Skilled Nurse Zoe R. Melendez, RN, MSN, CWCN, will be Highlighted in the Worldwide Leaders in Healthcare Please follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest and Twitter