Resume Tips

List your responsibilities at each previous position, but realize that having met expectations in the past will not make you stand out from the crowd

Employers want to know HOW you will bring more to their organization than other candidates - and you MUST be specific. For example, when talking about a previous nursing position, do not say, "Reorganized department to operate more efficiently." Instead, say, "Used training from cardiac critical care nursing continuing education course to restructure procedures for patient management in cardiac intensive care, which resulted in a XX% drop in patients requiring rehospitalization or additional emergency care."

Do not inflate your qualifications or experience

Since computerized scanners look for keywords, such as a degree or a previous job title, extra language that might appeal to a human reader will simply be disregarded. Too much puffery makes it likely that you've overlooked the opportunity to hit keywords that get you pass the initial screening. In addition, today's highly connected market for nursing job opportunities makes it very easy for a prospective employer to investigate your past. Dishonesty or exaggeration are very easy to uncover - and will destroy your chances of getting the job.

Be positive and confident

If you have holes in your nursing resume, be up front and honest about them. Directly address these issues, either in an interview or in your cover letter. How you overcome personal and professional challenges gives you an opportunity to build a conversation and a relationship with a potential interviewer - which often is your best chance to stand out from the crowd.

As with interviewing tips, there are many good online resources for writing effective, winning resumes. Any job board offers valuable tips for free. If you feel that you need assistance in writing your nursing resume or tailoring it for specific nursing job opportunities, make sure that you are comfortable with your writer's ability to deliver what you need, at a price you can afford.