Resume Writing For The Nursing Graduate (Page 2 of 6) in pdf

The nursing resume is a practical document. The employer looks for

specific keywords

in the resume to determine if the

applicant is qualified for the position. The key to writing an effective resume is to use the terminology written in the job

description. The nursing resume has to lead into qualifications. The key to identifying keywords = job descriptions.

The resume must convey how you will benefit the employer.

FORMAT AND LAYOUT

Make sure the format and layout convey the most important points. The resume needs to look organized. It should flow and

tell a story of your education, employment life and skill set. Be consistent with your font, grammar and punctuation. Keep the

white space balanced and maintain your margins. Use reverse chronological order when listing employment and education

history. If the job is in the past, use past tense verbs.

1. Stick to standard or system fonts such as Arial, Georgia, Impact, Courier, Lucinda, Palatino, Tahoma, Trebuchet,

Verdana, Sans Serif (these are Optimal Resume selected fonts)

2. Use .RTF or .DOC file types which are the most generic. Avoid PDF, DOCX, WPD, WPS or HTML unless specified.

3. Standard bullets are fine. Special characters can be problematic if the resume is reviewed with an Applicant Tracking

System.

4. Graphics of any kind, or JPG, PNG, BMP images should not be used.

5. Borders, shading or symbols should be avoided.

R E S U M E S E C T I O N H E A D I N G S

CONTACT INFORMATION

Tip: Check your email for professionalism.

GOALS/CAREER OBJECTIVE

Registered Nurse (RN)

PROFILE/SUMMARY STATEMENT

Writing the Summary Statement

To stand out from the other resumes, list your relevant experiences and things that you were involved with in your community

and on the previous job, then write a summary statement of what you achieved and how you would bring this same kind of

commitment to the new job. Use words in your summary statement that are proactive and show involvement with that

particular job. The employer would also assume that you would bring the same kind of attitude to the new job if they hired you.

The nurse has to show that they will be committed to the career.

SKILLS

Skills section headings: Technical Skills, Computer Skills, Skills Summary, Skills/Strengths, Related Skills, Skills and Competencies,

Special Skills, Skills and Abilities, Skills Qualifications.

EDUCATION

List your current educational achievements. Include degrees, honors, and high GPA’s, college name, date of graduation and the

degree.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATIONS

A nurse’s resume will include licenses, certifications.

WORK EXPERIENCE

This is the part of your resume that will highlight your previous experience as an employee Include any participation in

organizations (as a student and in the community), and anything that will highlight your leadership skills, employment dates,

awards and recognitions as well as any other accomplishments that will show above average work. Be specific.

Detail your experience as an employee in whatever job capacity that you have worked, emphasizing how you carried out that

Resume Writing For The Nursing Graduate Page 2