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