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Write the Right Résumé - Medhunters Medical Community
By MedHunters Staff
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Writing the right résumé today requires more thought and attention than ever before, because instead of just being read by a person, résumés also need to be read by computer systems.

But despite the extra scrutiny, the normal résumé rules still apply – whether it's read by a computer system or not.

1. Content:

  • Ensure your contact information is prominent, complete, and correct.
    • Decide on format (see: Dear Cindy - Types of Résumés ). If you're using the most common style, chronological (or if you're using the combination style), describe your work experience from most recent to least recent. List both the month and the year of each job. For example, 2002 to 2003 could be interpreted as being two years of experience, but the reality may be that you were only in the position from November 2002 to February 2003 (see Dear Cindy - Can a Job Be Too Short for a Résumé? ). Avoid being misleading; be clear.List all relevant degrees/diplomas/certifications and the name of the institution from which you obtained the degree. If you did not complete a program but want to include it, be sure it's clear that you did not complete it.
  • Use the appropriate acronym for your specialty certifications, e.g., CCRN, TNCC.
  • Avoid jargon. Use words that clearly describe what you do or are interested in: if you are an "ICU nurse who works with cardiac patients," use these exact words on your résumé.
  • Indicate the type of facilities you worked for (e.g. acute-care), types of patients, specific skills, etc.
    • Be comprehensive but concise. You do not need to list every detail of your work history. Unless it's particularly relevant, save older information for the interview. (Depending on how long you've been working, your résumé shouldn't be longer than two pages. For information, see: Dear Cindy - Résumé Versus CV and Dear Cindy - How Long Is Too Long for a Résumé .)

2. Presentation:

    Before you send your résumé, have someone read it to check it for spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Many employers consider errors, particularly spelling errors, to be an indicator of your lack of attention to detail. Your computer's spell check function can usually identify misspelled words, but it is not effective for finding words that are used in the wrong context: patients can easily become patents.
  • Use standard fonts such as Arial or Times New Roman. And make sure it is a readable size.
  • Use capital letters appropriately – a résumé entirely in capitals not only looks strange, but is also painful to read.

3. Some important don'ts:

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