Resume writing is confusing for almost every job seeker and the health-care field is no exception. Part of the reason for the confusion is the abundance of information and advice available on resume-writing. Everyone has an opinion, and they vary widely. Should your resume be one page or more? Should it follow a chronological flow or should you base it on you skills.
Health-care services are changing rapidly, and the role of health-care managers and administrators is becoming increasingly complex with the integration of new health-care systems. As a job candidate you want a resume that highlights your operational, management and technical skills.
In a regulated clinical field such as health-care, certifications and licenses are required. While your credentials are crucial, they’re not what distinguishes you from other candidates.
Your experience and background is what sets you apart. In order for your resume to stand out, you need to strike a balance between detail and brevity.
You want to sell your experience to a potential employer. Health-care professionals typically focus on the delivery side of their field, so they miss good opportunities to connect with an employer’s need. Never assume your audience knows your background based on your credentials. You need to demonstrate what you know through your experience.
Employers look for career initiative. That means they are looking at your career in terms of how you applied your education and training as you developed your career. A candidate who is passionate about a field tends to have the drive to get as much experience as possible.
In order to make your resume shine, you need to lose any fear of bragging. Talking about what makes you stand out from your colleagues is part of the interview process, and it’s not bragging. While taking credit for things may make you uncomfortable, it’s the very thing that sets you apart.
Here are some factors that will help your resume get noticed.
Strong content that demonstrates responsibility.
The use of keywords and competencies related to the position.
A chronological format.
No gaps of employment.
The use of bulleted lists.
No spelling, grammar or punctuation errors.
Clearly presented experience and education.
A list of training, internships and areas of expertise.
Hands-on clinical experience.
A distinct career path.
Courses related to your health-care discipline.
Technical and operational skills.
No red flags or reasons for concern.
In health care you are required to have specific credentials, but once you show you have these requirements, developing rapport is a key element in moving toward an offer.
