How to craft the perfect resume

Having a killer resume is an important job tool in almost any industry, and nursing’s no exception! You want it to be clean, to-the-point and powerful…but it can be tricky to get all of the important information well-formatted and represented.

Luckily, a new set of tips and a fresh pair of eyes might be just the thing to help you overhaul your dusty standby. Guest blogger Jenna from The Nerdy Nurse has just crafted an article chock-full of resume advice:

Consider opening with a narrative.

A narrative is a clearly written statement that summarizes skills you will bring to the position you are applying for. Make sure to discuss your goals, specialty areas, experience level and any advanced credentials or training you hold. Your resume is not the place to be humble, but also make sure you don’t exaggerate.

Present your qualifications and expertise.

Paint a picture of your strengths, and try to use action verbs when describing them. For example, instead of saying “Knowledge of chemotherapy mixing and administration,” say, “Actively managed cancer patients, including mixing and administering chemotherapy drugs according to hospital policies and safety standards.” This statement still shows that you know how to mix and administer drugs, but it sounds more active and more professional. If you don’t have a long history in nursing, make sure to focus on any volunteer or clinical experiences.

Proofread for errors.

While it may seem basic, be sure to re-read your resume to make sure it is clear, concise and typo-free. Check for spelling, grammatical and formatting errors; even a basic error will skew your professional edge with an employer and show that your attention to detail may not be as keen as you claim. Consider enlisting the help of a friend, family member or career counselor for a second opinion when you are finished. If you are just graduating, your school’s career center will typically offer resume services for free, so make sure to check in with them.

To get the rest of her tips, head on over to the Nerdy Nurse. Then let us know your own best resume advice in the comments below.