I'm assisting with hiring a new case manager RN and would like to vent about the HORRIBLE quality resumes I am seeing in the mile high stack we're reading through.
#1 problem: basic spelling, grammar, punctuation and command of the English language. I don't really care if it's your first, second or ninth language. You will need to communicate with and document about our patients in clear, concise, correct and understandable English. Period. Yes, we toss resumes with ONE TYPO in the trash. That typo represents a typo you'd miss on a med list or MD order that could mean life or death.
#2 problem: length! My goodness, people. We don't need a novel. Even RNs with 10+ years of experience should be able to sum it up in 2 pages or less. We're not interested in reading your past job descriptions. Just hit the highlights that pertain to the position you're applying for, and an accomplishment or two that will get our attention (chaired a committee, piloted a program, won an award). Also, as much as I admire family parenting/elder care, it's not job experience that belongs on a resume, no matter how "special needs" your family members were. (Honestly, I see so much of this on resumes. Inappropriate space filler). Talk about it in the interview!
#3 problem: listing an "objective." We KNOW what you're applying for and why. The "objective" on a resume died a decade ago, please stop using it! And leave off your high school diploma, no one cares.
Things we like to see right off the bat:
Immediate list of 3 or 4 strengths specific to the position
Bulleted list of licenses, certifications, with issue/expiration month/year
Any significant continuing education accomplished or in progress (as in, a certification or degree)
Any languages spoken fluently
And please. Use a common font like Times New Roman in 12 point, through the WHOLE document. Keep bold/italics/underlining to a minimum. No color. No curlicues. No pictures. No logos. Send it as a PDF *and* Word attachment, embed it in the email AND send or fax a hard copy, that kind of effort gets our attention. So does following up with a thank you.
Simple stuff. I can't believe the whining I hear from unemployed nurses, then see the back end of things where the majority of the job seekers reflect such poor attention to detail and minimal effort.
