Second job after graduating, keep it to one page?

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Specializes in NICU; Acute psych; pediatric psych.

Hello all,

I've been working 14 months at a job I'm not really enjoying and am going to apply to bigger hospitals in another area. First I have to beef myself up on paper. Should I still include things like clinical experience (graduated in Dec '12 but did many clinicals at this particular hospital) on this updated resume or just keep it to the standard one page with bullet points? I'm getting mixed answers from coworkers.

:unsure:

Specializes in ICU.

Since you have actual work experience, emphasize that and leave out clinical experience from school. I recently made a switch to a different area and my resume was 2 & 1/2 long lol. I did keep any leadership/volunteer experience from college and listed all my awards and certifications.

Specializes in NICU; Acute psych; pediatric psych.

melosa08, you left out your clinical experience and your resume was still that long? I condensed my two liner bullets to one line each but I'm just not sure what to say to get my resume to stand out. I'm attempting to transfer from psych to a more specialized area like peds or OB. Did you do a cover letter?

Specializes in ICU.

Just clinical experience from school, not on the job though. For my previous work history I did listed my time as a cna, nurse tech, and RN and the duties I've performed. I worked at the same hospital for all the jobs I listed. I made sure to put it on resume paper and placed in a nice folder. I made the move from ICU to OR.

It's not a bad thing to keep it at a page long if you're condensing things. I know people made the switch from psych to med/surg with no problems. I'm not sure about peds or OB though. Just really sell yourself during your interview too! I'm hoping more people will post to offer their opinions.

I did not include a cover letter for any job I applied for. However, a cover letter will allow you stand out too! I say go for it :)

I am also wondering if I should leave my clinical experiences on my resume. I am a new grad with only 3 months experience at my current position and am looking to move on. I feel like it would be very beneficial to keep my clinical experience as I don't have much experience at this time. Already I have a resume of two pages. Thanks for your input!

Specializes in ER.

I graduated in December and I started my job in January. I started applying for positions in April and so I eliminated my clinical experience. I had a job by the end of May and had many call backs. In my view, most of the students will have the same clinical experiences. I did include where I precepted under my school but it was one bullet.

I would leave off clinicals after you get you first job. If you precepted at that hospital, you could mention it in your cover letter and talk about what a great experience you had there :)

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