Need help with resume writing

[2ndCareerRN]

Since I have decided that working for a 2% raise yearly is not for me, (esp with low pay), I am going to take the plunge and start traveling.

It has been more than a few years since I had to do a resume, so, I am looking for any pointers on keeping it short and sweet. I am hoping that because the jobs have all been ER that I can do one set of fluff and then just list positions...any ideas, suggestions, etc., are more than welcome

thanks

bob

[researchrabbit]

I haven't done the traveling thing, so I don't know about specifics for that...but in general...

Make it easy to read.

Use at least 12 point type.

Remember that white space is good.

If you have more than a 1 page resume, at least make sure your education and present job duties are on the first page.

Put your contact information at the top! (surprising how many people don't!)

[Stargazer]

Speaking as someone who reviews approximately 10 - 15 nurse/physician resumes per day:

Don't bother with an objective statement, unless you're trying to go into an area radically different from where you've worked previously.

I don't give a crap what your hobbies are; I care about whether you're qualified for the job.

Please put specific dates (month/year) next to your previous job listings; you'd be surprised how many people don't do this either.

Don't use some weird cutesy font, colored paper, or a lot of graphics. Keep it simple and professional.

List your previous job experience in reverse chronological order, i.e., most recent first.

A cover letter is expected and necessary, but keep it brief. 3 short paragraphs.

1st paragraph: Hi I'm Bob and I'm looking for a travel job. I am particularly interested in your company because: (excellent rep in the field, personal recommendation, intrigued by the brochure you sent, etc.) Do a little research and insert a fact to show you've done that reasearch. Nothing turns me off faster than spending 30 minutes talking to an applicant and having them finish by asking me something so basic about our company that they could've found it out on the first page of our website.

2nd paragraph: here are the highlights of my education/experience OR here's what I would like to draw your attention to on my CV that I feel would make me a good fit for this position.

3rd paragraph: I am available for interviews at/on (date & time). I am excited at the prospect of working for your fine organization (or similar blah blah) and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Regards, Bob RN

Good luck! :)

[Q.]

Ya know Stargazer, I've been meaning to ask you this again.

What do you do? Where do you work? Sounds like a staffing agency/recruiter.

[Stargazer]

Susy, I could tell you, but then I'd owe stevierae an expensive dinner!

I'll PM you. (me, incognito)

[fedupnurse]

Great tips Stargazer, Thanks!

[renerian, BSN, RN]

Do you have microsoft products like office or works? They have some nice templates in there.........

renerian

[2ndCareerRN]

Thanks every one.

I think I got an acceptable one pounded out.

thanks again for the tips

bob

[cagcag]

I spent 7 years doing agency work all with the same agency; my clients were numerous during this time, as was my job descriptions depending on the client. How is best to place this time that I brokered at the agency on my resume? Thanks