New Grad Resume and Cover Letter Tips

cestlavie23 · Apr 12, 2019

First, congrats on being almost done!

As far as your resume goes, I'd say a good rule of thumb is that if your GPA is above a 3.5 or the employer specifically requests it, go ahead an put it on your resume. If its not one of those situations then its not that big of a deal to leave it off. I've seen people get jobs with/without it on there.

Regarding non-healthcare experiences, if you feel that it could somehow tie into nursing go ahead and put it on there. For example, a huge part of nursing is serving others and providing customer satisfaction. If you have waitressing or other restaurant experience that will show that you probably have experience dealing with many different types of people. I was once a barista and I showcased how it allowed me to interact with all types of customers in a fast paced setting. DEFINITELY put your tech experience before any non healthcare experience though. I'd maybe do one heading that says "Professional Healthcare Experience" and under it "Work Experience". Also highlight any volunteer experience or organizations you're involved with if you can fit it! Just really try not to go over the one page.

When it comes to cover letters, personalization is key! Take some time to look up your hospitals mission and values and find way to show how your values align with theirs. Not all hospitals expect you to write a cover letter but I think it can't hurt to include one. Worst case scenario: they don't read it. Best case scenario: your letter comes across the one manager that appreciates them. It's also a place where you can sell yourself to make them want to interview you and find out more.

A simple cover letter layout is:

First paragraph that tells them who you are, what you're applying for, and a sentence on why you think you're a fit for their organization(3-4 sentences max). Second paragraph is what drew you to the position/hospital, how your mission aligns with theirs, what you bring to the table that makes you a strong candidate, and what you hope to gain from the position (5-7 sentences max). Third paragraph close it out and ask for the interview. You can say something along lines of wanting to meet in person to elaborate on why you'd make a great addition to the team. (2-3 sentences max).

I've used these and tips and gotten the interview almost every time, so hope that helps!

scholarlea · Jun 14, 2019

On 4/12/2019 at 6:48 PM, cestlavie23 said:
First, congrats on being almost done!
As far as your resume goes, I'd say a good rule of thumb is that if your GPA is above a 3.5 or the employer specifically requests it, go ahead an put it on your resume. If its not one of those situations then its not that big of a deal to leave it off. I've seen people get jobs with/without it on there.
Regarding non-healthcare experiences, if you feel that it could somehow tie into nursing go ahead and put it on there. For example, a huge part of nursing is serving others and providing customer satisfaction. If you have waitressing or other restaurant experience that will show that you probably have experience dealing with many different types of people. I was once a barista and I showcased how it allowed me to interact with all types of customers in a fast paced setting. DEFINITELY put your tech experience before any non healthcare experience though. I'd maybe do one heading that says "Professional Healthcare Experience" and under it "Work Experience". Also highlight any volunteer experience or organizations you're involved with if you can fit it! Just really try not to go over the one page.
When it comes to cover letters, personalization is key! Take some time to look up your hospitals mission and values and find way to show how your values align with theirs. Not all hospitals expect you to write a cover letter but I think it can't hurt to include one. Worst case scenario: they don't read it. Best case scenario: your letter comes across the one manager that appreciates them. It's also a place where you can sell yourself to make them want to interview you and find out more.
A simple cover letter layout is:
First paragraph that tells them who you are, what you're applying for, and a sentence on why you think you're a fit for their organization(3-4 sentences max). Second paragraph is what drew you to the position/hospital, how your mission aligns with theirs, what you bring to the table that makes you a strong candidate, and what you hope to gain from the position (5-7 sentences max). Third paragraph close it out and ask for the interview. You can say something along lines of wanting to meet in person to elaborate on why you'd make a great addition to the team. (2-3 sentences max).
I've used these and tips and gotten the interview almost every time, so hope that helps!

Hey, you seem really good at getting the interview! I would love to ask you a few questions of advice!