Should I add this to cover letter

amoLucia · Nov 28, 2017

How far back are you listing your past positions? Most recommendations suggest not going back more than 10 years. Then there's the issue re the length of your resume. Again the recommendation is to avoid anything lengthy.

Perhaps paying a professional resume service to review your resume and then make changes as appropriate is in order.

If you yourself are thinking that your resume may be unwieldy, it prob is. I could see how you're bewildered with your long, varied work history.

Sometimes it's just best to hire a pro, esp someone familiar with health care.

Good luck.

Ambersmom, BSN, RN · Nov 29, 2017

Hi, Thanks for the reply. I go back to 2010 and 9 jobs listed, 5 of which were temp, or per-diem. I'm wondering if I should change my resume to classify positions into permanent and per-diem. Unfortunately I can't afford a resume' service right now.

Thanks

cherry1rn · Nov 29, 2017

Most application process operate online and do have specifications for FT/PT/PD once you get to the "application" looking information to add. I haven't put in a paper resume in years -- not until the interview process. The interview is where you sell yourself. Don't pay a professional to design a resume. Use plain text in a plain font with no colors or designs. There are plenty of resume templates online. When custom resumes are entered and pasted the computer you run the risk of the formats and data changing. I hope this helps and good luck with your job hunt. ps...look for recruiting events in your area. An event in a hospital is the best way to sell yourself in person.

Ambersmom, BSN, RN · Nov 29, 2017

Most application process operate online and do have specifications for FT/PT/PD once you get to the "application" looking information to add. I haven't put in a paper resume in years -- not until the interview process. The interview is where you sell yourself. Don't pay a professional to design a resume. Use plain text in a plain font with no colors or designs. There are plenty of resume templates online. When custom resumes are entered and pasted the computer you run the risk of the formats and data changing. I hope this helps and good luck with your job hunt. ps...look for recruiting events in your area. An event in a hospital is the best way to sell yourself in person.

Thanks for the response, all my applications are online, and all request a resume' and cover letter to be uploaded. I'm curious as to where on an online app you can list your past jobs as part time, per-diem, etc as I've never seen that on any app,. I mean I've seen it for the job I'm applying for but not for listing the past jobs just the length of time you were there. I'll have to look and see if a can find it because that would be helpful. Thanks!

cherry1rn · Nov 29, 2017

hmmm. I might not be a bad idea to add the cover letter with the mention of types. I just read in Becker's Health News MAYBE??? "Now, an employer expects job changes due to recruitment. It's common and opportunities for improvement change faster than years ago." I would source that statement but can't find this article. (if I can find the article I add the URL) I haven't applied to a hospital in years so that might be why I haven't come across the missing job type. I've had block to choose a dot. Try putting the PD/PT in front of the job title. I have paid (it was 9.99/month) for Pongo.com offers fill in the blank templates for both resume and cover letters. Choose a plain one and it will keep the format if you paste it in. I always just browsed and pasted the file. I hope this helps more than my last post :)

llg, PhD, RN · Nov 29, 2017

I'm not getting call backs on apps. I've submitted, I'm assuming because my resume' looks like I can't stay at one place for long. The 2 permanent jobs I had I was at each for 2 years.

I find it interesting that many people "blame their resume" as if the resume weren't telling the truth. The truth is that your resume is reflecting the reality of your work history -- you have been working for 7 years and have had 9 jobs. Your resume "looks like" you haven't maintained a long term job because in reality, you haven't. Your "enemy" is not your resume as much as it is you real work history. Until you realize that, you won't be focused on the right challenge to overcome.

I would probably just list the 4 permanent positions on your resume -- and then make a statement on your resume that you filled 5 temporary positions while job-searching. I would also comment briefly in your cover letter, emphasizing that the 5 temporary positions were posted as temporary positions and that you took them for short-term income and to maintain your skills while you were searching for a permanent position, finishing school or whatever. I would also emphasize that your reasons for job-hopping have resolved and that you are ready to settle-down into a long-term, permanent position.

Remember ... you need to convince them that your life is stable now, you have been a high performer in the past, and that you have no problems (such as transportation) that will prevent you from working for them for several years. Your past record indicates just the opposite of the image you want to convey. So, emphasize that you have entered a new phase of your life.

Good luck. You have a big challenge to overcome.

Ambersmom, BSN, RN · Nov 29, 2017

hmmm. I might not be a bad idea to add the cover letter with the mention of types. I just read in Becker's Health News MAYBE??? "Now, an employer expects job changes due to recruitment. It's common and opportunities for improvement change faster than years ago." I would source that statement but can't find this article. (if I can find the article I add the URL) I haven't applied to a hospital in years so that might be why I haven't come across the missing job type. I've had block to choose a dot. Try putting the PD/PT in front of the job title. I have paid (it was 9.99/month) for Pongo.com offers fill in the blank templates for both resume and cover letters. Choose a plain one and it will keep the format if you paste it in. I always just browsed and pasted the file. I hope this helps more than my last post :)

That does, Thank you!

Ambersmom, BSN, RN · Nov 29, 2017

I find it interesting that many people "blame their resume" as if the resume weren't telling the truth. The truth is that your resume is reflecting the reality of your work history -- you have been working for 7 years and have had 9 jobs. Your resume "looks like" you haven't maintained a long term job because in reality, you haven't. Your "enemy" is not your resume as much as it is you real work history. Until you realize that, you won't be focused on the right challenge to overcome.
I would probably just list the 4 permanent positions on your resume -- and then make a statement on your resume that you filled 5 temporary positions while job-searching. I would also comment briefly in your cover letter, emphasizing that the 5 temporary positions were posted as temporary positions and that you took them for short-term income and to maintain your skills while you were searching for a permanent position, finishing school or whatever. I would also emphasize that your reasons for job-hopping have resolved and that you are ready to settle-down into a long-term, permanent position.
Remember ... you need to convince them that your life is stable now, you have been a high performer in the past, and that you have no problems (such as transportation) that will prevent you from working for them for several years. Your past record indicates just the opposite of the image you want to convey. So, emphasize that you have entered a new phase of your life.
Good luck. You have a big challenge to overcome.

Thanks for the response, No I'm really not blaming my resume', I blame my work history, and the resume' is a reflection of that. So I know that when prospective employers see it they automatically think "won't be here long" hindsight is obviously 20/20 and believe me if I could do a re-do I would.

Career Columnist / Author · Nov 30, 2017

As a hiring manager, the short employment tenures are a concern. To get your foot in the door, try activating your network. Let all your contacts know you are looking for a job, and ask them to put in a good word for you. Once you land a job, keep it for 2 years.