2 page resume, what to do?

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I have 2 pgs of resume. Dumb question... but what is the appropriate way to hand in a 2 pg resume? Staple the pages, use paper clip, or neither?

I've never had a resume, but if I did, I'd do like kittyhawk.

For my first RN job, I didn't have any RN experience. But everyone had seen me around as an aide and a student and had already made up their minds.

Going for my second RN job interview this week. I know nothing about networking, but a friend is a great networker. He got me the interview.

I read somewhere that 95% of resumes go straight into the trash. I believe it.

If I ever need a resume, I'll know I messed up somewhere.

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Specializes in ER.
I don't see anything wrong with 2 pages -- IF -- all of the stuff in important. Also, make sure the most important stuff is no page 1, where it will be seen immediately.

Try to revise it a bit so that the key information is on page 1 and any supporting information is on page 2.

I also see nothing wrong with a staple. That way, it will be sure not to get accidentally stapled. I don't know any recruiter or manager who would mind a staple. In fact, I get frustrated when people use paper clips instead because they cause me extra work when I remove the paper clip and staple there stuff together so that it doesn't get separated and misplaced. (though I don't count it against the person)

Agree. I took my 2-page resume to the career services department at my school to have them look over it for any changes I needed to make, and they told me even though it's preferable to keep to one page, because I had a lot of experience in a healthcare setting I should keep it and just go with 2 pages. If it's relevant, keep it.

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I think historically the rule has been to cut your resume down to one page. Font size, content, whatever -- something probably has to go.

I've been in healthcare for 22 years-18 as an RN-

When I include all of my education, work experience, etc. over the past 10 years alone it is 2 pages-I have a C.V though not a resume, so that may change things

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I've always been told that every 10 years of work experience equals 1 page of resume (ie 20 years of experience=2 pages)

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Specializes in ICU, ER, EP,.

depends upon a new grad or not, a new grad with several internships and volunteer work.. yes. If you have that many CNA jobs going into an rN... you're in trouble. you want a concise resume that sells you QUICKLY... I've been a hiring manager... If I hit page two, you dang well better be selling your self still, or I'm done with a lanky history that shows no ability to stay situated until you find yourself. Not nasty, just word to the wise. Managers are looking for longevity and stability... not job hoppers. Some places have a rough market, you may need to do two distinct resumes, I usually taylor one for each job app. consider it worth your time. You DON'T get a second chance for the initial call.

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Specializes in ICU and EMS.

I'm having the same problem as the OP. I think my problem is that my listed "job duties" are too wordy. Could someone give an example of what to list for a typical RN job? I've tried to search online, and haven't come up with any good results.

Thanks!!

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I've always been under the impression that a resume should be only 1 page. I did a couple years of business school prior to nursing school and that was something they drilled into our heads. But I do agree with the previous poster that provided an additional document listing more detailed work experience.

Just as an added note - my husband and his colleagues (who do not work in the healthcare field) have told me that if they get a resume from a job seeker that is more than 1 page, it's not even looked at - it's just tossed in the garbage can. One of my husband's prior managers even threw resumes away if the watermark on the resume paper was upside-down. He thought it showed lack of attention to detail.

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In my area all is electronic, and those apps take forever and end up with a psych test too. They are so filled with detail even wanting the name of my first goldfish! (I am almost serious) Only one facility offered uploading of a resume. So, for me my paper one will only go to an interview.

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Specializes in ER.
I'm having the same problem as the OP. I think my problem is that my listed "job duties" are too wordy. Could someone give an example of what to list for a typical RN job? I've tried to search online, and haven't come up with any good results.

Thanks!!

The advice career services gave me was to use short, 1-line phrases with "action words" (obtained, applied, administered, etc), and then to narrow them down to your 6 most impressive skills.

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Specializes in Critical Care and ED.

Mine is actually 3 pages, but I have a very extensive, high level 20 years of nursing behind me, and what I have to say on my resume is important. Also, I tend to hand pick the people I give it to, and I always put it right into their hands. I bought some very good quality paper and resume folders so it looks and feels impressive. I am not about to short change myself in a job application and if the manager who is hiring me is really interested in me then they will read it all. If were cold calling or sending resumes out blindly, then I might be inclined to shorten it a little. I would usually fill in an online application and then give the hard copy directly to the manager. In the alst few instances I happened to know the managers already which helps somewhat.

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