Please critique my resume

gonzo1224 · Nov 14, 2010

This looks really good. If I were applying, I would change the following:

CNAs are certified, not licensed, so change it to "certification";

Under education it sounds like you already have your BS in nursing and then it talks about a projected graduation date of 2014. Simply state that you are currently enrolled in the BS in nursing program and will graduate in 2014.

Instead of saying that you went on a service trip with 5 girls, say that you went on a service trip with five students. When typing numbers, any number nine and below should be spelled out with the exception of dates and GPAs in the case of your resume.

Also, somewhere (in the cover letter?), stress that you work well under pressure and can juggle many tasks at the same time with ease. Say that you are good at prioritizing your workload. Also state that you are flexible and are willing to help out however you can to ensure a smooth workflow on the unit. They might ask if you would consider a dual role of CNA/UIC. You might also want to say that you are especially interested in specializing in telemetry once you become an RN.

Find out who the manager of that unit is and follow up with him or her about every four days until you get an answer. Be positive and enthusiastic when calling. You don't want to sound desperate or naggy.

I'm curious why you wouldn't prefer a hands-on job such as a CNA on the tele unit.

Good luck! I hope you get the job!

StangGang92 · Nov 14, 2010

Thank you very much for the help!

As far as why I wouldn't prefer a hands on job - I would, however, this works best with nursing school. It's every other sat/sun 7am - 3:30pm. Since I have possibly 4 years in this job I figure maybe down the road I could transfer within the unit to a tech job. As of now, school takes priority over hands on experience.

Once again, thank you very much for the help :)

carolmaccas66, BSN, RN · Nov 15, 2010

G'day some constructive criticism:

I think it's too short on the skills list and it is too 'flat'. Nothing really jumped out at me as being unique. Can you expand the skills area, ie: formatting documents, well what have you formatted (ie: reports, clinical typing)? - include an example at the interview & they will test u. What level can you use, ie: basic, intermediate, advanced? If you have a knowledge of A&P, how do you think this will help you in your job? You need to expand the list with more info to prick their interest, also explain what some things are, ie: what does Best Buddies mean? I wouldn't know what that meant as an employer, what did u do as a Best Buddy & how does that help with the job ur applying for? Also put down any jobs you have done, & talk re skills in that job, ie: good customer service - how did u give good customer service? Also did u use any inititiative in any jobs, & what did u improve (if anything)? If you've only done work experience/volunteering talk about that in more detail like it was a paid job.

Also what makes YOU more employable than anyone else? How can you help the institution/organisation ur applying to with those skills and why r u better than anyone else?

They will also give u a scenario to work out @ the interview, ie: abusive people, how would you handle this situation? brush up on fire & occ health & safety, discrimination laws as well. Carefully look at the job description given to u as well & match that 2 ur application.

Hope this helps a bit!

StangGang92 · Nov 16, 2010

Thank you! It helped me out a lot.

I have a few questions however:

1)You said to add detail, in which I totally agree, but if I were to add more details my resume would reach over one page. Is that okay to do?

2)I haven't held a job yet in college, but I had a horrible waitressing job for a summer and I did work at the front counter at a local drug store in high school. However, I was told to leave highschool behind when it comes to resumes. Even jobs. Do I put my jobs up there?

3)If you say yes to the above, the resturant shut down and the previous owner of it isn't listen in the local phone book and I'm not sure how to reach her or how to list her on the application/resume. My supervisor at the drug store recently got fired (or quit, don't know the details) and there was manager under her and the only person above her is the owner of the company, whom I have never met. How would I list her?

Thanks guys! I know its not a RN job or anything, but I figure if I strengthen my skills now, it will come easier down the road to build my resume.

StangGang92 · Nov 17, 2010

Bump please?

gonzo1224 · Nov 17, 2010

Once these hospital jobs are posted, they go fast. My hospital has a policy of interviewing all qualified candidates in the order in which their electronic resume is received. Triple check everything to eliminate typos and misspellings. Whatever you submit, make sure it is PERFECT.

Hurry up and sumit your application and have a friend proofread it!

carolmaccas66, BSN, RN · Nov 18, 2010

My resume (CV) has never been just 1-2 pages. Mine is 8 pages long but it is a professional CV (I've worked in hospitals for 25 years so u can't make a CV 1 page long!) I was told by professional people that they like to see more detail re jobs. I would add the jobs u have done & put down that the manager/s have left (for reasons unknown to u). Just list the CEO or whoever has replaced the manager, as they will probably have some sort of file on you. Try to get as many character references as you can, ie college teachers, mentors, counsellors, etc. You should really have 2 work references though.

Also I meant to say find out as much as you can re the telemetry unit, ring up and ask what qualities they are looking for in a Clerk, they won't mind. Go into the unit & even ask the nurses how the unit is run, & what they want in a clerk. What duties will u have to do as a clerk?

Just try to expand everything a little and heighten the interviewer's interest. Is there anything extra u can add that will make u more employable? For example do u have an excellent phone manner, attention to detail perhaps? Also mention aspects of your personality, do u have a nice smile? Able to liaise with people from any background & make them feel at ease? Don't make ur resume sound too cold & clinical. Also at the interview, try to make a little joke first off to break the ice and sit in a relaxed pose.

Let us know how u get on please.

CCL RN, RN · Nov 18, 2010

Agreed with most of the above- but for a UA position, limit your resume to 1 page. Don't ramble on. Eliminate the word "girls" and fix the education. Like a PP said, it looks as if you already have a BS in nursing.

And make sure there are NO mistakes or typos. My manage would toss out any resume with more than 2 typos.