Resume questions + should I remove retail sales experience in resume?

rn/writer, RN · Jun 1, 2012

Clinical hours do not count as experience--it's assumed that everyone with a diploma/degree had clinical hours. If you have any specialized training in addition to nursing clinicals, list that by the name of the training/certification.

I would turn this from a chronological resume (that lists jobs by timeline) into a functional one (which focuses more on the skills). You can Google "functional resume" and see all kinds of examples.

In a functional resume, the two healthcare jobs would take center stage. Because you have limited job experience, you could list the retail positions according to the abilities you used and skills you learned--time management, cash handling (demonstrates trustworthiness), customer service (a biggie in healthcare these days).

Include volunteer opportunities that fit with your current quest, but list them by description and dates, not number of hours (when they're so few). While you're searching, it's not a bad idea to look for more volunteer positions. They show you're staying active and keeping your skills sharp.

I hope you find a good job.

RNfaster · Jun 1, 2012

I agree with the prior poster. Put the other jobs in with brief bullets highlighting relevant items (e.g., time management, customer service).

Watch your grammar. You have many errors.

Align your verb tenses (you have mixed various tenses within sentences and in lists of bulleted items). Use the past tense for past positions and the present tense for your current position.

Consider leading your bullets with an action verb.

Example:

Assisted during dental procedures by anticipating dentist and client needs.

Ensured comfort of clients before, during, and after treatment.

Managed appointment scheduling, lab cases, equipment maintenance, and equipment sterilization.

Provided excellent customer service experience by ... (perhaps integrate something about communications and/or sales here...)

Processed transactions accurately and efficiently.

Anyway, hope the above gives you some ideas.

Good luck.

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Jun 1, 2012

Agree with the above posters.

As hiring manager, I look at length of time at positions and job progression along with experiences applicants state that would transfer to a healthcare environment.

I would include working at Panda with just 1-2 bullet point re learned customer service, successfully diffused disgruntled customers, cashier experience. Dental office--any experience handling multi-line phone system, if so list.

With focus on facilities going to electronic medical records (EMR), don't forget to list "Computer skills" as heading after work experiences.

Under computer skills, list those you have experience with, especially if at intermediate or advanced proficiency. Might want to include any computer course work taken. List any experience moderating websites, etc. All these skills are what facilities need and looking for today.

Example:

Computer Skills: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook, Internet Explorer-proficient; Access- intermediate), McKesson Horizon Home care database administration. Privacy officer for 6 insurance websites including Navinet x 6yrs utilized for healthcare eligibility and authorizations. 10 yrs experience as Administrator and moderator at allnurses.com worlds largest nursing website.

Using our members tips should help you polish this resume. Best wishes with the job hunt.

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Jun 1, 2012

I put in how many clinical hours I did for each rotation. When I interviewed, the manager that ended up hiring me commented on how organized it was and how she liked that I broke it down to show exactly how many hours I had done in each area. The manager made a point on complimenting my resume both when she called to schedule an interview and during the interview.

I think you can leave the experience in if you change the format a little. Rather than listing bullet points, consolidate it into a paragraph. That will save you space, especially in a double-spaced resume. So this:

Provide excellent customer service experience; process transactions accurately and efficiently in accordance with
store policies and procedures.
Displayed ability to communicate with a variety of people.
Recommend, select, and help locate or obtain merchandise based on customer needs and desires.

Becomes:

"Provided excellent customer service by processing transactions accurately and efficiently and recommending, selecting and locating merchandise according to the client's needs. Strong communication skills with clients, co-workers and supervisors."

Two lines, versus about 6.

Also, from a grammatical standpoint- pay attention to your verb tense. Descriptions about jobs that you held in the past should you past tense verbs, not present tense. There's several places in your resume where you change verb tenses.