Resume Questions

[MaroonTX]

I know there are many threads on the subject of resume writing as a new graduate nurse, but I am having difficulty finding consistency in the information that's out there (on this site and others) and was wondering what the most current acceptable practices are. I hope I am not over-analyzing these things, but I keep reading about how critical a resume is in landing a job and want to give myself the best shot possible of being employed! Here are some specific questions:

1) Resume templates: Is it okay to use these? I've seen on some site that you absolutely should not use these, while others say it is important to make your resume stand out visually in addition to pure content. Yes, I realize you want your resume to look professional and don't want to go crazy with a bunch of color and horizontal and vertical lines but is okay to use these things sparingly (like using these types of headings: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/results.aspx?qu=professional+resume+streamlined&origin=CT010144894#ai:TC030001984|)

2) Clinical experience: I've seen not to use this because it's fairly consistent among BSN programs, then some say to include brief overview of relevant experiences (ie. if you are applying for a position in the ICU you could list Hospital Name, Location, SICU, 120 hours), while others say they list it all or send a comprehensive list separately.

3) Work experience: As a new grad I have absolutely NO paid hospital experience. Some sites I've read say NOT to list any unrelated work experience, while others say it is acceptable for a new grad to list all previous work experience --within past 10-15 years-- (including those not directly related to nursing, patient care, hospital environment etc.) and in the description include duties that could translate well into nursing (ie. if you worked a customer service type job you can list that and in the description describe certain duties that highlight things like teamwork, interpersonal/communication skills, organizational skills, attending to client needs etc.)

4) "References available upon request": I've read that including this on a resume is dated as it is basically expected that you are ready to provide references at the job interview or later in the hiring process. However, some sites I've looked at still include this phrase. Is it now commonly accepted to omit this phrase and have a separate list of references on hand? Should you bring this list to the job interview?

5) Printed Resumes: If I submitted my application and resume electronically, is it necessary to bring a printed copy of my resume to the interview? I did this once and the interviewer looked at me like I was weird for doing this as he pulled out his own printed copy of the one I submitted electronically. Also, if I do bring it, does it need to follow the normal printed resume rules? (high quality paper, not stapled etc.)

6) Cover Letters: Many of the online applications allow you to attach a resume, but I'm finding more and more that it only allows you to upload one document. Does this mean they don't want a cover letter? I am often torn between omitting the cover letter all together or writing one and submitting it as the first page of my resume so it is all one document. So many resume tip sites emphasize the importance of a cover letter which is why I am confused by what these types of applications are expecting.

7) Objective statement: Another resume area where I am finding tons of variance in the do's and don'ts. Some sites I've read say it is irrelevant to include as it is obvious that your objective is to get the job. The ones that encourage it's use all vary in what this statement should include as follows:

A) RN position in (insert particular unit) -- Discourage any further elaboration on the subject

B) Seeking a position in (insert unit) where I can utilize (insert skills) to (insert how these will enhance or benefit the current employer/hospital/patient)

C) A (insert adjectives describing self-- motivated, hardworking etc) RN/Graduate nurse -- the rest follows same basic structure of example B

My problem with all the variance in the objective statement is NOT that there are different choices, but the fact that one website will claim that the alternate formats are WRONG or BAD.

As you can tell I am thoroughly lost and stressed about the entire process . My school did not teach us about or offer any assistance in resume writing so I've had very little to go on while starting this process, and I apologize in advance if any of this is very basic, common knowledge. I'm just getting frustrated b/c everything I read somehow manages to confuse me more and end up changing things back and forth several times. Any help and input would truly be appreciated!

[mstone88]

I am having these same frustrations! There are so many opinions about what you should and shouldn't put on a resume-- I know there is no way I will finish my resume and feel 100% good about how I've presented myself.

I think I'll just go back to school. :rotfl:

JUST KIDDING!!

Good luck to you!

[sbostonRN]

i'm not saying there is one right or wrong way to do the resume, so my advice is only what i've done in the past.

1) do you mean the templates that come in microsoft word? i've used the "elegant" template for years now, only i've made it my own and adjusted the margins, headings, etc so that it works for me. i don't think there is anything wrong with using a template as long as you say what you need to say within the constraints of the template.

2) i included it until i got actual rn experience. i simply listed the category and the number of clinical hours. if you're applying to a hospital where you had clinical experience, i'd list the name of the hospital as well.

3) list your work experience. skills are transferable, and new employers also want to see that you have a solid working background. i had 5 years of experience at my previous job - that not only shows all the skills i used, but that i'm a loyal employee.

4) i did include this on my resume but i kind of hate it for all the reasons you mentioned. i think it's ok to leave it off. and yes, bring the list to the interview. in fact, bring any printed references if you have them (i have a few from clinical instructors). you want to be as prepared as possible.

5) bring the resume, but only give it to them if they ask. most of the time they will pull out a printed copy, and use that to make notes or read from. however, once in awhile they won't have a copy and you'll feel foolish if you don't have one available. have it printed on quality paper without staples.

6) if they only allow you to upload one document, include the cover letter as the page 1 and the resume as page 2 of one document.

7) not sure on the objective statement. i would include it if you need some "filler" on the resume but leave it off if you have extensive work experience and clinical experience to fill the page. i think it's kind of obvious and your interests can be conveyed in the cover letter. i feel like an objective is kind of outdated and a "summary" is more appropriate: "motivated, hard working graduate nurse with 5 years of experience as a cna and volunteer experience working on an elderly dementia floor". something that makes you stand out from all the other new grads.