Should I "dumb" down my résumé

[us2uk4u]

I am a nursing student and I applied to a local hospital for a med-tech position so I can learn first hand what I am taught in school and gain more experience. I personally think that the hours we spend during clinicals is not enough to learn.

During my interview the hiring manager told me that she had concerns about my résumé. She felt that I might get bored with the job because of my previous employments. She felt that hiring and training me would be a waste of energy and money by the hospital (she never really said this but clearly implied) because I will quit within a couple of months. She was concerned because for 9 years I was in the conference business and my last title was director of global conferences and I managed 6 people. I left because I traveled so much and my son was diagnosed with autism and I felt a change in my career was needed.

I am definitely not applying for the job because of the money but to gain more hands on experience. I mentioned this to her as well. I also provided several references from a nursing professor, a former colleague, and from a director of an autism organization where I volunteer 10 hrs a week.

I am now wondering if I need to alter my résumé for future applications. What do you think?

[netglow, ASN, RN]

Well, when are you graduating? Maybe she meant if you will soon be an RN, they would really want to hire someone else to train for that other position, someone who would hopefully stay a few years. Many facilities do send you to specific training for tech jobs and if she has a slot to fill, she probably doesn't want to have to go thru the interview process again too soon if she can help it.

[BChapp3182]

Yes, you need to dumb it down. You have to look at it from their end, they will be putting time into training you and yes you will be out the door onto a new position as soon as you graduate. Or you could say I'm in nursing school and I've heard such wonderful things about your hospital that I wanted to start working here as an MA and then hopefully stay on as an RN.

If it's not a money thing and that you want more clinical hours have you approached your nursing program/teachers about getting more clinical?

[leslie :-D]

you need to emphasize this job will be an opportunity in acclimating yourself to a medical environment.

that you are a nursing student, and this job/experience will be helpful to you.

if she understands how this job would truly benefit you, it very well may appease her initial reluctance...

especially if she is reassured you won't be bored and quit.

you can redirect this.:)

wishing you the very best.

leslie

[us2uk4u]

I just started my second sem of an associates program so I still have 3 sems left. The requirement for this position was only 1 semester of a nursing program and I really would like to work at this facility, esp after I graduate, and I did mention this to her.

Maybe I should try my luck on another unit.

[caliotter3]

Yes, go for another unit. Or wait a little while. I would not go overboard with "dumbing" down your resume, but perhaps revise it for a different emphasis or point of view.

[PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN]

Agree with Leslie.

[proudnurseRN]

Without seeing it, it's hard to tell. Maybe not "dumb" it down persee, but maybe focus on healthcare (even if that's just clinicals) and under "other work history" put XYZ Company, position, and years there.

[Lacourty]

My personal opinion is not to dumb down anything. I would however stress that fact that you would like to stay employed with the same facility after graduation. Unfortunately, the world is not full of great supervisors that would see this as an opportunity to employ a motivated individual that could become a more valuable asset in the future as an internal candidate rather than an external one.

[tokidoki7, ASN, RN]

I had the same problem when I was applying for nursing assistant positions. One person told me I was "overqualified" and another person said she needed someone who'll stay longer. I don't know if med tech or CNAs are the same thing, but I do know that there is a high turnover rate for CNAs and any facility should be grateful to have someone like you who is goal oriented and interested in learning. I ended up going to a career counselor at school to revamp my resume by highlighting the medical experience I did have which included some volunteer work. You just have to be persistant and apply to different hospitals. I work with a lot of nursing assistants who are also students, so I guess it depends where you apply.

[j621d]

Don't "dumb down" your resume. I would place an emphasis on how your qualifications will benefit the hospital.