Using Quotes on Resume/Cover Letter

[Unknown member]

Hi All!

I was just wondering if it is appropriate to use quotes on a resume and/or cover letter. For example, I have some of my instructors' clinical evaluations and would like to put a quote maybe on the corner of my resume or something to that effect? Would that be a good way to stand out?

To be honest, I don't feel like I have anything that stands out compared to other new grads. I have NO clinical experience besides school.

Thanks for the help!

[Guttercat, ASN, RN]

Hi All!

I was just wondering if it is appropriate to use quotes on a resume and/or cover letter. For example, I have some of my instructors' clinical evaluations and would like to put a quote maybe on the corner of my resume or something to that effect? Would that be a good way to stand out?

To be honest, I don't feel like I have anything that stands out compared to other new grads. I have NO clinical experience besides school.

Thanks for the help!

At first thought I was thinking not a good idea.

On second thought...it may be a very good idea. Neat way to market yourself if executed correctly, in a way that does not come off as pretentious or pandering, but rather "confident."

[LynnLRN]

Maybe a quote on the cover letter would be ok. However, I feel like I've always been taught that employers like resumes to be straight and to the point, no fluff. Plus, usually resumes/cover letters that are submitted are scanned for certain things and it doesn't really matter what you put on it. I feel like during the interview is a good time to talk about your previous evaluations.

[klone, MSN, RN]

I would say maybe yes on the cover letter, but no on the resume.

[hiddencatRN, BSN, RN]

I would say no. Your resume and cover letter is for you to tell your story and sell yourself in your words. You might use the references as inspiration on what to say about yourself but I would stay away from quotes.

[Guttercat, ASN, RN]

Maybe a quote on the cover letter would be ok. However, I feel like I've always been taught that employers like resumes to be straight and to the point, no fluff. Plus, usually resumes/cover letters that are submitted are scanned for certain things and it doesn't really matter what you put on it. I feel like during the interview is a good time to talk about your previous evaluations.

Actually what I've been "hearing" over the last few years is that the model is changing slightly.

In this job market, when it's aassumed the receiving person has forty or more resumes and cover letters piled on their desk, I've seen more than a few professional suggestions that include changing it up a bit: something to make your resume stand out and memorable.

No, I don't mean spraying the envelope with perfume, but personalizing it within professional bounds.

Given this, I'm not so sure that the OP's idea is a bad one.

And as a new grad, she/he should play up strengths and be proud of them, without coming off as pretenious. A quote or two from an instructor in the context of scholarly accomplishments she/he has worked hard for and is proud of...might be a great idea.

[agldragonRN]

i remember a poster here posted her actual cover letter and resume with quotes from nursing instructors/nurse preceptors like you describe. she said the doctors liked her resume and it stood out from the rest of the resumes and that is how she got the job even though she was fired on her first nursing job. i cannot locate the post at the moment, sorry.