• Be cautious when using bullets that are unusually shaped or hollow, as these can be interpreted as letters, causing diffi cul- ty for the recruiter reading your résumé.


• Spell out “%” as percent and “&” as and to avoid the same problem.


• Scanners read from left to right and often have trouble with columns.


• Print on one side of the paper for scan- ning purposes, as the scanner cannot turn your paper over. That means half of your information would be missing!


• Do not fold your résumé, as this causes creases, which can make it harder to scan.


• Do not use a stapler, as the hole left at the top can be misinterpreted as a letter.


• Send your résumé as an original (not a photocopy) on high-quality, light-colored paper with one of the fonts mentioned above in a point size no larger than 12.


• Put your name at the top of each scanna- ble résumé, as you will not be stapling it, and the pages can easily become sepa- rated in the human resources process.


Some companies also use scanning software


to search for key words to determine whether a candidate should be considered for a position. Examine the job requirements for current posi- tions for key words and integrate these key words into the résumé.


Sample Cover Letter


Ann Nurse 123 Main Street Anytown, AB 12345 Home: 123-123-4567 Work: 123-123-8910 Cell: 123-456-7890


April 21, 2016


Nancy Smith, MSN, RN, C Nurse Recruiter Anytown Hospital 5237 Apple Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19141


Dear Ms. Smith:


I am responding to your advertisement for an Oncology Clinical Specialist that appeared in the March/April edition of Nurse.com. As you can see from the attached résumé, I have a strong background in oncology nursing.


I have molded my career from its inception to achieve my goal of becom- ing a clinical nurse specialist. My education and work experience have prepared me to become an excellent oncological clinician. This, coupled with my attention to detail, patient-centered focus, and administrative skills will allow me to become one of your organization’s fi nest assets.


I plan to follow up with you on April 25, 2016, to establish a convenient time for us to meet and further discuss my qualifi cations. I look forward to learning more about Anytown Hospital and the possibility of becoming part of your team. Thank you for your consideration.


The cover letter The fi nal and possibly the most important piece of your résumé submission is the cover letter. This document must quickly capture the recruit- er’s attention and must be concise as well. If your cover letter is too long, the recruiter will not get to your résumé. Two to three single-spaced paragraphs are the standard length. Begin your letter by addressing a specifi c person, making


sure the spelling of the name, title and credentials are correct. If you cannot obtain the spelling from an advertisement, call the recruitment offi ce to verify this information. Although the tone of the letter needs to be businesslike, remember that it also serves as a personal introduction. Next, state the purpose of your letter, relating the title of the


position you’re seeking and how you heard about it, such as the location and date of an advertisement or a referral by a current employee. The next paragraph should present your qualifi cations as they relate to the criteria of the position you’re seeking. Finally, close the letter with an off er to provide additional in-


formation if necessary and your desire to hear from the recruiter. You may also state a time when you will assume responsibility for follow-up; for example, “I will contact you on April 25th to further discuss my qualifi cations.” Remember that being creative


Sincerely, Ann Nurse, BSN, RN, ONC


within the cover letter will attract attention. Just make sure the approach is professional, engaging and appropriate. One fi nal tip — always submit a cover letter with the résumé.


A cover letter or résumé sent alone is not helpful for the recruiter and will most likely receive no response. If you believe that résumé and cover letter preparation is not


important to you now or in the future, think again. Be prepared — it’s much easier to update a résumé than to create one. You have invested your time in building a rich career, so take the next step and develop a résumé to promote it. •


EDITOR’S NOTE: Bridget Feery, BSN, RN, and Christine M. Tierney, MSN, RN, SPHR, are the original authors of this educational activity but neither has had the opportunity to infl uence this version. Margi J. Schultz, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE, is a past author of this educational activity but has not had the opportu- nity to infl uence this version.


Sheila J. Leis, MS, RN-BC, is an assistant professor of post-licensure nurs- ing. She has worked in an 800 bed Magnet-designated hospital as a nurse manager and professional development specialist. She has been certifi ed in medical-surgical nursing for more than 20 years.


To see the references and take the test go to: CE.Nurse.com/Course/CE147-60 2016 • Visit us at NURSE.com 45


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