overused buzzword for the last four years. Instead of using “innovative,” provide specific examples of being innovative. Other overused buzzwords include “organizational,” “analyt- ical,” and “effective.” Although work experience customarily follows the education


section on the résumé of a new nurse, more experienced profes- sionals may list past employment first. This draws attention to the candidate’s strengths and experience. Either order is acceptable. The next section, professional associations, lists professional


memberships. Completely spell out the full name of any association and avoid the use of abbreviations, such as ANA or AONE. List licensures and certifications under a separate heading. The next category is personal activities, such as community


service. This demonstrates to a potential employer that you are a well-rounded person. It provides insight into your personality and can augment your résumé if you lack work experience. In other words, this section can present a comprehensive profile of you as a unique and highly desirable employee, but only if the information is significant, recent and relevant. A list of references or recommendations is the final section of


a well-rounded résumé. It should be provided on a separate page. Letters of reference may be required for certain positions and these letters should be from a supervisor or someone who can provide information on your skills, work ethic and performance in a recent work environment. A recommendation should be from someone who, like a reference, can provide a substantive recommendation based on evidence of your performance and not just someone who knows you or who has been a friend. While recruiters do not evaluate on references or recommendations alone, these documents can help them see a bigger picture of you as a nursing professional. Always ask if you can use a person as a reference or ask if they will provide a recommendation. Make sure to let the person know what type of posi- tion you are applying for to help with tailoring, but not dictating, a reference.


Sample References


1. Dr. Jane Smith Critical Care Specialist janesmith@gmail.com 555-222-3333


2. Mr. John North Registered Nurse Manager johnnorth@gmail.com 555-222-4444


Optional information Some nurses describe their nursing school clinical experience in their résumé. This nonessential information can contribute substance to an otherwise thin résumé, but should only be used by new graduates or nurses using the functional format. If the clinical experience section makes your résumé more than two pages in length, leave it out. Another optional section lists presentations, including inser-


vices, workshops, case studies or other continuing education offerings you have given at work or in the community. You may also include poster presentations that you have contributed to professional forums. List this information in an abbreviated format and only if it doesn’t extend the résumé beyond three pages. Record honors and awards in a separate section if they are


relevant to the position you are seeking, and include academic awards received while attending school only if you are a new


2016 • Visit us at NURSE.com 43


Claire is a 52-year-old registered nurse. She has worked at City Hospital for 24 years. Before working at City Hospital, she worked at two other hospitals, worked as a nursing assistant at an ex- tended care facility, served tables at a local restaurant while in nursing school, and worked as a receptionist at an insurance agency while in high school. More than 5,000 people have moved out of her city because a large manufacturing plant closed two years ago. This declining city population has resulted in reduced patient stays at City Hospital, causing Claire’s unit to close and her position to be eliminated. She is not interested in any of the open positions at City Hospital and has decided it is a good time to move to another employer. All of the ads she has looked at include a request to “attach résumé.” Claire has never needed a résumé, so she is not sure where to start in creating one.


1. A résumé should include:


a. Name and home phone number, work experience and references


b. Demographics, education, work experience, and profes- sional associations


c. Demographics, education, and limitations in availability due to parenting responsibilities


d. Education, experience, and political preferences


2. The résumé should be: a. Printed on any type of printer paper available b. Created with a fun, eye-catching font c. Printed on good quality bond paper using 12 point font d. A photocopy so the applicant can keep the original copy


3. To prepare a scannable résumé: a. Underline important parts so they stand out b. Use shaped bullets to organize information


c. Organize your work experience into columns with head- ings of employer, type of unit, dates


d. Limit formatting styles that may not be recognized by the scanner, such as triangular bullets, underlining or use of symbols


4. What is the impact of social media on the application process?


a. Social media sites are private and not used by recruiters.


b. Social media sites are a great place to show recruiters how “fun” you are.


c. Social media sites are private and recruiters are not allowed to look at them.


d. Social media sites are a common source of additional information for recruiters.


Answers


1. B — A résumé should list demographic information, including email and phone number, education in reverse chronologic order, experience including brief description of position responsibilities and professional associations/ memberships.


2. C — A résumé provides a “first impression” and should be prepared on good quality bond paper using 12 point font.


3. D — Your résumé must be sent in a simple way so that a scanner can read it. This includes avoiding the use of underlining, symbols and fancy bullets.


4. D — Social media sites are easy to access and an easy source of more information about job candidates. It is im- portant to maintain a “clean” image on social media sites.


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