Resume:
I like the About.com's Career Planning definition of resume: "A resume is a written document that lists your work experience, skills, and educational background. It is used as a marketing tool for job seekers". Employers spend an average of 10 seconds reviewing a resume so keep it short and sweet. I know there is "resume food" but it is just so much information to pile into 1-2 pages.
CV/Curriculum Vitae:
You also have something called a CV or curriculum vitae. This is a bit more detailed than a resume. It may include your publications, research, and some more accomplishments. It is usually used when applying for academic or research positions.
Cover Letter:
A cover letter may accompany your resume and highlights some of the skills that better qualify you for that position. This gives you a chance to stand out. Every time you submit a cover letter, you need to tailor it to fit that particular position you are applying for.
Resources:
There are more than enough resources available on the internet to guide you. Try to use a template specific to your profession. Just remember to use more than one. College website career centers are always helpful too. Job sites like monster.com and careerbuilder.com also have pages. Don't forget to check out professional organization websites. Other sites more specific to healthcare like healthcareers.com also have some great articles and information.
Finding a job:
Online: So many jobs these days have online applications so it is a challenge making a first impression on "paper" or the computer so work on your resume and cover letters. Use your cover letter as your chance to make a good first impression and stand out.
The search: Searching for jobs is overwhelming. You can narrow down your search criteria, but you still have to read all of the descriptions to see you would even meet the qualifications. Sign up for e-mail notifications if possible. Remember to check professional organization and specialty websites, like the American Nurses Association, for opportunities too. Join a job website like monster.com or careerbuilder.com. Begin by applying to jobs that you are interested in and not everything all at once; some sites do have limits too.
Networking: Attend events that will give you a chance to meet people. Talk to former employers and co-workers that might know someone. Join a social networking site like Linked In. It's also great to attend conferences and maybe meet people, and if you are a student you may get in free or get a discount. Check out this article:
5 Clever Ways to Get a Job Using Social Media.
Career fairs: You could also attend career fairs and meet some recruiters and/or managers in person and make a lasting impression. Always have copies of your resume readily available.
Advance for Nurses hosts some online career events as well.
Follow-up: They have lots of applications. If you don't hear back, why not give them a call? Show them you are interested, but don't bug them too much. Some organization sites let you check the status of your application online too. I have been told in the past to call if you do not hear anything in two weeks, but I have also been told that they will only contact you if they are interested in you.
Always do your homework prior to your interview:
Do your homework. Do not go into an interview without researching the company you are interviewing with. There is a chance they will ask you what you know about the organization and you should always come prepared with information and also any questions you might have. Review their website and you may also look on hospital ratings websites, for example, for information on number of beds and accreditation. For example, I always like to know about the orientation process. Be prepared with questions ahead of time so they know you are interested. Plus, both of you know what to expect from each other. Be enthusiastic!
Know your background information from your former schools and employers. For example, I have been asked about the number beds in both the hospital and the unit where I have worked. Now I have index cards with that information that I can always refer to.
Communication etiquette:
You most likely will have contact via telephone, e-mail, or in person. Always be professional and use your manners. Plus, always use spell check and check your grammar. Do not use abbreviations like you would in a text message or posting on someone's wall. If you leave a voicemail, be professional and include briefly why you are calling and all of your callback information clearly.
Be careful what you post:
Social networking is everywhere. Even our moms are on Facebook now.
My opinions:
To me, looking for a job is pretty much like applying to college. Prior to applying, you research the school and decide if it would be a good fit for you; do your research on your potential employers too. You have the application like everyone else. In school you might have been an "over-achiever" with your extracurricular activities. You have a chance to include some of your accomplishments in your resume too, such as memberships, community service, and certifications. You have a transcript and references like everyone else. Some resume templates give you the option of including your gpa too. And you have a personal essay, which would be your cover letter in the job world, like everyone else. Your personal essay is what gives you the chance to stand out and show them a little bit of who you are and what you have to offer the school.
I just want to say, in my experience, recruiters are like the gate keepers. They see if your skills and experience meet the required job qualifications for the position you have applied for, then if you pass they forward your application to the hiring manager. I believe it is really helpful if the recruiter is a health care professional. Sometimes it really is who you know.
