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Nursing Resume Do's and Don'ts, Part II

The US Department of Labor projects much faster-than-average job growth for nurses through 2014. That means as employers seek to recruit and retain talented nursing staff, nurses will enjoy improved salaries, benefits and working conditions.

You might be thinking: “Oh good, since employers will be clamoring to hire me, I don’t have to worry about my resume.”

Wrong.

A winning resume will you get noticed for the best positions and can facilitate a promotion from your current position. A strong resume can also help you command and negotiate a higher salary. Always put your best foot forward on your resume to attract the most desirable job offers. Follow these tips to make your nursing resume shine and review this sample resume for an entry-level nurse.

Present Your Value Proposition in a Qualifications Summary

Lead your resume with a qualifications summary that provides an overview of the value you bring to the table. Paint a picture of what you have to offer by including a narrative statement of your goal, specialty area, level of experience and any other top credentials. In the Monster Resume Builder, use the Career Objective field to present your summary.

Add an Expertise Section

A bulleted list of your proficiency areas incorporates important keywords into your resume (so you’re found in an electronic search) and gives hiring managers a snapshot of your capabilities. Your expertise (or Key Skills if you’re an entry-level candidate and haven’t yet developed expertise) could be nursing specialty areas (e.g., pediatrics, obstetrics) or skills (JCAHO standards/compliance, medication administration, case management). On your Monster resume, use the Skills section to present your areas of expertise.