Healthcare: Building a Resume

Kristen Schiefer, MSPA, PA-C is a board certified Pediatric Neurosurgery Physician Assistant, and one of South’s Greatest Nurses, 2021. Stay up to date on her upcoming book release and more by following on Instagram @kristen.love.and.medicine

While there are endless job openings in the healthcare industry today, landing your dream job is as difficult as ever for many professionals. How many of us spend the most important years of our lives at a job we have no love for, while longing for a thriving career, earning top-tier pay at a dream institution? Oftentimes, the difference between these two paths is a well-crafted resume. So let’s get to work on that interview-worthy CV by starting with the most common mistake that keeps landing yours in the shred bin; it’s not relevant to the job you are applying to.

Yes, it is absolutely exhausting to browse the never-ending websites, databases, and job postings in pursuit of that coveted position you’ve been dreaming about. That overwhelming feeling is exactly why so many qualified professionals mistakenly submit the same resume to each and every position of interest. But these positions are not all the same, are they? Unfortunately, hiring managers do not want to, and often will not comb through, hundreds of resumes to find job-relevant information for each individual applicant. In truth, that ever-growing resume with extensive details about every position you’ve ever held is actually inhibiting your career advancement.

While the length of a resume is another common fault found by hiring managers, it is a lack of relevant content that is most off-putting. In both instances, tailoring your resume to the precise position that you are applying for will result in significantly higher chances of getting a callback. 

To begin this process, start by carefully analyzing job postings for sought-after requirements and skills. Look to identify common characteristics that you possess and revise your resume to highlight these. Use easy-to-read and concise verbiage that speaks to your strengths. Focus on communicating to the reader how your accomplishments translate to the qualities that they are looking for in a new hire. Seek to avoid generalized descriptions such as “good at working with others”. Instead, stand out by explaining how you “frequently called in consults to team members from other specialties” and “worked on a board to help standardize consulting protocols.” 

Those lacking in experience should consider joining relevant professional organizations to obtain associated certifications, such as Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and participating in related volunteer opportunities.

Now that you have the tools to submit an effective resume, you can focus on preparing for the interview. Always be prepared to explain why you alone are the best fit for the position. Keep this all in mind and you will swiftly find yourself in high demand amongst hiring managers!

Why do you want or need a change?

Follow these tips for building an interview-worthy resume or CV

• Relevant content is key.
• Analyze job postings for skills that you possess to highlight in your CV
• Use easy-to-read and concise verbiage
• Avoid generic descriptors
• Display accomplishments that translate into desired qualities
• Join related professional organizations
• Obtain associated certifications
• Participate in volunteer opportunities
• Prepare to rock your interview!

Kristen Schiefer, MSPA, PA-C is a board certified Pediatric Neurosurgery Physician Assistant, and one of South’s Greatest Nurses, 2021. Stay up to date on her upcoming book release by following on Instagram @kristen.love.and.medicine

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