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How to Revamp Your Resume

Resume Advice for New Healthcare Graduates

QUESTION: I am a senior nursing student about to graduate, and I was wondering what I need to put on a resume. Do I put all past jobs even if they do not relate to healthcare, or do I put only my clinical experience?

WHAT THE EXPERT SAYS: Congratulations on your upcoming graduation. As you prepare your resume, try to think like the reader. That is, highlight anything from your background that is most relevant to a potential employer’s needs and downplay experience unrelated to your career goal. Devote the most space to describing your academic performance and clinical experience. Detail ways you helped support or enhance the quality, efficiency and continuity of patient care.

Mention other jobs you have held outside healthcare, but keep their descriptions brief. For example, you can concisely reference your other jobs in a bullet under your Education section:

• Funded 75 percent of college studies through concurrent part-time/seasonal employment as a waiter, sales clerk and receptionist at XYZ Restaurant, 123 Company and DEF Inc. (2001-2004)