Healthcare and medical jobs offer a steady income and a chance to build a career that's focused on helping people.

Like almost any field, you will face competition for job opportunities, so it's crucial to have a medical resume that stands out from the rest. Otherwise, your resume may quickly end up being rejected. The following tips and advice from the health care educators at Carrington College can help job applicants create a strong medical resume that makes a favorable impression and increases the chance of being called in for an interview.  

Benefits of an Effective Medical Resume.

Job applicants in the medical and healthcare field only have about 5 minutes to make a positive impression on prospective employers through their resume. Generally, it only takes employers 30 seconds to look over a resume and determine whether or not it is worth contacting the applicant. Successful healthcare resumes provide employers with easy-to-read, relevant details about the applicant's experience, skills and education. These resumes should not have any errors or inaccurate information listed on them, which can lead to an immediate rejection.  

Important Medical Resume Traits.

Job applicants can set up their medical resume in a number of ways, but the most successful approach is to provide information in chronological order. This allows employers to easily go through the details listed on the resume to quickly decide whether or not to call the applicant in for an interview. A chronological resume lists information, such as education and employment history, in order with the most recent information first. Including bullet points can also make a healthcare resume easier for employers to glance over to find relevant information.  

Creating a Relevant Medical Resume.

Job applicants should avoid sending out the same resume for different positions. The information included on the medical resume might be effective for one position or company, but not for others. Instead, healthcare resumes should provide specific information that most closely matches what each position requires. Each resume should have certain elements, such as a summary, an education section, an employment history section, relevant experience, and a list of licenses or certifications. Resumes should be one or two pages long and include detailed information prior experience in the medical industry. Experience in non-medical industries can be included if it is relevant to the position. Job applicants should also make sure to determine whether to send a resume or a curriculum vitae (CV), depending on the type of position being applied for. Certain jobs ask for a more detailed CV, while others ask for a resume.  

Medical Job Interviews.

Job applicants who send in strong medical resumes should be prepared to make another favorable impression during the interview. Those who are called in for a job interview in the medical and health care field should wear a professional outfit and ensure that they are well-groomed. Scrubs and casual outfits are not considered appropriate for job interviews. Following up with a thank you note after the interview is pivotal to making a positive and lasting impression on prospective employers.

Need help with your healthcare resume? Take advantage of our free critique today!

Related Articles: