Résumés and Cover Letters for the College of
Description: Résumés and Cover Letters for the College of Nursing The Writing Center at CU Denver Composing an Effective Résumé Qualities of a Successful Nursing Résumé Organized, easy to follow format Provides all required information Audience centered
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slide1. Résumés and Cover Letters for the College of Nursing The Writing Center at CU Denver<br>
slide2. Composing an Effective Résumé<br>
slide3. Qualities of a Successful Nursing Résumé Organized, easy to follow format
Provides all required information
Audience centered
Targeted toward a specific position
Free of errors<br>
slide4. Writing Style Use consistent formatting--dates, spacing, etc.
Begin each bullet with an action verb
Be consistent with periods at the end of lines
Use numerals (1,2,3) rather than writing out numbers
Keep lists to fewer than 3 bullets (avoid sub-bullets)
Use strong descriptive statements
Do not use first person pronouns (I, me, myself)<br>
slide5. Required Information Contact information
Education
Clinical experience
Certifications<br>
slide6. Header Include a line to divide header from body
Make the information stand out
Larger size, bolding, use of capitalization, etc.
Place your name at the very top
Provide one street address, phone number, and email
Do not title them (email, phone, address)
Email address should be professional
Remove hyperlink from email address<br>
slide7. Objective If you're applying for a specific position, consider adding an objective at the top
States the position you are applying for
Includes job title and position number
Is audience centered and concise
Acts like a thesis statement/global organizer
Uses specific keywords<br>
slide8. Objective If you include an objective, use strong, specific words
Good: New graduate seeking a position and hands-on experience in quality patient care.
Better: Responsible and compassionate new graduate with hands-on clinical experience and exceptional interpersonal skills seeking an RN position at Children's Hospital to provide the highest quality of patient care.<br>
slide9. Describes how you match the required qualifications
Tailor to the job posting
Avoid first person pronouns (I, me, myself)
Includes industry-specific keywords
Uses strong, descriptive statements and verbs Summary/Profile<br>
slide10. Summary/Profile Good: Committed, patient-centered, and fast-paced RN who excels at quickly identifying patient needs through astute assessments, prioritizing based on acuity, and vigilantly monitoring for adverse reactions. Bilingual: communication skills in English and Spanish. Demonstrated strong clinical skills including blood draws and transfusions, cardiac meds, IV therapy and drips, 12-lead EKG interpretation, charting, and airway management in ICU and ER. Developed equal proficiency in nursing administration, admissions, discharge, and patient education.<br>
slide11. Summary/Profile Better:
Committed, patient-centered, and fast-paced RN who excels at quickly identifying patient needs through astute assessments, prioritizing based on acuity, and vigilantly monitoring for adverse reactions.
Bilingual: communication skills in English and Spanish.
Demonstrated strong clinical skills including blood draws and transfusions, cardiac meds, IV therapy and drips, 12-lead EKG interpretation, charting, and airway management in ICU and ER.
Developed equal proficiency in nursing administration, admissions, discharge, and patient education.<br>
slide12. Education List education first (with some exceptions)
List in reverse chronological order
Be consistent with dates
May 28, 2012 or 5/28/12
Be consistent with degree
Bachelor of Science, B.S., or BS
High school is not relevant<br>
slide13. Company/organization
City and state
Job title with months and years
Clinical Rotations
Include senior level rotations--Practicum, Public Health, MedSurg I & II. Include place (hospital/faculty), Unit, # of hours (on and off campus, simulation lab), and (if seeking specialty) include any rotations with that specialty
Consider creating a chart for Clinical Rotations
Volunteer/apprenticeship experience, if relevant Healthcare Experience<br>
slide14. Certifications
Additional Experience
Includes work you've done that may not be healthcare related
Use bullets and strong verbs to describe transferable skills
Honors or Awards
Merit-based and discipline specific scholarships, fellowships, or recognitions Other Sections<br>
slide15. Helpful hints: 1. Keep language professional
Good: Good at helping others
Better: Excellent interpersonal skills with a focus on patient-centered care
2. Be concise and direct
Good: Able to help patients and communicate with other healthcare staff to ensure quality care and well-being for patients
Better: Communicate with patients and providers to ensure quality patient care<br>
slide16. Helpful hints (cont.): Be specific
Good: Provide quality patient care
Better: Provide primary care to 6-7 pediatric, orthopedic and post-surgery patients
Avoid using templates for your resume as they may not translate to the employer’s software program. Use .pdf or .docx format
No two resumes are alike – choose the style that fits you!<br>
slide17. Composing an Effective Cover Letter<br>
slide18. Be professional
Use an identical header to your résumé
Include date, name, and title of the hiring agent, the company, and the company’s address
Use block format
Single-spaced
After the closing, skip four lines before your name
List enclosures (résumé, writing sample, portfolio) Business Letter Format<br>
slide19. Express how you will be an asset to them
Only include information relevant to the position
Demonstrate you have the qualifications they require or value
Research the hospital/facility and demonstrate your knowledge and interest in your letter Write with Your Audience in Mind<br>
slide20. Power Positions and Specifics Research shows reader will scan the letter in 30 seconds or less
Power Positions
Introduction
First and last sentences of paragraphs
Specifics
To the hospital, department, organization
Demonstrate your research/knowledge<br>
slide21. Approximately 4-5 paragraphs
Introduction (1)
Body Paragraphs (2-3)
Conclusion (1) Organization<br>
slide22. Introduction What are the hospital’s key strengths/characteristics and why/how can you support them?
Express your interest in the specific position
State how/why you are qualified for the position
Forecast what you will discuss in the rest of the letter<br>
slide23. Body Paragraphs Claim
A distinct qualification you want to prove about yourself
Do not put your résumé in paragraph form
Evidence
Support claim with examples that include a situation, action, and result
Connection
Connect to hospital’s or employer’s values and needs<br>
slide24. Conclusion Mention any enclosures or attachments
Or list enclosures at the bottom of the page
Express interest in an interview, if appropriate
Offer to provide further information
Thank the reader for his/her consideration<br>
slide25. Back up your claims with evidence and examples
Establish yourself as an unique candidate
SAR
Situation
Action
Result Evidence<br>
slide26. Situation, Action, Result While a nursing student at Sunrise Hospital, I demonstrated exceptional communication skills working with the nurses and the physicians. My initial clinical site was in the Trauma Systems Therapy department, where I worked under Dr. Peterson. After about two weeks of observing, I was tasked with discussing the overnight progress of two patients with the charge nurse and reporting in detail their mental and physical statuses to the doctor on staff each day. Shortly after being given this assignment, the overnight charge nurse informed me that one of my patients had spent most of the night in extreme emotional distress. The next morning, I reported this to Dr. Peterson, and she informed the mental health team and the patient’s family. My communication needed to be accurate and efficient in order to inform the doctor of the patient’s current state. With my information, the doctor was able to make the appropriate diagnoses. My ability to communicate effectively will continue to help facilitate interaction between both nurses and physicians in order achieve the best possible outcomes for patients at Sunrise Hospital. S
A
R<br>
slide27. Review In this workshop, we covered
Organizing successful nursing résumés
Formatting and writing style
Tailoring for a specific position
Building audience awareness
Organizing cover letters
Using evidence to back up claims<br>
slide28. The Writing Center For more information please visit us:
Denver Campus, North Classroom Building
Auraria Library,
Anschutz Medical Campus, Health Sciences Library
CU Denver South Campus, Liniger Building
CU Denver Business School
Campus Village at Auraria, North 3rd Floor Common Room<br>
slide29. The Writing Center Online Assistance:
Synchronous Online Consultations
The Online Drop Box
http://writingcenter.ucdenver.edu<br>
slide30. Online Resources http://www.bc.edu/offices/careers/jobs/resumes.html Boston College Career Center website. Provides great link to list of action verbs.
www.vpul.upenn.edu/careerservices/nursing/resume.html Excellent resource from U Penn. Click on 'Online Resume Workshop' under the 'Resume Guidelines for Undergraduates' tab for a voice-over presentation with PowerPoint slides regarding creating a resume. Also click on the 'Samples' link to find sample resumes from the UPenn School of Nursing. 30<br>
slide2. Composing an Effective Résumé<br>
slide3. Qualities of a Successful Nursing Résumé Organized, easy to follow format
Provides all required information
Audience centered
Targeted toward a specific position
Free of errors<br>
slide4. Writing Style Use consistent formatting--dates, spacing, etc.
Begin each bullet with an action verb
Be consistent with periods at the end of lines
Use numerals (1,2,3) rather than writing out numbers
Keep lists to fewer than 3 bullets (avoid sub-bullets)
Use strong descriptive statements
Do not use first person pronouns (I, me, myself)<br>
slide5. Required Information Contact information
Education
Clinical experience
Certifications<br>
slide6. Header Include a line to divide header from body
Make the information stand out
Larger size, bolding, use of capitalization, etc.
Place your name at the very top
Provide one street address, phone number, and email
Do not title them (email, phone, address)
Email address should be professional
Remove hyperlink from email address<br>
slide7. Objective If you're applying for a specific position, consider adding an objective at the top
States the position you are applying for
Includes job title and position number
Is audience centered and concise
Acts like a thesis statement/global organizer
Uses specific keywords<br>
slide8. Objective If you include an objective, use strong, specific words
Good: New graduate seeking a position and hands-on experience in quality patient care.
Better: Responsible and compassionate new graduate with hands-on clinical experience and exceptional interpersonal skills seeking an RN position at Children's Hospital to provide the highest quality of patient care.<br>
slide9. Describes how you match the required qualifications
Tailor to the job posting
Avoid first person pronouns (I, me, myself)
Includes industry-specific keywords
Uses strong, descriptive statements and verbs Summary/Profile<br>
slide10. Summary/Profile Good: Committed, patient-centered, and fast-paced RN who excels at quickly identifying patient needs through astute assessments, prioritizing based on acuity, and vigilantly monitoring for adverse reactions. Bilingual: communication skills in English and Spanish. Demonstrated strong clinical skills including blood draws and transfusions, cardiac meds, IV therapy and drips, 12-lead EKG interpretation, charting, and airway management in ICU and ER. Developed equal proficiency in nursing administration, admissions, discharge, and patient education.<br>
slide11. Summary/Profile Better:
Committed, patient-centered, and fast-paced RN who excels at quickly identifying patient needs through astute assessments, prioritizing based on acuity, and vigilantly monitoring for adverse reactions.
Bilingual: communication skills in English and Spanish.
Demonstrated strong clinical skills including blood draws and transfusions, cardiac meds, IV therapy and drips, 12-lead EKG interpretation, charting, and airway management in ICU and ER.
Developed equal proficiency in nursing administration, admissions, discharge, and patient education.<br>
slide12. Education List education first (with some exceptions)
List in reverse chronological order
Be consistent with dates
May 28, 2012 or 5/28/12
Be consistent with degree
Bachelor of Science, B.S., or BS
High school is not relevant<br>
slide13. Company/organization
City and state
Job title with months and years
Clinical Rotations
Include senior level rotations--Practicum, Public Health, MedSurg I & II. Include place (hospital/faculty), Unit, # of hours (on and off campus, simulation lab), and (if seeking specialty) include any rotations with that specialty
Consider creating a chart for Clinical Rotations
Volunteer/apprenticeship experience, if relevant Healthcare Experience<br>
slide14. Certifications
Additional Experience
Includes work you've done that may not be healthcare related
Use bullets and strong verbs to describe transferable skills
Honors or Awards
Merit-based and discipline specific scholarships, fellowships, or recognitions Other Sections<br>
slide15. Helpful hints: 1. Keep language professional
Good: Good at helping others
Better: Excellent interpersonal skills with a focus on patient-centered care
2. Be concise and direct
Good: Able to help patients and communicate with other healthcare staff to ensure quality care and well-being for patients
Better: Communicate with patients and providers to ensure quality patient care<br>
slide16. Helpful hints (cont.): Be specific
Good: Provide quality patient care
Better: Provide primary care to 6-7 pediatric, orthopedic and post-surgery patients
Avoid using templates for your resume as they may not translate to the employer’s software program. Use .pdf or .docx format
No two resumes are alike – choose the style that fits you!<br>
slide17. Composing an Effective Cover Letter<br>
slide18. Be professional
Use an identical header to your résumé
Include date, name, and title of the hiring agent, the company, and the company’s address
Use block format
Single-spaced
After the closing, skip four lines before your name
List enclosures (résumé, writing sample, portfolio) Business Letter Format<br>
slide19. Express how you will be an asset to them
Only include information relevant to the position
Demonstrate you have the qualifications they require or value
Research the hospital/facility and demonstrate your knowledge and interest in your letter Write with Your Audience in Mind<br>
slide20. Power Positions and Specifics Research shows reader will scan the letter in 30 seconds or less
Power Positions
Introduction
First and last sentences of paragraphs
Specifics
To the hospital, department, organization
Demonstrate your research/knowledge<br>
slide21. Approximately 4-5 paragraphs
Introduction (1)
Body Paragraphs (2-3)
Conclusion (1) Organization<br>
slide22. Introduction What are the hospital’s key strengths/characteristics and why/how can you support them?
Express your interest in the specific position
State how/why you are qualified for the position
Forecast what you will discuss in the rest of the letter<br>
slide23. Body Paragraphs Claim
A distinct qualification you want to prove about yourself
Do not put your résumé in paragraph form
Evidence
Support claim with examples that include a situation, action, and result
Connection
Connect to hospital’s or employer’s values and needs<br>
slide24. Conclusion Mention any enclosures or attachments
Or list enclosures at the bottom of the page
Express interest in an interview, if appropriate
Offer to provide further information
Thank the reader for his/her consideration<br>
slide25. Back up your claims with evidence and examples
Establish yourself as an unique candidate
SAR
Situation
Action
Result Evidence<br>
slide26. Situation, Action, Result While a nursing student at Sunrise Hospital, I demonstrated exceptional communication skills working with the nurses and the physicians. My initial clinical site was in the Trauma Systems Therapy department, where I worked under Dr. Peterson. After about two weeks of observing, I was tasked with discussing the overnight progress of two patients with the charge nurse and reporting in detail their mental and physical statuses to the doctor on staff each day. Shortly after being given this assignment, the overnight charge nurse informed me that one of my patients had spent most of the night in extreme emotional distress. The next morning, I reported this to Dr. Peterson, and she informed the mental health team and the patient’s family. My communication needed to be accurate and efficient in order to inform the doctor of the patient’s current state. With my information, the doctor was able to make the appropriate diagnoses. My ability to communicate effectively will continue to help facilitate interaction between both nurses and physicians in order achieve the best possible outcomes for patients at Sunrise Hospital. S
A
R<br>
slide27. Review In this workshop, we covered
Organizing successful nursing résumés
Formatting and writing style
Tailoring for a specific position
Building audience awareness
Organizing cover letters
Using evidence to back up claims<br>
slide28. The Writing Center For more information please visit us:
Denver Campus, North Classroom Building
Auraria Library,
Anschutz Medical Campus, Health Sciences Library
CU Denver South Campus, Liniger Building
CU Denver Business School
Campus Village at Auraria, North 3rd Floor Common Room<br>
slide29. The Writing Center Online Assistance:
Synchronous Online Consultations
The Online Drop Box
http://writingcenter.ucdenver.edu<br>
slide30. Online Resources http://www.bc.edu/offices/careers/jobs/resumes.html Boston College Career Center website. Provides great link to list of action verbs.
www.vpul.upenn.edu/careerservices/nursing/resume.html Excellent resource from U Penn. Click on 'Online Resume Workshop' under the 'Resume Guidelines for Undergraduates' tab for a voice-over presentation with PowerPoint slides regarding creating a resume. Also click on the 'Samples' link to find sample resumes from the UPenn School of Nursing. 30<br>