How Healthcare Professionals Can Keep Their Resumes Competitive

Even though healthcare is now a trillion dollar industry, there is still quite a bit of competition for the top jobs. Whether you have just entered the field or want to climb the corporate ladder, read ahead for a look at some tips you can use to make your resume as competitive as possible.

Choose the Correct Format

Far too many people miss out on job opportunities simply because they have format and layout issues. As a general rule, the traditional resume format should be used by healthcare professionals who are applying for management roles and back-office positions. A CV (curriculum vitae), on the other hand, is more appropriate for scientific roles such as doctors and researchers.

Head Back to School

Improving your academic background no longer requires you to take time out of your busy schedule to head to a traditional classroom. Many of the leading healthcare programs are more flexible than ever and can now be completed online, such as with an online master of science in nursing, as well as with programs for administrative assistants, hospital managers, public health specialists, and more.

Get Certified

Getting certified in a specific field is one of the most cost-effective ways to make your resume stand out. Not only do these programs provide you with real-world skills you can carry over into the workplace, but they also show that you have a passion to continue bettering yourself. Certifications can be acquired for practically any specialty ranging from HIV care to critical care.

Focus on Keywords

The healthcare industry has an incredibly complex language of its own, and it is vital to use these keywords as much as possible in your resume. More organizations than ever are using software to search for specific keywords in order to screen the initial batch of applicants. If those keywords are not on your resume, a human may never even get a chance to look at your credentials.

Keep It Up-to-Date

This industry is evolving at an alarming rate, and information you learned a few years ago may no longer be relevant. While you should always include past jobs, degrees, and certifications, you might want to leave off the dates after around ten years. Placing an emphasis on your most recent accomplishments will show potential employers you are keeping your skills up-to-date.

In the end, you want your resume to exemplify the fact that you are devoted to staying at the forefront of your particular field and passionate about what you do.