NURSING APPLICATIONS, RESUMES & COVER LETTERS APPLICATIONS- What do I need to apply? • Fill out the online application through the hospital or employers web page • You will need: • A list of your past positions with date ranges and supervisor information • A Resume • Possibly a Cover Letter • Possibly Letters of Recommendation (2-3) • Possibly asked to complete a short essay questions • Possibly asked to complete a “personality test” • Be eligible to apply • Meet their minimum qualifications • Start date falls after you have graduated and successfully taken the NCLEX RESUMES – What to include? • Your name and contact information • A Summary Statement or Summary of Qualifications (Not an Objective Statement) • A summary sets the stage for details that follow • Highlights your key transferrable skills and experience • Written version of “Tell Me About Yourself” • Objective Statement: • To be part of a dynamic healthcare team committed to excellence in patient care • A position in the Medical Surgical Unit • Summary Statement: • Bilingual (English/Spanish) BSN graduate with an extensive background in diverse, fast paced, team oriented settings • Summary of Qualifications • Proficient as a leader on the front line who acts as a filter for upper management while ensuring processes are enforced and goals are met • Exceptional customer service skills • Efficient planner, developer and reducer of expenses RESUMES – What to include? • How to write a Summary: Try using this Summary Template: “A (an)___(A)___and___(A)___ ___(B)____who___(C)___and ___(C)____. Expertise includes _____, _____and_____. Proficient in ____,_____ and______.” A. Adjective (pick 2) • Conscientious, careful, thorough, diligent • Creative, imaginative, artistic, inventive • Dedicated, devoted, committed • Dependable, reliable, trustworthy, loyal • Tireless • Hardworking, diligent, tenacious • Honest, truthful, sincere, candid • Innovative, inventive • Attentive to detail • Proficient with computers B. Noun (pick 1) • Customer Service Representative • Employee, team member • Problem solver • Professional (specify if desired) • Salesperson • Supervisor, leader, Manager • Team player, team member • Worker • Investigator • Manager C. Action Verb (pick 2) • Achieves consistent results • Drives sales • Promotes improved methods • Develops strong working relationships • Works well with others • Learns quickly • Meets all deadlines • Motivates others • Instills customer loyalty • Solves tough problems • Produces quality work • Encourages team effort RESUMES – What to include? • Education • SMU degree and previous degree or degrees • Clinical Site Information (include hours?) • Awards? • Licenses/Certifications • Can include anticipated certifications & licenses • Work Experience • Contributions and accomplishment related to “Transferrable Skills” • • • • • • • • Customer Service Communication Skills Teamwork Success under Stressful Circumstances Cultural Competency Critical Thinking (ie: problem solving) Prioritization and Multitasking Compassion RESUMES – What to include? • Leadership Experience • Community Service and/or Volunteer Experience • Awards/Scholarships • Professional and Service Organizations • Languages or Other Accomplishments RESUMES – Formatting Best Practices • Clear, easy to read format • Large margins - plenty of white space • Reasonable type size • Relevant information • Strong accomplishment statements • Results-focused • Start each bullet with an action verb • Past tense verbs • Do not use the word “I”, write in 3rd person • Max 2 pages for those that have had a previous career • Max1 page for those that recently received 1st Bachelors • No gimmicks • No spelling or grammatical errors RESUMES – How to stand out! • Focus on accomplishments and contributions • Examples? • Translate your previous experience into “nurse speak” • Do not use jargon related to your previous industry • Don’t be shy! Follow up and make contact! • Call HR if you have a question! • Create a portfolio • Did you create a poster that was accepted for a poster presentation? • Shrink it down and include it in a folder with your resume, cover letter and letters of rec. • Tailor your resume for the institution or the position • Research and include relevant key words from the job description or the institution’s website RESUMES – Red Flags • Too many jobs for short durations • Address in the cover letter • Gaps in employment and/or education • Address this in the cover letter • Multiple errors • Have many people review your resume • Discrepancies between online application and resume • Give yourself plenty of time to complete the application to avoid errors COVER LETTERS – Why? • A cover letter should accomplish these three basic objectives: 1.Introduce yourself and express your interest in the job 2. Describe your qualifications and how they will benefit the company • Research the institution in order to align your goals with theirs 3. Request an interview and suggest follow-up • In addition it’s an opportunity to… • Mention things you’re not able to include on resume • Address any red flags in your job history Letters of Recommendation • How many? • You will need to get at least 2-3 letters of rec • Stanford requires 3 letters from clinical instructors • From who? • Clinical Instructors, Preceptors and Theory Instructors • How do I get them? • SF Learning Center process for full time faculty • Respectful/Professional email or phone to Adjunct faculty • Letters are a privilege not a right… RESOURCES • One on One appointments • Need to complete first draft of resume • Email to make an appointment • Books in the library • You’re Hired by Brenda Brozek, MAOL, RN