Whether you’re new to the career world, or looking to make a switch to something new, the healthcare field is a great choice. As the largest industry in the U.S., healthcare is only expected to continue to grow. There’s plenty of room for you to benefit from this growth, but you have to know how to properly market yourself to potential employers. Your first impression to employers will come in the form of your resume, so follow a few tips to make sure you get it right.
Choosing a Format
The two acceptable formats for the healthcare field are a resume, and a CV (curriculum vitae). Which one you should use depends on which type of job you are applying for within the healthcare field.
- Resume: This format is used for those seeking positions in management, administration, or office staff. The tone of a resume is professional, but unique, and can be somewhat boastful in nature. The idea is to showcase your talents and even be creative.
- CV: This format is used for professionals of a more academic or scientific nature. Doctors, scientists, researchers, professors, and other higher-end professionals would submit a CV. A CV should be modestly professional in tone and list accomplishments and experience, in a factual, straight forward manner. Your experience should speak for itself when you’re submitting a CV.
Key in to Key Words
Because the internet makes it possible for hundreds or even thousands of people to apply for the same position, many HR operations use resume sorting software to help them to narrow down potential candidates. These programs take a digital look at resumes, and pull out the ones that meet specific keyword requirements to forward on for further consideration. Including the right keywords in your resume is essential to getting through this gatekeeper software. Many of the keywords that you should be using will be included in the job description, but here are some common ones that are expected in many healthcare resumes:
- Grant Writing/ Fundraising
- Caseload
- Research/Publications
- Computer/Tech Skills
- Regulatory/Government Agencies
- Continuous Quality Initiatives
- Interdisciplinary Teams
- Training
- Operating Revenue
Make it Memorable
When crafting a resume, include those facts about yourself that would make you stand out in a crowd. Be specific about accomplishments and goals that you’ve reached. Include applicable extracurricular activities and explain why they would help you to be better in this position. Include details in your work experience that prove that you’re the perfect fit for the position you’re applying for. Change your resume a little bit with each job you apply for, so it will be a perfect fit.
Stay Relevant
Many careers in healthcare require you to enroll in continuing education classes every year. Healthcare is a fast moving field, and you need to stay up-to-date on the latest in treatment and technology information. If you’re between jobs, or looking to move into a new healthcare field, enroll in some continuing education on your own, and include these courses on your resume. This will show potential employers that you’re current on the latest information and practices.