RN Resumes WCC Career Center Jenny Buchanan
Resume Types Chronological Modified Chronological
Functional Combination
Before you start . . . • Research the potential employer • Google the company website • Glassdoor, Vault • Hoover’s Online Career Center
• Research the job and know the duties of the position • Print the advertisement for the position and break the duties down • Make the connection. Be able to apply your school and work experiences to the position.
Experience • Relevant - experience in the same line of work (Clinical) • Related - used same skills set in a closely related position within the same field of work. (Example, LPN, CNA, former positions in a medical environment, Volunteer- Red Cross, etc.,)
Experience • Proof of Transferrable Skills – skills all employers seek in
an employee (communication, research, computer/technical, leadership/management, and problem solving/reasoning/creativity skills)
• Proof of Transferrable Values – values all employers seek in an employee (strong work ethic, dependable/responsible, positive attitude, adaptability, and honesty/integrity).
Common Resume Headings • Experience - can include paid and unpaid (clinical, volunteer experience, etc.) List: Job Title, Employer Name, Location (city & state only), Date Range, Accomplishments
• Education Can include: Relevant Courses (new graduates), GPA (if 3.5 or higher), Honors, Awards
• Certification/Licensure • Skills • Professional Organizations
References • Do not list on resume or “References available upon request” • Separate document with a personal header • Should provide at least 3 professional references (no friends or relatives)
Have multiple Proofreaders • • • •
Career Center staff
Instructor Co-worker Classmate
Cover/Application Letter
What is a cover letter? The purpose of the letter is to introduce yourself and to directly connect the experiences on your resume with the experience/position/job you want to gain. Cover letters are career marketing letters to market the job seeker, highlight notable qualifications and career successes and generate invitation for a personal interview.
Format of a Cover Letter All cover letters have a similar format:
• • • • • • • • • •
Heading Date
Address: Company Name, Individual Name (if available) and Address Salutation (Dear Mr./Ms. Jones:) Intro paragraph 2-3 strength paragraphs Conclusion Closure (Thank you, Sincerely, Best Regards) Signature line Length- no more than 1 page and many cover letters may only be about ¾ of a page Just like your resume, you will benefit from someone else looking at your cover letter.
Before you write a cover letter, it may be helpful to think about a couple things: • Why am I a good fit for this position? • What key experiences/strengths make me a strong candidate? • What aspects of the job description match up with my interests and skills? Use these items to guide your letter. DO NOT REPEAT YOUR RESUME!
Objectives of your Cover Letter should be to: • Introduce yourself and clearly define who you are
• Connect your strengths with the employer’s needs
• Highlight your most notable qualifications, experiences, credentials, skills, and achievements
• Identify the value you bring to an organization • Capture your readers interest and motivate them to call and offer you an interview
Resigning from a Job
How to professionally resign from a position. • Tell your employer (supervisor) privately in person first. • Follow up with a resignation letter. • Provide a notice of at least 2 weeks (some employers may require lengthier notice, check employee handbook or with Human Resources to verify)
Should you provide a written notice? Absolutely!
Why? 1- It’s the professional & right thing to do. 2- Don’t want to leave on bad terms. 3- Depending on your position, could be seen as abandonment of patient. 4- Does so in writing – provides documentation for you and employer.
What to Include in Your Resignation Letter Should include: • • • • • •
Keep it brief and to the point Fact that you're resigning Last day you will work Ok to thank the employer for the opportunities they have provided to you You don't need to include lengthy explanations about why you are resigning Offer to Help, if it's feasible, to help during the transition and afterwards (The offer may not be accepted, but it will be appreciated. Include a phone number and email address where you can be contacted) • Don't vent. Even if hate your job, don't say it. Your resignation letter will be placed in your permanent employment file • Keep a copy for your records
When to Include a Reason for Resignation. • If you're resigning under positive circumstances - you're relocating or going back to school, for example, it's fine to include the reason.
Resignation Letter Format Your Contact Information First Last Name Address City, State, Zip Code Phone Number Email Address Date Employer Contact Information Name Title Organization Address City, State, Zip Code Salutation Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name, First Paragraph Your letter should say that you are resigning and state when your resignation is effective. Middle Paragraph The next (optional) section of your resignation letter should thank your employer for the opportunities you have had during your employment with the company. Final Paragraph Conclude your resignation letter (also optional) by offering to assist with the transition. Close
October 19, 2013 Mr. John Doe Clinic Administrator ABC Community Clinic 88 Example Avenue Vaughan, ON C5S 9W7
Dear Mr. Doe: I am writing to submit my official resignation from ABC Community Clinic, effective two weeks from today. My last day on work will Friday, 1 November 2013. On my part, this was not an easy decision. The past three years as a Licensed Practical Nurse at ABC Community Clinic have been extremely rewarding. I have taken pleasure in working for you and managing a very competent staff to deliver on-time and quality patient care. Thank you for the opportunities for development that you have provided me during the last 3 years. I wish you, my colleagues and the staff of ABC Community Clinic all the best. I will remain available at my place of work till the last day of my work. It will be a pleasure to train and hand over my responsibilities to my substitute.
Sincerely, (Signature) Anna Johnson, LPN Licensed Practical Nurse ABC Community Clinic Cellular: Email:
Writing Email Resignation Letters. It's better to resign in person, then follow up with a formal resignation letter for your employment file.
However, if circumstances are such that you need to send a resignation email, write it a as professionally as you would a resignation letter on paper.
Is it okay to send a “Goodbye Email” to co-workers? Yes, as long as: • You have provided proper resignation notice to your supervisor first • Best to clear with supervisor first - shows respect • Keep it positive and focus on expressing gratitude Avoid: • Anything negative – don’t vent or complain about coworkers, employer, customers/patients, or supervisor
Sample Employee Email Farewell Message Message Subject Line: Sandra Smith Update Dear Donna, I would like to personally let you know that I am leaving my position at Jones and Company. I have enjoyed working here and I sincerely appreciate having had the chance to work with you. Thank you for the support and encouragement you have provided me during my time at Jones. I will miss our daily interactions and working on projects with you. I would appreciate your continued advice as I start the next phase of my career. Please keep in touch. I can be reached at my personal email address (
[email protected]), on LinkedIn at LinkedIn.com/in/SandraSmith at or via my cell phone - 555-121-2222. Again, thanks so much for your support. Best regards, Sandra _____________
Other workshops & services provide by the Career Center: • • • • • • •
Interviewing
Mock Interviews Dressing for Interviews Spring Job Fairs
Resume Reviews Job & Resume Posting System And more!
Questions?
