OCTOBER 1997, VOL 66, NO 4 C A R E E R L I N E

with a positive

successful job search realistic resume approach to the

Editor's note: This column in the Journal offers perioprafwe nurses professional development advice and discusses topics related to the job search process and future career opporlunities in nursing.

earching for a new job can be a daunting experience. A suc- I cessful job search begins with

a realistic resume and a positive approach to the market.

PROFESSIONAL INVENTORY Resume writing can be con-

fusing because opinions about what constitutes a good resume vary dramatically. How can you develop a resume that will repre- sent your professional accom- plishments? Follow the steps out- lined here to create a polished resume.

The first step in creating a strong resume is to conduct a realistic professional inventory. Have you enhanced your value to potential employers by continu- ing to add to your repertoire of skills and experiences? Know where you stand in relation to your peers, and do your best to remain competitive. Have you kept updated records of your experiences and accomplish- ments? These records will help you represent yourself more effectively than relying solely on your memory of what you have done.

CREATING AN APPEALING RESUME Most potential employers dis-

like reading resumes as much as people dislike preparing them. The average employer spends

only 15 to 30 seconds conducting the initial screening of an incom- ing resume. If that scan generates interest, the employer may spend another five to 10 minutes read- ing the resume further. Although some employers are more diligent in screening resumes, you should count on the fact that your resume will not receive as much attention as you would like it to generate.

Length. Although most execu- tives recommend one-page resumes, experienced profession- als may find this structure too limiting. How can you effectively summarize your background in one page? Prepare a one-page overview to accompany a more comprehensive document that summarizes your accomplish- ments. When a potential employ- er requests your resume, you can offer to send the one-page overview or the more detailed document. Most potential employers will want to know as much as possible about you and will request the more detailed document.

Be as succinct as possible unless a potential employer requests a professional cunicu- lum vitae. Many academic posi- tions require complete curriculum vitae, which are lengthy and organized in chronologic format.

BETTY THOMAS, BS, is president of Betty Thomas Associates. Atlanta, an executi1,e search firm for midlev- el and senior-lei,el health care executiws.

begins and a market

Keep your resume simple. Don't overcomplicate the process. The straightforward, basic resume is easy to read and allows potential employers quick access to the information they need about you.

Content. Begin with your name, address, and contact num- bers (eg, telephone, facsimile, e- mail). Follow this with a listing of your education and experience in reverse chronologic order (ie, list the most recent fxst). Conclude the resume with professional certi- fications, memberships, honors, and awards. If you have extensive lists of publications and presenta- tions, offer these as addenda.

Do not include references in your resume. Provide your list of references only when you have a strong interest in an employment opportunity to avoid overusing your references and causing them to lose enthusiasm for your efforts. Be sure to ask these individuals if you can list them as references.

The experience section of the resume generally is the most dif- ficult to develop. The purpose of this section is for you to commu- nicate your value as a potential employee. Do not list generic job descriptions (eg, staff nurse) that tell potential employers nothing about your experience. Instead, develop brief accomplishment- focused statements that will be meaningful to a potential employ- er (eg, developed new cardiovas- cular surgery service line in a 14- bed OR). Do not be afraid to flaunt your successes.

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OCTOBER 1997, VOL 66, NO 4

A VOIDING COMMON PITFALLS Resumes frequently are used

more to screen out applicants than to select potential employ- ees. Knowing this, you can avoid making mistakes that can sabo- tage an otherwise strong resume. Here are some suggestions for making your resume strong.

Make your job objective state- ment restrictive and discuss it in your cover letter rather than in the body of the resume. Do not include hobbies, per- sonal data, or salary details because they only detract from your presentation. Ensure that dates and details are complete and accurate to enhance your credibility. Proofread your resume careful- ly. Do not rely on spellcheck- ing software exclusively.

APPROACHING THE MARKET Use all available resources

(eg, school, executive search con- tacts, advertisements, profession- al associations, networking) to generate interviews. Prepare care- fully for each interview.

Sharpen your interviewing skills. Be prepared to answer the following frequently asked questions.

I

Why are you interested in this position? What are your short-term and long-term goals? What did you like most and least about your last job? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Describe your management style. Discuss how you deal with conflict and confrontation. What is your greatest achieve- ment? What is your greatest disap- pointment? What has been your greatest challenge? You cannot anticipate every

question that you will be asked,

nor should you have memorized answers. Role playing with a col- league, however, may help you be prepared for the most common questions. If a potential employer opens the interview with the question “Tell me about your-

Take a realistic pro- fessiona I inventory, prepare a concise resume, and plan your i n te rvi ews

carefully.

self,” do not feel compelled to give a life history or engage in personal conversation. The inter- viewer is expecting you to pro- vide a brief overview of your pro- fessional background.

Be prepared to ask questions as well as to answer them. Gather information about the company before the interview and use your questions to determine your fit with the company. By ascertain- ing the expectations, potential problems, and general culture of the company, you can make a better decision about accepting a position if it is offered.

Dress appropriately. Appro- priate interview attire requires advance planning. A good rule is to dress conservatively. Pantsuits are not appropriate for female job candidates. Avoid wearing any- thing that will detract from your professionalism (eg, excessive jewelry, perfume, makeup).

Avoid making the job interview mistakes that employers report most commonly.

Avoid common mistakes.

The candidate lacks focus and is not clear about his or her

703 AORN JOURNAL

job goals. Message: the last role an interviewer wants to play is career couriselor. Define your job objectives before the interview. The candidate has not researched the organization or position. Message employers will have a hard time believ- ing you want to work for them if you do not know anything about them. The candidate’s pcrsonal appearance is not professional. Message: employers expect candidates to be neat, clean, appropriate, and professional. The candidate could not describe his or her professional background and skills. Message: prepare for the “tell me about yourself’ opening question. The candidate made negative comments about his or her past employer, coworkers, or supervisors. Message: find something positive to say about the previouc, job. Leave any grievances at home, and take only a positik e attitude to the interview. Another error is to initiate dis-

cussion of salary, benefits, or vaca- tion. Most interviewers consider such questions unprofessional and inappropriate. This information will be provided in due time for you to consider your response.

When you sense that the inter- view is drawing to a close, let the potential employer know that you are interested. Ask nhat happens next in the interview process and when this next step will occur.

SUMMARY

taking a realistic pro Fessional inventory, preparing a concise resume, and planning your inter- views carefully. Approach the process with a positive attitude and believe in your past accom- plishments and your potential to succeed in new ventures. A

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