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
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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:
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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:
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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
(sandrajones@gmail2.com), 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
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Other workshops & services provide by the
Career Center:
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Interviewing
Mock Interviews
Dressing for Interviews
Spring Job Fairs
Resume Reviews
Job & Resume Posting System
And more!
Questions?