Resume Writing 101
 Clarity – the portion that contains your
name and contact information.
Identifying the
main
components of
your resume:
 Consistency – formatting like bolding,
underlining, etc. to keep each title
section consistent.
 Concise – list responsibilities, abilities,
being mindful of the space on your
resume as valuable.
Clarity:
the main
component
of your
resume, the
imperative
initial
introduction,
and the
listing of
your contact
information!
Resume Heading
Betty Baylor
3700 Worth Street ● Dallas, TX
75246 ● 214-820-3361 ●
Betty_Baylor@Baylor.edu
The header you use for your resume
should be the exact header used for
every other document you submit for
employment consideration –
references, cover letters, etc.
Resume Titles
Consistency:
the theme of
your resume
that makes
reading
specific
sections
easier and
eye-catching!
Betty Baylor
3700 Worth Street ● Dallas, TX 75246 ● 214-820-3361 ● Betty_Baylor@Baylor.edu
Education:
Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing
Clinical Experience: Baylor University Medical Center
Professional Experience:
Baylor University Success Center Tutor
Certifications: CPR and BLS Certified for Health Care Providers
Resume Qualifications
Betty Baylor
3700 Worth Street ● Dallas, TX 75246 ● 214-820-3361 ● Betty_Baylor@Baylor.edu
Concise:
Bulleted lists can
be a way to
simplify your
information and
quickly convey a
message of
competence and
professionalism
Education: Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
May 2014
Clinical Experience: Baylor University Medical Center
Med/Surg Clinical
Fall 2013
Professional Experience: Baylor University Success Center Tutor
Student Mentor/Tutor
2012-2013
● Provided tutoring in English major ● Developed mentoring guide
● Conducted test prep sessions
● Led group study workshop
Certifications: CPR & BLS Certified for Health Care Providers 2013
Certified Nursing Assistant credential
2013
Resume Overview
 Education – do you have the required degree, if not, do you have a target date for
when you will obtain that degree;
 Clinical Experience – this is more nursing-specific and important to show that you
have been in the clinical setting for multiple areas of nursing;
 Professional Experience – if you do not have a formal job that you have
worked/served in the past, volunteer service/work would be a great substitute, but
be sure to list it as “volunteer experience” in place of the professional experience
title (side-note: do not discount any work at a service industry job like Starbucks,
because the same patrons you provide service to on that job will be the same
people coming into the ER that you encounter and you will need to serve those
same people again);
 Certifications, skills, memberships, etc. – this is the more “catch-all” area of the
resume, but still important - remember we are thinking of this document as
something that speaks for you when you are not present, so anything you add here
should be targeted toward displaying competency, qualification, training, etc.
Professional Resume – the final product
Betty Baylor
3700 Worth Street ● Dallas, TX 75246 ● 214-820-3361 ● Betty_Baylor@Baylor.edu
Education: Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
May 2014
Clinical Experience: Baylor University Medical Center
Med/Surg Clinical
Fall 2013
Professional Experience: Baylor University Success Center Tutor
Student Mentor/Tutor
2012-2013
●
Provided tutoring in English major
●
Developed mentoring guide
●
Conducted test prep sessions
●
Led group study workshop
Certifications: CPR & BLS Certified for Health Care Providers
Certified Nursing Assistant credential
2013
2013
Review & Tips for Applications
•
Always name any document that you upload with an electronic application your first and last name and the
title of the document – ex. Jeanny Powell Resume;
•
Before uploading any document for electronic applications, be sure to save the document as a PDF so the
margins, spacing, font, etc. will not be altered;
•
If references are required, format the reference list with the same header used for your resume and classify
each reference – ex.
 Professional
 Educational
 Personal
•
Always ask before listing anyone as your reference and do not forget to use that person’s credentials &
professional title – ex.

Bart Baylor, PhD
Vice President
•
You may need to request a letter of recommendation from your instructor and the form is on the 3rd floor
in the administrative suite – be mindful of the time you submit a request to the date of your interview.
Cover Letters
•
Cover letters can actually be used in
lieu of an objective statement on your
resume because the whole purpose of
a cover letter is to introduce your
passion for nursing.
•
Keep your cover letter short with an
intro about why you are writing: to
apply for the job, second, how you are
a good fit for the job requirements
listed in the posting, and last, being
thankful for the nurse recruiter’s time
to review your credentials. Use the
closing to show your enthusiasm for
the company and to sell yourself as
the ideal candidate and DO NOT
forget to attach your resume if
sending via email.
•
There are not enough ways to put
your contact information out in a
cover letter – use your Baylor email so
it does not go to spam folders, but
include your contact info on your
header and state the number and
email again in the closing paragraph.
The easier you make it for them to
contact you, the higher the likelihood
that they will call you back!
•
Spell check and proof your thank you
letter. Then ask someone else to proof
it for you. That way you will be sure
it's perfect.
Thank You Letters
•
Thank you letters can be
handwritten, typed or sent via
email. Each thank you letter
should include a thank you for the
interview, your interest in the
jobs, your qualifications and skills,
and a final thank you.
•
Keep your thank you letters short
and simple, but, do use the letter
to reiterate your interest in the
job, your enthusiasm for the
company and to sell yourself as
the ideal candidate.
•
Spell check and proof your thank
you letter. Then ask someone else
to proof it for you. That way you
will be sure it's perfect.
References
Technique of Three
 Problem – what was the issue?
 Solution – what did you do about the problem?
 Outcome – what did you learn from this issue?
 Reminder: NEVER bash the person, place, or thing, that is
included in the story in a negative light – you can explain the
situation from the other person’s perspective or find a positive
outcome from the experience, like how you approach the same
situation differently now.
Questions for Interviewer
• Training and support?
• What is the ideal candidate?
• How long before I can expect to hear back?
 Always, always, always, always attach a PDF of your
resume when emailing a recruiter – it reminds them of who
you are and makes it easier for them to contact you!
Reminder of Nursing School Dress Code
The uniform dress code is designed to assist the students and the
faculty to maintain consistency in dress attire as is considered
appropriate and safe for professional nursing practice. When
representing the School of Nursing in the hospital and the
community, students are expected to adhere to dress codes as
specified by the LHSON Uniform Dress Code. When representing the
School of Nursing during class lectures or labs held at BUMC,
Sammons Cancer Center, and/or BGCT, the student is required to
wear either the Clinical Full Uniform or the Partial Uniform. (See
descriptions below.) Students are to wear their uniform only when in
class, clinical, or lab settings. Students are not to wear BULHSON
uniform, lab coat, patches or pins when outside the class, clinical, or
lab setting or when working in hospitals or other health care
agencies for pay. (Example when not to wear uniform: volunteering
at soup kitchen, eating out with friends, shopping at the mall, etc.)
Students are role models and should be clean, neat, and wellgroomed at all times. Specific requirements are stated in the
following outline:
Reminder of Nursing School Dress Code
Clinical Full Uniform
1. Women: white uniform dress, skirt or split skirt and matching top, white pants and
matching top OR green scrub top with green pants or skirt. Students may wear the
matching green warm-up jacket. A plain white t-shirt under scrub top is recommended so
as not to reveal midriff or cleavage. Appropriate length for skirts, split skirt or dress uniform
is knee length to mid-calf. No sweaters on clinical units.
2. Men: Landau brand only white or green scrub top and white or green Landau brand
pants.
The uniform dress code is designed to assist the students and the faculty to maintain
consistency in dress attire as is considered appropriate and safe for professional nursing
practice. When representing the School of Nursing in the hospital and the community,
students are expected to adhere to dress codes as specified by the LHSON Uniform Dress
Code. When representing the School of Nursing during class lectures or labs held at BUMC,
Sammons Cancer Center, and/or BGCT, the student is required to wear either the Clinical
Full Uniform or the Partial Uniform. (See descriptions below.) Students are to wear their
uniform only when in class, clinical, or lab settings. Students are not to wear BULHSON
uniform, lab coat, patches or pins when outside the class, clinical, or lab setting or when
working in hospitals or other health care agencies for pay. (Example when not to wear
uniform: volunteering at soup kitchen, eating out with friends, shopping at the mall, etc.)
Students are role models and should be clean, neat, and well-groomed at all times. Specific
requirements are stated in the following outline:
Reminder of Nursing School Dress Code
Clinical Full Uniform
1. Women: white uniform dress, skirt or split skirt and matching top, white pants
and matching top OR green scrub top with green pants or skirt. Students may wear
the matching green warm-up jacket. A plain white t-shirt under scrub top is
recommended so as not to reveal midriff or cleavage. Appropriate length for skirts,
split skirt or dress uniform is knee length to mid-calf. No sweaters on clinical units.
2. Men: Landau brand only white or green scrub top and white or green Landau
brand pants.
3.Both hunter green and white scrubs should be Landau brand only. Pants should
be style number 8550, 7602, 8335, tops should be style number 7502 or 8219. Hem
of pants should NOT touch the floor.
• Style 8550
Style 7602
Style 8335
Style 7502
Style 8219
4. Landau brand Scrub Jackets in unisex style number 7525, are permissible and the
Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing patch must be sewn around
the edges on the left sleeve(midway between left shoulder and elbow).
• Style 3124
• Men’s Lab coat
Style 3155
• Women’s Lab coat
Style 7525
• Unisex Scrub Jacket
Reminder of Nursing School Dress Code
4. Landau brand Scrub Jackets in unisex style number 7525, are permissible and the Baylor University Louise
Herrington School of Nursing patch must be sewn around the edges on the left sleeve(midway between left
shoulder and elbow).
• Style 3124
• Men’s Lab coat
Style 3155
• Women’s Lab coat Style 7525
• Unisex Scrub Jacket
5.White lab coat with Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing patch sewn on left sleeve (midway
between left shoulder and elbow). Lab coat should be Landau brand only in style number 3124 for Men and
3155 for Women. Shirt sleeves should not extend below the edges of the lab coat sleeve.
6. Plain white or black hose or socks for women, white or black socks for men with no visible designs.
Socks/hose should match the color of the students shoes.
7. Clean, white or black non-permeable nursing shoes or all white or black leather tennis shoes, no mesh insets.
Open toed shoes are not acceptable. Open backed shoes are not recommended.
8. Designated Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing name pin and picture ID as dictated by
assigned clinical site.
9. Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing patch sewn around edges on left sleeve (2 inches below
shoulder seam, centered on the sleeve). All uniform tops, Jackets and lab coats must be Landau brand only and
should have patch attached.
10. Full uniform is required for pre-clinical assessment.
Pediatric clinical uniform on Level 3 is Landau brand white or green uniform pants with print top as designated
by individual clinical faculty. Requirements for psychiatric clinical dress code on Level 3 will be provided by
each individual instructor. Partial Uniform (for community experiences, field trips, class attendance at BGCT,
BUMC, or Sammons Cancer Center, etc.) ** All hair, jewelry, and nails standards apply to partial uniform
guidelines as well as full uniform guidelines
Reminder of Nursing School Dress Code
1. Lab coat over professional business attire. No open toe shoes.
2. Blue jeans or denim style jeans, mini-skirts, sleeveless shirts, shorts, T-shirts, jogging outfits, thong sandals,
etc., are NOT acceptable for clinical or when obtaining a clinical assignment the day before clinical.
3. Designated Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing name pin.
Hair
1. Hair must be well groomed and restrained from face. Only naturally occurring hair color is acceptable.
2. Well-groomed beard.
Nails
1. Nails must be well groomed and cannot extend beyond the length of the fingertips.
2. Nail polish is NOT permitted of any type(even clear)
3. Artificial fingernails or permanent/semi-permanent nail decorations will not be worn in any clinical areas
where client contact will take place.
Allowable Jewelry
1. Watch with second hand.
2. Wedding or engagement band (no protruding stone).
3. Class ring.
4. One pair of studs or small earrings.
5. No visible body piercing, temporary or permanent body art (tattoos) is acceptable. Tattoos should be covered.
Tongue rings are not acceptable.
Miscellaneous
1. No perfume, body lotions and aftershave are to be worn in the clinical setting.
Avoiding common mistakes includes being mindful of what you say, how you answer questions, and
communicating your level of competence. The nurse recruiter wants you to engage, so maintain eye contact,
remember to smile, and you can ask him/her to repeat questions during the interview if necessary.
The interview will almost always include a question that pertains to conflict, negative situations, tense interactions,
personality clash, etc. The way to answer the negative scenario question is with a positive spin on what you
learned.
Never bash the person, place, or thing you are talking about. You can answer by using words that describe the
situation without any personal opinions or commentary about the situation.
Ex. “The patient was upset did not agree with the intervention that was required, so I sat down with him and
explained why we needed to do the procedure and explained what would happen if we did not intervene. After I
took the time to explain, the patient was still unhappy, but he understood why it needed to be done and eventually
agreed to the intervention.”
Mainly, the interviewer wants you to demonstrate the common goal , which is the best patient care. Also, you
want to show that you know that not every situation has a positive outcome, but that you are still able to learn
from the conflict.
Attention to detail is key, so always check anything and everything you submit for typographical errors,
misspellings, and correct facility name, address, recruiter title/credentials, etc. These are small measures to take
and are guaranteed to help you if you utilize them or if you do not double-check, your application will most likely
be overlooked. Make it a habit of checking for all of these errors on every application.
Past work experience is always valuable. Never discount a job because it was a restaurant because the same
people that you serve in restaurants are the same people that you will encounter in the hospital. In your
restaurant job, you still learned the basics of serving individuals and that is valuable.
If you are unable to relay a story about an experience in the clinical, hospital, or medical arenas, do not omit
experience gained in a job outside of nursing.
If you have a great customer service story from a fast-food job, pull from that experience because it has value and
can demonstrate your ability to interact with dissatisfied patients, their families, and coworkers.
(From the viewpoint of the hiring manager/nurse recruiter)
 Did you attach/upload your resume with the
application?
 Are you passionate about this floor/unit?
 If I place you in this job, will you be a good fit?
 Do you know anything about this facility/unit?
 Why do you want to be a part of this team?
 What can you offer/contribute to this team?
 If we invest training/time, will you stay in this job?
 Is the care of the patients your top priority?
Resume: potential employer’s first impression of you.
 Think of your resume as a document that speaks for
you when you are not in the room, so make your
contact information easy to find, include your
education and any degrees earned, list your clinical
experience, and list brief descriptions of your work or
volunteer experience.
Cover letter: displays interest in the job & shows your
skill set.
 Utilize your cover letter to show your passion for the
position that you are applying for and briefly describe
how your education, skills, or previous experience
make you a good fit for the position.
Effectively preparing for interviews is easy, but takes a bit of planning, so here
are some tips:

Get a pocket folder to put at least five extra copies of your resume in one pocket (if
you have fancy paper, this would be the time to use it) because you never know how
many interviewers you may have and it is better to be over-prepared;

Get at least five extra copies of your list of references (see template on career services
webpage for examples) to put in the other pocket of your folder;

Make a list of at least three to five questions for the end portion of the interview
when they ask the inevitable: “do you have any questions for us”? (see career
services webpage for sample prospective employer questions);

Keep a copy of your resume with notes for yourself to “jog” your memory of any
specific stories or examples you want to pull from previous experience/training that
might be forgotten due to nerves;

When you email a recruiter, whether it is to follow up, ask a question, whatever,
ALWAYS attach your resume – the easier you make it on them to remember you, the
easier it is for them to reach out and contact you;

Have a pen tucked into the spine of the folder to take notes during the interview; and

Ask for a business card before you leave so you will have the official job title,
credentials, and business address to send the interviewer a thank you letters after the
interview.