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Managed Care Resources has extensive experience with resumes, having been in the business of placing candidates since 1987. We know that the "resume" may be the most important document in your job search and we give you some pointers below to counter the many myths and mistruths that exist regarding resume preparation. While you can get an interview with a poorly prepared resume, or one that is difficult to read, your responses will increase dramatically if you follow our guidelines.

1. SHOULD I USE A COVER LETTER WITH MY RESUME?
A cover letter is not mandatory but is helpful when you have any special issues to address. For example, a cover letter is a good place to explain frequent turnover and gaps in employment or to highlight special interests or qualifications.

2. WHAT SHOULD I INCLUDE IN THE HEADING?
The heading on the first page of your resume should include your name, address and phone number. If you are using a computer, use a large font size and bolden your name. Make it look attractive and professional.

3. SHOULD I INCLUDE A SUMMARY OR OBJECTIVE?
While an objective and summary paragraph MAY be included, it is not mandatory. Include a short paragraph ONLY if it will contribute to your resume and is pertinent to the position you are seeking. An example of a meaningless "gratuitous" objective is: "To find a position that utilizes my nursing skills and management abilities".

4. SHOULD I KEEP MY RESUME TO ONE PAGE IN LENGTH?
It is usually very difficult to keep a resume down to one page, unless you have hardly changed jobs through your career. One page resumes are generally so brief they do not reflect your skills. A resume that is too short is worse than a resume that is too long. However, you should not include so much detail for each listed employment that the resume becomes tedious to read. Employers want to get the essence of your career without having to spend too much time on it.

5. DOES IT MATTER HOW I LIST PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENTS?
The employer wants to scan employment dates, employer names, and job titles quickly. If these are hard to find, the employer may feel you are hiding something. The preferred method is to have the dates listed in a "hanging margin" on the left side of the page where you tab over to the content of the resume. Spacing is important when you list your jobs - each job should be clearly separated on the page.

6. CAN I LIST JUST THE YEARS OF EMPLOYMENT INSTEAD OF THE FULL DATES?
This is a common practice but is too often used to hide short employment periods. For example, an employment history from 1997 - 1998 could mean one month or two years! Therefore it is a good practice to include the start & ending month and year of each employment.

7. HOW DETAILED MUST I BE WHEN I LIST MY EXPERIENCE?
Each experience listed should include the name of your employer and the city (there is a St. Joseph's Hospital located in almost every city!). The next line should show your job title. The following lines should describe the experience you had in that position that is relevant to the job you are now seeking. If you don't know what experience is required in the job you are seeking, please call your Managed Care Resources Advisor and ask.

8. WHAT SHOULD I LIST IN THE EDUCATION AND LICENSURE SECTIONS?
You may include graduation dates but it is not mandatory. You should include the states in which you are licensed, and the types of licenses. You may include your license number, but it is not mandatory.

9. WHAT SHOULD I DO ABOUT "GAPS" IN EMPLOYMENT?
Don't leave gaps without explanation. It is OK to briefly say you stayed at home to raise 2 babies. Often the cover letter is a better place to describe gaps and the reason for them.

10. MUST I GIVE THE REASON FOR LEAVING A JOB?
NO. Leave this topic for an in-person discussion during the interview. An exception would be for issues such as having been caught in frequent job changes because of "downsizing", mergers, etc.

11. CAN I USE THE SAME RESUME TO APPLY FOR ANY JOB?
Your resume should be specific to the job you are seeking. Therefore, the resume that you send for a clinical position will emphasize different skills than the one you send for a management position, or the one you send for a Utilization Review position.

Now check out our SAMPLE RESUME and use it as a guide to preparing your own. When your resume is complete, send it to your Managed Care Resources Advisor for checking. Our Advisors are experts at this task and they know how to make a resume reflect your skills and experience to their best advantage.

Call: (310) 470 4232 or (800) 350 1471
Fax Resume: (310) 475 4737
E-Mail: info@mcr4jobs.com