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by Becky Cole
There is as much advice out there on writing a resume, as there are people willing to offer it. Everyone has something different on format, content, and even font size and margins. What they all have in common, though, is that the resume should be specific to the job for which you are applying.
Recently, I saw a different version of a resume that intrigued me. The more I thought about it, the more it seemed to make sense. I’ve tried using the words from a job description in my resume – and even as headers on the resume – and I still end up with those pesky letters that tell me, “we found someone who more closely meets our needs.”
This version of the resume I saw actually includes the job description in the resume itself I like this for two reasons. First, it reminds the HR person about the job they posted. Second, it forces you to line up your skills against what they say they are asking for. It also answers the inevitable interview question of “why should we hire you?”
Here’s what it would look like if you were applying for a job as a medical receptionist:
| Jane Doe 1234 Myway Drive Someplace, MN 55555 |
myemail@email.com 612-555-1212 |
| (job description goes in this column) | (how you can meet those requirements goes here) |
| High school education or equivalent | 2008 Certificate in Healthcare Management – Local college CPR certification current |
| One year work experience, preferably in a medical office setting. | 2005-2008 Receptionist Community Health Clinic Minneapolis, MN 2008–Present Receptionist Another Local Clinic St. Paul, MN |
| Word processing and computer experience. | Microsoft Word Electronic medical records system Electronic scheduling system |
| Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, co-workers and the public. | Received letter of recognition from three patients Employee of the month two times Recognized as a team player |
| Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with a variety of people. | Communicating with with patients: check in, follow up phone calls, setting appointments Communicating with medical staff: documenting in charts, summarizing internal mail Communicating with others: other clinics and healthcare providers to coordinate care, follow up with pharmacies about prescrptions, placed orders with vendors |
| Knowledge of medical terminology helpful. | Completed medical terminology course as part of certification. |
| Bilingual English/Spanish or English/Hmong strongly preferred. | I am fluent in Spanish. |
| Additional information | 10 years experience in customer service field |
If you use this format and would like to share your thoughts on it or if you have any ideas on a topic you’d like to see covered, send me an email at: bcole@employmentnewsmn.com