Writing Registered Nurse Resume Template printable pdf download

Writing your resume: BSN students

This handout is a basic overview of the resume writing process and offers you samples and tips. The CON Career Advisor offers

appointments and workshops for reviewing resumes. Minimally, ask someone close to you, or your classmates, to look over your

resume. Most people find that someone else’s opinions help since the resume is such a personal document. There usually isn’t a

right or wrong way to do a resume. What matters most is that your strengths and skills are well showcased.

The truth about resumes:

Most recruiters do one of two things when looking at resumes:

1. Scan the resume into a computer program and do a keyword search (looking for specific terms or phrases that the employer

deems important),

2. Scan the resume visually, spending about 15 seconds.

Either way, the first look at the resume is not in depth. This frames how you should think about the document. It has to be

something that someone could look at quickly and garner quality information and it has to be put together well enough to

incorporate some of the keywords for which the recruiter might look.

Structure/Format:

Most BSN resumes will have a minimum of four sections. Many will have more. The basic four are:

1. Contact Information

2. Education

3. Relevant (or nursing or clinical) Experience

4. Additional Experience (for your previous work experience)

Choose your section headings carefully since they immediately jump out at the reader. Pay attention to your format. There isn’t

a best format, although some are better than others. If you ever need to change something on your resume (which almost all

people do), you’ll be happier if you haven’t used a template. Templates make changing sections and content difficult. The

bottom line is that the format should be clean and organized; things should look consistent and line up well. Also, most BSN

resumes will only need to be one page.

Presentation:

If you’re sending your resume in, you’ll want to print it on high quality resume paper. Neutral colors are best. Resume paper can

be found at any bookstore or office supply store. You don’t have to list every experience you’ve had; pick the most recent and

the most relevant.

Writing Registered Nurse Resume Template