In the dynamic and competitive job market, your resume serves as the gateway to new opportunities. It's not just a document; it's your personal marketing tool, showcasing your skills, experiences, and potential to prospective employers. Crafting a stellar resume requires finesse, attention to detail, and a keen understanding of what recruiters and employers look for. Let's delve into some essential tips and recommendations to help you create a resume that stands out from the crowd. 

Do your research   

Take a good look 

We used to have to ask to see someone’s resume, but these days it’s not too difficult to find online. Many healthcare professionals will list their career summary and resumes on websites available to the public - like clinics and directories. Use these as research, and don’t be afraid to look at profiles, resumes, and summaries of those who are more advanced in their careers – look at how they sell themselves and speak about their experience. What can you learn from this? 

Keep it simple   

A cluttered resume can be a turn-off for employers, as they’ll want to be able to scan it quickly when shortlisting candidates. Pick a clean, professional format with consistent font styles and sizes. Use bullet points to present information in a structured manner, making it easy for the reader to scan through and extract key details. There are many free and easily editable templates available online, so start searching – but remember, simplicity and substance is better than an over-the-top design that doesn’t have relevant information. Rest assured, you won’t be evaluated on design. 

Be prepared to tailor 

One size does not fit all when it comes to resumes. Customise your resume for each job application by aligning your skills and experiences with the specific requirements of the position. Some employers will accept a PDF or word doc, while others will require you to copy and paste sections from your resume in portals – one useful way to prepare for this is to keep content from your resume in an excel doc, where it can be isolated and formatted for you to quickly copy and paste. Use keywords from the job description to pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and increase your chances of getting noticed. 

Get the details right  

Craft a compelling summary 

Begin your resume with a brief but powerful summary that highlights your key qualifications and career goals. Keep it concise, emphasising your level of experience, strengths, and characteristics that make you unique in a workplace. This is your chance to grab the recruiter's attention and make them eager to explore the rest of your resume. Potential employers are looking for a concise snapshot of the applicant’s profile to understand whether their education and clinical experience meet the role requirements.  

Highlight achievements, not just responsibilities 

Employers are not just interested in what you did; they want to know the impact you made in previous roles. Instead of listing mundane job duties, focus on your achievements and quantifiable results, and explain your role in context of the larger organisation – how did you work alongside colleagues and in what teams?  Where possible use metrics or milestones to showcase your contributions and demonstrate your ability to make a difference, as this will help you standout.  

Education matters 

Your educational background is an essential part of your resume, and you need to make sure it’s visible on the first page. Include your degrees, the institutions you attended and graduation dates, as well as any certifications or recognitions. If you're a recent graduate or have limited work experience, you can highlight relevant coursework and your grades.  

Note: some jobs will ask for GPAs and potentially other grades, so be sure to read the job description carefully and include these figures if needed. 

Emphasise your skillset 

Create a dedicated section for your skills, focusing on those most relevant to the job you're applying for. Include both hard skills (technical abilities) and soft skills (communication, teamwork) to present a well-rounded profile. This section acts as a quick snapshot of your capabilities and will be particularly useful when employers are scanning for keywords and phrases while shortlisting candidates.  

Final steps  

Review, review, review 

Before you submit your resume, make sure it’s reviewed by someone else. Ideally, you should ask someone who works in the same field or industry as you, as they’ll have a degree of familiarity with healthcare resumes and professional summaries. Failing that, ask a friend or family member to look over your grammar and check for typos and formatting issues.  

Be discoverable 

We wrote earlier about how online profiles and summaries are great resources for research when you’re putting together a resume. But they’re also great resources for recruiters and employers. Hiring managers and recruiters all make use of new technologies and platforms when searching for candidates, and you’re not giving yourself the best chance to get your next role, if you aren’t discoverable. That's why we created OET Career - a job search platform that connects employers and recruiters with healthcare professionals. By creating a profile and including your resume and other details, you can be automatically connected to opportunities from top healthcare employers across the globe.  

Final thoughts 

Putting together an outstanding resume is an ongoing process that evolves with your career. Regularly update your resume to reflect new skills, experiences, and achievements. By implementing these tips and recommendations, you'll not only create a powerful first impression but also increase your chances of landing that dream job. Remember, your resume is not just a list of qualifications - it's your story of professional growth and potential. 

If you’re ready to prepare for your interview, check out the below blogs: 

• OET Career round-up: Acing your interview 
• OET Career round-up: Three preparation strategies for your next interview