1. Resume Writing and Interview Tips
Joseph T. Catalano

2. Resume The first impression you make on an employer
Should be very neat and professional looking
Prepare on a computer
Should be no more than 2 pages (1 page is better)
Divide sections

3. Resume First section: Complete name, address, and phone number
address (don’t use a cutesy username like
Objectives (optional)

4. Resume Second section: Skills (optional) Third section: Education
Include those things that will make you valuable to an employer (organized, good communication skills, etc.)
Third section: Education
List chronologically, most recent first
List name of college, dates attended, and degree

5. Resume Fourth section: Experience (work history)
List chronologically with most recent first
Include name of organization, dates employed
Name position and briefly list responsibilities
Include non-healthcare references only if they demonstrate some key skill (e.g., supervised five employees at Big Burger, Inc.)
Explain any long gaps (6 months or more) between employment (e.g., attending college)

6. Resume Fifth section: Awards (optional)
List any awards (especially health-related), date received, and reason for award (briefly)
Sixth section: Professional Memberships
List any memberships in professional organizations—nursing student organizations count!

7. Cover Letter Send with resume Use business letter format
No more than one page, single-spaced
Date
Full name and address
Contact information
Dear (use name of person—makes better impression than “To whom it may concern”)

8. Cover Letter First paragraph
First sentence: state which position you are applying for and where you heard about it
Second sentence: very briefly mention your experience in that area and how you gained it
Third sentence: date of graduation
Fourth sentence: “Enclosed find my resume.”

9. Cover Letter Second Paragraph
First sentence: briefly state how your skills or abilities will help you become an excellent employee
Second sentence: briefly state how your experiences and/or education will help you as an employee

10. Cover Letter Third paragraph Sign the letter
First sentence: thank person for considering your application
Second sentence: provide a phone number where you can be reached for an interview appointment
Sign the letter

11. Follow-up Letter Send about 2 to 3 weeks after your interview
Use business style (same as cover letter)
First paragraph
First sentence: thank the person for the interview (give date).
Second sentence: acknowledge how impressed you were with the facility

12. Follow-up Letter Second paragraph Sign letter
First sentence: state that you are still interested in the position
Second sentence: ask about the “status of my application” (but don’t sound desperate!)
Ask the interviewer to call you at his or her convenience—give your phone number again
Sign letter

13. Portfolios Skills qualifications Continued competency
Accountability for professional development
Credibility to support employment

14. Portfolio Building
Education
Vision of the future
Awards
Papers
Skills

15. Portfolio Building Community involvement Letters of recommendation
Continued education
Nursing philosophy
Weelby.com

16. Interview Tips

17. Fashion Dos and Don’ts (Women)
Go lightly on perfume
Invest in a good haircut—conservative is best
Carry a small business briefcase
Wear hose that matches shoes
Go easy on makeup
Wear conservative nail polish (no black!)
Dress conservatively—navy or charcoal business suit
Don’t wear sneakers, flip-flops, or heels more than 1 inch
Don’t overstuff your handbag or briefcase
Don’t wear skimpy or low cut outfits
Don’t wear large, dangling ear rings or body piercings such as nose or lip rings (or other places)

18. Fashion Dos and Don’ts (Men)
Shave or trim facial hair closely
Go easy on aftershave
Carry small business briefcase
Wear leather shoes—polished
Wear calf-length dark socks
Wear tailored suit, conservative and dark
Don’t carry an overstuffed wallet, money clip, or briefcase
Don’t carry a can of smokeless tobacco in pants or shirt pocket
Don’t wear sandals, flip-flops, sneakers, cowboy boots
Don’t wear green or flashy clothes

19. Questions Interviewees Should Ask
What responsibilities are involved in the position?
Who are the other staff or personnel working on the unit?
What is the typical client-to-staff ratio for the unit?
Are there any mandatory rotating shifts, weekends, overtime, or floating?
What are the opportunities for continuing education, clinical ladder, or transfer to other departments?
Please describe the facility’s policies for employee health and safety.

20. Questions Interviewees Can Ask
Do you have a new graduate orientation program? How long is it?
Will I be assigned a preceptor or mentor?
Do you have an NCLEX review course? Do you reimburse for it? Do I get paid while I’m at it?
Do you have relocation assistance?
Do you have a sign-on bonus?
Do you have flexible scheduling?
Do you have tuition reimbursement?

21. Questions Interviewees Can Ask
How long before I am eligible for benefits? Do you have a 401K?
Do you charge for parking?
Do you offer cafeteria discounts or discounts with local uniform or supplies companies?
How does your system of merit raises work?
After I accept the job offer, what is the next step?
What steps does a staff nurse take to implement a new procedure?

22. Questions Interviewees Should NOT Ask First
How much do I get paid?
When can I take a vacation?
How much of a raise do I get each year?
What types of benefits do I get?

23. Questions Interviewers Often Ask
Why do you want this position?
Why have you selected our facility?
Why do you think you are qualified for the position?
What unique abilities do you have that would make you more qualified than other applicants?
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?

24. Questions Interviewers Shouldn’t Ask but Sometimes Do
What is your sexual preference?
Do you plan on getting married?
Do you plan on having a baby?
How old are you?
What is your religion?
Are you a Republican?
Who do you live with?
You look pretty dark—what race are you?

25. 20 Worst Job Interview Mistakes
Arriving late
Arriving too early (10–15 minutes is acceptable)
Dressing wrong (see fashion dos and don’ts)
Having your cell phone or beeper go off during the interview (and answering it)
Drinking alcohol or smoking prior to the interview
Chewing gum and/or blowing bubbles

26. 20 Worst Job Interview Mistakes
Bringing along a friend, relative, or children
Not being prepared––not having an interview “dress rehearsal”
Calling the interviewer by his or her first name
Not knowing your strengths and weaknesses
Asking too many questions of the interviewer (a few are acceptable)
Not asking any questions at all
Asking about pay and vacation as the first questions

27. 20 Worst Job Interview Mistakes
Accusing the interviewer of discrimination
Bad-mouthing your present or former boss or employer
Name-dropping to impress the interviewer
Appearing lethargic and unenthusiastic
Weak, “dead fish,” or bone-crusher handshake
Looking at your watch during the interview
Losing your cool or arguing with the interviewer

28. You Got the Job! Now You Can Party!