For example, the sample new-grad resumes from California State University Chico and University of Texas San Antonio both have the headings listed in the order we recommend. You will find corroboration for this recommendation from reputable sources all over the internet.
Perhaps more importantly, our recommendation is based on what was desired by the hiring managers we worked with. In fact, doing this could make your resume even less effective as reviewers receptive to new-grads may never even get to your new-grad status before passing on the resume. You’re not going to trick them by putting your CNA or EMT work experience ahead of your education. If they’re not considering new-grads for the opening and are instead requiring experience for the position, then they’re not going to be receptive to your situation. If employers are considering new-grads for an open position, then recruiters and hiring managers are going to be receptive to your situation. There is no point in trying to hide this fact. Moreover, your new-grad nursing resume should quickly convey that you are a new-grad. You can’t obtain RN work experience without an RN license and you can’t get an RN license without first graduating from an accredited nursing program and passing the NCLEX. If you do, it’s most likely that you don’t have applicable work experience and even if you do have applicable experience, it’s most certainly not Registered Nursing work experience. So, here’s our supporting argument…Īs a new-grad, you may not even have work experience. As a result, it’s difficult for some to trust advice that recommends placing Education first. Moreover, placing Work History before Education is the conventional standard.
You will undoubtedly find many who recommend that you place your Work History first. Next, include your Education followed by your Clinical Rotations. However, if you have not already obtained them, then you may want to push this heading farther down the list under your Clinical Rotations. Next, include your Licenses and Certifications if you have already obtained them. As usual, you should place the Summary as first heading on your resume. Of course, your contact information should be at the top of your resume. Now let’s take a look at the ordering of the headings. Optional headings for your new-grad nursing resumeĮach of the following headings should be considered and included based on whether or not you have relevant details to include: Headings that every new-grad nursing resume should include (Required)Įvery new-grad resume should include the following headings (we’ll discuss why we recommend these headings and provide tips for each below): There are certain headings that every new-grad should include and other headings that will depend on whether or not you have any applicable details to include under those headings. Let’s first consider which headings to include on your resume. How you structure your resume has an impact on its effectiveness. How to Structure Your New-Grad Nursing Resume In this blog post, we’ll draw on that experience to provide a comprehensive guide to creating an amazing nursing resume for new-grads. As former recruiters, we reviewed thousands of new-grad resumes. Moreover, many new-grads wonder how to structure their nursing resume in a way that best conveys their current skill-set and value to prospective employers. The fear of having no experience and being unqualified leaves many wondering what details to include. Writing a new-grad nursing resume is a daunting task for most new-grads.