How to Write a Winning Resume
Tracy Toothaker • June 19, 2025
At Worldwide HealthStaff Solutions, we want to ensure you have all the tools you need to succeed in securing the best opportunities for your nursing career. A great resume is key to making a strong impression on employers. Whether you’re applying for a job in the U.S. or preparing your career materials, your resume is your first opportunity to stand out. Here’s a guide to help you craft a resume that highlights your skills and experiences in the best possible light.
Why Your Resume Matters
Your resume is your first chance to make an impression on potential employers. It’s your opportunity to showcase your skills, highlight your expertise, and demonstrate your English proficiency. A polished resume also helps you position yourself for the best rates and job opportunities available, as it reflects your experience and qualifications clearly.
Dos and Don’ts for Writing Your Resume:
Do’s:
1. Include Personal Information
- Always start with your first and last name, contact information (phone and email), and your NCLEX pass date (if applicable).
2. List Work Experience in Chronological Order
- Include all relevant work experience, organized by month and year. Make sure to highlight the units and specialties for each position.
3. Highlight Skills and Certifications
- Emphasize any certifications, technology, and specific skills, such as EMR, that you’ve gained throughout your career.
Don’ts:
1. Include Irrelevant Information
- Avoid adding hobbies, past salary details, religious affiliations, weight, gender, family history, or names of family members. These are not relevant to the job and can distract from your qualifications.
2. Forget to Proofread
- Don’t trust AI alone for proofreading. Always double-check your resume for spelling and grammatical errors to ensure professionalism
Best Practices for a Winning Resume:
1. List EMR, Certifications, and Technology Skills
- Including your familiarity with Electronic Medical Records (EMR), certifications like BLS, ACLS, or PALS, and other technology tools will set you apart from other candidates.
2. Include RN-to-Patient Ratios
- If possible, provide your RN-to-patient ratio for each role. This helps employers understand your workload and ability to manage patient care demands effectively.
3. Use a Clear, Professional Format
- Resumes should be clear, easy to read, and professional. Our customizable template is designed to help you do just that! It’s optimized for applicant tracking systems (ATS) and ensures your resume is polished and professional, highlighting your qualifications.
Next Steps:
Now that you have the tools to create a standout resume, it’s time to put them into action! Reach out to recruiting@healthstaff.org for access to the WWHS customizable resume template.
Stay Tuned for More Career Tips and Resources:
Be sure to stay connected with us for more career tips, tools, and resources to help you throughout your journey. We’re here to support you at every stage of your career and ensure you have everything you need to succeed!
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