If you are an experienced teacher applying for a job, you can count on this: Nearly every candidate targeting the position has similar on-paper credentials. The same holds true for nurses. And physicians. Limousine, truck and forklift drivers. Realtors.
The list goes on.
In these licen
se-based fields, you can bet that your common qualifications will not make a significant impact on employers. They need to be mentioned on your resume, of course, to ensure that you meet the requirements of the job. But unless you graduated from a prestigious school, this aspect of your background won’t help you stand out from crowd.
How can you differentiate yourself from a pool of candidates with similar credentials? Start with your resume. Set your education aside for the moment and think about the details of your career and personality that are truly unique.
If this idea leaves you dumbfounded, then you probably need to shake yourself free of old-fashioned resume-writing techniques. In today’s job market, employers won’t look twice at a sheet of paper (or computer screen) that shows a litany of degrees and job titles. A successful resume will seize the reader’s attention within a few seconds. It will sustain interest and inspire the hiring manager to take a longer, more in-depth look. It will advocate for your strengths and promote your reputation as a valuable, one-of-a-kind candidate. It will prompt the employer to invite you to an interview.
When targeting licensed positions, it’s essential to develop a resume that achieves this kind of reaction. How? Begin by mixing up your format. Most people targeting the same jobs (your competition) will highlight their education and credentials at the top of page one. Not you! This is the most eye-catching space on your resume. Be a savvy job hunter and use this section of your document to create a powerful first impression. The key is to distinguish yourself — boldly — as the highly qualified, hard-working, stand-out individual that you are.
At the top of your resume, directly beneath your name and contact information, write a summary that showcases your core skills, features your distinct qualities and demonstrates your ability to do the job well. If you are a teacher, you might call attention to your solid work experience. Expertise in managing tough classrooms. Track record of improving scores on standardized tests. History of developing and modifying age-appropriate lesson plans to meet the needs of diversified students. Ability to integrate technology into the curriculum.
But don’t just draft a list of imprecise statements. Use concrete words and phrases that will separate you from the pack. Here is a sample first sentence: “Caring, motivated high school teacher with 10 years of experience helping hard-to-reach students overcome obstacles and develop a love of learning.”
Here’s one more: “Accomplished medical director with proven success building a profitable practice from the ground up and overseeing clinical operations to enhance quality, compliance and patient satisfaction through systematic, state-of-the-art care.”
Again, it is important to include your education and licenses on your document. Don’t discard them! Just slide them down the page a bit. Remember, you only have a few seconds to make a solid first impression. Show your readers something unique. They’ll check your credentials later.
Contact Eve at Eve.GetaJob@gmail.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
