When people are applying for jobs online, one of the most frequently asked questions is how to write a resume. Many employers no longer simply require that you fill out a job application. Instead, you need to submit a resume for healthcare as well as many other fields. If you have never written a behavioral health resume before, you might not know where to start. Since your resume is a potential employer’s first impression of you, it is important to learn how to write a good resume for healthcare.
Browse through the jobs board on Behavioral Health Jobs to see which positions are available in your area or remotely. The job postings can give you an idea of what qualities employers are looking for, which can help guide you as you write your resume.
What to Include in Your Resume for Healthcare
If you have looked at resume templates online, you have probably noticed many different types of resumes. This can make it more confusing to decide which one is right for a behavioral health resume. If you want your resume to stand out, you need to include the following components:
- A cover letter
- A header with your contact information
- A customized objective
- Areas of expertise
- Relevant work experience
- Education
- Licenses
- Certifications
Writing a Cover Letter for Your Resume for Healthcare
While not all employers require a cover letter with your healthcare resume, it looks more professional and can help your resume stand out from others that skimped on this feature. When writing a cover letter:
- Limit it to one page.
- Include the same header you used for your resume.
- Format it like a formal letter with a header, date, introduction, body, and closing.
- Break the body up into several short paragraphs for easier reading.
- State the position you are applying for and explain how your education, work experience, and personal skills make you the best candidate for the job.
Writing an Objective for a Behavioral Health Resume
Some people opt to start their resumes off with a summary instead of an objective. They are both similar, but an objective may help your resume stand out more since it includes your goals for the job. When writing an objective:
- Keep it short with no more than three sentences.
- Briefly state your degree, certification, and/or license, along with years of relevant experience.
- In one or two sentences, explain your goals for using your experience in the job position.
- Include keywords from the job posting when possible.
Writing the Body of Your Resume for Healthcare
After your objective, you will want to break your resume into several sections to make it easier for a potential employer to skim through. Here are some key sections to include in your behavioral health resume:
- Follow up your objective with a section featuring your areas of expertise. Focus on your experience that relates to the qualifications listed in the job posting.
- Create a section for your relevant work experience. Start with your most recent position and work backward chronologically. Include your job responsibilities for each position that will be useful to you in the job you are applying for.
- Create a section for your education, starting with the most recent degree if you have more than one.
- Finish your resume with a section that lists your certifications and licenses.
Behavioral Health Jobs: Answering Your Frequently Asked Questions About Resumes
At Behavioral Health Jobs, we understand that sending out resume after resume without a response can be frustrating. In addition to providing the latest behavioral health job postings in your area, we supply you with information about preparing a resume that stands out so you can get your foot in the door. Follow our tips for crafting a killer resume, then head over to our jobs board to start applying for your next dream job in healthcare.