The “jobs” door in the health information technology field is wide open. Whereas most industries have too many applicants and not enough jobs, health IT has the distinction of being one of the few fields that has the positions without the qualified candidates. As we reviewed in our State of Health IT Jobs post, healthcare providers and hospitals across the country are experiencing difficulties attracting and retaining H.I.T. workers. So, as a job-seeking health IT professional, you are likely sitting in a desirable seat. However, remember that even though the demand is there, that does not mean that the hiring process in the industry is any more lenient or qualifications are waived. You still need to have the experience and proper certifications to get the job. Where do you start in your job search? Often times, the answer is with your resume.
We have compiled some top suggestions to help you create a health IT resume that will be a great resource for you in landing a job.
1. Research First!
You may want to hit the ground running and start writing immediately, but this is often a rookie mistake. Your resume is your marketing piece and one of the first rules in marketing is to know your audience. You need to know about the organization to which you are applying. Learn about their culture, their size, their strengths and anything else that seems important to them. Also, learn about the position. What are the main criteria, tasks, and responsibilities? You should tailor your resume to the company and role you are seeking.
2. Highlight Relevant Skills
Once you have identified information surrounding the position you are applying for, it is essential to highlight your relevant skills as much as possible. Examine how your past work experience can relate to your potential job and list things out point by point. If your background is in a different industry or you lack certain experience, include those skills that you feel would be transferrable as an alternative. You may come from a non-healthcare background, but still have excellent project management skills that should make you stand out from the crowd.
3. Be Concise
Yes- it is important to include all relevant skills. However, do not include anything that is not applicable to your potential job and do not saturate your resume with “fluff.” Employers are typically busy and will often scan resumes for keywords and not read everything word-for-word. Find out what the hot keywords are for your industry and sprinkle them throughout your resume when appropriate. For health IT, it is not uncommon to have a resume that is longer than the usual one page in order to accurately describe your past work experience. However, remember to still present your skills in a clear, succinct manner.
4. Emphasize Content, Not Style
A resume is a formal document but that does not mean it should come with fancy formatting or flashy style. Your work experience should remain your focus over special fonts or stylization. Keep things clear and easy to read. You do not want your relevant skills being lost because a font does not come through properly.
5. Proofread
This cannot be said enough. Be sure to proofread your resume for any errors (spelling, grammar, spacing, etc.) prior to submitting it anywhere. Your resume is often your first impression with an employer and sending in a resume filled with misspellings does not reflect favorably on a candidate. You likely have worked hard to get to where you are professionally, so take the extra time required to ensure accuracy for your personal marketing tool.
Using these five tips to craft your resume should assist you in creating a document that will be of great benefit in your job search!
Ready to Submit Your Resume?
Excite Health Partners is looking for experienced health IT professionals to join our team. Submit your resume online or call us at 877-803-5804 for more information.