Whether you are new to the healthcare information technology industry or a seasoned consultant, use these sixteen steps for presenting your resume to healthcare IT recruiters to stand out in the crowd.
1. First and foremost, have your resume updated and prepared to submit to the recruiter. The competition is fierce out there, so time is of the essence.
2. Include every aspect of your job duties including all vendor systems. This is not the time to be vague. Consider using bullet points. They’re clean, simple and direct. I seriously doubt the VP of applications at a major health system has time to search for information in your resume. Chances are, he or she has a great relationship with the consulting firm and trusts they are being presented with the right candidate. Make it easy for them to make that decision.
3. Outline your core strengths. Cater your resume towards the specific role for which you are applying.
4. Use key action words such as Built, Tested, Implemented, Supported, Led, etc. Include the specific vendor systems for these roles as well.
5. Be sure to include the month/year for each project/position. Not presenting this information makes you appear less credible.
6. Keep everything uniform – the basics of resume writing. Your resume style should be consistent.
7. Stick with the facts. It’s easier to explain why you don’t know the answer than why you misrepresented your expertise. Ask the recruiter to assist you.
8. Highlight any certifications and education. On the other hand, there is no need to send a soft copy of your certification to the recruiter. They will most likely verify this information via the internet or through a contact with the actual vendor.
9. Include your extended background IF it pertains to the industry. Two to three pages is great if this is necessary to highlight your experience. However, be careful not to go beyond this.
10. Remove any references on your resume, but have them prepared to send separately once there is a confirmed interest from both parties.
11. Prepare one to two letters of reference in soft copy format. Have these ready to send as well.
12. Proofread, Proofread, Proofread, then have someone else Proofread your resume. Let the resume showcase your skills not your grammatical errors. Oh, and please do not refer to yourself in third person.
13. Remember that the recruiter is not an HIT Consultant. Therefore, their technical skills are sometimes limited to searching for key words or specific details within a resume. Do not get offended when you are asked to expand on your experience or provide more detail. The recruiter may be searching for that key piece of information for which the client is seeking.
14. Be willing to reveal the other clients to which you have been submitted. Details are not necessary. This is to protect you from being submitted twice to the same client.
15. Keep track of where your resume has been submitted especially if you are working with multiple consulting firms.
16. Lastly, insist that the recruiter must have your verbal or written permission to submit your resume to clients.
-Renee Brannan
(written in collaboration with Romona Rivere, Sr. Healthcare IT Recruiter)
Renee is a Business Development Manager for HIT Consulting Jobs and can be reached at 214-412-8871 or renee@hitconsultingjobs.com.
