Resume and Reference Tips for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Resume and Reference Tips

Contributed by Jill Cacic

Whether you are an experienced sonographer looking for a new opportunity or a recent graduate looking for your first job, a polished resume is necessary to catch a recruiter’s eye. Applying for ultrasound jobs can be stressful but having a well-written resume and reliable references will help you on the job hunt.

Our team of experienced human resource specialists created these tips to help your resume stand out:

· Research templates - You don't need to create a resume from scratch. A simple search for resume templates will provide you with free or low-cost options that work best for those in the medical field. Make sure you find space to include your credentialing and to explain any gaps in employment.

· Use spellcheck - It doesn't matter if you are Captain of the Grammar Police or won the third-grade Spelling Bee, use spellcheck on your resume before hitting send. There can be dozens of applicants per opening, correcting a simple spelling or grammar error might save you from the discard pile.

· Consistency is key - Are you using bullet points, dashes, or numbers? Make sure your formatting stays the same throughout your resume. You shouldn't switch between bullet points and numbers. Keep it consistent throughout.

· Easy to follow - Your resume should take the hiring manager on a journey through your education and employment history. Make sure you list your most recent job first. Avoid flowery or complicated formats. Keep it simple; let your qualifications shine!

· Be basic - Avoid using custom or unique fonts that may not be compatible with every computer. Send your resume as a PDF instead of a Word document. Not every computer opens every file the same, so your resume masterpiece may turn up a scrambled mess on the hiring manager's screen.

· Update your contact information – Make sure you have a professional email address listed on your resume. You can use a free email provider to get an email address with your first and last name. Double-check that your current phone number is listed. Not having the most current contact information can make it difficult for recruiters to contact you.

· Don't take any work history for granted - Even if your employment history covers more retail positions than medical experience, do not omit them. Customer service is one of the most desired skills for sonographers. If you have a gap in your work history, think about how you can apply the skills you learned as a stay at home mom, for example, and use them in this new position.

So, you've written your resume and (spell)checked it twice, now you need to make sure you have a solid list of references to back it up. Here are some tips to consider when selecting your references:

· List at least three references - You don't need a laundry list of people to contact. You should aim to have at least three solid references listed on your resume. Remember quality over quantity.

· Inform your references that you are using them as a reference - Before listing someone as a reference, make sure you let him/her know you are using them as a reference and with what position, if possible. Make sure they are available for a phone call and able to pick up the phone.

· Be direct - List the first and last name of your reference, direct phone number (including extensions), and an email address they regularly check. If you are unable to list their direct line, the human resources department would be the next best thing.

· Don't underestimate the power of your professors - If you recently graduated college and don't have strong references from your work experience, use your professors as a reference.

· Avoid personal connections - Avoid using a personal or character reference if you can. Using a professional contact (even a professor or instructor) is preferred.

· Say "Thank You" - After you land the job, send a personal note to your references to thank them for their time. A hand-written note is recommended, but an email will suffice in a pinch.

Having a polished resume that showcases your qualifications and a list of references eager to share glowing reviews about you will make your job search a lot easier. View our current openings and apply today.