Having assumed the task of approving resumes on dentalstaffing.org, I see everything from excellent to …oh, my! Whether you're in the market for a new job or just graduating from dental school, writing a resume can be an exhausting affair. If you have a variety of skills you hope to showcase, or you have little information to put on your resume, here are some tips to help you stand out from the crowd. 

1. State your goal

• Include a declaration of intent; no fluff here, be real and be honest.
• A unique or particularly pointed interest in specific dental jobs might make you stand out amongst other candidates. Example: working with children, special needs or periodontally involved patients.

2. Keep it concise

• Brevity is everything when it comes to resume writing.
• Don’t include every job you've ever had, and don't include any previous positions held more than 15 years ago.
• Focus on including the most pertinent information because getting a second interview may depend on owning skills beyond the qualifications indicated for the described dental position.
• As a new graduate, include only past work experience that showcases your strengths as a candidate.
• Highlight the skills that make you a better candidate for the dentist, hygienist, assistant or certified technician position. These skills include management or leadership experience or experience working independently.
• Display this information in a clear, organized way, making it easy for the hiring manager to read. Make certain your spelling and grammar are correct.
• Limit any paragraphs or sections to five lines.
• Remember, it's your mission to make yourself stand apart.

3. Highlight achievements

• Showcase your unique talents: these include awards you’ve achieved, promotions, or any pertinent company successes you’ve achieved.
• Dentists and dental office managers want to see quantifiable achievements with direct results because of your efforts.
• List any professional credentials you've obtained including honorable designations, memberships, and/or awards.

4. Get Your Resume Seen

• Get paired with the dental practice you want when you post your resume on DentalStaffing.org
• Review “Dental Professionals: Your Resume Says A Lot About You" on DentalStaffing.org. under Resources.

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“You have to learn the rules of the game.
And then you have to play better than anyone else.”
- Albert Einstein