Hey there, PT crew! If you are a new graduate, congratulations on completing your studies and entering the exciting world of physical therapy! Now comes the next big step: landing your dream job. And to do that, you need a top-notch resume that showcases your skills, experiences, and passion for helping others. Before we dive into some resume basics let’s first discuss the cover letter.
The Cover Letter
Perhaps the only thing job-seekers dread more than writing a resume is writing the cover letter to go with it. How well you write a cover letter may play a large part in how effective your resume will be. A good cover letter may get you an interview; a bad one may make your resume little more than an afterthought.
To write a compelling cover letter you must first realize its purpose. The cover letter is primarily used to introduce yourself, briefly explain why your resume should be read, and ask to be invited in for a personal interview. This applies to known or unknown job openings because you have done your research and the company should meet you for mutual benefit.
Your cover letter should be addressed to the director of rehabilitation services or the owner of the facility if it is private practice. If you don’t know the director or owner of where you’re applying find out ahead of time.
You should include a brief statement of introduction, specifically explaining why you are writing and attaching your resume. If you are responding to an advertised or posted job opening, identify that opening by job title and the advertisement or posting date.
Add one or two brief paragraphs targeted specifically at the employer’s needs and your ability to address those needs without repeating or rephrasing everything in your resume. Remember to use an acceptable business format, check your grammar, and make sure it’s free of all typos and misspelled words. Have a classmate, mom, or mentor read and re-read your document to find any grammatical issues.
Close with a paragraph that asks for action and promises follow-through. State plainly that you will call in a few days to request a mutually convenient time to meet in person. This cover letter is the first piece of your work that a potential employer sees. It reflects your ability to communicate and get a job done! If it doesn’t work, your resume will not be read and you may not get an interview or job offer.
What should a cover letter not include? Certainly, nothing that will incriminate you or cause the reader to toss the resume before the examination.
Do not:
• Include a salary demand regardless if it is requested in the ad.
• Start the cover letter with “Dear Employer” This sounds too pretentious
• Go over 2 pages. If a document is too wordy the employer may think they have found a PT who can’t get documentation done on time.
• Do not give personal information not relative to the job. Avoid things like: “As a Christian, I feel your practice is perfect for me” “WVU grads should stick together” or “Bill Johnson told me about this position” unless you are very sure Bill Johnson is a positive influence in this person’s life.
• Don’t volunteer certain information. “I won’t be licensed for another 3 months” “I am a convicted felon” “I hate rural Kentucky but would be willing to work there for a little while”
Now that we have taken a closer look at the cover letter feel free to look at some examples below!
Now that we have covered the basics of crafting a cover letter let’s focus on the resume itself. It is not as hard as many believe to write a good resume. There are some rules of thumb to follow when putting your resume together.
Understanding the Purpose of Your Resume
Let’s start by understanding the true purpose of your resume. As a new graduate, your resume serves as a marketing tool, presenting the best version of yourself to potential employers. It’s the first impression you make, so make it count! What I would recommend doing first is Identifying the Target Audience.
When crafting your resume, try to find out who will be reading your resume. Keep in mind that your target audience is potential employers who are seeking skilled and compassionate physical therapists like yourself. They want to see how you can make a difference in the lives of their patients. Typically your audience can be boiled down into 3 main groups. It will either be the director of the department, the human resources staff, or executive recruiters.
Resume writing tips for Human Resources. This group is short on time. Make sure your resume quickly answers the following three questions: What does this client want to do? What is this client’s overall experience? What makes this client uniquely qualified? Your goal is to pique the interest of the reader to call you (not your life history).
Resume writing tips for Executive Recruiters. Although this group tends to ‘read’ resumes in much the same way as Human Resources, there are some subtle differences. Namely, within your cover letter, you need to specify where you want to work geographically, and what your salary requirements are.
A resume to the director of rehabilitation can be more flavorful and can contain buzzwords and concise statements that show you know the ins and outs of the system. One question you may have is “How do I handle gaps in employment on my resume?” One method is to indicate employment dates by year, not by month and year. This allows you to ‘buffer’ awkward gaps in employment.
It is helpful to ask the question “Why are they hiring me?” There are two reasons why a company wants to hire you. You want to reflect these two reasons in your resume and cover letter.
1. You have the experience and skills that they feel can translate into successful performance at their company.
2. The second reason is not so obvious. You have personal traits that led to your previous achievements. These traits usually cannot be taught. These traits include innovation, tenacity, creativity, communication skills, resourcefulness, motivation, leadership skills, empathy, and common sense. If you have traits that led to achievements of interest to an employer, mention them on your resume.
Highlighting Key Skills and Experiences
Make sure you highlight skills and abilities that are relevant to where you are applying.
Don’t worry if you feel like you lack extensive experience. Instead, focus on relevant clinical experiences, internships, and any volunteer work that allowed you to interact with patients. List your skills and attributes in order of importance. Most directors will skim resumes. Omit needless items. These include: hobbies (your employer probably does not care if you hunt or knit as a hobby), day-to-day functions in the clinic (Employers expect that if you were an inpatient staff physical therapist you wrote notes, were responsible for transfers, etc.) Remember as a physical therapist, your ability to connect with patients and create a positive environment is invaluable. Showcase your personality traits and soft skills in your resume to make yourself memorable. In my resume, I made sure to mention my genuine passion for helping patients regain their functional mobility and independence. Hiring managers appreciate candidates who demonstrate a strong sense of purpose and genuine care. Physical therapy requires a range of skills beyond technical knowledge. Emphasize your skills, such as effective communication, empathy, and teamwork. These attributes are equally important as your clinical expertise.
As a recommendation for new clinicians, I would advise against listing your social activities in college because it binds you too closely to being a student. That is not to say that personal experiences can not be valuable. For instance, I included my experience during a rotation helping a worker’s comp patient recover after an ankle injury, and it helped demonstrate my commitment to the field.
What are the biggest mistakes people make in their cover letters and resumes? Employers and executive recruiters have reported it comes down to two items:
1. The first mistake is not indicating what position you want at a company. A whopping 25% of all resumes do not specify what the client wants!
2. The second biggest mistake is spelling errors. One small spelling error could sink your chances of an interview, regardless of your qualifications. Please make sure that your cover letter fits the position that you are applying for.
Structuring Your Resume
A well-structured resume is crucial to grab the attention of hiring managers. Let’s break it down:
Header and Contact Information
At the top of your resume, include your name, contact information, and professional email address. Keep it professional – a cutesy email handle might not make the best impression. Here are some examples that I would NOT recommend: partygirl@yahoo.com, iluvbeer@hotmail.com, and beachbum@earthilink.com.
Listing Educational Qualifications and Certifications
As new graduates, your education is a key asset. List your physical therapy degree, any honors or awards received, and any relevant certifications. Don’t forget to include your license number if you’ve already obtained it.
Spotlight on Continuing Education and Professional Development
Show your dedication to continuous learning by including any additional certifications or specialized training you’ve completed. As a new graduate, it is unlikely you have taken any continuing education. If you have the opportunity and funds to do so many courses offer great discounts for new grads and students. Attending workshops and conferences can be a game-changer, as they demonstrate your commitment to staying updated with the latest industry advancements.
Formatting and Design Tips
A well-organized and aesthetically pleasing resume stands out. Utilize bullet points to present information concisely, use a clean and readable font, and avoid using too many colors or fancy fonts. Keep it professional. In my experience, unless you are applying for a graphic design job employers in our field are not interested in how creative you are in a Word document. I would advise a simpler cleaner resume compared to a flashy resume with colors and pictures.
Proofreading and Editing
Again (and this can not be stated enough) before you hit that “submit” button, make sure to proofread your resume multiple times. Spelling and grammar errors can be off-putting to employers. Ask a friend or mentor to review your resume as well – fresh eyes can catch mistakes you might have missed.
A Brief Word About References
It is customary not to include a list of references on your resume. What I would suggest is simply put “References available on request”. It is however a good idea to take the list with you when you go to the interview.
Remember before you put someone down as a reference, make sure you ask them if it is OK, and ask if they will give you a good reference. Employers are expecting to hear nothing but praise from your references, so if they get a lukewarm or negative response, they are going to question you. (Ask yourself if someone isn’t careful/smart enough to put down good references, do you want them working for you?)
Keep your references up to date on your job search, and let them know they may be expecting a call and from whom. If you are using a current co-worker, remind them to use discretion about your job-hunting activities. If you are required to put down a reference from a previous employer, and you know that their response will be negative, let the interviewer know that ahead of time. You never want to give out too much information, but you don’t want them to get blindsided either.
Take a look at some examples below! (If you have more experience just add to the New Grad Resume template)
Conclusion
Crafting the perfect physical therapy resume is a journey, and as a new graduate, you have all the potential to excel in this field. Take your time to tailor your resume, showcase your passion for physical therapy, and highlight your unique experiences.
Remember, landing your first job might take time and persistence, but with a well-crafted resume that reflects your skills and dedication, you’ll be well on your way to a fulfilling career as a physical therapist. Good luck!
FAQs: Crafting Your Physical Therapy Resume
How do I stand out as a new graduate with limited experience?
As a new graduate, focus on relevant clinical experiences, internships, and any volunteer work you’ve done in the field. Highlight specific cases you were involved in and the positive outcomes you contributed to. Additionally, consider including any research projects or case studies you’ve participated in during your academic journey. Don’t forget to showcase your soft skills and passion for helping patients, as they can set you apart from other candidates.
How do I tailor my resume for different job applications?
Take the time to research each prospective employer and understand their specific needs and values. Customize your resume to highlight the skills and experiences that align with the clinic’s or organization’s focus. Use the same language used in the job description to mirror their requirements and show that you are a perfect fit for the role they are offering.
Should I include a cover letter along with my resume?
Including a cover letter is always a good idea, especially when applying for your first job as a physical therapist. A well-written cover letter allows you to further express your enthusiasm for the position and explain how your skills and experiences match the job requirements. It’s an opportunity to showcase your personality and demonstrate why you’re the ideal candidate.
How long should my resume be?
As a new graduate, aim for a one-page resume that concisely presents your qualifications and experiences. Focus on the most relevant information and avoid including unnecessary details. Remember, hiring managers often receive numerous applications, so a clear and concise one-page resume can make a stronger impact.
Is it essential to include continuing education and professional development on my resume?
Yes, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Including any additional certifications, workshops, seminars, or conferences you’ve attended demonstrates your dedication to staying current with industry advancements. It also shows that you are proactive in enhancing your skills, which is highly valued in the field of physical therapy.
How can I make my resume visually appealing without overdoing it?
A visually appealing resume doesn’t mean going overboard with graphics or colors. Instead, focus on a clean and professional design that is easy to read. Use bullet points to present information in a concise manner, and choose a simple and readable font. You can add a touch of personality through subtle design elements, such as a colored header or a professional profile picture if appropriate.
Should I include references on my resume?
It’s not necessary to include references directly on your resume. Save the space for showcasing your skills and experiences. Instead, have a separate document ready with your references and provide it when requested by potential employers during the later stages of the hiring process.
How can I use keywords effectively without sounding robotic?
Incorporating keywords should feel natural and seamless within your resume. Focus on using them in the context of your experiences and skills. Avoid stuffing your resume with keywords, as it may come across as forced and inauthentic. Remember, your goal is to strike a balance between incorporating relevant keywords and maintaining a smooth and engaging narrative.
How long does it usually take to hear back from potential employers after submitting my resume?
The time it takes to hear back from potential employers can vary. Some clinics or organizations may respond within a few days, while others may take several weeks due to their internal hiring processes. Stay patient and continue to apply to other opportunities in the meantime. If you don’t hear back after a reasonable period, consider following up with a polite inquiry to express your continued interest in the position.