Why Is a Resume Important?

Key Insights:

• A resume is important because hiring managers use it to evaluate whether a candidate is a good match for an open position, looking at qualifications, keywords, and career progression.
• A well-crafted resume can make a strong first impression and help you advance to the interview stage of the hiring process.
• UMA students and alumni have access to Career Services, which can provide resume writing assistance and support throughout the job search process.

A resume contains a summary of your educational credentials, work experience, and job skills. It may sound simple to create, but it can sometimes feel incredibly difficult to come up with a resume that showcases your true value to potential employers.

Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) offers a healthcare resume guide to help you navigate the resume creation process. But first, let’s understand why this document is important, so you aren’t tempted to skip developing it altogether.

Why Is a Resume Important?

Hiring managers review resumes to see if a candidate is a good match for an open position. They look for relevant keywords, applicant qualifications, career progression, and whether their skills may have been exaggerated, according to the job search site Indeed.¹

If you’re the person applying for the position, a resume is your opportunity to show why you may be a good fit or why they should select you over other applicants. It’s a tool that can help you advance to the next step in the hiring process: the job interview.

What Is the Purpose of a Resume?

On a basic level, a resume is designed to give a potential employer an overview of your education, work history, and skills. The hiring manager should be able to look at it and quickly identify whether you have the requirements needed for the open position.

A resume is also your opportunity to make a good first impression. Unless you know someone at that organization, this document is often the first time that the employer has heard about you. Taking the time to create a well-crafted resume can help you leave a positive impression.

What Does Your Resume Tell Potential Employers?

A resume tells prospective employers about your qualifications and, ideally, why you would be a good fit for the position. But it can also tell them so much more.

If your resume is clean and professional, for instance, it suggests that you have good organizational skills. Conversely, if it contains multiple spelling and grammar errors, it can mean that you lack attention to detail.³ Review your resume to ensure that it sends the message you wish to send.

Why Should You Have a Resume?

When you apply for a professional-level position, you will likely be asked to submit a resume. Creating one in advance and keeping it on hand can help you stay prepared should an opportunity suddenly arise.

If you make it to the interview stage, the hiring manager may have your resume in front of them. It should highlight your education and skills, giving you areas to expand upon if the interviewer wants to know more.

How Long Do Prospective Employers Look at a Resume?

Indeed reports that, on average, an employer will spend six to seven seconds looking over a job applicant’s resume.⁵ So, think of your resume as your 7-second commercial spot.

Your goal is to catch the hiring manager’s attention within this time, so they will keep reading. If they don’t, you likely won’t make it to the next step in the hiring process.

Do You Need a Resume to Get a Job?

Some employers only look at candidates who submit a resume, whereas others are more relaxed on this requirement. Submitting a resume, even if not required, shows that you take your career seriously and that you’re willing to put in the effort to show that you’re the person for the job.

Having a resume ready to go, even if you’re not currently looking for work, also gives you the ability to apply immediately should a job that you’re interested in suddenly arise.

Do You Need Help With Your Healthcare Job Resume?

UMA students and alumni have access to resume writing assistance. Our Career Services team can review your document and provide tips to improve it, or we can help you draft one from scratch.

Team members can also help with your job search. Would you feel more confident if you could practice interviewing in advance? Or maybe you’re interested in applying for an open position with one of our employer partners. We’re here to walk through your healthcare journey with you, wherever you are in the process.

Contact us to learn more.