Preparing a resume can be tough. You have to choose a format, include all relevant work history, and find the right words to convey your unique knowledge, skills, and abilities. Figuring out how to include your contract assignments doesn’t have to be an added burden; we can help.

Your experience is valuable

What did you learn during your last assignment? How about the one before that? Contract work can expose you to many new learning experiences, and that experience can be very valuable to future employers. Hiring managers at future employers consider temporary assignments as credible and noteworthy work history, and this information has a place on the resume.

What does short-term employment say about you? It can show that you’re the type who’s willing to roll with the punches and do what it takes to keep your skills current. If you focus on what you learned and gained, you can capitalize on your experience. For example, if you worked in a high-pressure department and used your skills to keep cool and help your team keep cool, that could be valuable to a future employer.

Be clear

Employers may receive a significant number of resumes for any given job posting. As a result, each resume may receive a very brief look before the employer decides whether to give it further consideration or toss it in the recycling bin. Be clear about your contract work. Some people who have done contract work include a short statement at the top of the resume noting whether you are looking for more contract work, want full-time employment, or have other goals.

When you do contract work, the staffing agency is your employer. Use bullet points to describe the work you did that’s relevant to the job you’re applying for. Are you familiar with the advice to write a separate resume and cover letter for each job opening you pursue? It’s especially important to do so now so you can tailor your description of your experience to the position. Although it takes extra time and effort, it will be worth it if it helps you land the job of your dreams.

Put your best foot forward

Make sure to emphasize the highlights of your contract work. For example, if it’s relevant to the job you’re applying for, elaborate on the type of caseload you’ve managed, including the number of patients/clients served and the specific challenges your caseload presented.

What makes you stand out among applicants for the position? Highlight that, too. If you’ve received a particular type of training and it’s relevant to the position, include it. Similarly, if you’ve gained experience working in a particular environment, such as a multidisciplinary team, include that, too, if it’s relevant to the position.

We can help

At 365 Healthcare Staffing Services, we specialize in the recruitment and placement of healthcare professionals in per diem, travel, and permanent assignments in healthcare facilities across the country. That means that no matter what type of assignment you’re looking for, we can help you find it. Give us a call at 310.436.3650; we would love to work with you!