5 Key Sections to Include on Your Resume as a New Grad OT
Anyone else not a huge fan of resume writing? I always struggle to know what relevant information to include and more importantly, how to state it concisely. Admittedly, I can be a bit wordy. I used to always get called out for having too much “fluff” in my papers. I can’t help it, I like to talk!
I know what you’re thinking, well how am I supposed to take advice from you? Okay listen, eventually I got my act together and like anything I want to learn, I started researching, studying, getting feedback and practicing. And hey - I must’ve done something right because I received multiple call backs after submitting my resume! I started working on my resume right after graduation. So, let’s get into some key areas to include on your resume as a new grad!
Key Qualifications + Skills: This is the area where you can do a short showcase of what you have to offer. I included things like holistic and evidence-based practice, proactive, readiness to learn, clinical documentation, activity analysis, and caseload management. Be sure to read the job description and try to include some of those key words in this area if they apply to you!
Clinical Experience: This should be the bulk of your resume. I included my ADE (advanced doctoral experience) and both level II clinical rotations. I included the dates for each experience and where it was conducted (name and setting). Be sure to include roles and responsibilities for the different settings and include any projects/in-services you did. I listed my level I fieldwork sites with name, location, and setting.
Relevant Professional Experience: This is where you can include any professional positions you did that are relevant to the job you are applying for. For example, I listed that I am a Certified Newborn Care Specialist here.
Unique Coursework: If you don’t have a ton of professional experience, this is a great place to list any outside courses you’ve taken or electives that are relevant to the position you are applying. I included electives such as an early intervention class and pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders class. Once you start working, you can swap this out for a CEU/PDU section.
Presentations & Publications: If you like research, this is a great place to showcase it! I included my presentation at the National Association of Neonatal Therapists
These are the primary areas I focused on when creating my resume - but of course, this is not an all inclusive list! However, I spent the most time on these sections because I felt it best highlighted my skills and abilities unique to the setting I was applying for (early intervention). Lastly, remember to have the most updated contact information, too for when you get the call - which you will!
If you’re currently on the hunt for a job - check out 5 Tips For Your OT Job Hunt where I share exactly what I did to narrow my search, ace my interview, and find a position straight out of school.