10 Standout Words to Use in Your Healthcare Resume

You probably know the basics of resume writing, like structure, formatting, and content. But there’s another element that either makes your healthcare resume stand out or gets it sent to the bottom of the stack.

That element is how you present yourself through your writing. You need to catch an interviewer’s attention with standout words that highlight your skill set, confidence, and qualifications for the job.

Your experience and education are usually the most important aspects of your healthcare resume, but if it’s between you and another equally qualified candidate, using standout words to present yourself can help you win the top spot.

Words to Make Your Healthcare Resume “Pop”

Use these words and phrases on your healthcare professional resume to help you stand out among the rest.

1. Achieved

Talk about projects that you finished at your previous jobs or major personal achievements you made outside of work. Highlight what you have achieved to show you can get the job done if they choose you to fill the open healthcare position.

2. Trained

Participating in training is impressive to prospective employers because it shows that you not only have a solid foundation of skills, but a thirst for knowledge. You can also use “trained” in the context of training others. This signifies that you have leadership skills, which can be especially beneficial if you’re pursuing a management healthcare role.

3. Managed

Even if you’re not applying for a management position, showing that you have the capability to lead emphasizes your ability to handle a large workload and manage multiple tasks. It can also be used to reference managing other healthcare personnel, which can be helpful if you’re applying for a leadership position.

4. Volunteered

Volunteer experience is great to include on a healthcare resume because it lets the interviewer know you’re hardworking both at work and in your time off. It also shows you’re a passionate person who is willing to donate your time and resources. (You might even support the same charities or areas of interest as the prospective employer!)

5. Built/Created

Contributions to a major work effort are especially impressive to new employers. Plus, they exemplify your creativity and organizational skills. Examples in healthcare might include building a mentorship program for new medical administrative assistants or creating a workflow for medical billers and coders.

6. Earned

Sharing any accolades or recognition received during a previous position is often impressive to prospective employers. It says that prior employers were satisfied with your work product and/or effort. Mentioning distinctions you’ve received in work settings isn’t being boastful. Instead, consider it one way to show that you were recognized for your willingness to go above and beyond.

7. Designed

Design skills show your creativity and originality, which is important in certain positions. Maybe you’re interested in a healthcare management role. Having designed new employee onboarding programs in the past can help showcase your talents. If you’re interested in a healthcare accounting position, having designed a new financial spreadsheet for a former employer would be a good thing to share.

8. Operated

Experience with high-tech software or special skills acquired through another company — even one not in healthcare — shows that you’re a fast learner and adaptable to different work environments. Of course, if you can tie the experience or skills back to the position you want, this can make your resume for healthcare even stronger.

9. Completed

Show your ability to work on a project from beginning to end. This shows follow-through and grit. Did you complete a particular training program? This would also be helpful to share on your healthcare resume.

10. Navigated

The power in this word lies in the fact that it implies that you faced and overcame some type of challenge. This can be important to a healthcare employer since you may deal with adversity in your desired role, whether with a co-worker or patient. The employer wants to know that you know how to handle conflict in an effective and productive way.

Words NOT to Use on Your Healthcare Resume

On the flip side, adjectives such as “hard-working,” “cooperative,” or “innovative” are not standout words for a healthcare resume. They’re overused and don’t tell much about your experience.

The words in the list above directly relate to positions and skills that can earn you the top spot on the employer’s candidate list. Focus on them and other action verbs so it is clear what you’ve accomplished and how you can benefit the employer should they hire you for the open position.

One Final Word on Your Resume for Healthcare…

It’s important to note that some employers use software to scan resumes for keywords they want to see. In addition to the words above, use words related to your job title to get passed these automated scanners.

You can generally find these words in the job description. Pay attention to the words that the employer uses and use them in your healthcare resume too, if they fit.

Ultimate Medical Academy is here to help students and grads create compelling healthcare resumes. If we can help you, contact us today. We can also assist with job interview preparation!