Employers' biggest pet peeves with optometric resumes

A doctor of optometry’s resume makes the first initial impression to a potential employer.  While most candidates refine their resume to make it as sharp as possible, employers and recruiters still see missteps that can leave a negative impression.  To gain further insight into this issue, AOAExcel talked with a professional who reviews hundreds of optometric resumes as part of her position as a recruiter -- Chelsea Page, Manager of Physician & APP Recruitment for Covenant Physician Partners, offers some pet peeves that ODs can fall into and what should be avoided.

Page notes that since your resume is essentially an introduction to your application, it’s important to get the details of your career right so that you leave a good first impression.  “Resumes that are not well organized or lack dates for work history are not well received.”  She also advises to avoid the excessive use of colors, font types, and photos, which may be more appropriate for non-clinical professions.  Page recommends the use of a professional resume service to edit your resume.  “This is a small investment with long-term gain, if you can land the job you want.”

Prioritizing your information should be of major importance.  Page says “the hiring manager will be reviewing numerous applicants and will be quickly accessing your qualifications.”  She recommends making sure the first page of your resume includes the most significant part of your story.  For support information “the phone screening or interview is an excellent time to elaborate on parts not included in your resume.”  Including a brief cover letter and a summary that ties together your professional background and goals is a plus also.  Page notes “Recruiters and hiring managers are keen to recognize the extra effort.”

When it comes to factors that would cause a resume to be rejected, Page listed two things: lack of professionalism and too many errors.  Because recruiters need to select candidates to represent their organization, “(it) would be a difficult resume to pass through.” 

Finally, ODs often ask if they should include anything on their resume that is unrelated to the job, such as hobbies and interests.  Page says those are fine if they are done in a way that adds value and doesn’t distract from your professional qualifications.  “If you choose some personal expression, focus on the characteristics that would express what you may be like to work with rather than a personal biography” she adds.

ODs looking for additional resources can rely on the AOAExcel Career Center for career advice and tips.  Job seekers can view current OD openings across the country all in one convenient location by searching the job board -- which is specifically aimed at optometrists.  Employers can get their open positions directly in front of thousands of qualified ODs.  AOA members receive special pricing for job listings.  Get started here.