Effective Resume Writing for the Audiology Student

This article will expand on those tips to focus on resume writing for students looking for CFY or externship positions. These positions sometimes require a different style of displaying a resume. Students will not have audiology work experience behind them, so the resume must focus on academic and internship experience. There are still many of the same sections included on a student's resume that are included on an experienced candidates resume, such as cover letter, objective, education, experience. Other sections (for example academic awards) that emphasize academic performance should also be included because this is the focus of the student's previous experience.

Cover Letter:

In your cover letter discuss what was learned during the education program and how that experience can make you a better audiologist. The resume will not include all of your coursework, so you may want to include some of the courses that were taken in the master's program. Also discuss what you would like to achieve from a clinical fellowship year, and as a well-trained student you will be an asset to the organization. You will be competing with other CFY candidates as well as CCC-A candidates. You want to make sure that you stand out and the cover letter is perfect place to achieve this task.

Objective:

As a student or recent graduate the objective should summarize what your goal is from your next position. Since a recent grad/student does not have any previous work experience, putting a long-term goal may be premature. A recent graduate may/may not know what they want to do 10 years down the road. Things may change once experience in the field begins. Focus on what position is desired currently. Also make the statement brief. As stated in last month's article a powerful statement is stronger than three long ones. An example of an objective could be, "To secure a position as a clinical fellow that will allow me to utilize my education and skills."

Experience Section:

This section is very critical for a student or recent graduate. Since there may be no previous non-internship work experience, it is very important to fully describe every internship or volunteer experience. Future employers want to know what was learned from each internship and how these experiences will transition the student to a hearing healthcare professional. List each internship like it was a job, and not just a semester practicum. Many candidates make the mistake of bulking their internships together for example:

2001-2003: Held internships at VA Medical Center, Dr. Smith ENT, Hearing Solutions. Experience in ABR's, OAE's, ENG's and Hearing Aid Dispensing.
The above style is confusing and fails to mention many things. It does not relay to the potential employer what dates you were at each internship. The potential employer needs to know how long each internship is because a person may learn more from a 3-month internship rather than a 1-month internship. The potential employer also needs to know what specific job responsibilities were completed at each position. If some of the responsibilities are repeated at more than one internship site, this will advise the potential employer that you have more experience than a candidate that had the same experience at one site. Also make sure to bullet point the job duties because a paragraph written style may be difficult to understand. Here is an example of a well-written description of an internship experience.

THE AUDIOLOGY GROUP, INC., Nowhere, SC Graduate Intern (January 2003 to May 2003)
Hearing evaluations for pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations
Hearing aid dispensing
Real Ear Measurements
Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAE)
Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)
Electronystagmography (ENG)
Electrocochleography (EcochG)
This looks very professional and appears to be more than an internship experience because of the wide range of responsibilities obtained at the site.

Education Section:

When listing your education always include the bachelor degree and master's degree. Include the anticipated graduation date for the master's degree in audiology. This will inform the potential employer of eligibility to begin a CFY placement. It is also important to include the G.P.A. in the master's program. The potential employer is going to focus a lot of attention on academic performance since this is the bulk of previous training for a student/recent graduate. A strong G.P.A. will reflect strong academic performance and the likelihood of strong clinical performance. After a year or two of post-graduate experience, it is not necessary to put a G.P.A., because work experience will reflect the clinical skills. It is also important to include any academic awards that may have been received, like the G.P.A. it will reflect the potential for superior clinical importance.

Other Sections:

If any extra training (for example by a hearing aid manufacturer) was completed also include this section in the resume. This will let the potential employer know of on-hands training that was learned outside training in a Professional Development section. If any research assistantships or publications were completed, it is important to add a Research or Publication section including this. Remember this type of pre-work experience will help the employer realize the skills obtained in academia. Include all research and publications that were completed during school years, that will prove that you can be a better audiologist.

Conclusion:

Searching for a CFY or externship experience can be a tough and stressful procedure. But, creating a perfect resume can prove to an employer that your academic performance makes you the best candidate. So start that job search today!!!

This article was written by the American Hearing Aid Associates (AHAA). AHAA is a company that offers business and management services to Audiologists. The Human Resource at AHAA serves as a job placement service for audiologists.