Powerful Resume Wording That Gets You Interviews
As a dental hygienist, you’re likely more focused on patient care than perfecting your resume. But here’s the truth: your resume wording could be the difference between getting an interview and being passed over. The goal? To craft resume wording that pulls employers in within the first 10 seconds. Research shows that employers spend less than 10 seconds scanning each resume, so it’s crucial to make every word count.
Less Is More: Be Efficient with Your Wording
Your resume should be concise—ideally one or two pages. Anything beyond that risks losing the employer’s attention. Long-winded sentences and dense blocks of text can make your resume feel overwhelming or unfocused. Instead, keep your statements short and impactful. Think of it like this: every word is money. If you had to pay $20 for each one, would you still include the fluff? Here’s an example:
Before: “I started a new patient program that included an office tour and sit-down meeting with myself and the doctor. We improved patient retention by more than 25 percent.”
After: “Implemented new patient orientation program, elevating retention by 25%.”
Use Active, Attention-Grabbing Language
Start each bullet point with a strong verb. This grabs attention quickly and highlights your accomplishments. Skip pronouns like “I” and use the verb to drive home your results. Active words create a sense of urgency and effectiveness—qualities employers love. If you’re stuck for ideas, there’s a wealth of active verbs to choose from.
Speak the Employer’s Language
When it comes to industry-specific terms, accuracy matters. Using the correct terminology proves you’re knowledgeable and detail-oriented. For instance, make sure you use the correct brand names (e.g., DIAGNOdent) and terms like “radiograph” instead of “x-ray.” Getting these technicalities right shows you’re serious about your field—and the small details can make a big difference when competition is high.
Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling Matter
It sounds basic, but errors in grammar or spelling can cost you an interview. Take the time to proofread, review it over several days, and ask others to look over your resume.
Ditch the “Objective” Statement
Objective statements are outdated. Employers already know you want a job. Instead, replace it with a concise Summary or About Me section. This is your chance to introduce your personal brand and show what makes you a great fit for the position.
Old Objective: “To obtain a position with a great practice that allows me to use my skills and grow as a dental professional.”
New Summary: “Energetic and optimistic dental hygienist with a gentle touch and personable nature, dedicated to giving every patient a reason to smile after each visit.”
Summary: Craft a Resume That Stands Out
Effective resume wording makes a strong first impression and keeps employers engaged. It’s about being clear, concise, and delivering the right message fast. Spend time perfecting your resume wording, and you’ll see more interviews and more job opportunities. I guarantee it!
Doug Perry is an expert resume writer and job search coach. He and his wife, Tracie, who is a dental hygienist, created GetHiredRDH in response to the challenging dental hygiene job market and have helped thousands of dental hygienists through tips and individual services. This includes basic job searches and strategically transitioning into different fields (within dentistry and outside). If you need individual help, click here to contact Doug.