Getting HCE-General Question

[Moiraine57]

I need some HCE. Right now, my school and family life are hectic, so I'm not doing any extra certs right now. I was looking at a PRN Physical Therapy Aide, and hopefully when things calm down, maybe work my way up.

 

Question: should I be dumbing down my résumé for this job, and basically just filling out the online form? I have a degree, GPA, and previous work experience that probably make me sound way overqualified.

 

My experience has been that overqualified people generally don't get positions...am I right in this instance, or wrong? Any thoughts?

[Just Steve]

I get what you are saying, but your wording gives the reader the impression that you feel the position is beneath your ability/intelligence. You seem to be asking " should I appear dumb to get a job?".

 

I would suggest that you find a field of work where you will be challenged and expand your knowledge base. If PTA is too simple, look elsewhere. Yes, I see you prefaced your post with I am so busy". But here is the thing...we are all busy. Divorces, marriages, deaths, births, disease, home buying, moving... The list goes on. Some people find a way to overcome obstacles, other people give up or make excuses. Which one do you want to be?

[Moiraine57]

Steve,

 

Didnt mean to imply the position was beneath me.

 

I think there's a lot this job could teach me. It is just I am wary of submitting my full résumé when this could well scare off potential employers.

 

I wonder if anyone else with a "full" resume applied for this position or a similar one, and how they did it.

 

Thanks!

[Just Steve]

I have been known to tailor fit resumes. Highlighting particular past experiences to demonstrate desired skills such as teamwork, initiative, perseverance...so on and so forth. The resume is not the CV...it doesn't have to include everything.

[rachiehayes]

I had the same problem as you, trying to get a job as a certified nurse assistant with a bachelor's degree in biomedical sciences. A few HR people told me I was overqualified, I would get a phone interview and they would be shocked to hear I have a degree and why I am applying for a CNA position. Employers don't necessarily want to pay the extra $1 or $2 for someone with a bachelor's degree. They also don't want someone quitting once they found a better opportunity. I would not dumb down your resume, because most of the time its a computer scanning through certain key words on your application.

Instead, highlight the experience you have in that field, and leave out what isn't necessary. Also make sure to submit a cover letter about why the PRN physical therapy aide job is important to you.. maybe flexibility of being PRN, getting HCE hours, etc. I think the cover letter is what helped me get a job.