Dermatologist Resume Example
Pursuing a career as a dermatologist provides opportunities for career progression and responsibilities involving prescribing topical medications and diagnosing skin conditions. A professional resume for dermatologist applications will showcase your relevant skills and career achievements, to help you stand out from the crowd. In this article, we'll explain how to write a winning resume for dermatologist applications that best showcases your skills and experience.
The aim of this article is to equip you with all the knowledge required to create a resume that positions you to succeed in your dermatologist applications. The article will take you through the key steps of creating a resume that presents your key skills, qualities and career achievements in a format that employers favor. It will also help you tailor your resume according to your unique skills and experience level. Read on to learn the tips Jobseeker careers experts recommend as the best for your dermatologist resume.
Main sections of a dermatologist resume
Although the content of a dermatologist resume may differ according to your experience and seniority, the main sections will remain the same.
If you're applying for an entry-level dermatologist role and have limited relevant experience, consider using a skills-based, or functional resume format. The layout emphasizes your skills and education above your work experience. Furthermore, a junior resume is more likely to focus on soft and transferable skills, as well as relevant training, internships and volunteer roles.
When applying for mid-level dermatologist positions, it's typically best to opt for a reverse-chronological resume format. This is because work experience tends to be the most important resume section for this level. By using this resume format you can focus on showing how your experience has helped you develop the required skills for the job. Review the job description to understand which key skills and experience to focus on.
As a highly experienced candidate, you'll want your dermatologist resume to showcase your depth of relevant work experience, as well as other achievements. Use a reverse-chronological format and add additional sections to prove you're a strong candidate. Your senior resume will likely be more comprehensive than resumes for more junior roles. You can add extra details about your career, such as awards, publications presentations, professional memberships or certifications.
While the content and format of your resume may vary depending on your experience levels, it's important to always include the following sections:
Header and Personal Information
The resume header is the place to add your name and contact details, along with your LinkedIn URL if you have a profile, so employers can find more information about your career journey and skills. You don't typically need to add a photo, or any other personal information to this section. Make your resume header clear, concise and as brief and compact as possible. Consider different layouts that spread the information horizontally across the page rather than using a different line for each piece of information.
Opt for a professional-looking email address based on your name. If your email address could be construed as unprofessional or inappropriate because it contains nicknames or unsuitable language, create a new, more professional email address for your job applications. Always check your contact details to make sure they're up-to-date before you send your resume.
Leah Hughes
leah.hughes@example.com
(111) 222 33 444 55
112 Ocean Avenue, Amityville, NY
linkedin․com/in/leah–hughes123
Resume Objective
Your resume personal profile is a short, concise paragraph to highlight two or three key skills and achievements in dermatologist roles. You may also see this section named as 'resume summary' or 'resume objective'. Resume summaries tend to focus on your career experience, while resume objectives cover your ambitions and plans for the future. In addition, your objective should highlight why you're an ideal candidate for dermatologist roles by showing key skills and qualities that reflect the job description.
Alternatively, write a paragraph that concentrates on your career objectives and how this role fits with your wider ambitions and progression.
A good resume summary is short and snappy, and focused on the skills and experience listed in the job description, with evidence to back it up. It will also help the reader to form their first impressions of you by providing an insight into your personality and unique qualities. You can see some positive examples of a resume summary for dermatologist jobs below.
Good example:
Board-Certified Dermatologist with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree, possessing extensive experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of skin conditions. Proficient in advanced dermatological procedures, patient care, and clinical research. Dedicated to providing high-quality medical and cosmetic dermatology services, with a strong commitment to patient education and evidence-based practice
Bad example:
Professional with a medical background and experience in various health-related tasks. Familiar with different procedures and patient interactions. Involved in research activities and committed to providing services in the health field. Focused on sharing information and following established practices
On the other hand, a resume summary can be ineffective if it lacks specific information about how your skills align with the job description, or fails to paint a picture of your unique qualities and talents. The visual above includes some examples of what not to do with your dermatologist resume summary
Employment History
In your work experience section, list any previous relevant roles you've worked in, as well as your key achievements as a dermatologist. Include any relevant jobs you've held in reverse-chronological order. Start with your current or most recent roles and work back through previous roles. For each job, list your title, the name of the company, its location and the dates you worked there.
For each job listed in this section, add some bullet points so the employer can understand the skills you developed, and your achievements. Focus on showcasing the impact you made on the organization, and show evidence of how you made a difference.
A good resume work experience section includes your most relevant previous jobs and highlights your key achievements in each role. To make the best possible impression on hiring managers, make sure each entry in your work experience section references skills and experience listed in the job description, and shows how you added value to each role with quantifiable evidence and outcomes. There are some examples of strong resume work experience sections below.
Good example:
Board-Certified Dermatologist, January 2022 - Present
Radiant Skin Solutions, Chula Vista
- Published 15 peer-reviewed articles in top dermatology journals, focusing on novel treatments for skin cancer and autoimmune skin diseases
- Developed and led a groundbreaking clinical trial for an innovative biologic treatment for psoriasis, improving patient outcomes by 40%
- Awarded "Dermatologist of the Year" by the American Academy of Dermatology for outstanding contributions to patient care and research
Bad example:
Board-Certified Dermatologist, January 2022 - Present
Radiant Skin Solutions, Chula Vista
- Conducted research on various dermatological conditions and treatments
- Led clinical studies to enhance patient care in dermatology
- Recognized for excellence in dermatological practice and research
In the graphic above, you'll see some examples of less effective resume work experience sections. A bad resume work experience section might fail to address skills and achievements that relate directly to the job description. Falling back on clichés, vague descriptions and basic responsibilities, rather than showing the impact you made, is likely to disengage the reader.
Education
In your education section, include details of your most relevant dermatologist qualifications and educational achievements.
To work as a dermatologist, employers tend to require candidates to have a specialist degree, such as a Bachelor of Science in Biology. If you have this degree, focus on it in your education section, while also mentioning any educational achievements that show your cosmetic dermatology procedures or dermatological pharmacology proficiency.
Enter the name and level of the qualification, the institution you studied at, its location and your dates of study or graduation. You can also add some bullet points outlining any high grades, awards you won or specialist subjects you studied. Adding this information will show the employer your dedication to learning and your areas of specialist knowledge.
Additionally, mentioning any leadership roles or any societies and clubs you participated in while studying shows proactivity and initiative.
Doctor of Medicine (MD), 2017 - 2020
University of Houston, Houston, TX
Hard and Soft Skills
Adding a list of your key skills provides a quick reference for the reader of what you can bring to a dermatologist role. Skills such as dermatopathology knowledge or communication skills are particularly useful for dermatologist jobs. Once more, review the job description and pick out any key dermatologist skills listed that match yours. Focus on these skills and any other key transferable skills that make you a strong candidate for the job.
How to include hard skills on your dermatologist resume
Hard skills are specific skills related to the job you're applying for. They include particular abilities, technical skills and industry knowledge that relate directly to jobs as a dermatologist. Furthermore, your list of hard skills provides a strong indication to the reader of your expertise in dermatologist roles, and how well you'll fit into the position. Aim to include four or five key hard skills. If you have space, explain how and where you've used that skill to create successful outcomes in your career. These skills will demonstrate your credentials and show how you meet the job description.
The best resume hard skills sections focus on specific technical skills necessary for the job, showcasing skills that you have particular expertise in. There are some examples of valuable hard skills for a dermatologist resume below.
- Dermatopathology knowledge
- Laser therapy techniques
- MOHS surgery expertise
Listing soft skills on your dermatologist resume
Soft skills are the personal skills and qualities that make you a good fit for the job. They include transferable skills and strengths that help you settle into the role, adapt to new challenges and build effective working relationships. Indeed, as the nature of work changes, soft skills are growing in importance, so make sure you include them in your resume. Aim to include approximately five soft skills that reflect the skills listed in the job description.
A good soft skills section would include skills that match the job description, and also reflect your key strengths and qualities. See the graphic below for an indication of what to include in a strong soft skills section for a dermatologist resume.
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Patient empathy
Certifications and Training
Your certifications section is the place to mention any relevant professional dermatologist certifications, licenses or qualifications. Add any official certifications or accreditations that increase your level of qualification and suitability for working as a dermatologist. Therefore, add any professional licenses or certifications, along with valid dates that show they're still valid.
Below you can find several examples of certifications for a dermatologist resume:
- Board Certified Dermatologist, 2022
- Fellow, American Academy, 2022
- Dermatopathology Subspecialty Certification, 2022
Expert Tip:
Additional Information
If you need to provide further evidence of your suitability for the job, optional sections can be useful for a dermatologist resume. Pick from the optional sections below to help show the employer you have the skills and experience for the job.
Hobbies and Interests
Listing your hobbies and interests can reveal key qualities that some employers may value. They also help to show a different side of your personality, and can help your resume create a more memorable impression on hiring managers. If you're short on real world work experience, hobbies and interests can be a useful way of providing more information about your qualities. Don't include hobbies and interests in your resume unless they showcase a specific interest or aspect of your personality. You'll want them to add something to your application that you can't add elsewhere.
Voluntary Work
This section can be valuable for a dermatologist resume, if you've done any voluntary work that showcases your relevant skills. Include the title of your volunteer role, who you volunteered for, as well as the dates you carried out the work. Provide brief details of your responsibilities and the impact you made.
References
Standard dermatologist resumes don't tend to include references, but you might find them requested occasionally. Check the job advert to see if you'll need to add references to your resume. Be sure to prepare your referees in advance, so they've agreed to provide a reference and are ready to be contacted.
References are available upon request.
Best action words for your dermatologist resume
Action words can help illustrate to the hiring manager the difference you made in each of your previous jobs. Choose verbs from the suggestions below that highlight your key skills or those mentioned in the job description.
- Diagnose
- Treat
- Examine
- Assess
- Prescribe
- Perform
- Educate
- Consult
- Manage
- Document
Jobseeker's clean, attractive resume formats can help your applications make a strong impression on employers. Check them out for help designing a winning resume, and see our cover letter templates to help win over recruiters and hiring managers.
Sample resume for dermatologist positions
Now that you know everything that needs to go into your dermatologist resume, let's review an example resume that you can use as a guide when creating your own:
112 Ocean Avenue, Amityville, NY
•
leah.hughes@example.com
•
(111) 222 33 444 55
•
linkedin․com/in/leah–hughes123
Board-Certified Dermatologist with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, possessing extensive experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of skin conditions. Proven expertise in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology, with a strong commitment to patient care and evidence-based practice. Skilled in advanced dermatological procedures, patient education, and collaborative healthcare delivery. Dedicated to staying current with the latest advancements in dermatology and continuously enhancing clinical skills
Board-Certified Dermatologist
2020
-2022
Radiant Skin Institute (Chula Vista)
- Authored 15 peer-reviewed publications in leading dermatology journals, focusing on advanced treatments for melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers
- Developed and implemented a novel teledermatology platform, increasing patient access to specialist care by 40% in underserved areas
- Awarded the American Academy of Dermatology's Gold Medal for outstanding contributions to dermatological research and clinical practice
Bachelor of Science in Biology
2017
-2020
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) (Cambridge, MA)
Dermatopathology knowledge
Laser therapy techniques
MOHS surgery expertise
Communication skills
Attention to detail
Patient empathy
Board Certified Dermatologist
Fellow, American Academy
English - Fluent
Spanish - B2
Tips for dermatologist resumes
Key tips to help you craft a strong resume
- Mention key skills that show you're suited to the job throughout your resume, as well as in the dedicated skills section.
- Use reverse-chronological order for your work and education, starting with your most recent employment and education.
- Quantify the impact you've made in different roles by offering evidence of your key abilities and your contribution.
- Use action words that show how you've made an impact in different dermatologist jobs (e.g. treat, perform, manage).
- Reference your key qualifications and educational achievements, including grades if these help you stand out from other candidates.
Steer clear of these common resume writing errors
- Don't use jargon or acronyms that can make your dermatologist resume more difficult to read.
- Don't add any hobbies or interests unless they directly showcase a skill or experience that's relevant to the job.
- Don't use passive language because it's less engaging for the reader. Change phrases like 'the target was exceeded' to 'I helped the team exceed the target'.
- Don't exaggerate, lie or hide details about yourself as these can all undermine your chances of success with dermatologist applications.
- Don't forget to keep your contact information up to date, to ensure the employer can contact you if necessary.
Making an ATS-friendly resume
An applicant tracking system (ATS) is just one of the tools employers and recruiters can use to streamline their hiring practices. This typically includes screening candidates by scanning and ranking their resumes based on their likely suitability for any vacancy. When drafting your dermatologist resume, there are a few guidelines to follow to give you the best chance of passing the ATS screening stage and progressing with your application.
Here are a few quick tips for creating an ATS-friendly resume:
- Use a traditional resume layout, such as a reverse-chronological or functional format. This will mean your resume includes all the necessary sections, in the expected order.
- Use keywords throughout your resume that reflect the job description, so ATS resume scanners can recognize a strong connection between your skills, and those in the job description.
- Include clear headings that make it easy to identify each section of your resume. This will help any ATS software navigate your resume during the scanning process.
- Adopt a clean, unfussy design that gives your content enough white space to breathe. Use professional, readable fonts and subtle use of color and other design elements.
- Keep your resume as concise as possible, to make it easier to read, and for ATS software to scan.
For help crafting a winning resume, read our in-depth career blog and review our resume examples for inspiration.
A dermatologist resume FAQs
Alongside your dermatologist resume, it's important to produce a professional cover letter that creates a similar positive impact on the reader.
Check the job description to see whether a full, formal cover letter is necessary. In some situations, it might be more suitable to simply send a brief email to introduce yourself and accompany your resume.
A full, formal cover letter follows a traditional letter-writing structure and format. Add your header, the recipient's address an use professional greetings and sign-offs. In your first paragraph, introduce yourself and confirm the role you're applying for, along with your reasons for applying. Next, outline your key skills and achievements that are most relevant to the dermatologist job description. Finish by expressing your enthusiasm for the role and adding a call to action to encourage the hiring manager to contact you for further information.
Jobseeker's HR-approved cover letter templates can help you produce a cover letter that really catches the eye of employers.
Even if you have little or no relevant work experience, it's still possible to write a dermatologist resume that makes a strong impression on employers. Use a functional resume format instead of the standard reverse-chronological structure. This emphasizes your skills and education over your work experience. Additional resume sections such as volunteer work, hobbies and interests, certifications and internships can all help you showcase your relevant skills. These can be more prominent in your resume if you haven't got a lot of work experience.
You can use a resume headline to introduce your document and set the tone for your dermatologist applications. A well-constructed resume headline can help your resume rank highly with ATS screening tools by referencing some of the key information from the job description. Write a short, concise resume headline incorporating the job title, one or two key skills that match the job description and a reference to your reputation or track record.
Below you can see a resume headline example:
- Aspiring Dermatology Specialist in Training
- Board-Certified Dermatology Specialist, MD
- Experienced Senior Dermatologist Specialist
The top resume format for your applications will vary according to a couple of factors. First, how much professional experience you have. Second, what type of job you're applying for and its seniority level. For applicants without much relevant work experience, a functional resume format tends to be best. This places the emphasis on your key skills and relevant qualifications. If, however, you have experience in your chosen profession, a traditional, reverse chronological resume format might be the way to go. This showcases your relevant skills and achievements in your work experience section.
Key takeaways for your dermatologist resume
The best resumes focus on your skills and the value you've added to previous roles, rather than focusing on your duties and responsibilities. Use a suitable resume format and tailor your resume for every application you submit.
HR-approved resume templates and other tools by Jobseeker are the easiest way to create a winning job application. Sign up and follow the simple instructions to complete a resume that stands out from the crowd. Whether you're a junior or senior candidate, a professional cover letter can help to grab the attention of the employer. Jobseeker's cover letter examples were created by careers experts to provide useful tips and ideas for your cover letter.
Sources:
(1) Tips for Writing a Federal Resume, U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs/tips-for-writing-a-federal-resume
(2) Resume Tips, Duke University: https://careerhub.students.duke.edu/resources/resume-tips/
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