As the population ages and the need for diagnostic imaging increases, the US Department of Labor is predicting faster-than-average job growth for radiology professionals. Take advantage of this favorable employment climate by creating a resume that markets you properly for the best job opportunities.

What's Your Value Proposition?

Many radiology professionals' resumes are bare-bones lists of credentials. To get noticed, you'll need to turn your resume into a compelling marketing piece that relays your value proposition. See our sample resume for a radiology professional for an example.

Start by conducting research on what employers look for when hiring professionals in your field. Use Monster to search for your ideal job and review the desired qualifications. Next, write a list of your matching credentials as well as two or three additional reasons that you would be an excellent employee. This is your value proposition -- the top reasons employers should call you for job interviews.

Here's an example for an ultrasound technologist:

• Job ads require: ARDMS certified or eligible; one to two years of experience.
• I have: ARDMS certification; five years of experience; multispecialty scanning expertise; hospital experience.
• Value proposition: ARDMS-certified ultrasound technologist with five years of experience performing abdominal, OB/GYN, neonatal-head and small-parts sonography in a large hospital setting.

The value proposition should be stated prominently at the top of the resume, preferably in a Qualifications Summary or the Objective section in the Monster Resume Builder. The rest of your resume should support your value proposition.

Work History

When writing your work history, paint a picture of your responsibilities, skills and contributions so employers can readily understand the scope of your experience. Be sure to include:

• Work setting (e.g., acute care, ER, small medical group).
• Types of patients and caseload managed.
• Types of procedures administered.
• Equipment and technology used.
• Involvement in committees or task forces.
• Accomplishments (e.g., improvements in patient care, quality control, safety, cost reduction).

Skills

Build credibility by including a comprehensive list of skills that are important to your career goal. Include core job and technical skills, equipment knowledge, languages and any other skills that add to your qualifications. Don't neglect your soft skills, such as interpersonal communications, dedication to teamwork and bedside manner -- employers want radiology professionals who will contribute to their team's success.

Training

Constant changes in technology require radiology professionals to keep their skills current. Include classes, certifications, in-service training, conferences, seminars and computer-based learning. You may add a Professional Development section in your traditional resume, or use the Education section in your Monster resume.

Keywords

Include radiology-related keywords to ensure your resume is found in an electronic applicant search. Keywords can be job titles (radiologic technologist, diagnostic medical sonographer), skills or areas of specialty (nuclear medicine, ultrasound, fluoroscopic procedures), and credentials (ARRT certification, CRT, CPR). Your keywords may appear anywhere in your document.

Customize

There are no strict rules about resume format and content, so you may customize the document to suit your experience and career objective.

By taking the time to craft a targeted resume with a clear message about the value you offer as a radiology professional, you will generate calls for job interviews.