Our Saturday morning video blog covers two important issues:
- Managing your references
- Which academic credentials should you use following your name
Reference management is critical to successfully finding your next better job. For some candidates the references are almost an afterthought. Today’s video provides some important tips on managing your references to help you close the deal. If the search firm or the employer does not specify the number, we recommend initially providing four professional references with at least one from each classification: superior, peer and subordinate. These referees should be prepared to answer questions regarding your performance on the key areas of expertise and performance specified by the prospective employer.
A common mistake in listing academic credentials is the use of non-terminal degrees after one’s name.
A PhD, Dr.PH or EdD, for example, are terminal degrees meaning they are the highest academic credential awarded in a field of study. Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) are professional terminal degrees. These are the types of academic credentials that are acceptable to use after your name.
A Master of Business Administration or Master of Health Sciences are not terminal degrees and should not be used after your name. Those types of degrees should be included in your academic and professional credentials section at the bottom of the resume.
If you have multiple professional certifications, common among clinical personnel, use only those that are relevant for the position you are pursuing. The remainder should be incorporated at the bottom of your resume.