How to List Shadowing Experience on Your Resume: Tips and Examples

Written by Mark DeGrasso

June 1, 2023

Having shadowing experience on your resume can significantly improve your job prospects. Shadowing allows you to observe professionals in your desired field, gaining knowledge of the industry and learning new skills. It also helps you build a network of contacts who can provide references and even job opportunities. However, simply adding shadowing to your resume is not enough. You need to know how to present it in a way that catches the attention of potential employers. In this article, we will provide you with tips and examples on how to list shadowing experience on your resume.

How to List Shadowing on Resume

When listing shadowing experience on your resume, it’s important to format it correctly. You don’t want it to get lost in the rest of your job experience, nor do you want to exaggerate your role. Here are some tips:

  • Start with a separate section to highlight your shadowing experience.
  • List the company or organization where you shadowed and the job title of the person you shadowed.
  • Add a brief description of your shadowing duties and responsibilities.
  • Mention the duration of your shadowing experience.

Here’s an example:

Shadowing Experience

ABC Hospital

Shadowed Dr. John Doe, Cardiologist

  • Observed procedures, including angioplasty, cardiac catheterization, and stress tests
  • Assisted in record keeping and patient histories
  • Shadowed for a duration of 6 months, for a total of 300 hours

This format allows potential employers to quickly skim through your resume and recognize your shadowing experience as a valuable component of your professional development.

Enhancing Your Resume with Shadowing

Why Shadowing is Important for Your Career Growth

Shadowing is a crucial aspect of career development. By observing a professional in your desired field, you gain a better understanding of the responsibilities and skills required for the job. You can ask questions, learn from your mentor’s experiences, and get advice on how to succeed. Shadowing can help you identify areas of expertise that interest you and help you develop a network of contacts.

Tips for Highlighting Shadowing Experience on Your Resume

Here are some tips to enhance the impact of your shadowing experience on your resume:

  • Quantify your experience: Include the number of hours spent shadowing and the names of the procedures you observed. This provides a more concrete picture of your experience and shows that you were diligent in your observations.
  • Tailor your experience to the job: Highlight aspects of your shadowing experience that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. For example, if you’re applying for a research position, emphasize any studies you observed or methods you learned.
  • Show, don’t tell: Rather than simply stating that you shadowed, provide specific examples of what you observed and learned. This shows that you were actively engaged in the experience and that you gained tangible knowledge and skills.

How to Showcase Your Skills and Accomplishments in Your Resume

Shadowing provides you with a wealth of skills, including communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Make sure to showcase these skills in your resume. Describe how you worked with the healthcare professionals during your shadowing and highlight instances where you solved problems.

Tailoring Your Resume to the Job You Want

A standard resume won’t necessarily highlight the skills you gained in your shadowing experience. Take time to tailor your resume to the job you want by emphasizing the aspects of your shadowing experience that are relevant to the position. This will help your resume stand out to employers and demonstrate your suitability for the job.

Key Takeaways for Optimizing Your Online Privacy and Professional Profile

In today’s world, a professional profile is increasingly significant. Make sure that your shadowing experience is accurately represented online. Don’t share any sensitive information and be mindful about what you post on public platforms. Keep your professional profile up-to-date and highlight your shadowing experience on platforms such as LinkedIn, which is specifically designed for professional networking.

Conclusion

Shadowing is an invaluable experience for anyone looking to advance their career. By following these tips and incorporating your shadowing experience effectively into your resume, you can demonstrate your skills and elevate your professional profile, making you a more attractive candidate to employers.