If you’re applying for a job as a medical imaging technologist, you might assume that listing your experience and certifications is enough to land an interview. But in today’s competitive job market, a great resume is more than just a list of credentials—it’s your ticket to standing out.
As someone who has been a lead, supervisor, manager, and director, I’ve reviewed hundreds of resumes. Some stood out instantly, while others barely made it past the Applicant Tracking System (ATS)—the software many hospitals and imaging centers use to filter candidates.
Here’s how to make sure your resume gets seen and gets you interviews.
1. Beating the ATS: Why Keywords Matter
Most large healthcare companies use ATS software to scan resumes before a human ever sees them. If your resume doesn’t match what the system is looking for, it might never even reach the hiring manager.
How to beat the ATS:
✅ Tailor your resume to the exact job description.
✅ Use the right keywords—scan the job posting for skills, certifications, and job titles. If they mention "MRI Technologist with ARRT (MR) certification," make sure your resume says exactly that.
✅ Keep formatting simple—avoid tables, images, and overly fancy fonts that ATS might not read properly.
2. Use the Right Keywords (Without Stuffing Them In)
Hiring managers often search for specific words when reviewing resumes. If you don’t use them, you might not even show up in their search.
Example:
Let’s say the job posting mentions:
- “Proficient in performing MRI scans and patient positioning.”
- “Experience with PACS and electronic medical records (EMR).”
- “Strong patient care and communication skills.”
Your resume should naturally include these terms, like this:
"Performed high-quality MRI scans while ensuring proper patient positioning and comfort. Utilized PACS and EMR systems to document patient information and imaging protocols."
3. Details Matter: Show, Don’t Just Tell
Many resumes list responsibilities without context. Hiring managers want to know not just what you did, but how well you did it.
Instead of:
"Performed X-ray exams and assisted radiologists."
Try:
"Performed an average of 25 X-ray exams per shift while maintaining a 98% image quality rating. Assisted radiologists in fluoroscopy procedures, ensuring accurate positioning and patient safety."
The second version shows measurable success—something hiring managers love.
4. Tailor Your Resume for Each Job
Yes, it’s time-consuming, but sending a generic resume to every job won’t cut it. Each job posting is different, and your resume should highlight the most relevant skills and experiences.
How to tailor your resume:
🔹 Focus on the job description—Highlight the skills and experiences that best match that specific role.
🔹 Mirror the language—If they say “patient-centered care,” use that phrase instead of “worked well with patients.”
🔹 Rearrange bullet points—List the most relevant experience first for each job you’ve had.
5. Formatting Matters More Than You Think
Your resume should be clean, easy to read, and professional.
✅ Use a simple font like Arial or Times New Roman.
✅ Consistent bullet points—don’t mix dashes, dots, and arrows.
✅ Clear section headings (EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS, EDUCATION, SKILLS).
✅ Save it as a PDF—this keeps formatting intact when you upload it.
6. Need Help? Use Our Resume Template
We understand that writing a great resume can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve provided a resume template to help you structure your experience effectively while including all the necessary details to stand out.
A strong resume for an imaging technologist should include:
- Contact Information (Name, phone, email, LinkedIn)
- Professional Summary (Brief 2-3 sentence highlight of skills and experience)
- Certifications & Licenses (ARRT, BLS, state licensure, etc.)
- Work Experience (Clear job titles, relevant bullet points with achievements)
- Education (Degree, school name, graduation year)
- Skills Section (Imaging modalities, PACS/EMR, patient care, etc.)
Using our template, you’ll have a solid foundation while still customizing it for each job application.
Final Thoughts: Stand Out and Get Hired
Creating a great resume takes a little extra effort but can mean the difference between getting lost in the pile and landing your dream job. Focus on ATS-friendly formatting, relevant keywords, and strong accomplishments to showcase why you’re the best candidate.
👉 Need help finding your next imaging job? Check out Jobs.ImagingStaff.com—a job board built by imaging techs, for imaging techs! 🚀