Putting Your Best Foot Forward: Tips for Applying Online for a Job at Children’s of Alabama

Applying for jobs online has become the norm, especially in healthcare. That means your words on the screen are your first impression. There’s no handshake, no smile, no chance to explain yourself in person—at least not yet. That means every detail in your application matters.

Fortunately, with some care and attention, you can make sure your application reflects the professionalism, compassion, and detail‑oriented mindset that healthcare employers are looking for. Here are some practical tips from the hiring teams at Children’s of Alabama designed to help you stand out, whether you’re looking for an entry-level healthcare job or a leadership role.

Proofread Everything—Twice

It might sound obvious, but proofreading is one of the most overlooked steps in the application process. Take the time to read and reread everything that’s part of your application: your resume, cover letter, and even the online form itself. Misspelled words and grammatical errors can send the message that you don’t pay attention to detail. In healthcare, where precision is critical, that can be a red flag.

If you’re using a system that automatically imports information from your resume, be sure to confirm it’s imported correctly. Remember that information can shift into the wrong field or get cut off entirely. Always doublecheck that every single portion of your resume has transferred correctly.

Proofreading demonstrates the care and attention you’d bring to patient records or instructions. The effort you put into this initial step is a great indicator of how detail-oriented you will be in your day-to-day responsibilities.

Skip the Shorthand

Abbreviations and acronyms might make sense to you, but they can confuse the person reviewing your application. Internal shorthand from your school, hospital, or workplace may not translate outside that environment. Write “Certified Nursing Assistant, Level II” instead of “CNA II.” Clarity always beats brevity. Remember, recruiters may be reading hundreds of applications. Make it easy for them to understand exactly what you’ve done and what you bring to the table.

Use a Professional Email Address

Your email address is part of your professional identity. If you’re still using something from high school—like skaterboy1987@aol.com —it’s time for an upgrade. Stick to something that includes your name, like firstname.lastname@gmail.com. If your name is common, add a middle initial or a number (just be discerning about which number you choose!). You can even set up a separate email account just for job applications so you don’t miss important messages among personal emails.

A professional email address signals maturity and seriousness. It tells employers you’re ready to step into a role where communication matters.

Bust the One‑Page Resume Myth

You’ve probably heard that resumes should always be one page, but that isn’t true. The length of your resume should reflect your experience. A thoughtful, detailed resume should give hiring teams a thorough, clear picture of your strengths.

If you’re just starting out, one page may be enough. But if you’ve had multiple jobs, internships, or volunteer experiences, you may need two pages. Be sure every line highlights something meaningful about your commitment (especially as it relates to the role you’re applying for), your interest in healthcare, and your readiness to contribute without filler. For example, if you’re interested in pediatric healthcare, emphasize experiences that show compassion, patience, and responsibility. Whether paid or unpaid, include roles that demonstrate you can work with children and families. After all, children and their families are the heart of what we do at Children’s of Alabama. We want to know that you’re the right fit for this special hospital atmosphere filled with folks who care about the patient population we’re so proud to serve.

Volunteer Work Counts

Don’t underestimate the value of volunteer experience. Many young applicants worry they don’t have enough formal work history, but volunteer roles can be just as important.

Some examples of volunteer experiences you’ll want to include on your resume are helping in a church nursery, babysitting for neighbors, leading a youth group, or participating in community service projects. These experiences show responsibility, communication skills, and compassion. They also demonstrate that you’re comfortable working with children and families—qualities that matter immensely in an environment like Children’s of Alabama.

Volunteer work can also provide references. Supervisors, teachers, or community leaders can vouch for your reliability and character. Including volunteer experience on your resume reinforces that you’re not starting from scratch—you’re building on a foundation of service.

Leave the Photo Out

This one’s simple: never include a photo with your resume. In healthcare and most professional fields, resume photos are unnecessary because employers are evaluating your qualifications, experience, and fit for the role—not your appearance. Adding a photo may even distract from your skills or even raise potential concerns about bias. Keep the focus where it belongs: on your abilities and potential contributions.

How to Apply to Children’s of Alabama: Show Up with Intention

At Children’s, we’re looking for people who care deeply, who are eager to grow, and who show up with intention. Your future in healthcare could start with an online application at Children’s. So put your best foot forward.

We are Alabama’s foremost not-for-profit pediatric health care provider, which means we can offer you all the challenges and opportunities for development that make your work fulfilling. We’re also proud to provide both traditional workplace benefits and new, innovative benefits that are based on the values that have been vital to the spirit of our hospital for more than 100 years, including competitive pay and comprehensive benefits. We also offer a special sense of community that values every individual and rewards dedication and excellence.

You can learn more about the many benefits available to Children’s of Alabama employees here. If you’re interested in joining a committed, compassionate team, view all open roles here.