If you're a new chiropractic graduate or an experienced DC considering a job change, your resume needs to do more than list your education and techniques.
It needs to tell a story, communicate your value quickly, and match the clinic’s unique needs, all in under 10 seconds, which is the average time a hiring manager spends on a first pass.
Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you build a resume that gets noticed, gets interviews, and helps you stand out in a competitive job market.
Resume Structure: What to Include and Why
Start with a clean, easy-to-read format. Avoid graphics, flashy colors, or columns that may not display correctly on all devices. A single-column layout is best.
1. Header
Include:
- Full name (with credentials, e.g., John Smith, DC)
- Phone number
- Professional email
- LinkedIn or website (if applicable)
- City and state (optional, but helpful for employers)
2. Professional Summary
This 2–3 sentence section is your elevator pitch.
Briefly summarize:
- Who you are (e.g., new grad, experienced chiropractor)
- Your clinical focus or approach
- What you’re looking for and what you bring to a team
Example:
Compassionate and driven new graduate with strong hands-on experience in diversified and soft tissue techniques. Passionate about evidence-based care, patient education, and contributing to a collaborative team environment.
3. Clinical Experience
Include:
- Clinic name and location
- Dates of employment or internship
- Your title (e.g., Associate Chiropractor, Student Intern)
- Bullet points of responsibilities and accomplishments
Pro tip: Even if you’re a student, count your preceptorship and student clinic work. Just be honest about your role.
Add specifics when possible:
- Adjusted 20–30 patients per day
- Assisted in SOAP note documentation and re-exams
- Provided soft tissue work and rehab instruction
4. Certifications and Techniques
This section shows what you’re trained in — and gives clinics confidence in your clinical readiness.
List:
- Adjusting techniques (Diversified, Gonstead, Activator, Thompson)
- Additional certifications (Webster, ART, Graston, Dry Needling)
- Rehab or soft tissue modalities
- Any continuing education courses worth noting
5. Skills
Use a short bullet list of relevant skills that align with the job.
Example skills:
- Proficient in JaneApp and ChiroTouch
- Knowledge of billing and insurance coding
- Myofascial release and cupping
- Team-oriented communication
- High patient retention and compliance
- Familiarity with pediatric and prenatal care
Resume Writing Tips for Chiropractors
Use Clean Formatting and Bullet Points
Avoid paragraphs. Bullet points are easier to scan and help busy hiring doctors pick up key info quickly.
Stick to a professional font (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman) and keep it between 10–12pt.
Include Metrics Wherever Possible
Quantify your experience to show your effectiveness.
Examples:
- Averaged 30 patient visits per day
- Helped reduce new patient no-show rate by 20%
- Maintained 90% patient retention during internship
Even one or two solid metrics can set you apart from other applicants with similar credentials.
Tailor Your Resume to Each Job
Avoid sending the same resume to every clinic.
Instead, tweak your:
- Summary
- Techniques highlighted
- Tone or language
Match the clinic’s mission and patient base. A high-volume practice may value efficiency and energy, while a family wellness office may prioritize communication and gentleness.
Final Touch: Always Include a Customized Cover Letter
Your resume lists what you’ve done.
Your cover letter explains why it matters.
Use your cover letter to:
- Share your passion for chiropractic
- Explain why this clinic fits your goals
- Mention specific things you admire about their practice
- Make a personal connection
Example opening line:
I first discovered your clinic while attending the Neuro-Spinal Workshop in Austin, and I’ve been following your patient education videos ever since.
This builds instant connection and shows effort.
Conclusion
Creating a standout chiropractic resume isn’t about stuffing in every credential you have, it’s about presenting the right information, in the right format, for the right clinic.
By focusing on clarity, specificity, and relevance, you’ll rise above the stack of generic resumes and land more interviews.
And remember, your resume is a living document. Revisit and refine it regularly — just like your adjusting technique.