Land Your Dream Job at Cook Children’s in 2025

If your New Year’s resolution is to land the job of your dreams, Cook Children’s may be the fit for you. Ranked the number one health care employer in the U.S. by Forbes, Cook Children’s is known for its strong culture of kindness, respect and safety, competitive benefits and an inspiring Promise to improve the health of every child in our care.

Each year, tens of thousands of job seekers apply for open roles at Cook Children’s. To increase your chances of landing an interview, understanding the application process is key. We spoke to Suzanne Seider, Director of Talent Acquisition at Cook Children's, to get the inside scoop on how to make your application shine.

Building a Strong Foundation: Your Resume

Your resume is the cornerstone of your application. Don't hold back – be detailed and comprehensive. Include all your professional experience, especially anything relevant to the position you're applying for. This allows Cook Children's to accurately assess your qualifications and potentially offer a better compensation package based on your experience.

• Brag on Yourself: Use your resume to highlight your skills and accomplishments. For each role, list four to five key contributions or responsibilities.
• Formatting Matters: Ensure your resume is formatted correctly. Avoid using pictures, social security numbers, or birthdates for safety reasons and to prevent formatting errors. The application system uses tools to help input the information from your resume, but it is important to check the application to ensure the information is correct.
• Cover Letters (Optional but Helpful): A cover letter provides an opportunity to further elaborate on your skills and tell your story. However, avoid including unnecessary personal details for your own safety.

Where to Apply (and What to Avoid)

Applying directly through Cook Children's website is always a safe bet, but applications submitted through reputable job boards like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Indeed, Vivian and Recruit Military are also accepted. However, be extremely cautious of scams. Cook Children's will never ask candidates to pay for a background check upfront or request personal information like bank details during the application process. Be wary of any job postings that seem suspicious or require payment.

Keywords and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

While some companies heavily rely on AI-powered ATS to filter applications based on keywords, Cook Children's takes a different approach. Every application is reviewed by a real person. However, it's still important to ensure your resume reflects the qualifications listed in the job description. This helps recruiters quickly see how your skills and experience align with the role.

Debunking LinkedIn Application Numbers

Don't be discouraged by high application numbers displayed on LinkedIn. These numbers often reflect the number of people who have simply viewed the job posting, not the number of actual applicants.

What Disqualifies Candidates?

• Dishonesty: Inaccuracies or misrepresentations on your resume, especially regarding education or employment history, are major red flags. Cook Children's verifies this information.
• Criminal History: Cook Children's reviews each case individually.
• Drug Screen: Be mindful of the products you use, including CBD products, as they are not always regulated and may contain unexpected substances that could lead to a failed drug screen.

Advice for Persistent Job Seekers

If you've applied for numerous positions without hearing back, consider the following:

• Focus on Qualifications: Ensure you genuinely meet the qualifications outlined in the job description. As a federal contractor, Cook Children's must adhere to these requirements.
• Don't Give Up: Persistence pays off. Some current Cook Children's employees applied multiple times before landing their roles.

Final Thoughts from Suzanne

The recruiters at Cook Children's are passionate about connecting talented individuals with rewarding careers. By following these tips and presenting a clear, honest, and comprehensive application, you'll significantly increase your chances of landing your dream job in the new year. Remember to brag about yourself, but be honest.