1. Start with a clear professional summary
Instead of a generic summary like:
“Hardworking healthcare professional seeking opportunity…”
Use 2–3 lines that specifically mention phlebotomy. For example:
“Certified CPTG phlebotomist with experience in high-volume outpatient and inpatient settings. Skilled in venipuncture, capillary collection, pre-analytical quality, and patient-centred communication. Committed to safe, accurate specimen collection aligned with CPTG and Canadian best practices.”
This tells recruiters who you are in one glance.2. Create a dedicated “Phlebotomy Skills” section
Make it easy to scan. Use bullet points such as:
- Venipuncture (evacuated tube systems and butterfly needles)
- Capillary (fingerstick) blood collection
- Patient identification using two identifiers
- Order of draw and tube selection
- Specimen labelling, handling, and transport
- Infection control and sharps safety
- Managing anxious or difficult patients
- Pre-analytical quality and error prevention
- Medical terminology, human anatomy, and physiology
These points show both technical and soft skills.
3. Highlight relevant training and certification
Under Education / Training, clearly list:
- Course name
- Provider
- Accreditation or certification
For example:
Comprehensive
Phlebotomy CPD Certification (In-Person) – MedLabTech Academy, Ontario
– CPD-accredited (28 Credits); completed online theory and supervised hands-on
training
– Training pathway designed to meet requirements to apply for the CPTG
certification exam
If you have CPTG certification or another recognized credential, list it under a separate Certifications section.
4. Use action verbs in your experience section
When describing your work experience, avoid vague phrases like “helped in lab” or “did blood work.”
Instead, use strong, specific verbs:
- “Performed” venipuncture and capillary collections on [population, e.g., adult, pediatric, geriatric] patients
- “Verified” patient identity and test orders, reducing pre-analytical errors
- “Prepared and labelled” specimens according to lab policies and accreditation standards
- “Collaborated with” nurses, MOAs, and lab staff to manage workflow and urgent orders
- “Educated” patients on preparation for tests (fasting, medication timing, etc.)
5. Emphasize quality and accreditation awareness
Employers want phlebotomists who understand that quality is more than just hitting the vein.
You can add bullets like:
- “Maintained pre-analytical quality by adhering to order of draw, specimen handling, and labelling protocols.”
- “Followed policies aligned with ISO 15189 and internal quality standards.”
- “Reported incidents and near-misses to support continuous quality improvement.”
6. Show your customer service and communication skills
Phlebotomy is a patient-facing role. Include examples like:
- “Explained procedures to patients in clear, reassuring language.”
- “Supported anxious and needle-phobic patients using calming techniques.”
- “Handled patient questions and concerns professionally, maintaining privacy and respect.”
These details help your resume stand out from others with similar technical skills.
