New Year, New Contract: How to Prep Your Resume and Skills Checklist for 2026

The start of the new year is the perfect time to refresh your resume and skills checklist, especially if you’re considering taking a new assignment in early 2026. A polished, well-organized portfolio not only showcases your strengths but also helps recruiters match you with the best opportunities faster. Small updates now can save time later, simplify onboarding, and help you stand out in a competitive market.

Here’s how to get your documents ready for a successful travel year ahead.

Update Your Recent Experience

Start by adding your most recent assignments, including the facility name, department, dates of employment, and your primary responsibilities. Include any float experience, new equipment, or software you learned, and specialities you supported. Recency is extremely important for hiring managers evaluating clinical competency.

Highlight Relevant Strengths and Traveler-Specific Skills

Travelers have unique strengths that deserve to be highlighted. Adaptability, quick onboarding, flexibility, and strong communication skills all play a role in your success on assignment. Make sure these qualities appear throughout your resume, ideally with examples of how you’ve demonstrated them.

Review Licenses, Certifications, and Credentials.

Before the new year begins, double-check all expiration dates. Make sure your compact license status is current (if applicable) and verify renewal timelines for certifications like BLS, ACLS, PALS, TNCC, or NIHSS. Keeping this information up to date helps prevent onboarding delays and last-minute stress.

Refresh Your Skills Checklist

Skills checklists are essential for ensuring a good match with facilities. Take time to review the list and update any areas where you’ve gained experience. If you’ve recently worked with new equipment, procedures, or patient populations, reflect that in your documentation.

Update Your References

Many facilities require references from recent charge nurses, supervisors, or preceptors. Reach out early to request permission and confirm the best contact information. Having references ready helps speed up submittals and supports a smoother hiring process.

Organize Your Documents In One Place

Create a digital folder to store your portfolio, including your resume, certifications, transcripts, immunization records, skills checklists, and identification documents. Cloud storage works best, especially for travelers who move frequently and may need access on the go.

Consider Adding a Professional Summary

A short, focused summary at the top of your resume can help recruiters quickly understand your background, goals, and specialties. Highlight your years of experience, primary specialties, and what you’re looking for in future assignments.

Keep Formatting Clean and Easy to Read

Healthcare hiring managers review many resumes every day. Using clear, consistent formatting, bullet points, and concise descriptions ensures your resume is easy to scan.

Taking time to update your resume now means you’ll be ready to take advantage of new opportunities the moment they become available in 2026. Whether you’re exploring new locations, aiming for higher pay, or pivoting to a new specialty, a polished resume sets the stage for a successful year in travel healthcare.

With your resume ready, it’s time to take the next step. Check out open travel nurse and allied health assignments on TNAA | TotalMed’s job board and secure your first 2026 assignment today!