How to List Shadowing on Your Resume (With a Template and Example)

In this guide, you’ll learn when and how to list shadowing on your resume, along with a practical template and example.

What is shadowing?

Shadowing is the practice of following a professional in their workplace to observe their daily tasks, workflow, and interactions. It provides firsthand exposure to real-world scenarios, helping individuals understand job expectations, industry standards, and workplace dynamics. This experience is valuable for career exploration, skill development, and networking.

How to List Shadowing on Your Resume

Including shadowing experience on your resume can highlight your commitment to learning, exposure to a specific industry, and the more practical knowledge and skills you’ve gained. Follow these steps to effectively present your shadowing experience:

1. Create a Dedicated Section

If shadowing is a significant part of your experience, give it its section to ensure it stands out. Consider using one of the following section titles, depending on your experience section and field:

• Relevant Experience – A general section for shadowing, internships, and other industry-related experiences.
• Professional Development – Suitable for showcasing learning experiences that enhance your career growth.
• Clinical Experience – Best for healthcare-related shadowing experiences.
• Industry Exposure – Useful if you have multiple shadowing experiences in different fields.
• Education & Training – If shadowing was part of a formal training program.
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If shadowing is a minor work experience section, it can be placed under "Work Experience" or "Education" instead of having its work experience section.

2. Use Proper Formatting

List your shadowing experience in a structured format similar to a job entry or resume.

Standard Format:

Job Title: Shadowing Participant | Job # put Shadowing Intern | Clinical Observer
Company Name: Name of the organization or professional you shadowed
Location: City, State (if applicable)
Date: Month & Year (or duration of experience)

Example Entry:

3. Highlight Key Takeaways

Since shadowing on a resume is typically an observational experience, it's important to highlight what you learned rather than just stating that you observed. Tailor these details based on the industry you shadowed in.

Examples by Industry:

Keep the focus on what new skills and industry knowledge you developed.

4. Use Action Verbs

Start each bullet point with a strong action verb to make your experience sound more engaging and impactful. Examples include:

• Observed professionals performing [specific task or procedure]
• Assisted with minor tasks or documentation under supervision
• Gained insights into [industry-specific knowledge]
• Learned about [specific skill or process]
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Example of a Strong Bullet Point vs. Weak Bullet Point:

Weak:

Watched how orthodontists worked on patients.

Strong:

Observed orthodontic procedures, including braces adjustments and clear aligner fittings, gaining firsthand exposure to patient care techniques.

Weak:

Saw how accountants prepare reports.

Strong:

Gained insights into financial statement data analysis, tax preparation skills, and bookkeeping software usage while shadowing the sales team and senior accountants.

5. Tailor to the Job You’re Applying For

If the job shadowing or experience is relevant to the job you’re applying for, connect it to the job ad and the required skills. Use keywords from the job description to ensure your resume aligns with what employers and hiring managers are looking for.

Example:

If you are applying for a dental assistant role, highlight your experiences in patient interaction, sterilization procedures, and orthodontic treatments.

6. Keep It Concise

Since shadowing is typically an observational experience, limit it to 2-3 bullet points. Focus on the most important keywords, valuable insights, and skills learned.

Example:

Shadowing Participant

Dr. Smith’s Orthodontic Clinic – Los Angeles, CA

March 2024

• Observed orthodontic procedures, including braces adjustments and clear aligner fittings
• Learned about patient care techniques and the importance of sterilization in dental settings
• Gained exposure to clinic workflow and team collaboration

If you shadowed multiple professionals in different specialties, consider listing them separately or summarizing them in one entry.

7. Incorporate It into Your Cover Letter (If Needed)

If job shadowing experience was a significant experience that influenced your career goals, expand on it in your cover letter. Explain:

• Why did you choose to shadow that professional or company?
• What you learned and how it impacted your career choice.
• How did the experience prepare you for the role you’re applying for?
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Example Cover Letter Snippet:

"During my time shadowing Dr. Smith, I observed firsthand the importance of patient communication and precision in orthodontic treatments. This experience solidified my passion for dental care and equipped me with a foundational understanding of clinic operations, making me eager to apply for the dental assistant role at your practice."

When to Add Shadowing to Your Resume

• Career Starters: Ideal for recent graduates or career changers with limited professional experience.
• Healthcare Professionals: Shadowing is common in fields like medicine, nursing, and allied health.
• Industry Explorers: Those exploring new career options or industries can benefit.
• Job Applicants: When the role you’re applying for values hands-on exposure.
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Shadowing Experience Resume Template

Here’s a sample template to follow:

Example of Shadowing on a Resume

Tips for Making Your Shadowing Experience Stand Out

• Be Specific: Mention departments, tools, or techniques you were exposed to.
• Quantify Impact: If possible, quantify results, such as "analyzed data from 5 marketing campaigns."
• Align with Job Requirements: Emphasize experiences that match the qualifications listed in the job description.
• Use Industry Terminology: Incorporate relevant jargon to demonstrate your understanding of the field.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Listing Irrelevant Experiences

Include only job shadowing experiences relevant to the role. Unrelated experiences can make your application seem unfocused.

2. Exaggerating Responsibilities

Avoid making shadowing sound like a full-time job. Use action verbs like "Observed," "Assisted," and "Learned" to accurately describe your role.

3. Omitting Achievements and Learnings

Mistake:

Simply stating you shadowed without highlighting key takeaways.

Solution:

Mention key achievements, skills gained, industry insights, or hands-on experiences.

Example:

"Shadowed a doctor for two months."

"Observed patient consultations and learned about treatment planning."

4. Poor Formatting

Mistake:

Presenting shadowing in an unclear format.

Solution:

Use a structured format with a clear job title, company name, location, and dates.

Example:

Shadowing Participant

XYZ Healthcare – New York, NY | June – July 2023

• Observed patient interactions and treatment planning.
• Gained insight into clinical workflows and procedures.

5. Making It Too Lengthy

Keep descriptions brief with 2-4 bullet points to highlight key learnings clearly and concisely.

Conclusion

Adding shadowing experience to your resume is a smart way to showcase your curiosity, eagerness to learn, and understanding of your desired industry. Use the provided template and tips to present your experience effectively. With a polished shadowing on your resume, you’ll stand out as a proactive and informed candidate.