CVs

Traditionally, résumés have been, like careers themselves, oriented towards what a person has accomplished thus far. Although the current trend is to construct a CV in a way that demonstrates how your past accomplishments are well matched to the training programme requirements. This type of CV is called a 'targeted résumé' or CV.

In designing your CV you have in most cases the freedom to decide on the layout and presentation of those personal details. However, in some instances you may be asked to add your personal details to a CV “template” provided by the employer / college. In which case although content is still up to you, the design and layout is not.

The skills you demonstrate on your CV are specific, or targeted, to a particular training programme. This format is very useful if you have been provided with a programme description, or better still, a 'person specification'.

CV Layout
Medical CVs are notoriously long because the character of the profession requires that you should list all your skills, courses, presentations, audits, research and publications. However, the aim of the CV is to provide a thorough summary which is succinct, easy to read and appropriate to the organisation and opportunity.

Tips:

If possible, try to keep your CV to a maximum of 6-8 pages

Use bullet points, not sentences. Interviewers will be able to pick out the essential information much more efficiently

Remember to list all your skills, not just clinical. Your management and teaching experience is just as important

Number the pages to avoid confusion

ALWAYS Check your CV for grammar and spelling

Use self confident language: action words with a strong impact

Use the same font and sizing format throughout the CV

Suggested Medical CV content:

Personal details

	Full name
	Postal address
	Contact phone number
	Contact email address
	Medical registration details

Optional:

	Nationality / residency status
	Marital status/children
	Date of birth
	Tribal affiliations

Education:

	Medical school attended
	Higher degrees attained
	Qualification received
	Prizes, awards and scholarships

Employment: (Hospital and research based employment)

	List each job in reverse chronological order
	Give a good summary of each hospital you have worked in. Mention the strong points of the training you have received at each hospital. With a summary of the main responsibilities you undertook Presentations
	Mention the level they were made at e.g. regional, national or international Research
	Mention whether they are completed or in progress Publications
	Mention whether they are refereed or non refereed
	If you have pages of publications etc they may best be fitted into an appendix to the main document.

Achievements and Interests:

	Sports
	Hobbies
	Volunteering
	Cultural and community awards