How to write a winning Medical CV
The person shortlisting candidates for interview will spend only 6 seconds scanning your CV to decide if your application should be considered any further. This means that you need to have a stellar CV to get you past the first hurdle. The aim of your CV should be to present a personal history of your education, professional history and job qualifications with a strong emphasis on clinical skills relating to the position you’re applying for.
Separating your experience and achievements into a logical order of headings makes any hiring manager’s job much easier, and increases your chances of getting the interviews you want. Follow a simple layout of education and professional qualifications, clinical experience, non-clinical skills, extracurricular activities, and finally referees.
What to include for a bullet proof Medical CV
Personal details
Include your full name and abbreviated qualifications, postal address, contact telephone numbers, professional email address, date of birth, nationality (for Visa & work permit applications), and Medical Council registration number.
Education & qualifications
Firstly, list any educational qualifications you have such as:
- Postgraduate qualifications
- Medical degrees
- Any previous degrees
You should also include any other postgraduate qualifications such as: membership exams, the Professional Linguistic Assessment Board test, or an advanced life support qualification.
Career history
Give your current position first and then list any previous posts. For each post, include the full name of the institution, the dates that you worked, the grade, specialty and the name of your supervisor.
You should also list your clinical skills under each position held in the career history section. This gives a good overview of your career and clearly indicates your professional experience. The following are also vital to include within your career history:
- Management & leadership experience
No matter what level you are at, doctors must show management experience. This could include committee responsibilities, organising events, rota management, and supervision of junior etc.
- Development courses and conferences attended
It is important to show your commitment to personal development. List any relevant courses and conferences you have attended, including the title of the course, the course provider and location, the date attended, and the duration.
- Research experience
The importance you place on this relating to your career progression will depend on your chosen specialty. Present your research experience in the following format: the topic of research, time spent, location, supervisor and source of funding, aims and your role, and outcome.
- Clinical audit
It is important to show your participation in clinical audit as this is essential for maintaining your medical council registration. Present your experience as month or year completed, the topic of audit, location or institution, your role, and the guidelines audited against.
- Presentations and publications
These may arise from research, clinical audit, and teaching experience. List the date presented or published, title or topic, date, and location or journal.
- Teaching experience
This adds strength to any application as the whole medical profession relies on participating in teaching. Detail the audiences you have taught—for example, undergraduate or postgraduate, teaching methods employed, and, if applicable, say that this is an area in which you wish to continue to develop your skills and experience.
- Information technology skills
More and more institutions require proficient information technology skills, so give details of any competencies you have. These could include statistical packages or research tools.
Personal interests
It is important to show a balanced approach to life. Your extracurricular interests relate to your ethos in life and should paint a picture of a well-balanced individual.
Referees
List at least two (preferably three) referees from your current and previous posts. Include their full name, position or grade, full address, telephone number, fax number, and email address.
A well-structured, clear, and concise CV will be instrumental in securing you a place at the interview table. Your CV is something that you should be proud of and be ready to present at short notice to secure the your dream job.
If you would like some feedback or some further tips on creating the perfect CV for your dream job then please don’t hesitate to get in touch
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