In medical school you have learned many things from procedures to diagnosis, but none of that means anything if you don't end up in the right position. So how can you give yourself the best chances to land the right position? It all starts with a little preparation. By having a great CV and well-honed interview skills, you have a much better chance of landing the job you want. Your CV is your first impression, so it better be good! Your CV is often the first introduction a potential employer sees of you and they will make a quick judgment based on the information that you present to them first. Therefore, it is incredibly important to express your information in a clear and concise format to make it easier for them to see what you can bring to the table. Not only must your resume be clear, but it also must be current. Make it a practice to keep your CV updated, not just when you are looking for a position, but as you increase your skills and accomplishments. If you keep it updated you will always be prepared when it comes time to start your job search. So what should be included on your CV?

• All of your personal contact information: Try including this in a header so it appears on every page.
• Education and training: Be as specific as possible and try to highlight the areas that are most relevant to the job for which you are applying.
• Work history: Be prepared to address any and all gaps in your work history between training and the current day.
• Certifications: Include date and issuing authority.
• Licenses and DEA registration
• Professional memberships

What should NOT be included in your CV?

• Photographs
• Personal information regarding your age, race, marital status, religion, children, etc.
• Sensitive information such as your social security number, DEA number, or license number.

Once you have listed out all of your information, it is incredibly important to have someone else read over it for any grammatical or spelling errors. When we read what we have written, many times we will skip over typos. If you have someone who is reading it for the first time, they are much more likely to catch the errors. Finally, you should include a cover letter that outlines how you are a great fit for the position for which you are applying. It can give your CV more of a voice and allow you state your merits in more common language than is used on your CV. Be sure that it is professionally written, relevant to the position, and thoroughly proofread before sending it over to the facility. So they invited me to interview. Now what? You made it successfully through the phone interview and CV screening, now is time to go visit your potential employer. Successful interviewing skills are required and most people are not born with these skills. The better prepared you are, the greater your chances are of being offered a contract. Stay positive and remember that if something does not sound as if it fits your requirements, continue to listen and keep track of all your questions for the end. There are many things that can be negotiated, but first make a good impression by displaying a great attitude. A few important factors to remember for your interview:

• Dress professionally: Always dress in professional attire. First impressions are very important and being neat and creating a positive image is imperative. For men: Navy blue or gray suits, white shirts, conservative ties, matching socks and polished shoes.
• For women: A business suit or a matching skirt and blouse, stockings, and good shoes.
• Be prepared: It is important to always have questions ready when you are asked for them. Bring extra copies of your CV and always take business cards so you can send thank you notes. Bring a notepad and pen.
• It will also go a long way of securing an offer if you have your references with you to hand in when asked.
• If you really like what you see and what you hear, then ask for the job. Tell your potential employer that you can see yourself working there and would like to take the next step. Be enthusiastic and let them know what you can offer their practice. The better you come across, the better your chances are of getting a contract.
• Be polite and courteous to every person you meet. You never know who is important in the decision making process so treat everyone with the utmost respect.
• Be on time.
  • When possible, drive to the location ahead of time so you know exactly where it is. Factor in traffic and parking. A great rule of thumb is to try and show up 10 to 15 minutes early. It is not good to be too early so 15 minutes is typically the limit.
  • Do your homework; know as much as you can about the opportunity and the community. This will go far showing your interest level to the client.

Be sure to check out our career coaching section of our website to find valuable CV preparation and interviewing skill resources. These are very helpful in preparing you for what questions might be asked of you and what questions you can ask of the client. The better prepared you are, the more comfortable and confident you will be. Always focus on positive experiences of your past employment and limit any negativity. The interview is twofold. It is for the practice to see if you are right for them and for you to see if they are right for you. By having a well-crafted CV and top-notch interviewing skills, you can increase your desirability to an employer. So take the time to invest in yourself, and it will pay off with years of better opportunities! If you would like additional assistance on how to craft your resume or prepare for your interviews, contact a CompHealth representative today. They can advise you on how to put your best foot forward and land your dream job.