Writing a Winning CV

January 26th, 2014 2 Min read Writing a Winning CV Blog
Crafting your Curriculum Vitae (CV) is your opportunity to highlight your skills, education and training, and achievements. As a physician, it is critically important that your CV be complete, accurate and current, as it will be the basis from which your job applications are completed and your credentials are verified. To guide you in this effort, access our eBook, Get Noticed in 15 Seconds, the best tool available from subject matter authority, Chandlee Bryan. Information you should include in your CV Knowing the basic pieces of information will help you begin to create your CV. There are several parts to a CV that a potential employer will look for:
  • Personal information—name, contact information
  • Education and training
  • Work history
  • Certifications
  • Licenses and DEA registration
  • Professional memberships
  • Publications (optional)
Information you should not include in your CV
  • Personal information about your spouse, partner or children
  • Sensitive information including Social Security, license and DEA numbers
  • Photographs
Keep your CV current so you can chronologically track, and account for, all time periods since you started medical training. It is very helpful if you list “current as of (date)” on your CV. Helpful hints to make your CV more eye-catching It is useful to have a sample CV in front of you so you see what an employer sees. Organize the layout of your CV and make it easy to scan by using:
  • Headers
  • Bullets
  • White space
After you've laid it out, proofread and then proofread your CV again. In a recent survey of 150 senior executives, 40% said one typo was enough to rule out a job candidate. In fact, it is often helpful to have someone else proofread it for you. Cover letter pointers A cover letter is a valuable tool to compliment your CV and articulate why you are the right person for the job. It gives you the opportunity to demonstrate how your skills can benefit the organization. Tailor the information in your cover letter to the specific position and facility you are writing about. Personalizing the cover letter will set the stage for an employer who will want to learn more about you. Use a professional tone in your writing and provide only relevant information related to your healthcare career. And as always, proofread your cover letter. If you have questions about writing your CV, contact a CompHealth representative who can advise you about what to include and how to present the best features of your career.