Six tips for a better CV

Whether you are looking for your first job out of residency or making a career change, getting your curriculum vitae (CV) noticed by potential employers is your goal. Follow these tips to make a good impression:

• Keep your CV simple and easy to read. Don’t get too wordy or too fancy with formatting.

• Don’t make readers have to deduce your specialty from your education. List it just under your name so it is easily visible.

• List your education and experience in reverse chronological order. If necessary, explain gaps in your history in your cover letter.

• Try to limit your CV to no more than two pages, but consider including sections that flesh out your qualifications such as leadership, awards, professional affiliations/memberships, community service, and additional skills.

• Don’t forget personal information, such as interests and hobbies. Potential employers will want this information to assess what your ties to the community might be and whether the community is a good fit for you and your family, if applicable.

• If you are seeking an opportunity in an academic setting, have a section that lists research, publications, presentations, poster projects, grants, and scholarships. Often, these types of CVs follow a different order than more traditional ones, and the Association of American Medical Colleges has resources that provide more information.

Read the full FPM article: “What Makes a Good CV?”