CV
Although CVs may not be needed when you apply for foundation training or specialty training, it is expected to be included within your portfolio. You will need one if applying for consultant’s jobs. Many publications refer to different ‘styles’ of CV, such as chronological, targeted or skills based and will stress the importance of keeping your CV to two pages in length. However, if you are to record all your achievements and employment history, your medical CV is likely to be considerably longer than this and consequently may appear to be lacking in focus. For this reason, you should maintain two versions of a CV: a ‘reference’ and an ‘application’ CV.
'Reference' CV
This is your own full and complete record, including all your skills and experience (both medical and non-medical) and should include transferable skills. If you update it regularly, this will ensure you have a written record of all your experience and highly relevant information. You may want to structure this in the same format as a traditional or chronological CV, which is probably the most common style of CV, and will also include the information below
‘Application’ CV
This is the CV you will use for applications. This is based on a candidate’s ability to understand the requirements of a particular job and to arrange their information in the most appropriate way. You may find it helpful to format it in the same order as the competency-based application forms. Look at Deanery websites for application forms and use the same or similar headings for your CV as those of the application forms. Alternatively you may choose to follow the structure of the Person Specification.
Structure and Content
You should bear in mind the purpose of your CV is to present a concise summary of your experience, skills and knowledge and to demonstrate how you can match the person specification. Remember the selectors will not have long to spend reading your CV.
A commonly used structure includes the following:
- Personal Details
- Career Statement
- Education and Qualifications
- Present Position
- Career History
- Clinical skills and experience
- Development activities such as conferences, management and leadership courses
- Presentations, Prizes, Publications
- Audits
- Teaching Experience
- References