How to Create a CV and a Resume
Your CV or resume is often the first impression a prospective employer will have of you – so make sure it clearly and concisely communicates your strengths and skills. Make every word count!
Posted in Getting Hired on Wednesday, February 22, 2017
The Goal of a Good CV or Resume
The information you choose and how you present it should build a compelling case for why a doctor should consider you as a prospective associate or independent contractor. Be precise, but also toot your own horn (in moderation).
Your CV or resume should:
- Describe your education and professional experience
- Indicate career goals and objectives
- Establish credibility and professional qualifications
- Establish you as an outstanding candidate
- Demonstrate and sell your capabilities
Which Format - CV or Resume?
In health care, a CV is preferred while private industry employers are familiar with traditional resume formats. So as a general rule, when applying for a chiropractic associate or independent contractor position, use the CV format.
“Curriculum vitae" is Latin for "the course of one's life" so it’s appropriate that a CV would display your academic credentials and accomplishments in greater detail than a resume.
What's Included in a CV?
Though a CV should list all credentials, the content should have a tone of understated modesty about achievements. The content and length of a CV depends on the candidate's objective and level of experience. A new grad might have a one page CV while someone with a longer career might require a dozen pages.
Typical headings might include:
- Contact information
- Objective or summary statement
- Education/degrees
- Licensure and certifications
- Professional experience, including internships
- Recognitions - awards, honors, publications, speaking engagements
- Special skills/training - conferences, computer skills, languages
- Professional affiliations
- Community and extracurricular activities
- Additional information
Include details such as: dates, locations, responsibilities in positions held, and the skills you gained or utilized through these experiences. By gathering this information in a rough form, you now have a basic outline to begin writing your CV.
Where Should You Begin?
There is no right way or wrong way to put a CV together but you’ll need to determine the right combination and order of topics based on your experience, education, and goals. A self-assessment can be the foundation of how you sell yourself and will help differentiate your CV from those of other individuals.