This blog post is a must-read for any medical student. While the tips here can help anyone writing a CV, we'll be focusing on the unique elements required for medical CVs. As a resident physician, I have plenty of experience with crafting these specialized CVs, and I’m here to share insights that will make your CV stand out. Listen to the full episode here for more tips.
Why a Strong CV is Crucial for Medical Students
If you're a medical student, you need a well-organized, frequently updated CV to capture all your opportunities and achievements. The goal is to eventually turn your CV into an application for residency via ERAS. Throughout this journey, your CV will evolve as you gain new experiences and accomplishments.
The Many Uses of a Medical School CV
A CV isn't just for job applications. For medical students, a well-written CV is essential for multiple purposes. Below are examples of when you’ll need a CV:
Research opportunities
Leadership roles
Letters of recommendation and chair letters
Applications for away rotations, audition rotations, or sub-Is
Award applications
MSPE (Dean’s letter)
ERAS applications for residency
Structuring Your Medical School CV
Creating a standout CV requires knowing which sections to include and how to organize them. Here’s a breakdown of the key sections to include:
Essential Sections for a Medical CV
Name and contact information
Education
Honors and awards
Extracurricular activities and leadership positions
Work experience
Community service
Research experience, presentations, posters, and publications
Optional Sections
Professional memberships
Certifications and skills
Interests and hobbies
General Formatting Tips
Use 10-12 point font for body text, 14 for headings, and up to 18 for your name
Use active voice instead of passive voice
List experiences in reverse chronological order with recent experiences first
Know your audience—tailor your CV based on who will be reading it
Differences Between a CV and a Resume
It’s essential to understand the difference between a CV and a resume. While both are used to highlight your qualifications, a resume is more concise and no more than one page, tailored specifically to a particular job or opportunity. On the other hand, a CV is longer, usually three to four pages, and includes all relevant information about your academic and professional journey.
Crafting Your CV: Key Sections Explained
1. Name and Contact Info
At the top of your CV, include your full name and contact information, including your email address. Depending on the situation, you might want to add a professional website, but this is typically not necessary unless it's relevant to the opportunity.
2. Education
List your education in reverse chronological order. Include the name of the institution, dates of attendance, degree earned, and location.
3. Honors and Awards
This section might be shorter, but it’s still important. Include any significant awards or recognition you've received, whether it’s a research award or being on the Dean’s List.
4. Extracurricular Activities and Leadership Positions
List any organizations or clubs you’ve been a part of, highlighting any leadership roles you held (president, founder, etc.). For each position, include 1-3 bullet points that detail what you did, starting each bullet with an action verb.
5. Work Experience
List paid positions you’ve held, focusing on relevant skills gained that can transfer to the medical field. For example, customer service or teamwork experience can be valuable, even if the job wasn’t directly related to medicine.
6. Community Service
Include any volunteer work or community involvement. This section can include long-term volunteer commitments or shorter-term projects.
7. Research Experience
For research-related experiences, include the institution, your supervisor, your role, and a brief summary of the project. You can also include separate sections for presentations and publications, formatted like citations with your name in bold.
8. Professional Memberships and Certifications
These sections are optional but can be valuable if you’re a member of any professional organizations or have certifications like ACLS or language proficiency.
9. Interests and Hobbies
While this section is optional, it can provide a more personal touch. Share interests that demonstrate commitment, such as training for a marathon or creating art. Be specific, such as “training for my next half-marathon,” instead of just saying “running.”
Tips for Tailoring Your CV
Organize your CV based on your audience. For example, if you're applying for research opportunities, your research section should come right after your education and honors & awards sections.
Font and formatting: Use a professional and readable font. Keep the body text between 10-12 points, headings around 14, and your name larger at 18.
Active voice and action verbs: Use active voice in your descriptions with action verbs to keep your writing engaging.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Relying on outdated experiences: Make sure your CV is always current, with relevant and recent experiences.
Focusing too much on irrelevant details: For example, listing every task you performed in a part-time job or coping and pasting your job description. Instead, focus on transferable skills.
Failing to customize your CV: Tailor your CV for each opportunity, focusing on the skills and experiences that align with the specific position or program.
Conclusion
Crafting a stellar CV can make all the difference in your journey through medical school. It’s essential to update it regularly, reflect on your achievements, and present yourself in the best possible light. Don’t settle for an average CV—invest time and effort into creating a document that maximizes your chances of success in medical school and beyond.
If you’re ready to take your CV to the next level, I offer individualized support to help medical students perfect their CVs at a fraction of the cost of other services. Listen to my episode on this topic for more tips.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How often should I update my medical CV?
It's essential to update your CV regularly, ideally every few months or after significant milestones such as completing a research project. Keeping your CV current ensures you don’t miss any important experiences or achievements.
Should I include personal interests or hobbies in my CV?
Including personal interests and hobbies is optional, but it can help personalize your CV. If you choose to add this section, be specific about your activities (e.g., "training for my next half-marathon") to demonstrate dedication and time management skills.
How long should my medical CV be?
Unlike a resume, which is typically one page, a medical CV can be longer—usually 3-4 pages. The goal is to include all relevant academic, clinical, research, and extracurricular experiences that demonstrate your qualifications and passion for medicine.
Should I list my work experiences that aren't directly related to medicine?
Yes! Even if your past jobs aren’t directly related to medicine, it's important to highlight transferable skills like teamwork, leadership, and communication. This is especially useful for roles you held during your pre-med years or in your gap year.