Preparing a Curriculum Vitae (CV) for Your Job Search

Your CV for a job search will often differ from a CV used for a formal application. When considering your job search CV, think about how you can “open a door” with a potential employer. Here is a list of some basic “Dos and Don’ts” for writing your CV:

  • Present basic information only. A job search CV should be concise, including just enough information to create interest without overwhelming a potential employer
  • Do not include lists of publications, studies and presentations
  • Do not list names and contact information for references. Rather, note that references are available on request.
  • Nothing in the CV should lead to a compromise of your confidentiality or expose you to the risk of identity theft. Never include your Social Security Number or DEA number.
  • Use a common, easily transferable format. We recommend Adobe PDF format, but a Microsoft Word file is acceptable.

Beyond the basics, your CV should follow a general format. Take a look at some of our tips below that outline what a basic job search CV should include:

Contact Information

  • Telephone numbers, especially cell numbers. Be sure you don’t include your work number if this is a confidential search.
  • Email address. Carefully consider use of a workplace email. It may jeopardize a confidential search.
  • If you are not a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident, you will want to list your visitor status and eligibility for employment.

Education

  • Undergraduate, Medical School, Internship, Residency, Fellowship
  • Include date ranges

Employment

  • Start with your most recent experience. Consider grouping jobs by experience as well. For example, you may want to group any locum tenens positions together by date in a separate section from your other experience.
  • One or two lines describing each position and listing any titles associated with the position, such Medical Director, Practice Owner or other titles.
  • Include date ranges.

Certifications

Although you will not include this information in your CV, you will want to be sure and include the following in your cover letter:

  • Explanations of any gaps in employment of over thirty days.
  • Explanations of any changes in Residency programs, including changes in specialty or changes in program location.