Creating Your Curriculum Vitae

Purpose of the CV Your introduction to future employers A marketing tool Employment record Education and training record Highlights experiences, skills, talents, etc. A career tool

Where to start? Gather information Work history Education history Extracurricular Activities Accomplishments/Awards/Achievements Unique features/qualities Research Experience Publications/Presentations

A CV should be: Clear (well organized, readable) Concise (no double entries, brief) Complete (all relevant info included) Consistent (no mix of styles) Current (include dates w all info)

Where to start? Organize By time frame By category (e.g., Education, Work, etc) By importance

Essentials Accuracy/truthful List only significant and/or relevant items Highlight accomplishments, leave out irrelevant information Provide brief descriptions if necessary

Essentials Use an attractive format Select a professional font and paper Times New Roman White or Ivory Proofread!

What to Avoid Don’t lie or exaggerate Don’t use pronouns, abbreviations, jargon Don’t crowd margins or use small type Don’t overdo the use of capitals, bold type, or underlined phrases Don’t leave gaps in time

Formats Chronological Functional Combination Lists events in reverse order Highlights Accomplishments Functional Focuses attention where you want it Detracts from natural progression Combination Hybrid between chronological and functional Useful in selected cases (e.g., long history)

Format Neat and clean Easy to read Logical Flowing Concise Accurate Consistency Quality (paper and print)

References/LORs Identify several potential individuals Clinical professors, 4th year vs 3rd year Not residents, generally not PhDs Always ask permission, schedule meeting Prepare information for your references/letter writers (CV and personal statement) Select the most suitable individuals for the position you are seeking Remember to say “Thank You”

Jessica Ross Address 3800 Hill Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19105 (813) 667-1235 (home, after 6 p.m. EST) (756) 667-1235 (cell phone) (813) 667-4589 (hospital paging) jross@yahoo.com Education University of Pennsylvania-School of Medicine, M.D., expected May 2000 University of Pennsylvania, M.S. in Biology, June 1996 Oberlin College, B.S. in Biology, June 1994 Honors and Awards Family Medicine Interest Group Leadership Award, 2000 Outstanding Senior Biology Award, Oberlin College, 1994 Dean's Award, Oberlin College, 1994 Professional Society Memberships American Academy of Family Physicians 2000 to present Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians 2000 to present American Medical Association 2000 to present Pennsylvania Medical Society 2000 to present Employment Experience Venipuncture Team U-P University Hospital, 1997-1998 Teaching Assistant, University of Pennsylvania, Biology Department, 1995-1996 Extracurricular Activities Family Medicine Interest Group, 2000 to present Youth Volunteer ­ Big Sisters Outside Interests ­ Piano, poetry, reading, running, walking, cycling, travel Special Qualifications ­ Private pilot license, 1997. Fluent in French Publications "Make Time to Get Involved in Your Community", The Community Service Connection, Spring 1999. "10 Tips for Effective Leadership," the Exchange, Fall 2001.

Poor format

Good format

Example

Example

Example

Resources Careers in Medicine Library On-line resources KUMC Writing Center