1. Curriculum Vitae

2. What’s a CV? Curricula vitae
Latin “course of life”
Used for international, professional, or academic positions
Used for application purposes as well as means for introducing invited speakers

3. How is a CV different than a Resume?
Longer (2+ pages)
Content
Summary of academic, teaching, research, publications, honors, and service
Purpose
Career biography

4. Contents of a Standard CV
Contact information
Professional objective
Professional licenses and certifications
Education
Work experience
Clinical rotation experiences
Presentations
Publications
Research experience
Scholarly activities
Awards and honors
Grants
Professional memberships
Community service activities
References

5. Contents of Standard CV
Complete contact information
Use permanent mailing address
Consider including campus address, but indicate which is permanent mailing address
Include your address
Professional objective
The more specific the better
Taylor to each position you target
Residency versus clinical position

6. Contents of Standard CV
Professional licenses/certifications
Include licensure/certification numbers
Education
Degree completion dates
Major
Institution attended
Work experience
Title of position, dates of employment
Name of institution, location
Description of experience, responsibilities, and achievements

7. Contents of Standard CV
Clinical rotation experiences
As student list clerkship experiences similar to work experiences
List rotation site, preceptor, short description of activities
Presentations
List titles, audience, dates
Include academic presentations to highlight communication skills

8. Contents of Standard CVs
Publications/Posters
List all publications
Include newsletters, case reports, original research
Research experiences
List any research experiences (lab technician, data collection experience)
Describe research skills developed
Scholarly activities
List involvement in special projects and activities
Examples: DUE projects, data collection role in study, experiences in projects on rotations

9. Contents of Standard CV
Awards and honors
List specific awards, scholarships, recognitions
Grants
List grant (submitted and funded), funding source, amount, dates
Professional memberships
List membership in organizations
Leadership positions held and committee involvement (dates)

10. Contents of Standard CVs
Community service activities
List/describe volunteer and community service activities
Activities with student organizations
CAP projects
References
Generally provided separately
Ask before listing someone as reference
Available upon request

11. Different Versions of CVs
Professional objective tailored to the position
Prioritize key experiences important for the position to be presented early within CV

12. Stylistic Considerations
Order of contents of CV should reflect individuals strengths and take into consideration experiences necessary for the position
Use action words when describing experiences
Reverse chronological order
Standard 8 ½ X 11 inch bond paper
Single side printing, preferably laser
Conservative, size font throughout
Avoid excessive lines, graphics, shading, etc

13. Important “Cs” of CVs Clear Concise Complete Consistent Current
Well-organized, content flows well
Concise
Include relevant and necessary information
Complete
Includes everything you need to show qualifications
Consistent
Use consistent design, fonts, layout
Current
Keep up to date, update at least annually

14. Important “Don’ts” for CVs
Spelling or grammatical errors
Proof, proof, proof then proof again!!
Have numerous people review
Difficult to read fonts/small font size
Minimal 12 pt font, laser printer
Standard fonts preferred
Think conservative
Cheap paper
White, cream, gray bond paper

15. Important “Don’ts” for CVs
Folding, stapling
Send in large envelope to companies
Consider inserting header (upper right corner) with name
“Mass” mailing “to whom it may concern”
Target specific individual within a company
Weak objective/philosophy
Lack cover letter
First thing that is seen; need strong letter

16. Cover Letters
Often more important than CV when mailing information for a position
Need to make your letter unique to stand out from the rest
Creative/unique letters
Show that you have researched the position and/or institution/company
Refer to connections that you might have
Faculty members, residents

17. Cover Letters
Cover letters should be addressed to a specific individual
Verify correct name spelling, title
First paragraph
State interest in the position
Include several sentences which indicate interest in position and qualifications
“After spending a great deal of time working as an intern in a Children’s Hospital, I was interested to learn about the position for a clinical pharmacist at Children Are Us Hospital.”

18. Cover Letters Second/third paragraph Closing statement
Refer to CV enclosed and highlight experiences that prepare you for the position
Personalize the qualities listed on CV pertinent to the position
“The most enjoyable experiences I have had during my clerkships occurred during my Pediatrics rotation. Seeing the smile and sense of accomplishment on the face of the 5 year old newly diagnosed diabetic whom I taught insulin injection technique . . .”
Closing statement
List contact information if any questions, enthusiasm for position, offer to provide any additional information

19. Follow-up/Thank You Letters
Decisions for second interviews/hiring may be influenced by your follow-up after an interview
Just as important for positions no longer interested in pursuing
Thank for time
“I appreciate the time you spent with me discussing the position, however the position does not meet my career goals at this time. . .”

20. Follow-Up/Thank You Letters
Address letter to specific individual(s)
Verify correct name spelling, title, etc
Avoid generic letters
Make unique by referring to discussions/experiences during interview
Timeliness
Within 1 week of interview

21. Follow-Up/Thank You Letters
First paragraph
Indicate reason for letter/appreciation for interviewers time
“Thank you for taking the time to meet with me to discuss the clinical pharmacist position at . . .”
Second paragraph
Express continued interest in the position, your individual contribution or “fit” with the position, understanding of positions requirements
“After our visit, I believe the flexibility and emphasis on clinical practice of the position would fit well with my goals . .”

22. Follow-Up/Thank You Letters
Third paragraph (optional)
Clarify misunderstandings during interview, questions about your qualifications
“Although I know that your are looking for someone who has more experience, I feel that my ”
Closing statement
Re-emphasize continued interest and enthusiasm for the position, contact information

23. Skills Employers Want Communication skills
Highlight in presentations/publications
Teamwork/interpersonal skills
Highlight group activities in coursework
Computer skills
Flexibility/adaptability
Self-confidence
Motivation/initiative
Work ethic