1. Creating Your Curriculum Vitae

2. 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

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

4. 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)

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

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

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

9. 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

10. 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)

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

12. 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”

13. Jessica Ross Address 3800 Hill Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19105
(813) (home, after 6 p.m. EST)
(756) (cell phone)
(813) (hospital paging)
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,
Teaching Assistant, University of Pennsylvania, Biology Department,
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, 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.

14. Poor format

15. Good format

16. Example

17. Example

18. Example

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