Format
The most important aspects in terms of formatting your CV are to convey a professional image and to make the CV user-friendly. The structure and formatting of your CV should easily guide the reader through your background, experience and strengths and paint a clear picture of who you are professionally. Listed below are the general areas you should include in a CV that is targeted for a practice-based position.
Tone
Your CV should be concise, accurate and positive in tone. For each clinical position you describe, list the title of the position, the employer, the employer’s location, the dates you held the position, and your job duties and responsibilities. If a position was not full time or you worked closely with a notable supervisor, you may want to include this information as well. In describing your duties, succinctly highlight your experiences, particularly those that are relevant to the job you are seeking. Don’t be modest when describing your experience and accomplishments, but be careful not to exaggerate or be misleading.
The Cover Letter
After constructing a “targeted” CV for a particular position, use that information to craft a cover letter that highlights the knowledge, skills and abilities most relevant to your targeted position. A cover letter is an effective way to grab the reader’s attention. In addition to providing a brief introduction, it allows you to comment on works in progress that may not be appropriate for the CV, but would be relevant to your position (e.g., a program you are currently developing or a research study or article in progress).
A Fresh Set of Eyes
As a final step before submitting your cover letter and CV to a prospective employer, be sure to edit your materials carefully and thoroughly. Allow yourself enough time to work on a draft and then come back to it a day or two later. It is also helpful to have a trusted colleague, friend or family member review your work for spelling, grammar and general phrasing.