Applying for a new position requires one to display his or her credentials and qualifications, usually in the form of a resume or curriculum vitae. A curriculum vitae is more commonly referred to as a CV. For medical doctors, deciding whether to write a resume or CV can be a difficult decision, as each one puts emphasis on different points.
Writing a Resume
A resume is most commonly used in America, and is known for saving space by eliminating some information that could be considered irrelevant. A resume puts more emphasis on experience than it does education and interests. Resumes are popular choices for those applying to private sector jobs or commercial positions.
Resume sections and order can vary depending upon the person and job requirements. The first section is usually the applicant’s name and public information. In this section, it is important to include the name as it appears on educational certifications and documents. Add contact information, such as address, phone numbers and E-mail address as well. If the applicant maintains a blog or website, this is a great section to include that information as well.
The following sections should include the objective, education, experience, honors, affiliations, skills, relevant coursework, and availability. Each section should have an appropriate, but succinct header. No section should be left blank. Instead, simply omit empty sections from the resume altogether.
A medical doctor’s resume could look like this:
Jane Doe, M.D.
123 Maine Street
Newark, NJ 75757
DoctorJane@JaneMedical.com
Objective
Experienced medical doctor with a specialty in pediatric care and family medical counseling. Specific knowledge in birth defects and genetic disorders in infants and young children.
Education
Medical Doctor
University of Texas, Austin, Texas
May, 2004
MCAT 90th percentile
Bachelor of Science Degree, Biology major
University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma
May 1999
GPA 3.56
Honors
Dean’s List Awards
National Honor Society
Jean Simpson Award for Biological Achievements, 2002
Affiliations
Young Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics
American Medical Student’s Society
This example resume omits the sections that would have included experience, skills, relevant coursework, and availability. A skills section could include computer and typing skills or any travel abroad. Relevant coursework can include any professional coursework taken by the applicant that was not required for the purpose of obtaining a degree. This should be relevant to the job and could include internships or university coursework. Availability includes the dates the applicant is available to begin work.
Writing a Curriculum Vitae
A CV is much like a resume, but is more elaborate and appropriate for those applying to a field that requires a high level of education or degree. A CV can be created by expounding upon some of the sections of a resume, and adding sections of references, research interests. A CV is most often used for applicants who are heavily involved in research or teaching. These applicants are often published medical professionals and serve as reviewers for medical boards and organizations.
Include in a CV any professional dissertations or presentations that may have been completed, along with field work, scholarships, fellowships, and grants.
What to Consider Before Writing a CV
It is important to remember that employers are not generally interested in hobbies or activities that are irrelevant to the position for hire. Do not include special interests or personal information such as spending time with family or shopping with friends on weekends. An employer could perceive this as tacky and unnecessary. However, if there is an activity, such as playing in a band, that defines the applicant as a person, the activity should be included and its importance noted.
Personal websites or blogs that are not applicable to the subject of the qualifications should not be included in a resume or CV. Keep all explanations within the resume short and factual. There is no need for complete sentences, as employers will usually read a resume in less than one minute. Make sure that all content is proofed for errors and typos, and be sure to dictate all content in a clear manner. Do not use elaborate words or layouts that are over stimulating. Instead, use a simple, sans-serif font in an easily read font size. Arial is a good choice with a font size of eleven.
The rules for resumes and CV’s are similar, with some sections being added or eliminated based upon the request or standards or the potential employer. If one is unsure, it is best to consult with the employer as to whether he or she would prefer a resume or a curriculum vitae.
Allison Westbrook - Allison Westbrook is a professional freelance writer that is passionate about bringing quality and relevance to an audience of readers. ...
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