Do you work in the industry already? Or are you just starting out and ready to make your mark? Whatever your position, you will need to make sure you have a sufficient healthcare CV prepared!
Healthcare is one of the largest employment sectors, one that is rewarding and offers great career progression. And even though there are plenty of opportunities available, your CV is still very much a crucial part of the application process, so it is important to get it right!
No matter what grade or speciality you are applying for, your CV should tell the story of you and your career and why you are the best person for the job. Remember, healthcare is so much more than what you can offer on paper. It is about your principles and the values you stand for. So, make sure that comes across!
Healthcare is a busy sector! So, the chances that a hiring manager will spend hours of their time reading your CV is slim. So, even with a quick glance, make sure your CV portrays a clear and engaging picture from the start. Remember, this is not the time to tell your life story. Points can be expanded on during the interview process if needed. We suggest aiming for one to two pieces of A4 unless your speciality warrants more. Bullet points are always a great way to keep it concise and to the point.
Take the time to review and update your CV regularly. The more you do this, the easier it will be to utilise should you need it on short notice. Make sure you cover your employment history, education, qualifications, awards and courses with dates, grades, and the institutions who awarded you. Take some time to work out what is essential to include and what details could be disregarded. For example, having achieved your medical degree, your GCSE’S and A-Levels become irrelevant.
As we said, time is of the essence, so your most notable career achievements need to be displayed at the top. Your career history should traditionally start with your current position, with other posts discussed in reverse chronological order. Keep the design simple and easy to read! No drastic fonts, colours, or layouts.
Although it can be tempting, avoid using the same CV for every role you apply for. If your CV is not role-specific, it will work against you. The job description itself is a great tool that can help with this. It will already state the person they are looking for to fill the role. So, to make sure you fit the bill, specifically highlight those key areas. Remember, the purpose of your CV is to get an interview, and the way to do this is to show you tick all the right boxes.
Make sure your personal details are correct, so you are contactable. If you are already a medical professional, ensure you include your national training number and medical council registration, as well as relevant associations and memberships you are a part of. If you have specific experience in management, research, or teaching, for example, make sure this information is also summarised accordingly.
Ready to start your journey with Clinical24? Send us your updated CV, so we can connect you with opportunities.