{"id":5006,"date":"2018-12-12T11:30:00","date_gmt":"2018-12-12T17:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog\/?p=5006"},"modified":"2022-02-09T16:16:19","modified_gmt":"2022-02-09T22:16:19","slug":"how-to-write-a-cv-that-stands-out","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/how-to-write-a-cv-that-stands-out\/","title":{"rendered":"Career-seekers: Here’s how to write a CV that stands out"},"content":{"rendered":"

As director of provider recruitment, Rachel Reliford has seen a lot of CVs \u2013 some of them better than others.<\/p>\n

These documents are unique to each person, so no two will ever be exactly the same, but there are some ways to make sure your CV is showing you in the best light.<\/p>\n

Here are her tips based on her experience as a recruiter and industry best practices<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Who needs a CV?<\/h2>\n

While a Curriculum Vitae, or CV, is more commonly used in other parts of the world, in the United States it\u2019s more concise counterpart \u2013 the resume \u2013 is preferred.<\/p>\n

In the U.S., a CV is almost exclusively reserved for academics and medicine.<\/p>\n

The difference, Rachel explains, is in the length, purpose and layout.<\/p>\n

\u201cA resume is more of a concise document,\u201d Rachel said. \u201cA resume is more tailored to the position you\u2019re applying for. It doesn\u2019t have to be chronologically ordered or cover every position in your career like a CV.\u201d<\/p>\n

For physicians<\/a>, a CV is preferred over a resume so recruiters<\/a> like Rachel can see more detail up front about a person\u2019s training.<\/p>\n

Best practices<\/h2>\n
\"Rachel

Rachel Reliford, Director, Provider Recruitment at OSF HealthCare<\/p><\/div>\n

1. Include a full chronology of work experience.<\/h3>\n

Start with undergraduate education and include all of your academic and work experience.<\/p>\n

\u201cA CV begins the day you start academic training \u2013 usually undergrad, but sometimes medical school. And it\u2019s always compounding. You never drop things off after a certain amount of time,\u201d Rachel said.<\/p>\n

A CV with lengthy gaps in employment would raise red flags for recruiters, so if you\u2019ve taken any time off to raise a family, take a sabbatical or deal with any other issues, offer an explanation so the recruiter can see the full picture.<\/p>\n

2. Make sure your layout is consistent and easily understandable.<\/h3>\n

List your contact information first, followed by education, professional experience, state licenses<\/a>, board certifications<\/a> and professional associations.<\/p>\n

Save research and academic experience for the end.<\/p>\n

3. List current \u2013 and appropriate \u2013 contact information<\/h3>\n

If you provide an email address, make sure it\u2019s an account that you check regularly. Likewise, any phone number should be a cell phone or direct line, not one that will be answered by a member of the office staff at your current position.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf we have to leave a message, we\u2019ll have to explain why we\u2019re contacting you,\u201d Rachel said.<\/p>\n

4. Include some personal information<\/h3>\n

A short personal section or biography is a great way to give a more complete picture of who you are as a person and a professional, but it doesn\u2019t have to be extensive.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe always like to see things like their hobbies, interests, things about them or their family,\u201d Rachel said.<\/p>\n

But don\u2019t overshare or include a photo, which could come off as unprofessional. Personal information shouldn\u2019t overshadow your professional experience. Save that for your cover letter.<\/p>\n

5. Speaking of a cover letter\u2026<\/h3>\n

Write a cover letter that shows why you\u2019re interested in a particular organization or position.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s always helpful to have a cover letter because it helps us understand them as an individual and what they\u2019re looking for, but it\u2019s not required,\u201d Rachel said.<\/p>\n

For providers looking for a position within OSF HealthCare<\/a>, use your cover letter to explain what caught your eye about OSF HealthCare Children\u2019s Hospital of Illinois<\/a>, why you\u2019re looking forward to working on a simulation project at Jump Trading Simulation & Education Center<\/a> or why you want to practice medicine in a small town<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt helps me understand what makes you feel like this is a good opportunity for you,\u201d Rachel said.<\/p>\n

See current opportunities at osfcareers.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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