How to set up a good CV
This is an overview of what a good CV should entail according to the heads of department of a district-level hospital in the Western Cape.
1. Personal statement
- Write a brief overview of your experience, skills, and aims in 3-4 lines.
2. Qualifications
- List all qualifications. Try to start with the most recent (and thus most applicable) qualifications first. Include the date and place.
- List any short courses you have done and the dates.
- List any awards you have received.
- List any future examinations you have enrolled for or are working towards.
3. Career history
- List all the places and/or departments where you have worked before.
- Start with the most recent position (i.e., current position) and work backward.
- Include the following:
- Full name of the institution.
- Dates that you worked there.
- The grade or level of the hospital (e.g., district, regional, tertiary, etc.).
- Specialty or departments where you worked, and when.
- Names of superiors where you worked.
4. Leadership history
- List any previous positions held in management or leadership.
- This can be both in and out of work.
5. Teaching history
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- Any courses you have taught at.
- Any lectures previously given to undergraduates, or speeches given at conferences.
6. Research history
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- Previous audits, presentations, or publications.
7. IT skills
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- For example, state whether you are proficient in using Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, etc.
8. References
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- Ideally list 3 references.
- Remember to first ask these doctors if they would be willing for you to put them up as references on your CV (for when they are contacted in this regard).
- Include their full qualifications and personal contact details (not the hospital landline).
- Never list someone who might be one of the interviewers.
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