Ten Top Tips for Doctors: Crafting an Impactful CV

Crafting an Impactful CV: Top Ten Tips for Healthcare Professionals Breaking into the Industry

Introduction:

Your CV is your first impression for potential employers in a very competitive field. For doctors and healthcare professionals seeking a transition into the industry, a well-crafted CV is not just a document; it's a strategic tool that can open doors to opportunities. Below I outline ten quick and easy tips for improving your CV.

1. Modern Template:

Give your CV a fresh look with a modern template. Simple, clean designs are not only visually appealing but also easy to read. Many online platforms offer free templates, so you don't have to be a design expert. Too many doctor's CVs are cluttered and text heavy because we want to coney as much information as possible. There is no need for this and it will put you at a disadvantage if your CV is too much work to read.

2. Clarity & Accuracy:

Ensure your CV is legible, well-organised and doesn’t have spelling, grammar mistakes or typos. Use clear headings, bullet points, and a consistent font throughout. Avoid clutter and make it easy for recruiters to find the information they need. Use bold font in key places to highlight certain points. Break things up visually and lead the reader to your key messages.

3. Tailor to the Role:

Customise your CV for each application. Highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific position and company you're applying to. A one-size-fits-all approach isn’t optimal in today's competitive job market but you also do not need to completely re-write your CV every time. Usually you can get your CV to about 90% consistent with the last 10% tailored for the role / situation.

4. Impactful Messaging:

Shift the focus from job descriptions to impact. Describe what you did and the outcomes rather than what you were responsible for. If you can quantify your achievements, I would highly recommend including the numbers. For example, instead of saying you were "responsible for quality improvement projects" say you "led a cross-functional team assessing post operative care resulting in a 20% improvement in complication rates”.

5. Tell a Story:

Weave a thread or theme throughout your CV to tell a compelling story about your career journey. Whether it's clinical research, quality improvement, medical education, or leadership, make sure your experiences align with your chosen narrative. The reader should be able to understand your personal story and positioning from your CV. Some people call this a “personal brand”. Essentially, think about how you want the reader to picture you (beyond your role title and qualifications).

6. Showcase Achievements:

Highlight your key achievements prominently, even ahead of career summaries. The order of your CV will be different to an established leader in the industry who might use their most recent experience more prominently. As someone looking to transition to a new industry, your experience managing patients in clinic may be less interesting than your research experience or your experience on a medicines management board or your achievements in quality improvement projects (unless, for example, you are a cardiologist applying for an industry role in cardiology). Keep your education lower down in your CV as well. Your education is unlikely to be the deal maker or breaker unless there is something specificlaly relevant to the role you are applying for. 

7. Continuous Learning:

Emphasise your commitment to continuous learning, professional development and growth. This shows your dedication to staying current in your field but also speaks to your future behaviours when transitioning to the industry where you will have a lot to learn and quickly. 

8. Keyword Optimisation:

Some companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan CVs. Include industry-specific keywords relevant to the job you're applying for to increase your chances of passing through ATS scans. This is part of tailoring your CV. However, be careful not to include a plethora of buzzwords throughout the CV. The tailoring should be around the core content of the job description. For example, the job description may call for a “Dynamic leader in Cardiology”. In this example, I would emphasise cardiology experience and leadership experience. I would not include the word “dynamic”.

9. Two-Page Rule:

Keep your CV concise. Ideally, limit it to two pages and focus on your most recent and relevant experiences. If you have extensive experience, prioritise your last two roles and then write summary statements for previous positions. For example, you may have five years of experience as a middle grade doctor in several hospitals before becoming a consultant. I would summarise those five years into a single section rather than listing each position.

10. Seek Feedback:

Before sending out your CV, ask a trusted colleague, mentor, or career coach for feedback. Fresh eyes can catch errors, provide valuable insights, and help you fine-tune your messaging. 

Conclusion 

Your CV is a powerful tool that is often your first chance to land your key messages. By following these ten tips, you'll start to craft a modern, impactful CV that stands out to potential employers. Remember, your CV should not just list your qualifications; it should tell a story of your journey, your accomplishments, and your potential value to the company. With a polished CV in hand, you’ll make sure you are presenting yourself as well as you can, optimising your chances of being called for interview for the right role.

Joshi Life Sciences is a coaching and strategic advisory consultancy for the Life Sciences industry set up by Dr Mayur R. Joshi (LinkedIn Profile).

Joshi Life Sciences specialises in career coaching for aspiring and current Medical Affairs professionals to maximise their potential and enhance their impact. We also advise companies looking to enhance their Medical Affairs functions, scale up their teams, build their organisations and we partner with companies that have shared values and vision.

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