Abstract
When the time comes to look for a ‘proper’ job, once training is finished and the letters MRCGP are added after your name, you will need to stand out from your peers and sell yourself. Straight after GP training, or a few months before, most GP registrars will look similar on paper: similar degrees, similar diplomas and fairly standard general practice experience. Some of you will have spent time overseas, been in work before your medical career started, have prizes and publications. But all of you are unique regardless—you just need to ensure that your prospective partners or employers know this. You advertise your distinctiveness through a well thought out, well laid out and professionally looking curriculum vitae (or résumé).
Your curriculum vitae is the story of your life. But this particular story is the narrative explaining why you should be offered your chosen job or certainly an interview. Some job applications are made on standard forms, or more often online (e.g. some salaried posts through the National Health Service applications site), but partnership and practice posts usually require a CV and a covering letter. Many online applications also include space for uploading your CV.
The main headings that should be included are listed in Box 1. The skill is organizing the headings in the most appropriate and attractive order. There are numerous pages on the Internet with tips about CVs, as well as adverts for companies that will prepare a CV for you. However, any standard word-packaging programme should do the job — it is attention to detail and layout that are important. You may think that this is obvious, but I have seen poor CVs at all levels of job applications, including for senior academic posts, with spelling mistakes and grammatical errors (misplaced apostrophes are common mistakes). Box 2 details elements of style and layout that look attractive.
Your CV needs updating regularly but should be suitable for all job applications within the same time frame. The covering letter can then include specific extra details about why you are applying for a particular post and your special aptitude for it. If the job advertisement or subsequent information/application pack includes a person specification (essential and desirable criteria that the practice is looking for in the doctor to be appointed), then you should address each point. The covering letter should also demonstrate the fact that you have read the job advertisement and done some research about the practice.
Headings for your CV
Personal details Current position Qualifications Education Previous posts Any gaps in your work history and why Clinical interests Publications Presentations Personal interests Names and contact details of referees (usually two)
Layout and style
Use a word processing package and print on good quality paper Ask to see a colleague's CV for pointers Stick to one font and two main sizes of letters— headings and text However, your name could be larger than these Headings should be in bold — possibly in colour Ensure good margins and space between sections Insert page numbers Do not write an essay—use short but elegant prose Check spelling and if possible have someone proofread the document Think how your CV might stand out without being too brash
Personal details
These should include your name and contact details, email address and phone numbers. You should include your date and place of birth, General Medical Council registration number and your defence organization details. If it might not be obvious from your name what gender you are, then include this. You may also wish to include a good quality photograph—this may in fact be required.
Current position
This should come before your previous posts, though it is out of chronological order. It is important as it indicates your level and whether you are suitable for the post for which you reapplying. The advertisers will not want to read through lots of qualifications and junior doctor rotations first. Provide details of where you are working now, whether there is an end-date and a short description of what the job entails.
For example:
GP registrar at Clover Hill Practice, Mount Pleasant, until July 2010. I undertake a full range of GP services including contraception, antenatal clinics, diabetic clinics and minor surgery. Due to take nMRCGP in June 2010.
Qualifications and education
You might want to put in where you went to school but I would not list all your GCSEs, AS or A levels unless you have done unusual subjects. Your university education is the most important. State which university, your degrees and their dates, other certificates/diplomas and qualifications. Here you could also list any prizes or special achievements during your education. If you have nMRCGP put this here; also include Implanon certification etc.
Previous posts
I would list these in reverse chronological order, the most recent first. If your house jobs/foundation posts included general practice, this should be mentioned, as should any unusual posts or skills you obtained. The posts should fill in the time between when you left medical school and the current position. If there are big gaps, then you need to explain what you were doing in that time (e.g. travelling, operation, having a baby).
Clinical interests
What are you especially keen on? Or is there anything you would like to pursue further as a special interest? This section may need to be altered depending on the post you are applying for—but should be truthful. Examples include: travel medicine, sexual health, men's health.
Publications
You may have published work from your university time, or since. Again, unless extensive, list in chronological order, using a standard reference system. It does not matter which as long as all the publications are written the same way. If you have had any grants for research, these should be under a separate heading.
Presentations
Have you presented papers at any local, national or international conferences? As a student or doctor? This can include presentations at the postgraduate centre, or to patient groups. This shows you can speak in public and have some involvement in education.
Personal interests
This section should demonstrate your mastery of work-life balance. What are your interests? Again be truthful but do not include anything too controversial! (For example, Greenpeace activist—though Greenpeace is ok.) Here you can stand out if you have unusual hobbies, though there should not be any that might leave you injured and off work. You may also want to include your family details but some people prefer not to write ‘married with two children’ as they do not think this should influence selection.
If you have done any voluntary work, include this here. List any languages you speak and your proficiency, e.g. fluent in Punjabi, conversational level in French.
Names and contact details of referees (usually two)
You will be told how many referees to give. One will usually be your current employer and one your trainer—if this is the same person, then choose someone you have worked for in the past. You should obtain your referees' permission before giving their details. Some referees like to show you their reference and check you are happy with it. The contact details should be up-to-date and indicate the best way to contact (e.g. email, phone) and if someone is likely to be unavailable for any time.
Other information
Read the advert carefully to see if any other details are required. Some of these may be more appropriate for the covering letter. Ensure you have included the real selling points about yourself. If you are asked to fill in an application form rather than send a CV, then the partners/practice manager will only be annoyed if you do send a CV. If you are asked for both, do both well. Do not write on an otherwise blank application form: see CV for details.
Covering letter
One of the purposes of this letter is to ensure that your CV is read by the people who matter within the practice. You can imagine how much mail a practice receives each day, both by post and electronically. If the job advert does not include the name of the person to whom you need to address the letter, ring the practice to enquire. Then you can write the name of the addressee in the letter without having to use ‘Dear Sir/Madam’ (see Box 3).
The covering letter
Always include unless specifically asked not to Style should be as a business letter with your address and the practice address at the top After the salutation (Dear Ms Brown), write in bold the nature of the letter Re: Application for the post of partnership at XY Group Practice State where you have seen the post advertised Do not include details that are in your CV (I enclose a CV) State how you fit the job/person specifications Give details of other facts that might be helpful (I grew up in this town; I have visited the area on several occasions; I spoke to Dr Black on the phone last week …) Give details of how you might be best contacted and if you are going to be away
Applying for posts
Make sure to keep a copy of all job adverts you apply for, your covering letter and the date of application.
Summary
A well-presented, concise and informative CV is vital when applying for jobs. Ask your trainer and colleagues to review yours. Do not be modest — sell yourself.
Key points
Spend time on your CV—focus on advertising yourself and listing all your achievements The presentation and layout are important: ask someone to proofread and give you feedback Do not forget to ask your referees if you can include them on the CV and advise them which posts you are applying for The covering letter (and/or application form) is important to show that you meet the essential and any desirable criteria listed in the job specification and Demonstrate that you have researched the practice/position and explain why you are applying