As a surgeon, it is important to keep your curriculum vitae (CV) updated. If you are an experienced surgeon interested in pursuing a new opportunity that requires an updated CV, we are here to help. In this post, we will share helpful tips to make the process seamless.
Proper CV Length and Four CV “Must-Haves”
Even though there is no “right” or “wrong” length for a CV, length is often a top differentiator between a new physician’s CV and a more experienced physician’s CV. At a minimum, ensure your CV includes board certification, current and previous practice experience, state licensure and training. Even though a senior physician’s CV may be long, it is possible to share decades of experience in fewer paragraphs than you might think. You may even consider paring down your full CV to a shorter one for job applications. You can eliminate pages by including the experience most relevant to the position you are applying for. If your research career has been productive, consider highlighting only your most significant publications and providing links to your other citations on PubMed.gov.
CV Do’s and Don’ts
As you compile your CV, here is a helpful guide on elements you want to include—and those that should be excluded:
- DO exclude items that pre-date medical school and medical training.
- DO list experience and training from most current to oldest. This reduces scrolling for recruiters and potential employers.
- DO list your immigration status.
- DO include hobbies and interests and all languages you speak.
- DON’T use cloud tools or links when sharing your CV with potential employers. Instead, convert
- your CV to a Word document or PDF. Saving your document as a PDF file preserves your document’s formatting.
- DON’T include an objective statement, your marital status or a photo.
- DON’T overdesign your CV; keep the design simple and easy to read. Many word-processing programs have embedded tools to help with CV design and formatting.
- DON’T forget to proofread. Recruit another set of eyes to review your CV before clicking the submit button.
Reasons You Should Keep Your CV Updated
Even if you are pleased with your current practice and are not looking for a change, it is still a good idea to keep your CV up to date. You will need an updated CV if you choose to serve on a professional board or committee. Additionally, your CV will be requested if you are nominated for an award or civic position. If you ever choose to perform clinical trials, your CV will be needed by the pharmaceutical or medical device company conducting the study.
Submitting Your CV to NexGen Surgical
Physicians cleaning up their CVs to apply for new positions should consider applying to NexGen Surgical. Our surgeons work two weeks per month without having to relocate, and they can enjoy their time off with no call. Our staff handles every aspect of billing, payroll, staffing issues, negotiations and additional administrative burdens so that our physicians can focus solely on delivering patient care. NexGen surgeons work in rural areas that allow for flexible scheduling and a healthy work-life balance—all while earning excellent compensation. If you are looking for a way to extend your career or simply enjoy a slower pace of life, talk with one of our recruiters. You can reach us today at 844.592.0802.
