The Curriculum Vitae: Design Basics for Students

1. The Curriculum Vitae:Design Basics for Students Sherry Luedtke, PharmD Associate Dean, Professional Affairs TTUHSC School of Pharmacy

2. What’s a CV? • Curricula vitae • Latin “course of life” • Used in lieu of a resume for international, professional, or academic positions • Used for application purposes as well as means for introducing invited speakers

3. How is a CV different than a Resume? • Longer (2+ pages) • Content • Summary of academic, teaching, research, publications, honors, and service • Purpose • Career biography

4. Contact information Professional objective Professional licenses and certifications Education Work experience Clinical rotation experiences Presentations Publications Research experience Scholarly activities Awards and honors Grants Professional memberships Community service activities References Contents of a Standard CV

5. Contents of Standard CV • Complete contact information • Use permanent mailing address • Consider including campus address, but indicate which is permanent mailing address • Include your email address • Professional objective • The more specific the better • Taylor to each position you target • Residency versus clinical position

6. Contents of Standard CV • Professional licenses/certifications • Include licensure/certification numbers • Education • Degree completion dates • Major • Institution attended • Work experience • Title of position, dates of employment • Name of institution, location • Description of experience, responsibilities, and achievements

7. Contents of Standard CV • Clinical rotation experiences • As student list clerkship experiences similar to work experiences • List rotation site, preceptor, short description of activities • Presentations • List titles, audience, dates • Include academic presentations to highlight communication skills

8. Contents of Standard CVs • Publications/Posters • List all publications in AMA style • Include newsletters, case reports, original research • Research experiences • List any research experiences (lab technician, data collection experience) • Describe research skills developed • Scholarly activities • List involvement in special projects and activities • Examples: DUE projects, data collection role in study, experiences in projects on rotations

9. Contents of Standard CV • Awards and honors • List specific awards, scholarships, recognitions • Grants • List grant (submitted and funded), funding source, amount, dates • Professional memberships • List membership in organizations • Leadership positions held and committee involvement (dates)

10. Contents of Standard CVs • Community service activities • List/describe volunteer and community service activities • Activities with student organizations • CAP projects • References • Generally provided separately • Ask before listing someone as reference • Available upon request

11. Different Versions of CVs • Similar to a resume, different versions may be necessary for different positions • Professional objective taylored to the position • Prioritize key experiences important for the position to be presented early within CV

12. Stylistic Considerations • Order of contents of CV should reflect individuals strengths and take into consideration experiences necessary for the position • Use action words when describing experiences • Reverse chronological order • Standard 8 ½ X 11 inch bond paper • Single side printing, preferably laser • Conservative, 12-14 size font throughout • Avoid excessive lines, graphics, shading, etc

13. Important “Cs” of CVs • Clear • Well-organized, content flows well • Concise • Include relevant and necessary information • Complete • Includes everything you need to show qualifications • Consistent • Use consistent design, fonts, layout • Current • Keep up to date, update at least annually

14. Important “Don’ts” for CVs • Spelling or grammatical errors • Proof, proof, proof . . . . then proof again!! • Have numerous people review • Difficult to read fonts/small font size • Minimal 12 pt font, laser printer • Standard fonts preferred • Think conservative • Cheap paper • White, cream, gray bond paper

15. Important “Don’ts” for CVs • Folding, stapling • Send in large envelope to companies • Consider inserting header (upper right corner) with name • “Mass” mailing “to whom it may concern” • Target specific individual within a company • Weak objective/philosophy • Lack cover letter • First thing that is seen; need strong letter

16. Cover Letters • Often more important than CV when mailing information for a position • Need to make your letter unique to stand out from the rest • Creative/unique letters • Show that you have researched the position and/or institution/company • Refer to connections that you might have • Faculty members, residents

17. Cover Letters • Cover letters should be addressed to a specific individual • Verify correct name spelling, title • First paragraph • State interest in the position • Include several sentences which indicate interest in position and qualifications • “After spending a great deal of time working as an intern in a Children’s Hospital, I was interested to learn about the position for a clinical pharmacist at Children Are Us Hospital.”

18. Cover Letters • Second/third paragraph • Refer to CV enclosed and highlight experiences that prepare you for the position • Personalize the qualities listed on CV pertinent to the position • “The most enjoyable experiences I have had during my clerkships occurred during my Pediatrics rotation. Seeing the smile and sense of accomplishment on the face of the 5 year old newly diagnosed diabetic whom I taught insulin injection technique . . .” • Closing statement • List contact information if any questions, enthusiasm for position, offer to provide any additional information

19. Follow-up/Thank You Letters • Decisions for second interviews/hiring may be influenced by your follow-up after an interview • Just as important for positions no longer interested in pursuing • Thank for time • “I appreciate the time you spent with me discussing the position, however the position does not meet my career goals at this time. . .” • Remember: PHARMACY IS A SMALL WORLD!!!! AVOID BURNING BRIDGES

20. Follow-Up/Thank You Letters • Address letter to specific individual(s) • Verify correct name spelling, title, etc • Avoid generic letters • Make unique by referring to discussions/experiences during interview • Timeliness • Within 1 week of interview

21. Follow-Up/Thank You Letters • First paragraph • Indicate reason for letter/appreciation for interviewers time • “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me to discuss the clinical pharmacist position at . . .” • Second paragraph • Express continued interest in the position, your individual contribution or “fit” with the position, understanding of positions requirements • “After our visit, I believe the flexibility and emphasis on clinical practice of the position would fit well with my goals . .”

22. Follow-Up/Thank You Letters • Third paragraph (optional) • Clarify misunderstandings during interview, questions about your qualifications • “Although I know that your are looking for someone who has more experience, I feel that my . . .” • Closing statement • Re-emphasize continued interest and enthusiasm for the position, contact information

23. Skills Employers Want • Communication skills • Highlight in presentations/publications • Teamwork/interpersonal skills • Highlight group activities in coursework • Computer skills • Flexibility/adaptability • Self-confidence • Motivation/initiative • Work ethic

24. On-line Resource Materials for CVs and Cover Letters Numerous on-line resources providing examples and templates for CVs and letters: • http://www.jobweb.com/resources/library • http://www.free-resume-tips.com/resumetips/curriclm.html • http://www.jobsearch.about.com/library/weekly/aa051902a.htm

25. On-line Resource Materials for CVs and Cover Letters (cont’d) • http://www.unf.edu/dept/cdc/publications/curriculm/welcome/.htm • http://search.about.com/fullsearch.htm?terms=curriculum%20vitaes • http://www.cvtips.com/ • http://jobstar.org/tools/resume/index.cfm • http://www.unf.edu/dept/cdc/publications/curriculum/welcome.htm#When%20is

26. ASHP On-Line Resources • Professional Development Book • http://www.ashp.org/students/pdb2001.pdf • Preparations for Midyear interviews, residencies application process • Example CVs, cover letters, etc (pgs 14-15; 32-40 • Career Development Kit • http://www.ashp.org/students/cds4web.pdf • Information on job search, CV writing, interviewing skills, contract negotiation • CV writing tips (pg23-36)