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In part 2 of our Preparing Winning CVs and Application Forms article, guest writer Sarah Bell of Developmedica provides further guidance on what to include in your CV and application form to secure that sought after job interview.
Made to measure
As all applicants will be measured against the selection criteria of the post they are applying for, it’s essential that you carefully read through both the person specification and the job description, making sure that your CV addresses all of the desired competencies.
Use the career statement at the beginning of your CV to really drive home your enthusiasm and suitability for the position.
Standing out from the crowd
A prospective employer will be looking to employ someone with that something special so it’s important to outline how you wish your career to progress.
It’s good to summarise - you should include both short and long term goals and a summary of yourself as a doctor.
It’s also important to demonstrate a balanced approach to life. Your personal interests will therefore be of interest to them and beneficial if hobbies have helped you develop non-clinical skills.
Remember though, be conservative when listing what you do in your spare time. There are only so many hours in the day to work, rest and play!
The application process
The same principles listed above apply when completing your application form.
Whilst application forms are becoming more generic across specialties, the composition does continually change each year. This makes it more difficult to generalise or suggest a structured template.
As the majority of application forms are based on a more ordered format of your CV, it’s important that you’re consistent when updating your CV and completing you’re application form.
More recently, application forms contain more abstract questions to test the insight and commitment of the candidate, with specific marks assigned for this.
Application forms are now normally released by Deaneries via a website and are accompanied by a guidance document. Make sure you utilise the guidance document fully. Even if the application form appears to be self explanatory, there will be guidelines on formatting and suggestions regarding techniques to use when answering questions.
It’s also useful to adopt the STAR approach when completing these sections: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
By explaining relevant scenario’s in this manner you can highlight areas where you have displayed good and effective communication and end with a statement regarding feedback.
At the end of the form there is often a section which asks you to include any information you feel is relevant to your application.
This is the ideal opportunity to include any parts of your CV which you have not been able to cover earlier in the more structured part of the form.
At this point, it’s appropriate to include your understanding of the demands of the role and any statements about yourself which you feel make you fit the person specification. You need to ensure these demonstrate confidence but not arrogance.
Conclusion
 A clearly presented, concise and accurate CV is pivotal in securing an interview.
Your interview is your opportunity to expand on the detail and showcase your knowledge and experience.
Ask a colleague to read your CV to ensure it makes sense and to check for errors in spelling and grammar. Tailor your CV to the job specification, taking into account all of the qualities and skills that are required. Use your CV to demonstrate that you possess those skills and to quantify why you, above all of the other candidates, are the best person for the job.
A correctly completed application form that’s consistent with the content of your CV will ensure that your interview runs smoothly. Always use STAR and ensure that you have understood each section of the form, completed it correctly and in full.
Key Points
- Points covered in your CV should be clear and succinct
- Always refer to the job specification
- Don’t exaggerate or include anything which is untrue
- Ensure your CV is proofed by a colleague
- Be flexible and update your CV for each job you apply for
- Use every question on the application form to sell yourself
- Make sure every word counts (no waffle)
- Quality is more important than quality
- Proof read, proof read, proof read!
Article by Sarah Bell
Commercial Director at Developmedica
March 2011
Developmedica provide a range of CV and application form advice services to help you secure your first choice position. We are also providers of leading edge medical career support and advice. Our aim is to enable doctors to read their full potential and in doing so contribute to the improvement of healthcare provision.
For more information visit www.developmedica.co.uk |
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