Every healthcare professional knows that an effective physician CV or resume is essential in advancing their career, whether aiming for a new role in clinical practice, an academic position, or a fellowship. However, confusion often arises when differentiating between these two crucial documents. How do you know which is appropriate for the role and what content each should contain?
This guide will clarify the distinctions between a locum tenens CV and a resume, explain when to use each, and provide actionable tips for crafting a document that gets noticed.
Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Basics: Physician CV vs. Resume
According to the AMA, the primary distinction between a curriculum vitae (CV) and a resume lies in their purpose and scope:
- A CV serves as an exhaustive record of your academic and professional history. It is mainly used for academic, research, teaching, and specialized medical roles. Updated frequently, the CV chronicles every relevant milestone, making it ideal for tracking long-term career development.
- A resume is a brief, curated summary of skills and experiences tailored to a specific job application. It is concise, focused, and geared toward demonstrating an immediate fit for the position. Resumes are used in the public or private sector, where recruiters expect a quick overview of relevant qualifications.
Key Differences Between a CV and a Resume
In practice, physician CVs and resumes differ in several key areas:
- Length: CVs are often three pages or more, depending on experience. Resumes, by contrast, should be at most one or two pages.
- Content: CVs cover the entirety of one’s academic and professional history, including extensive details like research, publications, and teaching roles. Resumes focus exclusively on the skills and achievements relevant to the specific position.
- Purpose: CVs are designed for academic, medical, or research-based roles. Resumes are more commonly used for private or public sector jobs, where hiring managers are looking for specific, job-related qualifications.
- Region-Specific Standards: In the US, CVs and resumes are separate documents. However, in regions like the UK, New Zealand, and parts of Europe, the term “CV” is often used interchangeably to refer to a brief resume.
Knowing when to use each document can make all the difference in the healthcare industry.
When to Use a CV
A physician CV is best for roles in academia, research, teaching, or other areas where a comprehensive look at your professional journey is warranted. CVs work well for physicians and advanced practice providers pursuing post-residency positions, research grants, or academic roles.
When to Use a Resume
A doctor’s resume is ideal for clinical positions and healthcare roles where your skills and experiences need to be distilled into a concise summary. This is especially useful when applying to positions in healthcare systems or private practices where recruiters focus on qualifications pertinent to the job.
Essentials for a Locum Tenens CV
Creating a CV that stands out is both an art and a science. The New England Journal of Medicine’s Career Center claims a CV should prioritize “simple format, brevity, and absolute accuracy.”
Here’s a breakdown of key elements to make your CV effective and attention-grabbing.
Focus on Structure and Clarity
- A CV should be visually clean and easy to navigate, with consistent formatting throughout. Use a simple, sans-serif font (e.g., Arial or Calibri) at 11-12 pt size.
- Organize content with specific headings, such as Education, Research Experience, Teaching Roles, and Professional Experience. Group similar information to make it easy for hiring managers to locate relevant details.
Highlight Relevant Content Early
- List core achievements—such as board certifications, leadership roles, and special honors—on the first page. This helps hiring managers quickly assess your qualifications without needing to sift through multiple pages.
- Use clear section headings, and avoid overuse of bullet points. CVs often avoid bullet points except where absolutely necessary.
Accuracy, Brevity, and Professional Tone
- A CV should offer a complete view of your academic and professional career while remaining concise. Limit descriptions of each role to only the most relevant details and avoid overly detailed narratives.
- Focus on achievements and roles directly tied to the position, and avoid exaggeration. Avoid including non-essential information, such as personal identifiers (e.g., birth date or Social Security number), that may detract from the document’s professionalism.
Proof and Polish
- Proofreading is essential for a professional CV. Even minor errors can signal a lack of attention to detail. If possible, have a trusted colleague review your CV for potential improvements.
- Save your CV as a PDF to avoid formatting issues. Use a professional file name (e.g., “Lastname_Firstname_CV.pdf”).
Recommended Content for a Locum Tenens CV
- Education: List all degrees, certifications, and relevant training.
- Licenses and Board Certifications: Include active licenses and any certification status.
- Professional Experience: Highlight relevant clinical, teaching, or research experience.
- Committee Memberships and Honors: Include notable positions in professional organizations, awards, or special recognitions.
- Publications and Presentations: Summarize publications, presentations, and other scholarly achievements.
Essentials for a Locum Tenens Resume
While a CV paints a comprehensive picture, a resume needs to pack a punch in just one to two pages. Here’s how to ensure your resume is concise and compelling:
Professional Summary
- Begin with a robust professional summary highlighting key skills, accomplishments, and experiences relevant to the position you’re applying for. This section should be brief yet impactful, setting the tone for the rest of the resume.
Skills Section
- List skills pertinent to the role, such as clinical expertise, procedural knowledge, or technical skills. Avoid listing generic skills and focus on those that set you apart, such as experience with specific healthcare technologies, patient care procedures, or leadership in medical settings.
Work Experience
- This is the heart of a resume. Use bullet points to highlight responsibilities and achievements concisely. Focus on quantifiable accomplishments (e.g., patient outcomes, efficiency improvements, or leadership roles).
- Only include positions directly relevant to the job for which you’re applying. Unrelated experience should be omitted to maintain the resume’s focus and brevity.
Education and Certifications
- List relevant degrees, certifications, and licenses, emphasizing those directly related to the position. Include any specialized training that supports your application.
Professional Tone and Formatting
- Keep the document polished with consistent formatting, proper alignment, and an easy-to-read font style and size. Save the resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and ensure a professional presentation.
Passing the “6-Second Test”
Research shows that hiring managers initially spend an average of six seconds scanning a CV or resume. To make those seconds count, follow these guidelines to ensure your document stands out:
Prioritize Key Information on the First Page
Place critical information, such as board certifications, specialty training, and notable achievements, prominently on the first page of your physician CV or resume. This will make it easy for hiring managers to assess your qualifications at a glance.
Regularly Update and Tailor the Document
Update your CV or resume with new roles, certifications, or accomplishments. When applying for a specific position, tailor the document to highlight the most relevant qualifications.
Stay Current and Relevant
Remove outdated or irrelevant information, especially on a resume where space is limited. Focus on experiences and achievements that align directly with the job you’re pursuing.
Presentation Counts
Use page numbers and a footer that includes your name for easy identification by hiring teams.
Make an Impact with a Well-Crafted CV or Resume
Whether you’re applying for an academic role or a clinical position, a well-crafted CV or resume can make a powerful first impression. The proper document for the job—whether a detailed CV or a focused resume—should reflect a clear understanding of your skills, qualifications, and experiences.
By following these guidelines, you can feel confident that your document not only meets hiring managers’ expectations but also showcases your strengths concisely and professionally.
