Medical Student Resources: Preparing Your CV

Your CV is a representation of you and your experiences, education and more.

The CV that you submit should represent you well. Keep your CV organized — each section should be clearly labeled so that whoever is reviewing it can find information quickly. You should also note that it is imperative to keep the formatting the same throughout the entire document. Choosing simple fonts and headings for your CV will show program directors that you are organized and professional. The information in each section should be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent start date and going backward from there. Keeping this updated regularly will help you as you apply for opportunities.

Make sure to include

Make sure to include contact information, education, certifications, research experience, volunteer experience, and any relevant work experience. This information will aid the reviewer in deciding who is qualified and disqualified for consideration. Do not lie about any information added to your CV — interviewers will review the information on your CV and look into it or ask about it during your interview.

A longer CV is not always better

A longer CV is not always better — having too much text could drown out other important information. In addition, you should always have your CV reviewed before submitting. PracticeMatch offers free CV Review services for medical school students preparing to apply for residency.