Download - CV preparation & Interview skills
CV preparation & Interview skills
Ahmed AttarMBBS, FRCPC, Epidemiology (Cert.)
Disclosure(s)
None.
Objectives & Outline
1. Learn how to write your CV.
2. Gain some interview skills.
3. Get the position your looking for.
4. Have the opportunity to chose.
5. Have Plan B.
What is the CV
A CV or Curriculum Vitae is:
– Your Life History – Your Job History – Your Achievements – Your Skills
What is a CV A CV is a marketing tool. With your CV you will be able to promote
yourself. Imagine the CV as being a brochure that
will list the benefits of a particular service. – The service being your time and skills! – When writing a CV look at it from your
employers point of view. A CV is an essential tool in your job
search.
Where to start
Type your CV your self. Check the spelling. Have it proofread by a professional Be prepared to pay some cash for your
CV. Remember, all what’s in your CV is your
effort with the expert just organizing it differently.
How to Write a C.V.-Physician version
http://www.susancraig.com/physicians/how_to_write.php
The purpose of your Curriculum Vitae
(CV) is to introduce yourself and to get your foot in the door.
Academic and Clinical CVs
Academic CVs – Aimed at the decision-makers in university
hospital settings. – These are people who are generally heavy
into research themselves and want to know about your interests in that area, your publications and your achievements.
Clinical CVs
Aimed at the decision-makers in clinical work settings - hospitals, clinics, ERs and urgent care settings.
Clinicians will want to know about your academics, but more specifically, they want to know what you prefer to do and have done medically, and what your personality is like.
…Clinical CVs
Leadership roles that you may have held, such as Chief of Staff or Chief Resident, Chief of Interns, Leader of your classmates are of interest here.
Keep your Clinical CV to about two or three pages.
General CV Rules The Format:
– It is best to type and save your CV using Microsoft Word.
– Make sure that all CVs can be attached and read clearly in an email.
– Do not send your CV as an Acrobat Reader file. The Font
– Use a plain, 12-pitch size font (Arial or Helvetica). – You should choose a sans-serif font (which means
no curly things on the ends of the letters).– Do not use gray to emphasize headings, as it
doesn't transmit when faxed and photocopied.
…General CV Rules
The Layout:– Do not get too creative with your layout. – Leave a lot of white space - thinking space -
around the edges.
The Paper:– Do not use colored paper, just use a plain white
bond paper. – If you are presenting the CV by hand chose a
heavier, laid stock with a nice feel to it.
The Structure
1. Contact Information– Start your CV with your name, address, phone
numbers (home, work, cell and pager) and email address.
2. Education– Only include titles for which you acquired letters
(e.g. - MD, FRCP(c), MSc, PhD). – Make sure to list the names of the institutions you
studied at, along with their locations and the dates you acquired your degrees.
…The Structure
3. Professional Experience– List your work experience in reverse
chronological order.
4. Prizes and Awards– This is where you should indicate any
prizes or awards you have won. Include prizes and awards that relate all the way back to high school scholarships.
…The Structure5. Other Education and Training
– Include any other relevant education or training. For example:
• Course in Psychiatry - Family Practice, Clarke Institute, Toronto, 1998-99
• Some people like to include their ATLS, ACLS, PALS, etc. information here. Indicate the specific dates so the employer knows how recent your training is. Also, indicate if you are an instructor in any of the areas.
…The Structure
6. Personal– This is the spot to put your marital status,
number of children (if any) and if you want to, your birth date. It is also a good idea to note any special interests and hobbies you have.
7. Publications and Presentations
References
Do not include your references on your actual CV.
Remember to be sure that your referees are aware before they are contacted so they can be ready to say good things about you.
Top Résumé mistakes1. No clear focus
Your CV should show a clear match between your skills and experience and the job’s requirements.
Why are you the best person for this particular position?
2. Dutifully dull Your CV should not be a laundry list of your
duties but rather an announcement of your major accomplishments.
3. Poorly organized Information on a CV should be listed in order
of importance to the reader.
…continue
4. Important skills buried Important skills that make you a standout
5. Drab looking Overly artistic or tiny fonts are a no-no
6. Too personal 7. One typo too many
First impression
8. Inflating the truth 9. Skips the extras
Cover letters
The goal is to create an easy-to-read letter that stands out from the sea of generic-sounding correspondence and makes the reader want to learn more about you.
A READABLE COVER LETTERS
1) Focus on what the Hospital/University wants or needs.
2) Write to a person. 3) Answer these simple questions:
a) what can you do for them?b) what is your current situation?c) why do you want to work for them? d) why are you qualified for this position?
4) Keep it short and sweet. 5) Write it like you say it.
Tips for Successful CV Writing
1. Don’t skip the small stuff 2. Use language that sizzles
Use active language and strong, energetic words.
Avoid the use of personal pronouns such as “I” and “me.”
3. Get to the point4. Edit and proofread carefully 5. Customize
…continue
6. Be truthful and accurate7. Name your motivation
Don’t make an employer guess
8. Emphasize achievements 9. Put education in the right
place10.Include references and
portfolio
Styles of CV’s
1. Chronological CV2. Targeted CV3. Combination CV4. Inventory CV5. Functional CV
REMEMBER!
Irrespective of style and design, above all the presentation of your CV needs to be– High quality– Clear– Professional– Up-to-date
Chronological CV
The information moves from the beginning of your career to the present situation.
The CV is easy to read and one can easily go through the career history.
The chronological CV is advised where :– You have a solid career history. – Where there are no major gaps. – Your responsibilities have increased in
each career change. – You had high profile job roles.
Targeted CV
This kind of CV is a way to focus your career towards a particular objective, within a specific industry or a specific company.
A targeted CV is written in a way that highlights skills, qualifications and experience that match the requirements of the advertised position.
Combination CV A combination of the
chronological and functional formats.
Inventory CV The Inventory CV is used when
sending your CV to:– Various recruiters – When you do not have a specific job
objective This kind of CV is a more general
overview of your skills, achievements and qualifications.
General career goals can be:– "a secretary working with a local company" – "a computer programmer" – "a sales person"
Functional CV
The functional CV emphasizes your accomplishments, skills and qualifications at the beginning of your CV.
The timeline is not an issue. Your career history is positioned at the
end of your CV where you could also list small details about your previous jobs.
The functional CV focuses on your skills and accomplishments rather than your life history.
Overqualified!
Be prepared to defend your choice.
How to tackle weaknesses in your CV? New Graduate. One job's weakness is another
job's strength. A weakness or a perceived weakness by a recruiter can have a huge impact on your chance to be called for an interview.
Be prepared to defend the weak point(s) in your CV.
Remember!
Always keep your CV UPDATED
Writing CV's with no career history or work experience
Concentrate on your performance at your Medical school and your high grades in secondary school.
Maturity (grown-up attitudes) and emotional intelligence.
Talk about your characters– Communications– Creativity– Responsibility– Determination– Integrity– Compassion– Problem-solving
I’m a good team-player -not necessarily the leader-
Need a template/services?
http://www.businessballs.com/freematerialsinword/free_cv_sample_template.doc
http://www.susancraig.com/physicians/how_to_write.php
http://staffpointe.employment911.com/?a=3605&b=5000
http://www.physicianssearch.com/physician/cvarticl.html
CV words and phrases Results-driven, logical and methodical
approach to achieving tasks and objectives
Determined and decisive; uses initiative to develop effective solutions to problems
Reliable and dependable - high personal standards and attention to detail
Methodical and rigorous approach to achieving tasks and objectives
… CV words and phrases
Entrepreneurial and pro-active - strong drive and keen business mind
Identifies and develops opportunities; innovates and makes things happen
Good strategic appreciation and vision; able to build and implement sophisticated plans
Strives for quality and applies process and discipline towards optimizing performance
… CV words and phrases Extremely reliable and dependable -
analytical and questioning, strives for quality
Methodical approach to planning and organizing - good time-manager
Excellent interpersonal skills - good communicator, leadership, high integrity
Strong planning, organizing and monitoring abilities - an efficient time-manager
… CV words and phrases Self-driven and self-reliant - sets aims
and targets and leads by example Good interpersonal skills - works well
with others, motivates and encourages High integrity, diligent and
conscientious - reliable and dependable Self-aware - always seeking to learn
and grow
… CV words and phrases Seeks new responsibilities irrespective of
reward and recognition Emotionally mature and confident - a
calming influence Detailed and precise; fastidious and
thorough Decisive and results-driven; creative
problem-solver Good starter - enthusiastic in finding
openings and opportunities
… CV words and phrases Creative and entrepreneurial
networker - effective project coordinator
Reliable and dependable in meeting objectives - hard-working
Emotionally mature; calming and positive temperament; tolerant and understanding
… CV words and phrases Seeks and finds solutions to challenges -
exceptionally positive attitude Great team-worker - adaptable and
flexible Well-organized; good planner; good
time-manager Seeks new responsibilities and uses
initiative; self-sufficient Solid approach to achieving tasks and
objectives; determined and decisive
… CV words and phrases Excellent interpersonal skills - good
communicator, high integrity Energetic and physically very fit; quick to
respond to opportunities and problems Active and dynamic approach to work and
getting things done Financially astute - conversant with
accounting systems and principles Tactical, strategic and proactive -
anticipates and takes initiative
… CV words and phrases Systematic and logical - develops and
uses effective processes Good listener - caring and
compassionate Critical thinker - strong analytical skills;
accurate and probing Good researcher - creative and
methodical - probing and resourceful Facilitative project manager; develops
and enables group buy-in
… CV words and phrases Resilient and and thorough -
detached and unemotional Completer-finisher; checks and
follows up - immaculate record-keeper
Team-player - loyal and determined Technically competent/qualified
[state discipline or area, to whatever standard or level]
… CV words and phrases Task-oriented - commercially experienced
and aware Excellent inter-personal and communications
skills Sound planning and organizational
capabilities Results oriented - focused on productive and
high-yield activities Tolerant and understanding - especially good
with young children/elderly people/needy people/disadvantaged people, etc
… CV words and phrases Emotionally mature - calming and
positive temperament - compassionate and caring
Sensitive and patient interpersonal and communication skills
High integrity and honesty; ethical and socially aware
Energetic and positive outlook, which often inspires others
… CV words and phrases Calm, reliable and dependable in
meeting objectives - logical and numerate
Seeks and finds good outcomes to challenges
Adaptable and flexible; well-organised planner and scheduler
Seeks new responsibilities and uses initiative; self-sufficient
Examples of non-work experiences Voluntary work Fund-raising Grants and funding applications Committee membership of societies
and clubs Organizing things - at school,
college, university, local community Campaigning for a cause
…Examples of non-work experiences Teaching and helping people Caring for people Creating things - art, writing,
photography, sculpture, etc Languages Sports and fitness Organizing events and outings
You must ensure you can back-up and be prepared to provide evidence in support of your achievement statements and descriptions
REMEMBER!
Interview skills
Interview skills
http://www.medicalcommunicationskills.com/SHO_Interview.html
http://www.jobskills.info/resume_edge/types_of_interview.htm
Remember!
It’s a game. know the rules of the particular game
you are playing when you walk through the door.
Types & Styles of Interviews
The Screening Interview Used as a a screening tool to ensure
that candidates meet minimum qualification requirements.
Computer programs/Humans Some tips for maintaining confidence
during screening interviews:– Highlight your accomplishments and
qualifications. – If the interview is conducted by phone, it is
helpful to have note cards with your vital information sitting next to the phone.
The Informational Interview
Come prepared with thoughtful questions about the field.
The Directive Style
The interviewer has a clear agenda that he or she follows unflinchingly.
Physicians tend to use this rigid format to ensure parity between interviews.
Flex with the interviewer, following his or her lead.
Do not relinquish complete control of the interview.
The Meandering Style
Usually used by inexperienced interviewers, relies on you to lead the discussion.
Remain alert to the interviewer, especially if you feel like you can take the driver's seat .
Remain respectful of the interviewer's role, if he or she becomes more directive during the interview, adjust.
The Stress Interview
You might be held in the waiting room for an hour before the interviewer greets you.
You might face long silences or cold stares. The interviewer might openly challenge your
believes or judgment. You might be called upon to perform an
impossible task. Insults and miscommunication are common.
Remember!
It is not personal. Prepare and memorize your main
message before walking through the door.
Even if the interviewer is rude, remain calm and tactful.
Go into the interview relaxed and rested.
The Behavioral Interview Interviewers may use standardized methods
to mine information relevant to your competency in a particular area or position.
You might be asked about;– Problem-solving skills– Adaptability– Leadership– Conflict resolution– Multi-tasking– Initiative– Stress management
The Audition
Some interviewers want to see you in action before they make their decision.
Make sure you understand the question/instructions.
Communication is half the battle in real life
The Group Interview
Don’t be bossy when showing your leadership skills.
Treat others with respect while exerting influence over them.
Keep an eye on the interviewer throughout the process so that you do not miss important cues.
The Tag-Team Interview
Expecting to meet with Dr. Jamjoom, you might find yourself in a room with four other people!
Treat each person as an important individual.
Make eye contact with each person and speak directly to the person asking each question.
Must do/have stuff Be yourself. Be honest. Have good eye contact. Communication skills (verbal and non-verbal) Anticipate the questions & practice the
answers. How to approach difficult questions (clinical,
personal, research and ethical problems). +/- presentation skills.
Routine interview questions/scenarios
Questions relating to your Personal Statement
– Why Internal Medicine and not Psychiatry?– Why this hospital? – Why this specialty? – Tell us about yourself– Your work experience– Hobbies
Medical school interview questions relating to your general skills
Ambition & motivation
Communication skills
Team playing ability Management &
leadership skills
Teaching skills Your strengths Handling stress
Negative or incriminating questions Main weaknesses What makes you angry? Working with difficult people Give me an example of a failure in your
life, how you dealt with it and what lessons did you learn from it?
Ethical questions and difficult scenarios Information disclosure. Liver transplant for an ex-alcoholic Fertility treatments Should the government treat patients
with self-inflicted diseases Patients refusing treatment Jehovah witness scenario
Questions testing your breadth of interest and personal insight Why do most doctors not wear white
coats? What is the difference between
medicine now and 100 years ago? Should the Government fund
alternative medicines?
Concluding Remarks
Your CV is your ticket for the Interview, so invest on obtaining the best seat.
The interview is only a game, so play by the rules.
THANK YOU