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Palm Beach Atlantic University School of PharmacyLloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy

Instructions for Preparing a Curriculum Vitae,Resume, and Cover Letter

What is a Curriculum Vitae?A curriculum vitae or a "CV" is an organized listing of one's achievements and experiences in the areas of education, work experience (work = paid experience), community service, publications, presentations, honors and awards, organizational memberships including offices held and references. The Latin words "curriculum vitae" mean literally "the course or outline of (your) life."

The CV, sometimes called a "long resume,” is longer and more detailed than resumes prepared for job interviews. When you apply for a position or residency, your CV is submitted with your application for individual programs. The CV will be used to screen applicants and select the best candidates for interviews. A good CV is an essential component of an application.

Dates are very important in CVs. For each section named above, the first entry is usually the MOST RECENT; subsequent entries should go back in time chronologically. While most employers require the submission of a CV as part of the application for employment, others require a resume. You should keep both updated and in your files.

CV/Resume and Letter Do’s: For students, keep your CV short (< 3 to 4 pages), resume (usually 1 page).

Both should be concise, organized, and to the point, or your reader will lose interest. However, do not omit important information because you think your CV is too long.

Start with your best “stuff.” Focus on professional information. Pharmacy-related data should precede all other topics (such as nonpharmacy-related community service activities). Sometimes, these other activities are also appropriately included in a CV particularly if they demonstrate leadership and customer service.

Be positive, and focus on strengths and accomplishments that you can honestly state. The CV is not a place for modesty; it is a statement of your strengths. Use active verbs such as:achieve design implement maximize createorganize administer develop innovate motivaterevise establish interpret direct negotiatesupervise coordinate solve manage plan

Use PAST TENSE for items, situations, jobs, etc., that you have already completed (e.g., achieved, developed, responsibilities included).

Update your information regularly. You can place the month and year on the top of your CV to show that it is current.

Check your CV carefully for spelling and grammatical errors. Use both spell check and grammar check on your computer and ask others to look at your

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documents to eliminate typos. Errors can make a bad impression. Use simple and business like paper (i.e., heavier resume-type paper), paper

color and computer printing fonts. Font size should be no smaller than 10-point (preferably 12-point). Although some professional resume writers recommend "standing out" by having your resume look different, flashy or unusual formats or brightly colored paper are not recommended.

Identify your preceptors, work supervisors and/or references by title (Pharm.D., R.Ph., or M.S.) and include addresses and telephone numbers. Those receiving the CV will appreciate this.

When preparing a CV/resume for a potential employer, you may include a career goal(s) statement immediately after your name and address. Keep the statement short, although you do not want to make it too narrow.

Update your CV during your senior year to reflect clerkship rotations, including those yet to be completed, work experience, presentations and leadership activities in organizations. Clerkship rotations should be listed right after education.

When mailing a CV/resume, include a brief cover letter stating the position for which you are applying (e.g., clinical residency, intern pharmacist), why this particular program or job is appealing to you, and why you are qualified for the position.

CV/Resume and Letter Don'ts: Don’t hand write anything. Every piece of correspondence, except for your

signature, including cover letter and application form, should be neatly typed. Don’t send poor quality photocopies. If possible, use a laser printer and print all

copies from a printer instead of making photocopies. Don’t use first person references (“I,” “me,” “my”), instead replace with the third

person singular. Don’t include personal information such as age, height, weight or marital status. Don’t include a photograph (unless requested). Don’t include inaccurate or misleading information. Don’t attach letters of recommendation. Confidential letters sent directly to the

employer carry more weight. Don’t place anything in your CV/resume that you are not prepared to talk about

during your interview.

Remember that a CV is a living document. During your education, you can improve and strengthen your CV through rotations, work experience, volunteer work, community service, presentations and leadership activities. Look at the categories normally included in a CV and start thinking about the areas in which you need improvement.

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Sample CV #1

Michael L. Crafton1234 NW1st Street, #124

West Palm Beach, FL 33401(561) 555-555

[email protected]

Education2006 – Present Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy Doctor of Pharmacy

Palm Beach Atlantic University (Anticipated May 2010)West Palm Beach, FL

2001 – 2005 St. Louis Community College Associate of ArtsSt. Louis, MO General Studies

Work Experience2008 – Present Pharmacy Student Intern

WalgreensPompano Beach, FLPharmacy Manager: Sonja Bajaj (954) 941-4700Patient prescription order entry; prescription dispensing; developing and maintaining patient profiles; counseling patients on legend and OTC medications; facilitating third-party billing.

1987 – 2007 Flight AttendantUnited AirlinesChicago, ILEnsured the safety and security of customers and coworkers; coordinated the service of a crew of up to 19 flight attendants; responded to health emergencies.

Pending Advanced Pharmacy Practice Rotations2010 Drug Information

Martin Memorial Health Systems, Stuart, FLPreceptor: Emily Donatelli, Pharm.D. (772) 223-5945

PharmacokineticsHoly Cross Hospital, Ft. Lauderdale, FLPreceptor: Alissa Fuller, Pharm.D. (954) 776-3195

Internal Medicine JFK Medical Center, Atlantis, FL

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Preceptor: Allana Sucher, Pharm.D. (561) 802-2717

2009 Ambulatory Care Community Health Center, West Palm Beach, FLPreceptor: Rhonda Norwood, Pharm.D (561) 840-8681

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Pending Advanced Pharmacy Practice Rotations, continued2009 Community

CVS Pharmacy, Deerfield Beach, FLPreceptor: Ann Kinney, RPh. (954) 481-8376

Hospital Boca Raton Community Hospital, Boca Raton, FLPreceptor: Winn Castro, RPh., BS. (561) 955-4808

Infectious Disease JFK Medical Center, Atlantis, FLPreceptor: Elias Chahine, Pharm.D. (561) 803-2735

Cardiology JFK Medical Center, Atlantis, FLPreceptor: Michele Weizer, Pharm.D. (561) 548-1195

Pediatrics Memorial Regional Hospital, Hollywood, FLPreceptor: Robert Godin, RPh. (954) 365-5518

Presentations/Projects2008 Healthy People 2010 Educational Video

Created educational video regarding aimed at the general public to teach food safety. Posted on Palm Beach County Digital Square, Current.com, and Youtube.com. Video awarded best director and best disease prevention and health promotion video.

APhA Community Health FairAmerican Pharmacists Association – Academy of Student

PharmacistsServed as a participating member of APhA/ASP for the diabetes screening booth providing blood glucose level testing to the public, providing education, and encouraging follow up, as appropriate.

Poster PresentationIs Chondroitin Alone Effective in the Management and Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee Joint?Gregory School of PharmacyGroup poster presentation of primary literature evaluation of chondroitin studies to pharmacy students and faculty of Gregory School of Pharmacy

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Awards and Honors2008 Healthy People 2010 Educational Video Award

Winner, Palm Beach Atlantic University2007 Dean’s List, Palm Beach Atlantic University

Community Service2008 Patient Triage Volunteer, Care Link International Clinic, Jupiter, FL2007- 2008 Volunteer, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation,

West Palm Beach, FL2007 Volunteer, Feria Festival, American Diabetes Association, Miami, FL2007 Volunteer, Urban Youth Impact, West Palm Beach,

FL2007 Volunteer, American Lung Association, West Palm Beach, FL2007 Volunteer, Treasure the Children, West Palm Beach, FL

Licensure/Certificates2008 Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery, CPN #202-00142008 – Present Pharmacy Technician, State of Illinois, License #049.1816902006 – Present Pharmacy Intern, State of Florida, License #PSI213052006 – Present American Heart Association Basic Life Support CPR certification

Organizational Memberships2006 – Present American Pharmacists Association2006 – Present Florida Pharmacy Association

ReferencesJudy L. Clark, RPh.PharmacistMissouri Baptist Medical Center3105 North Ballas RoadSt. Louis, MO 63131(314) 996-5126

Cheryl A. ThrogmortonHuman Resources and Organizational Development DirectorSt. Louis Children’s HospitalOne Children’s PlaceSt. Louis, MO 63101(314) 286-0912

Thomas F. LongSenior Manager of Eligibility

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Express Scripts1 Express WaySt. Louis, MO 63121

Sample CV #2

Nicole L. Mayer1234 NW1st Street, #124

West Palm Beach, FL 33401(561) 555-555

[email protected]

Education2006 – Present Palm Beach Atlantic University Pharm.D. Candidate

Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy May 2010West Palm Beach, FL

2002 – 2006 University of Central Florida Bachelor of ScienceOrlando, FL May 2006

Work Experience2007 – Present Pharmacy Intern

Publix Super MarketsBoynton Beach, FLGregory Presti, R.Ph., Manager (561) 738-5590

Dispense prescriptions; provide patient counseling on prescriptions and OTC products; initiate and maintain computerized patient records; handle prescription transfers and physician calls.

2006 – 2007 Pharmacy TechnicianPublix Super MarketsBoynton Beach, FLGregory Presti, R.Ph., Manager (561) 738-5590

Initiated and maintained computerized patient records; filled prescriptions; performed financial transactions.

2005 – 2006 Customer Service Staff2001 – 2003 Publix Super Markets

Boynton Beach, FLTodd Walker, Manager (561) 734-4401

Supervised and coordinated schedules of customer service personnel; handled customer discrepancies, refunds, check cashing, and other financial transactions at the customer service desk; set up all daily tills and was responsible for all money in safes.

Pending Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience

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2010 Cardiology JFK Medical CenterPreceptor: Michele Weizer, Pharm.D. (561) 548-1195

Pending Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (continued) 2010 Geriatrics (4 weeks)

Omnicare South FloridaPreceptor: Martha Little, Pharm.D. (954) 660-5555 ext. 203

Advanced Internal Medicine (4 weeks)Martin Memorial Health SystemsPreceptor: Emily Donatelli, Pharm.D. (772) 223-5945 ext. 3090

2009 Internal Medicine (4 weeks)Palm Beach Atlantic University Gregory School of PharmacyPreceptor: Jeremy Fox, Pharm.D. (561) 803-2740

Ambulatory Care (4 weeks)Caridad Health ClinicPreceptor: Marile Santamarina, Pharm.D. (561) 737-6336 ext. 125

Drug Information (4 weeks)Palm Beach Atlantic University, School of PharmacyPreceptor: Mary Ferrill, Pharm.D. (561) 803-2736

Nutrition (4 weeks)Shand’s Hospital – Jacksonville Preceptor: Stephanie McCormick, Pharm.D. (904) 244-4157

Community Pharmacy Practice (4 weeks)TargetPreceptor: Dominic Cirisano, R.Ph. (561) 237-0101

Hospital Pharmacy Practice (4 weeks)Bethesda Memorial HospitalPreceptor: Sharlene Lau, Pharm.D. (561) 737-7733 ext. 4811

Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience2009 Geriatrics

Consultant Pharmacist Services, Inc., Stuart, FLPreceptor: Joseph Ciccone, R.Ph. (845) 222-8500

Reviewed MARs for accuracy; documented medication errors;, duplications of therapy; prepared a SOAP note using a patient chart.

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2007 Hospital Pharmacy PracticeJFK Medical Center, Atlantis, FLPreceptor: Michele Weizer, Pharm.D. (561) 548-1195

Reviewed patient charts; filled medication carts; prepared IVs; presented a patient case to preceptor.Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience (continued)

Community Pharmacy PracticePublix Super Markets, Lantana, FLPreceptor: John (Jack) Williams, Pharm.D. (561) 588-8633

Dispensed prescriptions; provided patient counseling on prescriptions and OTC products; handled prescription transfers and physician calls.

Presentations2008 “A-choo! Echinacea and the Common Cold”

Completed and presented a group poster to faculty and students evaluating the safety and efficacy of echinacea in treating the common cold.

Arthritis and Chronic Back Pain Video PresentationCompleted a five minute video presentation with a group of classmates that counseled patients on lifestyle modifications to prevent and alleviate the symptoms of arthritis and chronic back pain.

Honors and Awards2009 Wal-Mart Scholarship Recipient2008 Palm Beach County Pharmacy Association Scholarship Recipient

Rho Chi Pharmacy Honor SocietyPharmacy with Faith Award Recipient

2007-Present Delegate to the Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy

Professional Activities2009 AACP Is Pharmacy for You? Video Competition

Part of a team that organized, planned, and produced a video for a competition designed to recruit the best students into the field of pharmacy; constructed and operated filming equipment.

2008 APhA/ASP Healthwise Health FairPlanned and organized the Women’s Health booth; provided counseling on women’s issues such as breast cancer screening, UTI testing, and HPV vaccination.

2007 Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy Admissions InterviewerInterviewed candidates to the Pharm.D. program in a one-on-one session; completed an evaluation for each interviewed candidate.

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Organizational Affiliations2008 – Present The Rho Chi Society2008 – Present Christian Pharmacist Fellowship International2006 – Present American Pharmacists Association – Academy of Student

PharmacistsOrganizational Affiliations (continued) 2006 – Present Kappa Epsilon Professional Pharmacy Fraternity

President (2008-present)Committee member (2007-2008)P1 Liaison (2006-2007)

2008 – Present Committee Member, Student Leadership Committee

ReferencesGregory Presti, R.Ph.Pharmacy ManagerPublix Super Markets501 S.E. 18th AvenueBoynton Beach, FL 33435(561) 738-5590

Allana Sucher, Pharm.D.Associate Professor, Pharmacy PracticePalm Beach Atlantic University901 South Flagler DriveP.O. Box 24708West Palm Beach, FL 33416-4708(561) 803-2717

Margarita Sosa, R.Ph., C.Ph.Assistant Pharmacy ManagerPublix Super Markets501 S.E. 18th AvenueBoynton Beach, FL 33435(561) 738-5590

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Building a Better Resume

1. Make sure recruiters have a way to contact you. Include your address and telephone number.

2. Begin with a goal statement that spells out your career objectives. If you are committed to starting your professional career in a community pharmacy or hospital setting, this is important information for prospective employers.

3. List academic achievements that may help set you apart.

4. Organize the contents to emphasize those achievements and experiences that may contribute to your success in community, hospital or other pharmacy practice.

5. In a survey, more than 90% of pharmacy recruiters said that any past retail experience was a plus for students looking for community pharmacy jobs. Therefore, stress previous employment experiences that may be relevant to community pharmacy. A summer job in a retail establishment, even if it was not in a pharmacy, could be an important factor for many employers.

6. Although you should avoid trivial or irrelevant information about yourself, skills or achievements that set you apart from the pack are definitely worth mentioning. Fluency in a foreign language, demonstrated leadership skills or exceptional academic achievements can help to give you an edge.

7. Do not simply list your previous jobs. Explain what you learned or accomplished there - particularly if those experiences could carry over to help you succeed in community pharmacy practice.

8. Likewise, participation in organizations such as APhA, ASHP or your state or local pharmacy association could well be viewed as an indication of your commitment to the profession.

9. A final word about style: do not be too wordy. Short, declarative sentences are best. Use a consistent style throughout, and replace first person references (“I,“ “me,“ “my“) with the third person singular.

Sally L. Chan836 Clinton Avenue

Fresno, California 93704(209) 666-7778

[email protected]

Career Goal:To begin a career in a community pharmacy setting that offers significant opportunities for patient interaction.

Education:Doctor of Pharmacy Candidate, University of the Pacific, June 2001Pre-Pharmacy, Alaska State College of Pharmacy, 1996-1998

Work Experience:1995-1996 Pharmacy Intern

Stanley’s Neighbor Pharmacy, Stockton.Contact Person: Dr. John Berger (202) 456-3458

Responsibilities included order entry and patient counseling.

1994-1995 Tour GuideAlaska Fun Park, Anchorage.

This position provided excellent opportunities to sharpen communication skills and interest with the public.

Professional Affiliations:1997-Present California Society of Health-System Pharmacists1997-Present Central Valley Society of Hospital Pharmacists

Student Leadership Activities Board (SLAB)1997-Present American Pharmacy Association/Academy of Students of

Pharmacy

Honors/Awards:1997-Present Rho Chi Honor Society, Beta Omega Chapter1997 Academic Scholarship1996-1997 Dean’s List, Alaska State College of Pharmacy

Other Skills, Achievements:Fluent in Spanish

Sample Resume

Volunteered at San Joaquin Mental Health PharmacyPharmacy Intern License #123456, State of California

Your Cover Letter

The strongest CV/resume is incomplete without an equally effective cover letter to accompany it. Like the resume, the cover letter should be neat, orderly and professional.

Begin with a heading that includes your name, address, phone number and the date. Also include an inside address identifying the company and individual to whom the resume is sent, and use a personalized salutation (Dear Mr. Smith, not Dear Sir). In other words, individualize EACH letter. If you do not know the name of the person who will review your resume, make it your business to find out. Doing so shows that you were willing to extend extra effort to find out what you needed to know.

Keep the cover letter short - no more than three paragraphs and no longer than one page. Use the cover letter to introduce yourself. Be positive. An effective approach is to begin by explaining how you learned of the company or the position, and expressing an interest in it. Specifically, why are you interested in the job/residency or position for which you are applying? A good cover letter will make the reader want to look at your CV/resume.

Next, briefly outline your qualifications for the job, then close by requesting an interview.

Count on sending out CVs/resumes to a lot of potential employers, and be prepared for some disappointments. Remember, even the best resume cannot guarantee you a job - but a weak, disorganized or sloppy CV/resume will often eliminate you from consideration.

Do not forget what you wrote in your letter when you go for an interview. Save a copy of your letter and review it before the interview.

Your NameAddressPhone Numbere-mail address

Date

Name with degrees (e.g., Pharm.D., Ph.D.)TitleCompany or InstitutionAddressCity, State Zip code

Dear Dr., Mr., or Ms. __________________:

As a fourth year pharmacy student at the Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy, I have been assigned to train at your pharmacy as part of my Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience.

I look forward to continuing my experiential training under your supervision in a few short months. I currently have two years of pharmacy intern experience in the community pharmacy setting. I am eagerly awaiting the beginning of my advanced practice experience and the different challenges and opportunities this experience holds for me as a student.

I look forward to training with you and your staff this upcoming June. If you have any questions or require additional amplification of the enclosed CV, please call me at (561) 555-5555 or e-mail me at [email protected].

Sincerely yours,

<Type Your Name> and sign above

Enclosure: CV

Sample Cover Letter to send to preceptor

Letters of Recommendation

How Many Do I Need?Usually 3 letters are required, but check with the requirements for each position.

Who Should You Ask? Employers Professors and Preceptors Health professionals with whom you have worked

What Should the Letters Contain? How the person knows you Clinical and professional skills and knowledge Creative activities such as research, publications, projects, etc. Communication skills, (e.g., writing and oral presentations) Leadership abilities (e.g., service to school, professional organizations

and others)

How Do You Ask For A Letter Of Recommendation? Ask each person for a GOOD letter of recommendation. If they cannot

write you a positive letter, ask someone else. Be prepared to provide the person with a copy of your CV/resume, a list of

names and addresses, whether a letter is required or a standard form, and the deadline for application to each position.

Ask each person writing letters for you if they would like the names and addresses on disk or via e-mail. If the position/potential employer gave you a form for each of your references to fill out, include that with the packet and clearly mark which position it is for. Also, ask if your references would prefer addressed and stamped envelopes for each position to which you are applying.

What Other Hints Would Be Useful? Give the person at least 3 weeks to write the letter of recommendation.

The real deadline should be at least 5 weeks away. Send thank you notes to everyone you asked to write a letter of

recommendation, about 1 to 2 weeks after asking. Follow-up with the position/employer at least two weeks before their

deadline to see if all letters, transcripts, and other necessary paperwork has been received. This will give you time to correct any omissions.

When you are hired for a position, send letters to the individuals who wrote letters of recommendation so they may know the outcome.

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