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