Writing a CV

This is an overview of what a good CV should entail according to the heads of department of a district-level hospital in the Western Cape.

1. Personal statement

• Write a brief overview of your experience, skills, and aims in 3-4 lines.

2. Qualifications

• List all qualifications. Try to start with the most recent (and thus most applicable) qualifications first. Include the date and place.
• List any short courses you have done and the dates.
• List any awards you have received.
• List any future examinations you have enrolled for or are working towards.

3. Career history

• List all the places and/or departments where you have worked before.
• Start with the most recent position (i.e., current position) and work backwards.
• Include the following:
  • Full name of the institution.
  • Dates that you worked there.
  • The grade or level of the hospital (e.g., district, regional, tertiary, etc.).
  • Specialities or departments where you worked, and when.
  • Names of superiors where you worked.

4. Leadership history

• List any previous positions held in management or leadership.
• This can be both in and out of work.

5. Teaching history

• Any courses you have taught at.
• Any lectures previously given to undergrads, or speeches given at conferences.

6. Research history

• Previous audits, presentations, or publications.

7. IT skills

• For example, state whether you are proficient in using Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, etc.

8. References

• Ideally list 3 references.
• Remember to first ask these doctors/references if they would be willing for you to put them up as references on your CV (for when they are contacted in this regard).
• Include their full qualifications and personal contact details (not the hospital landline).
• Never list someone who might be one of the interviewers.