Marshall E. Cates, Pharm.D., BCPP, FASHPProfessor of Pharmacy PracticeMcWhorter School of PharmacySamford University

Curriculum vitae is Latin for “course of life”Summary of professional background,

experiences, and accomplishmentsUsed when applying for residencies,

fellowships, jobs, awards, grants, development programs, etc.

Contact Information Education and Training Professional Experience Teaching Experience Research Experience Presentations Publications Professional Memberships Leadership Experience Service Licensure and Certification Honors and Awards References

BACKGROUNDEXPERIENCESACCOMPLISHMENTS

The CV can be more or less effective based on how information is captured on the document

Even a seemingly minor advantage or disadvantage can mean the difference between success or failure in getting an interview or position

0102030405060708090

100

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Mat

ch R

ate

(%)

PGY-1 Residency Match Rate

Data from natmatch.com

Data from pharmacymanpower.com

Year ADI* (approx.)2001 4.02006 4.02011 3.52016 3.0

ADI is the aggregate demand index1 = demand is much less than supply2 = demand is less than supply3 = demand in balance with supply4 = moderate demand; some difficulty filling open positions5 = high demand; difficult to fill open positions

Pharmacist Job Market

Screening• Used in determining which candidates to interview

Interviewing• Used in determining various questions to ask

candidatesRanking

• Used in determining final acceptability and ranking of candidates

Time Spent Reviewing CV

5 min.10 min.15 min.20 min.

Typical number of CVs to review =

10-15 per position

Most important sections:• Work experience• Rotations• Leadership experience• Presentations• Research projects/posters• Publications• Honors/Awards

0123456789

10

Screening Interviewing Ranking

Rat

ing

Process

Importance of CV

Rejection of Application Based Strictly on Poorly Written/Presented CV

YesPossiblyNo

CV as a sales pitchCV as a dynamic documentCV as a self-assessment instrument

Purpose of CV is to impress someone in order to gain something (e.g., interview)

Essential characteristics• Effective• Efficient• Persuasive• Professional

Information is successfully conveyedRequirements

• Complete• Clear• Concise• Accurate

Information is easily foundClear organizationAvoidance of information dilution

• Omit less impressive entries• Strategic use of sub-sections

Avoidance of distracters• No irrelevant information• No unnecessary information• No redundant information• No excessive details• No full sentences and paragraphs

Information is showcased for maximum effect

Provide descriptions of responsibilities and accomplishments• Bullet points• Limited and brief• Started with action verb in past tense• Measurable results whenever possible

Tailor content to the audience

Inclusion/exclusion of informationDetails in certain section(s)Order of sectionsReferences

By convention, education and work experience are located early in the CV

Other sections are really at one’s discretion

More relevant sections should be placed earlier in the CV• Conveys message of what you consider more

important• Minimizes impact of “fade out” when someone is

reviewing your CV

List them or note “available upon request”?References can create instant connections

with those interviewing and/or hiringReferences should be:

• Knowledgeable about applicant• Positive about applicant• Relevant given the position• Familiar with residency process/type of position• Willing/able to dedicate effort• Good communicators

Information is presented in a professional manner

Characteristics• Appropriate email address• Functional file name if provided electronically• Quality paper of neutral color• Consistent and conservative formatting• Layout includes 1-in. margins, left-justified, and

correct amount of white space• Error free (i.e., spelling, grammar)• Recent revision date

Characteristics (continued)• No graphics• Standard font (e.g., Times New Roman, Arial) of

appropriate size (i.e., 10-12)• Conservative use of italics, bold face, and

underlines• Identify professionals with credentials• Pages numbered • Reverse chronological listings with dates• Written in third person • No abbreviations

Needs to be updated on a continual basisNeeds to be transformed during career

transitionsNeeds to evolve over time

Always include a revision date Intervals of updates

• As needed – least effective• Scheduled intervals – somewhat effective• As things occur – most effective

Methods of updates• Memory – least effective• CV file – somewhat effective• Reminder entries – more effective• Comprehensive entries – most effective

CVs change when moving from student to resident to new practitioner to seasoned practitioner

Examples• Removal of certain information• Addition of sub-sections• Changing placement of sections

Great resource: http://www.ashp.org/DocLibrary/MemberCenter/StudentForum/CV-Career-Transitions-Guidance-Document.pdf

Reveals trends• Gaps• Balance• Amount of progress• Rate of progress

Promotes career reflectionHelps in planning future activities and

goals

Additional information about CVs• Books• Articles• Websites

Examples of CVsCV reviewLetter of intent as an accompanying

document

Acquire ideas about different formatting options

Recognize possibilities for additional content

Gain a better understanding of relative strengths and weaknesses

Absolutely necessaryUse multiple sourcesPossible reviewers

• Faculty members• Non-faculty preceptors• Other pharmacists• CV review services ASHP ACCP

Opportunity to truly distinguish oneselfShould be personalized and interestingBasic components

• Explain professional interests/career goals• Express why the particular residency/job is a good

fit based on interests/goals• Describe how one’s skills and experiences makes

one a good fit for the residency/job