Sample CV
CV Style and Substance
When preparing your CV, remember that this is a document that summarizes your accomplishments directly related to your academic and professional experiences.
Ask yourself the following questions when putting together your CV:
- Is this information relevant? (i.e. Will it help me get a residency, internship, interview, etc?) Stick to your medical school accomplishments and avoid listing too much from your undergraduate years.
- What accomplishments, qualities, strengths do I want to emphasize and why?
- Am I being clear and concise? Remember, your CV should only be one or two pages, so be sure to keep descriptions to a minimum.
Formatting Your CV
- Stick to one standard font such as Arial or Times New Roman. Avoid using multiple different fonts.
- Use a large-enough font (10 point minimum, preferably 12 point).
- If you use bold or CAPS, be consistent and use them the same way throughout the CV. Similarly, if you use bullet points, keep formatting consistent.
- Keep descriptions to a minimum of one or two lines and be as concise as possible.
- Use parallel construction, i.e. if you use a certain format in one part of the CV, you must use it throughout.
- Ideally, your CV will be only one page long. Lengthen it to two pages only if you are listing a substantial amount of research, community service, or publications.
- Avoid listing too much from your undergraduate years, programs are only looking to see what you've done while in medical school.
Editing Your CV
- Be sure all the margins are even and line up.
- Be sure to use parallel construction.
- Make sure everything is lined up.
- Use a ruler and proofread your CV line by line.
- Print your CV on a laser printer.
- Use only high-quality, bond paper - white, ivory, and light gray colors are most appropriate.
- Show your CV to a trusted friend or mentor and ask them for their opinion.
- Show your CV to a Student Affairs Counselor.
