Writing Style & Substance

Sample CV

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.