CV for junior doctors

I had an opportunity to speak with a few doctors, some had just recently graduated and were just trying to find their way.

The thing which most new graduates need to understand is to apply for jobs they are interested in or they have some degree of knowledge about (This is I know different from what most of you guys have been advised). I will explain further. For example, if I start applying for gynae or peads jobs, I will eventually make a mess of things as it isn't something I know much about, to be honest. I think some doctors who join the NHS who are unhappy initially work in specialties they don't like or are working in bad departments.

So the most important thing is to apply to jobs that you are interested in or have a bit of understanding about. This is important as it would help you deal with all problems relating to that specialty.

The thing that I think is important is if someone is hiring you, and with a lot of senior doctors with 1-5 years of experience (sometimes more) with at least part 1 or part 2 MRCP completed also competing in SHO grade jobs, why would they hire you? This is a point that everyone should think about.

This is my opinion, of course, you can disagree with it. but this is based on my view of things.

Anyway, in my opinion, a typical CV should have the following things:

1. Detailed Career History,

This is very important that you have accurate career history, it should be detailed enough so whoever reads it know your skill level. It should not have repetition or information overload.

2. Teaching Experience

While not the most popular of the requirement, it really does count. I understand especially from doctors in the Middle East and Subcontinent aren't very interested in teaching. In one interview that I did, it was for registrar grade though, they asked me about what was the topic of my teaching as I had done some teaching for nursing staff in Saudi.

3 Research & Publication

Research papers, any type of research is good, whichever you can take part in, be it case reports, original research papers, review articles. The best points are counted for research papers but for non-training jobs anything is good.

4. Audit/ Quality Improvement Project

If you take part in any quality improvement project that really counts. These show that you are an overall package & you have potential.

5. Postgraduate exam

If you are interested in Medicine, MRCP part 1, if in surgery MRCS are very liked, it shows you are interested in career progression.

If you plan your CV with these points, I really doubt anyone will reject you. Be honest about your skills, what you know & what you don't know. People like honesty. Be familiar with main emergency management topics.

Keep in mind it is not necessary you have all the things mentioned above, if you have a pleasant personality and some of the things mentioned above you are likely to get the job. Don't be discouraged. you will get it, just keep applying. Good luck

Remember to widen your search territory, Apply across all areas,

England, Northern Ireland, Scotland.