Today I'm going to show you step by step on how to optimize your CV specifically for locum tenens work. You can use these notes as a resource and list these sections in this order:

1. Contact Information

Start with your name, address, and contact information at the top of your CV. Ensure your phone number and email address are current and professional.

2. Education

List your educational background in reverse chronological order:

• Fellowships: Specify the institution, your specialty, and the dates (mm/yyyy) you attended.

• Residency: Include the institution, your area of specialization, and dates.

• Medical School: Name the institution and the dates of attendance.

• Undergraduate: List your degree, the institution, and your graduation date.

3. Work History

Your work history should also be in reverse chronological order. For each position, include

• The name of the hospital or clinic,

• Your role or title,

• The dates you worked there (mm/yyyy format),

• A brief description of your duties and special achievements, especially those relevant to locum work.

4. Board Certifications

Clearly list any board certifications you hold, along with the certifying body and the date of certification.

5. Certifications

Include any relevant certifications such as Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), Basic Life Support (BLS), Fundamental Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS), and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS). These are crucial for surgeons and highly valued in locum tenens roles.

6. State Licenses

Make sure to include all state licenses that you currently have active, if you have an IMLC letter of qualification it would be good to include this as well. DEA's and Controlled Substance Permits are optional but in my opinion just add clutter and aren't needed.

7. Societies and Professional Memberships

Detail any professional societies or memberships you are a part of, as these connections can enhance your credibility and network.

Optional Items

While not essential, you can include awards, recognitions, and publications if they are relevant and recent. Keep this section brief to maintain focus on your primary qualifications.

Proofreading Your CV

Before submitting your CV, ensure it is free from spelling and grammar errors. Here are a few tips: Use a reliable spell checker, but don’t rely solely on it. Read your CV thoroughly to catch errors that automated tools might miss. Have a colleague or mentor review your CV. A fresh set of eyes can catch mistakes and offer valuable feedback. Read your CV out loud. This can help you catch awkward phrasing or errors that you might overlook when reading silently.

Use a Clean, Professional Format

• Consistent Formatting: Use a clean, professional format with consistent fonts and clear headings. This makes your CV easier to read quickly.

• PDF Format: Save and send your CV as a PDF to maintain the formatting across different computers and operating systems.

Use Chat GPT for feedback, questions, spell check or revisions. You an copy and paste your CV (or upload it) and tell it exactly what to do by using prompts. Here are some examples of what a prompt is:

"Generate a professional summary for a surgeon with 10 years of experience in trauma surgery."

"List action verbs for describing surgical duties in a CV."

"Help me format the education section of a medical CV with reverse chronological order."

"Suggest concise descriptions for surgical procedures commonly performed in locum tenens assignments."

"Review this bullet point for clarity and impact: [insert bullet point]."

"What are some effective ways to highlight locum tenens work specifically in a surgical CV?"

"Create a list of professional societies related to general, trauma, and vascular surgery."

"Draft a brief section on ATLS certification for a surgical CV."

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Contact me at simon.parsons@comphealth.com

How To Optimize Your CV For Locum Tenens Work

The Locum Tenens Strategist | Create A Career And Lifestyle On Your Terms