Internal Resources

Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae, and Interviewing Tips

As you embark on searching for an attending position after residency or are wanting to apply to a fellowship, you want a well-polished Curriculum Vitae and want to be ready for interviewing at any time.

Cover Letter Tips

Not all jobs require a cover letter but, when they do a well written cover letter can help you stand out from the other applicants. Your goal in a cover letter is to prove you are exactly what the employer is looking for and you want to at least answer these three questions throughout your cover letter:

  • Why are you interested in the position?
  • How are you qualified for the position?
  • Why are you a good fit for this position?

Curriculum Vitae (CV) Tips

A curriculum vitae is meant to document your entire academic history and work history.

Here are few tips about your CV Heading:

  • Be sure to include your name, credential, and then your contact information.
  • Nowadays, it is becoming more common to include your specialty or subspeciality in your CV Heading.

General Formatting for your CV:

  • Use the same font type on all parts of your CV.
    • Same for cover letter, research statement, reference list, etc.
    • Makes your application more cohesive.
  • Provide your name in a footer or header on every page of your CV.
    • Same goes for other application materials.
    • Can also include relevant page numbers.

What not to include in your CV:

  • SSN, age, gender, race, religion, political affiliation, marital/parental status, disability or national origin, DEA numbers

Retrieved from: https://www.aamc.org/professional-development/affinity-groups/group-faculty-affairs/faculty-vitae/curriculum-vitae-tips-and-strategies

If you need further assistance with formatting, download this curriculum vitae template from the AAMC: AAMC_CV_Template, or visit this article from the AMA: https://www.ama-assn.org/medical-residents/transition-resident-attending...

 

Interviewing Tips

  • Dress Accordingly
    • Interviews are formal, so you should be too. 
  • Do your research on the program (for a fellowship) or hospital/department, division you are applying to.
    • Use the webpages and see if you can find any specific strengths, weaknesses, or unique aspects. This shows the program or place you are interviewing with that you have done your homework.
  • Avoid generic answers for questions, instead make an impression and give succinct answers with examples.
  • Practice, Practice, Practice.
    • Practice alone or with someone else, this will reduce embarrassment, help refine your answers, and you will be far more relaxed on interview day as you have already gone through the motions.
  • Prepare questions ahead of time.
    • Asking questions shows your interest in the fellowship or position you are applying for.
  • Show gratitude, send a thank you note.
    • It is appropriate to send a thank you e-mail after interviewing within 24 hours.
    • A thank you note should include the following: key parts to your conversation, reiterate interest in program or position, invite request for additional information or follow-up.