Resume, CV, and Cover Letter Guide

Resume, Curriculum Vitae (CV), cover letter, headshot, LinkedIn? What do you need to apply to a nephrology job these days?

The answer: all of the above. Probably not what you were hoping to hear but modern-day job seekers should be fully equipped to present their qualifications and interest to a hiring practice. Not all practices operate in the same way so covering all your bases is the safest bet. “Be Prepared”, as the scout motto says, and you increase your chances of finding the practice you are hoping for.

Resume Quick Facts

  • Best for private practice jobs

  • Maximum 2 pages

  • Contact info: Include personal (and professionally toned) email address that you will check frequently (ex. lastnamefirstnamemd@gmail.com). Avoid cutesy email handles. School emails are ok but they frequently have spam filters that can bounce back emails you actually want to read.

  • Reverse chronological order starting with fellowship and working backwards to university.

  • Relevant professional experience also in reverse chronological order.

  • Licensure and Certifications

  • Professional Memberships

  • Honors and Awards

  • Volunteer Work

  • Abbreviated list of research and publications

  • Personal: include languages spoken, citizenship, marital status and how you like to spend your free time.

  • In our increasing virtual and visual world, professional headshots are a welcome sight on a resume. You can explore interesting free resume formatting websites like Canva and Microsoft Word for ideas that include a headshot.

  • Have a PDF or sharable Google.doc format to share instantly.

Nephrology CV Quick Facts

  • Best for academic positions

  • As long as necessary

  • Include the same information you would on a resume but include all publications, abstracts, speaking engagements, research

  • Include professional references

Cover Letter Quick Facts

  • Illustrates how well you communicate. (And your command of the language if English is your second or third language!)

  • Highlight and summarize your accomplishments without repeating your CV or resume

  • Express your professional interests both long and short term

  • Tell why you are interested in this practice/community/group of colleagues (Be specific! If you are from the area or have strong ties to the community this is your chance to move your application to the top of the pile)

LinkedIn

  • Has become an increasingly popular way to connect to other physicians and potential employers.

  • Can act as an electronic version of your nephrology CV or resume.

  • Create a free account, update it with your latest accomplishments and build your network.

  • Be sure to connect with alumni, industry professionals and peers.

  • Try to avoid political or religious posts and create a neutral, professional space for yourself online.

  • Other Social Media outlets should be locked down so your off-duty activities don’t overshadow your professional accomplishments in the eyes of potential employers.