Writing a residency personal statement & CV/Resume

The importance of a writing a strong personal statement and CV/Resume is crucial to the success of every medical student applying for residency. It is a simpler process than you think, so long as you apply certain rules and provide the interviewer/Program Director with the specific information they are looking for, this will help determine if you are the right candidate for the residency spot. Lets discuss key points to address, and equally important mistakes to avoid!

Provide facts, give your purpose, and write with conviction

Your CV/Resume should provide a concise history in chronological order (oldest first) of your experience, which includes your education, achievements and accomplishments. You can include experience that is not directly related to medicine but yet conveys you are a responsible and reliable person, skills you’ve obtained over time can be transferable into your medical career.

Your personal statement is your opportunity to elaborate on your CV/Resume and provide the Program Director details about your experience since you began medical school.  You must discuss your desired specialization, your purpose for seeking residency with them, and how you plan to apply what learn in their program to your career.

Start by stating why you have chosen your specialty and how you’ve already gained experience in this field. Go on to say why you believe you possess the abilities to succeed in your chosen specialty, and make sure to connect your natural talents to the field of your choice, such as how you have the manual dexterity to become a great surgeon and make sure to use specific supporting examples to avoid sounding like a cliche. Tell them what you will bring to the table, basically how you will contribute to their program while a resident. Lastly discuss your career  plans after residency, whether you plan to do a fellowship, focus on research or what you plan for your career path.

Tips to remember!

CV/Resume	Personal Statement
1. Use narrower margins to fit more on each page 2. Use 12 point font 3. Times new roman font is standard 4. Write it in chronological order (oldest information on top)	1. One page essay with about 700 words maximum 2. Use 12 point font 3. Times new roman font is standard 4. Be organized and concise 5. Be professional at all times 6. Focus on the experience you gained while in medical school

 

Things to Avoid:

1.    Avoid using I, me, my too much, use objective language instead
2. Be mindful of grammar in all of your documents
3. Avoid a messy CV/resume and/or personal statement this is a reflection of you
4.    Don’t base your personal statement on your medical school application essay
5. Avoid topics that touch upon religion, politics or other sensitive matters.

 

For professional assistance visit http://medclerkships.com/residency-consultation/, we have all the resources to help you succeed in your matching process.