Overview
Only include helpful information
Keep your CV professional appearing
Use action words
Don't worry about length

Your CV is your chance to share with residency programs and letter of recommendation writers information you would like them to know With the advent of ERAS applications for many specialties, the paper CV has become somewhat less important during the interview trail. As mentioned earlier, ERAS will format a version of your CV that will be transmitted electronically to residency programs. Your paper CV does not need to be submitted along with ERAS. The creation of your paper CV allows you to give your letter writers some background information about you that they may not know. In addition, it highlights your strengths and gives your letter writers more information that they can use to make you appear to be the well-rounded and talented applicant that you are. Another benefit of the paper CV is that when you sit down to enter information into ERAS, you will have all the necessary information in one place. This will make your life simpler when it gets to that point in the application process.

Only include information that you feel may help your application You should include information on your education, research background, certifications (American Heart Association), professional licenses (if any), work experience, language fluency or other skills, awards, and achievements. If you have breaks in your medical education for work, study, or other endeavors, make sure you account for them by mentioning them in your CV. Never leave holes in your CV that may raise questions later. A few things not to include: The words "Curriculum Vitae" do not need to appear on your CV. Everyone knows what a CV is and they don't need the words on top. Your social security number, sex, and date of birth are not necessary. You do not need to include your USMLE scores on your application unless you have a strong score.

Keep your CV clean and professional appearing Use plain white, or slightly off-white paper. Do not use fancy colored paper or paper with particles that make it appear rough or "dirty." Remember that not every reader may appreciate artistic or stylistic touches that you make in layout and paper choice. Keep the design simple and clean. Choose fonts that are easy to read. Correct and edit even the tiniest errors you find while reading through your CV. Even the most trivial error will seem sloppy.

Action words will keep the reader engaged Make sure to highlight your activities, research, and interests with action words. Words such as "create, directed, adapted, led, conducted, launch", help to keep the reader interested while reading through a sea of CVs. Action words also help to bring life to your descriptions and will avoid use of weak, tired vocabulary.[example action words]

Don't worrry about length Unlike business resumes, there is no one-page limitation on the length of your CV. Just keep in mind to keep your descriptions succinct. Also do not feel required stretch your CV to match those of some of your classmates. Include all the necessary information and none of the fat. In addition, keep in mind that you will not have any control over how your ERAS CV will appear or how long it will be.