Preparing Your CV

Preparing your CV

In pharmacy school, when applying to internship, future jobs, or other career advancing opportunities, PharmD candidates should apply with a curriculum vitae (CV) instead of a resume. A resume is usually one page summary of your job history and applicable skills whereas a CV is an in-depth document that can be laid out over two or more pages.

A CV contains a high level of detail about your education, accomplishments, publications, awards, etc. It conveys your personal details in the way that presents you in the best possible light. A CV is a marketing document in which you are marketing something: yourself! You need to "sell" your skills, abilities, qualifications and experience to employers.

What should go on a PharmD candidate’s CV? A pharmacy student’s CV should contain the following sections:

1. Education

                On a pharmacy student’s CV it is necessary to include your undergraduate education. If you did not graduate, you can refer to your pre-requisites as pre-pharmacy coursework. Make sure to include the dates of attendance and the location of your school. It is not necessary to include any high school information.

2. Professional Experience

                This is the section where you tell about your work experience. You will list paid internships and any pharmacy-related work experience. A brief description of your job duties is important to include as it can show future employers the qualifications you have.

3. Rotational Experience

                Rotations are your Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPEs) and Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs). List these in order of most recent. Make sure to list the institution’s name, your preceptor’s name and title, and the location of the experience.  You can include special projects under this section.

4. Pharmacy Licensures and Certifications

                Most of your pharmacy licenses and certifications such as HIPAA and Bloodbourne pathogen training will be obtained once you start pharmacy school. It is important to keep these updated.

5. Leadership

                This is where you shine! Once you become involved at Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy, you have many opportunities to lead. Whether you become an ambassador, president, or committee chair—make sure to tell everyone how awesome you are!

6. Professional Organizations

                Every pharmacy student is required to join one professional organization while at school. Make sure to list these here and include dates of membership.

7. Professional Service

                In addition to joining a professional organization, it’s required to serve our community with pharmacy-related and non-pharmacy-related service every year. Our profession is a career of service so it’s great to get a head start on helping others!

8. Professional Development

                As a professional, it’s important to make sure you are up-to-date with the most recent information. Pharmacists and pharmacy students “develop” themselves by attending at least one professional meeting each year. Include the title of the meeting, date, and location.

9. Presentations (if applicable)

                There are numerous opportunities to present throughout pharmacy school. You may include the information from a class presentation but it is recommended to include a presentation that was delivered to an audience outside of school.

10. Posters (if applicable)

                If you are involved in any research throughout your pharmacy school career and are chosen to present your poster at a meeting or symposium, make sure to let everyone know how talented you are!

11. References (attached)

                Always have 3 references available on a separate sheet of paper if asked. You may include the phrase “available upon request” on your CV.

12. Extra

Shadowing, Research, Honors and Awards, etc. may be listed where you feel necessary.

Alex

P3 - Class of 2016