How to Complete a Great CV for Nursing

Curriculum Vitae (CV) is Latin for "course of life." In contrast, resume is French for "summary."

We receive and send 100s of CVs on a weekly basis here at Clarity so we decided to pull together our top key points for ensuring you have the best CV for the role you want to apply for!

Where to begin?

The rumour of a one page CV is a bad introduction to a prospective employer. An ideal CV will include 2 A4 pages of relevant information to the role you are applying for and previous work experience in that sector.

Ideal Layout:

• Personal details which should include your phone number and email address.
• A Statement or Personal Profile that is adapted for the role you are applying for. Approximately 100 words is enough for this section.
• Work experience should be the FIRST section. Starting with the most recent employment and working backwards. Include all relevant information to the job you are applying for. It is very important to highlight the duties you performed, bed capacity you looked after and skills you acquired from this role.
• Education details is the next section to include, starting with the most recent. Top tip - mention specific modules that are relevant to the job you are applying for.
• Next, put in your skills and achievements, in this section talk about any skills you have, foreign language skills and awards you may have achieved.

Tips and Tricks

• Do not include a picture.
• Include strong action words for example created, analysed.
• Use the font Arial, Times New Roman or Calibri in size 12 as this looks professional and is easy to read.
• Always include a cover letter or personal statement highlighting key achievements or success. And above all why you are the right person for the role.

Newly Qualified?

If you are a newly qualified nurse you can talk about your placement for the work experience and case study. Make sure to set this out in date order just as you would in 'Work Experience'.

How Clarity Can Help

Here at Clarity we offer full support on CV writing, whether that is starting from scratch, updating for a specific role or just some guidance on your template, we are happy to help! Book a career consultation with one of our recruitment consultants today!

Book a career consultation

Ready to apply? Check out our vacant nursing roles here.