Curriculum Vitae

Introduction[edit | edit source]

Every Physiotherapist should have a curriculum vitae which gives a brief account of their education, qualifications, and previous experience.

How Long Should It Be?[edit | edit source]

  • A good rule of thumb is no longer than 2 pages.
  • ALWAYS tailor your CV to the job.
  • Have a master CV.
  • Regularly update with course/volunteer/job/qualification information which you can then copy and paste items from to insert into your specific job CV.
  • A CV should be organised, well-structured with clear headings. 
  • As you progress in your career there should be no gaps in your CV.

What to Include?[edit | edit source]

Cover Letter[edit | edit source]

  • Although technically not part of the CV a cover letter will usually accompany it and this is why it is included in this section.
  • According to the manager of one of the main teaching hospitals in Dublin, a cover letter that reads well is invaluable. Don’t rush over this aspect take time to sell yourself.
  • Always show attention to detail and find out the manager’s name.

Personal Details[edit | edit source]

  • Name (good idea to put in bold and bigger font)
  • Address (current and most recent location)
  • Phone number (if you provide mobile number ensure you have a message service on your phone with a suitable message)
  • Email address (either use your UCD Connect or else an email that states your name not [email protected])

Education[edit | edit source]

  • Should always be in most recent chronological order.
  • College: degree (year obtained, grade received or current grade achieved)
  • Dissertation
  • Relevant CPD courses pre-graduation/on-going (The manager of a Dublin hospital reports always looking at CPD and commitment to learning to distinguish candidates)
  • Leaving Cert: subjects followed by grades
  • Points out of 600

Work Experience[edit | edit source]

  • Like education should also be in the most recent chronological order.
  • Degree Clinical Education: Date/Hospital/Area – include responsibilities given, frequently treated cases etc., ensure all dates are accurate.
  • Clinical Volunteer Experience pre-graduation Date/Hospital/team/charity....etc./Area – include responsibilities/tasks entrusted to you, conditions encountered, techniques used, education opportunities.
  • Clinical Volunteer Experience post-graduation.

Skills[edit | edit source]

  • Driving Licence
  • CPR/Manual handling/First Aid
  • Presentation skills
  • Follow each skill by a brief sentence either describing qualification or experience of skill.
  • Leadership roles are important to document in this section, for example, class rep, captain of a sports team etc.
  • Team work and innovation can also be described here.

Interests/Hobbies[edit | edit source]

  • Sports/culture/travelling/reading.....keep it brief.

References[edit | edit source]

  • Include 2 references; one academic and one clinical.
  • Should include your most recent employer/lecturer.
  • State that more references are available on request.

Helpful Tips[edit | edit source]

  • To do a CV is an art form; ask other people you know if you can see theirs even if they are from a different profession.
  • Have someone check your CV for readability and typos.
  • If a job description is available ensure the experience, education, skills and qualities in your CV reflect what is required.

How Should It Be Delivered?[edit | edit source]

  • Unfortunately only one manager of a teaching hospital in Dublin gave us an answer to this question so the information may not be directly transferrable.
  • She said that she prefers to receive CVs by email or post. She believes that good practice is to ring the physiotherapy department, clarify the manager’s name and ask how they would prefer the CVs to be submitted.