Send a CV, Please!
As a member of many national boards and committees, my state collaborative and also in my own work position, I have had the opportunity to review submissions for various volunteer spots, awards, and other job applications. Far too often, I found it difficult to compare candidates because many submit a resume rather than a CV (curriculum vitae).
What’s the difference?
A resume is a one-to-two page document outlining an overview of educational record, professional history, and skill set. It is specifically designed to give a recruiter a quick overview of career highlights and is usually targeted to the specific position under consideration. A resume is often accompanied with a cover letter explaining why the person is an excellent candidate for the position under consideration.
A CV is a detailed listing of everything that has been accomplished throughout a career. It will list educational and job history but it will also list every award, in-service, abstract, poster, publication, committee work, grant, teaching experience, quality improvement and research project, plus any other professional activity along with, in many cases, licensing information and professional memberships. Early CV’s may be a few pages in length whereas a very experienced individual may have a CV that runs 50 plus pages. The purpose is to demonstrate specific accomplishments throughout a career.
Do I really need a CV?
A well-executed resume will certainly give insight into what an individual does in their daily work lives. The majority of resumes will list daily activities which is, essentially, what every practitioner in that profession does in the NICU which makes any comparison quite difficult. In a CV, the expectation is that the person is already accomplished at their job description so a listing of activities that are above and beyond basic work duties is added. For individuals early in their career, their CV may start with an in-service or a quality improvement project. A more seasoned veteran will have a catalog of their yearly accomplishments in chronological order. Over time, as more and more activities are added, the length of the CV will increase.
How to build a CV
For a new graduate, after the struggle of learning how to be a fully functioning team member in the NICU, joining a hospital-based committee is a great way to get started. Signing up for a community based project, such as a March of Dimes walk, is another excellent opportunity to contribute to improving care for mothers and babies. CV’s will show an ever increasing level of responsibility and activity over time.
Volunteering is a tremendous way to network. New graduates are often stunned to learn that volunteering can eventually lead to national and even international travel – all paid for by someone else! Essentially, the first volunteer position leads to the next project which increases the knowledge, experience, and value to the next volunteer opportunity. For those interested in research, often all it takes is a raised hand and an offer to help. This in time will lead to a better understanding of research and quality improvement and the individual will soon be listing their own projects and publications. As experience builds, so will the level of unique and exciting opportunities that become available.
So now what to do…
No one expects a new graduate to have a lengthy list of accomplishments and activities but showing interest, drive, and determination is essential. A more seasoned candidate will be expected to have a longer list of achievements and it is amazing how quickly they accumulate. However, depending upon what award, position, or volunteer spot is available, an early career and seasoned career candidate can both be competitive. But please, send a CV!
About the author:
Barbara Snapp, DNP, NNP-BC
Dr. Barbara Snapp is employed by Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC, and is currently working in the NICU at a community hospital in Virginia. She also is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dr. Snapp serves on the Executive Council of the Virginia Neonatal Perinatal Collaborative, is a board member of the National Association of Neonatal Nurse Practitioners, and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Neonatal-Perinatal Quality Metrics all in-addition-to working with the University of Maryland Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Advisory Board. She recently published a study on NNPs in the community hospital and is working on a larger workforce survey. Dr. Snapp’s commitment to nursing scholarship and quality care is evidenced by her many publications, leadership in multi-center, collaborative quality improvement teams, and her work with two national organizations on developing quality metrics for neonatology. Dr. Snapp collaborates closely with her colleagues to assure high quality evidence based care is provided to infants and families.
