AMA (WA) CV Writing Selection Criteria for Intern...

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED WITHIN THIS DOCUMENT IS TO BE USED AS A GUIDE ONLY The AMA – advocating, protecting, producing results?

April 2013

AMA (WA) CV Writing

& Selection Criteria for Intern

Applications

1

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED WITHIN THIS DOCUMENT IS TO BE USED AS A GUIDE ONLY

The AMA – advocating, protecting, producing results? April 2013

OUTCOMES

To be able to plan and write a correctly structured application that will improve your chances of gaining an internship at your nominated primary

employing health service.

To be able to prepare for and draft an application addressing the relevant selection criteria and drafting a CV for the Intern Application Process.

APPLICATION ADVICE

Network

There is no substitute for speaking to consultants/doctors in training/current interns who have gone through the selection process

for an Internship particularly identifying what each Health Service has to offer and how your particular set of skills, knowledge and experience

would be beneficial for that particular Health Service.

Follow the instructions

The application process for an Internship is clearly detailed within the relevant documentation. It is essentially that you can demonstrate

that you are able to following instructions to ensure that you set a good example

Get it in on time!

The deadline for application is 5.00pm Friday 7th June 2013.

Late applications will not be considered – this has been clearly stated in the Intern Application Process

INTERN APPLICATION PROCESS

Section One – Personal Questions. You will be asked for a list of personal details which you must provide

answers to. These will include: name; postal address; education; other relevant qualifications; referees; employment details and university

students number, nationality and WA public sector employment history.

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Section Two – Selection Criteria. Selection criteria are the skills, qualifications and experience considered necessary to successfully perform the duties of an intern.

The 2014 intern application process will consist of four criteria, each

criterion to be a maximum of 500 words (except criteria one). o Primary medical degree registrable with the Medical Board of

Australia.

o Ability to work effectively in a healthcare environment. In your answer, provide examples of good interpersonal skill, an ability

to work in a multidisciplinary environment, and good organisation and time management skills.

o Commitment to working in WA to promote, protect, maintain, and restore the health of the people of WA. Indicate how these

commitments have influenced your decision to choose your hospital of first preference.

o Commitment to continued learning and academic excellence.

Section Three – Medical Degree Questions. Questions related to the name of the University where the applicant’s medical degree was completed and the year in which the medical

degree will or was completed. o What is the name of the University where your medical degree

was completed? o In which year did you/will you complete your medical degree?

Section Four – Employing Health Service Questions There are three Primary Employing Health Service (PEHS) offering

internships in WA. You will be asked to indicate which PEHS is your preferred employer by numbering the hospitals from 1 to 3 (with one

being the most preferred and three is the least preferred option). o ( ) Royal Perth Hospital

o ( ) Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital o ( ) Fremantle Hospital

Section Five – Rural Intern Rotations: Expressions of Interest. You will be asked whether you are interested in doing one or more

rural hospital rotations during your internship. Please tick the response that applies.

o Are you interested in doing one or more rural hospital rotations during your internship?

( ) Yes (continue to Question 2)

( ) No (go to Section 6)

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o If Yes, how many weeks would you like to spend doing rural

hospital rotations during your internship?

( ) 10 weeks (1 rotation) ( ) 20 weeks (2 rotations)

( ) 30 weeks (3 rotations)

o Please provide a brief statement indication why you would be

interested in doing one or more rural rotations (maximum of 350 words).

o The Rural Training Collaborative (RTC) offers support for doctors

undertaking rural postgraduate training. Do you give permission to be contacted by the RTC? This is independent of the selection

process.

( ) Yes ( ) No

Rural Practice Pathway Intern Ranking Criteria 2014

Marking Key

1. Application out of 20 2. CV out of 10 Total score out of 30

Academic record should only be taken into consideration if it shows

evidence of failing units, repeat supplementary exams, etc. If they pass, the actual marks shouldn’t affect their ranking.

Criteria

When ranking the application/CV, evidence of the following should attract a high rank:

o participation in rural health clubs during medical school o attainment of rural health scholarships, inc RAMS, John Flynn

Scholarship, etc o participation in Rural Clinical School and other rural placements

during university training o awareness and interest in Aboriginal health o previously lived in a rural area o attendance at rural health conferences o involvement in rural health research o rural doctor mentors o clearly defined rural training goals i.e. wants to be a procedural

GP in a rural area and has mapped out training pathway

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o awareness of the benefits of rural prevocational training to

their medical career o awareness of the non-career benefits of rural training i.e.

involvement with rural communities, building long lasting friendships, country lifestyle

o awareness of the need for more rural generalists o articulates what they can contribute to the rural community and

acknowledges the responsibilities and expectations that rural communities have of doctors serving them

http://www.wacountry.health.wa.gov.au/index.php?id=rpp

Section Six – Additional Information. You must submit the following as attachments via your online

application: o Curriculum Vitae/Resume (maximum two pages). Please ensure

you include the following information: Educational background (including years of education)

Activities/interests

Name and contact details of 2 referees o Academic Record of your medical degree up until the date of

application (can be purchased from the Student Admission Officer).

PRIMARY EMPLOYING HEALTH SERVICES -

WHAT ARE THEY LOOKING FOR?

Fremantle Hospital

Will be based on the information they provide in their CV and selection

criteria statement Within Section Two, Criterion 4 is where academic record will be factored

in, but this will not be the only information used to make our selection Lloyd White “Writing a Winning Job Application” Book is useful e.g.

http://www.lloydwhite.iinet.net.au// (online version $19)

SCGH

Will rank order the applicants:

Based on their online application Score all selection criteria

Focus on their commitment to health in WA and continued learning Why they want to come to SCGH in particular (this could include personal

reasons and/or we offer a greater choice of specialty terms etc)

http://www.wacountry.health.wa.gov.au/index.php?id=rpp

http://www.lloydwhite.iinet.net.au/

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RPH

Academically- the assessment of grades are an essential factor in the selection of interns at RPH;

Practical- It is important that they have demonstrated sound practical knowledge whilst being a student on the wards-regardless of metro or

regional sites; What have they done apart from what is required of them as a Medical

Student i.e. volunteer work, projects; and The quality of their application. I would encourage that the medical

students try and keep their application clear and concise, a longer CV and SC doesn’t necessarily mean that it is better. If either are quite content

dense, the selection panel may miss some of the key points the applicant is trying to highlight. There are some good sites on the internet that they

can access which aid in writing CVs and SC.

SECTION TWO

ADDRESSING THE SELECTION CRITERIA

You are required to provide a separate statement addressing the work related criteria (selection criteria). Your statement should demonstrate

(preferably with examples), your competitive ability to meet the work related requirements.

Essentially there are three criteria that require your attention apart from the

1st one which requires evidence of your Primary Medical Degree. These have been detailed on page 2 and will be discussed further on page 8.

Hints and Tips

Do not present a rambling application as the importance of your arguments maybe lost, however do not undersell yourself. The online

application process has clearly flagged that your response to each criterion should be a maximum of 500 words.

Before adding any special attachments consider carefully if they really add value in terms of demonstrating your ability to meet the criteria.

[Intern Application Process flags the CV and Academic Record as the only relevant attachments].

Have an independent person critically examine your application before submission. It is easy to take your own experience for granted.

Keep a copy of your application.

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Keep your answers focused and clearly written

Your aim should be to show how, through your workplace skills and experiences, you have been able to successfully handle key situations similar to those which you will be likely to face in your job. Using specific examples

is a good idea.

Remember that you are highlighting your qualities by relating a purpose-

driven story. You need to supply enough detail to be clear, but it is essential that you keep focused on answering the specific requests of each criterion.

Addressing selection criteria

The most important aspect of addressing selection criteria is to provide evidence through relevant examples. Support your claims with actual,

specific examples of what you have done and how well you did it. One way to do this is to use the STAR model:

1. Situation—Outline a specific circumstance where you developed

the particular experience or used the required skills or qualities. Set the context of the situation.

2. Task—What was your role? What did you have to do? 3. Actions—What did you do and how did you do it?

4. Results—What did you achieve? What were the results of what you did?

Pay particular attention to correct use of grammar, spelling, punctuation and language:

use plain English and short to medium-length sentences avoid using jargon, abbreviations or acronyms (e.g. HRS), which may

be unclear to some or all members of the panel.

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Be brief but precise.

Be positive:

focus on what you can do rather than what you can't do

use positive language don't use qualifying statements, e.g. 'Although I don't have', or

'My experience in .... is limited'.

Use active rather than passive phrases, e.g. 'I organised a conference'

rather than 'A conference was organised'.

Let the panel know what your role was. Talk about what you've done and use 'I' statements rather than 'We'.

Make sure that what you write down is a positive and complete picture of you.

Proof-read it thoroughly and make any necessary corrections or

adjustments.

Try to look at your application from the reader's point of view and ask

yourself whether it:

creates a good impression presents all the relevant information about you

Example of addressing selection criteria

Here is an example of using the STAR approach to address selection criteria.

Demonstrated capacity to communicate effectively

‘My ability to communicate effectively with a range of people was

demonstrated in my position as receptionist with the XYZ community organization. I dealt with members of the general public, officers from the

local council and government departments, and representatives from private businesses on a daily basis.

I communicated with these people face to face, over the phone and through use of email. As I was the first point of contact for the organization it was

very important that I was professional, courteous and helpful in my interactions. In recognition of my positive interpersonal skills my temporary

position was extended for nine months beyond my initial contract.’

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EXAMINATION OF SPECIFIC CRITERIA

Reference to the internet may assist you in considering the specifics of the criteria listed e.g. you may look at searching for “good interpersonal skills”

in google to gain a better understanding of each facet of the criteria.

Ability to work effectively in a healthcare environment. In your answer, provide examples of good interpersonal skill, an ability to work in a

multidisciplinary environment, and good organisation and time management

skills

In your statement you could consider whether you have been part of any Committees, held any representative roles in organisations like WAMSS,

MSAND, AMSA, Dr Yes, Sporting Associations as it is likely that you have needed to organise events, meetings etc. Consider your past employment

history whether it required you to work as part of a team. If you have had

specific health experience previously this is likely to be extremely relevant.

Commitment to working in WA to promote, protect, maintain, and restore the health of the people of WA. Indicate how these commitments have

influenced your decision to choose your hospital of first preference

If you have had previous work experience in a health or hospital setting this

would be good evidence of a commitment to the health industry. You need to consider what is it that your particular preference can offer e.g. if you are

looking to work in trauma then you are likely to consider RPH as a potential first preference, if you want specific rural experience you might seek

Fremantle particularly if you have been part of the rural clinical school. If you want experience in a broad range of specialties you might seek SCGH.

Commitment to continued learning and academic excellence

Consider any awards that you have won. List any seminars, workshops,

courses that you have attended ensuring that they are relevant. Have you regularly attended grand rounds, education sessions at the Hospitals when

you have been on clinical placement.

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SECTION SEVEN – ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

CURRICULUM VITAE Brainstorm !!

Detail your strengths, skills and attributes. The aim is to create a comprehensive list which you can use as a basis for preparing your

curriculum vitae.

Catalogue your Success

Make a list of your past experience and success.

Include every aspect of your life.

Think about what led to each success and how it may relate to the

position you are seeking.

Set yourself apart

Think about what will set you apart from the other candidates.

Keep it short

Your CV should be no more than 2 pages – any longer and it may not be read.

Make it dynamic

Using ‘action’ words will help.

Make it positive

Your CV needs to sell you – so make it positive from the beginning.

Put yourself in the Employer's shoes

Think about what the Employer wants in terms of the ideal candidate

Consider the competencies that the Employer is looking for and then

construct your CV accordingly.

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Look at your CV through the eyes of the Employer. Does your CV

help them decide if you are right person for the position?

Presentation

Don’t clutter your CV - let it "breathe" so readers won't have to struggle through it.

Give your document an up-to-date style that attracts attention.

Be conservatively distinctive! Choose a sharp-looking typeface such Times Roman, Helvetica or Arial typefaces. You may wish to consider the

resume templates on Microsoft Office.

Use short paragraphs or use bullets to offset new sentences and sections.

Don’t overdo bold and italic type – excessive use of either defeats

the purpose of these enhancements.

Use nothing smaller than 11-point type.

Spelling and Grammar

Write your document in the active first-person tense, never the third person, and choose language that's appropriate to the position you're

seeking.

Proof read your CV repeatedly for typographical and grammatical errors.

AN IMPERFECT CV ISN’T ACCEPTABLE.

Selling

Your CV should serve as a personal sales and marketing tool.

Your qualifications, words, format and presentation must all be packaged to sell yourself.

Take credit for your accomplishments. Know what makes you

marketable and sell it.

Your application is your only opportunity to distinguish yourself from the other candidates. You must market your qualifications

aggressively by highlighting your achievements. That means not just saying what you did but also how well you did it.

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Use strong, goal-oriented words.

Structure

This structure will provide the Employer with the information they want - in the correct order - to help them make the decision whether to interview.

This is purely a guide, reference to other CV templates is recommended.

1. Name – should be in larger font than the rest of your CV and

should be bolded.

2. Address.

3. Phone.

4. Email.

5. Highlights / Key Strengths

What is most outstanding about you?

It is essential to engage the reader in the first ten seconds.

Don't be surprised if 90% of your effort goes into the first five lines of your CV!

Most applicants for the position will have similar educational

qualifications and work experience so it is important to consider skills and abilities that will make you stand out.

In bullet or brief paragraph form, set out the five or so key

characteristics making you an attractive candidate. What skills, abilities, and experience are you offering?

You may need to consult with several colleagues or friends

who know you well in order to articulate the highlights - there can be a tendency to take one's own strengths for granted,

and this isn't the place for modesty.

The highlights section is intended to give readers an

impression of you as a whole person.

The features you bring forward may be related to professional skills, personal talents, or special qualifications.

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6. Education - highest qualification first

Use a minimum of space to show your educational qualifications

7. Employment History – most recent first

Date, Job title, Hospital;

Description of job; and Achievements during this placement (if applicable)

8. Professional Memberships

9. Community involvement

10. Interests / Hobbies

Try to identify skills and attributes that you have learned or developed through your interests or hobbies that may be

applicable to your career.

11. Referees

You will usually be asked for a list of referees.

You have been asked to provide two referees. List the most

well known or renowned first. If you are applying for an internship at Fremantle is one of your referees from Fremantle

as this would demonstrate that you have made a positive impression already on potential colleagues and supervisors.

Referees should be people who have supervised your

work, or know you well through volunteer and extracurricular activities.

Ask referees if they will act as such for you. If they agree

you will need to include their title, the hospital where they work,

and their work address and phone number.

Thank and stay in touch with your referees - you never know when you might need their help in the future.

Choose your referees with care! An influential referee can be highly advantageous, as long as they know you and can

speak with some authority.

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Seek assistance

When you are satisfied your CV fairly and accurately reflects what you are able to offer the Employer, show it to others who know you. Their

reaction may surprise you but it is vital to consider their input.

Ask someone else to proof read your CV.

Draft and Re-draft!!

Be prepared to draft and re-draft your CV so that the final result clearly demonstrates and markets your skills and abilities.

CV CHECKLIST

1. Does it sell you from the beginning?

It is likely that someone reading your CV will have developed a positive impression of you within the first 60 seconds.

2. Is it attractive?

Does it look visually attractive in terms of spacing, layout, use of

headings etc.

If your CV is ugly, no one will want to read it.

3. Is it dynamic?

To make your CV stand out, use dynamic, action words.

4. Is it positive?

Your CV has to be positive in every respect.

Negatives are yours to know and others to find out.

5. Can it be skimmed easily?

CVs are not read but skimmed.

Make sure your CV is easy for the reader to absorb.

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6. Are all the contents important?

There is no room in a CV for superfluous information.

7. Is it the right length?

If your CV is too long, it will be treated as hard work and passed

over.

8. Is it perfect in spelling and grammar?

A few mistakes could impact on your chances.

9. Does it reflect you as a person?

It is important that your CV reflects the real you.

10. Attachments

Are you going to attach anything?

What is appropriate? (The online application process has clearly

indicated that they only require the following information: o CV

o Academic Record to date

NB It has been made clear in the online application that your CV

should only be 2 pages in length. Therefore you need to ensure that the information contained within the CV is relevant, concise, but

covers all your essential experience, knowledge, education, awards

received etc.

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SAMPLE CV TEMPLATE [NB for the Intern Application Process your CV is to be no more than 2 pages]

Career History

Personal Information

Name

Address

Contact Details – Address, email

Write a summary here that’s describes you and allows the reader an insight into your beliefs as a practitioner.

Ideally you will write a paragraph that describes you and illustrates the passion and enthusiasm and ability to

deliver your professional skills.

Career History Think! – What did I achieve, What did I do, What did I improve

(This is possibly the most important area of your CV as it is your opportunity to describe the results you achieved

alongside the duties and responsibilities included in your role. Remember to talk about matters such as the size of

teams that you have supervised/ managed and detail any budgetary successes)

September 2009 – current Name of company

Position responsibilities:

Achievements:

Professional Education

e.g Bachelor of Science University of WA 1991

Professional Training Undertaken This is a good opportunity to talk about technical knowledge / certification that confirm your ability to deliver

your professional skills

Professional Memberships

Date - Member of xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.

Publications

If you have had any articles or research published – this can be entered here. If your list is

extensive – consider a separate enclosure so your CV is not too long.

References

Professional references – you have been asked for 2 referees

Create a footer with your name and contact details – it will repeat on each page.

Curriculum Vitae - Name: Address:

Tel / Email

AMA (WA) CV Writing Selection Criteria for Intern...

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