Curriculum Vitae

Getting Your Career Off the Ground

Diane R. Gehart, Ph.D.

Curriculum Vitae• Curriculum Vitae vs. Resume

– CVs are more than one page– CVs list all credentials and experiences, which

speak for you– CVs are understated and do not include any hint of

bragging or self-importance– CVs rarely list an “objective”– CVs are relatively plain; keep it formal and

traditional– CVs are about content, not form.– Make the information easily accessible

CV 101“You’ve got 60 seconds to make an

impression….”

• Do not use abbreviations

• Keep it factual

• Keep it simple and straight forward

• Use bullets and headers to organize and make information easily accessible

Categories for MFT Vitae• Degrees: dates, univ, honors• Title of project/thesis• Continuing Education/Workshops Attended• Clinical Experience• Clinical Specialties• Publications and/or Presentations• Employment History• Credentials• Professional Memberships• Honors• Teaching Experience• Administrative Experience

Cover Letter• Always include a cover letter

– Do your research – Directly state how you are a good “fit” for

the job– Only highlight aspects of the vitae that

support your fit for the job

Where to Look• Personal Network• Papers and Online: Social work; counseling;

psychology; psychotherapy, and of course, MFT

• Professional Organizations• Network: AAMFT, CAMFT, Alumni, Pomo

reading group, conferences• Job Board• Career Services

How to Get a Job?What Employers are Looking For?• Reliability• Professionalism• Hard worker • Someone who is easy to supervise• Someone who can speak intelligently about

theory, assessment, diagnosis, law and ethics.• Someone who can LEARN to be a good

therapist--not a perfect clinician

Where to Go From Here• Draft your vita

– Get feedback

• Start looking for where job listings areas

• Start networking with local groups

The Little Things• Arrive early• Be gracious• Dress for success• Listen• Confident but not pushy• Say thank you• Approach salary carefully but do not be afraid

to address it.

References• CONTACT THEM BEFORE YOU OFFER

THEIR NAMES AND NUMBERS.• Provide a vitae to them if you have not

worked with them recently.• If you there is something particular/unusual

about the position, let reference know.• Show appreciation

Bottomline….• Professionalsim is more important than

skill for internship positions.

• Skills can be taught easily; professionalism is more difficult to teach and learn.