General practice offers a rewarding and diverse career in New Zealand, with opportunities across both urban and rural communities. When applying for a GP role, your CV is the first chance to highlight your experience, skills, and what you bring to a practice.
A well-presented CV not only outlines your professional background but also demonstrates your organisation, attention to detail, and commitment to quality care. Here’s how to make your GP CV stand out.
A short summary at the top of your CV sets the tone. This should include:
A few sentences about your background and experience as a GP
Any areas of special interest (e.g., women’s health, paediatrics, urgent care)
Your career goals or the type of practice you’re seeking
This section helps practices quickly understand who you are as a clinician.
Employers need to see your professional registration and scope clearly. Include:
Your Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) registration number
Your current scope of practice (General or Vocational)
Memberships, fellowships, or additional certifications
List your roles in reverse chronological order. For each position, include:
The practice or organisation name, location, and dates of employment
Key responsibilities (e.g., chronic disease management, acute presentations, supervising junior doctors)
Any achievements or contributions (e.g., introducing new systems, quality improvement work)
Adding a section for your clinical skills and areas of interest can set you apart. This could include:
Minor surgery experience
Preventative health initiatives
Mental health, palliative care, or aged care expertise
Familiarity with telehealth or electronic medical record systems
Employers value GPs who continue to grow their skills. Include:
Courses, workshops, or training completed
Recent CME (Continuing Medical Education) highlights
Research or teaching roles, if applicable
Here’s a simple structure you can follow:
Professional Profile – short summary of experience and interests
Registration and Credentials – MCNZ details, fellowships, certifications
Clinical Experience – roles, responsibilities, achievements
Skills and Special Interests – areas of focus and clinical expertise
Professional Development – courses, CME, training
Community Engagement or Volunteer Work – optional but valuable
Referees – available on request (or list if preferred)
A stand-out GP CV is clear, concise, and tailored to the role you’re applying for. By focusing on your experience, registration, and professional strengths, you’ll make it easy for practices to see the value you bring to their team.
At Prospero Health & Social Care NZ, we support GPs in presenting their best selves to employers and connecting with roles that match their goals.
Register with us today to take the next step in your GP career.