CV Writing

How to Write an Health CV That Gets You Noticed in 2025

Applying for Health jobs can feel overwhelming — especially when you're sending out applications and hearing nothing back. The truth is, your CV might be great, but if it's not written in the way Health recruiters expect, it won't make it through shortlisting.

This guide will show you exactly how to write an Health CV that's clear, results-driven, and aligned with what hiring managers are looking for.

Why Health CVs Are Different

Health recruitment is structured, evidence-based, and competency-focused. Unlike private sector CVs that might prioritise creativity or brevity, Health CVs need to:

• Match the job description and person specification exactly
• Demonstrate measurable outcomes (not just responsibilities)
• Use Health language (values, Bands, frameworks like STAR)
• Be detailed but scannable — recruiters spend 30-60 seconds per CV

The Structure of a Strong Health CV

1. Personal Statement (Top of Page)

Your personal statement should be 4-6 lines that summarise:

• Your current role and Band (if applicable)
• Key skills or areas of expertise
• What you're looking for next
• A nod to Health values (compassion, teamwork, improvement)

Example:
"Experienced Band 6 Staff Nurse with 5+ years in acute care, specialising in patient safety and clinical leadership. Proven track record of reducing medication errors by 30% and mentoring junior staff. Seeking a Band 7 role where I can lead service improvement initiatives and contribute to high-quality, compassionate care."

2. Key Skills Section

List 6-10 skills that match the job description. Use bullet points and keep them specific:

• Clinical assessment and triage
• Quality improvement and audit
• Team leadership and mentoring
• Electronic patient records (EPR systems)

3. Professional Experience

This is the most important section. For each role, include:

• Job title, employer, Band, dates
• A 2-line summary of what the role involved
• Bullet points with measurable achievements

Weak example: "Responsible for patient care and medication administration."

Strong example: "Delivered safe, compassionate care to 15-20 patients per shift, achieving a 98% patient satisfaction score. Reduced medication errors by 30% through implementation of a double-check protocol."

4. Education & Qualifications

List your degree, professional registrations, and any relevant certifications. Include:

• Degree title and institution
• NMC/HCPC registration number (if applicable)
• Mandatory training (e.g., BLS, safeguarding)

5. Additional Sections (Optional but Valuable)

• CPD & Training: Recent courses or certifications
• Audits & Projects: Quality improvement work
• Volunteering: Relevant community or Health work

Common Health CV Mistakes to Avoid

• Generic CVs: Not tailoring to the specific job description
• Listing duties instead of achievements: "Managed a team" vs "Led a team of 8, improving staff retention by 25%"
• No evidence of Health values: Compassion, respect, teamwork, improvement
• Poor formatting: Dense paragraphs, tiny fonts, no white space
• Spelling and grammar errors: These are instant red flags

Top Tips for Health CV Success

• Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your achievements
• Quantify everything: Numbers make your impact clear
• Mirror the job description: Use the same keywords and phrases
• Keep it to 2-3 pages: Detailed but not overwhelming
• Proofread multiple times: Or get someone else to review it

Final Thoughts

Your Health CV is your first impression — and often your only chance to get shortlisted. By making it clear, results-driven, and aligned with Health expectations, you'll dramatically increase your chances of landing an interview.

If you're still not getting shortlisted, it might be time for a professional review. Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes (especially someone who understands Health recruitment) can make all the difference.