How to Write a CV to Get Into the UK Healthcare Sector

Breaking into the UK healthcare sector can be both exciting and challenging. Whether you’re a recent graduate or transitioning from another industry, your CV is your first opportunity to make a great impression. Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting a CV that stands out in this competitive field.

Understand the Role You’re Applying For

The healthcare sector is diverse, encompassing roles such as nursing, administrative support, physiotherapy and medical technology. Tailor your CV to the specific role by researching:

• Key skills and qualifications required for the position.

• Preferred experiences or certifications, such as NHS-specific qualifications.

• Relevant regulations or standards, like the Care Quality Commission (CQC) requirements.

CV Format and Structure

A professional CV for the UK healthcare sector typically includes the following sections:

1. Personal Information

• Include your full name, phone number, email address and LinkedIn profile (if applicable).

• Avoid adding unnecessary details like your photo, marital status, or full address unless requested.

2. Professional Summary/Personal Statement

• Write a concise summary (3-4 lines) highlighting your skills, experience and career goals.

• Tailor this to the healthcare role, e.g., “Compassionate and detail-oriented healthcare assistant with two years of experience supporting patients in fast-paced NHS environments.”

3. Key Skills

• Use bullet points to list skills relevant to the job. Examples include:

  • Patient care and communication

  • Knowledge of healthcare systems like EMIS or SystmOne

  • Infection control and health and safety compliance

  • Time management and teamwork

4. Work Experience

• Start with your most recent job and work backward.

• For each role, include:

  • Job title, employer and dates of employment

  • A brief description of responsibilities and achievements, focussing on healthcare-specific tasks, e.g., “Implemented patient care plans, resulting in a 15% improvement in recovery times.”

5. Education and Qualifications

• Highlight degrees, certifications, or training relevant to healthcare, such as:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Biology, or related fields

  • NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care

  • First Aid or CPR certifications

• Include dates and institutions.

6. Volunteering or Placements (Optional)

• Showcase unpaid experiences in healthcare settings to demonstrate commitment and practical knowledge.

7. Additional Sections

• Languages: Mention proficiency in additional languages, especially if applicable to diverse patient populations.

• Professional Memberships: Include memberships with organisations like the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) or Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

• Hobbies and Interests: Add only if they highlight transferable skills, e.g., volunteering or team sports.

Tips for a Strong Healthcare CV

1. Use Healthcare Keywords: Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan CVs. Include terms from the job description, such as “patient care,” “risk assessment,” or “NHS standards.”

2. Quantify Achievements: Use numbers to highlight your impact, e.g., “Managed a caseload of 50+ patients weekly with a 98% satisfaction rate.”

3. Emphasise Soft Skills: Highlight compassion, empathy and communication skills—key traits in the healthcare sector.

4. Keep It Concise: Limit your CV to two pages and focus on relevant information.

5. Tailor for Each Role: Customise your CV for every application, aligning your skills and experiences with the job requirements.

Final Checks Before Submitting

• Proofread: Ensure there are no spelling or grammar errors.

• Format Consistently: Use a clean, professional layout with clear headings and bullet points.

• Get Feedback: Ask a mentor or colleague in the healthcare field to review your CV.

Additional Resources

• NHS Jobs: https://www.jobs.nhs.uk

• Health Careers UK: https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk

• Professional Bodies: Visit websites of relevant councils and organisations for role-specific guidance.

By following these steps, you’ll create a CV that effectively showcases your skills and positions you as a strong candidate in the UK healthcare sector. Good luck!