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.