Know the difference between a CV and a resume.
Although both terms are often used interchangeably, they are actually two different types of documents. A CV or Curriculum Vitae is most often used by professionals in medical, scientific and academic fields. It is a record of your professional and academic background and is much longer than a resume. A resume is typically 1-2 pages and serves as a professional summary. Both contain similar types of information. The main difference is the length and amount of detail.

Medical and educational institutions are more likely to expect CVs, while most other opportunity providers are accustomed to reviewing resume formats. A CV usually includes in-depth detail, such as publications, academic work, teaching experience, research projects, etc. This type of information is certainly acceptable for a resume, however summarize these details and include only the most recent and relevant.

Some opportunity seekers choose to include a first section on their resume entitled "Career Goals" or "Objective," although, you may choose to include this information in your cover letter if submitting a resume. For a CV, you will place that type of information (as your goal is already apparent - you want to be an optometrist) in your cover letter.

If in doubt, ask.
If you' re not quite sure whether to submit a CV or resume, your best bet is to contact the opportunity provider and simply ask. Remember, however, that the two terms are often used interchangeably. Even if someone asks for a CV, ask them to clarify whether they want a traditional, lengthy CV or a 1-2 page professional summary (a.k.a. resume).

Proofread, proofread, proofread.
This can' t be said enough. Be sure to have one or (preferably) several people proofread your CV/resume. Even the smallest error could land your CV/resume in the trash. Do not rely on spell check alone.

Make a great first impression.
Your CV/resume is likely to be scanned over in seconds. Place the most interesting and compelling facts about yourself at the beginning of your CV/resume. For a position as an optometrist, this information should include your training (your degree and your clinical rotations while a student) or related optometric experience.

Tell the provider why they need you!
Put yourself in the opportunity provider' s shoes. They will be reading your CV/resume and asking themselves "What can this candidate do for me?" Re-read your CV/resume with this question in mind.

Use action verbs.
In detailing your experience, use action verbs to portray yourself as someone who gets things done and has much to offer. Examples include: Performed, Managed, Organized, and Created.

Avoid "I" or "Me" language.
Instead of complete sentences beginning with "I" or "Me," use short, action-oriented phrases such as "Performed free vision examinations at local geriatric facility."

Highlight key points.
Although some formatting such as italics, bold and underlining may be lost if you submit your CV/resume electronically, use spacing, capital letters, asterisks, etc. to make section titles or important words stand out.

List only recent information.
If writing a CV, you may need to reach back further into your professional history to list your entire life's work. For a resume, you will want to include only relevant information from the last 10-15 years. If you are a recent graduate, you don' t need to include every part-time job you may have held while in high school, unless you are listing jobs or skills that are truly relevant to the position for which you are applying. For a CV, place unrelated work experience in a separate section toward the bottom.

Don' t include salary information.
Never make reference to salary in your CV/resume.

Customize your CV/resume.
Whenever possible, modify your CV/resume for the specific position you are applying for. Do your research and learn as much about the position, practice or company as possible. Does the opportunity listing detail any specific skills or experience desired? Emphasize these skills in your CV/resume. Use the Internet to research the practice or company, if possible. Opportunity providers can spot cookie-cutter resumes from a mile away. Show that you' ve done your homework and are really interested in that specific opportunity. If you are submitting a CV, all your life's work is considered and a CV is not easily customized. However, you should customize the cover letter for the specific opportunity.

Be honest.
Never, ever lie or exaggerate on your CV/resume. Your goal is to get the interview, but not at the cost of listing inaccurate information that could get you fired down the road or lose your chances of being hired in the first place. Opportunity providers usually check into serious candidates, and you will want to make sure every detail checks out.

Don' t list potentially discriminatory information on your resume.
Never make references to religion, marital status, dependents, age, ethnicity, or political party. Also, never include a photo with your resume. In most instances, it would be illegal for the provider to consider such information.

Stick with common section headings.
Examples in the optometric profession include: Education, Certification, Licensure, Clinical Experience, Publications/Articles, Special Projects, and [membership in] Professional Organizations.

Sell yourself!
A CV/resume is not a place to be humble. Again, don' t lie or exaggerate, but don' t sell yourself short either. Others may never grasp skills that may come easily to you. If you find it hard to sell yourself, it may help to ask former co-workers, friends or family members to describe your greatest strengths and accomplishments.

Be positive.
Never include negative comments, especially if referring to previous practice experiences.

Keep formatting simple.
Especially if you plan to send your CV/resume via e-mail, it is best to use plain text and avoid fancy fonts, boxes, and symbols. Change bullets to asterisks or dashes. You may even want to save the document as a text file in case the person you are sending it to does not have the software you used to create it. Send your electronic resume to several friends or family members first to make sure that everything looks correct on the receiver' s end.

Use heavy-stock paper in white or ivory.
Never use color or patterned paper for printing your CV/resume. A professional CV/resume should be printed (preferably, on a laser printer) on heavier-stock ivory or white paper. Choose good quality paper with a watermark, with a weight between 16 1bs. and 25 lbs., and with at least 25% cotton fiber. Most office supply stores carry paper labeled as "resume paper," which is a safe bet.

Select an e-mail address to be used throughout your search.
Use a personal address, not one associated with your current place of business, and pick a name that sounds professional.