How to Write a Strong Doctor CV and Prepare for Common Interview Questions

How to Write a Strong Doctor CV and Prepare for Common Interview Questions

When applying for medical jobs in Australia and New Zealand, first impressions matter. A clear, professional doctor CV and thorough interview preparation will give you the best chance of securing your preferred rolewhether that’s a locum position or a permanent hospital role.

At STAT Recruitment, we work closely with doctors across both countries, and we’ve put together some key tips to help you build a CV that stands out and prepare for the questions you’re most likely to face in a doctor job interview.

Tips for Constructing a Medical CV

Your CV is often the first thing a hospital or practice will see. A strong medical CV should highlight your qualifications, clinical experience, and personal strengths in a clear and concise format.

1. Keep It Professional and Simple

• Use a clean, easy-to-read layout.
• Avoid unnecessary graphics or long paragraphs.
• Aim for 2–4 pages depending on your experience.

2. Start with Essential Information

• Full name, phone number, and email address.
• Professional registration details such as AHPRA (Australia) or MCNZ (New Zealand).

3. Add a Professional Summary

A short opening statement (2–3 sentences) summarising your career stage, area of interest, and what you’re seeking. Example:
“PGY2 doctor with experience across emergency, general medicine, and rural health. Seeking opportunities to develop procedural skills and contribute to patient-centred care in regional Australia.”

4. Highlight Clinical Experience

List your most recent roles first. For each, include:

• Dates of employment, Job title, hospital/clinic, and responsibilities.
• Bullet points showcasing responsibilities and achievements (e.g. “Managed acute admissions in ED” or “Assisted in orthopaedic surgeries”).

5. Showcase Skills and Competencies

Include a section for both clinical skills (e.g. cannulation, intubation, surgical assisting) and transferable skills (teamwork, leadership, communication).

6. Education and Training

• Medical degree and year of graduation.
• Postgraduate qualifications, fellowships, or short courses.

7. Research, Publications, and Teaching

If relevant, include conference presentations, published research, or teaching experience.

8. References

Always include three referees (consultants or supervisors). Let them know they may be contacted.

CV Minimum Requirements Checklist

Common Doctor Interview Questions

Once your CV secures you an interview, the next step is preparation. Employers in Australia and New Zealand often ask questions that assess both your clinical ability and your cultural fit within the team.

Here are some of the most common doctor interview questions to prepare for:

1. Why do you want to work here?
   Show you’ve researched the hospital or practice. Mention specific features such as the team culture, training opportunities, or rural setting. Be specific and explain what attracted you to this medical practice. This could be the hospital’s reputation, the types of cases you would be working on, or the opportunity for professional growth and development.
2. How do you cope under pressure?
   Medicine is a high-pressure environment and Recruiters will want to know how you keep calm to make the right decisions – how do you manage it – exercise, meditation. How do you keep calm and manage stress within a work environment – what tools do you use?
3. What are your short-term and long-term career goals?
   Employers want to know your future plans. Talk about the skills you’d like to gain in the role and your longer-term specialty interests. This is a great time to explain the new skills you would like to learn or where you see your career progressing. Employers love to hear their hospital as part of your long term goal!
4. Why did you choose your specialty?
   Be honest and let your enthusiasm come through! Share what you love about your specialty, and why you chose to pursue it.
5. Why are you leaving your current role?
   Keep it positive. Try answer this question in a way that focuses on the positives of a new position. Such as learning new skills, want to try a new enviroment/location, wanting more responsibility.
6. The Conflict Question: Tell me about a time you supported a colleague or dealt with a difficult situation.
   Have some examples of specific situations and how you dealt with them, and why, and the outcome. These could be minor or major conflicts, but try and stay positive during this. Showcase teamwork, communication, and resilience.
7. What is your greatest weakness?
   Be self-aware. Choose a genuine weakness but explain the steps you’re taking to improve. For example, you could be too empathetic for patients struggles and taking the mental toll home with you, but explain you are aware of it and taking steps such as meditation to clear your mind and separate work from home life.
8. How do you work to improve patient care?
   As patient care awareness is a pivotal part of a doctors role, Answer this question as truthfully as possible. Remember points like listening to the patient, providing emotional support and respect to their feelings, and doing your part to grow a health community.

Make a Good First Impression

• Use open body language: Sit up straight, smile, do not cross your arms, and make eye contact!
• Be personable: Remember your interviewers name, ask them questions about themselves, who knows, you may have a common interest!
• Use your listening skills: Keep eye contact and actively listen when the interviewer is talking. Do not interupt!
• Make sure to ask follow up questions: If the interviewer asks if you have any questions, now is the time to speak up! What is the team you will be working with like? What development opportunities does the hospital have?
• Relax, be yourself: Answer questions honestly and clearly, but also let your personality show to let the interviewer see who you really are!

Extra Interview Preparation Tips

• Research the hospital or clinic: Know their specialties, patient demographics, and values.
• Plan your journey: Arrive 10–15 minutes early.
• Dress professionally: Simple, professional attire goes a long way.
• Follow up: Send a short thank-you email after the interview.
• Let your references know: If your interview has mentioned calling references it is a good idea to give your references a heads up to expect a call and prepare what to say.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re applying for a doctor job in Australia or New Zealand, a polished CV and strong interview preparation are key to standing out. Keep your CV concise and tailored, prepare answers to common interview questions, and let your genuine passion for medicine come through.

At STAT Recruitment, we specialise in helping doctors secure locum and permanent positions across both countries. If you’d like support in shaping your CV or preparing for interviews, get in touch with our team. We’d be happy to help you take the next step in your medical career.