Writing your CV

Get guidance on preparing your CV on the NHS health careers website. 

Your CV should effectively present your podiatry experience and skills, with particular focus on your clinical placements and the competencies you've developed. It should also highlight:

• patient care skills

• technical abilities

• teamwork examples

• any speciality interests

Your CV is one of the most important documents in your professional life. You should:

• dedicate considerable time to preparing it

• keep it up to date

• emphasise different areas when applying for different roles

• prepare different versions for different roles

The basics of CV writing include:

• gathering accurate information about your education and experience

• researching CV formats appropriate for healthcare roles

• selecting relevant layout and formatting

• carefully choosing facts that match the job requirements

• using appropriate wording that conveys your message

• reviewing your draft with peers or mentors

• editing your draft for clarity and impact

• checking for errors

Your CV should be a maximum of 2 pages of A4. Use a clear typeface such as Arial at around 12 point size. Consider using bullet points to make information more accessible.

For newly qualified podiatrists with little work experience, focus on:

• your qualifications

• placement experience

• voluntary work

• activities and interests that showcase transferable skills

Remember to include any membership of associations or specialist groups, including your involvement with your local branch of the Royal College of Podiatry. 

Interviews

When you are invited to attend an interview for a role, prepare to discuss:

• what you learned on placements

• how you work with patients

• examples of teamwork

• your career interests

• why you chose podiatry

Preparation is key to interview success. Research:

• the organisation, NHS trust or private practice

• the particular unit you will be working in

• the job description and person specification

• your own application form or CV

Prepare for wider questions about:

• changes in the NHS

• recent legislation affecting podiatry

On the day of the interview:

• arrive promptly

• dress appropriately in professional attire

• maintain eye contact with interviewers

• sit straight and try not to fidget

• speak clearly and at a measured pace

When answering questions:

• keep your answers concise

• ask for clarification if needed

• refer to specific examples from your experience

• focus on what you learned from challenges

Types of questions you might be asked include:

• questions about your experience and its relevance to the role

• questions about your knowledge of the industry environment

• questions about your interests inside and outside the profession

• questions to clarify things mentioned on your CV

• clinical questions about treating conditions or developing treatment plans

• questions about handling difficult situations

Example questions and answers

Why did you choose a career in podiatry?

When answering this question:

• briefly explain your career path so far

• share specific examples that relate to the role

• explain what motivates you about podiatry

• describe what you can bring to the role and service

Why are you the right person for this role?

Show employers you're a good fit by:

• matching your skills to the job requirements

• giving examples of relevant experience or transferable skills

• showing enthusiasm and willingness to learn

• demonstrating how your values align with the organisation

• explaining how you respond to feedback and supervision

What makes a good podiatrist?

Focus on:

• how podiatry improves outcomes for patients

• examples of good professional values from your experience

• how you've managed challenging situations

• when you've known to ask for support

• how your placement experiences are relevant to this role

• your ability to work in a multidisciplinary team

Can you tell me about a time when you've seen care that wasn't good?

In your answer:

• describe the specific situation

• explain what you thought and how you responded

• reflect on what you learned

• explain what you would do differently next time

What can podiatry contribute to a multidisciplinary team?

Show your understanding by:

• explaining how podiatrists complement other healthcare roles

• describing the unique skills podiatrists bring to teams

• sharing examples of effective team working

• using a patient scenario to demonstrate multidisciplinary care