How to Write a Great CV for Occupational Health: Your Complete Guide

In the competitive world of occupational health, your CV is your first opportunity to make a lasting impression. With over 20 years of experience in OH recruitment, we’ve seen thousands of CVs – and we know what makes the difference between getting that interview call and being overlooked.

Understanding the 2025 CV Landscape

The job market has evolved significantly, and so have CV expectations. According to recent industry insights, the best CV format for 2025 remains the reverse-chronological format, where you list your most recent experience first. For occupational health professionals, this approach effectively showcases your career progression and relevant expertise.

Essential CV Structure for Occupational Health Professionals

1. Contact Information and Professional Summary
Start with your full name, professional title, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile. Include your NMC or GMC registration number prominently if applicable.

Your professional summary should be a compelling 3-4 line overview that immediately communicates your value proposition. Focus on your years of experience, key specialisations, and what makes you unique in the OH field.

2. Key Skills and Competencies
Create a dedicated section highlighting your technical and soft skills relevant to occupational health:

Technical Skills:
– Health surveillance programs
– Risk assessment and management
– Occupational hygiene
– Case management
– Health promotion initiatives
– Regulatory compliance (COSHH, RIDDOR, etc.)

Soft Skills:
– Communication and interpersonal skills
– Problem-solving abilities
– Attention to detail
– Empathy and patient care

3. Professional Experience
This is the heart of your CV. For each role, include:
– Job title and company name
– Employment dates
– Key responsibilities and achievements
– Quantifiable results where possible

Example:
Senior Occupational Health Advisor | ABC Healthcare Ltd | 2020-2024
– Managed health surveillance programs for 2,500+ employees across multiple sites
– Reduced workplace injuries by 25% through implementation of targeted health promotion initiatives
– Conducted over 500 pre-employment and periodic health assessments annually

4. Education and Qualifications
List your relevant qualifications in reverse chronological order:
– Degree qualifications
– Professional certifications
– Continuing professional development (CPD)
– Relevant training courses

Include your registration details with professional bodies like the NMC, GMC, or Faculty of Occupational Medicine.

2025 CV Writing Best Practices

Formatting and Presentation
According to [UK CV guidelines](https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice/cv-sections), your CV should:
– Use clear fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri in 11pt or larger
– Maintain consistent formatting throughout
– Include headings and bullet points for easy scanning
– Keep to 2 pages maximum for most professionals

ATS Optimisation
Many employers now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen CVs. To ensure your CV passes through these systems:
– Use standard section headings
– Include relevant keywords from the job description
– Avoid complex formatting, tables, or graphics
– Save as both PDF and Word formats

Tailoring for Each Application
Research shows that tailoring your CV to each specific role significantly increases your chances of success. For occupational health positions:
– Mirror the language used in the job description
– Highlight relevant experience that matches the role requirements
– Emphasise specific OH competencies mentioned in the posting

Occupational Health-Specific CV Tips

Showcase Your Clinical Experience
For clinical OH roles, emphasise:
– Types of health assessments you’ve conducted
– Experience with specific occupational health conditions
– Knowledge of industry-specific health risks
– Case management experience

Demonstrate Regulatory Knowledge
Highlight your understanding of:
– Health and Safety at Work Act
– COSHH regulations
– RIDDOR reporting
– Data protection and confidentiality requirements

Quantify Your Impact
Use specific metrics to demonstrate your effectiveness:
– Number of employees managed
– Reduction in workplace incidents
– Cost savings achieved
– Training programs delivered

Common CV Mistakes to Avoid

1. Generic Applications
Sending the same CV to every employer is a missed opportunity. Each application should be tailored to the specific role and organisation.

2. Outdated Information
Ensure all contact details, qualifications, and professional registrations are current. Include recent CPD activities to show ongoing professional development.

3. Poor Presentation

According to the BMA’s CV guidance, your CV should tell a clear story of your career progression. Avoid cluttered layouts, inconsistent formatting, or hard-to-read fonts.

4. Lack of Keywords
Many OH roles require specific competencies. Ensure your CV includes relevant keywords such as:
– Occupational health surveillance
– Workplace risk assessment
– Health promotion
– Case management
– Regulatory compliance

Specialised Roles: Tailoring Your Approach

For OH Physicians
Emphasise your medical qualifications, GMC registration, and specialised training in occupational medicine. Include details about:
– Medical school and postgraduate training
– Occupational medicine qualifications
– Research publications or presentations
– Teaching or mentoring experience

For OH Nurses
Highlight your NMC registration and relevant nursing experience. Focus on:
– Clinical assessment skills
– Health surveillance experience
– Patient care and communication abilities
– Specialised OH training or certifications

For OH Advisors
Demonstrate your advisory and consultancy skills:
– Risk assessment capabilities
– Policy development experience
– Training delivery
– Client relationship management

Digital Considerations for 2025

LinkedIn Integration
Ensure your LinkedIn profile complements your CV. Many recruiters now cross-reference both documents, so consistency is crucial.

Online Portfolio
Consider creating a professional online presence showcasing:
– Case studies (anonymised)
– Professional achievements
– Thought leadership articles
– Speaking engagements

Final Checklist

Before submitting your CV:
– ✅ Proofread for spelling and grammar errors
– ✅ Ensure all contact details are current
– ✅ Verify professional registration numbers
– ✅ Check formatting consistency
– ✅ Tailor content to the specific role
– ✅ Include relevant keywords
– ✅ Keep to 2 pages maximum
– ✅ Save in appropriate file formats

Conclusion

Writing a great CV for occupational health requires understanding both general CV best practices and the specific requirements of the OH sector. By following these guidelines and tailoring your approach to each application, you’ll significantly improve your chances of securing that crucial interview.

Remember, your CV is not just a list of your experiences – it’s a marketing document that should compellingly communicate why you’re the ideal candidate for the role. Take the time to craft it carefully, and the investment will pay dividends in your career progression.

For more insights into the occupational health job market and career opportunities, visit OH Talent Solutions– your specialist partner in occupational health recruitment.

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Looking for your next occupational health opportunity? Our experienced team at OH Talent Solutions can help match you with the perfect role. Contact us at 02393 871 484 or email info@ohtalentsolutions.co.uk to discuss your career goals.