How to Write a Compelling ERAS CV to Stand Out This Match 2024

By Heba Bader
CEO and Founder of MedMatchPros, LLC
Expert US Medical Residency Consultant
IMG Specialization

medmatchpros.com

Dear Medical Residency Applicant,

Congratulations! You’ve made it to an exciting and pivotal point in your medical career.
As you embark on this journey toward residency, I want to take a moment to express
my heartfelt appreciation for your interest in the ERAS CV guidelines we are offering.

It’s truly an honor to be a part of your professional development. Our mission at

MedMatchPros is to empower, support and enable medical graduates to secure lifelong
careers. Our services are designed to position you to achieve your goals in medicine
and make you stand out from the rest.

We have developed highly effective systems that have been exceptionally successful in
assisting medical graduates in identifying and gaining admission to medical residency
programs in the United States. With a match success rate of 91%, we are proud to
share our expertise and offer guiding tips to help you navigate your journey toward your
dream residency program.

Creating a standout ERAS CV is crucial in attracting the attention of program directors

(PDs) and securing interviews. That’s why we recommend taking advantage of our
professional services to refine and polish your CV and PS. With our help, you can
increase your chances of getting noticed and receiving interview invitations. We invite
you to visit medmatchpros.com for more information.

Thank you again for your interest in our ERAS CV guideline, and we look forward to
supporting you to achieve your goals.

Warm regards,

Heba Bader
Founder, MedMatchPros, LLC (medmatchpros.com)
 What is the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS)?

The Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) is a centralized online application

system used by medical residency programs in the United States. ERAS is operated by
the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and is designed to streamline
the residency application process for both applicants and programs.

ERAS provides a platform for applicants to submit their application materials, such as
their CV, personal statement, transcripts, and letters of recommendation, to multiple
residency programs at once. This saves applicants time and money, as they do not
have to send individual applications to each program.

For PDs, ERAS provides a set of tools to help them manage the application process
and select the best candidates for their programs. PDs can set parameters and filters to
help them quickly and efficiently review applications. For example, they can specify
certain criteria such as minimum USMLE scores, specific medical school attendance, or
visa status. ERAS also allows PDs to communicate with applicants, schedule
interviews, and rank applicants in order of preference.

ERAS Timeline for Match 2024

June 28, 2023: ERAS Tokens will be released to IMGs.

September 26, 2023: ERAS application opens and is accessible to PDs.

Do all programs use ERAS?

A few select programs do not use ERAS. If interested in those programs, you will need
to directly obtain an application from the program.

What are the components of an ERAS Application?

• Common Application (including ERAS CV)

• Personal Statement
• MSPE
• Letters of Recommendation
• Transcripts

Should I create a CV outside of ERAS?

Yes! A professional CV is recommended for other purposes, such as emailing programs

that are not participating in ERAS or to PDs when expressing your interest in their
program. Additionally, it could serve as a great resource when completing other facets
of your application or if you’re attempting to secure a research position or US Clinical
Experience. Your CV is a crucial document that will be necessary throughout your
career. We recommend taking advantage of our custom CV package for the most
optimal results. For more information, explore our services at medmatchpros.com

How important is the ERAS CV?

According to the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) survey of 2021, the
ERAS CV is the second most important factor considered by PDs when selecting
applicants for interviews, after USMLE scores.

In the survey, PDs were asked to rate the importance of various factors in selecting
applicants for interviews, and the mean importance score for the ERAS CV was 4.6 out
of 5, indicating its significant role in the selection process. The ERAS CV provides a
standardized format for presenting an applicant's education, work experience, research,
and other achievements. It allows PDs to quickly review and compare applicants'
credentials, making the selection process more efficient and fair.

How do I enter content into my ERAS CV?

We recommend that you use a Microsoft Word document to draft your CV, and then
copy and paste it into ERAS. Once you’re done, the ERAS software will auto-populate
an ERAS CV for you. It can be downloaded as a pdf.

Where do I begin?

Developing an ERAS CV as an international medical graduate (IMG) can be a daunting

task. However, with a systematic approach, it is possible to create a standout CV that
will increase your chances of receiving an interview invitation. Here’s a step-by-step
guideline to help you create an ERAS CV as an IMG:

Step 1: Research and Understand ERAS CV

Before you start creating your CV, it is essential to research and understand what an
ERAS CV is and what it entails. ERAS is a system used by residency programs in the
United States to receive, review, and evaluate applications. The CV is an essential
component of the ERAS application, and it is crucial to understand the requirements
and format.

Step 2: Gather Your Information

The next step is to gather all the necessary information to create your CV. This includes
your educational qualifications, clinical experience, research experience, dates, and
publications.

Step 3: Choose a Format

Include your most recent experiences first. Publications, however, are in chronological
order.

Step 4: Create Your CV

Start by creating a header that includes your name, contact information, and email
address. Note: Make sure that the email you’re using is professional and correspond to
other documents in your application. Note: Make sure the job title of the position you
held is appropriate, but also in line with your specialty of interest. Note: Ensure that the
dates of every experience correspond to the timeline referenced in your transcripts,
MSPE, and/or other documents that you’re submitting. Then, create a summary that
highlights your qualifications, experience, and accomplishments. In the summary,
emphasize your strengths and how they align with the specialty you are applying to.

Next, include your education and clinical experience, listing them in reverse
chronological order. For each experience, include the name of the institution, location,
dates attended, and your role. Highlight your responsibilities and accomplishments
during your clinical rotations and make sure to include any clinical electives you
completed in the US or other countries.

Include any research experience, highlighting any publications or presentations at

conferences. Emphasize any research experience that aligns with the specialty you are
applying to.

Step 5: Review and Edit

Once you have created your CV, take some time to review and edit it. Make sure that
there are no errors or inconsistencies, and that it is concise and easy to read.

How do I make my ERAS CV stand out?

In this section, we will provide helpful tips and demonstrate their application through
before-and-after examples from the successful clients we’ve helped match.

1. State your impact and quantify your achievements

Before:

- Served as a physiology teaching assistant

The message this description conveys to a PD is that this applicant has teaching
experience.

After:
 - Awarded the title “Physiology Teaching Assistant” based on exceptional
performance, with only two students chosen for this honor per year
- Instructed 10 students per week in anatomy and physiology lab exercises using
dissection, microscopy, and computer simulations

The message this description conveys to a PD is that the applicant is invested in

teaching and was able to fortify his skills during his tenure as an assistant. It also
communicates that the applicant was able to perform well academically, despite having
additional obligations.

2. Assert your accomplishments without over-embellishing

Before:

- Lucky enough to be chosen for…

After

- Chosen / nominated / recognized for…

3. Incorporate ‘power’ verbs that will infuse your description with vitality

Before:

- Responsible for developing COVID-19 protocols

After

- Developed and implemented stringent COVID-19 protocols that decreased

patient admission rate by 50%

Here are a few ‘power’ verbs to reference as you build your CV. Tip: Google “power
verbs” to get access to more!

- Administered
- Analyzed
- Assessed
- Attended
- Audited
- Cared
- Collaborated
- Communicated
- Coordinated
- Counseled
- Created
- Critiqued
- Demonstrated
- Diagnosed
- Educated
- Empathized
- Encouraged
- Examined
- Explained
- Facilitated
- Followed-up
- Formulated
- Gathered
- Guided
- Handled
- Implemented
- Improved
- Interacted
- Interviewed
- Investigated

Publications on ERAS CV

Peer Reviewed: If a publication is peer-reviewed, it means that before it was

accepted for publication, experts in the same field as the author reviewed and
evaluated the content for its quality, validity, and relevance. This process, known as
peer review, is used by scholarly journals to ensure that the research presented in
their publications meets certain standards and is based on sound scientific
principles. Peer review helps to maintain the integrity and credibility of scholarly
publications, and it is often considered a gold standard in academic publishing.
When adding peer-reviewed publications to an ERAS CV, it indicates that the
research has gone through a rigorous evaluation process by experts in the field.

In Preparation: When a manuscript is "in preparation," it means that the work is still
ongoing and has not yet been submitted for publication. This term is often used in
academic writing to indicate that the manuscript is being developed or refined and
that the authors are in the process of collecting and analyzing data, writing the
manuscript, or preparing it for submission to a journal.
"In preparation" is typically included in the authorship section of a CV or in a list of
publications to indicate that the work is not yet published. It is important to note that
including works that are in preparation in your CV can help to demonstrate your
productivity and research potential, but it is also important to be transparent about
the status of the work and not to overstate the significance or readiness of the
manuscript.

Subsections for Publications on ERAS:

▪ Peer Reviewed Journal Articles/Abstracts

▪ Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles/Abstracts (other than published)

1. (Submitted, provisionally accepted, accepted, or in-press)

▪ Peer Reviewed Book Chapters

▪ Scientific Monograph (monograph is a specialist book on a single subject written

by one author

▪ Other Articles (newspaper or newsletter articles, policy briefs, etc.)

▪ Poster Presentations

▪ Oral Presentations

▪ Peer Reviewed Online Publications

▪ Non-Peer Reviewed Publications

Hobbies or Interests (optional)

Of all the sections on the ERAS CV, this section causes my clients the most anxiety!
While it’s important to not over-embellish your interests, it’s equally important to not
downplay these answers either. They can help paint a picture of your personality
and show off your diverse set of skills. Plus, it's not uncommon for interviewers to
bring up your hobbies during interviews, so be prepared to chat about them. The key
is to be yourself and have fun with this section!

Question and Answer:

Q: How can I incorporate my personality into my ERAS CV?

A: Firstly, identify the key components of your unique value proposition. Then, use
phrases such as "Fostered team trust through collaborative meetings" or
"Recognized for inspiring results and increasing physician engagement."

Q: How can I avoid overcrowding my ERAS CV?

A: A common misconception among medical graduates is that they need to list all
their past responsibilities. Instead, focus on the accomplishments you achieved
while performing those responsibilities. An effective ERAS CV should be a highlight
reel of your accomplishments, skills, and credentials.

Q: Is it okay to use a CV template that I found online?

A: Your goal with your CV is to stand out from the crowd. Take ownership of your
content or let us assist you in doing so!

Q: How do I mention extracurricular activities or volunteer services in my

ERAS CV?

A: When describing your extracurricular activities, highlight skills that will make you
an excellent resident and a team player. Note that you should only mention activities
from the past 10 years or less.

Q: I didn't do much during my observership. What should I write?

A: This is an excellent time for introspection and brainstorming. Ask yourself, "What
did I learn?"

Q: I want to add metrics to my descriptions, but I'm not sure how to quantify
certain experiences. What should I do?

A: While quantitative data is impactful, qualitative results such as saving time could
be just as effective.

Q: What are the most common mistakes you see on ERAS CVs?

A: The most common mistakes are: 1) Bullet points that describe job functions rather
than deliver value, 2) Poor formatting or layout (e.g., paragraphs instead of bullets),
3) Lack of focus tailored to their specialty of interest, 4) Overcrowding or
underwhelming content, and 5) Spelling and grammar errors.

Q: Due to COVID-19, I was unable to gain certain experiences. How should I

address this on my ERAS CV?

A: Highlight any alternative activities you did, such as taking classes or volunteering,
that demonstrate your value as a candidate. Try not to leave any gaps.
 As an expert medical residency consultant, what are your top 5 tips?

1. Many PDs in the US may not be familiar with titles such as "House Officer." Make
sure you define the positions you held in a way that they can understand.
2. Your ERAS CV is a PD’s first impression of you. Make sure your application is
error-free. Failing to proofread your CV thoroughly may create a negative
impression of your attention to detail and professionalism.
3. Avoid using terminology or acronyms that are not commonly used in the US.
4. Focus on highlighting your achievements and clinical experiences. Failing to do
so may make you appear less qualified than other applicants.
5. Developing and brainstorming summaries for each experience takes time.
Therefore, start early and revise your ERAS CV multiple times before the
submission deadline.

In sum,

I hope this step-by-step guide for creating an ERAS CV has been helpful. Remember to
start early, follow the formatting guidelines, and tailor your CV to the specialty you're
applying to. If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure about your CV, consider using our
professional services to custom draft or edit your ERAS CV. Our team of experts is
dedicated to helping you showcase your unique qualifications and stand out from the
crowd. Visit our website, medmatchpros.com, today to learn more about how we can
help you succeed in the residency application process.
Reference:

National Resident Matching Program. Results of the 2021 NRMP Program Director
Survey. https://www.nrmp.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/2021-NRMP-PDS-
Final.pdf. Accessed 25 April 2023.