Create an Interview-Winning Graduate Radiographer CV Template Example
The role of a Graduate Radiographer is an essential part of the healthcare system in the UK, providing critical imaging services that support diagnosis and treatment for patients. Radiographers operate advanced imaging equipment such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasound machines. The job requires a combination of technical skill, patient care, and clinical judgement. For newly qualified radiographers, salaries typically start around £24,000 to £30,000 per year in NHS roles, with experienced practitioners able to earn £38,000 to £45,000 or more, depending on specialisation and location.
Understanding the Graduate Radiographer Role
A Graduate Radiographer is responsible for performing imaging procedures safely and effectively, following strict protocols to ensure patient safety and image accuracy. Key responsibilities include preparing patients for procedures, operating imaging equipment, evaluating image quality, and working closely with radiologists and other healthcare professionals to assist in diagnosis. Additionally, graduate radiographers must stay current with technological advances in imaging equipment and comply with all healthcare regulations. This makes the role both challenging and rewarding.
Why a Strong CV is Crucial for Graduate Radiographers
In today’s competitive job market, your CV is your first impression. It is not just a summary of your education and experience; it’s a marketing document designed to showcase your skills, achievements, and potential. For graduate radiographers, demonstrating competence in imaging techniques, patient care, and teamwork is essential. Hiring managers look for evidence of practical experience, clinical placements, and the ability to handle high-pressure environments. A well-crafted CV can open doors to interviews and secure your first professional role.
Graduate Radiographer CV Template Example: Structure and Sections
Here is a structured guide to creating a CV that stands out:
Personal Information
Full Name
Professional title: Graduate Radiographer
Contact details: phone number, email, LinkedIn profile
Location (optional: city and postcode)
Professional Profile / Personal Statement
This is your elevator pitch. Keep it concise (3–4 sentences) and focused on your strengths and career aspirations. Highlight your clinical skills, knowledge of imaging techniques, patient care abilities, and enthusiasm for the profession. For example:
“Compassionate and detail-oriented Graduate Radiographer with hands-on experience in MRI, X-ray, and CT imaging. Skilled in patient preparation, image analysis, and collaborative healthcare delivery. Passionate about delivering high-quality diagnostic services and advancing professional development in radiography.”
Education and Qualifications
Degree: BSc (Hons) Radiography – University Name
Graduation Date
Relevant modules or placements (e.g., Musculoskeletal Imaging, Paediatric Radiography)
Any additional certifications (e.g., CPR, radiation safety)
Clinical Experience / Placements
Include any hospital or clinic placements, internships, or volunteer work. Highlight the skills and achievements gained during these experiences:
Name of hospital/department
Dates of placement
Responsibilities and achievements (e.g., “Assisted in performing over 200 diagnostic X-ray procedures with a focus on patient comfort and safety”)
Skills Section
Focus on both technical and soft skills:
Technical Skills: MRI, CT, X-ray, ultrasound, PACS systems, radiation safety
Soft Skills: Communication, teamwork, patient care, attention to detail, problem-solving
Professional Memberships
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration
Society of Radiographers membership (if applicable)
Awards and Achievements
Include academic awards, recognitions, or commendations from placements.
Tips for Crafting an Interview-Winning Graduate Radiographer CV
Tailor Each Application – Always customise your CV to the job description. Use keywords like “diagnostic imaging,” “patient care,” and “radiology procedures” to align with ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) and recruiter expectations.
Highlight Clinical Competence – Even as a graduate, your placements, volunteer experience, and practical assessments demonstrate competence. Be explicit about procedures you can confidently perform.
Showcase Soft Skills – Radiographers need empathy, patience, and teamwork. Provide examples where you demonstrated these qualities.
Keep It Concise and Clear – Limit your CV to 2 pages. Use bullet points, clear headings, and professional formatting.
Quantify Achievements – Wherever possible, use numbers to highlight experience (e.g., “Performed 150+ X-ray procedures during placement”).
Advice for Graduates
Graduates should focus on their potential and willingness to learn. Highlight academic projects, research, and clinical placements. Express enthusiasm for continual professional development and staying up-to-date with radiography technology. Include any relevant voluntary work to show dedication to patient care.
Advice for Middle and Senior Management
For those in middle or senior radiography positions, your CV should reflect leadership, project management, and department management experience. Highlight supervisory roles, successful implementation of protocols, training of junior staff, and contributions to departmental efficiency. Emphasise achievements such as reducing patient wait times or introducing new imaging techniques.
Do’s on a Graduate Radiographer CV
Do: Tailor your CV to the job description.
Do: Highlight clinical placements and hands-on experience.
Do: Include HCPC registration and professional memberships.
Do: Use action verbs like “performed,” “assisted,” “developed,” and “managed.”
Do: Proofread carefully; errors can be costly.
Don’ts on a Graduate Radiographer CV
Don’t: Include unrelated work experience unless it demonstrates transferable skills.
Don’t: Use generic statements that don’t show your value.
Don’t: Overload your CV with long paragraphs; keep bullet points concise.
Don’t: Lie about qualifications or experience – honesty is crucial in healthcare.
Don’t: Forget to update your LinkedIn profile to match your CV.
CV Structure Best Practices
Header: Name, title, contact info
Professional Profile: 3–4 sentences summarising your skills and aspirations
Education: Degrees, certifications, relevant modules
Clinical Experience: Placements, responsibilities, achievements
Skills: Technical and soft skills relevant to radiography
Professional Memberships: HCPC, Society of Radiographers
Awards / Achievements: Academic or clinical recognitions
References: Optional; “Available upon request” is sufficient
Conclusion
Creating an interview-winning Graduate Radiographer CV requires careful attention to detail, a clear presentation of skills and experience, and the ability to showcase both clinical competence and personal qualities. Whether you are a graduate, middle management, or senior professional, the principles remain the same: tailor your CV, quantify achievements, highlight skills, and maintain a professional, concise format.
Your CV is your ticket to the first step in a rewarding radiography career. To ensure your CV and LinkedIn profile are polished, professional, and designed to secure interviews, book an appointment today with a seasoned career coach: https://www.cvlondon.net/book-an-appointment/
