The role of an NHS Foundation Doctor is one of the most important stepping-stones in a medical career within the United Kingdom. Foundation doctors, often referred to as F1 or F2 depending on their year, are newly qualified doctors undertaking structured rotations in different specialties. They are responsible for providing day-to-day care of patients, clerking new admissions, carrying out ward rounds, liaising with senior doctors and allied health professionals, and ensuring that essential medical procedures and paperwork are completed correctly and safely.
The average starting salary for an NHS Foundation Doctor begins at around £32,398 in the first year (F1), rising to £37,303 in the second year (F2), with additional pay for unsociable hours and on-call duties. This makes the role not only rewarding but also financially secure as a launchpad into further specialist training.
With such responsibilities and competition for desirable placements, producing a compelling, professional, and interview-winning CV template is essential for standing out from other candidates. In my 25+ years as a UK career coach, I’ve helped countless medical professionals refine their CV examples to secure NHS positions. Today, I’ll share the secrets to creating a tailored, persuasive, and structured CV that recruiters in the NHS cannot ignore.
Why your NHS Foundation Doctor CV matters more than ever
Your CV is more than a document; it’s a reflection of your professionalism, clinical ability, and commitment to patient care. Recruiters, HR teams, and clinical supervisors will scan your CV for evidence of medical competence, academic achievements, teamwork, and communication skills. With thousands of graduates entering foundation training each year, competition is fierce.
That’s why using a well-structured cv template designed specifically for the NHS Foundation Doctor role is vital. The right layout, wording, and evidence of transferable skills will help you progress from application to interview stage with confidence.
Key skills to highlight on an NHS Foundation Doctor CV
When creating your CV, make sure to include both technical and soft skills that reflect your readiness for clinical rotations. Recruiters are seeking evidence of:
Strong patient care and bedside manner
Clinical knowledge gained from medical school and placements
Ability to work under pressure in fast-paced environments
Communication skills with patients, families, and multidisciplinary teams
Leadership potential, especially in emergencies
Organisational and time management skills
Evidence-based practice and commitment to ongoing professional development
The perfect NHS Foundation Doctor CV structure
After years of coaching medical professionals, I always advise sticking to a clear, logical CV structure. Below is a proven cv example framework:
Personal details – Full name, professional title, GMC registration number, contact details.
Personal profile – A strong 4–6 line professional summary showcasing your passion for medicine, patient-centred care, and career goals.
Education and qualifications – Include medical school, degree classification, distinctions, and key modules or electives.
Clinical placements and experience – Detail your hospital rotations, wards, and specialisms with bullet points highlighting your responsibilities.
Key skills and competencies – A dedicated skills section drawing attention to both technical and interpersonal strengths.
Research, audits, and publications – Any contributions to academic research or hospital audits, showing analytical and evidence-based skills.
Teaching and leadership – Experience teaching peers or juniors, evidence of initiative and leadership potential.
Additional achievements – Awards, presentations, and conferences.
Professional memberships – GMC, BMA, and any specialty-focused groups.
References – Two academic/clinical references, available on request.
CV writing advice for medical graduates
If you are just graduating, your lack of extended professional experience can feel like a disadvantage. But recruiters know this, and they are more interested in your potential. Focus on:
Clinical placements: List them clearly and provide measurable achievements (e.g., “Clerked over 50 patients and presented findings during consultant ward rounds”).
Transferable skills: Highlight teamwork, decision-making, and communication.
Academic performance: Mention distinctions, awards, or elective placements abroad.
Enthusiasm and career direction: Use your personal profile to show genuine motivation for medicine and a long-term vision.
CV advice for middle management doctors
For those progressing into specialty training or leadership roles, your CV needs to reflect:
Evidence of responsibility (leading ward rounds, supervising juniors).
Involvement in hospital projects and service improvement.
A record of teaching and mentoring medical students.
Published work or conference presentations.
Show that you are not just a clinician but also a contributor to the wider medical community.
CV advice for senior medical professionals
At senior levels, your CV must demonstrate strategic impact:
Leadership roles (Clinical Fellow, Registrar, Consultant).
Change management and policy contributions.
Advanced research or publications in peer-reviewed journals.
National recognition (lectures, advisory positions, awards).
Your CV should communicate authority, expertise, and readiness to shape healthcare delivery.
The Do’s and Don’ts of writing an NHS Foundation Doctor CV
Do’s:
Keep it concise, ideally 2 pages maximum.
Tailor the CV to the NHS role, not a generic template.
Use clear headings and bullet points for easy readability.
Include measurable achievements (numbers, percentages, outcomes).
Check grammar, spelling, and formatting meticulously.
Don’ts:
Avoid using lengthy paragraphs without structure.
Do not exaggerate – honesty is vital in the medical field.
Never use a casual email address – always a professional one.
Don’t overload your CV with irrelevant hobbies – keep it focused.
Avoid clichés such as “hardworking” or “team player” without evidence.
Final tips for creating an interview-winning NHS Foundation Doctor CV
Start with clarity: Your CV should be easy to scan within 20 seconds.
Prioritise recent and relevant experience.
Demonstrate progression from medical school to clinical competence.
Balance academic and personal skills to show you are both a scientist and a compassionate clinician.
Make use of a professional cv template tailored to healthcare to ensure your CV flows logically.
Your next step: Secure your future in medicine
Creating an interview-winning NHS Foundation Doctor CV is not just about writing skills – it’s about strategy. With over 25 years of experience coaching medical professionals, I know what NHS recruiters want to see. That’s why I recommend not just using this guide, but also investing in professional CV and LinkedIn support.
If you want to dramatically increase your chances of landing interviews, I invite you to book a personalised consultation with me. Together, we’ll craft a powerful CV that showcases your strengths, positions you above the competition, and builds your confidence.
👉 Book an appointment today to have your CV and LinkedIn improved
