How to write a compelling Occupational Health CV
As a career coaching professional in the UK for over 25 years, I have worked with many talented Occupational Health professionals who underestimate just how valuable their expertise truly is. Whether you are an Occupational Health Advisor, Occupational Health Nurse, Occupational Health Technician or Occupational Health Physician, your CV must clearly communicate your clinical expertise, regulatory knowledge and commercial awareness.
A strong Occupational Health CV is not just a record of employment. It is a strategic marketing document that positions you as a trusted health professional who protects employees, reduces absence and supports organisational wellbeing.
Start with a strong professional profile
Your professional profile sits at the top of your CV and should immediately capture attention. This short paragraph must include core Occupational Health keywords such as health surveillance, case management, sickness absence management, fitness for work assessments, workplace risk assessment, clinical governance and health and safety compliance.
For example, you might describe yourself as an experienced Occupational Health Advisor with a proven track record in delivering health surveillance programmes, conducting pre employment medical assessments and advising on workplace adjustments in line with UK employment law. Make it clear whether you are NMC registered, GMC registered or hold a specialist qualification in Occupational Health.
Keep your tone confident and results focused. Employers want to see impact, not just duties.
Showcase your key skills
After your profile, include a key skills section that reflects the competencies most in demand within Occupational Health roles in the UK. This improves both recruiter engagement and Applicant Tracking System performance.
Include skills such as case management, absence management, health promotion, wellbeing strategy, risk assessment, DSE assessment, immunisation programmes, health screening, clinical audit, occupational health policy development and management reporting.
If you have experience working with HR teams, senior leadership or external stakeholders, make that visible. Communication and stakeholder management are essential in Occupational Health jobs.
Detail your professional experience with measurable results
When writing your employment history, always focus on outcomes. Many Occupational Health CV examples fail because they simply list responsibilities.
Instead of writing responsible for sickness absence management, explain that you managed a caseload of complex long term absence cases and reduced average absence duration by a measurable percentage. If you implemented a new health surveillance programme, explain how it improved compliance with health and safety regulations.
Use language that reflects your level of seniority. If you are applying for a Senior Occupational Health Advisor role or Occupational Health Manager position, highlight leadership, service delivery improvement, budget management and team supervision.
Education and professional development
Your qualifications are crucial in Occupational Health. Clearly list your Occupational Health degree, diploma or certificate, along with your nursing or medical qualifications. Include your NMC or GMC registration details and confirm that your registration is active.
Continuing professional development is highly valued in this sector. Mention relevant training such as mental health first aid, counselling skills, spirometry, audiometry or leadership development. This demonstrates commitment to best practice and clinical excellence.
Demonstrate knowledge of UK legislation and standards
Occupational Health professionals must understand UK employment law and health and safety legislation. Your CV should reference familiarity with the Equality Act, Health and Safety at Work Act and GDPR principles where relevant.
This reassures employers that you understand confidentiality, data protection and ethical practice in workplace health settings.
Optimise for Applicant Tracking Systems
In today’s job market, many NHS trusts, private healthcare providers and corporate employers use Applicant Tracking Systems. Your Occupational Health CV should include sector specific keywords such as Occupational Health Advisor, case management, fitness for work, health surveillance, workplace assessment and sickness absence review.
Avoid overly complex formatting. Use clear headings, logical structure and professional language. This ensures your CV is readable both by technology and by hiring managers.
Tailor your CV for each application
One of the most important pieces of advice I give clients is this. Never send the same CV to every employer. Study the job description carefully and align your experience with the employer’s priorities.
If the role focuses heavily on mental health and wellbeing, highlight your experience in stress risk assessments and psychological wellbeing support. If it is a manufacturing environment, emphasise health surveillance and risk assessment expertise.
A tailored Occupational Health CV dramatically increases your interview success rate.
Include professional affiliations
Membership of professional bodies such as the Faculty of Occupational Medicine or the Royal College of Nursing adds credibility. If you are part of any Occupational Health networks or specialist groups, include them.
These affiliations strengthen your professional brand and reinforce your commitment to the industry sector.
Present yourself as a strategic partner
Modern Occupational Health is no longer purely reactive. Employers want professionals who contribute to organisational performance, workforce wellbeing and absence reduction strategies.
Position yourself as a strategic partner who supports productivity, improves employee engagement and mitigates risk. This shift in language alone can elevate your CV from competent to compelling.
Final thoughts from Jerry Frempong
Writing an outstanding Occupational Health CV requires clarity, confidence and strategic positioning. You are not just applying for a job. You are presenting yourself as an expert who safeguards workforce health and drives organisational success.
If you would like your Occupational Health CV professionally reviewed, rewritten or optimised for senior level roles, I would be delighted to help. Book a personal consultation with me, Jerry Frempong, or one of CVLondon’s expert CV writers and let us transform your CV and LinkedIn profile into a powerful career advancing tool.
Secure your appointment today at https://www.cvlondon.net/book-an-appointment/ and take the next confident step in your Occupational Health career.
Occupational Health CV Sample
