How do you create the perfect Academic CV? This process involves dusting off your detective hat and sleuthing for clues from the job description. Consider what the employer is prioritising and emphasising in the written description (side note: remember that this will change depending upon the institution and their priorities and also the type of role e.g. a lecturing role will place greater emphasis on teaching ability than a purely research role will). When you read the list of duties and skills required to do the role start a list of examples of activities and experience that demonstrate you have these skills.
Mirror the same language that has been used within the advert in your CV and covering letter (and any other application documents that are requested). For example, if they mention the priorities and direction of the research group / department then make sure that you make reference to this within your application. Perhaps, explain why your values align with theirs or talk about an experience that shows that you can be an asset going forward. Demonstrate how you can help achieve these priorities based on previous experience that you have had. In a recent Nature article the top 5 mistakes candidates make when applying for science roles included “a lack of knowledge” “and generic responses”(45% of academic hirers gave this reason) so it is key to do your research into the institution and department to whom you are applying. One strategy is to read recent papers from individuals within the institution so that you know what your potential colleagues are focused on and you can highlight areas of synergy.
Academia allows for a good amount of freedom when it comes to what goes into a CV (certainly when compared to other sectors such as the legal sector that have very rigid requirements). However, there is still key information that the recruitment panel expect to see, which is evidence of your research track record i.e. publications and funding awarded, teaching experience (if applying to roles that will involve teaching) and your contribution to the department and wider academic community. You can demonstrate this experience through activities like committee memberships, initiating and contributing to collaborations and networks, organising conferences, participating in University Open Days and other wider events. Developing best practice and influencing research culture are also valued experiences and not forgetting about public engagement and industrial partnerships.
So how do you present this accurately within a CV? Make the most relevant information easy to find. Be aware of the length of the document (although it is possible to have a CV that is 8-10 pages long, consider the wisdom of this idea!) Organise the CV into key sections such as Research, Teaching and Administration. Remember to pay attention to the format and use clear headings and bold for dates and titles etc. Avoid trying to produce anything too fancy with graphics (other sectors may be more open to this). Keep it simple and easy to read – present the facts with the evidence of how you achieved them.
Top Rip: Do use bullet points! Don’t make the typical assumption that these are not necessary and that your experience will speak for itself. Keep in mind that the CV is a selling document designed to persuade employers of your relevant experience and attributes.
Further Resources:
For more inspiration see Jobs.ac.uk for several CV template examples.
If you need more help and guidance on writing covering letters Jobs.ac.uk has an excellent workbook on the topic.
See the IAD inforgraphics for a recap on the must do’s of CV writing.
Book a 1:1 Career Consultation with Darcey or Eleanor for individual feedback on your CV.
