I recently delivered a briefing session on Academic CVs and what to include. If you missed the session or are keen to revamp your CV then read on.
The first point to consider is careful targeting of your applications. When you write an academic CV it is really important to think about how to present your experience. Put the most important things first that make a match between the skills that you have and what the role is asking for (this can be found in the job description and person specification). Remember that not every academic position is the same. Consider what is the focus of the department and how your current research fits in as well as where you can make a contribution to what they offer.
Think of your CV as your body of evidence, which covers your achievements and experiences, relevant to the role. Use appropriate section headings that will catch the recruiter’s eye. For example, Research Roles (rather than Employment), Technical Skills, Funding, Teaching, Training and Academic Service. You could also include a Collaborations section if you have several that are your own independent connections (not those of your supervisor).
There is no limit to the length of an Academic CV but it is important to be concise with the information included (bullet points) and think about presenting your most relevant experience first. As a general rule make sure to highlight the most relevant experience on the first couple of sides. If you choose to have a personal profile at the beginning of your CV aim to provide a summary of your skills and experience as well as highlighting your career ambition. It may also be helpful to think of the profile as a key points box and use bullet points to highlight those crucial experiences/skills that the recruiter needs to know about you.
Within an academic CV more detail is found within the Education section than in other types of CV. Education is very often presented as one of the first sections on a CV. Don’t be afraid to give the details of projects undertaken during your PhD. Other sections that are specific to academic CVs are Research experience / skills, publications and teaching experience. If you don’t have enough teaching experience to create a separate section you can combine this in another section such as ‘Professional Experience’. Include any tutoring and demonstration work and any guest lectures or talks that you have given.
Other key sections include Publications, Awards & Professional Memberships and Administration experience. For publications you could choose to highlight your most recent work or the papers that have had the most impact within the body of the CV and then attach an Appendix with your full list of papers. Always consider the circumstances and what presents the best picture to the recruiter reading your CV. For example, if the role is a research one it may make more sense to include a greater publication list within the body of the CV. Awards can be separate to Professional Memberships if you have many things to include. List any prizes for academic merit in reverse chronological order (if you feel that it is not clear what the award is for then include a brief explanation). Administration is a broad section that can cover many things. For example, it could include Positions of Responsibility (things like serving on a committee or undertaking a lead role in an organisation or society), outreach activities or public engagement experience. The key aim of this section is to demonstrate the wider contribution that you can make to the University as a whole.
Remember to end the CV with a References section. The same way that you always start a CV with your name and personal details you should finish with a References section even if you just write “references available upon request”. It is also advisable to brief your referees about the application that you are making. The more they know about what position you are targeting the more specific and noteworthy things they will be able to highlight in their reference. Lastly, proof read your CV before sending it out. Nothing suggests lack of time and care like several typos and spelling mistakes. Remember, first impressions (and attention to detail) count!
For further information see the Careers in Academia webpage within the Career Management pages. Here you can see an “Academic CV checklist” and further guidance on “writing an Academic CV”. The following is a useful templateAcademic CV Template – career-advice.jobs.ac.uk
If you wish to discuss your career CV in more detail then don’t hesitate to book a 1:1 Consultation with Eleanor or Darcey. Do be aware that in recent months these appointments have been fully booked weeks in advance so do plan ahead.
