# data[].attributes.body
Source:

https://careers.ed.ac.uk/students/postgraduates/phd-students/make-it-happen/write-an-academic-cv

# data[].attributes.body
Anna Selwood

Senior Careers Consultant

University of Strathclyde

Careers & Employability Service

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Careers and Employability Teams Background

# data[].attributes.body
What do you think?

# data[].attributes.body
A CV is your document so it’s up to you to choose the appropriate style, tone and structure, using the guidance available to you

[Source: Vitae]

# data[].attributes.body
Academic institutions nowadays use a variety of online application processes and systems.

Some might ask you to submit a CV and cover letter by email, some want you to fill in an online form detailing your experience, others may ask you very specific questions that prompt you to share examples of when you have demonstrated skills and knowledge relevant to the position.

Therefore, before you start your application, create an account for the online system and check what’s being asked of you.

And whether a specific format is required:

Are you applying for a fellowship or postdoc from a specific funder?

If so, they may want to see your CV in a specific format, so make sure you check.

One example currently promoted by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI – the national funding agency investing in science and research in the UK) is the ‘narrative CV’: a CV that reflects a broader and more diverse range of skills and experiences rather than ‘traditional’ metrics-based research CVs which prioritise publications.

SOURCE: PostGradual: The PhD Careers Blog

# data[].attributes.body
Make a list (with dates)

past, current and future research interests and experience

published research and articles

teaching experience and student supervision

research methodologies and techniques

presentations you delivered at conferences

funding and awards

professional memberships

administrative skills

technical skills/expertise

part-time jobs

positions of responsibility

volunteering

anything else that you can use to evidence the skills and personal attributes required.....

[Source: jobs.ac.uk]

# data[].attributes.body
your PhD, first degree and Masters, if you have one

probably no need to list school qualifications, but if you do, put those that counted for entry to higher education only

for your PhD you should summarise your research to date, include the names of your supervisor(s) and details of any funding obtained. If you have a viva date or target submission date note that. TIP: don’t ‘hide’ relevant skills and experience by assuming that your audience will ‘just know’ what was involved in your research, teaching, and other experience. Tell them!

title, grade achieved, and dissertation title is usually enough for Masters and first degrees

give more detail about courses you have taken if they demonstrate a wider subject knowledge that could be of use if applying for a teaching post

# data[].attributes.body
details of any funding you have attracted (whether for your Masters/PhD, attendance at conferences, further research etc.)

# data[].attributes.body
if you are including this section you can choose to give full details of your PhD research here, and only dates, title and supervisors under the education section

include any research experience in addition to your PhD, such as research assistant or technician roles

give details of research methods/techniques/software used and/or practical experience or fieldwork carried out

mention any funding obtained, and your supervisor or research leader

# data[].attributes.body
any teaching experience - whether tutoring, lecturing, supervising, leading practical demonstrations. Also include any mentoring or student support roles

mention courses taught and level, e.g. Sociology 1 or Cell Biology 2. TIP: avoid institution-specific terminology and references that mean very little (if anything) to anyone ‘on the outside

show involvement with developing courses, marking and assessment

for a teaching application, you could include your teaching methods and philosophy, and any feedback received

invited or guest lectures could be included

# data[].attributes.body
The focus should be on your research and / or teaching experience but you can also include briefly other work that can:

demonstrate the skills being sought for the job

show you can successfully manage work and study

fill any chronological gaps in your history

# data[].attributes.body
demonstrate that you will be a supportive colleague, willing to make a contribution to the administrative work of the department

list any administrative experience you have such as helping to organise a seminar programme or conference or committee membership

for example departmental or related to networks or societies you are involved in

# data[].attributes.body
Published, peer-reviewed publications or monographs will often hold the most weight but early on in your career you will mention other things to illustrate your research activity and impact.

peer-reviewed publications

contributions to books

book reviews

can include those accepted for publication but not yet published

if this section is a bit slim you could include submitted articles to show your intention to publish

inclusion in conference proceedings

presentations or posters at conferences -mention if these have been invited presentations

# data[].attributes.body
This section is not essential in an academic CV but could be used to include:

positions of responsibility that demonstrate some of the skills the employer is looking for that have not been covered elsewhere

hobbies and interests that say a bit about you, but only very brief details

# data[].attributes.body
when applying for advertised jobs, you will usually be expected to provide full contact details (name, relationship to you, address, e-mail and telephone) for 2 - 3 referees at least one of whom will be your PhD supervisor

think carefully about who you ask to act as a referee. It can be useful to have someone who is well-known in your academic field but only if they know you well and can comment positively on your abilities

make sure you brief your referees well on what you are applying for and give them an up-to-date copy of your CV to ensure they are aware of all the contributions you have made to your department / research area

# data[].attributes.body
The purpose of a CV is to secure an interview/progression to the next stage of the recruitment process

To achieve this, your CV must be tailored to the specific role you are applying for

It is important to understand and address the employer’s requirements TIP: read the job description and person specification carefully

An academic CV can be longer than the usual 2 sides of A4 - so you can include conferences, publications etc. The more experience you have the longer it will get!

You will typically require 3 references

Aim for your CV to be factual, persuasive, and ensure there are no spelling mistakes or grammatical errors!

# data[].attributes.body
Applying for research positions? Emphasise your:

research experience

publications

contributions at conferences

research funding you have won

any relevant technical skills

Applying for a research and teaching position?

also give details of any teaching and tutoring experience

[Source: Edinburgh Careers Service]

# data[].attributes.body
memberships of any professional organisations

and/or subscriptions to related journals

# data[].attributes.body
impact, knowledge transfer/exchange and/or public engagement activities or outputs

any Media engagement

# data[].attributes.body
Layout

Allow enough white space in your margins, and make it easy to read, clear and concise

Keep sentences and paragraphs short and information concise

Use bullet point statements

Content

Incorporate keywords that are used in the job description

Ensure that your key skills and main points stand out

(Most CV reviewers will quickly scan CVs or this may be done by artificial intelligence – AI)

Tailor your CV specifically to the job description and highlight your skills that match to the job requirements

Give evidence for your skills. Use the STAR method – ‘Situation, Task, Action, Result’ to outline how you used your skills in a specific scenario

[Source: Vitae]

# data[].attributes.body
Step 1# Prepare (no use of AI is needed):

Take some time to learn about the role, the criteria for applying, the job description and the recruiting organisation.

Step 2# Prompt (with the use of AI):

First, introduce yourself: ‘I am a marketing professional applying for a director of marketing and communications role.’

Remember to insert the job description/person specification.

Next clearly state what you want: ‘Create a cover letter outlining why I am applying, how I stand out, and demonstrate my understanding of the role.

Make sure that you avoid ambiguous prompts as these could lead to irrelevant responses.

The more specific you are, the more likely AI will come up with clear answers.

Step 3# Tailor

Tailor the document to your skills, experiences, knowledge and motivation.

Ensure that the information is correct, up-to-date and it is in the right format.

Ensure the document reflects your 'voice'

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Using AI for job applications - jobs.ac.uk

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Are you thinking of using AI for job applications? Check out the latest advice on how to use AI effectively to stand out.

# data[].attributes.body
Do your research!

the position

the department/research group

the institution

Reflect on your:

experience

skills and strengths

achievements

Ensure you are clear about :

what the role involves

why you are interested in the role

what makes you a good fit for it

why you want to work for that department/research group/university

# data[].attributes.body
BUT, I will give you some guidelines on how to structure and lay it out so you have a starting point.

I will cover:

key points

what to emphasise if you are applying for:

research positions

lecturing positions

what to do as preparation for writing your CV

resources to help you reflect

typical content (sections)

other sections to consider including

example CVs

tips on layout and content

using AI

useful resources throughout

# data[].attributes.body
The Vitae Researcher Development Framework describes the knowledge, behaviour and attributes of successful researchers

# data[].attributes.body
Reflector's Toolkit - Edinburgh University

Here you will find resources, models, and questions that can help you start your reflections as well as structuring them

# data[].attributes.body
The Careers Toolkit includes reflective assessments that each generate a personalised report

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
A Document with Intention: 5 top tips for your academic CV - PostGradual: The PhD Careers Blog

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
“CVs are not just passive records of things that you happen to do. […] The [academic] CV is a document that you grow with intention and deliberate effort” – Karen Kelsky: The Professor Is In (2016), p.94 This post originally appeared on ‘The PhD Place’ (17th June 2023). Over the past 6 years in myContinue reading “A Document with Intention: 5 top tips for your academic CV”

# data[].attributes.headline
CV resources and support (Strathclyde students and graduates)

# data[].attributes.subject
CV resources and support (Strathclyde students and graduates)

# data[].attributes.body
(Your Careers Service will have similar resources and support)

Academic CVs

Marketing yourself and your PhD

CV checking appointment (follow instructions for PGR students!)