How to write a CV for academia

2. How to write a CV for academia Rachael Roberts Careers Adviser

3. This workshop aims to…. explain the principles of writing an academic CV highlight some of the key priorities in an academic environment demonstrate how you can tailor your skills and experience to opportunities in academia signpost further support

4. You might need an academic CV when applying for... • PhD research project • research position in higher education • postdoctoral research • research funding • fellowship • lectureship

5. Your CV needs to….. • inform and persuade the selector that you are worth interviewing by providing • evidence that you have the knowledge, skills and ability to do the work (CAN) • evidence that you are sufficiently motivated to do the work (WANT) • evidence that you will fit the culture and lifestyle demands of the work environment (FIT)

6. Preparation – what is relevant? • Before you start, you must find out what the employer wants and match your; • Skills & Knowledge • Experience • Achievements • You may need to change your CV for each post

7. Research the opportunity • Analyse the advert and application pack • Use the web • Familiarise yourself with staff biographies and research profiles • Note the key areas of research, where might you fit? • Check the QAA and RAE sites for information • Use your networks to gain further insight • academic staff, contact in the group, department or company

8. Typically looking for... • Academic experience and knowledge • knowledge, relevant studies, academic achievement, technical and discipline specific skills, industry experience • Research skills and experience • techniques and methodology, research management • Contribution to learning • teaching, successful collaboration • Research output and success • publications, conferences, presentations, papers, patent applications, secured funding

9. What does research involve?

10. Intellectual rigour Attention to Detail Data handling and analysis Report writing Experimental design What does research involve? Performing experiments Numerical Working with others Project Management Problem Solving Analytical skills Literature reviews Communication Information retrieval Technical competence

11. Direct evidence • Academic background • relevant modules, research training, academic results and • success, scholarships, awards and prizes, teaching • Research experience and education • practical work, laboratory or field, research assignments • and projects, research skills and methodologies • Research success • publications, conferences, funding, collaboration, training

12. Indirect evidence • Work experience • industry placement, teaching, casual, voluntary, • commercial, military service • Interests & achievements • committees and societies, positions of • responsibility, professional memberships

13. Format and structure Format - make it easy to read, no more than four sides of A4 Structure - content will usually focus on three core areas: Knowledge and academic achievements Research interest and potential Teaching and administration - particularly if applying for lecturing posts

14. What could you include? • Core information ….. • personal details • education • qualifications • employment • skills and achievements • interests • referees • Headings might include… • research profile • publications, conferences • technical skills • research experience • teaching experience • research abstract • professional memberships

15. Academic research roles • academic achievements • summary of research (including aims and achievements, supervisors name and funding) • summary of research interests • academic record including relevant studies • publications, conferences attended & presentations • teaching (courses, level and course development) • other contributions – administrative, supervision

16. Technical roles • technical skills, knowledge and competence • areas of expertise • projects and resources managed • publications, presentations • additional responsibilities such as staff training • professional memberships

17. First impressions CV review

18. Presenting your research • Include project title, supervisor name and funding • Summarise aims and objectives of the project • Describe main methods and any successful collaborations • A detailed description of the project may be attached as an appendix/research abstract

19. A research profile • Opportunity to tailor your experience to the position and/or department • Summarise your past research and relevant expertise • Outline main research interests including proposed research or future projects

20. Research Profile • My research interests lie in the field of conservation and impacts upon the South Wales economy. I am currently investigating the impact of tourism, government policy and demography on conservation for my PhD. Using the latest econometric modelling and e-factor analysis techniques. • My future research plans are to build on the foundations of my PhD to further develop models and tools in conjunction with government bodies, environmental agencies and city financial modellers. I have a particular expertise and interest in the regulation of urban utilities from a conservation and sustainability perspective. I am able to read and speak French.

21. Publications • Can be organised by • Reverse chronological order • Type of publication • text book reviews, chapters, journals • Authorship • Status • priority to peer-reviewed • journal ranking • A long list may justify a separate page

22. International differences • International differences when applying for jobs • www.prospects.ac.uk • Most of the advice and information resources are relevant – talk to an adviser • Many employers will only accept applications from candidates with a permanent right to work where the job is based

23. The covering letter If your CV is an arrow aimed expertly at a specific recruiter or vacancy, then the covering letter is the arrowhead. Covering letters

24. Supporting statements • Please give your reasons for applying for this post and additional information which shows how you match the person specification. • This can include relevant skills, knowledge, experience, voluntary activities and training etc.

25. Supporting information • Needs to highlight key selling points • Builds the case for selecting you • Adds value to the information already provided • explain the history to your interest in the opportunity • expand on relevant information • explain how the opportunity matches current career aims • demonstrate an understanding of what you can add to the team • convey reflection and the development of your ideas

26. Final points • Start with a clear understanding of what the selector is looking for • Ensure your CV is targeted and relevant • Use the best examples you’ve got • Review – ask yourself “so what” • Ask others for feedback - first impressions

27. Further help • Research Students - call into the Careers Service for individual feedback on your CV or help with other application queries including your cover letter. • Research Staff – seek help from me! • Websites - information • - examples • www.vitae.ac.uk • www.ncl.ac.uk/careers • www.prospects.ac.uk

28. Level 1 King’s Gate 10am – 5pm Monday - Friday