how to write a cv for academia
DESCRIPTION
How to write a CV for academia. Rachael Roberts Careers Adviser. 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 - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
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
You might need an academic CV when applying for...
PhD research project research position in higher education postdoctoral research research funding fellowship lectureship
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)
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
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
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
What does research involve?
What does research involve?
Analytical skills Problem Solving
Data handling and analysis
Report writing
Intellectual rigour
Performing experiments
Attention to Detail
Numerical
Project Management
CommunicationTechnical
competence
Information retrieval
Working with others
Literature reviews
Experimental design
Direct evidenceAcademic background relevant modules, research training, academic results andsuccess, scholarships, awards and prizes, teaching
Research experience and education practical work, laboratory or field, research assignmentsand projects, research skills and methodologies
Research success publications, conferences, funding, collaboration, training
Indirect evidenceWork experience
industry placement, teaching, casual, voluntary,
commercial, military service
Interests & achievements
committees and societies, positions of
responsibility, professional memberships
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
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
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
Technical roles
technical skills, knowledge and competence areas of expertise projects and resources managed publications, presentations additional responsibilities such as staff training professional memberships
First impressions CV review
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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.ukwww.ncl.ac.uk/careers www.prospects.ac.uk