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CV Writing for Post-doctoral Researchers

June KayCareers Development ConsultantDurham UniversityCareers Advisory Service

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What can you PhD graduate sell?

lateral and creative thinking adaptable / flexible approach to work and

research ability to absorb, analyse and interpret

detailed data and information advanced computer literacy able to challenge premises, question

procedures, interpret meaning, offer alternatives

capacity to access information from a wide range of resources and sources

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What can PhD Graduate sell?

self discipline and motivation when working in isolation

perseverance – able to overcome difficulties

priority setting – time management report writing oral communication when undertaking

presentations, lectures and delivering papers at conferences

team working / collaboration – undertaking research with academic colleagues on similar areas of interest

others?

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So what else have you gained since completing PhD ?????

Development, preparation, delivery of courses Supervising research of others Motivating and monitoring students work Writing of research funding proposals Additional responsibilities with department Building networks and collaborating Profile Raising – you, subject, dept, university Professional Training & Development Involvement in committees Understanding of HE structures Knowledge transfer / commercial applications

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CVs for Researchers

A CV and covering letter should includeevidence of relevant:

Knowledge – specific or general

Experience – tasks, processes, responsibilities

Skills – specialist and transferable / generic

Interest / Enthusiasm / Commitment

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CVs for Researchers

Structure – logical, clear Presentation/layout – attractive /

professional Content – Relevant / Explicit Length – 2 pages A4 Non- Academic - 3 or more for Academic Impact !!!!!

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Action words for CVsNegotiated DevisedPromoted IdentifiedGenerated Led Delivered

TestedFacilitatedManagedAnalysedSolvedResolvedInitiatedRepresented

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CVs for Researchers

You should have a different type of CV forposts inside / outside of academia

Many same skills and experience

Different Focus / Language

Academic / Commercial application

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How might you structure it?

Reverse chronological orderStandard Headings

Personal Details Education Work Experience Additional Skills – IT, Technical, Languages Positions of Responsibility Hobbies & Interests References

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Targeted / Skills Based

Useful if you know what the employer is looking for

Highlights on Page 1 the key skills and qualities you possess which are relevant to the post (skills profile) and where you have obtained these

Therefore ‘plagiarises’ the advert Then follows on with a standard reverse

chronological CV

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Page one might start like this…

Communication: Excellent oral and written skills required for planning preparing and leading seminars with undergraduate students. Several conference papers presented and well received by a wide academic audience. Active listening and diplomacy as demonstrated through voluntary work on student helpline for 3 years.

Team Working: Demonstrated when rowing for university where I proved my commitment to succeed and encouraged others to also do so, as part of a successful multi-disciplinary research group and whilst working in a pressured retail environment part-time for 4 years.

Project & Time Management: Successfully planned the most effective use of my time and resources to complete my research project ahead of schedule whilst submitting papers for publication, supervising undergraduate students research and renovating my new home.

Computer literacy: Confident user of a wide variety of packages including Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, SPSS and C++. Designed, developed and updated the International Students Society website. Easily adapt to specialist employer software e.g. stock control in retail

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Covering letters

Explain who you are

Say why you want the post

Give examples of your suitability

Explain why you want to work in that organisation

Provide other general information

Say when you are available for interview

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Lynda Ali + Barbara Graham, Moving on in Your Career; A guide for academic researchers and postgraduates (RoutledgeFalmer London + New York 2000)

AgCAS/University of London Careers Service, University researchers and the job market

Mary Anne Thompson, The Global Resume and CV Guide (John Wiley + Sons New York 2000)

Publications