Writing an Effective
Academic CV
Giant Strides Edutech Consulting
Saturday, 27 July, 2024
Outline
Curriculum Vitae – what it is and what it is not
Features of an Academic CV
CV Formatting
Conclusion
CV – What It Is Not
It is not your life history
It has nothing to do your family or generation or
social history
It is not a biography
CV – What It Is
Latin for “course of life”
A curriculum vitae, also called a CV or Vita, is a
comprehensive synopsis of academic credentials,
research, scholarly achievements, and professional
experience.
Academic CV
Academic CVs differ from the CVs typically used by
non-academics in industry, because you need to
present your research, various publications and
awarded funding in addition to the various other
items contained in a non-academic CV.
Features of an Academic CV
Personal details - include your name, address of
residence, phone number(s) and professional
e-mail address.
Features of an Academic CV
Career Summary – It is a brief summary of
approximately 5 -7 sentences summarizing your
expertise in your discipline(s), years of expertise in
the area(s), noteworthy research findings, key
achievements and publications.
Features of an Academic CV
Education – provide an overview of your education
starting from your first academic degree to the
most recent degree obtained (reverse
chronological order). Include the names of the
institutions, thesis or dissertation topics and type
of degree obtained.
Features of an Academic CV
Research – As an academic, your research
experiences, your findings, the methods you use
and your general research interests, are critical to
present in the first part of your CV. Highlight key
research findings and accomplishments.
Features of an Academic CV
Honors and Recognitions – here is a section where
you can allow yourself to shine. Share any prizes,
awards, honors or other recognitions for your
research and work with the year it occurred and by
who/which body the award was granted.
Features of an Academic CV
Administrative experience – Any administrative
experience within a faculty or research institute
should be noted on your CV.
Features of an Academic CV
Professional experience – If you have been
employed in industry and it is relatively recent and
relevant to your academic work, it is important to
include it. If relevant, professional experience can
explain any gap fills in your academic work and
demonstrate the diversity in your capabilities.
Features of an Academic CV
Other skills and qualifications – highlight key skills
and qualifications relevant to your research and
academic work. Technical and practical skills,
certifications, languages, and more, are relevant to
mention in this section.
Features of an Academic CV
Professional affiliations and memberships – If you
belong to any professional group or network
related to your areas of expertise, you should
mention them in this section. Only list affiliations
or memberships with which you are active
Features of an Academic CV
Attendance at conferences and seminars – list the
most relevant conferences or seminars where you
presented or participated in a panel.
Features of an Academic CV
References - It is advised to list at least three
contact persons who can provide a reference for
your research, work and character. Provide their
names and complete contact information. Clearly,
they should all be academics.
CV Formatting
Your CV should be clear and easy to read. Use legible
font types in a normal size (font size 11 or 12) with
normal sized margins (such as 1 inch or 2.5 cm
margins). Use bullet points to highlight important
items and to concisely present your credentials.
CV Formatting (contd)
Keep a consistent style for headings and sub-
headings and main text – do not use more than 2 font
types in your CV. Make smart, but sparing use of
bold, italics and underlining. Be aware of spelling and
grammar and ensure it is perfect.
CV Formatting (contd)
Length - since academic CVs must present so much
information with regard to research and
publications, it is generally acceptable if CVs are
more than 2 pages long. It is best not to exceed 4
pages maximum.
CV Formatting (contd)
Structure - choose a structure for your CV with the
main headings and sub-headings you will use. Your
education, publications and research should follow
and be the focus for the first section of your CV.
Conclusion
CVs are not just for job-searching. This is important
to keep in mind when preparing your CV. You will
regularly need to update your CV and to adapt it for
the various purposes including awards, fellowships,
references, publishing, grant applications, public
speaking, consulting etc.
Thank you for listening
PEOPLE ASSET CONSULTING
We are in the business of people
Our services include:
CV Writing, Review, Rewrite, Revamp
Total Rewards & Payroll Advisory
HR Consulting & Projects
LinkedIn Optimization
[email protected] | 07066302602 (Call/WhatsApp)
