Creating an

Academic CV
Your essential guide to building CV and cover letters.
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What is an academic CV?
An academic CV is a summary of your academic achievements and professional experience.
It is used when applying for academic positions including a post-doctoral, research fellow and
teaching positions.

An academic CV should be tailored toward the role you are applying for and contain
information that is wholly relevant to that position. It is important to understand the
hiring needs of the institution/department which can be found using the job description
and person specification. E.g. For example, if they need someone to teach specific
modules/courses they may hire a teaching fellow, to work on a project they may hire a
research fellow and contributing to departmental teaching/submitting research to the REF
they may hire a lecturer or Associate Professor (each with criteria applicants must meet).

Essential Content:
Contact details – full name, phone number and email address (consider including your LinkedIn
address if you have one)
Research Interests – Summarise your research interests in a short paragraph (approx. 200 words)
Education – Include your PhD and other degrees you have obtained.
Experience – This can be separated into ‘Research’, ‘Teaching’ and ‘Administration’ sections. Any
significant non-academic internships, voluntary roles or previous jobs may also be included within
an ‘Other Relevant Experience’ section. Add the most relevant/recent first.
Additional Sections – include ‘Publications’, ‘Funding’, ‘Conferences and Presentations’
Skills – highlight any specialist skills and evidence both your technical and soft skills that align with
the job specification.
For UK CV’s You do not need to include your date of birth, nationality, gender or a photograph of yourself.

CV Language:
Language should be professional and skills focused. Where possible, avoid using a list of duties.
Highlighting skills that are specific to the role as well as transferable skills will have greater impact. Try
to avoid over using ‘I’ and steer clear from large blocks of text. Make it as easy as possible for
employers to see at a glance what you have to offer.

Presentation:
CVs should be clear, easy to read and have a consistent style throughout. Use of headings and a clear
font will enable you to highlight key pieces of information to an employer. Using bullet points can be
really effective.

Make a good first impression!

• 50% of CVs are rejected due to bad grammar and spelling;
• 76% of CVs are rejected due to an unprofessional email address;
• 55% of recruiters have reconsidered a candidate based on
their social media profile.
Differences between an Structuring an academic CV
Academic and Regular CV Within each section record all information in reverse
chronological order i.e. most recent experience first

Academic Other Education and Qualifications

For academic positions For non academic In this section include your academic qualifications
positions beginning with your PhD - ensure to include the name of
No length Limit of 2 sides of A4 your supervisor, dates and title of thesis. It isn’t
requirements necessary to incorporate GCSE’s and A ‘levels unless you
Focus on research Focus on skills wish to. When recording your degree you can also
and/or teaching developed through
include any relevant modules and for your masters your
experience employment and extra-
curricular activities dissertation title. The details of your PhD research thesis
Do not include any Acceptable to include maybe recorded here or in your research section. Bullet
reference to an interests section point any research achievements including what
hobbies/interests contribution your research has made to your research
Include page numbers Page numbers not area.
necessary
Include referee details Write ‘References
on CV-usually 3 available upon request’ Experience: The three pillars
This section can be broken down into three areas:
1. Research – include any research roles, collaborative
Evidence that will help projects and research experience, making reference
to the REF if applicable. Record methodological
you to get shortlisted: approaches and technical skills (lab and software). As
mentioned above you can include your PhD thesis
• Evidence of publications or publishing potential here. If your research experience is limited it maybe
• Research and funding potential beneficial to record the details in this section.
2. Teaching – include any lead teaching and teaching
• Teaching Experience for teaching roles
assistant roles lecturing, contribution to online
• Community focus – e.g. course rep/organizing
MOOCs, seminars, supervising and tutorial
conferences
experience. Evidence teaching skills as well as class
• Potential to generate additional income
sizes, subject areas and level of students taught.
3. Administration – record contributions to academic
Length of CV? handbooks, departmental plans, schemes of work,
Academic CVs can be any length and could be up university open days and/or organisation of
to or over 4/5 pages long depending on the conferences, events, exam invigilation and roles you
individuals experience. Within it, there will also be have had on any committees e.g. student-staff liaison
expectations about specific sections that should be committee
included. If unsure, speak to a careers adviser. Within each of these three sections use active verbs
to evidence your skills. If the job is weighted more
No CV is the same! heavily on teaching, record this first and do the same
Whilst there may be similarities between applicant when applying for higher proportional research-based
CV’s, your CV should be formatted and structured roles.
to reflect your experience. This can be achieved
through creating section titles, the design and how
Technical Skills
you evidence skills.
You may wish to emphasise any specialist, research and
digital skills. E.g. SPSS or NVIVO data analysis software.
Conferences and Presentations the paper.
Media articles, blogs and book chapters…
At the beginning of your academic career you
You may include other types of publications in the form
may only have had the opportunity to attend
of media articles, blogs and book chapters which can be
conferences. This is good as it demonstrates
evidenced under different headings within this section.
your motivation to network outside your
institution or country. As you progress you will
likely present your research at conferences, Other Relevant Experience
building upon your academic reputation. As You may have other experience you wish to include that
your experience increases you may reduce your evidences relevant skills to support your application.
list of ‘attended’ events and include ones that Include significant non academic work history.
demonstrate you in a more active role,
evidencing your prestige and knowledge. References
Include contact details of three referees at the end of
Funding your CV. This could include your PhD supervisor, a
This refers to obtaining funding for research. If collaborator, thesis examiner, internal examiner.
applicable record any successful funding achieved
for your PhD plus for any other roles you have
Evidencing Information
attained since.
Note that any scholarships should be recorded
Do’s
under ‘Awards and Prices’ section. • Create bullet points
• Each bullet point should be 2 lines maximum in length
• Utilise mini STAR (Action and Result) to evidence your
Awards and Prizes
skills (see below) within experience sections
Content to include here refers to any academic
• Use active verbs to demonstrate your actions
achievements. E.g. outstanding contribution to
• Include a short summary of your thesis in italics
department, academic excellence, scholarships.
• Ensure information can be understood by a non-
specialist reader
Professional Memberships • Be succinct – avoid filler words and passive language –
List any memberships you have with professional get straight to the point
bodies. Include dates. • Ensure font size is no bigger than 12 and no smaller
than 10
Publications • Create section titles one font size bigger than content
Academic papers E.g. 12 and 11 or 11 and 10
The most important publications are peer • Use PDF format to prevent any formatting issues
reviewed journal articles and these should be listed
together. State where the publication is in the
publication process i.e. submitted, under review or Don’ts
accepted for publication. Record all publications as • Avoid creating paragraphs when evidencing
you would see them cited in an article and experience (this makes it difficult for the employer to
highlight your name in bold so it is clear to see scan and pick out key words)
your contribution. It is understood that publishing • Avoid just listing skills or tasks (provide evidence)
articles may take time especially in the early stages • Avoid jargon and unexplained acronyms
of your academic career. Therefore, you can • Avoid using ‘I’
include a list of ‘planned publications’ but ensure • Don’t overlook experiences that are credible in
this is clearly evidenced and separate to the highlighting how you have utilised your skills doing
published list. It is important to note that all research and/or demonstrating teaching/leadership.
experiential work and analysis must be completed E.g. A’level tutor, academic mentor
and must inform when and where you will submit
Providing Evidence: Applying mini STAR
Once you have identified the employer’s Applying mini STAR can be broken down into the following:
requirements, you need to provide clear The ‘Action’ part represents WHAT you did and HOW you did it
evidence on your CV that you have the The ‘Result’ part is the OUTCOME/IMPACT you have had
skills, experience and knowledge they are So…
looking for.
WHAT, HOW, OUTCOME
Using this structure is beneficial because it supports to evidence
Ensure you evidence these giving details your skills and encourages the use of active verbs relating to the
of how you demonstrate skills. job specification.
Below are examples demonstrating how mini STAR is applied to
For example: evidence Teamwork and Teaching skills.
Avoid: “In my role as … I developed
communication skills, time management E.g. Teamwork
skills and team working skills.” • (WHAT) Collaborated with team members (HOW) by
creatively problem-solving research methods to analyse micro
This is a vague statement that doesn’t bacterium and evaluating internal/external environmental
tell the recruiter how effective you were impact on growth. (OUTCOME) My attention to detail
in using these skills or how you actually produced accurate information for reporting.
used them. You need to provide more
information. For example: Who did you When evidencing team work reflect on other skills you may have
communicate with – students, teaching utilised. For example, within a team you may have implemented
staff, researchers, managers? How software and inputted data into excel demonstrating your digital
effective were you and what difference skills.
did your communication make?
E.g. Teaching
Consider using the elements
of the STAR Model to • (WHAT) Delivered sessions (HOW) by facilitating
experiential learning through group tasks and presenting
evidence your experience. information via quizzes, interactive activities and discussion.
(The full model is explained on the (OUTCOME) Using visual and auditory aids supported
next page)
inclusive learning.

Evidencing your skills using mini • Planned teaching tasks/resources by differentiating learning
based on group size and year group. Relevant materials
STAR (Action and Result) selected aligned with learning objectives and outcomes.

Your CV should provide an overview of your • Tutored AS maths students by demonstrating mathematical
skills that meet the job specification formulae and explaining how to approach exam questions.
requirements. An effective way of doing this is All students passed with grade C and above.
utilising mini STAR (Action and Result). You may
have come across this when structuring your • Marked work and articulated verbal feedback for both
examples in interviews. We can also use it to formative and summative assessments by cross referencing
create an effective academic CV. against assessment criteria. My attention to detail produced
individual advice for further progression.
The STAR Model: Powerful dynamic verbs to demonstrate
Situation: What was the situation? your skills and qualities:
Leadership Skills:
Task: What task were you required to carry out?
Coordinated, Planned, Oversaw, Directed,
Keep it brief, but specific. Information detailed in Operated, Organised, Motivated, Administered,
your job title/employer often provides this context. Delegated, Supervised, Directed Co-ordinated,
Action: What did YOU do? What actions did you Motivated, Led, Managed, Represented.
take? Use active language. Avoid ‘we’ when Problem Solving & How you made something better
(don’t forget to quantify!):
referring to teamwork; focus on YOUR
Customised, Integrated, Overhauled, Redesigned,
contribution. Consolidated, Decreased, Reduced, Upgraded,
Result: What was the outcome? What impact did Streamlined, Strengthened, Improved, Increased,
your contribution/action have? What was Generated, Saved, Delivered, Resolved,
improved? Qualify and quantify where you can. Transformed, Doubled, Edited, Refined, Visualised.
Team Work skills:
Volunteered, Collaborated, Supported, Facilitated,
*TOP TIP: For extra impact, also reflect on
Participated, Co-led , Assisted, Mentored,
any insights gained or what you learnt Encouraged, Forged, Energized, Balanced, Fostered.
from the experience. How you take the initiative:
Engineered, Implemented, Launched, Pioneered
Be specific: Avoid overuse of general descriptive Spearheaded, Established, Initiated, Created,
words e.g. various, some, many, lots, several. Instead Designed, Developed, Devised, Introduced,
Volunteered, Suggested, Hypothesised, Showcased.
quantify your achievements: if you met a target give
Shared knowledge or taught someone:
the numbers; if you delivered presentations say how
Facilitated, Coached, Informed, Advised, Clarified,
many; if you raised money say how much. Empowered, Enabled, Guided, Trained, Tutored,
Demonstrated, Mentored, Instructed, Disseminated.
Use active language: Analytical/data handling skills:
Analysed, Assessed, Evaluated, Reviewed,
See table for a list of active verbs that you could Researched, Interpreted, Discovered, Identified,
use in your CV. Important: to be effective, use Interviewed, Investigated, Audited, Budgeted.
them carefully and in context. Quantify your Organisation and planning skills:
Arranged, Co-ordinated, Organised, Planned,
examples too. For example:
Maintained, Prepared, Scheduled, Revised,
Processed, Produced, Classified, Prioritized.
“Enterprising Politics student with 6 months’ Communication skills:
intern experience in business management.” Authored, Briefed, Composed, Conveyed,
“Co-ordinated a team of five students, delegating Documented, Presented, Persuaded, Advised,
the workload in an engineering design project Promoted, Edited, Clarified, Listened,
Summarized, Explained, Suggested, Mediated.
which was awarded a first class mark.”
Ability to influence others:
“Spearheaded a marketing campaign for a charity Negotiated, Mediated, Persuaded, Presented,
ball raising over £1500 for charity; twice the Liaised, Encouraged, Promoted, Guided, Influenced,
amount raised last year.” Interviewed, Critiqued, Officiated, Recommended.
Achieved something:
Mastered, Nominated, Achieved, Awarded,
Covering Letters: Selected, Won, Attained, Earned, Outperformed,
A covering letter should be no more than one side Exceeded, Showcased, Surpassed, Succeeded.
of A4. This is your opportunity to link your Customer Service Skills/Interpersonal Skills:
Convinced, Influenced, Built Rapport, Proposed,
personal skills and attributes to the key criteria Supported, Negotiated, Valued, Publicised, Assisted,
the employer is seeking. Focus on why you want Demonstrated, Familiarised, Resolved, Promoted.
to work for the company, why the job appeals to Your personal qualities:
you and why you are the right candidate for the Enterprising, Adaptable, Resourceful, Proactive,
role. See the next page for an example cover Experienced, Practical, Versatile, Driven,
Dependable, Hard-working, Ambitious,
letter.
Accomplished.
Summarise your research interests Use your name as a title
in approx. 200 words. Align with the not CV
job specification.

Jamie Shaw
Your contact details inc. address, 45 Any Street, Lancaster, LA1
1AB email/ mobile number. Use a professional
RESEARCH INTERESTS email address.

Include a professional email address

Write your paragraph here.

EDUCATION In reverse chronological order; the most recent

educational achievements starting with your
present one

University of Manchester Sept 2018 – Sept 2021

PhD in Linguistics and English exploring the impact of Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP)
Briefly summarise your research thesis here
Summarise your research thesis in a short paragraph in italics.
Elaborate on your research achievements within your research
experience section below.

University of Warwick Oct 2017 – Aug 2018

MA in Applied Linguistics (Distinction)
Research Dissertation
Summarise your research in
a short paragraph in italics

Lancaster University Sept 2014 – Jun 2017

BA (Hons) English Literature (2:1)
Relevant modules include: List some modules that have some relevance to the job role or perhaps ones you
have done particularly well in (aim to keep to 2-3 lines max).

Show how your degree is

relevant to the job

Your experience should separate Research,

Teaching and Administration

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

Post-Doctoral Linguistics Researcher │ Manchester University Nov 2021 to present

• Implement computer software to analyse linguistic data fields to export into a database. My attention to detail ensured
interpretation of data was accurate.
• Interpreted data by evaluating algorithms and syntax patterns and frequencies to assess language disposition.
• Collaborated with staff members by gathering relevant information in preparation for an international conference.
Innovative new methods and developments were presented related to Neuro Linguistic Programming.
• Applied corpus linguistics and genre analysis techniques to support authors to produce text to match the expectations of
their intended audience.
Create bullet points to evidence your skills.
Apply mini STAR (Action and Result)
PhD Research │ University of Manchester Sept 2015 – Aug 2017
• Developed an innovative data analysis technique that supported data interpretation.

Create multiple bullet points to evidence your skills and research achievements.
Apply mini STAR (Action and Result)

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Tutor │ University of Manchester 2019 to present

• Delivered sessions in English and Linguistics for up to 40 undergraduate students by differentiating information using
interactive formats and demonstrating digital processes to create inclusive learning.
• Collaborated with teaching staff to develop engaging resources by evaluating current practice and assessing engagement.
Innovative and up to date materials/software align with industry developments.
• Liaise with students in one to one tutorials to discuss dissertation proposals using questioning and active listening to elicit
their objective aims and research requirements.

Create bullet points to evidence your skills.

Apply mini STAR (Action and Result)

Mentor/Supervisor │ University of Manchester Jan 2019 – Sept 2022

• Trained students to utilise and apply corpus linguistics and genre analysis techniques through demonstration and
modelling.
• Collaborated with staff to create an online MOOC by discussing curriculum aims and contributing ideas to enrich learning.
This digital online platform has been successfully implemented.

Create bullet points to evidence your skills.

Apply mini STAR (Action and Result)

ADMINISTRATION EXPERIENCE

University of Manchester Jan 2021

• Project managed a conference taking place at the University of Manchester by organizing speakers, room bookings,
hospitality and co ordinating event on the day.

Include any administration experience relating to

contribution to handbooks, schemes of work,
committees, open days and exam invigilation.

RESEARCH & TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Proficient in using Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) when analyzing thoughts and behaviours to identify bias
• Utilised python when analyzing algorithms and editing code
• Competent in using Perl for web programming and network development
• Applied SQL when updating data within a database

Highlight any specialist skills relevant to the

job specification
 CONFERENCES & PRESENTATIONS
Presentation given at Liverpool John Moores, ‘How Neuro linguistic programming will improve administration
processes within an education setting’ (2020)

List any conferences attended and/or ones

you have presented at.

FUNDING
AHRC funded PhD in Educational Research, University of Manchester (£50,000) 2018

AWARDS & PRIZES

Faculty of Arts Research Prize │ University of Manchester 2021
Awarded for developing innovative data analysis technique in assessing language behaviours
Deans List │ University of Warwick 2018
Awarded for outstanding academic achievement attaining highest graded distinction

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
Association of Computational Linguistics (ACL) 2019 to present
Centre for Applied Linguistics (CAL) 2019 to present

PUBLICATIONS
Jones, N., Shaw, J. (2021) Title (Under review)
Highlight your name in bold, reference as you
would in an academic paper and include the stage
of each publication.

OTHER RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

If including additional non academic experience place it at

the end of your CV. Get across relevant transferable skills
that relate to the specification.

REFEREES
Professor Derek Chadburn, University of Manchester [email protected]
Professor Delia Neblee, University of Warwick [email protected]
Lawrence Parker, Social Enterprise Centre [email protected]

Include 3 referees with contact details

Cover Letter Example
Jo Jones,
45 Any Street,
Full name and address
Lancaster, LA1 1AB,
of organisation, even if
1st January 20
submitting online
Ms. Joanna Green
Lancaster University Your name, address
Lancaster and current date.
LA1 4YW
A sub-heading can make it clear
which role you are applying for,
particularly if they have several
opportunities available.

RE: Post Doc Teaching Associate

Dear Ms. Green, Addressing your letter to the hiring manager personally can be helpful.

I am writing to apply for the role of Post Doc Teaching Associate in Linguistics at Lancaster University, advertised
on the Lancashire County Council website. Please find attached a copy of my CV which outlines how I meet the
requirements of the role.
Introduce yourself, what you are applying for and where you saw the role advertised.

Research the employer and any key projects. Highlight why you are interested in working for them specifically.
The linguistics department at Lancaster University rates highly in the REF and QS world rankings of which high
academic standards align with my own performance output. I champion innovation and am excited for the
opportunity to contribute to the departments future project of researching new technologies for neurolinguistic
programming; something I have experience in and believe I can add value to. I value collaboration and believe I
will be a successful team member.
Remind them why you would be a great candidate.

I have excellent teaching skills and collaborate effectively with colleagues to produce high quality education,
contributing to the REF framework. During my PhD at the University of Manchester, I contributed to positive
working outcomes by supporting to shape ideas regarding new curriculum changes and produced resources to
enhance students’ learning. When teaching small/large class sizes, I differentiated my approach by including
interactive technologies to engage larger groups and collaborative tasks that encouraged experiential learning
within smaller classes. The latter fostered peer learning and shaped wider group discussions on relevant topics;
learning that was evidenced within their written assignments. I have extensive experience in planning and
organisation. In all my teaching roles I have planned lessons and schemes of work to meet short, medium and
long term objectives and prioritised tasks to deliver multiple work streams. When doing my PhD I project
managed a conference by liaising with internal/external stakeholders to negotiate logistics (accommodating
person numbers). 200 people attended this successful event and networking secured my developing a
partnership with another university. Within my research I have frequently updated databases.

Choose two or three key skills required by the employer and demonstrate your
knowledge/experience and any achievements, where applicable opportunities available.

Thank you for considering me for this opportunity and I look forward to discussing my application with you
further.

Dear Sir/Madam – Yours faithfully Dear

Yours sincerely,
Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss – Yours sincerely
Jo Jones
 CV Checklist:
Here is a quick check to help you decide if your CV is up to scratch. It’s split into the main categories that
can be used on your CV. Tick Yes or No.

Circle yes or no for each item on the check list Yes No

Heading:
Your name (not the words Curriculum Vitae) is in a bold format at the top of the page. Yes No
Personal contact details:
Have you included accurate information so that you can be contacted easily? Yes No
Is your email address included and professional in nature? Yes No
Are your personal details spread over a maximum of 3 lines? Yes No
Personal Profile/Career Objective Section:
Does it clearly highlight key skills and experiences relevant to the role? Yes No
Is it between 4-6 lines in length? Yes No
Is it short, punchy, strategic, highlighting your current situation and outlining your future Yes No
career plans (career objective) or outlines key skills and experiences (personal profile)?
Education Section:
Do the details have your course first and then work back? (reverse chronological order) Yes No
Do you include the name of each institution attended and start and end dates? Yes No
Do you give the full title of the courses e.g. intercalation degree? Yes No
Have you given details of your key achievements or relevant modules to show how your Yes No
degree is relevant to the role
Employment Section:
Do you use subheadings to organise and differentiate between Professional experience Yes No
and other work experience
Do your details start with your most recent experience? Yes No
Start and end dates are always given Yes No
You name the employer Yes No
You give some evidence using bullet points to show actions taken in the role/learning Yes No
gained to show how relevant to the role applied for?
You give details of any particular achievements Yes No
Other Headings - optional:
Relevant skills - give full details and evidence of success in these areas too. Yes No
Teaching Experience – details with evidence of effectiveness Yes No
Developmental activities such as presenting at conferences, management and leadership Yes No
courses
References:
References upon request, unless specified. Yes No
Final Check:
The sections of the CV are arranged in a way that draws attention to the Yes No
important information.
Your CV is well presented and easy to navigate around using logical headers. Yes No
The font is professional looking and appropriately sized (10 minimum to 12 maximum). Yes No
You have left a blank line between categories. Yes No
You have avoided long paragraphs of text. Yes No
You have avoided generalisation and have supported statements with specific examples. Yes No
You have not used jargon or abbreviations that would confuse the reader. Yes No
You have used phrases throughout that indicate your enthusiasm for the job. Yes No
Is error free? Yes No
Have you checked there are no gaps in your history? Yes No
Would you want to read it? Yes No

If your score is It suggests:

35-46 Your CV seems to be in pretty good shape.
21-34 Your CV could benefit from some further work and development.
0-21 A score in this range suggests that your CV may not be up to the
standard expected.

CV self-assessment:
What works well.

Areas for Improvement.

 CV and Covering Letter Support.
The Careers Service offers a range of CV and Covering Letter support to Lancaster University
students and graduates, come in and see us in The Base to get started.

Careers Drop-In:
Available every weekday except Wednesday, 2-4 in The Student Services Hub to offer
individual CV, covering letter and application support services. To make the most of
this service please ensure you have attempted to draft your CV before attending.

CV & Covering Letter Workshops:

Ever wondered what the difference is between okay and winning CVs? We run a
variety of workshops offering guidance on different CV formats and covering letters,
and the key qualities employers look for that will make you stand out from the
crowd and secure yourself an interview.

Ask Careers – E guidance:

Whether you would like initial feedback on your CV or have questions about an
application, this service allows you to ask your question at any time and receive
support via CareersConnect;
https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/careersconnect

Prospects.ac.uk:
Prospects.ac.uk offers detailed CV and covering letter advice including step-by-step
guidance and various sample CV and covering letters.

You can also call in with quick queries on 01524 592767