CV writing for research posts: Do’s, don’ts and practical pointers

There are a number of differences between preparing a CV, (sometimes known as a resumé), for a research-based post in academia or industry, versus conventional roles. We’ll explore some key distinctions and common universal principles to put into practice, in your preparation.

So, you’ve just seen the ideal post advertised that fits with your research background. You are keen to apply, but need to tailor and organise your experience to date, to meet your employer’s criteria. At this stage. it’s worth remembering that the main aim of your application is to get you to interview, so you can make your case to your selector in person. Given that there may be many other applicants, it’s essential to present your CV (and cover letter), in a manner that makes it quick and easy for the recruiter to conclude you are a good fit.

The initial step in this process is to understand exactly what your recruiter is looking for. This will differ with each application and involves something that should come naturally—background research. Doing this groundwork will prove invaluable for getting your CV into shape for the role.

In most cases, the details in the advert outline the essential skills, like academic qualifications, subject-specific knowledge, specialised techniques and other experience that is sought, but it’s prudent to look beyond this wording.

Ensure you have familiarised yourself with the group or department you are seeking to join. Reading key publications and profiles online is a good start. What expertise are they asking for and what do you bring? Conveying the latter in your CV is essential to your success.

Preparing your CV

Length

Although several guidelines for CV’s for non-research posts state 2 pages as being optimal, unless otherwise stated, research positions differ with more flexibility on length. This allows you to include research-specific details that emphasise your suitability, like relevant publications, funding secured in your name, presentations and patents to the employer.

As a general rule, 4 sides is a reasonable length but academic recruiters will accept a lot more, only if the additional information provided is relevant to the post.

Style and Chronology

There are two overall formats for CV writing—chronological and skills-based.The first page is very similar for both styles, listing education and posts in reverse order. Skills-based CV’s then go on to group your experiences under skills headings (for example, ‘Time-management,’ ‘Analysis,’). These can be drawn from any aspect of your life.

Chronological CV’s are the most conventional format used for academic and industry research posts and therefore, what we will cover here.

The convention is to list your most recent qualification or post first and then work backwards. This order should be consistent in all sections of the CV.

“The initial step in this process is to understand exactly what your recruiter is looking for.”

Note that CV’s do not require the use of full sentences, instead, try to use succinct condensed statements. Opt for opening each of these with ‘action’ verbs to demonstrate what you did. Some examples are included below:

‘Supervised 24 PhD students on diverse research projects including… ’,
‘Established new research group..’
‘Delivered lectures and practical classes to postgraduates on…’
‘Invited as guest editor for…’

Remember to state the outcome of your action and how it was successful at the end of the sentence, when it makes sense.

It is best to select a clear and simple font, (many of the sans-serif fonts fit this criteria). Each section, (some options for which, are listed below), should have a heading, apart from personal information where your name can be used. Ensure headings are distinguished in bold, and distinct divisions are easy to discern.

Sections

Commonly used divisions in a CV for a research post are listed below, alongside tips on what to include under each heading. Bear in mind, some of these may not be relevant to include, dependent on your situation. For example, if you are applying for a postdoctoral position and your PhD is your only relevant research training, you can include it in the education section and omit research experience. If you are in the humanities, laboratory techniques will be omitted, as would patents if you don’t hold any, etc.,:

“The convention is to list your most recent qualification or post first and then work backwards.”

• Personal information: This should list your name as a heading and contact details, (address, phone number and email). If visa requirements are asked for, nationality should be included. Some candidates opt to include a one line statement about themselves and their motivation here. The feedback from many academics suggests they are generally not well received in this sector. They are more common in applications for industry posts. If you do chose to include one, remember it has to be supported by the facts stated in your CV.
• Education: List your qualifications in reverse order, with the years you studied here. How far back into the past is relevant? If you’re applying for a first position after completing your PhD., listing the qualifications and grades normally gained at eighteen years of age (A-levels, Baccalaureate, Scottish Highers), are relevant. For more senior positions, it is acceptable to start with your first degree.
• Awards/Funding: Showcase your funding and any prestigious awards you have received to date in this part of the document. For funding, include a description, the funding body and the value. If you think the reader may not be familiar with an item, especially an award, provide context and detail , e.g. ‘Selected from 2000 applicants to receive £10,000 stipend’. It highlights to an employer that you have received valuable investment and recognition for your work. If you have received considerable funding, you can choose to include it as an appendix.
• Research experience (academic or industrial): Note down your posts to date, along with a short description of subjects and outcomes. Ensure your statements emphasise any skills and subject knowledge you have that is specifically requested by the employer. If you are applying for a role in industry, give more weight to industry experience. Consider stating this first, with its own heading called ‘Industry experience’.
• Publications: Publications are deemed highly important for academic research careers. You should include all the relevant publications and book chapters to date for the position. If you have many, you may want to sub-select your best or most pertinent to the role, and refer to them as‘ Selected publications,’ listing the remainder in an appendix. Recruiters will be looking for the number of publications you have, and the eminence of the journal or book publisher. Highlighting your name in bold, where you are the first author is helpful. Be sure to stick to the same convention or style you would use for a bibliography or reference section in a journal article. Remember, you can list anything in progress, and indicate the stage it is at (e.g in preparation, submitted, under consideration, accepted by…), but may need to answer further questions on it.
• Presentations: Detail relevant presentations given at conferences and meetings here. For scientific fields, you can also state where you have presented a poster. If you have an exhaustive publication list, you may want to only include those meetings where you have presented a paper.
• Patents: If you have successfully been granted a patent, include its title, number, country, date of publication and the name of the owners here. In the case of a pending application, this can be listed if deemed appropriate, but be sure to speak to any co-inventors before describing detail.
• Teaching experience (as appropriate): If you are applying for an academic lectureship, where teaching experience is relevant describe it here. Remember to state details like the course taught, number of students, amount of time and any outcomes. Teaching experience can also be a valuable addition to a CV to demonstrate the use of supervisory skills, organisation and interest beyond your focus area, if this isn’t shown elsewhere.
• Laboratory techniques/ Additional skills: Specific lab techniques included in an employers criteria can be recorded here. Be prepared to re-write and re-order this part, so you always highlight the most relevant skills. Other examples of relevant skills for research posts could include IT — including specific packages, foreign languages and training received.
• Referees: Unless otherwise specified, it is conventional to provide the details of two referees. In the case of a PhD. student, one of these is normally your supervisor. For others, this may be your PI, or the head of your research group. Essentially, they should be someone who has worked with you, knows how you work and has a position of seniority in the field. You should always ask permission before including someone’s details as a referee. It’s best practice to inform them in advance if you’re making an application so they can prepare, before they are contacted by an employer.
• Additional section to consider: A memberships and affiliations section can be included if it helps emphasise your suitability for the position.

This is by no means the only way to set out your CV, when applying for a research post, but is designed to give you practical pointers of what is conventional. Finally, if it’s available in the public domain, you may want to consider looking at the CV of your potential employer, or others that have been successfully recruited to their team, to find out their preference for layout.

How do I write a better CV?

• Understand exactly what the recruiter is looking for
• Be succinct and clear
• Focus on actions and results