CV Writing for Post-doctoral Researchers

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CV Writing for Post-doctoral Researchers

• June Kay
• Careers Development Consultant
• Durham University
• Careers 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 include
• evidence 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 CVs

• Negotiated Devised
• Promoted Identified
• Generated Led Delivered

• Tested
• Facilitated
• Managed
• Analysed
• Solved
• Resolved
• Initiated
• Represented

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CVs for Researchers

• You should have a different type of CV for
• posts 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 order
• Standard 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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Publications

• 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)