Transcript CV Writing for Post-doctoral Researchers

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?
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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?
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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 ?????
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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:
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Knowledge – specific or general
Experience – tasks, processes,
responsibilities
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Skills – specialist and transferable / generic
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Interest / Enthusiasm / Commitment
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CVs for Researchers
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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
Tested
Promoted Identified
Facilitated
Generated Led Delivered 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
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Personal Details
Education
Work Experience
Additional Skills – IT, Technical, Languages
Positions of Responsibility
Hobbies & Interests
References
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Targeted / Skills Based
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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
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Explain who you are
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Say why you want the post
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Give examples of your suitability
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Explain why you want to work in that organisation
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Provide other general information
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Say when you are available for interview
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Publications
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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)
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