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Effective CVs and Applications for Researchers
This document provides guidance on creating effective CVs and applications for researchers seeking non-academic roles. It outlines the purpose of CVs as showing how applicants meet recruiters' needs and interpreting their experience for a new sector. Common elements of CVs are described, such as competencies, education, work experience, and interests. The document also discusses writing style, answering competency-based questions using examples, and completing online application forms. Guidance is provided on tailoring CVs and applications to target roles and organizations using skills audits to map experiences to competencies.
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Effective CVs and Applications for Researchers
- 1. Careers and EmployabilityCentre Effective CVs and Applications for Researchers
- 2. •Functions of CVsand application forms •Choosing form and content •Competency-based recruiting •Interpreting your career for non-academic readers •Conventions and formats Agenda for today
- 3. What is thepurpose of your CV? • Show how you meet the recruiter’s needs (matching) • Interpret your experience for a new purpose (?) • Get an interview
- 4. • What dothey want? • How can you find out? • How is it different from academic appointment boards? Non-academic recruiters
- 5. • Employers lookingat PhDs • Advantages • Disadvantages • What do they want you to know? • Researchers looking at employers (Stereotypical) perceptions
- 6. • Skills andinterests/values audit (career planning workshop) • Identify target role(s) and type(s) of organisation • List and prioritise competencies (and values) • Map your record against competencies • Design the application around this Common process: CVs and AFs
- 7. • Skills andinterests/values audit (career planning workshop) • Identify target role(s) and type(s) of organisation • List and prioritise competencies (and values) • Map your record against competencies • Design the application around this Common process: CVs and AFs
- 8. Essential Skills andAbilities Candidates must be able to demonstrate the following: • Excellent interpersonal skills, a high level of professionalism and a proactive approach to work • Excellent writing and editing skills • The ability to work sensitively and diplomatically with those from different cultures and backgrounds • Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team. • Ability to organise and manage competing priorities in a complex environment, • Strong problem solving skills • Demonstrated ability to produce high quality work to tight deadlines • The ability to persuade others of the importance of clear, effective communications • Excellent written and verbal communications skills • Computer literacy and the ability to use relevant software including standard Microsoft Office packages as well as relevant communications software/tools. Example competencies
- 9. Different types ofCV • Chronological / traditional • Academic • Skills based / targeted / functional • Creative • Online • ?
- 10. The Selection Panellooks for detailed evidence of your: • Research • Teaching • Administrative experience • plus what added value you can bring to the institution, department or subject group Academic CVs – What is the employer looking for?
- 11. • Personal Information •Statement of Research Interests • Education – what do you have to offer as a postgraduate? • Work Experience – paid and unpaid, e.g. teaching, committees – added value • Prizes, awards, grants • Conferences, membership of professional bodies • Interests – what else do you do? • Referees – at least three • Length – can be up to 5/6 pages including appendices What do you include in your academic CV?
- 12. Non-academic CVs cdec Career Development& Employment Centre • Personal Details Name / Address / Contact Information • Personal profile Where am I / Where am I going / What am I offering • Education What, Where, When / Highlighting relevance • Experience / Skills / Achievements / Abilities / Interests Relevant skills and achievements with examples • Referees 1 Academic and 1 Work or Personal MAXIMUM 2 sides A4 Black text on white
- 13. Writing style andlayout Active Language to highlight your SKILLS • Accurate grammar and spelling • Clarity • Logically ordered • Easy to read and not cramped • Bullet points, underlining, bold
- 14. Tips for completingapplication forms
- 15. Filling in applicationforms • No formatting worries! • Work offline in draft first • Remember to use plain text • Check for spelling and grammar • Complete all the sections • Check you have answered the question
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- 17. • Why questions– testing motivation/knowledge • How questions (competency) – looking for examples of how you are suitable • Surprise questions – looking for creativity/different perspective • Open ended questions – looking for structure and clarity Types of questions
- 18. • Why areyou applying? – show what motivates you • What makes you suitable? – describe the relevant skills you have developed • What can you bring? – detail your outlook and values • How does this fit into your career plans – outline your thinking Personal statements
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- 20. Careers and EmployabilitySupport • Booked interview with a Careers Consultant • Mon – Fri: 10 – 5pm • Employer Events • Vacancies for part time, work experience, graduate jobs • www.sussex.ac.uk/careers