This document provides guidance on creating effective CVs for PhD researchers. It discusses the purpose of academic and non-academic CVs, as well as tips for translating PhD skills for non-research roles. For academic CVs, it recommends including sections on research, teaching, administration and highlighting achievements. For non-academic roles, it suggests emphasizing transferable skills and reframing research outputs. Employer application forms should directly address the job requirements using specific examples. Overall, the document offers advice on tailoring CVs to different audiences and roles by focusing on relevant skills and contributions.

1. Careers and Employability Centre
Effective CVs for
PhD Researchers

2. •Purpose of CVs
•Academic CVs & Research Statements
•PhD Repackaging
•Non Academic CVs & Employer Application Forms
•General Points
•Useful Links
Agenda

3. What is the purpose of your CV?
• Provides evidence that you fulfil the job requirements
• An advert of your skills, knowledge and experience
• Highlights your achievements to an employer
• Convinces the employer to interview you

4. Should be built around the three pillars of:
• Research
• Teaching
• Administration
• Length – 4 or more pages
Academic CVs

5. • Personal Information
• Education
• Research Experience
• Teaching Experience
• Administrative Experience
• Prizes, Awards & Grants
• Publications
• Conferences
• Professional Memberships
• References
Academic CV Content

6. • Focus on what selectors have asked for and think about your audience
• For an example structure look at Heilmeier’s Catechism
Points to note:
• 2 sides of A4 should be enough
• Make sure you convince the reader that the research is worth doing
• Clearly describe what makes you suitable and why you are applying
• Be specific about research outputs and what you can bring to their team
Research Statements

7. • What are you trying to do? Articulate your objectives using absolutely no
jargon.
• How is it done today, and what are the limits of current practice?
• What's new in your approach and why do you think it will be successful?
• Who cares? If you're successful, what difference will it make?
• What are the risks and the payoffs?
• How much will it cost? How long will it take?
Heilmeier’s Catechism

8. • De-emphasise technical content
• Highlight transferable skills that you have
Non-Academic CVs - PhD Repackaging

9. Output
• Completed thesis
• Teaching
• Completed fieldwork
• Conferences
Difference in Language
Transferable Skills
• Writing, research and analytical
• Planning and communicating
• Project management and problem solving
• Networking and presenting

10. PhD Skill Translating
• Analytical
• Research
• Writing
• Project Management
• Communication
• Presentation
• Teaching
• Networking
• Training
• Teamwork
• Time Management
• Numeracy
• Computer literacy
• Report Writing
• Organising
• Planning
• Problem Solving

11. Non-Academic CVs
Chronological
Two Types of Non-Academic CV

12. • Personal details
• Personal profile – who I am, what I want, what I can offer
• Education
• Experience – any relevant experience should come first
• Skills
• Interests
• References
• Length – 2 pages MAXIMUM
Non-Academic CVs

13. Employer Application Forms
1. Use employers’ guidelines, job description and/or
person specification as a structure and checklist.
2. Use examples of how you meet the criteria, from
your full range of experiences.
3. State why you want to do this job and work for this
organisation.
4. Inject personality – it’s ok to state that you’re really
enthusiastic about this opportunity.

14. Motivational
• Why do you want to work here?
• Why do you think you are suitable for this role?
• Where do you see yourself in X years time?
Competency and strengths based
• Give an example of when you have worked under pressure?
• Give an example of a time when you have made a contribution to a team. What was the
outcome?
• What is the biggest challenge you have faced and how did you handle it?
• Describe a situation where you’ve had to use good communication skills.
Typical Types of Questions

15. Good for structuring answers to competency based questions.
Using the STAR approach

16. Writing style and layout
• Reverse chronological order in sections
• Accurate grammar and spelling
• Logically ordered
• Easy to read and not cramped
• Consider bullet points, underlining and bold

17. • University of Sussex PhD Researchers Careers Support
http://www.sussex.ac.uk/careers/aboutus/researchers
• University of Sussex Careers Website
http://www.sussex.ac.uk/careers
• Vitae Website
https://www.vitae.ac.uk/researcher-careers
Useful Support & Links