It’s time for you to apply for a PhD application, but where do you start writing an academic CV? A CV needs to sell you as an individual, and it is important that you use your CV to communicate exactly why you are perfect for the position. You want the recruiter to get excited at the prospect of working with you. Here are some tips to help you on your way to writing the perfect CV. Every PHD is different and it is essential that you tailor your CV for the course you are applying for. Study the course description and for each point, make sure that your CV shows evidence of you being capable of applying your skills and knowledge to that task. Remember that there may be many other people applying for the same role. You want to make sure that your CV will stand out, and that you are an ideal candidate, so they have no reason not to take you to the next step of the recruitment process. Your format should be kept simple and in the following order, make sure that when listing achievements, they are in reverse chronological order:  

• Name and contact details

• Your academic achievements and qualifications - make sure that your achievements compliment the course description, don’t be modest, really sell yourself here.

• Work experience and research experience - emphasise any specialist areas that you have. Include part time or full time work as long as it is relevant.

• Publications - Include any articles, books or even chapters you have had published.

• Other skills - highlight any further skills that you feel would be essential for the role.

• Posts of responsibility/ teaching experience - if you have lead any projects or organised any activities make sure you include them in your CV. A recruiter would like to know that you are able to lead and show initiative in projects.

• Attendance of conferences and seminars.

• Interests and hobbies - include if adds value to cv e.g. a hobby that shows you have lead a project or worked as part of a team.

• References - you will need to provide two academic referees.

• Make sure that everything you put is relevant for the position, every point has to count.

• Don’t use words like ‘contributed’ or ‘helped.’ – If you had a part in a project make sure you say exactly what you did, saying ‘contributed’ can be seen as being a bit ambiguous, you may have just decided on the title for the project or alternatively written 90% of the project plan.

• PhD CVs are generally longer than standard CVs but make sure that you limit your CV to 4 pages, anymore and you risk the recruiter losing interest in what you have to say. If you remain concise and remove any jargon then you shouldn’t have any problems.

• Make sure that your spelling and grammar is correct, read it through a couples of times and even have a break and come back to it reading it fresh.

• Finally, get a second pair of eyes to check over your CV. If possible, someone who understands what an academic CV should look like and someone who is able to provide you with feedback.

Want more help and advice? Here’s some useful information for those wanting to write the perfect PhD CV.