phd graduate cv example

• • 2+ years of experience in how the AI development lifecycle impacts systems, distributed computing, and cloud-native paradigm
• • Main research focused on how blockchain security could be enhanced by 65% within decentralized infrastructure
• • Other research projects (36+), looking at how future trends could impact network security in AI automated systems
• • Had 16+ publications in the Journal of Computer Science and secured +$16M in grant funding over the last two years
• • Assisted 13+ senior researchers and computer science professors in completing various applications by debugging codes
• • Participated in various other aspects of the software development process, including assessing briefs, writing code, and testing systems to ensure 100% accuracy
• • Built 10 full-stack web applications with Java and Ruby
• • Was tasked to help 5 researchers with the development of for-academia software with a focus on security
• • Analyzed the code specifications and transformations to comply with 100% of all security, accuracy, and client-briefed protocols and parameters
• • Met all mandatory schedule dates within the development process - receiving 98% approval in customer satisfaction

9 PhD Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

In pursuing a PhD, you are responsible for conducting original research, contributing to your field of study, and disseminating findings through publications and presentations. On your resume, highlight your dissertation topic, relevant teaching or mentoring experience, and any grants or fellowships you have received. Emphasize your analytical abilities, research methodology expertise, and proficiency in statistical software or programming languages. Mention any collaborations with industry partners or significant conference presentations to illustrate the impact of your work.

All resume examples in this guide

Traditional

Resume Guide

Guide Overview

Additional Resumes

Extra Reads

Writing Your Ph.D. Resume

Resume Header Tips

Ph.D. Resume Summary

Resume Experience Section

Systematizing Your Experience

How to Include Your Degree

Ph.D. in Progress on Resume

Skill Set for Ph.D. Resumes

Certifications on Resume

Additional Sections

Key Takeaways

George C. Jones's 8-year-Odyssey to his doctoral degree in engineering is finally complete. All he has to do now is complete his Ph.D. resume.

Little does George know that within the next three years, he'd apply to 500+ roles and still not be any closer to working in the renewable energy sector.

A little birdie told us why.

Everywhere George applied, he was labeled as an "egghead": book-smart with no real-world experience.

At least that's the story his resume told.

Unfortunately, George's sad "tale" depicts many graduates’ job searches.

By 2030/31, the US is expected to have 221,000 Ph.D. graduates . While this may be fantastic news for the academic community, the job pool is limited.

Swimming into the big blue sea - a.k.a. the "real world" - would require Ph.D. graduates to adapt their resumes to the business or industry requirements.

And listing vague bullets pinpointing your experience just won't do.

Enhancv knows how to translate your skills, knowledge, and achievements to ensure your resume stands out in the vast talent pool.

Because a well-written Ph.D. resume , showing skills, passion, and knowledge, is your ticket to the moon and beyond.

Our exclusive, Ph.D. resume guide will answer some of the following questions for you:

• What are some of the biggest, unintentional mistakes Ph.D. graduates tend to make when writing their resumes?
• Perfecting the top one-third of your resume: how to get recruiters' attention every time?
• 102 of the most popular Ph.D. skills you need to add to your resume right now!
• Lacking much professional experience: how to align your academic background with job expectations?
• Get inspired with more ideas about formatting, writing your resume summary, and including your academic body of work in a way that works.

4 additional Ph.D. resume samples and why they work

Ph.d. bioengineering graduate.

This Ph.D. Bioengineering Graduate has certainly focused her effort on getting that tenure-track position.

Here’s why her resume works.

Within the top one-third of Dr. Taylor’s resume (the headlines, summary, and skills section), you’ll find many relevant keywords for the job advert.

She has also used the summary to qualify and quantify her results to help recruiters better understand her strengths.

The experience section is split into two parts: the first one notes all relevant teaching experience; the second section showcases depth and knowledge of research.

Dr. Taylor has included industry experience and strengths to further define her skill set and show results.

This approach would also be very helpful for any Applicant Tracking System (ATS) reviewing the resume, as it cross-aligns the candidate’s talents with the job requirements.

Ph.D. mechanical engineering

If you’re wondering how to translate your academics into real-life experience, check this example out.

Dr. Aubry’s resume headline highlights his area of expertise and his Ph.D. degree, while his summary qualifies his key academic achievements, contributions, and success.

Dr. Aubry’s skills section focuses more on the technology he is apt at within the specified job requirements.

His roles as a lab technician, contributor, and research assistant also hint to recruiters that he’s results-oriented and can show how his work affected the industry.

Finally, his strengths section cross-aligns soft skills that are important for the role, including mechanical engineering knowledge, cross-disciplinary teamwork, and technical writing.

Apta certified physical therapist

In some industries, a specific certification can be a real game changer to meeting ATS standards.

Dr. Brubaker knows this and that’s why she has used her resume to highlight her American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) certification within various sections (headline, summary, and certification).

Another reason why Dr. Brubaker’s resume works is that it pinpoints her niche of expertise with tangible results.

Her education section not only lists all of her degrees, but she has turned recruiters’ attention to the grant funding her Ph.D. thesis secured (an outcome of the project).

Did you notice how she curated the experience section? Dr. Brubaker started with her more job-oriented responsibilities, followed by a leadership role.

if you’ve participated in any extracurricular activities during your studies, they could indicate various soft skills on your resume, including leadership, initiative, organization, etc.

data scientist, ongoing Ph.D. in statistics

Are you a current Ph.D. student, wondering how to include your ongoing degree on your resume?

Charles Flack’s resume includes some of the best how-to practices.

Charles uses the resume headline and summary’s first section to specify his research niche, which is followed by his ongoing Ph.D. Status.

N.B. Remember that the recruitment process is one of building trust with honesty. If you note in your resume that you’re a Ph.D. graduate (without this being the reality), recruiters will find out.

Continuing with Charles’s resume summary. It goes on to include an array of expertise and soft skills (e.g. leadership, adaptiveness, perfectionism) all within achieved results in academia.

His experience section includes roles in leadership, technical writing, and private tutoring, denoting individual skills and contributions.

The strengths Charles has included are more specific and tie in with data science roles. Those include quantitative problem-solving, deep learning, and iterative process.

21 Ph.D. related resume examples to help you get inspired

• Entry-Level
• Grant Writer
• Lab Technician
• Research Associate
• Research Assistant
• Lab Assistant
• Lab Manager
• Finance Intern
• Data Science Intern
• Entry Level Engineering
• Entry-Level Mechanical Engineer
• Software Engineer Intern
• Nursing Student
• Data Analyst Entry Level

Quick steps to success in writing your Ph.D. resume to get recruiters’ attention

Let's start with a big no-no: your academic CV, the one you used to secure that tenure position, is a No-go. Put simply - it lacks personality .

HRs and the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) need more context to your experience.

Unfortunately, here comes one of the biggest disadvantages you may face, leaving academia. Often, Ph.D. graduates get rejected as they lack practical work experience .

Don't get discouraged. Instead, find a resume format that works for you.

For Ph.D. graduates that have less work experience, we recommend a functional-skill-based format . It will help you highlight your unique skill set and academic excellence.

Also, it'll align your niche area of expertise with the role expectations.

Now that we've settled the formatting debate, let's look at a couple of more quick pointers for your Ph.D. resume.

1. The top one-third of your resume - the resume header and summary - is crucial to getting a high score on the ATS.

That's why you should try to include as many of the advert's relevant requirements within this section.

2. Expand your qualifications and skills within the experience section.

Don't just list plain bullets, but focus on the outcomes of your studies, research, or publications.

How to write your experience bullets:

3. Speaking of impact, detail your accomplishments within your academic work.

Focus on the picture and your research's influence on the scientific field, business/ industry, or communities.

Bonus: Remember to always list all work and academic experience that is relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Your Ph.D. experience can open many doors for you, giving you a front-row seat on the cutting edge of new technologies.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves, here are a couple more bits and pieces to keep in mind when writing your Ph.D. resume.

What recruiters are looking out for in your Ph.D. resume:

• What methodology or technology have you used to prove your research?
• If you've ever led teams, were you able to manage them successfully?
• Would your niche area of expertise contribute to the organizational goals?
• Can you bring to the table more than just theoretical knowledge?
• How fast can you adapt to a non-academic environment and deliver tangible results?

Ph.D. resume's five most important sections:

• Resume header with keywords from the job description
• Resume summary cross-aligning requirements with experience
• Resume experience to expand on the summary
• Education section, listing all diplomas
• Professional achievements in research and publications

Your Ph.D. resume should balance your knowledge with how fast it can be applied in a real-world environment.

That's why you need to be precise about the resume sections you chose to prove your merit.

Mythbusters: Your PhD resume header under the Enhancv microscope

After endless hours of searching different platforms, you've finally found that cancer research position that perfectly matches your profile.

Avoiding all emotional attachment and excitement, you finally decide on the following header:

2 PhD resume header examples

Let’s look at the bright side of things. If the organization would like to get in touch with Dr. Garnett, they'd easily find his contact details .

But on the other hand, he is making one huge mistake: Dr. Garnett isn't taking advantage of the power of the top section of his resume. More specifically - his headline .

This crucial section could provide Ph.D. graduates with an opportunity to include all relevant keywords that could match their profile. And at the same time, tease their professional story.

This may be obvious, but this example works as it shows that Dr. Garnett is not only a Ph.D. graduate, but his specific area of research and interest, which should supposedly match with the role he’s applying for.

A rule of thumb for headers is to never be vague about your research and expertise.

You could list your Ph.D. degree within your resume title so that it’s the first thing recruiters (and the ATS) see.

In the case of Dr. Garnett, his resume title could read “Dr. David Garnett, Ph.D.”.

Our suggestion is to be wary about the organization you’re applying for because if the culture is more informal, this may come off as “pretentious”.

Ph.D. resume summaries: HRs’ favorite instrument for advanced career storytelling

The Ph.D. resume summary is a really useful section for good first impressions and explaining your experience.

The summary can be used to highlight your skills, strengths, and achievements. While telling the story of your professional growth.

We know how important real-world examples are for you.

So, without further ado, here's how Dr. Lucina Collard rewrote her resume summary. And in the end, got the attention of a prestigious software development company.

2 PhD resume summary examples

Dr. Collard may have spent too much time in the lab, as her Ph.D. resume summary just lists what courses she took and her thesis statement.

No results, no outcomes.

In the end, she did decide to include some soft skills and passions, but without actually pointing out the “why” behind her work. This doesn’t make sense at all.

Here’s what her modified resume summary looked like in the end:

This summary works for one simple reason: it qualifies the achievements.

Dr. Collard has noted that within the past 6 years, she has been specializing in the job advert keywords “robotics” and “mechatronics”. The award is also a nice touch to paint the big picture of her experience.

Dr. Collard is apt at achieving results within a dynamic environment. That includes various professionals from different backgrounds.

When talking about her thesis, she goes on to show her familiarity with the process.

Editing Dr. Collard’s summary may seem just like one small step for her, but it’s actually a giant leap to securing an interview.

Making your Ph.D. resume experience section stand out for all the right reasons

When listing their experience section, most Ph.D. graduates are probably making the same mistakes.

The first one: leaving out your academic practice, thinking that recruiters only want to see work experience.

That's not true at all.

Your education would not only prove your technical capabilities, but also your soft skills. But, more on that in the following paragraphs.

The second error: those tricky job titles.

You'd find 1000+ resumes, listing each experience using the given academic titles; e.g. Professor, Lecturer, Post Doctorate Student, Graduate Student, etc.

Robotic vs personalized approach: 1:0.

The ATS, reviewing your resume, is set to recognize keywords that are vital for the job. The faster those appear at the top of your experience, the better.

Instead of listing that you used to be a "Lecturer at XYZ University", go with "Data Science and Machine Learning Lecturer at XYZ University".

Third slip-up: those tricky experience bullets.

Some Ph.D. graduates just list all their courses, research, and publications.

This isn't the way to go.

You should rather align your knowledge with the job description to prove tangible results.

A couple of questions to help:

• What did this course help me learn and achieve that could be applicable to the job I'm applying for?
• How did leading lectures help me to cooperate better within the learning environment?
• What grants did my publications secure for the educational institute?
• What effects did my research have on the big-picture subjects within the field?
• The more you can get into the actuality (and practicality) of your education, the higher your chances are to get your first interview booked.

Let’s look at an example of how your experience can be showcased within your resume as crucial for the job.

Phd resume experience examples.

• • Got PhD in Philosophy
• • Took Philosophy of Mind, Brain, and Behavior Course
• • Took Ethics Course
• • Wrote Diploma on ‘To Be Or Not To Be: The Ethics of The Human Existence In The 21st Century’

This experience section is pretty negligent and robotic. Did you just get a diploma during those three-plus years?

You may be exiting from a leading higher education institution, but putting in the extra effort to your resume shows that you are diligent.

And that you’re actually invested in getting that particular job.

• • Contributed 60+ publications to the university scientific journal, niching within human rights, ethics, and the big why of human existence
• • Peer-reviewed publications for 12+ philosophy colleagues and professionals with a focus on consistency and validity of the thesis
• • Collaborated with 10+ professionals from arts, science, and biotech fields to question and understand the ethics behind their projects
• • Apart from the scientific paper for my final thesis, entitled 'To Be Or Not To Be: The Ethics of The Human Existence In The 21st Century’, published a short video on the university website to help inspire young professionals of philosophy to always stay alert

There’s no ground for comparison between the two examples. But let’s look at some of the basics.

The first experience bullet hints that the professional can write technical papers for their niche.

Next, the candidate showcases an eye for detail, collaboration, and teamwork.

Finally, they have found a way to get their thesis submitted on time and also make it more understandable.

On a side note - did you notice how a better job title could be a complete game-changer?

One bonus tip on better systematizing your Ph.D. experience

General practice is that you'd create one single resume experience section.

But what if while writing your Ph.D. resume, you realize that in the past six years, all your experience is for the same institution?

Here's an idea to spice up your experience section. You can create a couple of experience sections, based on functionality.

Thus highlighting job advert keywords and, at the same time, including more details.

So you could have some of the following headers, under which you could classify your work:

• Research Experience
• Technical Experience
• Analytical Experience
• Leadership Experience
• Mentorship Experience
• Teamwork Experience
• Higher Education Experience

Feel free to align your transferable skills, which would be beneficial for the job you're applying for.

How should you include your degrees within your Ph.D. resume education section?

Here's the advice you've probably been waiting for; introducing…

… "How to write about your degree without sounding like a snob?"

And there are two possible scenarios at play.

The first is that you're applying for a job related to your area of study.

You should list your Ph.D. degree in detail, including research topics, method expertise, and publications.

As you're writing for non-specialized audiences, don't go overboard with the complex terms. Instead, weave keywords from the job requirements within your education section.

In the second case scenario, you're applying for a job that has nothing to do with your degree.

Keep your education section plain and simple with your degree, university/college, dates, and location.

Either way, remember to always list all of your degrees in chronological order, starting with the latest.

This isn't just some made-up rule or HR caprice. Your resume education helps recruiters determine if:

• Your basic training and knowledge would fit the job
• You stayed focused on your coursework and graduated on time
• You would be a good fit for the team. Some companies tend to hire graduates from the same university

Ph.D. in progress: Should you include your potential degree on your resume?

Being transparent on your Ph.D. resume is what builds that fantastic initial relationship with the company you're applying for.

Thus, you have to be very clear and precise, especially in your education section.

If you're still pursuing your Ph.D. degree, shift the focus from the future to what you've achieved so far.

Your education section could answer any of the following questions:

• How applicable your degree is to the job opening?
• Which of the courses you've completed would help the company grow?
• Is your education a stepping stone within your professional experience?
• What is your expected graduation date?

Being on the course to completing your Ph.D. is definitely commendable, but sometimes life happens. And you may be forced to drop out of your Ph.D. education.

Should you then list the degree you didn't complete?

The answer is 100% yes, as your Ph.D.:

• fills gaps within your professional experience
• is valuable experience
• has helped you gain new knowledge

Making it clear to recruiters that your degree is "Incomplete" or that you "Didn't Graduate" is very important.

List your degree, dates, university/college, and status.

If you get to the interview stage, recruiters will ask you why you dropped out. Be prepared to talk about why it wasn't the best option for your career at the time, or hint at the circumstances.

Even if it's hard to believe, HR managers are people - just like you and me - and they are able to show understanding and compassion.

Ph.D. resume: Is there a dream skill set your potential employers would like to see?

Recruiters review your resume to see how your experience aligns with the role, with a big focus on transferrable skills.

Or in other words, what else can you bring to the table to help the business or institution grow?

And transferable skills can be both hard (or technical ) and soft skills .

Your hard skills include the technology you used to complete your studies.

Consider the opportunities you've has to:

• test and measure antennas parameters in an Anechoic chamber
• audit in a lab environment renewable energy sources' efficiency
• develop software, using Python, to patch cybersecurity risks

The list can go and on and on. Your Ph.D. has probably provided you with a pretty solid technical background.

When writing your resume’s separate technical skills section, ever wonder which technology should go first?

Rule of thumb: align the technology within the job description with your expertise.

The more proficient you are at a certain skill, the sooner you should list it.

Wondering what some of the most popular Ph.D. resume hard and technical skills are?

Check out our list, based on some of the most popular industries.

PhD resume technical skills for various roles:

15 hard skills for opportunities in business consulting:

• Knowledge of different business-crucial frameworks, including Benchmarking, Balanced Scorecard, Porter’s Five Forces, The GE-McKinsey Nine-Box Matrix, The BCG Growth-Share Matrix, Core Competencies
• Data Management and Analysis
• Advanced Data Modelling
• Strategy, Planning and Implementation
• Assessing and Managing Risk Using Frameworks
• Statistics and Understanding Correlations
• CRMs: Salesforce, Zendesk, Bitrix24, etc.
• Lead Generation Software: Zendesk Sell, Pipedrive, HubSpot, etc.
• Project Management Software: Jira, Hive, Asana, etc.
• Employer and Customer Satisfaction Surveys
• Proposal Writing
• Scheduling Software: Calendly, Google Calendar, Doodle, etc.
• Revenue Optimization and Sales

15 technical skills for biology, biotech, biochemistry, and medical research:

• Design, conduct, and analyze scientific research
• Tissue Culture
• PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
• Gel Electrophoresis
• Western Blot
• Molecular (Gene) Cloning and various techniques
• Flow Cytometry
• Mass Spectrometry
• Confocal Microscopy
• Cell-Based Assays
• Radioimmunoassays
• Data Analysis in biotechnology, bioinformatics, and medical research
• Laboratory and Equipment

15 engineering technical skills to add to your PhD resume:

• Manufacturing: Forging, Welding, Assembling, etc.
• Quality Control
• Industrial /System Design and Analysis
• Conceptual, Logical, or Physical Data Modeling
• AI and/ or Machine Learning
• Design Tools: AutoCAD, SolidWork, 3dsMax, etc.
• Programming Languages: C++, Python, Java, etc.
• Equipment Diagnosis
• Project Management: Trello, Zoho, Microsoft Project, etc.
• Data Analysis Software: Microsoft Power BI, Tableau, Qlik Sense, etc.
• CNC Programming
• Advanced Physics
• Structural Analysis
• Nanotechnology

15 recommended computer science technologies:

• Programming languages: C++, PHP, Swift, etc.
• Software engineering and development: Atom, GitHub, Chrome DevTools. etc.
• Cloud Platforms
• Data migration and deployment
• Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)
• Integrated Environments Management
• Network Maintenance
• Cybersecurity
• Machine learning AI
• Business Intelligence and Statistical Analysis Tools
• SQL Consoles
• SAS Development and Forecasting
• Data Modelling Tools: ER/Studio, Archi, Ludichart, etc.
• Automation Tools

15 academic and research technical skills:

• Technical Literacy
• Presentation and visual: Tableau, Prezi, PPT, etc.
• Learning platforms: Moodle, Classroom, Teams, etc.
• Surveys: Google Forms, MailChimp, Kahoot, etc.
• Data-Processing Software: SPSS, RStudio, NVivo, etc.
• Academic Networks: Google Scholar, Academia.edu., ResearchGate, etc.
• Academic Research and Technical Writing
• Email Writing
• Data and Information Analysis
• Copyright and License
• Videoconferencing: Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, etc.
• Applications for Securing Grants and Funding
• Peer Reviews and Co-Writing Interdisciplinary Technical Papers

Moving on to your PhD resume soft skills

There's still no precise formula for how soft skills are gained and applied in the workplace.

How many times have you seen an advert that requires "a can-do attitude and teamwork"?

Yet soft skills are on all recruiters' must-have checklists.

In the case of Ph.D. applicants, these transferable skills are built thanks to all the healthy habits you've maintained through your education, including your:

• collaboration
• ability to meet deadlines

Soft skills hint to recruiters more about your character and style of work.

Here are some ideas as to which ones you can include within your resume:

37 PhD soft skills to spice up your resume:

• Critical / Logical Thinking
• Problem-Solving
• Time Management
• Brainstorming
• Creativity and Innovation
• Meeting Deadlines
• Working Under Pressure
• Negotiation
• Project Management
• Organization
• Prioritization
• Flexibility
• Independent Work
• Ethical Decision-Making
• Leadership or Mentorship
• Collaboration
• Teaching or Lecturing
• Conduct Meetings
• Supervision
• Feedback and Evaluation
• Motivating Others
• Communicating Ideas
• Presentation
• Constructive Debating
• Leading or Participating in Group Discussions
• Public Speaking
• Accelerated Learning
• Attention to Detail
• Writing Proficiency
• Quantitative Literacy
• Listening and Reflection

When describing your leadership or mentorship soft skills, here are a couple of questions you could answer within your resume to qualify your achievements:

• What actions did you take to maintain a constant and successful team dynamic?

Mix in extracurricular certificates

Back in the day, you earned a couple of extracurricular certificates and wondering if you should include those on your Ph.D. resume.

Again, it's a matter of analyzing how necessary your certification is for the job.

E.g. if AICPA's CPA certificate is listed as obligatory within the job description - and you have earned yours - you know what to do.

Certificates show that you're willing to put in the extra effort to stay relevant. Proving that you're committed, flexible, and a life-long learner.

So, think about the relevancy the certificate would have within your field.

Then, consider including some of these popular certificates:

Top 50 PhD certificates from various institutions for your resume:

• Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) - Certified Professional
• ACRP - Clinical Research Associate Certification
• ACRP - Clinical Research Coordinator Certification
• American Health Information Management Association - Coding Specialist Physician-Based Certification
• Nationally Registered Certified Patient Care Technician
• National Healthcare Association (NHA) - EKG Technician Certification
• NHA - Phlebotomy Technician Certification
• NHA - Clinical Medical Assistant Certification
• American Association of Medical Assistants - Medical Assistant Certification
• Red Cross - Nursing Assistant Certification
• Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc. - Registered Behavior Technician
• American Association of Professional Coders - Certified Professional Coder
• Pharmacy Technician Certification Board - Certified Pharmacy Technician
• Society for Clinical Data Management - Clinical Data Manager
• American Medical Writers Association - Medical Writer Certified
• Board of Editors in Life Science - Board-Certified Editor in Life Science
• International Society for Medical Publication Professionals - Certified Medical Publication Professional
• Regulatory Affairs Professional Society - Regulatory Affairs Certification
• Google Project Management Professional
• Society of ​​Petroleum Engineers - Petroleum Engineering Certification
• American Institute of Chemists - National Certification Commission in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Certification
• Coursera - Software Engineering MasterTrack Certificate
• Cisco Certified Network Professional in Service Provider Operations
• CompTIA Security+ Certification
• (ISC)² Certified Information Systems Security Professional
• American Society for Quality (ASQ) - Quality Engineer Certification
• ASQ - Reliability Engineer Certification
• Advanced Certificate Program in CFD-Aircraft Aerodynamics
• Engineer in Training License and Certification
• Society of Broadcast Engineers - Certified Audio Engineer
• Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering - Certified Technical Professional
• International Council on Systems Engineering - Systems Engineering Professional Certification
• American Academy of Project Management - Certified Planning Engineer
• Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Master Specialist Certificate
• iNARTE Electromagnetic Compatibility Designer Engineer Certificate
• American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists - Board Certified Environmental Engineer
• American Public Power Association - Key Accounts Certificate Program
• Global Association of Quality Management - Certified Agile Developer
• Environmental Protection Agency - Operator Certification Program Management
• Institute of Management Accountants - Certified Management Accountant
• National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers - Certified Bookkeeper
• Association of International Certified Professional Accountants - Certified Public Accountant
• Chartered Financial Analyst Institute - Chartered Financial Analyst
• Internal Revenue Service - Enrolled Agent
• The Institute of Internal Auditors - Certified Internal Auditor
• Association of Certified Fraud Examiners - Certified Fraud Examiner
• National Association of Sales Professionals - Certified Professional Sales Person
• Institutes of Management Consulting - Certified Management Consultant

PhD resume: let’s get creative with a few more resume sections

When completing your Ph.D. resume, you should always find ways to stand out from the crowd.

That’s why we’ve compiled for you some of the most popular sections which you could add to your resume.

Before doing so, always question each section's relevance to the job you're applying for.

• Publications or Projects - focus on topic, methodology, and impact; include your grant ID code, if your research won any funding
• Academic Awards - once more, consider if those would shine a better light on your expertise
• Conference Presentations - this would showcase your public speaking abilities
• Language Skills - be honest when listing your language proficiency

One final word of warning - your Ph.D. resume offers limited space to showcase your expertise, so try to make the most out of it.

key takeaways

• The extra effort to align your Ph.D. skills with the job you're applying for always gets recruiters' attention.
• Include as many relevant keywords within the header and summary of your Ph.D. resume.
• Have separate sections, detailing how your academic background has helped you attain experience, skills, and certifications.
• List chronologically all degrees you've earned through your education, with an adaptable approach to details.
• Remember that the recruiters or the ATS assessing your resume may not be that scientifically literate. Substitute complex terminology with impact and results.

Looking to build your own PhD resume?

• Resume Examples

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• How to Write a PhD CV

Written by Chris Banyard

As you embark on your journey towards obtaining a PhD, crafting a compelling academic CV is a crucial step in your PhD application . Unlike a traditional CV, an academic CV focuses intensely on your academic accomplishments, research experience, and scholarly contributions. It’s your opportunity to showcase your qualifications concisely and effectively to potential supervisors and admission committees.

Writing a PhD CV can feel daunting, especially given its importance and the specific requirements it entails. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore how to write a compelling PhD CV, offering detailed examples and actionable advice to help you stand out. Whether you're applying for a program in the UK or internationally, these tips will ensure your CV is both informative and engaging.

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What is an academic cv.

An academic CV is a document tailored to highlight your academic achievements and research activities. Unlike a standard CV, which typically focuses on work experience and skills, an academic CV offers extensive details on your academic background, publications, research projects, teaching experience, and more. This format allows you to provide a thorough representation of your scholarly journey and potential to contribute to your chosen field of study.

How long should an academic CV be?

While an early-career academic CV should be kept to no more than four pages, most can effectively convey necessary information in two pages. It’s important to avoid being overly verbose and to maintain relevance throughout. Keep in mind that clarity and relevance are more impressive than length. Admission committees often appreciate a well-organized, concise CV that communicates your qualifications effectively.

Key features of an academic CV

• Professional and up-to-date : Ensure the CV is professional, up-to-date, and tailored to the specific PhD program you’re applying for. Regularly update your CV to include new research, publications, and academic achievements.
• Reverse-chronological order : Present information in reverse-chronological order, starting with the most recent activities. This approach makes it easier for reviewers to see your latest work and progress.
• Focus on relevance : Highlight experiences and accomplishments relevant to the PhD program. Tailoring each section to align with the specific requirements and interests of the program can significantly increase your chances of success.
• Concise and clear : Despite the potential for length, aim for clarity and conciseness. Avoid overly verbose descriptions and ensure that essential information is easily accessible.

PhD cover letters

An academic CV is often accompanied by a PhD cover letter. This will give you the chance to expand on the experience you've laid our in your CV and fill in any gaps.

Read more about PhD cover letters .

PhD CV format

An academic CV has several additional sections compared to a standard CV .

1. Personal profile and research interests

2. publications, 3. research experience, 4. teaching experience, 5. funding and awards, 6. professional society membership.

• 6. Referees

This section, often found at the top of your CV, should provide a brief summary of your research experience and interests. Tailor it to the specific PhD program by addressing the project or job description directly. A well-crafted personal profile can set the tone for the rest of your CV.

As with all aspects of a PhD CV, it is better to show, not tell . Give evidence of skills, interest and enthusiasm where possible rather than just stating it outright.

If you are deeper into your academic career, and have lots of publications and research experience, you may not need to have a research interests section – it should be fairly clear from your research experience.

• "I have spent four years studying 18th Century History, focusing on the French Revolution. I've published several articles in renowned history journals and presented my findings at international conferences. I aim to deepen my expertise through PhD research at your esteemed institution, particularly exploring socio-political impacts of revolutionary movements."

"I’m enthusiastic about Science and I really like learning. My research interest is Physics. I’ve got undergraduate and Masters degrees in Physics, so I want to do a PhD next."

List any journal articles, books (or chapters), reports, and patents in reverse chronological order. Highlight your name if you are one of many authors. This section demonstrates your ability to contribute original research to your field.

If this is a long list, it may be better suited as an appendix .

Detail all relevant research projects, including your current research. Describe the projects clearly, listing the skills and experiences gained. Mention supervisors and highlight any impressive aspects. This section is crucial as it shows your hands-on experience and technical abilities.

2017-present: Investigation into Viral Capsid Protein Self-Assembly

Masters degree research project, supervised by Prof. J. Bloggs. Acquired knowledge in molecular biology techniques and in vitro protein analysis. Presented findings at several academic conferences.

2016: Redox Sensors of Bacillus subtilis

Undergraduate research project under the supervision of Dr S. Smyth. Gained experience of protein crystallisation and bioinformatic analysis. My research report for this project was awarded a First Class mark.

Laboratory research. I have research experience in Molecular Biology laboratories at the Universities of Aberdeen and Dundee, developing relevant skills such as PCR, genetic cloning, protein purification, and protein crystallisation.

Presenting. I have presented research using a variety of techniques, including talks, posters, and workshops. These have been presented to academic experts at national conferences.

Academic writing. I have written many pieces of assessed research writing. These include literature reviews, research reports, and meta-analyses. All marks shown in Education section.

Include any teaching or mentoring roles you've undertaken, indicating the level of students and any additional responsibilities, such as planning or grading. Teaching experience is often highly valued in academic settings as it shows your ability to disseminate knowledge effectively.

List any competitive grants, scholarships, fellowships, or bursaries you’ve received. This demonstrates your ability to secure competitive funding—a key skill in academia. Highlighting these achievements can significantly bolster your application.

Being actively involved in professional societies shows commitment to your field of study. Ensure you include dates of membership. Active participation in these societies can also provide networking opportunities and demonstrate your engagement with the academic community.

7. Referees

Always check the application requirements for the number of referees needed. Typically, provide at least two academic references who can vouch for your competence and potential. Choose referees who know your work well and can speak to your specific qualifications and achievements.

What if I don’t have publications / experience?

As a PhD applicant, it is unlikely that you will already have lots of publications, research experience or academic funding / awards.

If you do, this will go a long way to building a successful application.

However, as an undergraduate or new postgraduate student you will not be expected to have lots of this.

It is important to include any experience you have (for example, a research project at Masters level) and show an enthusiasm for research.

It could be worth changing your PhD CV to a more skills-based format. In this way, you can put more focus on transferable skills that are useful in academia, and less focus on research experience.

If your CV still seems bare, it may be beneficial for your academic CV if you can find ways to get research experience or develop research skills.

Academic CV flexibility

There is some flexibility in writing a CV – you can change the sections included to better suit you or better suit the application.

General CV sections

Some of the same sections as a general CV should be included in an academic CV. However, these may need to be adjusted to be appropriate for a position in academia.

This should be your name, fairly large and clear, at the top of the page. It is not necessary to write “CV” or “Curriculum Vitae” – this should be obvious to the reader.

Include your contact information below this, such as your address, phone number and email.

For an academic CV, this is an important section and usually is found near the top of the CV. List by degree, plus titles, with the most advanced first (i.e. PhD, Masters, Bachelors etc.). It is acceptable to include your current degree, clearly noted.

This section is vital to show the hard skills necessary to be eligible for the position. For example, if a PhD project description states that applicants require a Masters degree, then your relevant Masters degree should be prominent here.

If useful to the application, you can include individual courses on a degree with their marks. But, give course titles and do not include course codes – these are usually just for internal administration purposes.

Results pending

A student applicant may not have received exam / dissertation results at the time of applying. This is acceptable – just include any results or marks you have already.

Other skills

Research and teaching skills may already be included in specific sections, but this section may serve for any other relevant skills .

This can include things like administrative experience, professional development, additional training, and languages (with proficiency noted).

• Administration experience: treasurer for University English Literature Society, management of local business’ social media accounts
• Technology skills: Diploma of Graphic Design & Desktop Publishing (awarded by International Career Institute)
• Languages: French (fluent), German (conversational)

I like reading books. I have experience of working in a local shop. Good with animals. Can do 46 keepie-uppies in a row. . .

Discussion of CV content at the interview

If you are shortlisted for a PhD interview , you may be asked to discuss the contents of your CV. Therefore, you can keep the CV concise and clear, and expand later at the interview if it is relevant.

Should I include a photo of myself?

In the UK, USA and Canada, a photo should not be included. In some professions, this will cause the CV to immediately be discarded due to anti-discrimination laws.

However, in some countries, for example in continental Europe, photos are often included at the top of a CV. Always check the conventions of the country you are applying to.

Layout and formatting

Most of the same rules apply for a general CV as for an academic CV. However, it may be useful to check the common PhD resume format conventions for a specific academic field – these can sometimes vary.

Organisation

For all CVs, the most important parts for the application are placed at the top. Generally speaking, you should follow this PhD CV template when ordering the sections of your resume:

• 1. Name and contact information
• 2. Education
• 3. Publications
• 4. Research experience
• 5. Teaching experience
• 6. Funding and awards
• 7. Professional society membership
• 8. Referees

The exact order of these can be adjusted to better suit the application and the applicant.

There is some flexibility in the PhD resume formats. You may choose a style that you like, but it should follow the following rules.

The format of the CV should always be clear, with a readable, normal-sized font and line-spacing where possible. Make sure the format is consistent throughout.

Headings and subheadings can be larger and / or emboldened. There should be clear spaces or definitions between each section.

UK and Canada CV vs. USA CV

There can be differences in the layout and formatting of CVs in different countries. UK / Canadian CVs tend to be shorter and more condensed than their American counterparts. Always check the conventions of the country you are applying to.

Tips for writing an academic CV

As you write your academic CV for a PhD application, there are plenty of things you should bear in mind to make sure that you give a strong impression to those reading it. These are our tips for producing a great academic CV:

• Make it clear and scannable : Ensure all information is easy to find at a glance. Use clear headings, bullet points, and avoid splitting sections across two pages. A well-organised CV will make a better impression.
• Proofread and seek feedback : Have multiple people review your CV to catch potential errors and improve clarity. It’s particularly useful to receive feedback from someone experienced in your field.
• Avoid redundancy : Do not duplicate information already present in your cover letter, research proposal, or personal statement. Each document should provide unique insights into your qualifications and ambitions.
• Tailor to each application : Customise each CV to align with the specific requirements of the PhD program or project description. Highlight the experiences and skills most relevant to each unique opportunity.
• Correct formatting : Use consistent fonts and styles, avoid jargon, and submit your CV in PDF format to prevent formatting issues. Proper formatting ensures that your CV looks polished and professional.

Finally, always get additional advice and opinions. Not all advice is good, but you should always get help to find any mistakes or opportunities for improvement. Advice from someone who is experienced in the research field – perhaps a PhD graduate themselves – who can offer discipline-specific help on the academic CV will be particularly useful.

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5 PhD Resume Examples Made to Work for 2024 

• PhD Student Resumes by Type
• PhD Student Resumes by Role
• Write Your PhD Resume
• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

With the role of a PhD student, you’re the intellectual powerhouse driving groundbreaking research and contributing to the advancement of knowledge. Your expertise allows you to dive deep into complex subjects, developing innovative solutions and pushing the boundaries of what’s already known. 

At the same time, you’ll need to balance your responsibilities as a teacher as well, imparting your knowledge to the undergraduates at your institution. Crafting a resume and creating a cover letter that demonstrate your ability to shine in this diverse role is no easy task.

Luckily, we’re here to guide you through the maze of showcasing your academic journey. With our varied PhD application resume examples , you’ll find the ideal resume template to help you craft your own winning resume in no time.

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• Thankfully, Liam does a great job highlighting his internship and project achievements and how both are applicable in helping sustainably improve production.

PhD Student Resume

• One strategy you can use to boost the chances of your PhD student resume to clinch an enrolment slot into the health sciences department is by harnessing the achievements from a volunteer project that brought screening services to a marginalized community.

PhD Application Resume

• Therefore, achievements in increasing student participation and engagement accompanied by metrics in improved grades and assessment scores would go a long way to prop your suitability.

Engineering PhD Resume

• Hence, including it in your engineering PhD resume will do wonders and show that you’re a state-approved individual who knows what they’re doing. Employers will almost always prefer a licensed professional over an unlicensed one.

PhD Scientist Resume

• That’s where you’re going to include some numbers to add readability to your PhD scientist resume. Now, don’t be random and use metrics for impactful bullet points like decreasing experimental errors or analyzing a large number of samples.

Related resume examples

• Research Assistant

Adapt Your PhD Resume to the School You’re Applying to

As an aspiring PhD student, your resume is your scholarly calling card, showcasing the intellectual artillery you bring to the academic battlefield. 

This is where you can showcase your skills and express why you’re the right person to join the program. To do this, tailor your skills section to align with the specific requirements of your desired program and department. 

Highlight your expertise in research methodologies, statistical analysis, and any specialized software or equipment you’ve mastered. For the more technically inclined, don’t shy away from showcasing hard skills like Python, Matlab, Java, or Tableau.

You can also include a couple of soft skills because they’re essential for giving lectures and mentoring students. Just remember to reinforce them with demonstrable examples in the experience section later. 

Want some pointers?

15 top PhD skills

• Microsoft Office
• Google Sheets
• Research Methodologies 
• Academic Writing
• Public Speaking
• Lesson Planning
• Grant Proposals
• Grading Essays
• Collaborative Research

Your PhD work experience bullet points

From conducting groundbreaking research to publishing papers, your journey as an academic is about more than just the day-to-day grind. In the experience section of your resume, the real spotlight should be on your transformative contributions. 

If this isn’t your first PhD, highlight achievements from your previous studies like securing research grants, publishing impactful papers, or successfully leading research projects. If you’re moving up from postgraduate studies, highlight the best and most impressive accomplishments from your master’s and bachelor’s degrees. 

Add some numbers to make your accomplishments pop. This could be the number of students mentored, successful experiments and research projects, or the reach of your published work. 

• Highlight the number of your articles or research papers that were published in reputable journals.
• Quantify the success of research projects with metrics such as project scope, budget management, or studies carried out.
• Demonstrate your ability to secure research funding by specifying the number and value of grants obtained.
• Showcase your impact as a mentor or tutor by talking about the number of students you’ve guided or the way they were able to improve their grades through your help.

See what we mean?

• Created engaging course materials using Articulate Storyline, resulting in a 39% increase in student engagement and comprehension
• Managed EHR software to document patient assessments, vital signs, and medication administration, maintaining 99.99% accuracy in recordkeeping
• Partnered with farmers to develop customized crop management plans, resulting in a 31% increase in yields
• Assisted in the development and implementation of assessments, leading to a 33% reduction in student dropout rates

9 active verbs to start your PhD work experience bullet points

• Innovated 
• Collaborated

3 Tips for Writing a PhD Resume With Little Prior Experience

• Mention your involvement in conferences and workshops. This will showcase your ability to engage with and contribute to the broader scholarly community.
• Echo your passion for knowledge throughout your resume, and look into the future. Outline your career objectives , illustrating your commitment to making a lasting impact through your PhD studies.
• Any and all academic achievements look great on a PhD resume, so make sure to add them. Talk about your GPA, awards won, or competitions you’ve participated in to show your drive as a college student.

3 Tips for Writing a PhD Resume for Your Second PhD

• Research is often independent, and academics are sometimes considered lone wolves. That’s why it’s important to emphasize your leadership and collaboration skills explicitly. The school needs to know you can mentor students and collaborate with other colleagues effectively—so turn up the enthusiasm for this area!
• If you’re going for a research role, it’s essential to be at the forefront of your field—following all the latest papers and studies. You can show this by mentioning your participation in research initiatives or the conferences you like to attend. 
• Show that you put just as much effort into your students as you put into your research by sharing student performance and engagement metrics. You can also discuss your favorite lecture and seminar-planning techniques to convey your passion and commitment. 

Absolutely! While not mandatory, a tailored career summary can be a powerful tool. Customize it for the PhD position, mentioning the specific program and academic role. Don’t forget to highlight things like research methodologies, data analysis, and any unique contributions to your academic field.

Choose a clean and professional format that prioritizes your academic achievements and research experience. Use clear headings, bullet points, and a consistent structure, much like you would in a research paper. 

Include skills that align with the specific requirements of the PhD program and your academic discipline. Highlight technical and soft skills relevant to research, teaching, fieldwork, and collaboration.

• How to write an Academic CV for a PhD Application
• Applying to a PhD
• The purpose of an academic CV for a PhD application is to provide a summary of your educational background and demonstrate the research skills and relevant experience you have that make you capable of undertaking a PhD.
• It should be divided into nine sections : (1) contact information, (2) research interests, (3) education, (4) research and work experience, (5) teaching experience, (6) relevant skills and experience, (7) publications and conferences, (8) professional memberships, (9) referees.
• It should ideally be up to two pages for a new research student, but can extend up to four pages if required.
• The smaller details matter more than you think – write concisely, use consistent formatting, avoid jargons and general statements, check spelling and grammar, and have at least one academic to proofread it for you, ideally in the same area you are applying to.

Introduction

So you are nearing the end of your current degree or making a return to education, and you’ve decided to make your next step a PhD. While the road ahead will be filled with much excitement, you’ll need to secure your position first. This will all begin with a strong PhD application and an equally impressive academic CV and personal statement or cover letter.

Together with your personal statement or cover letter, your CV will show who you are as an individual and what you have to offer. It needs to be concise, correctly formatted and well written to convince your preferred university and supervisor that you are the right student for the project.

This step-by-step guide will get you on your way to creating an outstanding academic CV for your next PhD application. We’ll discuss the sections your CV should be structured into, what each of these sections should include, and how it should be written. We’ll also give you valuable tips that are sure to get your readers’ attention.

What Is an Academic CV?

When applying for a PhD position, it’s common for the university to request a curriculum vitae (CV) from you to accompany your application.

An academic CV may appear similar to a standard CV used for job applications, but they are two relatively unique documents.

Where a standard CV focuses mostly on what your previous responsibilities have been and what you have accomplished to date, an academic CV concentrates on your academic background, achievements and experiences . Your academic CV will be used by a PhD supervisor to determine whether you can meet the challenges associated with undertaking a demanding PhD research project, as not everyone can.

How to Write an Academic CV for A PhD Application

A good academic CV should be broken into nine section headings:

• Contact Information
• Research Interests / Personal Profile
• Research and Work Experience
• Teaching Experience
• Relevant Skills and Experience
• Publications and Conferences
• Professional Memberships
• Referees / References

Below, we discuss what each of these sections should contain and how they should be written.

1. Contact Information

Start your CV by providing your contact details. All of the following should be included:

• Full name  – Your name should be your document title, formatted in bold and centralised text.
• Email address and contact number
• Location  – Your town/city and country, e.g. ‘Birmingham, UK’, will be sufficient; it’s not necessary to provide your full home address.
• Profiles  – Include a link to any professional profiles you may have, such as LinkedIn or ResearchGate.

NOTE:  Some individuals include a profile photo but be careful before doing so. While this would be expected in some countries such as those in Asia, the Middle East and Africa, this would not be the case in other countries such as the UK and US. This is because it can lead to complications with labour and anti-discrimination laws and potentially cost you your application. We therefore strongly advise you to look into the norms and regulations of the host country before deciding to do so.

2. Research Interests / Personal Profile

For an academic CV written for a PhD position, your ‘research interests’ section will double as you ‘personal profile’. As a brief introduction to yourself, this will be an important section as it sets the first impression of you for the reader.

Use bullet points or a brief paragraph to summarise who you are, your relevant qualifications, your research interests and your relevant skills and experience. When writing this section, your focus should be on two aspects: demonstrating your  ability to conduct a PhD  and your  enthusiasm for the project .

To create an impactful research interests’ section, adhere to the following:

• Tailor to each research project you apply for:  One of the easiest ways to do this is to read the project description attached to the PhD advert, identify two to three of the most prominent keywords, and incorporate them into your writeup.
• Keep it short:  This section is only an introduction, so keep it concise and punchy over long and detailed; 50 – 60 words is a good target.
• Make every word count:  As 50 – 60 words isn’t much, be as specific as you can. Avoid clichés such as “I am committed to research and have a high attention to detail” at all costs; not only are they generic and overused, they also don’t provide the reader with any useful insights into you.

3. Education

A PhD CV is all about academic achievements and qualifications, so your education section should be given high importance and form the bulk of your CV, especially as it will be used to determine if have the core skills required for the position.

Working in reverse chronological order, provide a breakdown of your current academic qualifications. For most of you, this will be an undergraduate Bachelor’s degree and a postgraduate Master’s degree.

When listing your qualifications, provide the full name of the degree, the degree type, and the duration in terms of its start and end year. You do not need to limit this to your past qualifications; if you’re currently studying or taking an external course, include them as well, but state that they are ongoing and provide an expected grade if you have one.

If your degree is relevant to the PhD project you are applying to, include a list of the modules you completed and your corresponding marks; the same applies to your final year dissertation project.

Note:  If you list your relevant modules, streamline their names by removing any course codes. For example, “FN01 Fluid Dynamics” should become “Fluid Dynamics”. Course codes are only used for internal purposes, and each university will have its own system, so remove them to avoid any possible confusion.

Feel free to also list your GCSEs, A-Levels or other relevant academic qualifications if applicable to the field you are applying to, however, this isn’t necessary, and most supervisors will not ask for them. The exception to this is if your university degree is not directly related to the project you are applying for, but your previous qualifications are. In these cases, include them to help demonstrate the suitability of your academic background.

Finally, list any honours, awards and prizes that you have won or any other notable academic achievements that will help to strengthen your application.

4. Research and Work Experience

Your research and relevant work experience is just as, if not more, important than your educational background. This is because most applicants applying for the position will have similar qualifications, so your research experience can often be the deciding factor when all other things are considered equal.

Your research experience may include both paid and voluntary, full-time and part-time work, as well as university project work. However, in all cases, the experience you mention should be relevant to the project you are applying for or have helped you develop skills that make you a more capable researcher. For example, it’s not necessary to mention your time in retail, but any previous time as a laboratory or teaching assistant or teaching support absolutely will be.

If you any discuss research that you have done as part of your studies, present them as individual project listed in reverse chronological order, as before. You can also include research projects you are currently working on, regardless of how developed they are.

When discussing any projects, include the following:

• What the project was about,
• What research methods you used,
• The skills you gained,
• Any notable achievements or outcomes.

5. Teaching Experience

Since one of the main career paths after a PhD is an academic career, teaching experience can significantly strengthen your academic CV. However, it is generally accepted that not all applicants will have teaching experience, but if you do, include it here.

When discussing your teaching experience, state what level it was at, e.g. undergraduate or postgraduate, and what it involved, i.e. marking, teaching, supervising or organising.

6. Relevant Skills and Experience

This section should describe all other skills and experiences that will help strengthen your application.

They should be specific to the PhD project or demonstrate your potential to become a competent researcher. This includes:

• Technical skills and experience, e.g. the use of computer software packages or research equipment common to the project you’re applying for.
• Non-project specific courses you’ve sat, e.g. an academic writing and communication course.
• Languages you know with their proficiencies noted.

7. Publications and Conferences

Most students won’t have academic publications, but if you do, list them here. Formal publications can include anything from journal articles, which is most likely to an adaptation of your final year dissertation project if you do have one, and published reports. If you have these, list them in reverse chronological order using the reference system adopted by the university you are applying to, as this is what the PhD supervisor will most likely be used to.

If you aren’t a published author or co-author, you can still include other text publications that you may have been involved in, such as online articles, magazines, newsletters and blogs. The topics of these publications should relate to your field or academia in general and be written in a formal tone that showcases your critical thinking and writing skills.

If you’ve ever given a conference presentation, include it here with details of the name, date and location of the conference, the title of your presentation and a summary of what it was about.

Even if you haven’t presented in conferences, you should still list any you have attended, including any seminars or talks. This is a useful way to illustrate your interest in the subject and your commitment to gaining new knowledge within your field.

TIP:  If you haven’t attended many conferences or seminars, consider attending several upcoming ones relevant to the research area you’re interested in. Not only is this a great way to learn more about the field in terms of its latest developments and gaps, but it can also be an effective way to make your academic CV more relevant if it’s currently light on research experience.

8. Professional Memberships

Being affiliated with an academic group, society or professional body demonstrates your enthusiasm for your field and for connecting with other like-minded individuals within the community.

When listing these, include the name of the group, the associated membership dates and the position you have held within it.

9. Referees / References

Your references will form the last section of your academic CV.

Your PhD application should specify the number of referees you should include, but if it does not, try to include at least two, but ideally three.

Two of the referees should be academic, with most students choosing their personal tutor and their final year’s dissertation project supervisor. It can be other staff members, but the essential requirement is that it is someone who knows you well enough to be able to substantiate your abilities and character.

If you don’t have two academic referees, you can use a professional referee as long as they are still relevant to the project you are applying for. This will most likely be the case for those who have worked in industry for some time before deciding to return to education.

When creating your reference list, list your referees in order of relevance and how well they know you, not in alphabetical order. This is so if only the first referee is called upon, it will be the individual who can provide you the most useful reference. The following information should be provided:

• Professional title,
• Name of current university,
• Phone number and email address.

It’s imperative that you first seek permission from the individuals before listing them as a referee. It would also be beneficial to send them a copy of your CV, cover letter and application form so they can familiarise themselves with the broader details in case they are called upon.

Tips for Creating a Standout Academic CV

No matter how impressive your academic achievements are or how much experience you have accumulated in your field, the PhD supervisor may never find out if your CV is too difficult to read. With this in mind, here are a few tips for achieving a high degree of clarity:

Formatting for Clarity

• Highlight key information through the use of bolding, italics and underlining, but be careful not to overdo it so that it loses its purpose.
• Keep your formatting consistent throughout, such as indentations, font type and font size, vertical spacing and margins.
• Insert page numbers on each page.
• Avoid jargon and abbreviations to maximise clarity.
• Avoid splitting sections across two pages.

Keep It Concise

• Try to limit your CV to two pages and not more than four. If you need to go over two pages, make sure the most important information is on the first two pages.
• Avoid dense paragraphs, overly long sentences and generic statements. The aim is to pass on essential information in a way that doesn’t require the reader to have to extract it themselves. This leads to the next tip,
• Use bullet points whenever possible, they’re easier to digest than paragraphs.

NOTE:  Remember that you will also submit a cover letter or personal statement alongside your CV, so don’t feel the need to cover everything to a high level of detail here as you will have the opportunity to do so elsewhere.

Check and Revise

• As a rule of thumb, the academic CV you submit as part of your PhD application should be the third or fourth version you produce. Try to keep a day or two between each version so that you always approach it with a fresh perspective.
• Proofread for any spelling and grammar mistakes. Although this will seem like we’re stating the obvious, a small mistake can be enough to jeopardise your chances considering that there will be many other high-profile candidates for the supervisor to choose from.
• Have your document checked, first by an academic such as your tutor, and second by a professional proofreader or by an advisor from your university’s careers team. The former will check for technical issues, the latter for common curriculum vitae formatting, spelling and grammar mistakes.

Save in PDF Format

If the submission method allows for it, convert your CV to PDF format. This significantly reduces the likelihood of compatibility and reformatting issues when opened by the supervisor.

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CV for PhD Application: How to Write One Like a True Scholar (+CV Example)

• Klara Cervenanska , 
• Updated March 13, 2024 11 min read

A PhD is the highest level of academic qualification you can achieve. To secure your position, however, you first need an impressive CV for your PhD application.

Earning a PhD degree requires you to produce extensive research in a narrowly defined subject within a certain discipline and to make a considerable original contribution to your field.

Hence why PhD programs are always very selective. The admission rates hover around 10% and only about half of the admitted candidates actually finish the degree, according to a recent psychology research .

As a result, less than 1% of the population attains a PhD.

So, how do you become a part of the 1%?

The process of attaining a PhD starts with a strong application which includes an impressive academic CV .

A CV for PhD application needs to be carefully crafted, well formatted, and contain specific sections.

We'll show you how to craft a stellar PhD application CV, and a sample academic CV from a real person admitted to a PhD program in France.

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

What is an academic CV?

What to include in an academic cv for phd application.

• How to write an academic CV for a PhD application?

Tips on how to write a CV for PhD application

How to tailor your cv for different phd programs, phd cv example.

First, there are two types of career documents job seekers widely use. A resume and a Curriculum Vitae (CV).

These two documents are similar but not identical.

So, let's have a look at the key differences between a CV vs a resume :

• A resume is used when applying for a position in industry, non-profits, or the public sector. It should focus on skills and past experience while being tailored to a specific job position. The length of the document shouldn't be more than 1 or 2 pages.
• A curriculum vitae (CV) is used when applying for positions in academia, science, or medicine. It focuses on education, research background and scholarly accomplishments. Finally, its length depends on the number of references, publications, etc.

There are even more types of CVs. A general CV, an industry (professional) CV, or an academic (research) CV — which is exactly the one you'll need.

In a nutshell, an academic CV is a career document that provides extensive information about your educational and research background. Scholars and researchers use this document when applying for jobs in academia — such as a PhD application.

Lastly, an academic resume is a term you can often come across, too. To avoid any confusion, it's the same as an academic CV. A more appropriate term is, however, the latter.

Rules are important in academia. That's why all academic CVs usually follow pretty strict structures regarding their content and formatting.

First, let's have a look at the resume sections you should include in a CV for PhD application:

• Contact information. Include your full name, email, phone number, and location.
• (Research) objective. A concise, brief paragraph outlining your research plans and strategies.
• Education. It should form the bulk of your CV and detail you educational background.
• (Research) experience. Your research experience can often set you apart from other candidates.
• Publications. Include anything from journal articles, published reports, to your research dissertation.
• Awards. Mention all awards and accomplishments you’ve received in reverse chronological order.
• Skills. These should be relevant to the PhD project or show that you have what it takes to succeed as a researcher.
• References. Finally, try to include at least two references, such as your dissertation supervisor and one other member of staff.

Let's have a closer look at each of the 8 CV sections in the next chapter.

How to write an academic CV for a PhD application ?

Applying for a PhD will be a lot less stressful if you follow this quick guide on how to write a CV for a PhD application:

You should always start your CV or your resume by providing your contact details to form the CV header . Include your full name, your professional email address, and your mobile number. Additionally, you can include your location. However, we don't advise including your full home address for privacy reasons. Entering the country and city you reside in is usually enough. Since a CV is a bit different than a resume, we don't recommend including links to your social media .

Research objective is basically a brief paragraph at the beginning of your CV outlining your research plans, interests, and strategies. It paints a picture of you as a person and will guarantee that the admissions committee will be interested in reading and learning more about your professional background. Your research plans and strategies should align with the PhD project you're applying for. Hence, read the project description carefully and make sure to tailor your objective accordingly. Ideally, without making stuff up.

The education section should form the bulk of an academic CV. No one expects a potential PhD candidate to have 10 years of experience in the field. But what's expected is an appropriate educational background. A common practice is to list your education in a reverse chronological order. This means listing your Master's degree first and then a Bachelor's degree. For each degree, provide the full name of the degree, the type, its duration, the relevant courses and modules, the corresponding (or expected) marks, GPA , and any relevant projects or presentations. Also, include the name and the description of your final year dissertation project.

In this section, introduce all of the research projects you worked on, whether they were a part of your undergraduate degree, your master's degree, or you have undertaken this project elsewhere. You can include any voluntary , part-time , or full-time work experience you deem relevant for the PhD project of your choice. For instance, skip the part-time bartending job and rather include a teaching experience or a voluntary project you undertook.

Of course, it's okay if you don't have any publications yet. If that's the case, simply skip this section. However, if you do have any work published at this stage, list it in this section. The publications can include anything from journal articles, published reports, contributions to peer-reviewed journals, or an adaptation of your dissertation project. Make sure to check the citation style your institution or field prefers and use it consistently in your publications section. The most common ones are APA, MLA, and Chicago.

In this CV section, list relevant honors, achievements, or awards you earned for going beyond average — again in reversed chronological order. It includes scholarships, university fellowships, competitions, work-related awards, or academic awards . For instance, you can mention a very high GPA, subject-specific awards, or any grants you received. However, keep in mind that mentioning how much money was involved is only common in scientific fields.

The skills you mention in your academic CV should be relevant to the PhD project you're applying for or show that you have what it takes to succeed as a researcher. Between the two types of skills , hard and soft, hard skills are more appropriate to include in your CV for PhD application. Examples of hard skills include Python, data analysis, polymer synthesis, C++, Chem Draw, Ahrefs , languages, or other computer skills . However, completing a PhD degree usually also involves demonstrating your teaching abilities. For this reason, listing soft skills such as a good oral communication and presenting is also a good idea.

While a references section in a regular resume is pretty much redundant, in a CV for PhD application it's a must-have . Why? Well, having a person attest to your skills and achievements is a great way to leverage your professional experience. The person you ask should be articulate and in a reputable position. Your best bet is to ask your dissertation supervisor, a professor you had a good relationship with, or one who taught the subject most relevant for the desired PhD program. Finally, don't forget that your references have to agree with having their contact information shared, first. Read our quick guide on how do you ask someone to be your reference .

Apart from making sure the content of your CV is spot on, you should also follow some well-established formatting tips.

A clear layout and composition ensure your CV is professional and easy to read.

Here are a few tips to help you achieve that:

• Keep the formatting consistent. If you choose a certain font type and size, stick to it. The same goes for margins, spacing, and capitalization.
• Less is often more. It might be tempting to use bolding, italics, or underlining in order to make the document "easy" to read. However, an excessive use of these features actually has the exact opposite effect.
• Avoid long paragraphs. A CV is all about providing objective facts regarding your professional background. Hence, no need to provide generic statements or go into too much detail. And if you happen to write more text, you can always divide it using bullet points.
• Use professional language. It goes without saying, but don't use slang. Similarly, use professional jargon and abbreviations within reasonable limits.
• Don't limit yourself to one or two pages. The length of your academic CV depends on the number of publications, awards, references, and experiences. Unlike a resume, a CV is a complete summary of your academic and professional background.
• Convert your CV to PDF. Doing this considerably reduces the risk of compatibility and formatting issues. A PDF file keeps your formatting intact across various devices.

Too much to keep in mind? Kickresume's CV & resume builder can save you the headache and provides useful templates with appropriate formatting designed by career professionals.

When applying for different PhD programs, it's crucial to tailor your academic CV to suit each specific program. 

This doesn't just improve your chances of catching the eye of admissions committees ; it demonstrates your genuine interest and alignment with their goals. 

To effectively tailor your CV for different PhD programs, follow these three tips:

#1 Understand program requirements and values

How do you do that? Start with in-depth research about the PhD program:

• Visit the program's website
• Look at the curriculum
• Attend open days
• If possible, reach out to alumni 

Once you have a clear picture of the program's values and requirements, you can begin to customize your CV. 

For example: If a program emphasizes community outreach, you might highlight your involvement in science education for underprivileged youths or your participation in community-based research projects. 

This demonstrates not only your alignment with their values but also your active contribution to areas they care about.

#2 Emphasize transferable skills for PhD programs

This applies to people switching fields or applying to a program that isn't a direct continuation of your undergraduate degree. 

Let's say you're moving from a background in chemistry to a PhD in molecular biology. 

It's crucial to highlight how your analytical skills, understanding of chemical processes, and any lab work or research experience directly apply to molecular biology. 

For instance: Discuss your experience with techniques that are common in both fields, like chromatography or spectrometry, and how they've prepared you for the research you aim to conduct in molecular biology. 

Tailoring your CV in this manner demonstrates your ability to bridge different disciplines and apply your skills in new contexts.

#3 Adapt your CV for international PhD programs

Adapting your CV for international programs involves more than just translating it into another language. 

Start by researching the academic culture and CV formats preferred in the country you're applying to. This might include:

• the preferred length
• whether to include personal information such as a photo
• emphasis on certain types of experience or qualifications

For instance: in some countries, a detailed list of courses and grades might be important, while in others, a focus on research experience and publications is key. 

Websites of the target universities, country-specific academic career resources, advice from current international students, or even online forums like Reddit are invaluable for this purpose.

Finally, to help you tie everything we talked about together, we thought one picture is worth a thousand words.

Here's a CV sample from a person who managed to get accepted into a PhD program at the university of Lyon in France.

There are several things Herrera included to ensure her CV was successful:

• A complete professional and academic background. We can see that this section forms the bulk of the resume. As it should.
• Plenty of hard skills. Herrera included 7 hard technical skills and multiple languages. All of these skills are very valuable in academia.
• A succinct description of all projects. She includes the full name of the projects, their duration, and theme.
• References, publications, and certifications. All of these sections are included in the full version of this resume and can be found by clicking the button below the sample CV.

Lyon University PhD Student Resume Sample

This resume sample was contributed by a real person who got hired with Kickresume’s help.

Klara graduated from the University of St Andrews in Scotland. After having written resumes for many of her fellow students, she began writing full-time for Kickresume. Klara is our go-to person for all things related to student or 'no experience resumes'. At the same time, she has written some of the most popular resume advice articles on this blog. Her pieces were featured in multiple CNBC articles. When she's not writing, you'll probably find her chasing dogs or people-watching while sipping on a cup of coffee.

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How to Write a CV for a PhD Application (with free template!)

When you’re faced with writing an academic CV for a PhD application it can be hard to know where to start.

After all, along with your personal statement an academic CV is the heart of your PhD application: essentially acting as a “highlights reel” of your greatest achievements. You need it to be well formatted and engaging, yet concise enough that all of your most relevant experience is unmissable at a glance.

Quite a challenge!

In this post we’ll break down what to include. From the essentials to the nice-to-haves. All quotes are from the CVs I personally used when applying for PhDs.

If you’re just getting started be sure to download my Academic CV Template.

In addition, if you’d like to get some inspiration from active researchers’ CVs, you may wish to check out the repository of example academic CVs I have put together here:

Academic CV Examples From Active Researchers

What should i include on an academic cv for a phd application, contact info.

Name, email address and phone number. Personally I don’t see a need to include your address and certainly not a photo.

Education / Qualifications

List all major grades from aged 16 upwards: GCSE, A-Levels and university degrees.

• Undergraduate (and masters degrees) should include the subject, university and grade. I’ve tended to include the title of any significant research projects and the titles of the most relevant modules.
• For A-Levels you should name each of the subjects you took with the grade. Personally to keep the page more clean I’ve not included the schools I went to: though it may be worth drawing attention if you did well despite attending a particularly poorly performing school.
• GCSEs can just be summarised to the grades. Subjects needn’t be named.

My aim is to apply my skills to improve lives. I have a proven track record of overseeing successful development of innovative medical devices and now desire the opportunity to expand my skills beyond mechanical engineering into biomaterials research.

Sometimes it can be useful to include a few lines about your motivation and aims for your career. Despite currently having a short profile on my own CV I’m not 100% convinced by them: they can sound cliché especially if you’re fresh out of undergraduate . Profiles are most common in industry and it is up to you whether you think you have content worth sharing: do not waffle, and avoid excessive use of the typical buzzwords: hardworking, motivated etc!

University Research Projects

Third year project “3-D printing of multi-scale porous bioscaffolds for ligament attachment” Manufactured novel magnesium calcium phosphate scaffolds to investigate 3-D printing parameters for optimum implant integration Analysed parts under SEM to verify multi-scale porosity and XRD for detecting phase changes and composition Conducted a statistical analysis of variance study in sample porosity using optical microscopy and deduced the optimum printing parameters to maximise porosity Wrote a technical report and presented results during an oral presentation and viva

More than likely the research projects you’ve undertaken during the latter years of your degree will be your most substantial research experience. State the title of the project followed by a few bullet points covering:

• Useful skills and experience you gained such as: experimental & analytical techniques; software; instrumentation; report-writing; presenting
• Any substantial outcomes: prizes; publications & patents

Feel free to also state whether these projects were undertaken as a group or individually but remember to avoid clutter: you can go into more detail for your personal statement.

[Work] Experience

Jan – May 2013 Research Assistant, Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge Developed prototype HIV diagnostic devices for commercialisation within a multi-disciplinary team: Debugged, calibrated and optimised several novel medical devices Produced standard operating procedure and calibration documentation Experienced an audit and developed an appreciation of ISO 13485 and FDA requirements Inspected and tested parts for quality control processing

Whether you include this section will depend on what experience you have outside of the typical university projects. Here you can describe any additional work experience you have had such as: summer internships; research job roles; years in industry plus any potential outreach you’ve taken part in or voluntary work.

The level of detail you go in to will depend on how relevant the work was and how long ago: working in a shop at weekends when you were 17 probably isn’t particularly relevant. Unless you have had a significant amount of relevant (or impressive) work experience I’d keeping this section below University Research Projects .

A keen photographer, my photographs have appeared in the international press and have raised over £5000 for Macmillan Cancer Support. University of Warwick Photographic Society Executive Committee (2010-2012) Positions held: President, Treasurer, First Aider and Equal Opportunities Officer Duties included overseeing the 270 member-strong society’s running and progression – leading to a doubling of active membership over two years, chairing meetings and international trips, implementing new payment methods and securing funding.

Unless extremely relevant or impressive, I tend to not put too much emphasis on extra-curricular activities: no admissions tutor really needs to know that you enjoy cooking or cycling unless to a very high level. Having said that, do be sure to include anything which can show useful transferable skills such as team-work and responsibility.

I like to include any roles of responsibility such as society committee positions with any useful outcomes.

Nice-To-Haves

There are number of other sections which are common among academics further up the ladder. Unless you have more than a couple of pieces of content per category I suggest adding them where relevant elsewhere: for example an undergraduate award could feature under Education . If you have enough relevant content to warrant adding a new section, they can look very impressive.

Publications

It is often said that publications are the currency of academia. If you have managed to get involved with any publications then display them here in your favourite citation style.

If you’ve been involved in a significant amount of scientific outreach: STEMNET; teaching; mentoring; schools events; unpaid tutoring; public events etc.

Other sections sometimes included, and which are pretty self explanatory:

• Awards & Prizes
• Professional Memberships
• Grants/Scholarships

Tips for Writing a CV for a PhD Application

Translate your skills.

Beyond any subject-specific skills that you know will be useful, translate how your previous experience can transfer to your PhD.  Think about things such as:

• Independence
• Problem-solving

Ask yourself: how did your work standout? Use specifics to quantify performance rather than sticking to buzzwords. For example imagine if you’re writing as your role as president of a society:

“Leadership and teamwork experience”

“Overseeing the 270 member-strong society’s running and progression: leading to a doubling of active membership over two years”

Now you don’t need to go to that level of detail for everything, but if you’ve put in the work, make sure you do yourself justice.

Keep Things Concise

Make sure things are understandable but avoid long-winded sentences and especially paragraphs creating big blocks of dense text. Not only are big paragraphs off-putting to read, they make it really difficult for the reader to tease out the crucial information.

Bullet points are faster and easier to read, plus easier on the eye: all things you want to be encouraging! If you can’t succinctly describe a role in a few one line bullet points you’re probably adding too much information.

Don’t forget you can go in to more detail in your personal statement. Don’t waffle on your CV for a PhD application.

Well-Formatted

• Leaving lots of white space around your text keep it easier to read and therefore more likely that someone will continue to read it.
• In Word, zoom out so that you can see the pages of your document at once. If possible format sections so that nothing, and especially sentences, trails between pages: it makes the document look clean and professional. You can accurately play with line spacing by adding blank lines and setting the font size to something small: in my template I use size 3.
• Lead the eye . Make key information bold for it to stand out: though keep it consistent and don’t go too crazy!
• Try and keep your most important information to two pages . Anything beyond that should be supplementary.

If you’d like some guidance with formatting be sure to click  HERE for my downloadable Academic CV Template .

Spelling & Grammar

Nothing can more quickly make you appear incompetent than spelling mistakes, especially near to the top of your CV or in section headings. Once you’ve double checked your spelling take a break and come back to the document with fresh eyes: it’s amazing what you’ll spot. After that, ask a friend to have a read through too.

Save as PDF (if allowed)

Now that you’ve formatted your CV nicely, I suggest saving it as a PDF if the online submission allows. With PDFs the formatting is locked in place and you needn’t worry about the formatting screwing up because of differing versions of Word.

Take Inspiration

Often senior academics will include links to download their CVs from their personal webpages and I keep a folder of them for some inspiration. You can check out my online respository below!

If you’d like personalised help with your PhD application I am now starting to offer a small number of one-to-one sessions. Please contact me to find out more or click here to book a call.

I hope this post has helped with writing your own CV for a PhD application. If you have any tips or advice to share then I’d love to hear them in the comments! You can also subscribe for more content here:

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4 Comments on “How to Write a CV for a PhD Application (with free template!)”

Hey Jeff, great article!!

Any chance you can do one on personal statements?

Thanks, Yusuf

Hi Yusuf. I’m glad you’ve found it useful! Good idea about one for personal statements, I can see that being helpful so I’ll add it to my schedule and hope to get it out in not too long! Best wishes, Jeff.

hi, I cant seem to access the downloadable template! please could you post another link?

Hi Georgia, sorry that you’re having issues accessing the template. I’m tried it on two computers and it seems to work okay for me. Here is the same link again which works for me . Does that work? In case not I can email it to you. Let me know. Best wishes, Jeff

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Graduate CV examples

Build your CV on this template 

If you’re looking to bag yourself a top graduate job, you’re going to need a strong graduate CV.

Competition for the best jobs can be tough, so you need a CV that holds employers attention and shows them why you are the best candidate for the job.

This post contains 9 real-life graduate CV examples that have been used to land interviews and secure job offers for graduates.

And there is also a step-by-step guide on how to write your own winning graduate CV.

Graduate CV Example – Accounting

CV templates 

Build your CV now 

Engineering graduate CV

    Top tips for writing a graduate CV

• Research your target jobs thoroughly before you write your CV and identify the most important skills and knowledge required – then highlight them across your CV
• Write a persuasive personal statement at the top of your CV that gives an overview of your talents and explains the benefits an employer will get from hiring you
• Avoid CV clichés like “ I am hard-working team player ” and instead focus on skills and knowledge that are specific to your industry or degree subject
• If you have completed work placements whist at university, make them prominent in your CV to show recruiters how you can apply your skills in the workplace

Finance graduate CV

Law student CV

Marketing graduate CV

    Graduate CV mistakes to avoid

• Don’t overcomplicate the design and layout of your CV. Crowded layouts, big photos and crazy colour schemes will make it difficult for busy hiring managers to navigate your CV
• Don’t leave work experience out. Even part-time shop jobs or voluntary roles give you a chance to display your workplace skills, so don’t discount them
• Don’t use a silly email address on your CV – it will not look professional. If you have an old email address with a nickname – create a new one for your job hunting
• Don’t forget to triple check for spelling and grammar mistakes – spellcheck does not always catch everything.

Masters student CV

PhD graduate CV

Postgraduate CV

Psychology graduate CV

How to write a graduate CV

The graduate CV examples above give you a good idea of how your CV should look, and how the information should be laid out .

Now, I will walk you through the writing of your own unique CV, detailing what to include in each section and how to adapt the content to the sector you’re applying for.

What is a CV?

Who reads your cv, graduate cv structure & format.

• CV profile / personal statement
• Work experience
• Hobbies & interests

A CV (which stands for curriculum vitae ) is a written document which summarises your education, experience, skills and knowledge.

It acts as your introduction to a potential employer, and aims to show them why you are the perfect candidate for their vacancy.

A good CV will get you plenty of responses and interviews , and take you one step closer to landing a graduate job with a good salary .

When you apply for a job via email or a job website, a recruiter or hiring manager will receive it and review it.

A recruiter could work for an external recruitment agency, or directly for the employer and they’re responsible for finding the right applicants for that organisation’s roles, acting as a middle-man between you and the hiring manager.

A hiring manager is a team leader or manager who is looking to fill a role within their team, they will most likely be your supervisor if you’re successful in securing the position.

Quick tip: Hiring managers and recruiters are normally very busy people, and they see lots of CVs on a daily basis. Bear this in mind when writing your CV and always try to make it concise and easy to read.

You can also check out my video guide to writing a CV when you have no experience.

Your CV structure and format are crucial to ensuring that a recruiter can read your CV with ease and quickly navigate to the parts that interest them most.

The infographic below gives an overview of how to layout your graduate CV and what sections should be included.

CV formatting tips

• A graduate CV or undergraduate CV should ideally be no longer than 2 sides of A4 to cater for modern attention spans and keep readers interested – of you have little or no work experience, this could be squeezed down to 1 page.
• Stick to a basic clean font and colour scheme – simple styling makes the document a pleasant read and keeps it looking professional
• Break up text using bullet points and headers to aid the flow of information and make it less tedious to read.
• Pictures and logos deflect from the substance and waste valuable space on your CV – so avoid using them.

Structuring your Graduate CV

When writing your CV, divide it up into the following sections:

• Contact details  – Should be at the top of the page to ensure they aren’t missed.
• Profile/personal statement – This is an intro/overview of your talents, forming a good first impression and allowing the recruiter to gain a quick insight into your suitability for roles. Tailor this profile to match the skills and knowledge your target employers are looking for.
• Education – List your qualifications in detail here, with a focus on your degree, as that is what most graduate recruiters will be interested in
• Relevant Projects – As your work experience may be limited, look to document projects you have been part of that relate to your target roles, or perhaps some core skills you learnt at University.
• Work experience / career history – Add any previous work experience in reverse chronological order – it’s best to start with Uni work placements as they will be most relevant
• Interest and hobbies  – An optional section to highlight hobbies that can demonstrate your skills that can transition into the working world.

CV Contact Details

When you trying to get responses from recruiters, it’s essential that they can easily find your contact information, so make sure it stays at the top of the 1st page.

Only relevant and basic details are required so keep to the below:

• Phone Number – This will ideally be your mobile number so that you can respond to calls quickly.
• Email address –  Use a professional email address, preferably one that consists of your first name and last name – no nicknames!
• Location – If you’re currently between your university residence and your home location, add the city in which you’re searching for work.
• If you have a LinkedIn account then you could also add a link to your profile, although this is not essential.

Quick tip: You can save space and add some design flair to your CV by adding some icons to symbolise the contact details in your header.

Graduate CV Profile/ Personal Statement

Your personal statement  or profile , is an introductory paragraph which sits at the top of your CV, and it’s aim is to draw recruiters in by showcasing your most relevant qualifications, skills and experience.

Quick tip: Do some research to find out what skills your desired employers are looking for by browsing through relevant job adverts.

Below is an example of a strong graduate CV profile.

This is the type of content you should be including in your CV personal statement:

Educational history – The degree field you studied and what specialist knowledge or practical abilities you took away from your education.

Workplace skills – Include hard skills like languages, IT system knowledge, writing skills, sales, marketing etc. Avoid using too many soft skills ( team work , communication, organisation etc . ) as these are needed for most jobs and won’t make you stand out.

Work experience – If you’ve secured any internship placements or had any prior work experience you should mention it, especially if the work relates to your target roles.

Interest in your desired field – As a junior candidate, there may not be much to differentiate you from other graduates , so describing your passion for the career you are pursuing can show employers you will be a serious committed hire. (You should also include this in your cover letter )

Quick tip: Start your profile with a punchy headline to reel employers in and get more attention to your CV.

Core skills and achievements section

A bullet pointed list of impressive skills and  achievements is a great way to catch recruiters’ eyes and give them a snapshot of your talents within seconds of them opening the CV.

You can include relevant workplace skills, or any academic achievements or positions of responsibility such as being a prefect or leading a student club.

Relevant Projects

This is an optional extra section to evidence any projects you were involved in during your degree, whilst at work, or even as part of your extra curricular activities – think of projects that would be beneficial to the industry you’re applying to for best results.

Be specific, documenting your exact responsibilities and consider any relevant facts or figures that will add more credibility to your examples, such as timelines of the projects and outputs.

Break up projects using bullet points and giving a bold header to each one, allowing ease of reading.

See also: CV for PhD application

Your educational experience will be detailed throughout your CV, but this section is reserved for recording all qualifications you have achieved for completeness.

It’s important to include all of your qualifications from GCSEs upwards as some companies have strict educational entrance policies for grad roles (e.g. must have 5 GCSEs A-C )

Basic CV template

Add depth to your education , including the level of each qualification completed, dates of achievement and institute in which you studied, as well as any important modules covered.

Begin with your most recent qualification (probably your degree) and work in a backwards chronological order.

You will need to include lots of detail on your degree because that is the area recruiters are likely to be most interested in.

Work Experience

You may not have any direct paid work experience, or you may have some part-time retail or restaurant waiting experience.

You may have undertaken a work placement with school or university.

Or, you may have voluntary work experience.

Whatever experience you have, it’s important to use it to show how you apply your skills in the workplace.

Generally speaking you should list your work experience in reverse chronological order – however, if you have work placements that relate to the roles you are applying for, you need to prioritise them and place them at the top of your work experience to ensure they get seen.

If you are struggling with a lack of work experience , check out the infographic below which shows some actionable points for improving your CV when you have little or no experience .

Structuring your Roles

Break up the information in your roles by using clearly divided sections and bullet points – below is the structure you should be working towards.

For each role, briefly describing the goal of the role and the organisation you were employed within.

“Assisting a team of senior designers to produce a range of clothing items for luxury womens brand”

Key Responsibilities

List your activities in short sharp bullet points and try to show your impact on the business.

• Handling customer complaints to resolve issues and protect the reputation of the business
• Attending briefing meetings and taking notes to provide a record of outputs

Key Achievements

To really prove your value, try to include some impressive achievements you have made that have had a positive effect on your employer.

Try to back your claims up with facts and figures where possible

• Formatted 10 presentation slides which supported sales team in closing 5 sales in 1 month
• Resolved 98% of complaints within recommended 10 day time frame

Quick tip: A poorly written CV will fail to impress recruiters and employers. Use our quick-and-easy CV Builder to create a winning CV in minutes with professional templates and pre-written content for every industry.

Hobbies and Interests

The hobbies segment of your CV is optional, but if you have limited work experience this is an opportunity to showcase any relevant  talents you have gained through extra-curricular activities.

Some good hobbies to include as a graduate are:

Sports clubs – If you play in (or lead) a sports club, this can be a great way to demonstrate your teamwork, leadership, communication and organisation abilities.

Personal projects – E.g. If you are applying for writing jobs and you run your own personal blog, there will be lots of relevant skills you can draw from your experience there.

Impressive feats – If you’ve run a marathon or climbed a mountain, this can prove that you are a driven individual and make you stand out from the crowd.

Writing your Graduate CV – Conclusion

Writing a graduate CV can be tough, especially when you have little or no work experience.

But, if you follow the guidelines above and draw on your education and extra-curricular activities to showcase plenty of skills, you should be able to create a winning CV.

Keep the format simple and focus on creating a pleasant reading experience to ensure that your CV gets the attention it deserves.

Landing that first job will be a challenge, so be prepared to put plenty of work in and apply for as many jobs as you can whilst networking on LinkedIn and seeking out companies speculatively.

You can also check out our school leaver CV or some of our best CV templates here  for more support

Good luck with the job search!

See also: Graduate cover letter – Psychology graduate CV – Marketing graduate – Finance graduate – Accounting graduate

CV examples

Neah Kapoor, an aspiring PhD candidate, has opted for a simple Otago template. She seeks to drive her career in sustainable development and environmental planning. With a passion for creating positive change and academic excellence, she makes an invaluable asset for shaping a sustainable world.

"Passionate and driven final-year masters student with a solid academic foundation, eager to embark on a PhD journey in sustainable development. Equipped with exceptional research skills and determined to advance knowledge in this field."

Table of contents

How to Write a CV for a PhD Application (Examples, Tips, and Writing Guide)

Embarking on the path to advanced research and academic excellence through a PhD is an exciting journey, demanding not just passion and dedication but also a well-crafted CV that highlights your potential as an aspiring scholar. In the highly competitive landscape of higher education, your CV is vital in determining whether you will stand out as an exceptional candidate.

Whether you are a student , a graduate, or a seasoned professional seeking to elevate your academic pursuits, this article is for you. It details the essential elements of composing a CV that captures your academic journey, research experience, and future career aspirations. From understanding the unique expectations of a PhD application to incorporating relevant experiences and honing an impactful writing style, we delve into the steps to create a good CV .

The CV writing process: Where to start?

A CV tailored explicitly for a PhD application demands a strategic approach highlighting your education, academic accomplishments, and research experience that sets you apart. This document serves as your initial introduction to prospective educational institutions and faculty members, making it imperative to leave a lasting impression that sparks curiosity and interest. Here are two essential pointers to consider:

A fundamental starting point is the creation of a comprehensive master CV, serving as the foundation to build upon as your academic journey progresses. Update it regularly, capturing personal details, educational achievements, work experience, skills, and notable accomplishments.

After that, tailor each iteration by emphasising relevant experiences and qualifications, moulding the personal profile to reflect your academic trajectory and strategically showcasing pertinent skills that set you apart in the fiercely competitive job market.

Tips on how to write a PhD CV

Gain insight into the industry and the specific requirements of your desired PhD programme.

Organise your CV thoughtfully into sections, such as personal details, personal profile, work experience, education, and skills.

Showcase concrete achievements or projects that align with your career goals. Emphasise quantifiable results to demonstrate the impact of your scholarly endeavours.

Integrate relevant keywords to optimise your CV for applicant tracking systems (ATS). This can increase your chances of passing the initial screening process.

Customise each CV to suit the specific application, showcasing how your unique set of skills and experiences perfectly align with the requirements of the programme.

Error-free and engaging writing is paramount. Thoroughly proofread your CV to ensure clarity, coherence, and an overall captivating presentation that will captivate the attention of hiring managers.

Looking to create a CV for a PhD application?

Phd cv example.

Download this PhD CV sample in PDF.

Neah Kapoor, an aspiring and dedicated PhD candidate, has opted for the Otago template to craft her impressive CV. Her passion lies in forging a career in policy analysis, with a special focus on sustainable development and environmental planning. Neah's exceptional academic background and remarkable achievements have been meticulously showcased, underscoring her potential as a valuable contributor to shaping a more sustainable world.

What to include in a PhD CV? 

A CV must be comprehensive and well-organised, showcasing your academic qualifications, research experience, and potential as a promising academic researcher or PhD student. See our tips on what to include below (if applicable):

List your degrees chronologically, starting with the most recent. Include the name of the institution, degree obtained, major/specialisation, and graduation date.

Detail your research experience, including internships, projects, or positions held in academic or research settings.

If you have teaching or short-term experience, include the details of the courses you taught, the institution, and the duration of your involvement.

List any academic papers, articles, book chapters, or other scholarly publications you have authored or co-authored. Include the full citation for each publication.

Mention any academic conferences where you presented your findings. Provide details such as the conference name, date, and location.

List the specific research methodologies, techniques, and tools you are proficient in.

Highlight academic achievements, such as winning competitions, scholarships, grants, or fellowships.

If relevant, include extracurricular activities such as hobbies and interests , demonstrating leadership, teamwork, or community engagement.

This is usually on request, but if required, provide the names and contact information of academic or professional references who can vouch for you.

What is a professional summary for a PhD CV?

A professional summary, also known as a personal profile , is a concise and impactful statement that provides a snapshot of your academic background, research expertise, and career aspirations. It serves as an introduction to your CV, capturing the attention of potential employers or educational institutions and enticing them to delve further into your qualifications. Tips on writing a professional summary:

Keep it brief, ideally limited to 4-6 lines. 

Mention that you are a PhD candidate or specify the degree you are currently pursuing.

Showcase your enthusiasm for your research area and the academic field in general.

PhD student CV personal profile example

Passionate and driven student in marine biology, dedicated to unravelling the mysteries within this captivating field. Solid foundation in marine biology and an insatiable curiosity for groundbreaking research and innovative discoveries. Aspire to leave a lasting impact on the academic landscape, driving advancements that positively influence society and transform our understanding of marine ecosystems.

Academic CV for PhD application personal profile example

Passionate PhD candidate in forestry with an insatiable curiosity for knowledge and intellectual exploration. Equipped with a strong academic background and dedication to cutting-edge research, committed to making meaningful contributions to forestry. Eager to collaborate with esteemed mentors, embracing interdisciplinary challenges to empower future generations of forestry thinkers.

Refer to our academic CV example for more tips.

What skills should be included in a CV for PhD?

Highlighting skills that demonstrate your potential as a successful researcher and scholar is essential. See our examples below:

Hard skills:

Research Methodologies

Data Analysis

Academic Writing

Literature Review

Computer Programming.

Soft skills:

Critical Thinking

Communication

Time Management

Adaptability

Problem-Solving.

Transferable skills:

Organisational Skills

Teaching and Mentoring

Public Speaking

Project Management

Analytical Skills.

To leave a lasting impact on recruiters, it's essential to distinguish between various types of skills on a CV.

How to write work experience on a CV for PhD application

When writing work experience on a CV, it's essential to present your research-related experiences and accomplishments clearly and concisely. See our tips below:

Start with a clear CV section heading, such as "Work Experience" or "Research Experience."

Include the company/institution name and location. 

Specify your job title or position, such as "Research Intern," "Research Assistant," "Laboratory Technician," etc.

Include the period you worked in that position, using years. 

Provide a brief overview of your tasks and responsibilities during your work experience. Focus on research-related activities, laboratory work, data analysis, academic projects, or other relevant tasks.

Highlight specific accomplishments or achievements during your work experience.

If applicable, mention any publications, presentations, or academic papers from your work experience. Include the names of supervisors or researchers you worked with and any notable collaborations.

Research Intern, OceanLife Research Institute, Queensland, AU | 2022

Collaborated with a team of marine biologists in conducting field surveys to assess the biodiversity and health of coral reefs. Assisted in collecting and analysing water samples to study the impact of environmental factors on coral bleaching. Maintained and calibrated oceanographic instruments, ensuring accurate and reliable data collection during research expeditions. Attended workshops and seminars by renowned marine scientists, enhancing knowledge of current advancements in marine biology and ecological research

Conducted a comprehensive literature review on marine conservation practices, contributing to the development of a research proposal for a sustainable fishing initiative.

Contributed to drafting a research paper that investigated the symbiotic relationship between marine microorganisms and coral reefs, which was subsequently submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

If you have no work experience , refer to our skills-based CV example.

Education CV section for a PhD student or applicant

The education section of a CV for a student or applicant showcases your academic qualifications and sets the foundation for your scholarly pursuits. When including your degree in this section, make sure to provide the following details:

Clearly state your degree, including the exact title or specialisation. 

Specify the field of study or research area in which you pursued. 

Mention the name of the university or institution where you earned your degree. 

Include the year of your graduation or expected date of graduation.

Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Psychology Manchester University of Manchester, UK | 2022

If you have additional forms of qualifications, consider adding courses and certificates in a new section.

Key takeaways

Now that you have more insight into what makes a good CV, we encourage you to follow your passion for knowledge and academic excellence when embarking on a PhD journey. Consider these essential tips to enhance your CV for a successful application:

Showcase academic achievements and honours.

Emphasise research skills and methodologies.

Clearly state research interests and goals.

Tailor the CV for each application to align with specific program requirements. 

Next steps?

By adhering to a writing process, conducting research, and leveraging relevant skills, you can increase your chances of securing a placement. If you are not a strong writer, consider our CV Writing Services or browse our CV examples , CV templates , or cover letter templates for further insight.

How do you write a PhD academic CV?

As an academic, highlight your research experiences, academic achievements, skills, and relevant publications by tailoring it to the specific programme requirements.

What should a CV for a PhD look like?

A good CV should follow a clear structure and clean format. The chosen template should only include relevant sections such as personal details, education, experience, skills, awards, or publications.

What is the CV of a PhD student?

As a student, you have little experience so consider utilising a skills-based format while focusing on academic background, research experiences, publications, conference presentations, and any relevant achievements or projects.

How long should a PhD CV be?

A CV for a graduate, student, or someone with little experience typically is one page. However, with academic CVs, they tend to be between two and three pages while still focusing on relevant information and avoiding unnecessary details.

Do you need a CV for PhD?

A CV is typically required when applying for a PhD programme, as it highlights your academic achievements and research experiences. Depending on the programme and, possibly, country, make sure to check the requirements and tailor your application accordingly.

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PhD resume examples & templates

Resume header

Awards, publications, or referees on your phd resume.

If you’re ready to apply for a PhD, chances are you’ll be asked to submit a resume so that the admissions committee can easily review your qualifications and interests. While a PhD resume will have many similarities with resumes created for job opportunities, there are a few key differences you’ll want to keep in mind while writing.

Luckily, Resume.io is here to help. With 350+ resume examples and writing guides, we’re an expert resource for job seekers (and students!) in all professions and stages of their careers. This PhD resume example and writing guide is designed to help you highlight your best qualities and get accepted into the program of your dreams. Here’s what we’ll cover:

What is a resume for a PhD program?

• How to write a PhD resume (tips and tricks)
• The best format for a PhD resume
• Advice on each section of your resume (summary, work history, education, skills)
• Professional resume layout and design hints.

In order to pursue a doctorate degree, you’ll need to apply to a PhD program, which generally lasts about 4-6 years. In order to evaluate your readiness to take on this challenging educational pursuit, most institutions will ask you to compile a resume (sometimes called a curriculum vitae in academia) showcasing your previous education, relevant work experience, academic interests, awards, and publications. You can think of a resume for a PhD program as a snapshot of who you are and the work or degrees you are most proud of.

PhD stands for “Doctor of Philosophy” and is the highest postgraduate degree available. To obtain a PhD, you not only need to be an expert in your field, but you must also present original and compelling research on a related topic, most often in the form of a dissertation, which is a written work that compiles your research and presents your insights into the chosen subject matter. A dissertation is then defended in front of a committee that decides whether or not you’ve met the standards to obtain your PhD.

How to write a PhD resume

The very first step in writing your PhD resume is understanding what sections to include. Your CV should contain the following elements:

• The resume header
• The resume summary (aka profile or personal statement)
• The employment history section for work or teaching experience
• The resume skills section which may include research interests
• The education section or academic history
• A publications or awards section
• A referees section if requested

While many of these sections can be found in some form on a standard resume for employment, there are key changes that academic committees will expect to see for candidates pursuing PhDs. 

Once you’ve identified the PhD program you’d like to apply to, it’s important to research the application process and any particular focus areas of the program. This will allow you to tailor your resume to contain the information most important to the selection committee. Be sure to include only the most relevant examples of work experience, while leaving out any odd jobs that are not related to the area you plan to study. For example, if applying to a PhD program in education, include your role as a graduate assistant for a university undergraduate course while leaving off a summer spent waiting tables at a local restaurant.

Choosing the best resume format for a PhD resume

PhD resumes are unique documents that will often deviate from other standard resume formats. Although the best format most closely resembles the reverse chronological structure of professional resumes, you’ll still need to make adjustments to best highlight your educational experience and research interests.

Make sure to order your resume with the most relevant sections first. While experienced job seekers may opt to place their education section at the bottom of their resume, PhD applicants should keep their education higher up on the page, usually after the summary section. PhD resumes should also contain an awards or publication section that are often rolled into the education section on other types of resumes. See our PhD resume example for more ideas on creating the perfect format.

The resume header is the attractive bar at the top or on the side of the page that contains your name, contact information, and any relevant social media profiles like LinkedIn. Your resume header serves a vital purpose in helping the reviewer to identify your document and making it easy to contact you about the next steps in the application process. The header also gives an attractive touch to your resume, but be sure to use a neutral color scheme and a professional font style as academic roles often call for a formal tone.

Resume summary example

The resume summary is the first section at the top of your resume that captures your interests, intentions, and key qualifications. For PhD applicants, make sure to include the name of the program and the university you are applying to (and don’t forget to update this for each different program – addressing your application to the wrong university is a serious mistake!) 

The summary should be about 3-5 sentences in length and should have a formal tone. Since PhD applicants often need to describe their research interests, the summary gives you the opportunity to do so without needing to use precious resume space to create a separate section for this information. Don’t forget to mention any relevant work or educational experience here as well as the goal of the summary is to encourage the reader to continue examining your resume. See our adaptable summary resume example below for more inspiration.

Get even more insight into the summary by checking out our related education resume examples:

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Strong background in psychology- and therapy-based academic research environments requiring high levels of focus and attention to detail. Strong analytical and critical thinking qualities.

Employment history sample

The employment history section for a PhD will look slightly different than for those applying to traditional jobs as it will likely contain details of your research experience along with any educational work experiences you’ve completed. Make sure to organize the information in a logical manner, starting with the most recent position and working backward through all relevant roles.

Don’t forget to include the job title or name of the research role, the employer or institution name, the dates completed, and the location. Just as you would for a job, create 4-5 bullet points that explain your most relevant accomplishments and duties completed. See our adaptable employment history resume sample below.

Student Researcher, University of Washington, Seattle November 2021 - Present

• Gather, analyze and report data for academic research projects.
• Maintain donor databases and publications records.
• Assess research efficiency and identify areas for improvement.

Assistant Teacher, St. Clare School for Children with Special Needs , Singapore July 2018 - June 2020

• Aided special education teacher in collaborating with students with varying levels of physical and mental disability.
• Assisted teacher in preparing daily activities, lesson plans, and individual education plan (IEP) for each student.

CV skills example

While skills are seemingly more relevant for employment than for an academic position, the CV skills section can still be adjusted to meet the needs of a PhD applicant. The best part about the CV skills section is that it takes the form of a bullet point list meaning the reader is likely to take notice of this section early on while evaluating your resume. Use the skills section to highlight research areas, academic areas of interest, specialized skills from relevant roles, and any teaching skills you may have to put to use during the PhD program. Make sure to check the program requirements to see if there are any specific qualifications that can be easily added to this section. See our adaptable resume example below.

• Data Analysis
• Academic Writing
• Psychological / Behavioral Sciences
• Research & Analysis
• Therapeutic Crisis Intervention
• Mental Health Assessments
• Clinical Care
• Research-based Treatment
• Behavioral Health
• Marriage Family Therapy

PhD resume education section

The education section of your PhD is one of the most important areas that the selection committee will take into account. Make sure to place it high up on your resume, usually after the summary. The education section is the place to list all previous degrees, the awarding institution, dates attended, and location. Since you are applying for another degree program, it’s worth creating bullet points under your previous educational experiences to offer insight into your most relevant achievements like grades, awards, or leadership roles. See our adaptable education resume sample below.

Master of Science in Marriage & Family Therapy, University of Washington, Seattle September 2018 - May 2020

Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Western Washington University, Bellingham September 2014 - May 2018

If you have many publications, awards, memberships, or other honors to show, you may consider creating a separate section to call the reader’s attention to the achievements on your PhD resume. Here you can list the award or publication name, the publisher or granting institution, and the date completed. You may also create one or two bullet points to expand on each entry. If you don’t have many of these types of achievements to show, or if space is limited on your resume, you may consider including these accolades throughout the other sections of your resume. However, be sure that they are clearly highlighted so that the reader doesn’t miss your key attributes.

Another additional section you may need to include is academic references (called referees in the case of a PhD resume.) Don’t forget to double-check whether or not referees are actually required/requested on your resume. Otherwise, you’ll be wasting valuable space on a section that is less important to the section committee.

Resume layout and design

The right look and feel for your PhD resume is crucial to keeping the reader’s attention and proving that you are a serious applicant. Therefore, it’s important to make sure your layout and design are professional and tailored to the program you are applying for. 

An expertly-designed resume template can make it easy to create a great design with minimal headache. Look for a layout that clearly highlights your name and contact information and gives you enough space to include any additional sections like awards or referees. Stick with standard 1-inch margins and make sure to use the same font styles and sizes throughout your resume.

Key takeaways for a PhD resume

• A resume is an essential application document when applying for PhD programs but it will likely look different from resumes created for employment opportunities.
• Pay attention to the requirements of the PhD program and tailor your resume to match. The skills and summary section are great places to do this.
• Don’t forget to include PhD-specific information like your areas of interest, publications, awards, or referees.
• Keep your design professional and formal. Check out our adaptable resume sample to get started on creating a great layout.

Beautiful ready-to-use resume templates

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Academic CV Example for a PhD Graduate

Please see below an example of an academic CV for a PhD graduate. If you would like more information, please take a look at our Academic CV guidelines and download the Academic CV template here .

JANE DURDEN

14 Kitts Way, Little Heath, Birmingham B55 7QZ

Tel: 01217 430987 Email: [email protected]

A postgraduate researcher with experience of teaching and supervising PhD students. Aspires to work as a post-doctoral researcher on the “Marriage in Victorian England” project in the School of Humanities.

Demonstrates strong organisational skills and the ability to meet set deadlines. Displays a positive outlook to all challenges and able to work independently.

_____________________________________________________________________________

West Birmingham University, School of Humanities                                                   2016 – 2019

PhD in History (Funded by AHRC)

Thesis Title: Marriage Breakdown in the late 19 th Century and its Effect on Women

Supervisor: Professor J M Smithson

Brief Synopsis:          xxx

Somerset College, Cambridge                                                                                         2015 – 2016

MPhil in Victorian Social History (Funded by AHRC)

Dissertation Title: Middle Class Marriage in the Late Victorian Period

First Class (Distinction) 75%

Blackwell University                                                                                                        2013 – 2015

BA History & English – First Class Honours

Cambridge Science School

Four ‘A’ levels English (A), History (A), French (A), and Psychology (A)                     2006 – 2013

RESEARCH INTERESTS

My main interest remains in the field of women in marriage in late 19th century England but also how their changing roles developed into the 20th century.  My future research is to build on the foundations of my PhD and to investigate and compare the roles of English women with their counterparts across Europe, particularly in France and Spain.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

• Second year History module “Feminism in 20 th Century Britain”
• One seminar per week with 10 students for ten weeks
• Planned, wrote and led seminars
• Marked coursework and organised field trip to conference on “The Woman Question” at Wolverhampton West University in May 2009

ADMINISTRATION

• Assisted in examining, talking to students and parents at Open Days and invigilating examinations
• Responsibility for leading a team of students in planning and organising a university conference
• Experienced in report writing and writing up research work

POSITIONS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Participated in academic and policy dissemination activities and workshops
• Supported students’ research activities
• Undertook administrative tasks relating to student induction programme
• Assisted in coordinating day-to-day running of residential Vitae programme

CONFERENCES ATTENDED

2009                The Woman Question –Wolverhampton West University

2009                The Challenge of Big Data – The British Library

2008                20 th Century Opportunities for and Expectations of Women in Work

FUNDING AND AWARDS – AHRC  

Professor J M Smithson                                      John Engelhard, Tutor  

West Birmingham University                            West Birmingham University

School of Humanities                                          School of Humanities

The Ringway                                                          The Ringway

Birmingham                                                          Birmingham

B9 7QZ                                                                    B9 7QZ

Email: [email protected]                     Email: [email protected]

Tel: 0121 5722099                                                Tel: 0121 5722097

Professor Philippa Miles

Somerset College

Email: [email protected]

Tel: 01223 337324

For CV top tips:

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• The Key To The Perfect CV

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Henrietta Nagy

Henrietta Nagy is a seasoned portfolio worker with over 10 years’ experience in the UK education sector. Henrietta writes educational content, designs academic courses, delivers university lectures, mentors entrepreneurs, and provides career development coaching. One of Henrietta's recent organisational clients is the Oxford University where she has facilitated over 100 hours of learning events. With 9 years of higher education studies internationally (including an MBA), she has worked with CEOs, academics, scholars, managers, women entrepreneurs, academic administrators and other consultants.

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15th April 2020 at 1:02 pm

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Ph.D. Resume Examples and Templates for Industry and Non-Academic Jobs in 2024

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Ph.D. for Industry and Non-Academic Jobs Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

Ana Jameson, Ph.D. (123) 456-7890 [email protected] 123 Your Street, Detroit, MI 12345

A Medical Education Leader and Consultant, specializing in instructional design, medical research, curriculum design, and program development. A proven track record of delivering consulting for healthcare organizations to enhance training curriculums within the medical education space. Expertise in defining adult-learning strategies in alignment with business needs.

Professional Experience

Medical Education Consultant, Detroit Healthcare Educators, Detroit, MI May 2021 – Present

• Serve as a consultant for stakeholders at a healthcare education company, which includes developing programs to refine training curriculum for medical students
• Interface with healthcare partners (HCPs) and C-level executives to ensure alignment with long-term organizational objectives
• Develop course content and workshops using instructional design principles and perform assessments to create train-the-trainer programs

Adjunct Professor, Medical Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI June 2018 – May 2021

• Taught medical science courses to 75+ medical students per semester, developed curriculum, designed courses, and performed academic assessments
• Coordinated with faculty to evaluate education programs and refine curriculums to improve student outcomes
• Provided academic advising and mentorship to students to drive professional development within the medical science field

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Medical Science University Of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI September 2011 – May 2018

Master of Education (M.Ed.), Instructional Design University Of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI September 2009 – September 2011

Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Medical Science University Of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI September 2005 – May 2009

• Medical Education
• Instructional Design
• Program Development
• Strategy Development
• Cross-functional Collaboration

Justin Long, Ph.D. (123) 456-7890 [email protected] 123 Your Street, Newark, NJ 12345

A Scientist and Pharmaceutical Expert specializing in drug discovery, R&D, clinical drug trials, and regulatory compliance. Adept at leveraging pharmaceutical expertise to aid organizations in the development of innovative new medicines to improve quality of life.

Drug Discovery Consultant, Collingswood Pharmaceuticals, Collingswood, NJ May 2021 – Present

• Serve as a lead consultant for drug discovery and drug development for a premiere pharmaceutical company, which includes interacting with pharmaceutical teams to ensure regulatory compliance throughout all phases of R&D
• Provide subject matter expertise to researchers and scientists in the development of a new cardiovascular drug to reduce the risk of pulmonary disease
• Conduct research on medical data across five clinical drug trials

Associate Professor, Pharmaceutical Science, University of Newark, Newark, NJ June 2018 – May 2021

• Taught pharmaceutical science courses to 50+ students per semester, including drug discovery, drug development, laboratory safety, and pharmaceutical research
• Supervised laboratory research projects, ensured compliance with safety procedures, evaluated student research, and provided support to drive academic growth

Academic Experience

Research Dissertation, University of Newark, Newark, NJ  May 2016 – May 2018

• Wrote a 100-page dissertation on the effectiveness and long-term medical effects of emtricitabine and lamivudine in managing HIV symptoms, which included evaluating medical data from clinical drug trials

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Pharmaceutical Science University Of Newark, Newark, NJ September 2011 – May 2018

Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Pharmaceutical Science University Of Newark, Newark, NJ September 2007 – September 2011

• Pharmaceutical Science
• Drug Development
• Drug Discovery
• Clinical Research
• Regulatory Compliance

Abhishek Singh, Ph.D. (123) 456-7890 [email protected] 123 Your Street, Philadelphia, PA

An Engineering Leader and Certified Project Management Associate specializing in chemical engineering, production, and manufacturing. A proven track record of collaborating with diverse teams to enhance production efficiency and quality control. Adept at managing stakeholder expectations and executing complex engineering projects.

Project Management Consultant, Philadelphia Manufacturing Inc., Philadelphia, PA May 2021 – Present

• Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) and project management consultant for a chemical manufacturing company with 300+ employees and $50M in annual revenue
• Analyze production processes and lead continuous improvement efforts, resulting in a 15% throughput increase for the organization over a six-month span
• Collaborate with engineering, project management, and production teams to analyze process gaps and ensure compliance with hazard safety regulations

Research Dissertation, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA  May 2019 – May 2021

• Wrote a 120-page dissertation on the effectiveness of Agile methodologies in improving production quality and efficiency for chemical manufacturing plants, which included analyzing and gathering research data from 50+ chemical production sites

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Chemical Engineering Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA September 2014 – May 2021

Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Chemical Engineering  Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA  September 2010 – September 2014

• Chemical Engineering
• Project Management
• Agile Methodology
• Manufacturing
• Process Improvement

Certifications

• Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP), Expected 2022
• Certified Associate of Project Management (CAPM), 2021

How To Write a Ph.D. for Non-Academic Jobs Resume

If you earned a Ph.D. and want to work in a non-academic setting, crafting a resume that balances your professional and educational achievements is important. Highlight your degree and any relevant academic research you’ve done, but you also need to convey the key skills and job experience you can bring to an organization. Review our resume examples and strategies to accelerate your job search and land your next interview.

1. Write a brief summary of your Ph.D. resume qualifications

With a Ph.D., you’ve proven mastery of an academic subject, but when going for an industry or non-academic job, you’ll need to summarize your abilities and accomplishments outside the classroom. This requires a strategic approach to your personal branding. Employers must see you as more than just a researcher, so you must clarify your versatility. Build a dynamic profile incorporating various skills and industry expertise to position yourself as a subject matter expert (SME) who can apply their academic training in the field.

For example, if you are applying for a consultant or SME role with a cloud computing company, you could emphasize your background supporting database migrations as a consultant. If you’ve delivered consulting services within the pharmaceutical industry, highlight your experience in drug development and clinical trials.

Professional Profile - Example #1

An IT consultant specializing in developing scalable IT infrastructure for enterprise companies. Expertise in cloud technology, Microsoft Azure, and data-driven decision-making. A proven track record of partnering with diverse technology teams to execute large-scale IT initiatives. Adept at defining IT strategy and leading complex data migration projects.

Professional Profile - Example #2

A scientist and pharmaceutical expert specializing in drug discovery, research and development (R&D), clinical drug trials, and regulatory compliance. Adept at leveraging pharmaceutical expertise to aid organizations in creating innovative new medicines to improve quality of life.

2. Outline your Ph.D. resume experience in a compelling list

When seeking an industry job with a Ph.D. resume, show you’re more than just an academic. Share clear and compelling examples of how you’ve excelled in previous jobs you’ve had. Point out your value to organizations and include data where possible.

If you lack hands-on experience outside of academia, leverage your academic projects and dissertations to brand yourself as an SME in the eyes of hiring managers. Think about how your academic research relates to your target industry, and pay close attention to the job description as you showcase your projects. For example, you could leverage your experience in instructional design to obtain a consulting position to help organizations develop training programs and curricula.

Professional Experience - Example #1

Medical Education Consultant, Detroit Healthcare Educators, Detroit, MI

May 2021 – Present

Professional Experience - Example #2

Drug Discovery Consultant, Collingswood Pharmaceuticals, Collingswood, NJ

3. Add Ph.D. education and certifications

If you’ve earned a Ph.D., the education section of your resume will be prominent. But what might seem less obvious is including some specifics about your area of study and any relevant industry certifications you may have earned. Clearly, you believe in lifelong learning, but anything you can add to show specializations or job-related learnings can make you even more attractive.

• [Degree Name]
• [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Graduation Year]
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Medical Science
• University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI September 2011 – May 2018
• [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]

4. List key skills and proficiencies

A big part of making it to the job search process’s interview level is ensuring your resume passes the applicant tracking system (ATS). This helps recruiters screen candidates by looking for pertinent keywords related to the role. Confirm you have the keywords the hiring team seeks. Look closely at the job description (or job postings in your field of interest) and ensure important terms and skills are mentioned on your resume. Here are some skills that non-academic or industry jobs might want to see from Ph.D. degree holders who apply:

5. Highlight academic research related to the role

If your dissertation is relevant to the industry job you’re applying for, it would be worthwhile to include a section on your resume that describes your research findings. For example, if your Ph.D. project was related to cybersecurity and you’re seeking an IT infrastructure position, that could help you stand out from your peers.

How To Pick the Best Ph.D. for Non-Academic Jobs Resume Template

The best resume template depends on the industry you are targeting. For instance, how you construct a resume for a biomedical engineering role might look different than for an art historian position. That said, if employers are looking for candidates with high educational levels like Ph.D.s, it’s probably best to choose an academic-looking rather than design-heavy template. Keep it clean, simple, and professional.

Frequently Asked Questions: Ph.D. for Industry and Non-Academic Jobs Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for ph.d. non-academic resumes -.

The professional experience section of your resume should bring your achievements to life, which is why choosing the right action verbs is important. Consider using some of the common engaging action verbs from the list below that are typically relevant to job candidates with Ph.D.s.

How do you align your resume with an industry or non-academic job description when you have a Ph.D.? -

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , median weekly earnings for those with Ph.D.s was $2,083, which is the highest compared to other educational attainment levels. For example, bachelor’s degree holders had median earnings of $1,432.

Continuing your education can certainly pay dividends on the job market, but you’ll need to leverage your academic experience strategically on your resume to break into an industry or non-academic job. Unlike academic positions that are more likely to require CVs, industry jobs generally view resumes to evaluate potential candidates. 

The key is to focus on the unique skill set and thought leadership your education level has helped you achieve. Perhaps it might mean sharing details of a research project you were involved with or how a consultant role in a related industry helped an organization meet an objective.

What is the best Ph.D. resume format for industry and non-academic jobs? -

Usually, using a reverse chronological format will familiarize hiring managers and allow you to highlight your professional and academic experiences. If you are changing careers completely, it might make sense to combine a resume format. But otherwise, sharing your most recent experiences and working your way backward makes the most sense.

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Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

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