Let’s be honest, writing a CV is a boring but essential task that we all have to do. And although it is simply just a list of what we have done or achieved there is a certain skill to portraying the information in an effective manner.
The key rule is to tailor your CV to each individual job application and to keep it up to date.
And don’t just think a CV is for job seekers as those in employment are constantly presenting their CV for various reasons. In the past six months I have rewritten and submitted my CV for three research grant applications, an industry accreditation visit, an internal promotion and for freelance writing work.
Traditionally CVs are two A4 pages but sometimes an abridged one page version is required or a one page biography plus CV is asked for.
I currently have 6 versions of my CV which all vary in length and are targeted to different types of work (research, teaching, journalism, PR).
Some pointers for an academic/research/teaching CV:
- Keep it simple, for example don’t go beyond your undergraduate degree in the education section
- Remember to include more than just where you have worked and what your qualifications are such as training you have received
- Include details of your publications, conferences you have presented at, research grants you have received, research projects you have been involved in
- Include details of any professional bodies you are a member of
- Include industry experience that is relevant (i.e have you worked in the industry you are teaching about?)
- Remember to include examples of management and leadership skills even if it is from something seemingly unrelated for example a job managing a bar whilst you were in university
- Include your online handles for Twitter, LinkedIn, own website/blog
- Always proofread your CV several times and check name spellings
For more tips on writing a journalism CV as an undergraduate click here.
Share your comments and feedback