Academic CV Tips - an AcademicJobs.com Podcast

1. What is the primary purpose of a Curriculum Vitae (CV) in the context of applying for faculty positions?

The primary purpose of a CV for faculty job applications is to provide a comprehensive summary of your academic credentials and professional accomplishments to a search committee. It aims to demonstrate that you possess the necessary qualifications and experience relevant to the specific position and institution, ultimately compelling the committee to invite you for an interview. Your CV should highlight your most significant achievements and tailor your "message" of accomplishments to align with the requirements and priorities of the particular job, department, and institution you are targeting.

2. What are the essential sections that should generally be included in a faculty job application CV?

While specific sections may vary slightly by discipline, most faculty job application CVs should include the following core components:

Contact Information: Your name, address, phone number, and professional email address. You may also include a website URL if you have one.

Education: A reverse chronological listing of all your degrees, including institution name, degree type, completion date (or expected completion date), dissertation/thesis title, and advisor's name (optional). You might also include relevant details like specializations or milestones.

Experience: Often divided into "Research Experience" and "Teaching Experience," this section details your roles, responsibilities, and accomplishments in each area, using action verbs and highlighting outcomes.

Publications and Presentations: A reverse chronological list of your scholarly output, potentially separated into peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, conference presentations, posters, and invited talks. Include works in progress if they are near completion.

Honors and Awards: A section showcasing any academic distinctions, grants, fellowships, and scholarships you have received. Briefly explain the significance of less common awards.

Research Interests: A concise statement outlining your current and future research directions. This should be credible and something you are prepared to discuss further.

References: Typically includes the names, titles, departments, institutions, and contact information (mailing address, phone number, email) of individuals who can speak to your qualifications and experience. Always ask for their permission beforehand.

3. How should I tailor my CV to a specific faculty job application?

Tailoring your CV involves carefully reviewing the job announcement and the institution's website to understand their specific requirements, priorities, and the type of institution (e.g., research-focused, liberal arts college). Based on this research, you should:

Prioritize relevant information: Emphasize the experiences, skills, publications, and interests that directly align with the job description.

Adjust section order: Place the most relevant sections towards the beginning of your CV. For example, postdocs might lead with "Current Research Experience" at research-intensive institutions.

Customize headings: Use headings that highlight the most pertinent aspects of your background for the specific position.

Quantify achievements: Whenever possible, use data and specific examples to demonstrate the impact of your work in your descriptions of experience.

Refine your "Research Interests" and "Teaching Competencies" sections: Ensure these sections clearly connect with the institution's mission and the department's focus.

4. What is the recommended formatting and layout for a faculty job application CV?

Clarity and readability are paramount in CV formatting. Key recommendations include:

Use a standard, easy-to-read font.

Maintain consistent formatting for headings, bullet points, dates, and other elements.

Employ clear and concise language, avoiding jargon where possible.