Applications for any advertised position will typically require a combination of a CV, online application (which could include a personal or supporting statement for most academic applications) and interview process. You can stand out from the competition by preparing yourself for each of these stages, and understanding how these processes might look slightly different for academic roles.<\/p>\n
What is key to navigating job applications outside of academia is how you will effectively translate your skills and experiences and make them relevant to the roles you are applying for. This is called tailoring<\/strong> and is essential to demonstrate to employers outside of academia that you have the skills, knowledge and experience that they are looking for. For example, this fictional CV<\/a> is a useful example of a CV that has been tailored towards a public engagement role. The emphasis within the CV is more on highlighting the relevant skills and experience within science communication and communicating to a variety of audiences. Less emphasis has been placed on academic achievements, awards and technical skills. Vitae has additional CV templates<\/a>.<\/p>\n Use our extensive advice on Student Futures+<\/a> to prepare for CVs, applications and interviews for non-academic roles. We also recommend reading our advice on applying for jobs outside of academia on this website<\/a>. Jobs on Toast<\/a> is also a very helpful resource for researchers looking to access jobs outside of academia.<\/p>\n If you are applying for academic roles, it\u2019s important to be aware of what makes an effective CV, personal statement and application, as well as how to stand out at interview. Whilst there is certainly overlap with best practice for applying for roles outside of academia, there are specific factors you should bear in mind to ensure your application is sufficiently adapted to the academic environment and requirements for academic roles.<\/p>\n Use our below advice and resources to find out more about what makes an effective academic CV and personal\/supporting statement and how to stand out at an academic interview.<\/p>\n Academic CVs, whilst having lots in common with CVs for other industries, stand out on their own. Your academic CV will develop and mature with you so it is a good idea to get it started when part way through your PhD and keep a log of updates you need to consider the next time you use it. If you are already employed as a researcher, thinking of how your growing experience will be presented is also important.<\/p>\n\n\n The key focus of an academic CV is on your academic, research and teaching<\/strong> experiences, skills and knowledge. Unlike CVs for other sectors where a 2-page CV is typical, an academic CV, especially for experienced staff, can run up to 4 pages<\/strong> (and sometimes longer). It will have specialist sections that you wouldn\u2019t expect to find in a CV outside of academia, for example, conferences and presentations, publications, teaching\/ supervising experience, funding, awards and research interests. Take a look at the academic CV example<\/a> provided by Prospects, which gives some great insight into how you could structure your CV.<\/p>\n UKRI have also introduced a narrative CV format for grant applications, which you can read more about on their website<\/a>.<\/p>\n Academic job applications often require some form of personal or supporting statement. Within this, you will be required to provide evidence that you meet the criteria for the position, often divided into criteria that are either essential<\/strong>\u00a0or desirable<\/strong> for the position. In addition to this, the readers will also be looking to gauge your motivation<\/strong> for applying for the role and becoming a part of that particular university\/ department\/ group, as well as how this role aligns with your future career goals.<\/p>\n We recommend following the below top tips to help your personal statement stand out:<\/p>\nApplications for academic roles<\/h4>\n
Academic CVs<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\n \u201cAn academic CV differs from others in that it should include sections which relate directly to your research and other related skills and experiences\u2026There is no set Academic CV format: your layout is up to you\u2026Remember the three key elements potential employers look for are Research, Teaching and Administration, so these three elements should definitely be prioritised and included in all academic CVs.\u201d <\/blockquote>\n
Academic personal\/ supporting statements\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n