Academic Curriculum Vitae Template: A Guide

An academic Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a comprehensive document that outlines your educational and professional history. Unlike a resume, which is typically geared towards specific jobs and limited to one or two pages, an academic CV is detailed, exhaustive, and frequently spans multiple pages. It is used primarily when applying for academic positions, research grants, fellowships, and other opportunities within the academic world.

Key Sections of an Academic CV

1. Contact Information

Start with your full name prominently displayed, followed by your current affiliation (university, department), mailing address, phone number, and professional email address. Include links to your professional website or online profiles (e.g., Google Scholar, LinkedIn) if applicable.

2. Education

List your educational background in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent degree. Include the name of the institution, the degree earned, the major field of study, the date of graduation (or expected graduation), and the title of your dissertation or thesis. You may also include relevant coursework, honors, and awards received during your studies.

3. Research Interests

Provide a concise overview of your research interests, highlighting the key themes and areas of inquiry that drive your work. Tailor this section to the specific position or opportunity you are applying for, emphasizing interests that align with the institution or program.

4. Research Experience

Detail your research experience, listing projects in reverse chronological order. For each project, include the title, your role, the dates of involvement, a brief description of the project’s aims and methods, and any significant findings or outcomes. Quantify your contributions whenever possible.

5. Publications

This is a crucial section. List all publications in a consistent bibliographic style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago). Separate publications into categories such as: peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, conference proceedings, and other publications. For each publication, provide complete citation information.

6. Presentations

Similar to publications, list presentations at conferences, workshops, and other venues in reverse chronological order. Include the title of the presentation, the conference name, the location, and the date.

7. Teaching Experience

Outline your teaching experience, listing courses taught in reverse chronological order. Include the course name, the institution, the dates of instruction, and a brief description of your responsibilities (e.g., designing the syllabus, lecturing, grading). If you have received teaching awards or positive student evaluations, mention them here.

8. Grants and Fellowships

List any grants, fellowships, or scholarships you have received, including the funding agency, the grant title, the amount awarded, and the dates of the award.

9. Awards and Honors

Include a comprehensive list of academic awards, honors, and recognitions you have received.

10. Professional Service

Detail your contributions to your field through activities such as: reviewing manuscripts, serving on committees, organizing conferences, or participating in professional organizations.

11. Skills

List any relevant skills, such as: software proficiency, language skills, statistical analysis techniques, or other specialized abilities.

12. References

Provide the names, titles, affiliations, and contact information for three to five individuals who can serve as professional references. It is courteous to ask for their permission before listing them.

Tips for Creating an Effective Academic CV

• Be thorough and accurate: Ensure all information is accurate, complete, and error-free.
• Tailor to the opportunity: Customize your CV to highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific position or opportunity.
• Use a clear and consistent format: Choose a professional-looking template and maintain consistency in formatting throughout the document.
• Proofread carefully: Thoroughly proofread your CV for any typos, grammatical errors, or inconsistencies.
• Seek feedback: Ask mentors, colleagues, or career services professionals to review your CV and provide feedback.