Academic CV Example & Writing Guide

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CV Header

Your CV header lists all your important contact details, usually your name, profession, address, contact number and email. While it’s essential for letting potential employers know how to get in touch with you, it’s important that your header is eye-catching and appropriate for the job role you’re applying for. Feel free to play around with the layout, colors, fonts and spacing to create a polished and professional look. 

Writing your header should be relatively simple since your contact details are usually committed to memory, but designing a good header can be a bit more difficult. That’s why we’ve designed professional header templates, with all the layout and formatting taken care of for you. Simply enter your contact information and select a template that suits you and your job role! 

Adaptable CV header example

Aofie Daly
Academic
22 Locke RD Dublin, Ireland
aoifedalywork@gmail.com

Academic CV Example

Your professional profile, alternatively known as a personal statement, is like an overview of your professional background and experiences. It conveys the essence of who you are on a professional level, and should be treated like a brief introduction to who you are and what you have to offer to potential employers.

When writing your professional profile, it’s worth asking yourself: What makes me unique? If you’ve completed exemplary research, received an impressive award in the academic field or featured in scholarly journals, don’t be afraid to share your point of difference! Your professional profile should showcase your professional excellence and let employers know why you’re the ideal candidate for the role. 

Adaptable summary CV example

Professional and organised academic with a wealth of expertise in managing school curriculums and supporting student achievement. Over nine years experience collaborating with students, staff, and faculty members to promote academic excellence and positive learning outcomes for students. Passionate advocate for the arts and sciences and using the transformative power of education to create a better world for all.

Employment History

As an academic, you’re likely already a pro at articulating your ideas and thoughts. In your employment history section, you’ll want to share your professional experiences and background with as much accuracy and allure as possible. Whether you did a semester teaching in Spain or taught English in Turkey, employers want to know why you stand out!

It’s best to list your employment history in reverse chronological order, beginning with your most recent job role. You’ll want to include the name of your employer, the location, the years you spent in that role and any accomplishments you achieved during that time. It’s important to be specific and incorporate facts and numbers where relevant and possible. 

Adaptable employment history example

Assistant Professor at Dublin City University, Dublin
August 2016 — Present

  • Conducted and published academic research for the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Developed initiatives to secure funding for students' research proposals and academic projects
  • Collaborated in the development of undergraduate course modules and lecture materials
  • Provided assistance in grading students' work during examinations
  • Facilitated office hours for Dublin City University students

 

Teacher at Gaelscoil Bhaile Dublin, Dublin
January 2014 — September 2014

  • Created immersive, interactive lesson plans for students, ensuring each lesson plan aligned with the standards of the Irish national curriculum
  • Established and maintained a respectful, collaborative classroom environment that fostered leadership, hard work and curiosity
  • Instructed students in a broad range of Irish language and science skills
  • Organised meetings with students and parents as required to ensure student academic success

 

Assistant Teacher at O'Rourke Primary School, Sligo
July 2013 — January 2014

  • Collaborated with teachers to create engaging lesson plans for students
  • Supported and advocated for students with additional learning needs
  • Assisted with grading and feedback for students
  • Prepared classroom materials and organised equipment for the classroom

Academic CVs & Education

Now for the education section! As an academic, you should feel right at home. Just like your employment history section, you’ll want to include your most recent qualification and the highest degree that you have earned. For example, if you have a Ph.D in Genetic Engineering, you’ll want to put that first. If you also earned a Master’s Degree in Marine Biology, that one will go second (look at you go!). Where relevant, you’ll also want to include any scholarly certifications and qualifications, but be sure to leave out any unnecessary details that don’t support your job application. 

We also recommend including stand-out achievements. For example, if you graduated at the top of your class in University or high school, be sure to include specific details! Additionally, if you were recognised for any academic achievements or honours, or you belong to any academic societies, don’t be afraid to share your academic shine with employers in this section. 

Adaptable education example

Master of Education, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin
September 2014 — September 2015

Bachelor of Education, Dublin City University, Dublin
September 2008 — September 2013

Academic CVs & Skills

Finally, be sure to mention any skills that are relevant to your field or the industry you’re applying for. Do your research, on both the company you’re applying to and the industry you’d like to work in, and list any relevant skills from there. Be sure that any skills you mention are an accurate reflection of your true skill set and capacity.

Adaptable skills section example
  • Communication
  • Leadership
  • Academic Research
  • Academic Writing
  • Creative Writing
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