Academic CV: How to Write a Curriculum Vitae (With Examples)

You have a long list of qualifications, awards, and other scholarly activities — but how do you decide what to include and how to organize it all? A quick search online will give you different answers. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to an academic CV.

But it’s not a free-for-all either. What you include and how you structure your CV depends on the position you’re aiming for, your experience level, and the specific guidelines of the institution. Writing your CV isn’t the first step; it’s doing your research. You need to figure out what the position values most and how to highlight those aspects in your CV. But, you also need to follow some ground rules that apply to most CVs.

If it all sounds a little too complex, relax. It should all be much clearer in 10 minutes or so.

 This article will give you:

• Complete academic CV examples with all the must-have sections. 
• Details on how to write and format your academic CV. 
• A breakdown of how to tailor your CV and make it stand out. 

What Is an Academic CV?

An academic CV (curriculum vitae) is your academic life story on paper. It’s a detailed document that highlights your educational background, teaching and research experience, and all your accomplishments in the academic world. This is the go-to document if you’re aiming for a faculty job, a postdoc position, or a research grant.

Unlike a resume, which is usually one or two pages, an academic CV can be as long as necessary. It grows with you throughout your career — in the early days it will be shorter, but you can expand it as you rack up achievements. It’s not uncommon to see CVs that span over 10 pages, especially for experienced academics.

So how do include all that information? Some positions require standardized templates and guidelines, especially when reviewing candidates for tenure. Don’t make the mistake of writing a whole CV to find you’ve used the wrong template — always check the CV requirements for that particular position before you put pen to paper. 

To give you an idea, here’s a breakdown of an academic CV structure: 

• Contact details. Start with your name, address, email, and phone number.
• CV profile (optional). A summary of your research interests and career goals.
• Education. List your degrees in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent.
• Research and teaching experience. Detail where you’ve taught, the courses, and any research positions you’ve held. If you’re lacking in this department, you can also create an additional section for “non-academic” professional appointments related to the position. 
• Awards, honors, and grants. Include any scholarships, fellowships, or research grants you’ve received.
• Conferences and presentations. Mention any conferences that you’ve attended or presented. 
• Publications. List your published work, including articles, books, and chapters.
• References and professional affiliations. Include the names of academic professionals who can vouch for you or list professional organizations you’re a part of.

CV vs. Resume

Your CV is the long, academic version that showcases everything you’ve done in the academic world. A standard resume is a shorter, more focused summary designed to get you a job in the professional world.

Here’s a rundown of the key differences between an academic CV and a resume: 

Let’s clear up any confusion for those who aren’t familiar with the US system. 

In the US, a CV (curriculum vitae) is an academic document that details your educational background, research, and teaching experience. You don’t even need to call it an “academic” CV. The term “CV” implies just that — a document used in academia only. 

But in many other countries, a CV is more like what we call a resume in the US — a summary of your work experience and skills. 

In other words, resumes and CVs usually point to the same thing. A UK CV, for instance, would be the UK version of a resume.

An “academic” CV, however, is always long, very detailed, and focused on your scholarly work. Since we’re expecting an international audience to be reading this guide, we’re sticking to “Academic CV” as the main term, just so that everyone is 100% sure which document we’re referring to.

Find out more about the key differences: CV (Curriculum Vitae) vs. Resume

Academic CV Example 

If you search for the structure of an academic CV, you’ll get mixed results (trust me — I’ve done my research). Many institutions have their own CV guidelines, so the format and order of sections can vary. Play it safe by always checking their website to ensure you’re playing by their rules.

Education usually takes the top spot, but after that, the order can shift depending on your experience and what the position values most. Are publications highly prized in your field? Then place this section before any grants. If you’re just starting out, you can include a “non-academic” work experience under your education — a section worth skipping if you’ve got a solid teaching and research background. 

When structuring your CV, consider what the institution or organization is looking for and how you can best highlight your experiences, achievements, and education to match the position.

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Dr Phoebe McCrorie, has eight years of experience in academia. Here’s what she said about creating her academic CV: 

I started by checking the CV of a senior academic and used it as a reference point on how to order my different sections. After this, I used the job description as a guideline for what I needed to include. For example, since I’m still working in laboratories and these positions require a specific skill set, I have a bulleted list of lab skills, so employers can instantly see that I have the right expertise. I also have a short 4–5 bulleted list of interests to differentiate me from other candidates and to give my CV some personality. 

Here’s a full-length academic CV for a candidate with around ten years of postgraduate academic experience, focusing on research and teaching positions.

Note: while the order of sections in this sample CV represents what a standard academic CV might look like, we limited the number of entries in each section for ease of reading (and scrolling). If your CV is shaping up to be considerably longer than the sample below, no need to worry.

Dr. Sarah Johnson
‍Department of Environmental Science
Stanford University
450 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA 94305
Phone: (650) 555-1234
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sarahjohnsonresearch.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarahjohnsonphd 

Environmental scientist with over 10 years of experience in academia, focusing on sustainable urban development and climate change mitigation. Proven track record in research and teaching, with extensive experience in conducting field studies, publishing in top-tier journals, and mentoring graduate students. Seeking a faculty position where I can continue to advance research in urban sustainability while contributing to interdisciplinary teaching programs.

Education

Ph.D. in Environmental Science
University of California, Berkeley, CA — 2020
• Concentrations: Urban Sustainability, Climate Change Adaptation
• Dissertation: “Resilient Cities: Strategies for Urban Sustainability in the Face of Climate Change”
ª Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Emily Roberts
• Dissertation Committee: Dr. James Carter, Dr. Linda Green, Dr. Mark Thompson

‍M.S. in Environmental Science
University of California, Berkeley, CA — 2015
• Concentration: Environmental Policy
• Thesis: “Evaluating the Effectiveness of Policy Interventions on Urban Air Quality”

‍B.S. in Environmental Studies
University of Washington, Seattle, WA — 2013
• Concentration: Environmental Economics

Research Experience 
Research Associate 
Stanford University, Department of Environmental Science, Stanford, CA — 2023–Present
• Conducted interdisciplinary research on the impacts of climate change on urban infrastructure and policy.
• Led a team of graduate students in the “Sustainable Cities Initiative,” which developed policy recommendations for city planners in California.
• Published 10+ peer-reviewed articles in journals such as Environmental Research Letters and Urban Climate.
• Secured $1.5 million in research funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Harvard University, Center for Climate Change Studies, Cambridge, MA — 2021–2023
• Investigated the relationship between urban planning and climate resilience, with a focus on vulnerable populations.
• Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to develop a predictive model for urban heat islands.
• Published findings in high-impact journals and presented at international conferences.

Teaching Experience

Lecturer
Stanford University, Department of Environmental Science, Stanford, CA — 2023–Present
• Developed and taught undergraduate and graduate courses on Urban Sustainability and Climate Change Policy.
• Integrated innovative teaching methods, including project-based learning and fieldwork, to enhance student engagement.
• Supervised 20+ graduate theses and dissertations, many of which have been published in peer-reviewed journals.

Teaching Assistant 
• University of California, Berkeley, Department of Environmental Science, Berkeley, CA — 2014–2015
• Assisted in teaching courses on Environmental Policy and Urban Planning.
• Conducted review sessions, graded assignments, and provided one-on-one support to students.

Awards, Honors, and Grants
• Best Paper Award — Urban Climate Conference, 2023
• Outstanding Young Scientist Award — American Geophysical Union (AGU), 2020
• Dean’s Fellowship for Excellence in Research — Harvard University, 2021–2023 
• Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society — University of Washington, 2013

Publications 

Peer-Reviewed Publications
• Johnson, S., Roberts, E. (2023). “Climate Resilience in Urban Planning: A Comparative Study of U.S. Cities.” Environmental Research Letters, 18(4), 045101.
• Johnson, S., Carter, J. (2021). “The Role of Green Infrastructure in Mitigating Urban Heat Islands.” Urban Climate, 37, 100892.
• Johnson, S. et al. (2019). “Assessing the Impact of Policy Interventions on Urban Sustainability.” Journal of Environmental Management, 234, 567-575.
• Johnson, S., Thompson, M. (2017). “Climate Change Adaptation Strategies for Urban Areas.” Journal of Applied Environmental Research, 29(2), 102-115.

Other Publications
• Johnson, S. (2020). “Book Review: ‘The Future of Sustainable Cities’ by Anna Brown.” Urban Studies Journal, 57(3), 595-597.

Conferences and Presentations

Oral Presentations
• “Climate Resilience and Urban Planning: Lessons from the U.S.,” American Planning Association National Conference, Chicago, IL, April 2023.
• “Green Infrastructure as a Tool for Urban Sustainability,” International Conference on Urban Climate, New York, NY, June 2021.
Poster Presentations
“Mitigating Urban Heat Islands through Policy Interventions,” AGU Fall Meeting, San Francisco, CA, December 2019.
Invited Talks
“The Future of Sustainable Cities,” Harvard University Center for the Environment, Cambridge, MA, October 2022.
Conference Organization
Co-Chair, Sustainable Urban Development Symposium, Stanford University, 2019.

References

Dr. Emily Roberts
Professor of Environmental Science, Department of Environmental Science
University of California, Berkeley
1234 Academic Lane, Berkeley, CA 94720
Phone: (510) 555-7890
Email: [email protected]

Dr. Mark Thompson
Director, Center for Climate Change Studies
Harvard University
5678 Research Drive, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: (617) 555-1234
Email: [email protected]

Professional Affiliations

• Member, American Geophysical Union (AGU)
• Member, American Association of Geographers (AAG)
• Committee Member, Urban Sustainability Research Group, Stanford University

How to Write an Academic CV?

Short answer:

Organize your academic achievements and experience in reverse chronological order with clear headings. Start with your contact information, followed by sections for education, research experience, teaching background, publications, presentations, and references. You can rearrange the sections depending on internal CV requirements and what’s most important for the position. Highlight your accomplishments with specific examples, and use bullet points to make your CV easy to scan. Tailor your CV to the position you’re applying for, focusing on relevant experiences and contributions to your field. Make sure to proofread for accuracy and clarity.

Choose the right academic CV format 

When you first look at academic CV examples — it’s a lot. Unlike a standard resume, CVs are longer with detailed academic information. But don’t panic, it’s manageable once you break it down into sections.

Don’t feel pressured to include long descriptions or unnecessary details if you’re just starting in academia. There’s no strict length limit, and your CV will naturally expand as you advance in your career. The key is to keep everything relevant and well-organized. A good guideline is to aim for two to six pages (you can use page numbers to keep everything in order).

With all that information, you can use formatting tools like headings, bold, italics, and ALL CAPS to highlight the most important information and make it easier on the eyes. Just don’t go overboard — too much fancy formatting can be distracting. 

Keep your CV clean and uncluttered by using wide margins (around 1 inch on all sides) and leaving some space between sections. You can also use bullet points for lists to break down all the information.

You don’t need to worry about keeping your CV concise, so be generous with the white space. Use 1.15 or 1.5 line spacing and add an extra space between the main body text and section titles.

List everything in reverse chronological order within each section. This way, your most recent achievements are the first thing people see. Plus, it’s the format academic decision-makers expect to see.

Start with your contact details and profile

If you’re in academia, setting up your contact details isn’t exactly rocket science, but even the smartest people are guilty of typos. Always double-check and keep everything up-to-date — it’s only an interview on the line. 

Here’s a breakdown of your academic CV contact details: 

• Name: Place your full name prominently at the top.
• Address: Include your current mailing address.
• Phone number: Share your number, and swap out that “hey…just kidding” voicemail for something more professional.
• Email: Add a professional email address with your full name — your old [email protected] might be on brand, but it won’t impress employers. 
• Personal website/portfolio: Add the URL to your personal website or portfolio (if you have one) to show your work.
• LinkedIn: If relevant to your field, include your LinkedIn profile to give a fuller picture of your academic and professional background.

Under your contact details, add a 2–3 sentence profile or summary. This is your chance to break down your academic background and key achievements. 

This section is generally optional and sometimes against the internal CV guidelines of a given institution — needless to say, double-check those and play by their rules.

Here’s an example academic CV profile: 

A dedicated researcher with extensive experience in [Your Field], I hold a [Your Degree] from [Your University] and have contributed to various high-impact projects and publications. My expertise spans [Specific Areas of Research or Teaching], and I am passionate about advancing knowledge and academic collaboration.

Alternatively, include an objective statement for research-focused CVs or if you’re new to academia. For example, mention if you’re applying to graduate research programs or seeking grants for a specific project. This helps employers grasp your goals and see how your work aligns with their interests.

Use this academic CV objective as some inspiration: 

A motivated scholar with a [Your Degree] in [Your Field] from [Your University], I have developed a solid foundation in [Relevant Skills or Knowledge Areas]. Eager to apply my academic training and passion for research to contribute to a dynamic academic environment. I am particularly excited about opportunities that will allow me to develop my skills in [Specific Research Interests or Goals] and make a positive impact in the field.

Detail your educational background

Your education section is the cornerstone of your academic CV, so it needs to be near the top. For postdocs, you might lead with “Current Research Experience,” but your educational background should still follow closely. 

List your degrees in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent program and working back to your college degree. For each degree, include the institution’s name and the date you received (or expect to receive) the degree. 

Are you currently working on your degree? Just list the expected completion date. You could also include important milestones you’ve hit, like completing coursework or passing qualifying exams. This shows that you’re making progress, even if the light is still at the end of a long tunnel. 

And don’t hold back on the details — you want to show how far your expertise stretches and why you’re the right fit. Mention your academic concentrations, the title of your dissertation or thesis, and your advisor’s name. If your dissertation committee includes prominent figures in your field, consider listing those members, too.

Here’s what your academic CV education section should look like:

Ph.D. in Molecular Biology
Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, Expected May 2025
Concentration: Gene Expression and Environmental Stressors
Dissertation: Exploring Gene Expression in Response to Environmental Stressors
Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Jane Smith
Committee: Dr. John Doe, Dr. Emily Brown, Dr. William Green

M.Sc. in Biochemistry
University of California, Berkeley, CA, May 2020
Concentration: Enzyme Kinetics and Metabolic Pathways
Thesis: Investigating Enzyme Kinetics in Metabolic Pathways
Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Mark Taylor

B.Sc. in Biological Sciences
University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, May 2018 Concentration: Genetics
Graduated with Honors

Outline research and teaching experience 

When detailing your research and teaching experience on your academic CV, don’t just settle for a list of roles — bring your accomplishments to life. These sections should tell the story of your journey and what you’ve contributed to the academic world.

You’re not just saying where you’ve been, but what you’ve made happen. So, don’t shy away from adding some depth and context to your descriptions. You can do this in two ways: combine your research and teaching background into one section if you have limited experience, or create two sections to make it easier for the reviewer. 

Note: For “non-academic” work, you can also create another section below this one — just make sure your experiences are relevant to the position. 

Research Experience

Your “Research Experience” section should list all your academic research positions in reverse chronological order. Include titles like Research Assistant, Research Associate, or full-time researcher roles. For each position, name the institution, the department, your role, and the dates you held the position.

But just listing your title isn’t enough — you want to give a fuller picture of what you actually did. Add a brief description that covers the research you worked on, your goals, methods, and the results. 

Here’s what your research experience could look like for an academic CV: 

Research Experience

Research Associate
Department of Genetics, Stanford University, CA
June 2022 – Present
• Led a project focused on the genetic basis of Alzheimer’s disease, utilizing CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing.
• Aimed to identify potential genetic markers for early diagnosis and targeted treatment.
• Conducted experiments in both in vitro and in vivo models, leading to a significant discovery published in Nature Genetics.

Research Assistant
Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, TX
September 2020 – May 2022
• Assisted in a study exploring the effects of environmental stressors on gene expression in marine life.
• Developed and optimized protocols for RNA extraction and quantitative PCR.
• Findings contributed to a collaborative paper published in Marine Biology Review.

Teaching Experience

Your “Teaching Experience” section is your chance to show off the courses you’ve taught, whether you ran the show as a full instructor or assisted as a TA. Again, go in reverse chronological order.

For each teaching role, include the course name, the institution, the department, your specific role (like TA or Lecturer), and the dates. If you’ve taught fewer than ten courses, list them all out. Note the level of each course — whether it was for undergrads, grad students, or a mix.

You can also highlight what you brought to the classroom. Did you develop any unique course materials? Or introduce new teaching methods? This is particularly handy if you’re applying for a teaching position, as it gives a glimpse into your style and the impact you had on your students.

Here’s an example of research experience for an academic CV: 

Lecturer, Department of Sociology
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA
September 2021 – June 2023

Courses Taught:
SOC 101: Introduction to Sociology (Undergraduate)
SOC 305: Social Movements and Change (Undergraduate)
• Developed interactive course materials that increased student engagement and participation.
• Implemented a flipped classroom model, leading to a 15% improvement in student performance on final exams.
• Guided students through independent research projects, resulting in several publications in undergraduate journals.

Teaching Assistant, Department of Political Science
Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
September 2019 – May 2021 

Courses Taught:
GOV 200: American Government (Undergraduate)
GOV 450: Advanced Theories of Democracy (Graduate)
• Led weekly discussion sections, fostering critical analysis and debate among students.
• Assisted in grading exams and papers, providing detailed feedback to help students improve their academic writing.
• Organized and conducted review sessions before midterms and finals, contributing to higher overall class grades.

List awards, honors, or grants

You’re aiming for a research grant or faculty position, so how do you prove you’re up to the task? Recognition is key. Your education and experience matter, but awards and honors show that others have noticed your excellence too.

Here are the various accolades you can list in your CV: 

• Fellowships
• Scholarships
• Assistantships
• Teaching awards 
• Research awards
• Scholastic honors

If you’ve racked up several awards, give them their own section to show you’ve got a strong track record of recognition. If you’ve only got a couple or if they’re closely tied to your education, you can combine them with the “Education” section.

Always list your accolades in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. For each award, honor, or grant, include the name, the organization, and the date you received it. If you’ve secured a significant grant, you can mention the dollar amount, especially in fields where funding matters. 

Don’t forget to mention if an award is particularly prestigious or competitive. Well-known honors, like Phi Beta Kappa, might not need an explanation, but for lesser-known or international awards, a brief note on their significance can be helpful for the reviewer. 

Also, make sure you include the awards or grants you received but rejected. For instance, if you were offered multiple scholarships or grants for a research project or a degree but had to choose just one — mention those you rejected, too.

Here’s what the awards section can look like on your academic CV: 

Fulbright Scholarship
U.S. Department of State, 2023-2024
Competitive scholarship awarded for conducting research in environmental science in Germany.

Graduate Research Fellowship
National Science Foundation (NSF), 2020-2023
Awarded for research on enzyme kinetics in metabolic pathways.

Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society
The University of Texas at Austin, 2018
Inducted for outstanding academic achievement in Biological Sciences.

Include any publications

Your academic CV highlights your expertise and shows how you can contribute your knowledge. And there’s no better way of showing off your smarts than by including your publications. 

To do this, create a dedicated “Publications” section. If you’ve got a variety of publication types, like journal articles, book chapters, or reviews, consider breaking them down into subcategories. A common strategy is to start with “Peer-Reviewed Publications” since they carry the most academic weight. After that, you can include “Other Publications” for book chapters, reviews, or reports.

Each entry should have a full bibliographic citation, including the title, the journal or book, the publication date, and relevant page numbers. Stick to the citation style that’s standard in your field or recommended by the institution, such as APA, MLA, Chicago, or another format.

If you’ve co-authored a piece, list all the authors in the order they appear on the publication. And if you’ve written or contributed to books, give them their own section under “Books” or include them in “Other Publications.”

Here’s how you can list your publications: 

Publications

Peer-Reviewed Publications
Smith, J., & Doe, A. (2023). Environmental Stressors and Gene Expression in Marine Life. Journal of Environmental Biology, 52(4), 345-367.
Smith, J. (2021). The Role of Enzyme Kinetics in Metabolic Pathways: A New Perspective. Biochemistry Journal, 39(2), 89-112.
Other Publications
Smith, J. (2022). Chapter 4: Advanced Techniques in Marine Biology. In A. Johnson (Ed.), Innovations in Marine Science (pp. 56-78). Cambridge University Press.
Smith, J., & Lee, R. (2020). Review of “Molecular Biology and Genetics: A Comprehensive Guide.” The Quarterly Review of Biology, 95(1), 123-125.

Add conferences and presentations

Adding conferences and presentations to your CV is a great way to show that you’re not just a passive observer in your field — you’re actively contributing to the conversation. 

Your “Conferences and Presentations” should include oral and poster presentations — and if you’re a seasoned speaker, you can separate them into two subsections to keep everything easy to read.

For each presentation, list the title of your talk or poster, the name of the conference or event, the date, and the location. If it’s relevant to your field, you can also add a brief description of what you presented, especially if it was a significant or groundbreaking piece of work.

And don’t forget the invited talks or campus lectures — they show that others see you as an expert worth listening to. If you’ve organized any conferences, panels, or workshops, include those to demonstrate leadership and a firm commitment to your field.

Take a look at how to outline presentations and conferences: 

Oral Presentations
“Social Media’s Impact on Political Mobilization”
Annual Meeting of the American Political Science Association
September 2023, Washington, D.C.
• Presented research findings on the role of social media in modern political movements, highlighting how digital platforms are reshaping public discourse.

“The Role of Public Policy in Urban Development”
Urban Affairs Association Conference
April 2022, Chicago, IL
• Delivered an analysis of public policy initiatives in urban renewal projects, focusing on the socioeconomic impacts in underrepresented communities.

Poster Presentations
“Renewable Energy Adoption in Developing Countries”
International Conference on Sustainability Science
June 2021, Tokyo, Japan
• Displayed research on the challenges and opportunities in adopting renewable energy technologies in developing nations, with an emphasis on policy recommendations.

Invited Talks
“Digital Democracy and Civic Engagement”
Guest Lecture, Harvard Kennedy School
October 2023, Cambridge, MA
• Invited to discuss the intersection of technology and democratic practices, exploring how digital tools are reshaping citizen participation.

Mention references and professional affiliations

Knowing the right people can open doors in your career, but having them vouch for you can swing those doors wide open. References speak to your reputation and how well you work with others. 

Show your good standing by listing references from those who can attest to your work and character. These can be individuals who’ve directly supervised you, taught you, or worked closely with you. Think about professors, advisors, or colleagues familiar with your academic achievements and contributions.

For each reference, include their name, title, department, institution, mailing address, phone number, and email address. And yes, it’s essential to choose folks who can genuinely speak to your professional and academic strengths (sorry, Mom).

Don’t forget the basics: always ask for permission before listing someone as a reference. Give them a heads-up if a recommendation request is coming their way, and share any details they might need about the job or program you’re applying for.

In addition to references, you can also add any professional affiliations or positions of responsibility. This could include memberships in academic societies, research groups, or committees related to your field. You don’t need to go into great detail here — just list the organizations and your role if applicable to show you’re engaged with the academic community. 

Here’s how you can list your references: 

References

Dr. Emma Thompson
‍Professor of Political Science, Department of Political Science
University of California, Berkeley
‍1234 Academic Lane, Berkeley, CA 94720
Phone: (510) 123-4567
Email: [email protected]

Dr. Michael Lee
‍Senior Research Advisor, Center for Environmental Studies
Harvard University
5678 Research Drive, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: (617) 987-6543
Email: [email protected]

Professional Affiliations
• Member, American Political Science Association (APSA)
• Member, International Society for Environmental Ethics (ISEE)

Note: You can replace this section with “References available on request” if you’re trying to cut down the length of your CV. 

What Makes an Academic CV Different?

In short: adjust your academic CV to the position and institute’s requirements. 

An academic CV isn’t the same as your typical resume, but the golden rule still applies: tailor it to the job. Sure, you can pull from your “one-size-fits-all” CV, but you’ll need to tweak the sections and details to fit the specific role and organization.

Doing this shows you’ve done your research, and makes it crystal clear why you’re the perfect fit for the position. Check out these tips to help your academic CV get noticed.

Add a professional employment section 

Should you include your “non-academic” work experience? Well, it depends. If you’re light on research or teaching experience, adding a section for professional employment can show that you've got some real-world experience. 

If you’ve been in academia for a while, that old admin job probably isn’t as impressive as your time as a lecturer. So, unless it’s directly related to the position you’re applying for, it’s better to leave it out.

What this means for you: 

• Place the professional employment section directly below your education section, or add it to your teaching and research experience if it’s relevant. 
• Include positions related to academia, listing them in reverse chronological order with details like job title, institution, and dates. 

Tailor your CV to the requirements and type of institution

If you ask a bunch of people in the community how they structure their academic CVs, you’ll get some inconsistencies. That’s because the order of your sections depends on the internal guidelines of the institution, the position, and your own experiences. 

What this means for you: 

• Focus on the aspects of your career that match the institution’s priorities. For research institutions, emphasize your publications; for teaching-focused schools, highlight your teaching experience.
• Adjust the order and content of your CV sections to reflect the school’s values, and guidelines. For example, place your teaching experience before your research achievements if applying to a teaching-focused college.

Show your commitment to research and growth 

We all had that one professor who was really passionate about their subject — they were usually the best. Bringing that same energy and dedication to your field drives great results and shows you’re constantly pushing the boundaries of your knowledge. Enthusiasm is contagious, and a sign that you’re in it for the long haul.

What this means for you: 

• List any significant research projects you’ve worked on, including the goals, methodologies, and outcomes. You want to show your active involvement in expanding your field.
• Mention any volunteer work or community involvement related to your academic interests, especially if you’re new to academia. Just keep it brief to avoid overshadowing your scholarly focus. 

Avoid complex academic jargon and acronyms 

Most employers will know their way around an academic CV, but that doesn’t mean they’re experts on every award, research focus, or concentration. And let’s face it — they’re probably sifting through dozens of applications a day. So, do them a favor by making your CV clear and easy to navigate.

What this means for you: 

• Use clear and straightforward terms to describe your research, roles, and accomplishments. 
• Spell out acronyms and provide brief explanations when necessary, so those outside your field can follow along and appreciate your contributions.

Ask a mentor or career advisor to proofread your CV

Proofreading is a must for any industry — but an academic CV is complex and requires a little more attention. Getting feedback from a mentor or career advisor can help catch mistakes and provide insights on what grabs the attention of academic committees.

What this means for you: 

• Be direct and specific when asking about what you need. Help them help you by pointing them in the right direction — you could share concerns about formatting issues or content gaps that may impact your application. 
• Ask someone in your academic field for feedback. They’ll know what departments expect and can guide you in structuring your CV to meet those standards.

Summary

Here are the most important steps to keep in mind when creating an academic CV:

• Make sure your name, email, phone number, and any relevant online profiles (like LinkedIn) are easy to find at the top.
• Include a brief summary, profile, or objective highlighting your academic focus, experience, and what you’re aiming for next.
• Highlight your education by listing your degrees in reverse chronological order. Include the institution, dates, and any key details like your thesis or dissertation.
• Break down your research roles, including the institution, your title, and a short description of what you worked on and achieved.
• Outline your teaching experience with courses you’ve taught, including your role, the institution, and the course level. Highlight any success stories or positive recognition during this time. 
• If you’ve received any honors, awards, or grants, list them to show that your work is recognized and valued.
• Include all relevant publications, using the appropriate citation style for your field. Separate peer-reviewed work from other publications if you have several under your name. 
• Mention any conferences or presentations where you’ve discussed your work, and separate oral from poster presentations if you have enough to justify it.
• List 3–5 references from people who know your work well. Include their full contact details and job titles.
• List any memberships in academic societies or professional organizations to show you're actively engaged in your field. 

FAQ

What does an academic CV look like?

An academic CV is a detailed document highlighting your academic achievements and experience. It typically includes your education, research experience, teaching experience, publications, conferences, awards, and references.

Unlike a standard resume, it’s usually longer, often running several pages, because it’s designed to detail your entire academic career. It’s not just about what you’ve done, but how you’ve contributed to your field. Think of it as a comprehensive snapshot of your academic life.

How to format an academic CV?

Formatting an academic CV is all about clarity and organization. Begin with your contact details at the top, followed by relevant sections (education, research and teaching experience, publications, and so on). Organize items in each section in— starting with the most recent achievements. 

Use clear headings like “Education,” “Research Experience,” and “Publications” to guide the reader. Stick to a clean, professional font like Calibri or Arial, and keep the font size between 10 and 12 points. Wide margins (about 1 inch) and plenty of white space make it easier to read. Bullet points are also your best friend for listing items clearly.

How to write an academic CV for students?

For students, writing an academic CV might feel daunting, but it’s all about emphasizing what you have, not what you don’t. Start with your education — list your degrees in reverse chronological order and mention any relevant coursework, projects, or research. 

Highlight internships, part-time teaching roles, or volunteer experience relevant to your field. If you don’t have publications yet, focus on presentations or posters you’ve done at conferences. The key is to show your potential and commitment to your academic journey.

What is the difference between an academic and a normal CV?

A lot boils down to the regional nomenclature. In North America, there’s no difference — the term “CV” refers to academic CVs only. In other parts of the world where a “normal” CV is closer to what North Americans call a resume, the main difference between an academic CV and a regular CV is the focus on education and academia. 

A regular CV is typically one or two pages long and focuses on work experience and skills. An academic CV, on the other hand, is much longer and dives deep into your academic achievements, like research, teaching, publications, and conferences. 

“Normal” CVs work like the US resumes — they should be tailored for job applications in industry or business whereas an academic CV is designed for academia, research roles, or advanced study programs.

How to list presentations on a CV?

When listing presentations on your CV, create a separate section titled “Presentations.” Include the title of your presentation, the name of the conference or event, the date, and the location. If you’ve done both oral and poster presentations, you can divide them into two subcategories. This format shows your active participation in the academic community and highlights your communication skills. Don’t forget to list any invited talks — they add extra credibility.

What is a good academic CV?

A good academic CV is one that clearly reveals your academic journey. It should be well-organized, comprehensive, and tailored to the position you’re applying for. It’s not just about listing what you’ve done; it’s about demonstrating your impact on your field. Use specific examples, quantify achievements where possible, and keep the formatting clean and professional.