What is the difference between a CV and a resume?
In the US, a CV is a long academic document listing publications, conferences, grants, teaching, and references, while a resume is a one-page career summary. In the UK, India, and most of Europe, the word "CV" is used for both. This builder produces the academic version, which can run several pages and is expected for PhD, postdoc, faculty, and research positions.
How should I list publications on an academic CV?
Use a consistent citation style (APA, MLA, or Chicago) throughout, and group entries by type: peer-reviewed journal articles, conference proceedings, book chapters, and preprints. Within each group, list newest first. Bold or underline your own name so committees can spot your contribution quickly. Always include the DOI or a stable URL where available.
Do I need to include references on a CV?
Academic CVs typically list three to five professional references with their title, institution, email, and your relationship to them. Always ask permission before listing someone. For non-academic roles in the US and UK, "References available on request" is acceptable, or you can omit the section entirely and provide references when asked later in the hiring process.
How long should an academic CV be?
There is no strict limit. Early-career CVs run two to four pages, mid-career CVs five to ten, and senior professors sometimes have CVs of twenty pages or more. Length is judged by content, not page count. Every entry should add concrete evidence of expertise. Avoid padding with non-academic activities unless they relate directly to the role.
Should I include teaching and grants?
Yes. Search committees specifically look for teaching experience, courses designed, student supervision, and funding awarded. List grants with your role (PI or co-PI), the funding agency, the amount, and the dates. For teaching, include course titles, levels, institutions, and student enrolment numbers when notable. These sections are often weighted as heavily as publications.
Can I use the same CV for industry research roles?
Industry recruiters prefer a shorter, achievement-focused document, even for research roles. Trim publications to the most relevant five or ten, drop teaching unless directly applicable, and add a skills section listing tools, languages, and methodologies. Most candidates keep a long master CV and produce a two-page industry version from the same content.