
 
 
Academic Resume Template: seeking an academic position 
Use this guide to take your resume from the “To Do” pile to the “Done” pile 
Your resume plays an important role in applying for a job and getting an interview.  Academic resumes, like 
all others, need to be tailored to the job you apply for.  Although longer and more detailed than other types 
of resumes, they should be concise and focused on relevant experience. Academic resumes should only be 
used for seeking an academic position.    
The  key  headings  of  an  academic  resume  include  publications,  descriptions  of  research  and  details  of 
funding awarded. An academic resume can be longer than other types of resumes as it will contain detailed 
information about publications, conferences, research abstracts etc and so it is acceptable for it to be 3-5 
pages in length. 
The following template has been produced and should be used as  a guide only for seeking an academic 
position. In order to make your application competitive and unique, you should consider your experience 
and background and compile your academic resume in a way that highlights your relevant knowledge.  You 
may need to alter the structure and headings in order to better reflect your circumstances and enable you 
to clearly demonstrate that you meet the needs of the employer you are targeting. 
Many  PhD  students  look  to  secure  an  academic  role  overseas  so  it  is  important  to  bear  in  mind  that 
different protocols exist for resume writing in different countries.  If you are unsure what the protocols are 
then  check  out  the  country  profiles  on  the  following  website  for  some  hints  and  tips  about  style  and 
content of resumes for the country you wish to apply to: www.prospects.ac.uk 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Further Help: 
  Upload  your  resume  via  CareersConnect  to have  your  document  personally  reviewed within 3-5 
working days 
  Curtin  Careers  Centre  regularly hosts resume  workshops  throughout  the  year  (including  sessions 
specifically for postgraduates and Higher Degrees by Research students).  Access times and dates 
here 
  If  you  are  applying  for  jobs  outside  of  academia,  the  resources  on  writing  Resumes  and  Cover 
letters or the Chronological and Functional Resume Templates are a good starting point 
Curtin Careers Centre operates a Duty Counselling Service Mon – Fri during business hours on the Bentley 
campus (Bldg 303, Level 2). You can meet with a Careers Consultant for a ten minute appointment. If you 
are not
 available to at
tend the c
ampus please c
all 9266 78
02 or email 
[email protected] Top tips for Academic resumes: 
  Give prominence to your academic achievements and research interests 
  Remember to proof-read, edit and spell check your work – twice! 
  Ensure your formatting is consistent (bold, underlined, font type and size) 
  Ensure your contact details and those of your referees are accurate 
  Use past tense when describing a previous position 
  All requested information is included  
  Use positive action words to describe your experiences  
  Consider creating an appendix to include a list of your publications and an abstract of your research 
work to cut down on detail within the body of your resume 
  Check out resumes of other researchers in your faculty as styles and norms vary from field to field 
  Don’t be shy – highlight your research achievements!