Job applications and interviews for PhDs

CV and cover letter

A good application needs raw material so build evidence whilst you are working on your PhD. That said, there is still a need to present your experience in a relevant and accessible way.

Academic CVs

Academic CVs are broadly the same as any CV, except:

• It’s acceptable (normal) to be longer than 2 pages
• It includes an overview of your current research/research interests
• Academic employers are looking for:
• Evidence of publications or publishing potential
• Teaching experience (for teaching roles)
• Collegiate behaviour (course rep, organising conferences)
• Ability to secure funding

The academic CV template on jobs.ac.uk is an excellent starting point. Also see examples on vitae.ac.uk.

Non-academic CVs

See advice on writing a CV and a cover letter for careers outside of academia.

Academic interview preparation

There are three steps to preparing for an academic interview:

Review and research

Review your application and be prepared to talk about areas for improvement and your selling points. No publications? Talk about your publishing strategy for the next 12 months.

Research the panel including the Head of Department to understand their research interests. Take the chance to talk informally to someone in the department if it is offered and ask your networks for any insights.

Prepare and practice

Book a practice interview through CareerSPACE if you have an interview coming up. There will often be a panel member from outside of the discipline, so it helps to be able to discuss your research in an accessible way.

Prepare and practice other activities. for example a presentation on your current research, research plans or deliver a mini lecture - often to an audience of other academics within the department.

Reflect and perfect

After the interview, write down what you were asked and how well you think you did.

Perfect answers to those questions you feel need work and take some action to plug gaps in your skills.

Potential question areas

Key areas to be prepared to talk about:

• Your current/previous research. Why you chose it, the challenges, what methodologies you used and impact
• Your plans for future research and publishing strategy
• Track record in, or plans for, securing funding
• Teaching experience: including pedagogical approaches, feedback from students, challenges, adapting your style, innovation, e-learning, assessment
• Collaboration with other researchers - in the UK and sometimes internationally
• Bigger picture issues: TEF, growth in student numbers. Keep up to date with the Times Higher and Wonkhe. More advice on types of questions from vitae.ac.uk