Academic CV: structure, sections and example
An academic CV is a complete record of your research and teaching. Its rules differ from an industry resume. Here is the standard structure.
In short: An academic CV lists education, research positions, publications, grants and awards, conference presentations, teaching, supervision and service in reverse chronological order. It has no strict page limit, but should be clear, consistent and formatted with a standard citation style.
Standard sections
- Contact details and academic profiles (ORCID, Google Scholar).
- Education (PhD, thesis title, supervisor).
- Academic positions.
- Publications (by type, consistent citation style).
- Grants, fellowships and awards.
- Conference presentations.
- Teaching and supervision.
- Service (reviewing, committees).
- Skills and languages.
Example section
Publications
García, L., & Smith, J. (2025). Remote work and wellbeing in SMEs. Journal of Work Psychology, 12(3), 45-60.
Teaching
Teaching assistant, Organisational Psychology (BSc), University of X, 2023-2025 (2 groups, 60 students).
Illustrative example.
Tips
- Put the most relevant sections first for the role (research vs teaching positions).
- Use one citation style consistently.
- Mark your name in bold in author lists.
- Keep a full CV and a 2-page version for industry or short applications.
See also resume vs CV.
Academic CV vs industry CV
| Academic CV | Industry CV | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | Grows with career | 1-2 pages |
| Focus | Research, publications, teaching | Impact and results for the employer |
| Order | Education first | Experience first |
| Language | Formal, field-specific | Plain, achievement-oriented |
If you are moving from academia to industry, translate research into skills: data analysis, project management, writing, presenting to non-experts.
Common mistakes
- Inconsistent citation formats.
- Burying the most relevant work at the end.
- Listing every conference attended (list presentations instead).
- Not updating ORCID and Google Scholar links.
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How long is an academic CV?
There is no fixed limit; it grows with your career.
Do I include all publications?
Yes, organised by type.
Which citation style?
The one standard in your field, used consistently.
Should I include a photo?
Usually not in English-speaking countries.
Can the tool make a 2-page version?
Yes, tailored to a job ad.
Updated 03 Nov 2026