CV for non-academic careers

What is a CV?

Your CV is where you showcase that your ability to perform the specific tasks laid out in the job vacancy. It’s all about translating your skills and experience into what the employer is looking for.  A common mistake that PhD holders make when writing a CV for a non-academic job is describing their skills, knowledge and expertise in terms of academic achievements (research output, grants obtained, teaching experience, ….). Avoid this pitfall by pitching your academic experience in terms of the skills and responsibilities relevant to the specific job and employer.

Remember: recruiters read your CV primarily to get an insight into your work experience and how it translates to the tasks described in the function profile. Make that link explicit for them!

How to write a CV? 

  • Do not write one generic CV and send that as standard to all the organisations you are applying for. Make a mother CV and adapt that every time to the specific job description.
  • Your CV should not be longer than two pages (A4). Therefore, avoid redundancy. Recruiters only quickly scan a CV. Try glancing at your CV in 30 seconds: does the important information stand out? 
  • Start your CV – in addition to personal details and contact info – with a short motivation or personal statement in which you describe who you are and what you are looking for professionally. Make sure to describe yourself in the employer’s language. This statement is quite similar to a pitch. For example:
 “Recently graduated as a business economics PhD, now looking for a position as commercial analyst position to apply my analytical skills, critical thinking and knowledge in a practical and fast-paced environment. My career goal is to assume a role which allows me to take responsibility for the analysis and interpretation of commercial data for a well-respected and market-leading company.”
  • Add your professional experience, in reverse chronological order (i.e. with your most recent experience first). Make sure to address the requirements in the job description as much as possible. Provide examples to prove that you have what they need: demonstrate the way you used your skills in various scenarios by briefly describing your action and/or outcome. Showcase your specific roles and responsibilities, qualifications and technical and transferable skills and focus on achievements.
  • Mention your PhD in the professional experience section: your PhD is a working experience and proof of your technical and transferable skillset.
  • Describe your education in reverse chronological order (i.e. with your most recent education first).
  • List relevant technical and soft skills (including languages, IT skills, methods, techniques …).
  • Mention if you have spent time abroad: it shows that you are independent, flexible, have an international and intercultural mindset, …
  • Do not add your publications, or list conferences and meetings attended. If you want to include them, refer to an URL with an overview of your academic publications, presentations, …
  • When relevant, add your hobbies or extra-curricular activities, such as coaching a sports team, youth movement,…

How to translate (academic) experience and skills?

Below are some examples of how you might translate your (academic) experience and skills for a non-academic job:

Research

  • I am able to analyse, organise and present large volumes of information in a clear manner;
  • I am able to collect and analyse complex data sets and to present results concisely
  • I am a problem-solver, innovative, creative
  • I am flexible and can work to deadlines
  • I can work autonomously but also in a team

Teaching

  • I am able to explain and transfer my expertise and knowledge to others
  • Mentoring, coaching
  • Listening and providing feedback

Conferences and research stays abroad

  • Conference organisation: I am able to plan, organise and coordinate projects and events
  • Conference presentations: I am strong at both written and oral communication
  • Research stays: I am able to thrive in international and intercultural settings