How To Write A CV For A Postdoc Application

[@geyang2010]

Hi Justin, your CV tips are very helpful. I am wondering whether you have any resume tips for industrial positions for scientists? Do you have any existing videos commenting on that?

[@gradschooladvice9537]

No but can make one!

[@novaBioch]

Thanks a lot for all these informative videos! I want to ask for the best time to start searching for a postdoc for a PhD student in the second year ( four years in total). And how many publications are recommended to have. Many thanks,

[@gradschooladvice9537]

I would say a search for a postdoc typically takes 6-12 months. So sometime in the third year is when I would start. At least one publication would be good, two would be ideal.

[@novaBioch]

@@gradschooladvice9537 Thank you so much! 😊😊

[@البداية-ذ1ذ]

Hi thanks for sharing, if you have experience not related to research that you working during study .should you write and skills should only write which is belong to research

[@MuhammadFarasatAbbasJafary]

Can I include my research profile such as citations, H-index, and cumulative impact factor in the CV?

[@gradschooladvice9537]

Absolutely!

[@alexandrarma1]

Hello again. Another small question: how many pages should a cv for post doc have? I have 4.5 pages, but a lot of old stuff (more than 10 years ago) in other areas of research. Do you think I should delete the oldest ones?

[@gradschooladvice9537]

I think there’s no hard and fast rule on how long it should be. I would keep all relevant stuff. The relevant stuff depends on the position. So if you’re applying for a postdoc position, things like experimental techniques may be really important so the PI can judge what you can do. It may not be relevant for an application for a faculty position. Keeping old information may be useful. For example, a lab may not do cell culture, but having it listed may let a PI know you know aseptic techniques which translates well to an experimental procedure they use. I would make sure you don’t have a lot of “fluff” which is stuff that isn’t necessary for a CV.

[@Jason-zl5ih]

Hi Justin, I want to say this was a very informative video, especially for me since I'm near the end of my master's program and looking into getting a Ph.D or a research assistant giga (before Ph.D). I'm curious if a cover letter necessary with the way you laid out the CV example with "professor summary"? If not what are some things institution/professional look for in a cover letter and how to write one? is a cover letter necessary at all? Thank you!

[@gradschooladvice9537]

I think that cover letters are always better than no cover letter. The cover letter doesn’t need to be laid out exactly like I put, but there should be some amount of a professional summary. The main things you want to get across in your cover letter are who you are (name, research background, and professional interest), why you will be a good fit for the program/lab/class, and why this will help you to achieve your professional goals.

[@vanessacandido5188]

Hi, should I put courses, conferences, workshops, things like that?

[@gradschooladvice9537]

I think that it could be a good idea if they are relevant.

[@abdsad938]

Hi, thank u for this informative video, i have a question. Is it relevant to put the hight school degree in the education section?

[@gradschooladvice9537]

No it is not.

[@abdsad938]

@@gradschooladvice9537 thank you for your response, however i have another question: if i have a presentation with a french title (the langage of the meeting was french), should i translate the title or not?

[@gradschooladvice9537]

I would put it in the language of the audience. If international, then English.