Academic Resumes | Welcome to CSO

An academic résumé (also called a CV in some regions) is often required when applying to graduate schools, especially in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. It differs slightly from a job résumé — it focuses more on education, research, academic interests, and intellectual contributions.

This page outlines what makes an effective academic résumé and how to tailor yours for grad school applications.

What is an Academic Résumé?

An academic résumé is a 1–2 page document summarizing your academic background, research/work experience, achievements, and skills. It supports your essays by providing evidence of your trajectory and readiness for graduate study.

It's different from a job résumé because it:

Prioritizes academic experience (research, coursework, publications)

Includes more detail on projects, theses, and intellectual interests

May include sections not found in standard résumés (e.g. academic awards, teaching, conferences)

Format & Structure

Length:

1 page for Master's applications (unless you have extensive research or work experience)
2 pages for PhD applicants or those with publications

Font & Style:

Clean, professional fonts (e.g. Calibri, Times New Roman, Arial)
Size 11–12 for body text; consistent formatting for headings

Common Sections (and What to Include)

Contact Info

Name, email, phone, LinkedIn (optional)

Education

Degrees, institutions, dates, thesis/dissertation titles, key coursework

Research Experience

Projects, RA roles, thesis summaries, methodologies used

Work/Internship Experience

Especially if related to your field; highlight transferable skills

Publications or Papers

Published or under review; include links if available

Conferences & Presentations

Titles, venues, dates

Teaching or Tutoring

Roles as TA, peer tutor, or workshop facilitator

Honors & Awards

Scholarships, fellowships, academic distinctions

Skills

Lab techniques, languages, software, data analysis tools

Tailoring Your Résumé for Grad School

DO:

Emphasize academic preparation and research readiness
Show growth over time — how each experience shaped your interest or skills
Link experiences to your future study plans
Use action-oriented language (e.g., "Conducted literature review on X"; "Designed survey instrument for Y")

DON'T:

List every activity — prioritize what strengthens your grad school case
Use casual phrasing or overly technical jargon
Include personal details like marital status, CNIC, or photo (not standard globally)