CV for physics PhD - what to include?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around what to include in a CV when applying for a PhD position in physics. Participants explore various sections that may be relevant, including personal information, education, research experience, and additional qualifications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest including personal info, education, research experience, computer skills, and extra-curricular activities as standard sections.
  • One participant mentions that overall grades might suffice unless specific grades are particularly relevant to the PhD topic.
  • Another participant emphasizes tailoring the CV for specific job applications and maintaining a "master" CV for academic purposes.
  • Suggestions for additional sections include a publications list, major awards, presentations, teaching experience, major projects, volunteer experience, and committee service.
  • Concerns are raised about including irrelevant information, such as high school awards or personal projects unless they are highly relevant.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of tailoring the CV for specific applications, but there is no consensus on the inclusion of specific details like course marks or the relevance of certain experiences.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying opinions on what constitutes relevant experience and how to present academic achievements, indicating a lack of consensus on best practices.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals preparing CVs for PhD applications in physics or related fields may find this discussion beneficial.

Trave11er
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Hi, currently I have the following sections: Personal info, education, research experience, computer skills, extra-curricular activities.
Is there anything I am missing? Also, in the education section should I include breakdown on marks in different subjects, or my class each year (UK equivalent of GPA) or simply overall class?
 
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If the job offer does not require more details, overall grades are probably fine (well, I know that for Germany, but I don't expect big differences in other European countries). If one class is really relevant for the PhD-topic and your grades there are significantly better than the average, it might be interesting to highlight that (but expect the follow-up question where your grades were worse).
Is there anything I am missing?
Depends on the things you included in those sections.
Did you get some relevant prizes?
Is there a publication where you contributed in some way?
 
It all depends on what you're goal is with the CV.

If you're using it to get a job, you tailor it for the specific job. (Yes that means that you should create an independent CV/resume for each job you apply to.)

For acadmia, I try to keep a "master" CV which has just about everything on it. Then I can whittle it down and format it for whatever specific thing I need it for.

In addition to what you've mentioned I would include:
- a publications list (separated into peer-reviewed, conference abstracts, and non-reviewed work)
- major awards list
- presentations
- teaching experience (courses taught, lab TA experience, etc.)
- in some cases, a major projects section may be relevant
- volunteer experience
- committees that you've served on

I don't think it's usually relevant to include course marks unless you have the goal of specifically highlighting an exceptional grade in a course that's relevant to what you're using the CV for.
 
I agree with Choppy. I am in industry, and a CV or resume that is clearly tailored for companies like ours is nice to see - at the very least it means the person cared enough to learn about us. Don't forget volunteer work, if you have some.

What not to put on there (I have seen all of these):
- High school awards. Seriously.
- DIY projects at home, unless they are highly relevant (eg you are a licensed amateur radio operator and are applying to somewhat related jobs, etc.).
- The address of your blog or personal website if it isn't professional. I never google someone or look on social media to find their dirt,but if they list a web address on CV / resume I will check it out - it can be less than flattering.

jason
 
Thanks for the replies so far. The title is misleading for I meant to ask what to include in CV if you are applying for a PhD position (after finishing your undergraduate education).
 

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