Tips for Creating an Academic Resume

  • Typical headings (and order) include: Education, Experience, Publications, Scholarly Presentations, Research Interests, Teaching Interests, and References. In some cases, headings may be shifted or changed to highlight particularly useful bits of information, but don't get too creative, it will be distracting.
  • Make sure you include all schools attended, the degree received, the year, and important academic awards. Do not use up space for repetitive or minor honors. For example, it is repetitive to include Dean's list when you have already said that you graduated Magna Cum Laude.
  • Descriptions of practice experience can be relatively short for those pursuing academic teaching positions, but should be more detailed for those applying for clinical positions. For all positions, concrete examples of a few representative projects are far more useful than generic descriptions of work performed. If possible, use examples of projects that are related to your research or teaching interests.
  • List publications and works in progress in reverse chronological order. Published works should be listed in proper bluebook format. Works that have been submitted but not accepted for publication should include a parenthetical that states "submitted for publication." Works in progress should contain a parenthetical stating "in progress."  In some cases it may be useful to include a brief synopsis of the work. Do not include a work in progress unless you have completed a substantial portion of your research and writing, as you do not want to appear to be padding your resume, nor do you want to be questioned regarding a topic or position that you cannot discuss or defend intelligently.
  • Include scholarly presentations but be cautious they do not overshadow other material on your resume. If you have presented the same paper or related papers numerous times, cull out all except the two or three most representative or prestigious presentations.
  • List your areas of research interest. Research interests should provide the reader with a sense of the direction you intend your scholarship to take. It is useful if your research interests expand upon or relate to your existing scholarship, although it is not necessary.
  • Teaching interests typically include research interests, as well as additional areas in which you have interest or prior experience. Because hiring is market driven in many cases, you should include at least one first year course or a foundational elective (for example, tax or corporations), or both. It is fine if you list some teaching interests that are not related to your areas of scholarship.
  • Your reference list should include a minimum of three references, of which at least two should be law professors.  References should include your referee's name, title, address, telephone number and email. It should go without saying that you must confirm that your reference is willing to speak on your behalf for law teaching positions.
  • Because Academic CV's are not required to fit on one or two pages, your margins should be a minimum of one inch on each side. Allow plenty of white space to allow for easier reading. Finally, your name and a page number should be included on each page.

Sample resume 1 in PDF format

Sample resume 2 in PDF format

Sample resume 3 in PDF format

Sample resume 4 in PDF format

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