How to write your narrative CV for your next application in academia

Are you a postdoc preparing an application for a third-party funded project or an academic position? You have heard that CVs are increasingly expected to follow a “narrative” format and want to understand what this means in practice — and how to write one yourself?

In this workshop, you will learn why funding organisations have introduced narrative CV templates in the context of the reform of research assessment. Rather than demonstrating research excellence through bibliometric indicators and a linear career path, you will now be asked to describe your achievements and career development in a clear, reflective, and narrative way. Finding the right tone is key as well as knowing what reviewers appreciate.

You will actively work on your own narrative CV and engage in guided reflection on your research profile. We will also touch shortly current research findings about the evaluation of narrative CVs in grant applications. Of course, AI-Tools can be used for writing.

By the end of the workshop, you will have drafted your own narrative CV for use in upcoming funding or job applications. In addition, you will be provided with complementary resources to develop your research profile in line with the reform of research assessment. 

Methods:

• Short inputs
• Individual and group exercises
• Peer feedback
• Work on your own documents 

The following topics will be covered:

• reasons for the introduction of narrative CV templates
• evaluation of narrative CVs in grant applications
• the core components of a narrative CV:
• most significant scientific contributions
• development of other individuals or research teams
• biographical circumstancespersonal statement
• drafting your own narrative CV

Please note: CVs for jobs outside academia or for applications for professorships are not part of the workshop.

Postdocs who plan their next application for funding or for a job in academia.

Participants bring an existing version of their CV (classical or narrative) and are open to sharing it with the group.