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A PhD resume is an abstract of your career: a concise summary of your strongest skills, relevant qualifications and educational background. It should present enough information to catch the reader’s attention without being overwhelming. Whether you want to continue a career in academia or highlight your expertise to start a new chapter in your professional life, we can help you build a PhD resume for the industry to take you to the next level.
With this guide, you’ll have PhD resume examples and a better understanding of how to write a PhD resume, according to your doctorate stage.
Start by editing this PhD resume sample template or explore our 40+ resume templates to find the best one for you.
PhD resume example (text version)
Sandy Mixon
Philadelphia, PA 19111
(555) 555-5555
example@example.com
Professional Summary
Dedicated and results-oriented sociology Ph.D. student passionate about social research and analysis. Possesses a strong foundation in qualitative and quantitative methodologies and extensive experience in conducting fieldwork and data analysis. Proven ability to communicate complex sociological concepts effectively and collaborate with diverse teams. Seeking opportunities to contribute expertise in sociology to impactful research projects and academic endeavors.
Skills
- Quantitative and qualitative methods
- Data analysis (SPSS, NVivo)
- Sociological theory and concepts
- Survey design and implementation
- Academic writing and publishing
- Teaching and instruction
- Project management
- Cross-cultural communication
Education
Expected in June 2025
University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA
Ph.D. Sociology
GPA:3.7
American Sociological Association (ASA)
June 2022
University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA
Master of Science Social Policy
GPA: 3.7
High Thesis Honor
Magna cum laude
Eastern Sociological Society (ESS)
June 2017
Drexel University Philadelphia, PA
Bachelor of Arts Sociology
GPA:3.79
Magna cum laude
Society for the Study of Social Problems
Work History
November 2022 – Current
Temple University – Philadelphia, PA
Research Assistant
- Conduct literature reviews and synthesize research findings to support faculty-led research projects.
- Manage survey responses from over 2,000 participants, achieving a response rate of 65% and performing statistical analysis using SPSS.
- Conduct a comparative analysis of survey data from 500 families, identifying cultural variations in parenting styles and familial relationships.
September 2019 – October 2022
University Of Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, PA
Teaching Assistant
- Mentored 15 undergraduate students in their independent research projects, increasing 20% of student participation in sociology conferences.
- Developed and implemented course materials, including lectures, assignments and assessments, increasing 25% of student engagement.
- Conducted pre- and post-workshop assessments, demonstrating a 30% improvement in participants’ proficiency in data manipulation and statistical analysis.
June 2016 – August 2019
Drexel University – Philadelphia, PA
Social Research Assistant
- Designed and conducted qualitative interviews with diverse populations to explore social attitudes and behaviors.
- Analyzed interview transcripts using thematic analysis techniques, identifying key themes and patterns.
- Conducted comprehensive qualitative interviews with a diverse sample of 200 participants, achieving a 95% response rate.
Research Experience
- Developed research statements and ran surveys and interviews as a research lead in “Identifying Social Trends in Generation Alpha” (2023) at Temple University.
- Participated in 50 interviews as research lead in “Sociology in Contemporary Culture” (2022) at Drexel University.
- Managed operational documents for a team of 25 and produced monthly reports detailing activities as a research assistant in “Economy, Sociology and Roles Today” (2021) at Drexel University.
Certifications
- Certificate in Advanced Quantitative Methods in Social Sciences – (2023)
- Certificate in Qualitative Research Methods – (2022)
- Certified Sociological Researcher (CSR) – (202)
Publications
- Mixon, Sandy. 2023. How the Economy Dictates Your Social Interactions. Philadelphia City Globe (9), 120-121.
- Mixon, Sandy. 2022. Comparing Urban Studies: Academic Views of the City. American Sociological Journal (5), 95-97.
- Mixon, Sandy. 2019. The Impact of Social Media on Social Movements: A Comparative Study. Philadelphia City Globe (4), 180-197.
Important resume sections
Header with contact details
Start with the simple: a bold header with a professional resume font. It must include your name, phone number, professional email address, location and ZIP code. If you have a professional networking profile, like LinkedIn, Bold.pro or through a professional organization, include it in this section.
Personal statement
Your PhD resume professional summary is your introduction. In three sentences, it should tell the reader who you are as a professional. The career summary must include your years of experience, your strongest skill — relevant to the application— and an important accomplishment or two.
You can use this formula:
[Descriptive word] [Your job title] [Experience level] [Work experience] [Skills] [Achievement]
You should always customize the summary for each application, for example, by highlighting a different skill or showcasing a more relevant accomplishment.
Skills
The skills section is an essential component of your resume for a PhD application.It should encompass what you bring to the table by including hard skills — those relevant to your industry— and soft skills — those that show how you work and how you relate to others. Write 6 to 12 of these core competencies and match as many as you can to the application.
When you’re applying for your first role outside of academia, your PhD student resume can showcase transferable skills relevant to your industry.
Work history
Create your work history section for PhD resume using resume keywords. Write your work history in reverse-chronological order, starting with your current or most recent position.
For each position, include three quantifiable accomplishments, the employer’s name, location and dates of employment. If you have any, highlight your research experience, collaborations, publications and presentations. Include any grants or awards you have received for your research.
For example:
Research Assistant
Colgate University | 2016-present- Conducted literature reviews, collected and analyzed data, and wrote research reports for multiple ongoing projects.
- Collaborated with senior researchers to develop and implement research protocols, resulting in a 25% increase in efficiency.
- Co-authored several peer-reviewed publications, including a first-author paper in a top-ranked journal in the field.
If this is your first job, include relevant work experience highlighting qualifications for the opportunity you seek.
Education
Start with your PhD and work your way backward. Include the institution’s name, your degree and graduation year. If your dissertation strengthens your resume, include it as well.
For example:
Doctor of Philosophy in Neuroscience
University of California, Los Angeles (2022)
Doctoral Dissertation: “Investigating the Role of Neurotransmitters in Synaptic Plasticity”
Advisor: Dr. John SmithIf you’re still pursuing your degree, include it as PhD in progress alongside the expected graduation date. Depending on your application, you can name this section Academic Background.
See our University of Chicago resume example for more ideas.
See why MyPerfectResume is a 5-star resume builder
Action verbs for resumes
Action verbs empower your PhD achievements. Use them to present your accomplishments from your PhD experience and other employment.
While your achievements should include verbs, you should consider including a few of these action verbs related to your PhD resume for the industry, like:
- Conducted
- Analyzed
- Researched
- Published
- Presented
- Developed
- Coordinated
- Designed
- Collaborated
- Evaluated
- Assessed
- Experimented
- Innovated
- Investigated
- Constructed
- Documented
- Facilitated
- Implemented
- Organized
- Reviewed
Our Resume Builder will help you write a PhD resume in no time, using strong action verbs to present your achievements and qualifications. You can use our expert suggestions, edit to your personal style and download your finished product once it meets your expectations. We offer over 800+ resume examples to create your perfect PhD resume.
Top skills for resumes
Craft a skills section showcasing your top strengths to catch the recruiter’s eye. Refer to the application description for your PhD resume to align their necessary qualifications with your own.
Your skills might include:
- Research and analysis
- Critical thinking
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Problem-solving
- Experimental design
- Technical writing
- Written and oral communication
- Project management
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Leadership
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Creative thinking
- Adaptability
- Statistical analysis
- Programming (e.g., R, Python)
- Multitasking
- Presentation skills
- Grant writing
- Teaching and mentoring
Always tailor this section, and the entire resume, to the application for your PhD resume.
See how students at UC Berkeley include their skills in their resumes.
Certifications for resumes
Certifications are a great addition to any resume, even for someone who has achieved or is in the process of completing a doctorate degree. They expand one’s subject knowledge and highlight one’s broader skill set.
There are different types of certifications to consider for your PhD resume for your industry according to your degree and the industry you’re interested in:
- Professional certifications related to the field of study – e.g., Certified Public Accountant (CPA) for accounting, Professional Engineer (PE) for engineering, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) for computer science
- Teaching certifications – e.g., Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) for English language teaching, Certified Online Instructor (COI) for online teaching
- Research certifications – e.g., Good Clinical Practice (GCP) for clinical research, Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) for clinical research management
- Leadership and management certifications – e.g., Project Management Professional (PMP) for project management, Certified Agile Leader (CAL) for agile leadership
- Industry-specific certifications – e.g., Certified Financial Planner (CFP) for finance, Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE) for healthcare management
- Language certifications – e.g., Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for English proficiency, Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française (DELF) for French proficiency
- Technology certifications – e.g., Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) for database administration, Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) for IT infrastructure
Include certifications relevant to the application, whether a job, research program or PhD application. Also, remember to include the expiration date, if applicable, to the certification.
Pair your resume with a matching cover letter
FAQ
How to write a PhD resume?
How to include your PhD in your resume boils down to the application you’re seeking.
- If having a PhD is critical to the application, include it in your career summary, education section and work experience.
- If you’re looking for an opportunity that doesn’t depend on a doctorate or believe it could present you as an overqualified candidate, include it solely in your education section.
How to write a PhD candidate’s resume?
If you’re still pursuing your degree, you can include it in your education section by adding “in progress” or including the expected graduation year.
For example:
PhD in Education (Expected May 2024)
Johns Hopkins School of Education
Baltimore, Md
If relevant to the application, include it in your professional summary, like so:
Professional Summary
Highly motivated and detail-oriented PhD candidate with expertise in research and analysis, experimental design, technical writing and data interpretation. Proficient in statistical analysis and programming languages such as R and Python.
How to write a resume for a PhD application?
If you are applying for a PhD program, your resume should showcase your academic background, research experience and relevant skills.
- Start with a professional header including your contact information.
- Include a professional summary, following our formula above, to introduce yourself.
- Present your academic background, including relevant coursework, research experience and any awards.
- A robust skills section with your strongest skills relevant to the program.
- Any professional experience with quantifiable resume accomplishments and transferable skills that will help you succeed in the program.
Once you have these sections in order, include additional sections to help you stand out: awards, memberships, volunteer work and, if relevant to the application, hobbies.
How to list a master’s degree post on a PhD resume?
The Ph.D. resume education section prioritizes your highest degree, your Ph.D. If you list any additional master’s, make it clear that the degree was obtained after your Ph.D. You could list it as “Master of Science (Obtained Post-PhD)” or “Master of Arts (Earned After Ph.D).”
When to use a resume or CV for PhD researchers?
Use the application guidelines to choose between a CV vs resume. Follow their instructions to a tee, as your PhD application will be the first impression. If you’re concerned about the amount of content you must include, remember you can write a 2-page resume.
How to list an incomplete PhD on a resume?
There are two options to list an incomplete PhD on a resume:
- Include it as part of your education as PhD coursework in [field].
- Add more details, like your focus and credit hours using the previous format.
There is no need to include this information if you’re uncomfortable discussing your situation during an interview. If you choose to include it, keep it relevant to the application, focus on what you accomplished and the skills you gained and be transparent about your situation; life happens.
Keep in mind that you can write a cover letter to include with your application. It can help take control of the narrative by addressing any issues and show the hiring manager your qualifications are what they need.
What to include on a resume for an industry PhD?
Here are some key elements to include on your resume:
- Professional summary: A brief statement summarizing your academic background, expertise, and career objectives.
- Education: List your PhD degree, the university or institution you attended, and the graduation date.
- Skills: Detail your proficiency in specific laboratory techniques, software programs, or other relevant technical skills. Emphasize your skills that are transferable to the industry, such as project management, data analysis, communication, teamwork, problem-solving and leadership.
- Professional experience: Highlight relevant industry or academic experience, including internships, research assistantships, or teaching positions.
Once you have the basics, move on to sections to set you apart from the candidate pool.
- Publications and presentations: Include a list of your published research papers, conference presentations and posters, and any awards or honors you’ve received. You can create a separate section to bring special attention to this work, and include it under your education or as one of your professional experience bullet points.
- Certifications and training: List any relevant certifications or training programs demonstrating your expertise in a specific area.
- Volunteer work and community involvement: Include any volunteer or community work that may demonstrate your commitment to the field and your ability to work with others.
- Professional memberships: List any professional organizations or associations you belong to and any leadership roles you’ve held within these groups.
What does the average PhD resume look like?
A PhD resume should be clean, easy to read and highlight the most important skills and experiences. To achieve this:
- Find a good resume font for readability and spacing.
- Use bullet points to make it scannable and fit all your qualifications.
- Focus on achievements rather than just responsibilities and tasks.
Our 40+ resume template collection offers professionally designed options to fit your style, and our ATS resume checker helps optimize your professional document.
What format should a PhD resume use?
You can choose from three formats for your PhD resume. Consider your years of experience to pick the format that highlights your strengths.
- For 10+ years of experience, use the chronological resume format, which focuses on your work experience.
- If you’re starting your career, the functional resume format will focus on skills and abilities, not your lack of experience.
For candidates with three to nine years of experience, a combination resume format will balance the skills and experience.
Best practices
- Use measurable achievements to describe your PhD resume skills and experience.
- Use action words to make an impact on your PhD resume.
- Tailor your resume to your target PhD job.
- Use keywords from the job description throughout your PhD resume.
- Format your PhD resume so that it’s easy to read by ATS software and human eyes.
- Lie about your PhD resume experience and skills.
- Boast about your “incomparable” PhD resume abilities.
- Include irrelevant personal information such as your ethnicity and age.
- Add skills and experience that do not pertain to a PhD role.
- Forget to proofread. A PhD resume with errors is unprofessional and will get discarded.
Interview tips
Research the company before your interview.
As a PhD student, you understand the importance of research. Put those skills to practice and learn as much as possible about the opportunity you’re seeking with your PhD resume. This research will help you answer the interview questions and formulate your own.
Practice at home.
Prepare for your interview by practicing commonly asked questions, like:
- Good Judgement & Logic in Problem–solving
- Experience with Suggesting Process Improvements
- You Needed to Cope With a Stressful Scenario
- Persuasion & Convincing Someone to See Your Way
- Following Company Policies With Which You Disagree
Research more interview questions and find an interview partner, someone whose opinion you can trust. Perform a mock interview and ask them to give you feedback on your answers and body language.
Be proactive and ask questions.
This is your chance to learn more about the opportunity you’re applying for while highlghting your qualifications and showcasing your knowledge. Prepare at least three questions relevant to the role. Remember, you are also figuring out if this opportunity is the right step for your career.
These are a few examples of inspiration:
- What are the primary research questions or goals of this organization?
- What type of research projects would I be working on in this position?
- Can you describe the research team and culture within the organization?
- How does this organization approach experimental design and data analysis?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and continuing education within this role?
- What are the primary challenges facing this organization, and how does this position contribute to addressing them?
- Can you describe this organization’s funding sources and strategies for research projects?
- What collaborations or partnerships does this organization have with other institutions or organizations?
- Can you describe the resources or tools available for researching this role?
- What are the timeline and expected outcomes for research projects in this position?
Tailor your questions to make them relevant to the industry. Remember to take notes during the interview and ask follow-up questions to better understand their values and culture.
Gather your references.
Peer reviews are an important part of any application. Seek out peers, mentors, advisors or faculty members who have direct knowledge of your qualifications. Ask them to be your reference and create a separate document with your name, title, contact information and your work relationship. Doing this ahead of time will take a weight off your shoulders.
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Nilda Melissa is a Certified Professional Resume Writer who has written for The Washington Post and Latina Style Magazine. She has a master's in Journalism from Columbia University and is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.
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