An Oxford Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a document that highlights your academic and professional achievements. It’s commonly used when applying for academic roles, research positions, or specialised opportunities in academia, research, and specific industries. The Oxford CV format may differ from standard CV templates due to its focus on academic rigour and the specific expectations of Oxford University.

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Oxford University CV template

Get started with your Oxford CV today! Whether you’re applying for your first academic job or updating your CV for research opportunities, this clear and professional format will help you effectively highlight your academic achievements, skills, and experience. Customise it to showcase your commitment to learning and your unique academic journey – use our free CV template designed specifically for students and researchers:

Emma Johnson

24 Rose Lane
Oxford, OX2 6ST 
+44 7890 123456 
emma.johnson@email.com

Personal Statement

A dynamic and innovative engineer with a passion for problem-solving and a commitment to sustainable solutions. Dedicated to applying technical skills and creativity to tackle complex engineering challenges and contribute to advancements in the field.

Professional Experience

Structural Engineering Intern (June – August 2024)
Smithson Engineers Ltd., London

  • Assisted in structural analysis and design calculations for various construction projects. 
  • Contributed to the preparation of engineering drawings and specifications.

Research Assistant (2023 – 2024)
Oxford Centre for Sustainable Engineering, Oxford

  • Conducted research on sustainable materials and construction techniques for infrastructure projects. 
  • Assisted in data collection, analysis, and report writing for research publications.

Education

MEng: Engineering Science – Civil Engineering (2024)
University of Oxford

  • Thesis Title: “Innovations in Sustainable Infrastructure Development”

BEng (Hons): Civil Engineering (2021)
University of Birmingham

Skills

  • Proficient in structural analysis and design software (e.g., SAP2000, ETABS). 
  • Strong problem-solving skills, with experience in structural engineering principles and calculations. 
  • Excellent communication skills demonstrated through technical reports and presentations. 
  • Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams and collaborate with stakeholders.
  • Familiarity with sustainability principles and their application in engineering projects.

Additional Information

  • Certification: Autodesk Certified Professional (AutoCAD)
  • Languages: Conversational proficiency in English
  • Volunteer Experience: Habitat for Humanity, Construction Volunteer
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Choose from professionally designed CV templates that make creating your academic job application quick and easy. Showcase your skills, experience, and achievements in a polished format designed for success.

Not sure how to structure your Oxford CV? Check our CV format guide to make sure your CV stands out.

How to write a winning CV using our trusted CV format

Preparing an Oxford CV requires precision and attention to detail – qualities thanks to which you’ll be able to highlight your academic achievements effectively. When structuring your CV, it’s important to show not only who you are as an applicant but also what you’ve achieved so far, both academically and professionally. Follow these steps to learn how to create a winning CV that showcases your qualifications and reflects your commitment to your field:

academic oxford cv

STEP 1

Organise your CV layout

A well-structured CV ensures that your qualifications and achievements are easy to navigate. Use a clean, professional design with a legible font and divide your CV into distinct sections. Here’s what you want to include on your Oxford CV:

  • Personal details: Start with your name, contact information, and, optionally, a brief summary of yourself.
  • Education: List your academic qualifications in reverse chronological order, providing details such as degree, institution, graduation year, and any relevant thesis or dissertation titles.
  • Work experience: Detail your employment history, internships, or research positions, including job titles, company names, locations, and dates of employment. Use bullet points to highlight key responsibilities and achievements.
  • Skills: Showcase your relevant skills, including technical abilities, language proficiencies, and software competencies.
  • Additional information: Include any extra details such as certifications, awards, volunteer experience, or professional memberships.
STEP 2

Create a contact section

Start your CV with your full name, contact details (including your address, phone number, and professional email), and links to relevant online profiles, such as LinkedIn or a personal academic website. Make sure your contact information is accurate, easy to find, and error-free – small mistakes can cost you valuable opportunities.

Example:

Hannah Taylor
24 Jones Walk
Sheffield S2 2FJ
07912 345678
hannah.taylor@example.com

STEP 3

Write your personal statement

Your personal statement is a brief introduction that outlines your academic background, research interests, and career aspirations. Tailored specifically to the role or programme you’re applying for, it should highlight your academic achievements, relevant skills, and commitment to your field. Aim for a professional tone, focus on your academic strengths and goals, and keep it brief but to the point – ideally, no more than three to four sentences.

Example:

A dedicated and detail-oriented researcher with a strong interest in applying economic theory to address complex societal challenges. Extensive experience in data analysis, academic writing, and presenting findings at conferences. Passionate about interdisciplinary collaboration and advancing knowledge in the field of economic policy.

STEP 4

Highlight your education

Placing your education section at the top of the page can be a good idea for academic applications, including Oxford CVs. Situated just below your personal statement, this format allows you to display your academic qualifications prominently. Start with your most recent degree and work backwards. Include details such as the full name of the qualification, the institution you attended, your graduation year (or expected graduation year), and any notable achievements or projects undertaken during your studies. If applicable, mention any thesis or dissertation titles relevant to your field.

Example:

MSc: Economics (2023)
University of Oxford, Oxford

BSc (Hons): Economics and Mathematics (2021)
London School of Economics and Political Science, London

STEP 5

Showcase your experience

Your work experience section is where you demonstrate your practical skills and accomplishments. Provide a concise overview of your employment history, focusing on roles that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. For each position, highlight key responsibilities, achievements, and contributions using bullet points. If you have internships or research roles, include them, emphasising any hands-on experience or projects you’ve undertaken.

Example:

Financial Analyst Intern (06/2023 – Current)
Smith & Co., London

  • Conducted financial analysis and prepared reports to support investment decisions.
  • Assisted in evaluating potential investment opportunities and conducting market research.
  • Supported corporate acquisitions with thorough financial due diligence.

Research Assistant (01/2022 – 06/2023)
Oxford Institute of Economic Research, Oxford

  • Contributed to research projects on topics such as monetary policy and economic development.
  • Assisted in data collection, analysis, and literature reviews for academic publications.
  • Organised seminars to share the latest insights with professionals in the field.
STEP 6

Emphasise your skills

Identify the most relevant skills to the job you’re applying for and highlight them in your CV. These can include technical skills, such as proficiency in specific software or tools, as well as soft skills, like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Provide examples or instances where you’ve successfully applied each skill listed in previous roles or projects. This helps to demonstrate your competence and suitability for the position.

Example:

  • Proficient in financial modelling and analysis using Excel and statistical software.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience in quantitative research methods.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills demonstrated through academic presentations and reports. 
  • Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team, with a proactive approach to learning.
  • Familiarity with econometric techniques and statistical analysis.
STEP 7

Include additional information

The additional information section allows you to highlight certifications, volunteer work, and other achievements that support your application but may not fit into the main sections of your CV. This is your chance to highlight unique qualifications, extracurricular activities, or achievements that demonstrate your dedication or transferable skills.

Example:

  • Certification: Financial Modelling Certificate (FMVA), CFI
  • Volunteer Experience: Tutor, Local Youth Centre
STEP 8

Proofread and tailor

Before submitting your CV, thoroughly proofread it to ensure it’s free of grammatical errors, typos, and formatting inconsistencies. Consider asking a friend, colleague, or career advisor to review it for feedback. Additionally, tailor your CV to each job application by emphasising the most relevant qualifications and experiences. Research the company or organisation to understand their specific requirements and preferences, then customise your CV accordingly to make it stand out to potential employers.

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Oxford CV examples

Looking for inspiration on how to create a standout CV? Browse through these expertly crafted CV examples. Use them as a guide to create your CV and land the position you’re aiming for.

Research assistant Oxford CV

Create my CVoxford cv research assistant

This Oxford research assistant CV is tailored to showcase your expertise in academic research, data analysis, and collaborative teamwork. By highlighting your contributions to research projects, academic publications, and support for faculty or research groups, this template ensures that your qualifications stand out to Oxford departments, research institutions, and other academic organisations. Focusing on your skills in data collection, analysis, and project coordination will demonstrate your ability to make meaningful contributions to high-level academic research.

Related:

Oxford CV for a teaching assistant

Create my CVteaching assistant oxford cv

This Oxford CV for a teaching assistant is designed to showcase your experience in supporting course delivery, assisting with teaching activities, and enhancing student learning. It allows you to highlight your role in tutoring, marking, course preparation, and faculty collaboration. Showcasing your communication skills, teaching support, and academic mentoring will demonstrate your ability to contribute to student development and educational achievements.

Related:

Senior research scientist Oxford CV

Create my CVsenior research scientist oxford cv

This example of a senior research scientist’s CV highlights your experience leading research projects, advancing scientific discoveries, and mentoring junior researchers. Emphasising your expertise in experimental design, data analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration will demonstrate your ability to drive cutting-edge research and contribute to the academic community at the highest level.

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Is the Oxford CV different from standard CV formats?

An Oxford CV is tailored to highlight the unique qualities and achievements of candidates applying for academic or research positions. Unlike standard CV formats, which often focus more on work experience, the Oxford CV places greater emphasis on academic achievements and intellectual contributions. This format provides a comprehensive overview of a candidate’s academic background, research experience, teaching roles, and relevant professional activities, making it ideal if you’re seeking positions in academia or research institutions. 

Here’s what you’ll typically find in an Oxford Curriculum Vitae:

Emphasis on academic achievements

Oxford CVs strongly emphasise academic achievements such as degrees, awards, scholarships, research experience, publications and presentations. These details help demonstrate a candidate’s intellectual ability and suitability for academic or research roles.

Education section

The education section is extremely important and can include details of the academic institutions the candidate has attended, degrees obtained (including specific awards), relevant courses, thesis topics and supervisors.

Research experience

Oxford CVs usually include a section on research experience, particularly for PhD candidates. This section highlights research projects undertaken, research assistantships, publications, conference presentations and other contributions to academic or scientific research.

Teaching experience

For candidates applying for academic positions, teaching experience is important. This may include details of courses taught, teaching assistantships, mentoring roles and any innovative teaching methods or approaches used.

Professional experience

While academic performance is important, an Oxford CV can also include relevant work experience, particularly if it relates to the candidate’s academic field or demonstrates skills valuable in an academic or research environment.

Additional sections

Depending on an individual’s experience and achievements, an Oxford CV may include additional sections such as awards, professional memberships, language proficiency, technical skills, community involvement and personal interests.

Formatting and length

Oxford CVs are usually well-structured, concise and professional. They may follow specific formatting guidelines preferred by academic institutions or funding bodies. Although there is no strict rule on length, Oxford CVs tend to be thorough but not overly long, focusing on relevant information and achievements.

Dos and don’ts of using an Oxford CV

DO

  • Do keep it concise

    Focus on including only the most relevant information that directly relates to the position or programme you’re applying for. Avoid lengthy descriptions or unnecessary details that may distract from your key qualifications and experiences. Use concise language and bullet points to convey information efficiently, allowing recruiters to grasp your key points quickly.

  • Do use a clean and professional font

    Select a font for your CV that is clear, easy to read, and professional in appearance, such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Maintain consistency in font size throughout the document, typically using a size between 10 and 12 points for body text. Avoid decorative or overly stylish fonts that may detract from the professionalism of your CV.

  • Do include clear headings and subheadings

    Organise your CV with clear and descriptive headings and subheadings to create a logical structure and guide the reader through the document. Use bold or slightly larger font sizes for headings to make them stand out and draw attention to each section of your CV. Ensure that headings accurately reflect the content that follows, providing a clear indication of what the reader can expect in each section.

DON’T

  • Don’t neglect the blank space

    Ensure there is adequate blank space between sections and paragraphs to improve readability and avoid a cluttered appearance. Use margins effectively to frame your content and create a balanced layout, avoiding overly narrow or crowded text blocks. Blank space helps to create visual clarity and allows the reader’s eyes to move smoothly across the page, making it easier to absorb information.

  • Don’t forget to use structured formatting

    Use structured formatting, such as short paragraphs or lists, to present information clearly – especially when listing skills, experience, or achievements. Structured formatting helps break up dense blocks of text, making it easier for recruiters to scan your CV and identify its key points. 

  • Don’t overlook customisation

    Tailor your Oxford CV for each application you submit. To do that, always highlight the skills, experience, and qualifications that are most relevant to the role or programme. Avoid sending a generic CV; recruiters and admissions committees appreciate when applicants take the time to tailor their CV to the specific job or study opportunity. Customisation demonstrates your genuine interest and ensures the most relevant information stands out.

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Key takeaways for creating an Oxford CV

  • Clarity and readability: Use a clear, modern layout for your Oxford CV to ensure it’s easy for recruiters to read and navigate. This will make a strong impression and highlight your key qualifications.
  • Tailor your CV: Tailor your CV to the specific role or programme you’re applying for, highlighting your most relevant experience, skills, and achievements.
  • Competition is high: Oxford attracts high-calibre candidates, so a well-organised, standout CV will help you stand out from the crowd.
  • Concise and focused: Keep your CV concise and focused on the most relevant details. Make sure it’s error-free for a polished, professional finish.
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What you need to know about the Oxford CV template

What is the best style for an Oxford CV?

When writing an Oxford CV, aim for a polished and professional style of an academic CV template. Your priority should be clarity and ease of reading. Choose a standard font such as Arial or Times New Roman and keep the formatting consistent throughout the document.

Break up your CV into separate sections with headings in bold or slightly larger font sizes to make them stand out. Use bullet points to highlight key details in each section. Ensure there is enough blank space so your CV doesn’t look heavy or overwhelming. This will ensure that relevant information is easily accessible to the reader.

What are the top verbs to use in an Oxford CV?

The choice of words for your CV is crucial. In an Oxford CV, using strong action verbs can effectively highlight your accomplishments and demonstrate your skills and capabilities.

Here are some top action verbs to use in your Oxford CV:

  • Achieved
  • Developed
  • Implemented
  • Managed
  • Analysed
  • Collaborated
  • Created
  • Led
  • Organised
  • Improved

How long should my Oxford CV be?

The optimal length typically ranges from one to two pages for a standard professional Oxford CV for non-academic positions. This length allows you to provide enough information to highlight your qualifications and experiences effectively while keeping the document concise and easy to read. Aim to include only relevant and impactful details that directly support your application, prioritising quality over quantity. 

However, if you’re preparing an academic CV for roles within academia or research, it’s common for the document to be longer. Academic CVs often extend to three or more pages to accommodate comprehensive details about your education, research experience, publications, presentations, grants, awards, and other relevant academic activities. In academia, thoroughness is key, but it’s also important to balance this with readability. Ensure your academic CV remains well-organised and easy to navigate despite its length. 

Ultimately, the length of your Oxford CV will depend on its purpose and the expectations of your field or institution. Tailor the length and content of your CV to meet the requirements and preferences of the intended audience, whether it’s for professional or academic purposes.

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Create an engaging Oxford CV with myPerfectCV

The University of Oxford is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, so the CV of someone who has graduated from, or wants to work at, Oxford needs to be not only highly professional but impeccable in every detail. With our expert Oxford CV templates, detailed CV examples and additional guidance, you can be sure to create a CV that will catch the eye of recruiters.

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