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August 30, 2023
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How to Craft an (Effective) Academic CV

Today I’ll provide you the anatomy of a solid academic CV and share best practices for crafting an outstanding academic CV that gets you interviews.

I’ll also share a downloadable template of an academic CV and a list of action keywords/ verbs.

Whether you are a recent graduate or a seasoned researcher, a well-crafted CV is essential to help you stand out and showcase your academic achievements.

Your CV is your marketing tool. Unlike a resume which presents your professional identity, your CV shows your scholarly identity.

The Anatomy of a CV

A CV is generally used when applying for academic, scientific, or certain government research positions.

As such, your CV should cover a broad range of topics, highlighting your academic engagements, publications, presentations, and honors and awards received.

Here is the full structure:

   

As everything you need is ordered in sequence in the image above, I’ll not repeat it again here to save you time.

Over time, I have realized that a long CV is an important status symbol among academics.

10 Tips to Stand Out:

  1. Make sure that the most “important” information is presented first

  2. Your CV lists information; your cover letter contextualizes that information. So don’t repeat all the facts in your letter in your CV.

  3. Publications are either ‘published’ or ‘forthcoming’ (i.e., accepted for publication), ‘accepted subject to major/minor revision,’ or ‘under consideration’ (i.e., submitted but not yet reviewed). Don’t mention papers in preparation.

  4. Use numbers to describe the size and scale of your projects, budgets, and results in your experiences. This helps to convey the magnitude and impact of your work.

  5. Descriptions of grants should include the funder, the dates of the funding period, the amount of funding awarded, and your precise role in the project.

  6. Describe current positions in the present tense and past positions in the past tense

  7. List relevant accomplishments and skills, NOT job duties and responsibilities

  8. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate your alignment with the job requirements. Use power action verbs (shared below).

  9. Make sure there absolutely no grammar and format inconsistencies!

  10. A photograph of you as part of your CV is unnecessary.

Asad Naveed

August 2, 2023
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How to Compose the Title

The title is, arguably, one of the most important parts of a paper. The title is not only printed first (or very close to the top) in an article; it is the part that will be read by most people. These readers must then decide whether the paper contains information that is relevant or interesting for them. The main requirements of a good title can be formulated briefly and sharply: be precise, simple, and short. The best title is one that gives the most accurate information about the content of the paper with the fewest possible words.

When formulating the title, one should also consider that many potential readers will only see the title in the different abstracting journals and services, and this constitutes the information on which they will have to decide whether to obtain a copy of the paper. Abstracting and information retrieving services, as well as Internet search engines, also use the words in the titles.

Loose or imprecise words in the title generate inexact search results. The rules that readers follow are very simple: they will pass over loose, ill-defined, or overly general titles. They will not be intrigued by cryptic titles, jokes, or vague promises. They will know that there cannot be a “Theory of everything” (Laughlin and Pines, 2000). Having an informative title is mandatory, otherwise the paper will never reach the intended readership.

In earlier literature, overly general and imprecise titles occur often. The results presented in a paper in 1957 under the title, “The influence of some cations on an adenosine triphosphatase from peripheral nerves” © Gábor L. Lövei, CC BY 4.0  https://doi.org/10.11647/OBP.0235.05 (Skou, 1957) eventually earned its author a Nobel Prize. However, it is impossible to judge from the title what was novel in the paper, or even what was studied precisely. It would certainly not be considered an effective title today. The Nobel Prize was probably not given for the excellence of the title!

June 27, 2023
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How to Publish Your First Paper (FAST)

Publishing your first academic paper as a young researcher can be overwhelming. Yet, it is an important step to share new ideas with the world, make your resume shine and establish yourself in your field.

In 2016, I had the privilege of publishing my first paper on Ebola virus disease in children, thanks to the guidance and mentorship of Dr. Felicity Fitzgerald.

While my primary duties centered on collecting, entering, and cross-referencing data, this experience enabled me to develop multiple other research skills.

Based on my experience, here are the practical tips and insights that can successfully help you publish your first paper fast!

1. Find a Mentor

Find an experienced researcher with a high publication record. Identifying a mentor with a strong publication record in your field can be crucial to your success.

Your mentor could be a professor, lecturer or even a senior in your University.

Check the researcher’s publication record by searching their name on research databases such as ResearchGate or Google Scholar.

Use this method to identify 5-10 researchers/ potential mentors.

If they have been publishing regularly, it’s a good idea to connect with them on platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter.

Experienced researchers have usually gone through the publication process multiple times and can provide invaluable knowledge and guidance.

2. Offer Your Skills

To get your foot in the door, contact your chosen researcher and offer your skills. Ask them upfront that you would like to learn from them and publish a paper together.

As a beginner researcher, you may have data collection or literature review skills. Don’t worry if your technical expertise is limited; even skills like data collection can be highly valuable.

To acquire new skills, check out FREE online resources like YouTube, or revisit my previous posts on LinkedIn and Twitter for links to FREE online research courses.

3. Learn From the Process

Collaborating with an experienced researcher can not only help you get your first publication but also equip you with the knowledge needed for future independence.

Familiarize yourself with the difference between qualitative and quantitative research methods to determine which best suits your interests and goals.

Additionally, learn study designs and understand the various types of papers in the pyramid of evidence:

diagram

While lower-level papers may be easier to publish and result in more publications, they are often less valuable and garner fewer citations.

Striking a balance between quantity and quality will help establish your reputation in the field.

That’s it. These steps will help you publish your first paper fast! Your aim is to learn as much as possible from this experience to help you publish independently!

As soon as publish a few times, you’ll be able to collaborate with others and do projects independently.

An experienced mentor can make a significant difference in your success, so don’t hesitate to reach out and build connections in your field.

Remember to re-assess your collaboration once in a while. If you aren’t learning enough or there is no paper in sight, you may need to find another mentor.

Good luck on your research journey, and feel free to reach out with any questions you may have!

June 27, 2022
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How to Email a Professor (for Research Jobs)

Hi! A cold email for a research position is a formal way to show genuine interest in a professor’s research and ask for an opportunity to work with them.

A successful cold email can open the door to valuable first-hand research experience, mentorship, a funded position, and visa sponsorship. It can also help you build relationships and a network.

In this email, I will show you my cold email strategies that helped me get 9 responses and 3 interviews from just 16 emails. I’ll show you what I did differently from others.

But before going forward, I want you to pause for a moment and think, how will you react if you get an unsolicited knock on your door? What would make you listen to the person knocking? What would make you take action?

A knock on your home’s door will only be received well if the person knocking does it well or uses the key phrases or passcodes. Similarly, professors have priorities and receive numerous emails (knocks) daily, so your email must stand out.

Here are 4 steps to ensure your cold email stands out:

Step 1: Research

You should first learn about the professors’ work from their faculty website or by searching them on google scholar or researchgate. You should determine what research areas they specialize in and browse through a few of their abstracts.

If your prior experiences or the professor’s work do not align, do not email them (yet).

For example, if the professor mainly does RNA Seq analysis projects requiring R knowledge, you should only email them if you are versatile with R.

Step 2: Draft the subject line

A concise and captivating subject line is essential to encourage your future supervisor to open your email. Ensure that the subject line is related to the message.

The title will depend on whether you are applying for an opening or asking for a research opportunity.

I kept my subject lines clear and specific.

Here are some subject line suggestions:

“Research opportunity in topic X”

“topic X + research”

“research at department Y”

“postdoc application in topic X”

Step 3: Draft the email

It is important that your email is concise, as it will increase the likelihood that your message will be read and replied to.

A cold email is different from a cover letter and your CV.

Your cold email aims to pique your professors’ curiosity to read your cover letter and CV and have a meeting/ interview with you.

Most guides out there advise you to start by introducing yourself. For example, “my name is X, and I am a graduate in Y etc.” This, in my view, is a very boring way to start a cold email.

Instead follow this method:

The 1234 format: 1. About the professor 2. The bridge 3. About you 4. CTA

1. About the professor ( 1 or 2 lines)
Explain why you’re emailing them about their research. Start your email by acknowleding the professor’s work and stating what stood out to you.

This part is your HOOK! It must be interesting and show that you have done research.

No one dislikes getting a genuine praise/ kudos for their work. Recognizing their work and commending what stood out will get their attention.

Questions to help you brainstorm this part:

Give examples from the research you have done on them (e.g. list one or two of their papers that you read and mention something specific that you found compelling). Why did I choose them as a good fit for my research interests?

2. The bridge ( 1 line)

The 1 or 2 lines above got their attention. Now, you need to state EXACTLY why you are emailing them. Don’t delay this further.

Write a line stating that their work aligns with your prior experiences, interests, and future goals as a researcher and that you would like to work with them or apply as a postdoc/ research assistant.

3. About you (1 or 2 lines)

After the bridge, you can write about your education, key past research experiences, and future goals that align with their work or make you a great fit to join their lab.

Keep in mind that professors are also always looking out for strong applicants who can push their research agenda forward. So getting a qualified candidate is a win-win situation for them as well.

Questions to help you brainstorm this part:

What sort of background, if any, do I have that is relevant to the research? Why does this matter to me? How will getting involved in research of this type help me get closer to whatever academic, career and personal goals I might have?

If you are also attaching a cover letter, do not repeat what is already there. Just summarize the most important highlights in these 1-2 lines.

4. CTA (Call-to-Action)

The best way to write this part is by asking them a question or requesting an appointment to meet them to discuss further. Without CTA, your email may be thrown into the “read later” folder.

Briefly include days/times that you are available (i.e., Monday through Wednesday from 11–4, and all day Friday) and provide your contact information.

Asking an interesting question will also help you get a response and potential interview.

Step 4: Email Add-ons

I always include an email signature in my emails and strongly recommend you do so. This is another subtle way of making an impression.

Your email signature should have your degree, a significant award (for example, Chevening Scholar), and contact details.

Additionally, if you have an institutional email from your University, use that instead of gmail or yahoo. This further improves credibility and delivery. It subtly gives them the idea that you are currently in academia.

Avoid using the terms Dear Sir/ Hello Sir/ Dear Ms. The word “Sir” is too generic. Always address them with a “Dr.” + “last name.”

Lastly, it is essential to review the email for any grammatical or sentence structure errors and ensure it is professional and conveys your legitimate interest in the research opportunity.

Example of a bad email: DO NOT SEND THIS

Hi Henrietta,

My name is Name and I am a major in Major. Is there space in your lab for an undergraduate? If so, what is the pay rate?

Thanks, Name

Example of a good “madeup” email:

Hi Dr. Hopkins,

I hope this email finds you well. What did you find fascinating about their research. Expression of interest in a specific paper or topic.  Your work aligns with my previous experiences in X and Y and I am contacting you to apply for a postdoctoral research position in your lab.

I did a Master’s in X and Y and obtained experience in research experience or class, confirming my intention to develop my research skills and goal.

I have attached my CV and transcripts. I would appreciate the chance to speak to you about your research on a topic of interest. Please let me know if there is any other information I can provide. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best,

Your Name

Email signature

Conclusion

Getting your foot in the door with cold email can be tricky the first few times, but it can be highly effective once you grasp it.

Do not get discouraged if you do not receive a positive response right away. Like all things, this will take time and practice. Remember, all it takes is one “yes”!

Let me know if you have any questions. Happy cold emailing!

Regards, Asad

June 27, 2017
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How to Check if a Journal is Indexed

Today, I’ll show you how to check whether a journal is indexed in the top research databases.

Checking the indexing status of a journal saves you from predatory journals, and publishing in indexed journals increases your credibility and visibility.

Most people search for previous literature/ scholarly work on databases such as MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed Central, Web of Science, Scopus, or DOAJ.

You are more likely to get cited if they find your article there during their search.

So in this newsletter, I’ll show you how to check if a journal of your interest is indexed in these databases. Let’s get started:

1. MEDLINE

  1. Go to https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nlmcatalog

  2. Type the journal title or ISSN on the search box

  3. The journal details will be shown if it is in the National Library of Medicine (NLM) catalog

  4. Check the “Current indexing status.” Indexed journal shows “Currently indexed for MEDLINE”

2. EMBASE

  1. Go to https://www.elsevier.com/solutions/embase-biomedical-research/coverage-and-content

  2. Click on the hypertext – “Download the full list of journal titles in Embase” –

  3. On the spreadsheet, search the journal title or ISSN

  4. On the corresponding row of the journal, the indexed journal shows “Yes” on the “Indexed at Embase” column

3. PubMed Central (PMC)

  1. Go to https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/journals

  2. Type the journal title on the search box below “Search for journals”

  3. On the search result page, the indexed journal shows “Full” in the “Participation level” column

4. Web of Science

  1. Go to https://mjl.clarivate.com/home

  2. Type the journal title or ISSN on the search box and click on “Search Journals”

  3. On the search result page, indexed journal title shows “Science Citation Index Expanded” against “Web of Science Core Collection”

5. Scopus

  1. 1. Go to https://scopus.com/sources

  2. Select “Title” or “ISSN” from the dropdown arrow and type the title or ISSN accordingly and click on the “Find sources” button

  3. From the search result, click on the target journal title

  4. The indexed journal shows the “Scopus coverage years”

6. Directory of Open Access Journals

  1. Go to https://doaj.org

  2. Uncheck the “articles” below the search box

  3. Type the title or International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) of the journal in the search box

  4. The indexed journal will be shown on the search result page.

That’s it. Following these simple steps, you can ensure that your hard work and research are published in reputable journals.

Keep striving for excellence and have a great week!

Regards, Asad

June 27, 2017
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How to Read a Scientific Paper

Do you feel overwhelmed when reading scientific papers? In this email, I’m going to show you 5 steps to read, comprehend and utilize the findings from research papers.

This technique will help you navigate the dense jargon, data and grasp the core ideas and in scientific papers:

Step 1: Skim read

Start with a skim read to grasp the big picture in the title, abstract, and introduction. Check the publishing date to ensure relevance and make a note of unfamiliar terms for further research. Check whether the journal is peer-reviewed.

Step 2: Pose questions to yourself

Ask yourself crucial questions such as the sample size and whether it is representative of the larger population. Check the study’s replicability, funding sources, and any limitations identified in the discussion section.

Step 3: Decode the author’s inquiry

Determine the question the authors aim to answer, assess if the findings are well-supported by evidence, consider their novelty, and check if they align with other research in the field.

Step 4: Interpret results

Interpret the results cautiously by examining the discussion for key issues and new findings and scrutinizing graphs and tables to ensure they make sense even without captions.

Step 5: Summarize

Summarize your thoughts and make notes to clarify your understanding, consider any questions for the authors, ponder the next steps, and discuss the paper with others.

That’s it! Don’t let scientific papers intimidate you any longer. If you need further details on this topic, BMJ has created guidelines for different types of papers here.

Note: Talking about an article in a journal club or more informal environment forces active reading, participation and recall of the material.

Good luck on your research journey, and stay tuned for my future guides!

Regards, Asad

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