How to write and publish a scientific paper - Barbara Gastel, Robert A. Day 2022

What to put in (and what to leave out)
How to prepare a curriculum vitae, cover letter, and personal statement
Other topics in scientific communication

Sometimes you may be told what types of information to include in a CV, what format to use, or both. For example, some colleges have detailed instructions for faculty CVs. Likewise, some funding agencies specify what to include in a CV in a grant application. Typical content and structure of CVs can differ among scientific fields and among institutions. Thus, it can be useful to look at others’ CVs and have others review a draft of yours. For ideas of what to include in your CV and how to present it, consider looking online at the CVs of members of your department or of scientists elsewhere who are leaders in your field.

Of course, list your publications in your CV. Also list major presentations, such as papers given at national conferences. List as well the grants that you have received. In listing your publications, use a standard format for references (see Chapter 15), such as the one employed by a leading journal in your field; in the author list, consider putting your name in boldface for clear identification. In some contexts, such as when a person is being considered for tenure, it can also be appropriate to list the numbers of citations that papers have received. If a paper has been accepted but not yet posted or published, list it as “in press” or “forthcoming.” If it has been submitted but not yet accepted, or if it is still being prepared, do not list it under “Publications.” You may, however, mention it in the “Research” section of your CV.

Your CV should focus on your professional history. Normally, it should not include personal information such as date of birth, marital status, health, or hobbies. Do not list your Social Security number or other personal identification numbers, especially given the possibility of identity theft.

Of course, do not exaggerate your accomplishments. In addition to being dishonest, doing so can harm your career if any discrepancy is discovered. If there is nothing to list in a given category, omit that category. Do not be like the student who included the heading “Honors” in her CV and then wrote under it, “None.”