This online CV Writing Bootcamp is run by the Researcher Academy and the Careers and Employability Service

Researcher Academy courses are in high demand, and most are offered in both semesters to give you flexibility to attend at a time that suits you.

Target Audience: This online bootcamp is for research-focused staff (including Research Assistants/Associates, Postdoctoral Researchers, Research Fellows, Fellows, Senior Research Fellows and Principal Research Fellows).

Please note this online bootcamp is not open to postgraduate research students.

Description: 

Do you need to update your CV but struggle to find time to do so? This one-day online bootcamp provides dedicated time to work on your CV, along with guidance from Careers Consultants for Research Staff on preparing and tailoring it to showcase your skills for potential employers and funders. With regard to workload planning, this session should be considered part of your professional development.

The bootcamp will be held on Microsoft Teams. Participants will be added to a Teams group where resources will be available and meeting links can be accessed. You can choose to keep your webcam on or off, but at a minimum you will need to keep the chat box open to receive updates. You will also have the option to join breakout rooms for timed writing sessions designed to provide structure and boost productivity. There will be breaks scheduled throughout the bootcamp.

Before the bootcamp, there is a short planning task that will take about 30-60 minutes, depending on whether you like to plan everything out in detail or to just have a rough outline of what you want to achieve during the day.

9:30 AM: Welcome and orientation, followed by a presentation from the Careers and Employability Service on writing effective CVs, presenting your skills clearly, and tailoring your CV for different sectors.

10:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Writing block 1*

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch break

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Optional drop-in Q&A session with the Careers and Employability Service.**

2:00 PM – 3:15 PM: Writing block 2*

3:15 PM – 3:30 PM: Break

3:30 PM – 4:20 PM: Writing block 3*

4:20 PM – 4:30 PM: Conclusion: Reviewing goals and next steps

*Writing block timings are indicative and flexible.

**Longer, one-on-one CV-and-career guidance appointments are available year-round through the Careers and Employability Service. You may also wish to arrange brief meetings with your mentor or line manager during the bootcamp to discuss your CV (not your research!).

Resources:

Participants are responsible for having all the writing materials they might need. You will need a stable internet connection, as the bootcamp will require you to be online throughout the day.

Your commitment:

By registering for the bootcamp, you are ideally committing to attending the full day. If you are unable to attend a small portion (less than 10%) but still wish to participate, please contact the bootcamp organiser, Milo Miller (milo.miller@nottingham.ac.uk), before booking to discuss your availability.

Accessibility

Please review the table below to understand the course’s accessibility requirements. If you anticipate any difficulties participating, please let us know via the ‘special requirements’ tab, providing as much information as possible. Alternatively, you can contact us directly at ra-training@nottingham.ac.uk.

Access and/or complete self-study/ pre-bootcamp tasks prior to main session
Access MS Teams
Access Moodle
Attend the bootcamp at the specified date and time
Use MS Teams chat box function
Engage with online materials
Watch and listen to the bootcamp facilitator(s) and/or other attendees
Follow presentation slides during the bootcamp
Complete reflections document/ workbook
Undertake and submit an assessment (to be marked as attended)

Booking conditions:

By booking this bootcamp, you are committing to attend. Our online courses are highly popular, and we often have waiting lists. If you can no longer attend, please cancel your place, ideally at least three days in advance. Cancellations can be made via the Central Short Courses system if done more than three days in advance, or by emailing ra-training@nottingham.ac.uk for last-minute cancellations. Failing to cancel or simply not attending may affect your eligibility for future courses and Researcher Academy-funded opportunities.

Pre-Requisites

Session Access Instructions

This is an online session within Microsoft Teams. A Microsoft Teams site has been created for the Writing Bootcamp and you will be sent the joining link one week before the session. The Teams site will provide resources and meeting links that will enable you to join the plenary talks and chat function throughout the day. Please note there is a short preparatory task for you to complete before joining the bootcamp.

Please ensure that you access the Teams site in advance of the day of the bootcamp to familiarise yourself with the site, and access the preparatory task and any resources you feel appropriate. The Writing Bootcamp will start at 10am prompt on the day.