Map the Role to Your Experience
Read the essential and desirable criteria and create an evidence list for each. For a research position, relevant examples may include techniques, analysis, publications, collaboration or project delivery. Edinburgh’s academic careers guidance advises emphasising research experience and relevant technical skills for research-only roles. Follow the institution’s requested documents and format.
Explain What You Contributed
Use a concrete example to connect the criterion, your action and the result. A statement that you “have sequencing experience” gives little context. Explain the work you performed, how you handled quality or analysis and what the contribution enabled. Keep unpublished results appropriately described and avoid disclosing confidential material from previous work.
Prepare the Submission as a Whole
Cross-check the CV, supporting statement and publication list for consistency. State manuscript status clearly and ensure the reader can distinguish your contribution within collaborations. Then do a criteria review: can each required capability be found quickly? Before submitting, confirm the closing time, requested referee details and any contract or sponsorship information that affects your decision.
Your Next-Step Checklist
- Build an evidence list against the selection criteria.
- Describe your own contribution and relevant methods.
- Check consistency, requested documents and the closing time.
Official Reading
Read the official school, university, funder or government sources below.
Edinburgh: Academic CVs and Applications