CV Do’s and Don’ts

I’ve been asked to put up a post about what goes under the “publications” heading on a cv, but I thought we could expand the discussion to include other bits of cv-related advice for job applicants. Here’s the main thing I was asked to convey: the only things that should be listed under unqualified cv headings like “publications” or “academic articles” or “books” or “book chapters,” etc., are writings that either actually have been published or that have actually been accepted for publication. Writings that have been submitted for review and which, as far as you know, are being considered for publication, but have not yet been accepted for publication, should not be listed under “publications”. Instead, you can have a section on your cv called “Currently Under Review” and list them there. This includes even invited pieces that are a “sure thing” and revise and resubmit resubmissions. They haven’t yet been accepted, so they are not “publications”. Relatedly, it’s a good idea to be clear about the types of publications you list, being sure to distinguish peer-reviewed from non-peer-reviewed articles, for example. Also, for the love of MIND, do not do that thing where you list on your cv, next to the title of your as-of-yet-unaccepted submission, the name of the journal to which you submitted it. One usually only sees this when the journal is especially prestigious. I understand why someone may be tempted to do it, but please trust me when I say that trying to impress people by telling them how highly you rate yourself is rarely a winning move. Readers, feel free to add your own two cents. Related: “Some Things You Always Wanted to Know about CVs and Weren’t Afraid to Ask“, “Invitations, Under Review, and other CV Questions“ The post CV Do’s and Don’ts first appeared on Daily Nous.