CV Template — The Data Pragmatist

[Your Name]

[email@gmail.com] | [07xxx xxxxxx] | linkedin.com/in/yourprofile

[2–3 sentences max. Lead with your degree background, name your strongest transferable skills, and state the exact role you want. Example: "Physics PhD researcher with hands-on experience in large-scale data analysis, statistical modelling, and Python programming, seeking a Data Scientist role in industry. Proven ability to extract actionable insights from complex datasets and communicate findings to both technical and non-technical audiences."]

Education

[PhD / MSc / BSc — Subject] [Month Year – Month Year]

[University Name]

[Thesis or project title, if relevant]

Processed and analysed datasets of [scale] using [Python / R / MATLAB] — translate your research into data language.
Designed and implemented [model / simulation / analysis pipeline] to investigate [problem].
Communicated findings to [industry partner / academic collaborators] with varied technical backgrounds.
Developed [relevant skill — e.g. statistical reasoning, programming, experimental design] through [context].

[Undergraduate Degree — Subject (Classification)] [Month Year – Month Year]

[University Name]

Strong foundation in mathematics, statistics, and quantitative reasoning.
[Relevant coursework, project, or dissertation — what you did, not just the title].
[Any prizes, distinctions, or awards].

Skills & Technical Proficiencies

Python (pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn)

Statistical modelling & hypothesis testing

SQL / data querying

Data visualisation (Matplotlib / Tableau)

Machine learning — supervised & unsupervised

R / MATLAB / [other tools]

Experimental design

Presenting to non-technical audiences

Work Experience

[Job Title — e.g. R&D Intern / Data Analyst Intern] [Month Year – Month Year]

[Company Name, Location]

Independently managed [project] focused on [goal] — show ownership.
Used [tool / method] to extract insights from [data type], informing [decision or outcome].
Collaborated across [departments / disciplines], communicating results to [audience].
[Quantified outcome — e.g. "analysed X records", "delivered ahead of deadline", "reduced X by Y%"].

[Teaching / Tutoring / Mentoring — include this. It counts.] [Month Year – Month Year]

[Organisation or Freelance]

Delivered [tutorials / coaching sessions] in [subject] to [audience].
Adapted explanations to suit different learning styles and knowledge levels.
[Any measurable outcome — pass rates, number of students, progression].

Achievements & Recognition

[Award / Prize / Scholarship]: brief description.

[Elected role / leadership position]: brief description — shows initiative and trust of peers.

[Any other recognition worth noting]: brief description.

Profile

Name the role. Don't be vague.

State exactly what you're going for. Hiring managers scan fast — make it obvious in 10 seconds what you bring and what you want.

Education

Your degree contains more data experience than you think.

Every analysis, dataset, model, or code you wrote belongs here — in industry language.

Don't write: "Molecular dynamics simulations."
Write: "Processed numerical datasets of up to 1 billion entries using Python."

Skills

"Familiar with" is honest. Use it.

If you've used it in one project, it belongs on your CV. Don't claim expertise you don't have — but don't undersell what you do have either.

Experience

Show impact, not tasks.

Every bullet should answer: so what? What changed because of your work? Quantify wherever you can — scale, speed, outcome.

Teaching & Mentoring

This is leadership. Frame it that way.

Tutoring, RA roles, society positions — they demonstrate communication, adaptability, and trust. Don't hide them at the bottom.

Format

You have 30 seconds. Make every line count.

Hiring managers don't read CVs — they scan them. Clean font, clear sections, no clutter. If a bullet doesn't add something, cut it. Your strongest points go first, always.

Graduate & PhD CV Template — The Data Pragmatist

Asia's notes

Get the CV template that got me into the BBC