Academic and research CV
A structured LaTeX CV with research profile, education, research and teaching experience, projects, awards, skills, and references.
Editable LaTeX template · replace all bracketed fields
View sample PDFYour application toolkit
Prepare with clarity. Apply with confidence.
Practical starting points for your next thesis, research position, internship, or graduate program.
Step-by-step application guides
How to compare PhD positions before applying
A practical checklist for comparing doctoral projects, supervisors, funding, eligibility and application requirements.
How to find and evaluate a company master's thesis
Compare industry thesis projects, confirm academic supervision, check data access and prepare a focused application.
Make the application your own
Use these outlines to organize your work, then adapt them to the actual requirements. Replace placeholders and describe your own experience.
Academic cover letter
A research-focused letter for PhD, postdoctoral, and research roles, with space for project fit and evidence of your work.
Editable LaTeX template · replace all bracketed fields
View sample PDFSupervisor outreach email
A concise, targeted inquiry with a subject line, research connection, project fit, logistics, and a final check before sending.
Editable Plain text template · replace all bracketed fields
The LaTeX CV and cover letter include sample PDFs so you can compare the intended layout. Edit the source in a LaTeX editor and compile your own PDF before applying. Remove sections you cannot substantiate and follow the institution's requested format.
Write a focused supervisor inquiry
Use the downloadable email template with these six checks. A professor should be able to see the project, your fit and your specific reason for writing at a glance.
Step 1
Write a clear subject
Name the project or lab, your main field, and your name. This lets the recipient understand the topic before opening the email.
Step 2
Introduce your fit immediately
State the position, your degree and your most relevant expertise in one short opening paragraph. Keep the introduction specific to the advertised role.
Step 3
Connect your work to theirs
Mention a real paper, project or research direction you have read. Explain how one concrete result or challenge from your own work connects to it. Verify the publication and author before sending.
Step 4
Point to a project detail
Choose an application, method or task from the vacancy. Explain how a skill you actually have would help with that work.
Step 5
Confirm logistics and attachments
Name only documents you are attaching. Mention eligibility or a start date only after you have checked it. Follow the official application process if the advertisement requires one.
Step 6
Close with a focused invitation
Thank the recipient and invite a discussion without asking them to bypass their normal selection process. Include your full name and a reliable way to contact you.
Before you send
- Check the supervisor's name and cited work.
- Remove every placeholder and unsupported claim.
- Confirm the email is easy to read on a phone.
- Attach only the files you mention, with clear PDF filenames.
A simple preparation routine
Before you apply
0 of 4 readyA preparation checklist, saved on this device. The official posting determines eligibility and required documents.
Academic projects and PhD positions
Read the research scope and supervision arrangements. Check whether a transcript, research proposal, references, or writing sample is requested. Confirm thesis approval with your own university when needed.
Internships and graduate programs
Check start date, duration, pay, location, and assessment stages. Explain relevant projects and skills with concrete examples. Ask the employer about anything important that is missing.
Understand the listing
Funding and pay
Paid, stipend, and unpaid are different arrangements. When pay is unspecified, ask about amount, hours, and conditions. Never assume funding covers tuition, relocation, or living costs.
Country and university terminology
Search terms vary: examensarbete in Sweden, Masterarbeit in Germany, masteroppgave in Norway, and afstudeer in the Netherlands can help you find thesis projects. Check the actual academic level in each posting.
Eligibility and documents
Degree equivalence, enrollment, language, and work-permission requirements vary. Use the employer’s and university’s official requirements; a listing on this website does not confirm your eligibility.
Use official application channels
Follow the official posting, verify the organization and destination, and avoid sending sensitive documents through informal messages. Report suspicious links or requests.