chapter 7: it's good on your cv

A strong academic CV is not a collection of random achievements - and adding more lines will not necessarily make you more competitive. For PhD students, postdocs, and researchers planning their next move, this conversation reveals what selection panels actually look for, what belongs on your CV at each career stage, and how to show potential without losing your authenticity. Burcu, Ardiana, and Mirna draw on their experiences winning highly selective postdoctoral fellowships, serving on hiring panels, changing research fields, and navigating academic applications across countries. They unpack why publications and grants matter, but also how conferences, memberships, teaching, supervision, invited talks, networking, and evidence of independence can shape the story your CV tells. The conversation also tackles the uncomfortable realities of academic careers: invisible networks, unfair hiring processes, cultural and gender differences in self-promotion, and the risk of underselling yourself in a system that rewards people who can communicate their value. The central message is both practical and reassuring: you do not need to have followed a perfect path. You need to understand your strengths, build a coherent trajectory, and make the case for where you are going. Essential listening if you are applying for a PhD, postdoc, fellowship, or academic position - or if your CV feels like a list of disconnected experiences rather than the story of the researcher you are becoming.