In the comment thread of our Job-Market Boot Camp post on common CV mistakes, Al writes:
What’s the going view on including a very short dissertation abstract on the Cv? And what about a longer one at the very end? I’m worried this looks too junior/grad student-ish but it seems to be the norm in my department and I can see the point of including it.
I was advised to do this coming out of grad school, but to take it off once I was a few years post-PhD (the rationale that you don't want to convey 'grad student' after a few years). However, having served on four search committees, I guess I'm a bit skeptical about the value of including a short or long dissertation abstract on the CV. What I'm looking for on a CV are qualifications, accomplishments, and fit for the job. Do have the right AOS/AOC? Have you published? Do you have experience teaching the courses we could use to be taught by the new hire? If your CV looks good in these regards, then chances are I'll want to check out your other materials (research statement, writing sample, teaching statement). So I'm really not sure how much there is to be gained by including a dissertation blurb on a CV.
But these are just my thoughts. What are yours, particularly those of you who have served on hiring committees?
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