career-document-architect

What this skill does

# Career Document Architect

## Table of Contents
- [Core Principles](#core-principles)
- [Workflow](#workflow)
- [Document Frameworks](#document-frameworks)
- [Writing Strategies](#writing-strategies)
- [Guardrails](#guardrails)
- [Quick Reference](#quick-reference)

**Related skills (use instead for):**
- Grant proposals: `grant-proposal-assistant`
- Recommendation letters: `academic-letter-architect`
- Manuscript writing: `scientific-manuscript-review`

## Core Principles

**1. Vision + Track Record**: Show where you're going AND what you've accomplished

**2. Coherent Narrative**: All pieces should tell a unified story

**3. Audience Awareness**: Tailor depth and framing to readers

**4. Evidence-Based Claims**: Support assertions with specifics

**5. Future-Oriented**: Emphasize trajectory and potential

**6. Authentic Voice**: Represent yourself genuinely

## Workflow

Copy this checklist and track your progress:

```
Career Document Progress:
- [ ] Step 1: Identify document type and audience
- [ ] Step 2: Gather raw materials (CV, accomplishments)
- [ ] Step 3: Develop core narrative thread
- [ ] Step 4: Draft document using appropriate framework
- [ ] Step 5: Add evidence and specifics
- [ ] Step 6: Align with institutional expectations
- [ ] Step 7: Polish and format
```

**Step 1: Identify Type and Audience**

Determine document type (research/teaching/diversity statement, CV, biosketch). Identify audience (search committee, review panel). Note any specific requirements (page limits, format specifications). See [resources/methodology.md](resources/methodology.md#audience-analysis) for audience considerations.

**Step 2: Gather Raw Materials**

Compile: Current CV, publications, grants, teaching evaluations, mentorship record, outreach activities, preliminary data, future plans. See [resources/methodology.md](resources/methodology.md#materials-checklist) for comprehensive list.

**Step 3: Develop Core Narrative**

Identify the through-line connecting your work. What question drives you? What impact do you seek? How does past work connect to future plans? See [resources/methodology.md](resources/methodology.md#narrative-development) for narrative construction.

**Step 4: Draft Using Framework**

Select appropriate framework for document type. Follow structure that matches institutional norms. See [Document Frameworks](#document-frameworks) for each type.

**Step 5: Add Evidence and Specifics**

Replace generic claims with specific accomplishments. Quantify where possible (papers, citations, students mentored). Add concrete examples for abstract claims.

**Step 6: Align with Institution**

Research institution's priorities. Emphasize fit without fabricating. Address how you contribute to their mission. See [resources/methodology.md](resources/methodology.md#institutional-fit) for alignment strategies.

**Step 7: Polish and Format**

Check length constraints. Ensure consistent formatting. Proofread carefully. Validate using [resources/evaluators/rubric_career_document.json](resources/evaluators/rubric_career_document.json). **Minimum standard**: Average score ≥ 3.5.

## Document Frameworks

### Research Statement

**Purpose:** Articulate research vision, demonstrate independence, show future potential

**Length:** Typically 2-5 pages (check requirements)

**Structure:**
```
OPENING (1 paragraph)
- Hook: Compelling statement of your research focus
- Big picture: Why this matters to the field/society
- Your role: How you contribute to addressing this

PAST RESEARCH (1-2 pages)
- Organize by themes, not chronology
- Highlight key contributions with impact
- Show how past work builds foundation for future
- Include quantifiable outcomes (papers, citations, methods)

CURRENT RESEARCH (0.5-1 page)
- Ongoing projects and preliminary results
- Bridge between past and future
- Show productivity and momentum

FUTURE DIRECTIONS (1-2 pages)
- 2-3 specific research directions
- For each: Why important? What's the approach? What's expected impact?
- Show independence and creativity
- Connect to fundable questions (NIH/NSF relevance)

CLOSING (1 paragraph)
- Synthesis: How pieces fit together
- Why this institution/department
- Broader impact statement
```

### Teaching Statement

**Purpose:** Articulate teaching philosophy and demonstrate effectiveness

**Length:** Typically 1-2 pages

**Structure:**
```
PHILOSOPHY (1-2 paragraphs)
- Core beliefs about teaching/learning
- What makes your approach distinctive
- Grounded in evidence or experience

EVIDENCE OF EFFECTIVENESS (1-2 paragraphs)
- Courses taught with enrollments
- Teaching evaluations (quote specific feedback)
- Student outcomes (publications, placements)
- Innovations introduced

METHODS AND APPROACHES (1-2 paragraphs)
- Specific techniques you use
- Active learning strategies
- Assessment approaches
- Technology integration

MENTORSHIP (1 paragraph)
- Undergraduate/graduate mentoring
- Student achievements
- Mentoring philosophy

FUTURE TEACHING (1 paragraph)
- Courses you could teach
- New courses you'd develop
- Curricular contributions
```

### Diversity Statement

**Purpose:** Demonstrate commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

**Length:** Typically 1-2 pages

**Structure:**
```
INTRODUCTION (1 paragraph)
- Your understanding of DEI in academia
- Why it matters to you
- Preview of your contributions

PAST ACTIONS (1-2 paragraphs)
- Specific activities promoting DEI
- Mentoring underrepresented students
- Curriculum development
- Outreach activities
- Quantify impact where possible

PERSONAL CONTEXT (optional, 1 paragraph)
- Your own background if relevant
- Experiences informing your commitment
- Only include if comfortable and genuine

FUTURE PLANS (1 paragraph)
- How you'll contribute at this institution
- Specific programs or initiatives
- Connection to institutional DEI priorities

CLOSING
- Synthesis of commitment
- Why this matters for your field
```

### CV Format (Academic)

**Standard Sections:**
```
CONTACT INFORMATION
EDUCATION
- Degrees in reverse chronological order
- Institution, degree, year, advisor (for PhD)

POSITIONS
- Academic appointments
- Industry positions (if relevant)

PUBLICATIONS
- Peer-reviewed (mark * for corresponding author)
- Preprints
- Reviews/Book chapters

GRANTS AND FUNDING
- Current and past funding
- Role (PI, Co-PI, etc.)
- Amount and duration

HONORS AND AWARDS

PRESENTATIONS
- Invited talks
- Conference presentations

TEACHING
- Courses taught
- Mentoring record

SERVICE
- Editorial boards
- Review panels
- Committee work

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
```

### NIH Biosketch

**Length:** 5 pages maximum

**Sections:**
```
A. PERSONAL STATEMENT (0.5 page)
- Why you're well-suited for this project
- Relevant experience and expertise
- Key accomplishments that qualify you
- Up to 4 publications supporting this statement

B. POSITIONS, SCIENTIFIC APPOINTMENTS, AND HONORS

C. CONTRIBUTIONS TO SCIENCE (up to 5 contributions, 0.5 page each)
- Contribution 1:
  - Description of contribution (1 paragraph)
  - Your specific role
  - Impact on field
  - Up to 4 publications supporting this contribution
- [Repeat for each contribution]

D. RESEARCH SUPPORT
- Current (with role, title, dates, description)
- Completed (last 3 years)
```

## Writing Strategies

### The "So What?" Test

For every claim, ask "so what?" If you can't answer, the claim needs more:

| Claim | So What? | Improved |
|-------|----------|----------|
| "I published 10 papers" | Impact? | "My 10 papers have been cited 500 times, including 3 that established new methods in the field" |
| "I'm passionate about teaching" | Evidence? | "My passion for teaching is reflected in consistent evaluation scores above 4.5/5 and 5 undergraduates who went to PhD programs" |
| "I'm committed to diversity" | What have you done? | "I co-founded a mentoring program that has supported 20 students from underrepresented groups" |

### Showing vs. Telling

| Telling (Weak) | Showing (Strong) |
|---------------