Syllabus CV template: how to use it, tips & FAQ
Syllabus is best for: PhD, postdoc, research and faculty applications — a long-form academic CV.
Use Syllabus — freeAll 46 templates
Live preview with fictional sample content, drawn by the same renderer as the builder.
What the Syllabus layout looks like
A centred serif name and degree line, then Education first (with an italic note line for your thesis), Research interests (from your skills), numbered Publications & projects, Academic & professional appointments, Awards & certifications and Languages. No photo slot.
Syllabus has no photo slot by design. If the country you are applying to expects a photo, pick a template with an optional photo such as Diplomat or Signal.
Who the Syllabus template suits
Think twice for: Industry resumes that should be one to two pages.
Is Syllabus ATS-friendly?
Single column with conventional academic headings.
Whatever design you choose, the builder's Application view shows the same content as a simple one-column page, and the Text PDF and .docx downloads keep selectable text in a clear reading order. No tool can guarantee how a particular employer's system reads a file, so follow the job advert's instructions. More in our ATS-friendly resume guide.
Tips for a stronger Syllabus CV
- Put your thesis title in the education Notes field.
- Add each publication as a project: title in Name, citation details in Description.
- Academic CVs can run to several pages — that is expected.
How to make a Syllabus CV in 5 steps
- Open Syllabus in the free builder — no account needed.
- Enter your details in the form, or import a JSON backup from another device.
- Click any text on the page to edit it in place; press Enter to finish or Esc to cancel.
- Check page flow with the page markers, then look at Application view for portals.
- Download a Text PDF, a Word .docx, a Design PDF or print.
Syllabus template FAQ
How do I add publications in Syllabus?
Add each one under Projects. It appears numbered in “Publications & projects”.
Where do research interests come from?
From your Skills list, shown as research interests in this design.
Is the Syllabus template free?
Yes. Syllabus is free to edit and download as a PDF or Word (.docx) file, with no sign-up and no watermark.
Can I switch from Syllabus to another template without losing my content?
Yes. Your details are stored once and every template reads the same content, so switching designs never deletes anything. You can also undo a change.
Which file should I send to an online application portal?
Use the Text PDF or the Word (.docx) download. Both keep your content in a simple reading order with selectable text. Use the Design PDF when you email the CV directly to a person.