History of the Academic Job Search with CV Tips - Blog

by Kate Baggott February 3, 2023
History of the Academic Job Search with CV Tips

Leonardo da Vinci wrote to Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan, in 1482. Leonardo sought to articulate his usefulness to the Duke. Already known for his artistic works, Leonardo talked about his ideas for weapons and protective devices to be used if and when the Duchy went to war. His letter is now considered the first Curriculum Vitae because Leonardo described events from “the course of his life.”

There’s a tip for all job seekers in this story.
1. Emphasize transferrable skills to show their usefulness and practicality across disciplines
Leonardo wrote a letter that emphasized not only his artistic talents but also his skill as a military engineer and designer of newly invented weapons. He knew what Ludovico was looking for then, and his letter worked. Not only did the Duke hire Leonardo da Vinci as a military engineer, but about ten years later, Sforza commissioned da Vinci’s The Last Supper.

An annotated translation of the letter can be found on these sites:

Leonardo da Vinci letter to Ludovico Sforza

and

Italy Sforza Leo

Leonardo da Vinci is one of many people to find work based on skills outside their specialty. A history teacher named Don Rawitsch applied his specialist knowledge of the Donner Party to the creation of the Oregon Trail, which is still considered one of the most influential pieces of educational software ever developed.

You can read about that more recent history at the following link: Oregon Trail Game History Inventor
1. Describe your original ideas and difference without denigrating anyone
In his CV, Leonardo described precisely how his ideas were different.

Da Vinci noted in his CV to Sforza that everyone else was making weapons they had already seen. He then said there was nothing wrong with those people and listed all his ideas that had never been seen before.

Clearly, there is a place for original thinkers in academia. Some of the world’s most imaginative writers have university teaching on their CVs. Poet Maya Angelou taught at Wake Forest University in North Carolina, while Salman Rushdie taught at Georgia’s Emory University. Both were famous for inspiring others to grow their
1. Recognize the value of professional help in promoting your genius
Leonardo da Vinci may have invented the CV but didn’t write his own. His letter to Ludovico Sforza is believed to have been written by a professional writer whose services Leonardo engaged.

That writer, who did not become famous for promoting da Vinci’s genius, was a precursor to the professionals who work for Professor Services at The Babb Group today. Like that writer in 1482, Professor Services writers craft job application documents for knowledge workers and academics. Their focus remains on promoting your genius.
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Kate Baggott

Kate Baggott is a digital content veteran. She is the current Head of Content and Communications for Edusity.com, The Babb Group and Professor Services.
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