When you’re pursuing a career in archaeology, your CV is more than a list of qualifications – it is a story of discovery, research, and contribution to human history. As an archaeologist, you play a vital role in uncovering and preserving our shared past, whether through field excavations, lab-based analysis, or heritage conservation. The job description typically involves conducting surveys, excavations, cataloguing finds, and publishing reports that contribute to academic knowledge and cultural preservation. Salaries for archaeologists in the UK can vary depending on seniority and sector, with entry-level roles often starting around £22,000 to £28,000 per year, progressing to £35,000–£45,000 for experienced professionals, and reaching £50,000+ for senior roles in academia, consultancy, or heritage management.
Given the competitive nature of archaeology, having a powerful CV that captures your expertise and passion is essential. This guide will help you create an interview-winning Archaeologist CV template example with practical advice tailored to graduates, mid-career professionals, and senior archaeologists.
Why a strong Archaeologist CV matters
Your CV is the very first impression you give to hiring managers, museums, universities, heritage organisations, and private sector consultancies. With limited roles available, a polished document showcasing your academic background, field experience, and transferable skills will ensure you stand out from other applicants. Using the right cv template can help structure your achievements clearly, while a personalised cv example demonstrates the career story that employers are looking for.
Key skills and qualities to highlight
When writing your Archaeologist CV, think beyond listing duties. Instead, focus on the unique skills that demonstrate your value:
Research and analysis – experience conducting surveys, cataloguing finds, and producing scholarly reports.
Fieldwork expertise – excavation techniques, stratigraphic analysis, and recording methodologies.
Technical proficiency – GIS mapping, digital illustration, database management, and photography.
Collaboration – working with museums, universities, community projects, and cross-disciplinary teams.
Communication – presenting findings to both academic and public audiences, including published work.
Project management – coordinating excavations, managing volunteers, and overseeing conservation projects.
When you use a carefully structured Archaeologist CV template, you create a format that puts these skills front and centre, giving employers confidence that you can contribute immediately.
Structuring your Archaeologist CV
A winning CV follows a clear and professional format. For archaeologists, I recommend structuring it as follows:
Contact details – Keep it professional with name, phone, email, and LinkedIn. No need for full address.
Professional profile – A punchy opening paragraph highlighting your expertise, career goals, and passion for archaeology.
Key skills – A bullet-pointed list of core competencies such as excavation, GIS, conservation, or report writing.
Employment history – Reverse chronological list of relevant roles, projects, and placements. Highlight achievements, not just responsibilities.
Education and training – Degrees, postgraduate research, field school experiences, and professional courses.
Publications and conferences – If applicable, include papers, articles, or presentations that strengthen your credibility.
Professional memberships – Listing associations such as the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) adds weight.
Additional information – Languages, IT skills, or volunteer work that enrich your profile.
This approach ensures your Archaeologist CV remains clear, structured, and tailored for maximum impact. For formatting, always keep it simple, consistent, and scannable.
Advice for graduates
As a graduate entering the archaeology profession, you may worry about limited direct work experience. Don’t let that deter you. Instead, focus on:
Academic research – Showcase dissertations, research projects, and specialisations.
Field schools – Highlight excavation placements, methodologies learned, and contributions made.
Transferable skills – Communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are highly valued.
Volunteering – Community digs, museum placements, and heritage outreach demonstrate commitment.
When using a cv example, tailor it by emphasising enthusiasm, dedication, and potential. Employers know graduates lack experience, but they value passion and a willingness to learn.
Advice for mid-level professionals
At the mid-career stage, archaeologists need to show career progression, project leadership, and an expanding skill set. Employers will want to see evidence of:
Specialisation – For example, osteoarchaeology, environmental archaeology, or heritage consultancy.
Project responsibility – Managing excavations, coordinating reports, or leading community initiatives.
Professional development – Memberships, CPD, and advanced training.
Research contributions – Publications, conference presentations, or collaborations with academic institutions.
Here, your Archaeologist CV should showcase both depth and breadth of experience, helping you move into roles with greater responsibility.
Advice for senior archaeologists
At senior management or academic levels, your CV needs to position you as a leader and influencer in the field. Focus on:
Strategic leadership – Directing teams, managing large-scale excavations, or advising on policy.
Innovation – Introducing new technologies, methodologies, or conservation techniques.
Thought leadership – Publishing extensively, keynote speaking, or media contributions.
Mentorship – Training junior archaeologists, students, or community volunteers.
Senior-level CVs should emphasise authority, expertise, and long-term impact. This is where a carefully tailored cv template can transform your career story into a compelling narrative.
The do’s and don’ts of an Archaeologist CV
Do:
Keep your CV to a maximum of two pages.
Use active verbs such as “led,” “developed,” “analysed.”
Tailor your CV to every application.
Include measurable achievements (e.g., “Directed a five-week excavation with 20 volunteers, resulting in publication in Journal of Archaeological Science”).
Present your career story with confidence and clarity.
Don’t:
Overload your CV with irrelevant information.
Use casual fonts or distracting designs.
List only responsibilities without achievements.
Forget to proofread – accuracy matters in academia and heritage.
Downplay your unique contributions or research.
General tips to make your Archaeologist CV shine
Tailor it – Every role is different. Align your skills with the job description.
Highlight passion – Employers look for archaeologists driven by curiosity and dedication.
Keep it concise – Recruiters scan CVs quickly. Use bullet points and clear headings.
Link to impact – Show how your work contributes to cultural preservation, community engagement, or academic knowledge.
Update regularly – Add new projects, publications, and skills as you progress.
By following these steps and using a structured Archaeologist CV template, you’ll position yourself as a standout candidate ready for interview success.
Final thoughts – crafting your career story
As someone who has spent over 25 years coaching professionals across the UK, I can confidently say that a well-crafted CV opens doors. Whether you are a graduate aspiring to your first excavation role, a mid-level archaeologist seeking leadership opportunities, or a senior professional aiming to cement your legacy, the right cv template will highlight your strengths and win interviews.
Your Archaeologist CV should be more than a document – it should be a persuasive career story that inspires hiring managers to invite you in. If you’re ready to take the next step and transform your CV into an interview-winning tool, I invite you to book a one-to-one consultation with me and my team. Together, we will refine your CV, optimise your LinkedIn profile, and ensure you stand out in this competitive field.
👉 Book an appointment today to invest in your future and give your archaeology career the professional edge it deserves.
