When looking for a job in a science-related field, it is important to tailor your resume to the particular job you are applying for. Research the company and position so that you know to focus on skills that they need. It is generally recommended that a resume be no longer than one page, but if you have been in the field for a long time, do not cut out all of your experience and achievements just to follow that rule.
When writing your resume, take it one step at a time. First make sure that you have the right format. Your heading should be at the top of the page and it should include your name, address, phone number, fax number, and email address. The rest of the page should be broken up into clear sections. As a scientist, you will be expected to be neat, organized, and detail-oriented. Don’t let your resume say the opposite about you because you might not get the chance to prove your abilities if your resume is poorly organized and hard to read. Remember that your resume is like a first impression.
Resume sections can include an objective, a summary statement, experience, education, and skills. Some people choose not to include the objective and summary statement. This is your choice, but if you are struggling to fit everything on to one page, it may be better to exclude them. If you do not use them, the first section of your resume will be either ''Experience'' or ''Education.'' For professionals a few years into their career, it is better to start with a list of work experience, but for those who have just graduated and whose work experience is weak, it is best to start with ''Education.'' Make sure that each point of experience includes your title, company, dates you worked, and a list of your responsibilities. You can either use full sentences with periods, or just a list without periods. The main thing is to be consistent with format. Do not switch back and forth.
One section that should not be included is ''Hobbies.'' The personal information is extraneous and can make you seem silly or immature. Instead, use the cover letter as a chance to convey your personality and passion.
One of the most common mistakes scientists make when putting together a resume is making it look too much like a curriculum vitae (CV). A CV is used in most academic and research science jobs, but a resume is the norm for every other type of job. It is important that scientists seeking jobs outside of academia and research know how to write a good resume. The main difference is that a resume basically summarizes relevant work experience, education, and skills, while a CV is a complete list of education and positions. Take a look at some sample resumes to see what style you should aim for.
When you think you have tweaked your resume to the point of perfection, give it to someone else to proofread. This will give you some time to step back from it, and hopefully someone else will catch all the spelling and format mistakes you missed. Then when you get it back, proofread it again. Silly mistakes can be an instant turnoff to employers. You will seem careless and lazy if you turn in a sloppy resume.
