
50 Best Resume Tips 2023: Great Tricks and Writing Advice
Don’t have much time, but need a good resume ASAP? Here’s a master list of the best resume tips out there, plus a bonus to make your life easier.
From petri dish to Python, you’re the scientist the future is waiting for. Bring that wait to an end with the best science resume out there.
Writing a resume is not rocket science. But—rocket scientists do need resumes. And good ones if they want to join the workforce of Tesla or Genomic Health. But how do you get discovered and become the next breakthrough in an ocean of similar samples? Send the recruiter the best science resume that demonstrates your Jane-Goodall-level skills.
You can do it in less time than it takes to get your lab coat on.
Read on and you’ll see a professional science resume example you can adjust and make yours. Plus, you’ll learn an easy formula for writing a resume for research jobs that will land you 10x more interviews than any other resume you’ve written in the past.
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Sample resume made with our builder—See more resume examples here.
Interested in other education-related positions? See:
Donald K. Jackson
Chemist
217-201-3013
donald.zety.jackson@gmail.com
linkedin.com/in/donaldzetyjackson
Summary
Experienced and detail-oriented chemist specialized in the synthesis and characterization of material properties as well as developing new applications and products. Pioneered a new chemical testing and application process at Zendron Labs that cut costs and production rollout time by 30%. Looking to leverage skills and chemical expertise at Blayne Chemicals.
Experience
Chemist
Zendron Labs
July 2016-present
Key achievement: Restructured existing hazardous waste disposal procedures leading to a rise in safety and a 15% cut in hazardous waste removal costs.
Junior Chemist
Plython Chemical
Nov 2014- June 2016
Education
M.S. in Analytical Chemistry
University of California, Davis, Davis, CA
Graduated 2014
B.S. in Chemistry
University of California, Davis, Davis, CA
Graduated 2012
Skills
Courses and Certificates
Now here’s the job-winning science resume formula:
You wouldn’t just bulldoze your way into the lab and start mixing chemicals around to see if they explode, would you?
Science is all about procedure—following the wrong procedure can lead to the wrong results, or worse, an accident.
It’s the same thing with a resume. If you don’t follow proper format, the hiring manager won’t be able to make out and interpret what you’re trying to convey. There’s only one place for results like that—the trash can.
Here’s how to format a science resume:
Don’t race off just yet, we’ve only gone through the resume structure.
Here’s a short procedural how-to on what you should include in your resume:
Read more about resume formatting: Professional Resume Layout
Now, even though your resume summary/objective is next on the page, that’s not what we’re going to write next. Leaving it for last and moving on to your experience section makes for a much smoother process.
Getting the job you want in any scientific field isn’t easy. But just think that it’s not only local scientists you need to outdo; you’ve got scientists from all over the world pitching for your job!
Don’t just sit around waiting for them to focus their microscope on you—get all up in that lens!
So how do you do that? Show them you have science experience like no other.
Here’s the best way to create a science resume description of your job experience:
That’s the theory. Now let’s see it put into play.
Here’s a science resume sample of the employment history section:
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Research Scientist March 2017-June 2019 Vantryl, Miami, FL Key Responsibilities
Key Achievement
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Wrong |
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Research Scientist March 2017-June 2019 Vantryl, Miami, FL Key Responsibilities
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The right example clearly shows that this candidate knows the details associated with the various tasks of a research scientist.
The wrong example sounds like this candidate doesn’t know their beaker from their Bunsen burner.
And to think that both these examples come from the same person! See what a difference being detailed can make?
But what if you’re just starting out your scientific career?
If you have an entry-level science resume, you need to demonstrate that you have the knowledge and skills to be a valuable contributor to the company.
Take a look at these resume example for someone without experience as a scientist:
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Research Assistant Dec 2018-May 2019 Blaur College, Savannah, GA Key Responsibilities:
Key achievement:
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Wrong |
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Research Assistant Dec 2018-May 2019 Blaur College, Savannah, GA Key Responsibilities:
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As you can clearly see, even entry-level experience gained as an assistant in college or university can give your resume a decent boost when you present it right.
The bad resume example looks like it’s been written by someone who stumbled into the role after taking a wrong turn by the cafeteria.
When making a resume in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check. Start building a professional resume template here for free.
When you’re done, Zety’s resume builder will score your resume and tell you exactly how to make it better.
Read up further on describing work experience on a resume: Job Description on a Resume: Examples and Guide
Your degree carries a lot of weight in the field of science. That said, some of the time, you don’t need to list your entire education unless the position is very in depth. Most definitely, only list the degrees that are relevant.
Here’s what your resume education section should look like:
Right |
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Bachelors of Science in Biological Science University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA Completion: 2018 |
Though your fingers might be itching to have your GPA on your resume, leave it out unless it’s as high as the temperature outside on the Kelvin scale. If you’re an experienced scientist, leave your GPA out completely.
For inexperienced scientists who were the brain of the class, it might be a good idea to add your magna cum laude on your resume, list your double major or add relevant coursework.
This is what it would look like on a real resume:
Right |
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Bachelors of Science in Biological Science, magna cum laude University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA Completion: 2018 |
Easy as pie!
Educate yourself more on listing your education: How to Put Your Degree on a Resume
Let’s be honest—“science” is really broad. A computer scientist will have a much different skill set than a chemist or a medical laboratory scientist.
Recruiters don’t have the time nor the patience to scour your resume with a magnifying glass to find out what your scientific skills really are.
So how do you pinpoint the key skills that will make your resume stand out from the hundreds of others?
Follow these tips:
Take another look at your work experience section. Does it prove the skills you just listed? For maximum impact, make sure these two sections complement each other like a test tube and a stopper.
The following science resume skills will help you compile your own list:
Not that you’ve got your resume science skills isolated and noted, let’s look at a sample of skills that you might want to list on your resume.
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Remember to use the job ad as a guide to which key skills recruiters really want.
Read more about adding skills to resumes:99+ Skills to Add to a Resume
There are nearly 5 million people who hold a degree in science in the United States alone. Wrap your head around that number.
To get anywhere, you need to stand out like the next best thing since genetically modified seeds.
You can do that through extra sections that you can add to your resume. Highlight what makes you different than the rest through including your interests and passions. Make the recruiter read it and say “we’ve definitely need to interview this one!”
Knowledge of a foreign language can really set you apart from other candidates. From reading about the newest scientific trends to working with an international team, being able to speak a foreign language can be very beneficial.
Although no one really cares that you have the complete LEGO Ninjago collection, recruiters will be interested in your curiosity about new agricultural methods or creating complex Excel macros. These hobbies not only go to show that you have passions outside of work, but also can also have a positive influence on your job.
Volunteer experience can be super helpful especially if you lack work experience. In general, volunteer experience demonstrates a passion to help others and be a part of the community. Think about it—don’t scientists primarily study and test things to ultimately benefit their communities?
Membership in any scientific organization shows the hiring manager that you take your career seriously and that this isn’t just a job for you.
For more possibilities when it comes to additional parts of a resume, see this guide:What to Include in a Resume: 20+ Top Examples
Let’s go back to the beginning of your resume.
There’s no reason to go through raw data and test results if you don’t know what the conclusion is.
Your resume heading statement is a short, overarching conclusion that lets the hiring manager know who they have in front of them.
There are two types of resume heading statements: the objective or the summary.
Skim over your science resume once again. Look for the skills and achievements that stand out like the recent discovery of the glowing sea turtle.
Choose 2-3 of those top achievements that will grab the recruiter’s interest and write out your heading statement based on them.
Now here comes the time to decide. If you have years of experience and quite a list of skills, go for the professional summary.
The resume summary gives a brief, but impressive overview of your accomplishments and work experience. Choose this if you’re someone who could give Neil Tyson Degrasse the runaround.
Take a look at these two science resumes summary examples:
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Highly accurate data scientist with over 6 years of experience in interpreting large datasets and developing new forecasting models. Feels comfortable in international teams working across large projects and massive amounts of raw data. Looking to leverage wide technical knowledge at Blython Tech. |
Wrong |
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Experience data scientist who enjoys working with large amounts of data looking to work as data scientist in forward-thinking company. |
That wrong example gives the recruiter the same feeling you get when you turn your computer on and get nothing but a black screen.
What about those of you at the beginning of your scientific career?
Use the professional objective. This is best when you’re writing a resume with little work experience and need to lean on your skills and knowledge to show you’re worth hiring.
Here are two science resume objective examples:
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Friendly and naturally curious environmental science graduate with 3 months of experience in filing and database management. Helped develop a complex Excel macro formula that reduced file cross reference time by 15%. Ready to contribute analytical thinking and problem solving skills as Junior Environmental Scientist at Jamar Inc. |
Wrong |
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I’ve just graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in environmental science and I’d like to use my education and enthusiasm to help the environment! |
Both the objective and the summary follow the same rules—tailor them to the needs of the employer and impress through numbers.
Looking for the full download on starting a resume correctly? Look no further:How to Write a Resume Profile: Tips & Examples & Summary of Skills and Qualifications (Examples)
You don’t have to write a cover letter. Especially if the job doesn’t specifically ask for one. Even more so if you want your resume volunteered for recycling.
Think about it—if the hiring manager sees both a well-written resume and cover letter, they’ll know that they’ve got a pro on their hands.
This is how to write a science cover letter:
That’s all there is to it!
Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:
See more cover letter templates and start writing.
Read more: How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job
Let’s filter this down to the raw data—
Remember about these things when writing a science CV:
That’s all! We’d love to hear what you think:
Do you now know how to write a scientist resume? Is our science CV template helpful? Let’s chat below in the comments and thanks for reading!
Don’t have much time, but need a good resume ASAP? Here’s a master list of the best resume tips out there, plus a bonus to make your life easier.
How to pick the best resume format to make sure your application stands out? Learn from our handy guide on resume formatting. Read more!
“These applicants are all the same.” Shatter the mold with a one-liner they can’t stop thinking about. But... what is a resume title?