CV Writing Tips
by CK Group
A great CV is the key to getting the perfect science job for you.
Both employers and recruiters within the scientific industry can receive 100's of CV's for every science related vacancy they advertise. Time can be tight for scientific professionals, so it is important that your CV stands out from the rest. You should use your CV to showcase your strengths and to sell your scientific background to the reader, demonstrating that you are the right person for that particular science job.
As a jobseeker in the scientific industry, you may find these guidelines helpful if you are wondering how to structure your CV and what to include in it:
1. Contact details:
Make certain that your contact details are easy to spot. They should be at the top of the first page of your CV. Include:
- Name
- Home address
- Email address
- Telephone number
2. Education:
Detail the educational establishments at which you have studied including the attendance dates, in chronological order with the most recent first. You should include any relevant scientific modules, projects or dissertation work you have completed.
3. Work experience:
List your most recent scientific research first.This makes it easier for the reader to see if you have the right scientific experience and whether have gained it recently. Put your other scientific jobs after your current role in reverse chronological order. You should include:
- Name of the employer
- Job title
- Responsibilities
- Achievements gained
4. Interests:
Employers in the scientific industry will be particularly interested in activities which have developed your leadership and team-working skills. You should also mention here any volunteer work you have done.
5. References:
It is best practice to give two employment references, one from your recent employer and one from your place of study. Include address, telephone number and email address.
6. Availability:
- It is a good idea to mention the notice period required by your current employer.
- It is important that you are proud of your CV. After all, if it is effective, it is going to open doors in the scientific industry for you. Below are some more handy hints to help improve your chances of getting a great science job:
- Tailor your CV to the scientific vacancy: Read the scientific advert or job specification closely and tailor your CV to the science vacancy. If your experience matches scientific keywords in the job advert, make sure they feature prominently on your CV and or covering letter. Make it very obvious to the reader what you have done, when you did it and where, in a simple and concise manner.
- Less is more: Ensure your CV is easy on the eye and that it is a maximum of two A4 sides long. There should be plenty of open space in your CV. By using bullet points and good formatting to ensure that your CV is not too wordy.
- Do not repeat yourself: If you repeat yourself in your CV, it will look like you are padding it out or that you have nothing much to say.
- Do not make silly spelling mistakes: Either get a friend you trust or your CK Science Consultant to check it over for you.
If you would like any further advice or support, please contact us on 0114 283 9956. You can also receive support and advice during your job hunt within the scientific industry at our dedicated Linkedin Group.
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