Breaking into the life sciences industry is an exciting prospect with many career opportunities available. However, standing out among many other applicants can prove to be a challenge. A well-crafted and thought-through CV is ideal for making a great first impression for recruiters and employers.
If you are looking for a new role in the life sciences industry or to advance your current career, Agenda Life Sciences is on hand to help you throughout the entire recruitment process, from CV feedback through to interview preparation.
Before you submit an application, there are many ways of creating the perfect CV to help you secure the role you want, some of these include:
To make your CV immediately stand out, customise it for each specific role you’re applying for. The first step should involve reading through the job description and identifying any key skills and qualifications the employer is looking for. You can then use this information to include in your CV, especially in the relevant skill and experience sections.
Not only does this clearly demonstrate you’re a good fit for the job, but it also means your CV is easier to quickly scan through to locate role-specific skills and experience.
Start off your CV with a personal statement or paragraph that summarises your own career goals and what you can bring to the role. For each role you apply for, remember to personalise this information, clearly stating why you’re applying and why you’d be a great fit.
This is the first thing that will be read on your CV, so make sure it sets the right tone.
When listing any previous experience, focus on what information is most relevant for the role you’re applying for. Include academic projects, internships, voluntary work, part-time jobs, etc. that relate to the life sciences field. For each example you give, clearly describe your key responsibilities and achievements.
Make sure to also incorporate specific examples of how your experience has led to any positive impact or improvements.
For roles in the life sciences industry, both technical and general skills are important. List any relevant technical skills, such as lab techniques, data analysis, animal handling, or experience with specific scientific equipment. You should also detail any other general skills, such as teamwork, attention to detail, effective communication, etc. It is beneficial to then provide examples from any past experiences that demonstrate your skills in action.
It is clear that a key element of your CV should be your educational background and any relevant qualifications. Go into detail about your degree(s), A-Levels, or any other additional qualifications related to the role you’re applying for. If you have any training from previous life sciences roles, make sure to include this too.
To convey a genuine interest and commitment to the life sciences industry, ensure your enthusiasm comes across in your CV. Include information about any extracurricular activities, volunteering, memberships of professional organisations, conferences, etc. you have taken part in. This then shows your dedication to life science beyond previous work experience and education.
A well-presented and easy-to-read CV is great for making a strong impression straight away. To structure the information in your CV, make use of clear headings and bullet points. Keep your CV concise, preferably no more than two sides of A4, focusing on relevant information.
Remember, clarity is key. Your CV should be a representation of you, so make sure to highlight both achievements and strengths, as well as avoid complex jargon.
One of the most important things to remember to do when creating a CV is proofreading and editing. Errors in spelling and grammar can prove to be costly, detracting from your professionalism and attention to detail.
If you’re struggling to proofread your own CV, get someone else to check it over to look for anything you may have missed.
With over 26 years of experience, we at Agenda are experts at guiding candidates through every step of the recruitment process.
For further helpful information on career guidance, visit our guides page, or get in touch with us here.