Your CV is a window of opportunity to sell yourself and your potential; understanding how to write a scientific CV can sometimes add more complexity to the process.

Unfortunately, however, getting yourself and your CV noticed isn't easy. You could be the best possible candidate, with all the skills and potential you could ever need for a certain role, but if you are not able to ensure you stand out during the application phase, it could count for nothing. 

Employers are known to spend minimal time reading CVs. In fact, statistics show recruiters typically spend an average of just 6 seconds examining a CV before determining if the applicant is worthy of an interview. What's more, many are using Artificial Intelligence that has been developed to tackle a large percentage of CV and application screening, adding another dynamic to the application process.

This presents many challenges for an applicant. Will their CV stand out in the pile? Will it even filter through the AI stage and into the hands of a recruiter? 

Therefore, it is vital to condense education, skills, and experience, whilst plucking out the most valuable and important parts for the role being applied for, to ensure a CV and application isn't overlooked. 

This article helps explore the key elements of a successful CV in the scientific industry to help you attain your ideal role in STEM.

Read on to discover: 

  • How to write an effective CV for science roles
  • What to include in your CV
  • Expert tips and recommendations

How to write an effective CV for science roles

Firstly, before you even set to work on creating a CV, it is important to throughly review the job listing for the role you're looking to apply for. Whilst it is good practice to have a quality CV template to base all applications on, one that contains all the standard information required for any application, it is important to ensure that you are able to edit and adapt your CV and its detail so that it matches up to a specifc role and its requirements. 

When it is time to write a CV, bear in mind that there is no specific length that is considered correct. The quality of what is included within a CV is more important than quantity, so naturally the length should depend on your grades, abilities, and experience and how you portray them effectively.

Presentation is key when it comes to constructing an effective scientific CV. Stick to a traditional format, and steer away from being overly creative. For example, avoid using colours and abstract designs - your CV must be concise and to the point. Use Microsoft Word or PDF documents to format your CV clearly, check your spelling and grammar (mutliple times!) throughout, and make sure you do not refer to yourself in third person at any point. 

And if you're still not sure of what to include or how to format your CV, there are plenty of Scientific CV examples available online to use as a guide.

What to include in your CV

Your CV is the first opportunity you get to introduce yourself to a prospective employer and your chance to tell them why you’d be a suitable applicant. It is often their first impression of you, provide your experience in reverse chronological order, leaving no gaps and be sure to emphasise the skills you hold that are relevant to the job.

It is vital to showcase both your skills and your personal qualities, including your reliability, dependability, and dedication to the role. 

To successfully qualify for a shortlist, your CV must include all the data needed for the company to assess whether you’re a good fit for the role. Make sure you include the techniques and duties you use on a day-to-day basis. Bullet points are your best friend to make the CV clear and concise.

Use keywords that relevant to the role being applied for and its requirements, such as experiment analysis, machine learning, statistical modelling, data visualisation, quantification, data analytics, CLP/GHS, Reach, HPLC, Cell culture, LCMS. Don’t overcomplicate your techniques by writing out acronyms. For example, everyone who will be reading your CV knows what HPLC is so there is no need to put “high performance liquid chromatography”. It may even hinder you because it could be missed in key word searches.

Remember to include clear personal information such as your address, mobile number, and email address. It is also useful to add your eligibility to work in the UK. Make sure your CV is focused more on your significant skills, achievements and experiences related to the job you’re applying for, rather than simply listing your duties. You could even include a short line about personal hobbies or volunteering to help your CV stand out, especially if you are a graduate or in the early stages of your career. 

And don't forget that many recruitment agencies and employers use AI and database systems called Applicant Tracking System’s (ATS) to filter through their prospective employees, to save time and create more of an even playing field when searching for relevant experience. ATS systems scan the relevant information from a CV, such a qualifications and experience, and then produce a shortlist of potential prospects for human review and assessment. So it is important to be aware of such systems and how you can make yourself stand out to AI.

Overall, be clear and concise, consider using bullet points to break up points, include relevant keywords and information, and be careful not to exaggerate. 

Science CV buzzwords

‘CV buzzwords’ are keywords that you can use to improve your chances of being noticed by recruiters for specific roles. They can include acronyms like ABPI (Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry), or adjectives like ‘negotiated’. 

In scientific recruitment, it’s important to note that adjective buzzwords are seldom used to prioritise candidates. Generally, recruiters base their candidate search on the techniques that are specific for the particular position. 

In order to build a successful scientific CV buzzword strategy, you should highlight the key techniques you have experience with that align with particular positions. It’s also important not to unnecessarily expand acronyms that are commonplace like HPLC or ELISA, as the acronyms will be used by the recruiter to search for candidates, instead of manually typing out “high performance liquid chromatography” or “enzyme linked immunosorbent assay”.

5 expert tips and recommendations

If you take anything away from this article, make sure it is these five Scientific CV writing tips at the very least. These simple, easy-to-follow steps are must-haves in any CV and application:

  • Research the role you’re applying for - include keywords the recruiter has used in the job description that are applicable to you.
  • Know the industry and area you’re interested in - take the time to understand and contextualise the fields your ideal employer works within. What major trends are shaping the sector?
  • Avoid repeating yourself - repetition of words/ phrases can suggest you don’t have a good deal to say, which can translate to a lack of knowledge and expertise.
  • Showcase your technical experience - take the space to highlight your technical experience, and include brief details of any published academic papers.
  • Accurate spelling and grammar always makes a good first impression - Always be sure to re-read your CV and make the most of spellcheck before sending it off; even better, ask a friend to proofread it for you.