In this blog, we share our top ten tips to help you craft the perfect CV. With years of experience in the life science recruitment sector, we know first-hand how competitive the job market can be. Your CV is often the first opportunity you have to make a good impression with potential employers—so it's crucial to make sure it sets you apart and makes hiring managers take notice.
Crafting an Unforgettable CV
The secret to writing a standout CV, lies in not just listing your qualifications, but showcasing them in a way that resonates with employers. You need to sell your skills, experience, and most importantly, your unique value proposition.
It's not just about highlighting your technical skills and experience, whether it's your expertise in molecular biology, your proficiency at data analysis, or your extensive experience in clinical trials. Soft skills, such as communications, adaptability, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking are often unsung heroes that could set you apart.
They show you're not just competent to do the job but a well-rounded professional who can collaborate effectively, adapt to new challenges, and contribute to a positive work environment.
Ready to get started?
Then grab a coffee, settle in, and let's craft you a life sciences CV that will make employers take notice!
1. Start with a strong opening bio
This is your first chance to catch the attention of a potential employer. Begin your CV with a concise, 3 - 6 lines, summary. Include a 'hook' or something that sets you apart from other professionals with a similar skill set.
Include what you're looking for in a new role, your ambitions, any achievements or awards you have received, or successful projects you have been involved in. Remember to make it specific to the life sciences field and the position you are applying for.
2. Highlight relevant skills and experience
Customisation is your key to success here. You need to tailor your CV for each job you apply for, making it clear why you're the ideal candidate for that specific job in the life sciences sector. Think of your CV as a highlight reel. You need to share concise details of your previous roles and any relevant experience you have gained specific to the job you're applying for.
The job specification is your best friend when it comes to tailoring your CV. Read the job specification carefully to ensure your CV aligns closely with what the employer is looking for in an ideal candidate. Mirror the language they have used, including keywords to increase your chances of your CV passing through any automated processes and filters.
3. Showcase your soft skills
By adding your soft skills to your CV, you paint a fuller picture of yourself as a life science professional. Your CV should show that you're not just technically competent, but also emotionally intelligent and capable of contributing to a team's success.
If a hiring manager is comparing two applicants with similar qualifications and experiences, you want your CV to be the one that stands out. Demonstrating your ability to communicate well, problem-solve, and be part of a diverse team can be the difference between a candidate who can do the job and one who can do the job exceptionally well.
4. Show, don't tell
Use quantifiable metrics to demonstrate your success. Instead of just listing skills and experience, add some context to bring it to life. Provide examples of how you've used your skill set to solve problems or achieve goals.
By providing concrete evidence of your accomplishments and effectiveness, you're more likely to catch the eye of the hiring manager. For example you could say, "Managed a team of 5 researchers and published 3 papers in peer-reviewed journals", instead of saying, "Managed a research team".
Here are a few more examples:
Reduced the time for regulatory submissions by 20%, improving overall project timelines.
Successfully initiated and led a risk assessment process that reduced potential regulatory liabilities by 30%.
Coordinated and successfully executed 8 global communications campaigns, reaching over 10,000 healthcare professionals.
Managed a medical blog that averaged 15,000 monthly views and a 20% subscriber increase within six months.
5. Use industry keywords
The rise in the use of AI and automated systems to sift through large numbers of CVs has made it crucial to incorporate keywords. Applicant tracking systems are becoming more commonplace, so including keywords from the job description and job specification will increase the likelihood of your CV being read by a human.
6. Education and certificates
Clearly list your educational background and any current certifications you have gained that are relevant to the life sciences industry. You can also include any ongoing courses you are taking, to demonstrate your commitment to continued professional development.
7. Research and publications
If applicable to you, include a short section where you list relevant publications or projects you have been involved in and the role you played. Provide links to specific webpages or references, where possible.
8. Professional membership and affiliations
Add bullet points to show membership of professional industry organisations, science trade organisations, membership associations, clusters, and research and innovation networks. This is a great way to show you are actively engaged in your field of work.
9. Testimonials
In the competitive life sciences job market, it's not always enough to simply state your skills and experience—you need to validate them. Testimonials provide social proof and credibility to your CV. Including one or two short testimonials to your CV, could tip the balance in your favour if an employer is deciding which candidates to shortlist for interview.
Ask former colleagues, managers, or mentors to write you a testimonial. It's a great way to gain endorsement for your work ethic, collaborative spirit, or technical ability , for example, and offers a third-party perspective.
10. Format and proofread
Last, but by no means least, it's critical to make sure your CV is clear, uncluttered, and free from errors. This reflects your attention to detail—a critical skill for many jobs in the life sciences industry.
Keep a consistent layout that's easy to skim read, making sure there are no typos. Use a font that is easy to read, like Calibri, Arial, or Helvetica, which are classic and timeless. Use bullet points where possible, keeping sentences short and concise.
A CV that is too long and not tailored to the job can end up straight in the bin—particularly if there has been a large number of applications.
Conclusion
In today's competitive life sciences job market, your CV needs to work harder than ever. It needs to be more than just a chronical of you academic and professional achievements. The time and effort you invest crafting the perfect CV can be the difference between you landing an interview or being lost in the sea of applications.
Whether you're showcasing you technical skills, highlighting your soft skills, or sharing testimonials to boost credibility, each element contributes to the end goal. Sending the message you're not only qualified, but exceptional and the ideal candidate for the role.
Ultimately, it's not just about getting a new job, it's about having a fulfilling and successful career in life sciences.