Did you know the format of a resume affects how well a reader can find information? If you use long paragraphs, recruiters may struggle to spot your accomplishments, experiences, and skills. In fact, a jumbled, unorganized document may deter hiring managers from looking closely at your resume. If you can’t catch the eye of an employer with your resume, you stand little chance of getting an interview.
Thankfully, you can use the writing tips and resume format for a chemist to learn how to craft an outstanding document sure to leave hiring managers intrigued by your potential. Use the format to show prospective employers you have the social perceptiveness and communication skills expected of successful chemists. Once you have the necessary knowledge, writing an effective resume is easy.
Resume Format for Chemist
Ginger Stevens
Upper Darby, Pennsylvania 11111
E: gingerstevens@anymail T: 555-897-4451
Upper Darby, Pennsylvania 11111
E: gingerstevens@anymail T: 555-897-4451
Professional Summary
Dedicated chemist with a history of using a variety of testing procedures to analyze chemicals, compounds, and products over the course of a decade-long career. Experience working collaboratively with other scientists to meet quick deadlines and perform accurate tests. Stay up-to-date on new testing procedures and regulations by attending regular seminars and workshops.
Skills & Qualifications
* Knowledge of laboratory test procedures and instrumentation
* Read technical documents in diagram or mathematical form
* Report accurate observations in writing and verbally
* Apply concepts to practical situations
* Know regulatory requirements
* Use Agilent Chemstation, Minilab, Microsoft Office, ChemInnovation Software and other computer programs
* Solve complex problems creatively
Work History
Analytical Chemist I
Lancer Company, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, February 2012-Present
* Perform chemical and physical tests on finished products, in-process products, raw materials, and active pharmaceutical ingredients using various techniques, including instrumental and wet chemicals
* Order necessary supplies, such as test reagents and solutions, to ensure assigned work is completed
* Revise test procedures to increase efficiency; revisions save company an average of $1,500 per test
* Plan and execute testing; have 100% success rate in meeting testing deadlines
* Record results following company style guide; implemented changes to improve readability of reports by 15%
* Supervise 11 junior analytical chemists
Junior Chemist
Apex Life Sciences, Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, May 2009-February 2012
* Used gas chromatography, wet chemistry, and FTIR analysis to quality test products
* Performed regular maintenance on laboratory instruments to ensure each piece remained in proper working order
* Introduced new analytical software, which helped increase testing efficiency by 22%
* Received “Top Junior Chemist” award two years in a row
* Analyzed chemical compounds and substances under the supervision of senior chemists
Laboratory Chemist Assistant
Specialty Chemicals Universal, Havertown, Pennsylvania, September 2006-May 2009
* Collected and organized product samples to ensure proper labeling, sorting, and storing
* Generated detailed written weekly reports related to project updates; gave monthly verbal report to supervisors and executives
* Provided customer support by taking calls, addressing complaints, and customizing tests of products
* Recorded recommendations, conclusions and project data for laboratory chemist
* Reviewed company testing policy and corrected errors that saved company a projected $1 million in liability
Education
Master of Science in Analytical Chemistry
Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Professional Affiliations
American Chemical Society, 2009-Present
Young Chemists of America, 2000-2009
Is This a Good Resume Format for Chemist? Let’s Check
1. Does the document have a clear order?
It does! The writer of the resume made sure to make each of her sections stand out by using bolded headers, bulleted lists, and consistent formats throughout each section. The headers for each section make it easy for readers to recognize when a new topic starts. Similarly, the applicant put her more important experiences and education toward the top of the document by using a reverse-chronological order in the appropriate parts of the resume. Her clear organization helped her avoid jumping back and forth between different topics.
2. Does the resume emphasize the candidate’s job-related skills?
Absolutely! Each section focuses on skills and experiences that apply directly to being a chemist. The writer didn’t discuss her ability to cook or play piano in the skills section because she knew these skills didn’t affect the job at hand. As you write your own resume, be sure to tailor the entire document to the job you’re applying for by only focusing on professional skills, accomplishments, and experiences important to the new job.
3. Does the resume format for chemist incorporate metrics whenever possible?
Yes! Our sample applicant used metrics to describe how she improved efficiency, how many employees she supervised, and how much money she saved her employers. Statistics and other metrics show hiring managers what you did for other companies by describing actions you took beyond the typical job responsibilities. By associating a number with your accomplishments, you make it easy for employers to compare you to other candidates.
4. Does the sample document point to the candidate’s technical knowledge?
It sure does! As a chemist, employers expect you to have a certain level of education. The writer made it simple for readers to see her academic achievements by creating a special education section. She also emphasized other areas of technical knowledge throughout the skills and qualifications section. Even her professional affiliations show how dedicated she is to the industry of chemistry.
5. Does the top portion of the document stand out?
Yes, it does! Our writer knows how busy recruiters are. She realizes some hiring managers skim through the top one-third of a resume to decide if the candidate is worth learning more about. For this reason, she crammed important, eye-catching information into the professional summary and skills and qualifications sections.
The Most Important Resume Format for Chemist Takeaways
The format of your resume plays a direct role in your ability to land a job interview. You can increase your chances of impressing hiring managers by incorporating short paragraphs, headers, bulleted lists, and other organizational techniques into your document. Make sure you keep the resume focused on the job by only discussing skills and experiences related to being a successful chemist. You can get ideas directly from the job posting to make sure you include topics essential to the employer.
Resume writing takes some practice, and you might not create the perfect document on your first try. You can put your best foot forward by referring to the writing tips and resume format for a chemist when you sit down to craft your own professional document. Remember to review your document before submitting it in to ensure it is free of grammar and spelling errors.
