2021 Career Services Guide

Science Resumes
Resumes for scientific laboratory positions have their own unique components. Use this list and the
sample provided as a guide. Be concise and stay within two pages.
Science Resume Sections
1. Education: Include your degree with major.
Include related course titles for advanced lab or
math courses applicable to the area in which you’re
applying. Indicate if the class had a lab.
2. Research Experience: Include details like date,
location, project, and supervisor/advisor, along with
brief description of general techniques used.
3. Teaching Experience: This can include tutoring or
classroom assistance.
4. Publications: Provide a full reference, identifying
work still in progress or submitted. Bold your name
within the list of authors.
5. Presentations: Italicize abstract titles for
presentations you gave, and include the year in
parentheses. Indicate if the presentation was a
poster or oral presentation.
6. Research Techniques: Distinguish between “ Very Familiar” and “Somewhat Familiar.” If you have
used the technique only once or twice or do not feel comfortable problem-solving the technique,
list it under “Somewhat Familiar.”
7. Other Experiences: Briefly describe other work or volunteer experience.
8. Honors and Awards: Identify scholarships and academic achievements.
9. References: If requested, provide references on a separate page from the resume. Identify a
maximum of 3 professors or research supervisors. Include name, department, institution, and
contact information.
Thanks to Professors Jennifer Armstrong and Nancy Williams for their assistance.
Young Scientists
Students who haven’t had a chance to take upper division classes or gain experience with teaching or
research can still create a good resume. Draw attention to the work you did in high school. Make sure
to mention any experiences with:
• Science classes, especially AP or honors
• Tutoring
• Science clubs or fairs
• Science-oriented summer programs
EMAIL-PROOF YOUR RESUME
Email your resume and cover letter as one PDF attachment, with the cover letter on page one and the resume
on page two. Creating one PDF that contains both documents decreases the chance that the employer will go
right for the resume and bypass that cover letter you so carefully wrote. A PDF also ensures that your formatting
survives the journey through cyberspace intact. Remember to include your last name in the file name.
36 / RESUMES AND COVER LETTERS