You were in your element at university and now you’ve graduated with a degree in chemistry and you’re excited for the next steps.
But what are the next steps? Well, you should start by creating a CV that highlights your most relevant education, modules and experience.
For our top tips on how to do this, check out our detailed guide and chemistry graduate CV example below, for an application that will always get a positive reaction.
Use this CV example as a guide to formatting and structuring your Chemistry Graduate CV, so that busy recruiters can easily digest your information and determine your suitability for the role.
It also provides some insight into the key skills, experience and qualifications you need to highlight.
Hiring managers and recruiters are frequently overloaded with applications, and if they can’t identify the relevant information in your CV within a few seconds, your application may be overlooked.
To avoid this, it’s essential to format and structure your CV in a manner that makes it simple to pick out the most important information, even if the reader is in a rush.
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Divide your CV into the following major sections when writing it:
Now you understand the basic layout of a CV, here’s what you should include in each section of yours.
Make it easy for recruiters to get in touch, by heading your CV with your contact details.
There’s no need for excessive details – just list the basics:
Grab the reader’s attention by kick-starting your CV with a powerful profile (or personal statement, if you’re a junior applicant).
This is a short introduction paragraph which summarises your skills, knowledge and experience.
It should paint you as the perfect match for the job description and entice recruiters to read through the rest of your CV.
How to write a good CV profile:
Highly motivated and detail-oriented Chemistry graduate currently studying for my masters in Analytical Chemistry at Manchester University. Specialist in organic synthesis with technical expertise in using HPLC and GC-MS to quality check and identify chemicals. Problem-solver with a proven track record of streamlining workflows in a professional research laboratory.
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Create a core skills section underneath your profile to spotlight your most in-demand skills and grab the attention of readers.
This section should feature 2-3 columns of bullet points that emphasise your applicable skills for your target jobs. Before constructing this section, review the job description and compile a list of any specific skills, specialisms, or knowledge required.
Laboratory Techniques – Utilising various laboratory techniques, including measuring and mixing chemicals, conducting experiments, and analysing results accurately.
Chemical Instrumentation – Operating and maintaining a range of chemical instrumentation, such as spectrometers, chromatography systems, and spectroscopy equipment.
Safety Protocols – Utilising knowledge of safety protocols and procedures in the laboratory, including handling hazardous materials, wearing personal protective equipment, and maintaining a safe working environment.
Research and Documentation – Conducting literature reviews, gathering relevant scientific information, and documenting findings accurately and comprehensively.
Problem Resolution – Identifying and solving scientific problems, troubleshooting experimental issues, and developing innovative solutions to research challenges.
Technical Writing – Writing scientific reports, research papers, and documentation, following proper scientific writing conventions and effectively communicating research findings.
Data Analysis and Interpretation – Analysing and interpreting complex scientific data sets using statistical methods and software, interpreting experimental results, drawing meaningful conclusions based on scientific principles and observations, and presenting results in a clear and concise manner.
Quality Control – Utilising knowledge of quality control processes and techniques to ensure accuracy and reliability of experimental procedures and results.
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Recruiters will be itching to know more about your relevant experience by now.
Kick-start this section with your most recent (or current) position, and work your way backwards through your history.
You can include voluntary and freelance work, too – as long as you’re honest about the nature of the work.
Lengthy, unbroken chunks of text is a recruiters worst nightmare, but your work experience section can easily end up looking like that if you are not careful.
To avoid this, use my tried-and-tested 3-step structure, as illustrated below:
Outline
Start with a solid introduction to your role as a whole, in order to build some context.
Explain the nature of the organisation you worked for, the size of the team you were part of, who you reported to and what the overarching purpose of your job was.
Key responsibilities
Use bullet points to detail the key responsibilities of your role, highlighting hard skills, software and knowledge wherever you can.
Keep them short and sharp to make them easily digestible by readers.
Key achievements
Finish off by showcasing 1-3 key achievements made within the role.
This could be anything that had a positive effect on your company, clients or customers, such as saving time or money, receiving exemplary feedback or receiving an award.
Outline
Completed a 3-month internship at a UK-based laboratory solutions provider, responsible for analytical chemistry and quality control of chemical products and materials.
Key Responsibilities
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Next up, you should list your education and qualifications.
This can include your formal qualifications (a degree, A-Levels and GCSEs), as well as sector-specific Chemistry Graduate qualifications and/or training.
While school leavers and recent grads should include a lot of detail here to make up for the lack of work experience, experienced candidates may benefit from a shorter education section, as your work experience section will be more important to recruiters.
Although this is an optional section, it can be useful if your hobbies and interests will add further depth to your CV.
Interests which are related to the sector you are applying to, or which show transferable skills like leadership or teamwork, can worth listing.
On the other hand, generic hobbies like “going out with friends” won’t add any value to your application, so are best left off your CV.
An interview-winning CV for a Chemistry Graduate role, needs to be both visually pleasing and packed with targeted content.
Whilst it needs to detail your experience, accomplishments and relevant skills, it also needs to be as clear and easy to read as possible.
Remember to research the role and review the job ad before applying, so you’re able to match yourself up to the requirements.
If you follow these guidelines and keep motivated in your job search, you should land an interview in no time.
Best of luck with your next application!
