Sample Resume: Biology Research Assistant

Sample Resume: Biology Research Assistant

Every résumé, no matter the role or level of experience, should speak to the role for which it’s being submitted. Words and terminology should be adjusted to reflect words similar or identical to the opportunity (when possible) without embellishing skills or experience. See below for an example resume for a Biology Research Assistant role, along with keys to success when creating this type of resume.

Research Assistant Example Résumé – Keys to Success

Every résumé, no matter the role or level of experience, should speak to the role for which it’s being submitted. Words and terminology should be adjusted to reflect words similar or identical to the opportunity (when possible) without embellishing skills or experience.

Basics

• Never put anything in header spaces; applicant tracking systems will not recognize header content.
• Include a phone number, LinkedIn profile and a professional-looking personal email address.
• Include the title of the role near your name at the top of the résumé.
• Use a sans-serif font such as Calibri with the size between 10-12.  Margins should be between .63”-1”.
• Unless the role being applied for has a very long list of specific skills or attributes that need to be individually addressed on the résumé, it should be kept to one page when less than three years of experience.

Objective Statement

• Begin with a brief objective statement that shares experience valuable to the prospective employer and state what you are looking to do in a way that also shows value as a member of their team.
• Mention anything in the objective statement that ties unique experiences to the position's needs.

Education

Typically, education with graduation dates should be the next section if work experience is less than three years within a profession unless you have five or more years’ experience in another professional capacity.  Since GPA was noted in the objective, it does not need to be included in the Education section.

Skills

Skills, whether real-world, intern-related or learned in courses, should be prominently displayed next to show capability and relevance tied to the job description.  Don’t include skills that do not enhance your value in a particular role.

Experience

ONLY include experience that shows direct capability or value within the opportunity you’re applying for.  You can include research projects and internships if they are relevant and within 2-3 years.  If other work experience cannot be described in a way that showcases valuable transferable skills, then do not include it.

This example résumé includes a non-technical role because it was written in a way that shows dedication (Worked 25+ hrs. per week while in school), speaks to providing outstanding service (assistance) and “how” – maintaining high standards and focusing on details.  It also mentions being recognized as employee of the year (which confirms the claim of quality work).

NEVER INCLUDE:

• Address
• Photo
• References
• Activities (clubs, memberships, etc. that show no direct correlation to the position)
• Religious or political affiliations

Why this résumé is great:

Beyond what’s mentioned above, this résumé is easy to read by both applicant tracking systems and humans, has no distracting graphics and clearly shows a tie between the candidate and the role within the top half of the résumé.