Overview
Agricultural biotechnologists work with crops, soil and soil additives to create optimal growing conditions. They also breed, create or genetically alter plants that display favorable characteristics, like growth speed, drought tolerance and resistance to disease. Their work is highly specialized and requires extensive experience and education. To gain the attention of agricultural or biotech companies like Monsanto, Dow Agro and DuPont, candidates should create resumes that put their most applicable skills and experience at the forefront.
Step 1
Place your contact information at the top of your resume. This is standard for all resumes. Include your name, phone number and email address. Use a clear, easy to read font of 10-12 points. Refrain from adding clip art, pictures, catch phrases or large header designs, as these can be distracting and are viewed as unprofessional.
Step 2
Write your objective statement. Be specific. State your exact intentions and career goals, and briefly play up your experience, such as “to obtain an agricultural biotechnology position with the USDA which will utilize the skills I’ve developed in my 12 years of experience in genetic crops engineering.” You could also get very specific and write the exact position you desire such as a lab technician, R&D technician, cell biologist, regulatory affairs manager, etc.
Step 3
Highlight your qualifications. List five to 10 bullet points that directly relate to qualifications that your potential employer lists in the job description. Use this as an opportunity to show that you are the exact candidate the agency is looking for. Highlight your most applicable laboratory and research skills here such as the ability to analyze and interpret data, project management and coordination skills, knowledge and application of biological concepts, etc.
Step 4
List career highlights and awards. Demonstrate that you are not only qualified for the position, but that you are at the top of your game. Include bullet points that list examples of successful experiments, popular plant breeds you’ve produced and important contributions that you’ve made to the of field of agricultural biotechnology. Think of this as your “greatest hits” and imagine how an employer would view you if this were the only section of your resume they were able to see.
Step 5
List relevant job experience. Start with your most recent position and move backward. Include the name of the employer, location of employment (city and state), dates of employment and a good but brief description of job responsibilities, especially specific experience in research, quality assurance, bioengineering, assays, etc. Include internships, residency programs or other unpaid work as well. List any additional achievements not mentioned in the highlights section.
Step 6
List your education. Begin with your highest level of education, like a Ph.D. List the school, location (city and state) specific title of your degree and any specialty areas. List any education related awards or distinctions.
Step 7
List any articles you’ve had published including the title, journal title and date. List any professional associations you are a member of and any volunteer projects that are relevant to agricultural biotechnology.
References
Biospace.com: Biotech and Pharmaceutical News & Jobs
USDA Biotechnology Guide
AgBioWorld
Biotechnology Resume Guide
