How to Write Your First STEM CV (With Templates & Examples)

Starting your career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) can be both exciting and challenging, especially when crafting your first STEM-focused CV. Whether you’re changing careers or entering the job market for the first time, you might find yourself wondering about how to write a CV for a STEM job, what the best CV format is for a STEM professional, and what skills to highlight to make your CV stand out. 

We recently wrote a comprehensive guide to crafting your first CV which covers areas such as structure and formatting (including common mistakes) and in this article, we’ll delve into some templated examples and best practice tips you can use to enhance your CV. This is especially important if you’re seeking positions through science staffing agencies or life science recruitment companies as your CV can be your gateway to landing your dream job, and we’re here to help you along the way!

Key Elements of a STEM CV

A STEM CV should emphasise your academic journey including your achievements, relevant coursework/research you have undertaken as part of your studies, technical skills, and any hands-on experience such as internships or apprenticeships. 

This four-step approach will make your CV stand out to life science recruitment agencies as it highlights your experience and interest areas and how these may align with a recruitment opportunity: 

Step 1: Ensuring Your Contact Information Is Up-To-Date

When drafting your CV, be sure not to overlook updating your contact details! These include your:

• Full name
• Phone number
• Email address
• LinkedIn profile (if available, though this is strongly encouraged as many science recruitment agencies use LinkedIn to find applicants)

Using outdated contact information may prevent the recruiter from being able to reach you and can cost you the role!

Step 2: Having A Strong Opening With A Professional Summary

In an article from earlier this year, Indeed reported that recruiters spend only around 6-7 seconds scanning a CV! Therefore, introducing your previous experience concisely in your professional summary can help hiring managers quickly pick out your strengths. This section can also help you highlight your enthusiasm for the job and what drew you to the role. Consider having 4-6 lines of text for this section and placing it near the top of your CV, with bonus points given for mirroring the language used in the job advert. 

Example: “I’m a motivated Chemistry graduate with research experience and a passion for environmental science. Having previously contributed to [project x], I’m eager to take the next step in my career by contributing to the innovations across [industry niche]…”

Step 3: Highlighting Your Most Relevant Education/Research Experience

Your education section should be the most prominent, especially if you are a recent graduate or changing career. This should showcase the following:

• Degree(s) obtained
• Educational institution’s name
• Years active including graduation month and year 
• Relevant coursework/research undertaken during your studies

This is a chance to stand out! Make sure to highlight how your academic progression relates to the role you are applying for. While this may be obvious to you it won’t always be the case for the reader as degree programmes can vary between institutions. 

Once you have laid out your academic journey it’s time to detail your achievements. This can include research projects or lab work you’ve contributed to as well as a brief (1-2 line) summary of each project to demonstrate your practical experience.

Example: Research Assistant, XYZ University
Jan 2023 – May 2024

• Conducted genetic experiments to study DNA mutations in fruit flies and analysed data using bioinformatics tools
• Presented findings at the university’s annual science symposium

If you’re a recent PhD graduate (congratulations!) with little industry experience, we also recommend you check out “How to build a well-rounded CV and get hired after your PhD”.

Your technical skills are the bedrock of what makes you a unique candidate – they demonstrate the abilities you’ve developed from education and experience (especially in your first STEM CV). As such, you could include lab techniques you’ve used, software proficiency, or familiarity with industry standards and processes.

Step 4: Including Your Internships / Work Experience / Volunteering 

Last but certainly not least, where applicable, be sure to complement the education-related sections of your CV with any internships or part-time jobs you’ve held within a STEM field. Focus on the skills and knowledge you gained, particularly transferable skills.

Example: Intern, ABC Pharmaceutical Company
Summer 2023

• Assisted in developing new drug formulations and conducted quality control tests under supervision
• Collaborated with a team of scientists to document experimental results

Make sure to highlight the responsibilities associated with your role, the tasks you completed (large and small), and the effects these had on the advancement of a project, as well as your personal development. If you have undertaken additional training, received recognition for your work, or are working towards particular certifications, including these can also support your application.

FAQs

What should I include in my first CV with the aim of entering the life sciences industry?

Be sure to include your academic achievements, degree, technical skills, work experience, and certifications in your CV to showcase your knowledge and area of interest. 

How can I effectively highlight my academic experience in my CV?

To emphasise your academic experience, lead with your most recent STEM qualification(s), the institutions where these were attained, relevant coursework or research projects, and any academic achievements and recognition such as awards or certifications. 

What should I do if I don’t have STEM industry experience but want to work in STEM?

If you don’t have all the relevant experience listed in the job advert, consider focusing on transferable skills or training you are currently undertaking to gain experience, e.g. internships, academic projects, and volunteer work.

How can I make my CV stand out to science recruitment agencies?

To create a standout CV, ensure you tailor your CV to each job, reflect the terminology in the job advert, use industry-standard language, and quantify your achievements with specific examples.

Should I include a cover letter for a STEM role?

Yes! We always recommend including a cover letter to provide additional context to your CV and highlight not only why you are a good fit for the position but also your enthusiasm for the company and wider industry. 

For additional tips on improving your online presence to accompany your CV, see our article on how to build your LinkedIn profile and soft skills in STEM careers to help you along in your job search.