29 Apr 2020

Candidates Asked. We Answered. Resume Q & A

Do you want to know how to create an eye-catching resume that will help you move on to the next stage in the application process and increase your odds of getting a job in medical devices, CLIA Lab, molecular diagnostics, or the life science industries? Your resume is one of the most essential tools regarding job seeking. Our job seekers have asked a wide range of questions about building the ideal resume--and we want to deliver those answers to other prospective candidates.

Resume Services For Life Science Jobs

Question 1: Should I include unrelated work experience on my resume? 

You should include all of your work experience on your resume. You can't always be sure of the background related to the position--and there may be a connection you do not expect. For example, a life science sales rep may have started as a scientist. They have a better understanding of products than most other people selling them because they have experience doing the job. By including that experience on your resume, you also let prospective employers see your skills, including soft skills that you've used across multiple positions and make an informed decision about you. 

Question 2: What websites make job suggestions based on your resume?

Websites can offer fantastic suggestions that will allow you to find jobs directly related to your skills, which can mean a better match between you, the candidate, and the company conducting the interview. Check out sites like:

  • Indeed.com
  • Dreamhire.io
  • CareerOneStop.org
  • Connexis Search Group

Question 3: What does it mean to tailor your resume for different jobs?

You do not have to send out the same resume to every potential employer. In fact, you may want to tailor your resume to put your best foot forward for every employer you approach. Your resume, unaltered, provides a basic look at your job history and your skills. When you tailor your resume, however, you will focus more on the specific skills and relevant experience that apply to the job you're actually interviewing for. You don't necessarily want to leave off specific jobs or training, which could leave apparent gaps in your resume. Instead, focus more heavily on those factors that relate to the job you're applying to. 

Question 4: Should an applicant include their age on their resume?

Your resume will likely indirectly show your age since you will include your experience and job history. As a result, companies may be able to guess your age, even if they can't see it directly. Use your age as a positive, whether you're young or old! If you're older, you likely have a great deal of industry experience, which can benefit your potential employer. On the other hand, a younger candidate may be more open to learning.  No matter how hard you try to hide your age, the hiring manager will eventually become aware of your age.

Question 5: How can I make my resume impressive?

Keep in mind that your interviewer may only glance over your resume. You need to put as much information as possible into as small a space as possible so that your interviewer can quickly skim it to learn as much about you as possible--and see at a glance just how incredible you would be to the company. Use bullet points to make it easy to skim your resume. Keep it succinct and to the point. Don't put in many words; instead, describe results and achievements on every bullet. Remember that people want to see results and numbers, so be as specific as possible about your contributions to your past companies. 

You may also want to use eye-catching formatting to make your resume easy to understand. Instead of using a standard resume template, try using your own unique formatting--but make sure that it fits the professional nature of the job you're applying for. 

Question 6: What is the best way to keep an updated resume for new jobs?

When you're working with a recruiter, you may want to leave a copy of your resume with the recruiter directly. Even when you aren't actively applying for jobs, you should keep an updated, accurate copy of your resume. Not only does that mean that you can quickly tailor it and hand it out to a potential employer if needed, but if you do need to start applying for jobs again, you don't have to pull your resume together from scratch. Keep copies of your resume:

  • On your computer
  • With your recruiter
  • On your phone
  • On a flash drive
  • In the cloud

Is your resume ready to present? With these answers in hand, you can construct a resume that is more likely to stand out from the crowd and help you get hired.

View a list of our Active Jobs

 

Tags ; HIRING, RESUMES

No Comments