How my CV looks like as a Biomedical Science Student

I’ve always found it challenging to write a good CV, especially now that I’m applying for jobs that require specialist skills and experience, such as lab jobs.👩🏻‍🔬

However, I recently had an appointment with my careers adviser, and she was able to help me draft a pretty good CV, if I do say so myself! 😁 She gave me tips on how to structure my CV, what to include, and how to make it look like I am the perfect candidate for the job 🙌🏻 I also had an opportunity to look at other students CVs who are in the same field as me, and who were successful in gaining jobs that I’m interested in 🧪

Personal Details

This is the part of my CV I’m most comfortable with 😅 I include my full name, address, phone number, email and - recently - the link to my LinkedIn. I have been told many times to NEVER include a photograph of yourself. Honestly, I haven’t even thought of doing this, but I’ve been told it’s not a good idea. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Education & Qualifications

In this section, I include that I’m currently studying my degree and I have bullet points underneath of any relevant modules I’m taking. I have also taken some extra, online courses provided by the Open University, so I also include these here. 🎓 With my A-levels, I include the name of the qualification and the grade, but with GCSEs, I do something slightly different. I just compile my GCSEs into one little section, and just highlight the most important ones. For example; ‘I got 4 A GCSEs, including English Language and Literature, and 6 B’s, including Maths and Science.’ You don’t waste space on your CV and the person looking at your CV can just see the main points. Of course, if all you have is GCSEs, then go through each individually. 📃

Skills & Abilities

I ensure that I always look at the job specification, and then update my skills section accordingly. To do this, I keep a Google Sheet document of all the key skills that companies look for, and then I put examples next to each one. Then, I can just access the document and update it as I go on with my studies, meaning I won’t miss any valuable skills. 🙌🏻 I try to bolster this part of my CV as much as possible, just because I want it to make up for the lack of experience I have 😬

Experience

I only have experience of working in a restaurant, so this section is always tough for me. However, I just highlight all the relevant experience I’ve gained in my lab practicals - which really is not a lot (I only did 4 practicals in my first year due to COVID! 😩) I also include my experience as a waitress, because I can show good examples of communication, teamwork, and health and safety - essential skills in a laboratory environment! 🧪

Interest, Volunteering & Hobbies

Generally, this part isn’t the most important part of your CV, but it’s good to show that you can multitask and that your an organised and dedicated person. It also shows that you’re an actual person, and that you’re more than just your achievements and skills 🤍 In this part, I include any organisations I’m a member of too!

I hope you find this useful and that it can help you - I know how challenging writing a CV can be! Email me or get into contact if you’d ever like a copy of my CV, and I can send one over to you. 😊

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