Crafting a CV that effectively showcases your expertise in various chemical analysis techniques can be a daunting challenge. Our guide offers you step-by-step assistance, ensuring your skills are highlighted in a manner that captures the attention of prospective employers.
What information should you include in your chemist CV? Learn how to create your interview-landing and job-winning profile with our bespoke guide on:
- Applying best practices from real-world examples to ensure your profile always meets recruiters' expectations;
- What to include in your work experience section, apart from your past roles and responsibilities?
- Why are both hard and soft skills important for your application?
- How do you need to format your CV to pass the Applicant Tracker Software (ATS) assessment?
If you're writing your CV for a niche chemist role, make sure to get some inspiration from professionals:
Structuring your chemist CV layout: four factors to keep in mind
There are plenty of best practices out there for your CV layout and design. At the end of the day, a clear format and concise CV message should be your top priority. Use your CV design to enhance separate sections, bringing them to the forefront of recruiters' attention. At the same time, you can write content that:- Follows the reverse chronological order in the experience section by first listing your most recent jobs;
- Incorporates your contact information in the header, but do skip out on the CV photo for roles in the UK;
- Is spotlighted in the most important sections of your CV, e.g. the summary or objective, experience, education, etc. to show just how you meet the job requirements;
- Is no longer than two-pages. Often, the one-page format can be optimal for your chemist CV.
Before submitting your CV, you may wonder whether to export it in Doc or PDF. With the PDF format, your information and layout stay intact. This is quite useful when your CV is assessed by the Applicant Tracker System (or the ATS) . The ATS is a software that scans your profile for all relevant information and can easily understand latest study on the ATS , which looks at your CV columns, design, and so much more.
PRO TIP
Be mindful of white space; too much can make the CV look sparse, too little can make it look cluttered. Strive for a balance that makes the document easy on the eyes.
The top sections on a chemist CV
- Education history is paramount to showcase your formal training and qualifications in chemistry which is critical for understanding the theoretical background required for the role.
- Laboratory skills and techniques should be highlighted to demonstrate practical experience and mastery in conducting experiments and analyses which are typically central to the role of a chemist.
- Research experience is necessary to illustrate your ability to design, conduct, and analyse scientific studies which is a cornerstone of many chemistry-related jobs.
- Publications and presentations section shows your contribution to the scientific community and your ability to communicate complex information, an important aspect for many chemist positions.
- Professional affiliations and memberships indicate your involvement and recognition within the chemical science community, suggesting a commitment to professional development and networking.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Highlight your relevant qualifications, including your degree(s) in Chemistry or related fields, and any postgraduate research you have undertaken. Employers look for a strong educational background in chemistry, specifically any specialised areas that align with the role.
- Detail your hands-on laboratory experience, including techniques such as chromatography, spectroscopy, or titration that you are proficient in. Practical laboratory skills are critical for chemists, so showcase your expertise and any advanced equipment you can operate.
- Include any publications or research you've been a part of, especially if they are peer-reviewed or involve novel findings. Scientific contributions demonstrate your ability to advance knowledge in the field of chemistry.
- Emphasise your proficiency with chemical software and any relevant data analysis tools like ChemDraw, LabWare LIMS, or MATLAB. Modern chemistry roles often require digital literacy and the ability to analyse complex data sets.
- Present any industry-specific experience, such as pharmaceuticals or petrochemicals, and mention your understanding of the regulations and compliance standards in those industries. Sector-specific expertise can set you apart from other candidates and shows employers your real-world application of chemistry knowledge.
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Tips and tricks on writing a job-winning chemist CV header
The CV header is the space which most recruiters would be referring most often to, in the beginning and end of your application. That is as the CV header includes your contact details, but also a headline and a professional photo. When writing your CV header:
- Double-check your contact details for spelling errors or if you've missed any digits. Also, ensure you've provided your personal details, and not your current work email or telephone number;
- Include your location in the form of the city and country you live in. If you want to be more detailed, you can list your full address to show proximity to your potential work place;
- Don't include your CV photo, if you're applying for roles in the UK or US, as this may bias initial recruiters' assessments;
- Write a professional headline that either integrates the job title, some relevant industry keywords, or your most noteworthy achievement.
In the next part of our guide, we'll provide you with professional CVs that showcase some of the best practices when it comes to writing your headline.
Examples of good CV headlines for chemist:
- Analytical Chemist | PhD in Analytical Chemistry | Expert in Spectroscopy and Chromatography | 8 Years Experience
- Senior Research Chemist | Lead Drug Discovery Projects | MSc Organic Chemistry | Process Optimization Specialist | 12+ Years
- Clinical Biochemist | NHS Specialist | Clinical Diagnostics and Enzymology | Chartered Scientist | 6 Years Expertise
- Industrial Chemical Engineer | PhD | Process Safety and Sustainable Development | Chartered Member IChemE | 10 Years
- Junior Synthetic Chemist | MChem With Merit | Polymer Synthesis and Material Science | 2 Years Professional Practice
- Principal Formulation Chemist | Cosmetics and Personal Care | PhD Physical Chemistry | Innovations & IP Strategy | 15 Years
Opting between a chemist CV summary or objective
Within the top one third of your chemist CV, you have the opportunity to briefly summarise your best achievements or present your professional goals and dreams. Those two functions are met by either the CV summary or the objective.
- The summary is three-to-five sentences long and should narrate your best successes, while answering key requirements for the role. Select up to three skills which you can feature in your summary. Always aim to present what the actual outcomes were of using your particular skill set. The summary is an excellent choice for more experienced professionals.
- The objective is more focused on showcasing your unique value as a candidate and defining your dreams and ambitions. Think about highlighting how this current opportunity would answer your career vision. Also, about how you could help your potential employers grow. The objective matches the needs of less experienced candidates, who need to prove their skill set and, in particular, their soft skills.
Still not sure about how to write your CV opening statement? Use some best industry examples as inspiration:
CV summaries for a chemist job:
- Accomplished analytical chemist with over 10 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, adept at chromatography and spectroscopy. Successfully developed and patented a novel compound that reduced production costs by 18%. Eager to apply expertise in the synthesis programme at a dynamic London research institute.
- Seasoned organic chemist specialised in polymer synthesis, drawing on a 12-year career with a leading chemical manufacturer. Demonstrated mastery in NMR analysis, leading to the creation of a new biodegradable plastic that revolutionised the packaging industry. Pursuing to foster impactful innovations in environmental chemistry.
- Former medical professional transitioning into chemical research, with a strong foundation in biochemistry and 5 years of experience in laboratory diagnostics. Proficient in analytical techniques and eager to apply medical knowledge to advance chemical understanding and contribute to groundbreaking health-related chemical studies.
- Software engineer with 7 years of expertise in developing simulation tools for chemical processes, aiming to pivot into applied chemical research. Brings strong computational skills and in-depth knowledge of reaction modelling to bridge the gap between technology and chemistry in a research-centric environment.
- Keen to embark on a career in analytical chemistry, bringing a fresh perspective and a strong commitment to learning advanced spectroscopic and chromatographic methods. Aims to leverage academic background in chemistry and a passion for problem-solving to support research and innovation in a hands-on laboratory setting.
- Aspiring to join the field of organic chemistry, with a degree in biochemistry and a genuine curiosity about molecular interactions. Intent on utilising methodical research skills and a detail-oriented approach to contribute to the synthesis and development of organic compounds, whilst acquiring valuable practical experience.
The best formula for your chemist CV experience section
The CV experience section is the space where many candidates go wrong by merely listing their work history and duties. Don't do that. Instead, use the job description to better understand what matters most for the role and integrate these keywords across your CV. Thus, you should focus on:
- showcasing your accomplishments to hint that you're results-oriented;
- highlighting your skill set by integrating job keywords, technologies, and transferrable skills in your experience bullets;
- listing your roles in reverse chronological order, starting with the latest and most senior, to hint at how you have grown your career;
- featuring metrics, in the form of percentage, numbers, etc. to make your success more tangible.
When writing each experience bullet, start with a strong, actionable verb, then follow it up with a skill, accomplishment, or metric. Use these professional examples to perfect your CV experience section:
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
- Developed and optimised synthetic pathways for new pharmaceutical compounds, resulting in a 20% increase in laboratory efficiency and patenting of two novel drugs.
- Implemented rigorous quality control measures in line with ISO 9001 standards, leading to a 15% reduction in product inconsistencies and a significant enhancement in safety protocols.
- Expertly utilised analytical techniques such as HPLC, NMR, and mass spectrometry for the characterisation of chemical entities, ensuring 98% accuracy in molecular identification.
- Authored and co-authored 10 peer-reviewed journal articles on organic synthesis and reaction mechanisms, establishing a strong presence within the scientific community.
- Designed and conducted experiments for scale-up processes, improving yield from 50 to 90 grams while maintaining product purity of over 95%.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams including biologists and pharmacologists in multi-disciplinary projects, resulting in the accelerated development of three lead compounds.
- Managed a team of junior chemists and technicians, providing mentorship and training that improved overall team performance and laboratory safety standards.
- Conducted comprehensive literature reviews to stay current with industry trends and technologies, leading to the adoption of innovative approaches in catalyst design.
- Maintained stringent adherence to environmental and disposal regulations, significantly reducing chemical waste and promoting sustainability in the laboratory.
Work Experience
Research Chemist
Merck & Co., Inc.
06/2012-09/2016
- Conducted analysis of chemical compounds and synthesized over 100 small molecules for drug discovery projects, leading to two patents.
- Improved the throughput of the chemistry lab by 20% by implementing lean laboratory principles, reducing waste and increasing experimental efficiency.
- Spearheaded the development and validation of analytical methods using HPLC and GC, which became the standard protocols for product quality assessment.
Work Experience
Senior Organic Chemist
BASF Corporation
01/2020-Ongoing
- Leading a team of 15 chemists and technicians in the development of new agricultural chemicals, achieving a reduction in product development time by 30%.
- Direct involvement in strategic partnership with cross-functional teams, resulting in the launch of a novel pesticide that captured 10% market share within its first year.
- Pioneered the use of machine learning algorithms for predicting chemical reactions, which enhanced the accuracy of compound design by 40%.
Work Experience
Process Chemist
Dow Chemical Company
03/2010-07/2014
- Optimized chemical processes for large-scale production, reducing raw material costs by 15% while maintaining product quality.
- Developed and instituted a comprehensive waste reduction program that saved the company $200,000 annually and decreased hazardous waste output by 25%.
- Collaborated with multi-disciplinary teams to deliver a new polymer blend for automotive applications, increasing thermal resistance and extending product lifespan.
Work Experience
Analytical Chemist
Pfizer Inc.
08/2015-04/2019
- Managed and executed analytical method development for over 80 generic pharmaceutical products, enhancing the drug approval rate by 35%.
- Provided technical expertise in troubleshooting and resolving complex analytical issues, which decreased downtime by 50% and improved laboratory productivity.
- Authored 5 peer-reviewed publications and presented research findings at international chemical industry conferences, positioning the company as a thought leader in pharmaceutical analytics.
Work Experience
Quality Control Chemist
Sherwin-Williams
11/2017-12/2021
- Implemented a novel quality control protocol utilizing spectroscopic techniques, improving detection limits of impurities by tenfold and ensuring product compliance.
- Led the transition to green chemistry practices in product formulation, reducing VOC emissions by 40% and enhancing the company's sustainability profile.
- Mentored and trained junior chemists, enhancing team capabilities and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.
Work Experience
Synthetic Chemist
Gilead Sciences, Inc.
05/2009-09/2011
- Developed new synthetic routes for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), which reduced production costs by 25% without compromising on potency or safety.
- Executed in-depth kinetic studies on chemical reactions that were critical to improving product yield by 20%.
- Orchestrated the scale-up of benchtop chemistry to pilot plant, delivering consistent product quality and paving the way for successful commercial batches.
Work Experience
Industrial Chemist
3M
02/2014-11/2016
- Rolled out a new laboratory information management system (LIMS) that increased data integrity and operational efficiency by streamlining sample tracking and result recording.
- Engaged in cross-functional collaboration with engineering and product teams to develop coatings with improved abrasion resistance, capturing an additional 5% of the market share.
- Successfully managed regulatory submissions for new chemical entities, resulting in approval of 3 new drugs by the FDA.
Work Experience
Project Chemist
DuPont
10/2011-05/2015
- Coordinated with external contract research organizations (CROs) to outsource specialized chemical analyses, reducing project timelines by an average of 20%.
- Championed the adoption of ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC), which improved resolution and decreased run times for complex mixtures by up to 50%.
- Conducted a comprehensive review of laboratory safety protocols, resulting in a 60% reduction in laboratory incidents and enhanced compliance with OSHA standards.
Work Experience
Catalysis Chemist
ExxonMobil
07/2014-08/2018
- Influenced the design of a new catalyst system that increased the efficiency of petrochemical reactions by 15%, contributing to a significant cost reduction in production.
- Tailored a suite of chemical tests for new product lines, ensuring that each met stringent quality criteria while also enhancing turnaround time by 40%.
- Played a key role in a collaborative project with a major automobile manufacturer, developing a new fuel additive that improved engine performance and reduced emissions.
Work Experience
Formulation Chemist
L'Oréal S.A.
09/2016-02/2020
- Led the formulation team in the creation of a new cosmetic line, which resulted in an increased customer base by 25% due to the hypoallergenic properties.
- Oversaw the laboratory accreditation process, achieving ISO 17025 certification and enhancing the credibility and accuracy of testing results.
- Developed training programs on laboratory techniques and safety, which improved overall team performance and reduced procedural errors by over 30%.
Lacking professional expertise: how to write your CV to highlight your best talents
Don't count on your lucky stars when you're applying for a role, where you happen to have less (or almost none) professional experience. Recruiters sometimes do hire inexperienced candidates if they're able to present their unique value from the get-go. So, instead of opting for the traditional, CV experience section:
- List any applicable expertise you happen to have - no matter if it's a part-time job, internship, or volunteer work. This would hint to recruiters that your profile is relevant;
- Focus your CV on your transferrable skills or talents you've obtained thanks to your whole life and work experience. In effect, you'll be spotlighting your value as a candidate;
- Separate more space for your applicable academic background and certificates to show you have the technical know-how;
- Ensure that within your objective, you've defined why you'll like the job and how you'll be the perfect match for it. Always ensure you've tailored your CV to individual applications.
Looking for more good examples for your first job? We'll show you how other candidates, with less professional experience, have created their job-winning CVs.
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PRO TIP
Talk about any positive changes you helped bring about in your previous jobs, like improving a process or helping increase efficiency.
Hard skills and soft skills to showcase your unique skill set on your chemist CV
Did you know that your CV will mostly likely be assessed by recruiters based on skill alignment? And that means that the way you feature your key skills across different CV sections will play a crucial role in landing you that first interview. We recommend you add your:
- technical capabilities or hard skills in your CV experience, certificates, projects, etc. Use your past accomplishments to prove your technical capabilities. List up to a dozen different software or hardware in your dedicated skills section to match the job keywords;
- personal and communication skills or soft skills in your CV strengths, achievements, summary/ objective, etc. Soft skills are a bit more difficult to prove. How do you define your aptitude in active listening? So, instead of just listing the skill name, include a tangible metric to show your success.
On a final note, when you're in a hurry to create your profile, you may misspell a particular technology or soft skill. That's why we suggest you copy and paste the particular skill name (or keyword), directly from the job advert. This would also help you to pass any initial Applicant Tracker System (ATS) tests.
Top skills for your chemist CV:
HARD SKILLS
Analytical Chemistry
Spectroscopy
Chromatography
Wet Chemistry
Laboratory Safety
Chemical Synthesis
Quality Control
Data Analysis
Material Science
Biochemistry
SOFT SKILLS
Attention to Detail
Problem-Solving
Time Management
Communication
Teamwork
Critical Thinking
Adaptability
Organisational Skills
Project Management
Creativity
PRO TIP
Use mini case studies or success stories in your CV to demonstrate how your skills have positively impacted previous roles or projects.
Your university degree and certificates: an integral part of your chemist CV
Let's take you back to your uni days and decide what information will be relevant for your chemist CV. Once more, when discussing your higher education, select only information that is pertinent to the job (e.g. degrees and projects in the same industry, etc.). Ultimately, you should:
- List only your higher education degrees, alongside start and graduation dates, and the university name;
- Include that you obtained a first degree for diplomas that are relevant to the role, and you believe will impress recruiters;
- Showcase relevant coursework, projects, or publications, if you happen to have less experience or will need to fill in gaps in your professional history.
PRO TIP
If there's a noticeable gap in your skillset for the role you're applying for, mention any steps you're taking to acquire these skills, such as online courses or self-study.
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Key takeaways
Write your professional chemist CV by studying and understanding what the role expectations are. You should next:
- Focus on tailoring your content to answer specific requirements by integrating advert keywords through various CV sections;
- Balance your technical know-how with your personal skills to showcase what the unique value would be of working with you;
- Ensure your CV grammar and spelling (especially of your key information and contact details) is correct;
- Write a CV summary, if your experience is relevant, and an objective, if your career ambitions are more impressive;
- Use active language by including strong, action verbs across your experience, summary/objective, achievements sections.
