A stand out CV is the key to getting your perfect QC Science job.
Employers and Recruiters can receive 100s of CVs for each QC Analyst vacancy that is advertised, Studies have shown that on average, recruiters/hiring managers spend 6 seconds on your CV, so it’s important to make sure it stands out.
Your CV should depict you, as a professional person, it should emphasise your QC skill set, experience, knowledge and your achievements.
Here are my top tips on creating that winning QC Analyst CV, one that will stand out from all others, one that will engage the reader and will get you that interview.
I would recommend that you include a personal profile, a small paragraph of about 5-8 lines, underneath your contact information. The personal profile gives the reader an insight into you as a QC/Science professional, include why you are drawn to your scientific field, what is motivating you and what you enjoy about Scientific/QC work. Mention your Science degree/qualification here, showcase your technical skills by highlighting the amount of years’ experience you have using HPLC and your GMP experience. There is an increasingly number of people who have to relocate to advance their career. If you are willing to relocate, add this to your profile, it lets the recruiter know you have thought about this and will shed light on why you are applying for a role in Limerick but you are from Dublin.
This should include School, College / University. Start with your most recent education and work your way back, using the bullet point format.
Mention any additional training that you may have taken such as Lean Six Sigma.
This is the area of your CV where you outline your professional QC experience, it's important that this is accurate and factual. Starting with your current role and work your way back. If you have a gap in your employment/took a year out to go travel abroad, it is advisable to document this, outlining exact dates and the reason for the gap.
Detail/list your instrumentation and software knowledge and experience. Specify what QC testing techniques you have utilised.
If you have ever led a project or deputised for a Team Lead, even for holiday cover, please highlight this on your CV too.
Talk about your documentation experience (i.e. reviewing /updating SOPs/peer review ) and laboratory software that you are using (e.g. LIMS, Trackwise, Empower).
Most QC roles in the Medical device ,CRO and pharma industries require previous GMP experience, you need to be able to articulate your understanding of GMP protocols and procedures and why you follow such procedures in a GMP environment.
This section is often left out of CV’s but it is actually a very important section of your CV. This section emphasises you as professional all-rounder, and that you understand the importance of a work life balance.
Some examples for this section are:
If you can get a written reference from an old employer, I would attach it to your application it adds weight to your CV. With my candidate’s permission I sometimes use written recommendations from previous Supervisors/Managers on LinkedIn to get my QC Analyst candidates’ interviews. Stronger reference checks will be done at the end of the process, but I think it is a unique way to stand out from all the other self- assessed CVs and get you selected for an interview.
Don’t be shy about asking for recommendations or written references, this will really add to your future employability and help increase your earning power.
Ready to begin your job search for QC Scientific roles? Click HERE.
Or contact me on rosullivan@frsrecruitment.com for advice and tips on this sector.