Richard M Cook

December 9, 2014

Six Characters in Search of an Interview

A CV for Life Science

Why Do I Need a CV?

The Importance of First Impressions

A CV for Academia is not the same as a CV for Industry

Companies expect more than Scientific Excellence

What are Transferable Skills and do you have them?

What kind of Background Research have you done?

The all-important Cover Letter

Your CV should be Concise, Focused and Free from Errors

Include the Basics

• Contact details

• Career objective statement (optional) • If included, should be short and precise

– To obtain a full-time position in a global pharma company that utilises my expertise in mass spectrometry

– To contribute to the alleviation of global suffering

• Education and Academic Qualifications

• Professional Experience (including teaching experience)

• Publications & Presentations

• Interests

Do’s and Don’ts

Do –Use the CV as an opportunity to describe

yourself and to distinguish yourself from others – Record things in reverse chronological order –Use active phrases – lots of ’I’ (not usual in

science) –Modify your CV to reflect the job you are

applying for –Make sure your CV is easy to follow and ’tells a

story’

Do’s and Don’ts

Don’t –Use jargon, formulaic statements and obscure

abbreviations –Mislead –Have gaps in your history –Use someone else’s CV (or cover letter) as a

template –Worry if you think your CV looks too thin

Know the Difference between a CV for Industry and a CV for Academia

CV’s for Industry General Rules

• CV should be short, sharp and to the point

• Emphasis on how your knowledge & achievements can be applied

• Focus on skills necessary for the job you are applying for

• Companies often prefer Generalists to Specialists

• Focus on non-scientific accomplishments

• Emphasise transferable skills

Understand What Companies Expect and Why

What do Companies Expect of New Applicants?

Very good degree and a PhD (or about to be awarded a PhD)

Track record of peer reviewed publications. A record of presenting at scientific meetings is expected

Candidates must be highly proficient in verbal and written English with outstanding communication skills

A basic understanding of drug discovery and development

Track record of pro-activity and creativity which has made an impact on the work of others

Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment and mentor less experienced colleagues

Scientifically curious with a demonstrated ability to propose and explore new technologies

Ask yourself

–Why should someone spend 2 years investing in me before any return on that investment?

Emphasise Transferable Skills

• Teamwork

• Decision-making

• Communication

• Working to deadlines

• Leadership

• Managing others

• Resolving conflicts

• Budgetary responsibilities

• Problem solving

• Clear thinking

• Evidence of creativity,

• Data management and interpretation

Transferable Skills

• Relevant to the job you are applying for

• As applied as possible

Scientific Skills

Employers are often more interested in your ability to anticipate and solve problems than in your specialist knowledge

Do Your Homework and Improve your Chances

• Send your CV to companies and ask to be put on their records

• Talk with company scientists at national/international meetings

• Utilise experience already gained and seek new experience

• Work with mentors from industry or academic mentors with industrial experience

What To Do

• The drug discovery and development process and where you fit into this

• The company you want to work for – past, present and future

• Differences in motivation between scientists in Industry versus Academia

• Why broad-based skills are often preferred to specialist skills

What To

Know

How Important is the Cover Letter?

• Always include a cover letter along with your CV when applying for a specific job

• This should be as personalised as your CV

An application for a job to construct siege engines for Ludovico il Moro,

Duke of Milan, 1482

Is your Cover Letter as

personalised as your CV?

Have you done your Homework?

What Transferable Skills can you demonstrate?

Do you know what Companies expect

of you?

How and why do CV’s for Industry

and Academia differ?

What 1st impressions does

your CV give?

End