Skills are a very important section of any resume, especially if you’re applying for a job that requires experience in a laboratory. Many people even put their lab skills in the “Skills” section of their resume, right alongside their other abilities.
No matter whether you’re seeking work in a testing lab or in the field as a chemist or biologist, finding a job may be difficult. We want to give you the highest chances of success. Learn how to correctly present lab skills on your resume and discover what keywords will pique attention in this article.
What Are The Basic Laboratory Skills?
When you want to list your lab skills on your resume, it’s important to know what the basics are. Many of these skills will be transferable, meaning they can be used in different laboratory settings. Here is a list of some of the most important lab skills employers look for:
- How to stay safe and act appropriately in a laboratory
- Experimental design – sampling, replication, etc.
- Carefully executing scientific experiments.
- Meticulous recording and record keeping.
- Generating and testing hypotheses.
- Calculation of molarities, dilutions, etc.
All these basic skills are required for a variety of laboratory positions. Many of these skills are also transferable to other work environments, so if you’re thinking about pursuing a career outside the lab, highlight these abilities on your resume.
Different scientific fields will emphasize different techniques, so it is important that you know what these are for the specific field you are interviewing. If you have published a thesis on related laboratory techniques, be sure to include this information as well as your Ph.D. ABD to demonstrate your knowledge in the area.
How to List Lab Skills on a Resume?
Of course, you want to create the perfect resume, so take the time to format it correctly.
Firstly, make some research about the company you apply to. You have to be sure that your resume format, as well as the content, will suit the company you want to work in. Different companies have different requirements. Be certain to know the company’s core values and scan for verbs or adjectives that coincide with your skillset.
Next, list lab skills you acquired during your studies or while working in other laboratories. You can use them in the “Skills” section of your resume. Be sure to use the right keywords and match them with the job ad. Include any practical experience you have as well, even if it’s unpaid work. Make a separate section for this kind of experience and title it “Relevant Experience,” “Practical Experience,” or something similar.
If you don’t have any laboratory experience, don’t worry! You can still list lab skills on your resume by using transferable skills. These are abilities that can be applied in different settings, not just laboratories. For example, if you’re good at paying attention to detail, this is a skill that would be useful in a lab setting. Be sure to list any transferable skills that could be relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Including keywords is essential if you want your resume to be noticed by employers. Many recruiters use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to help them sort and filter resumes. These systems are designed to scan resumes for certain keywords that match the job ad. If your resume doesn’t include these keywords, it’s likely that it will be filtered out by the ATS. Therefore, it’s important to include both basic lab skills as well as specific techniques that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.
When listing lab skills on your resume, be sure to use industry-specific language. This will show employers that you are familiar with the terminology and concepts used in the laboratory. If you’re not sure what terms to use, you can consult a scientific dictionary or thesaurus.
Finally, don’t forget to proofread your resume before you submit it. This is important for any job application, but it’s especially crucial for a scientific position. Employers will be looking for attention to detail, so make sure there are no errors in your resume. Proofreading will also help you identify any keywords that you may have missed.
By following these tips, you can be sure that your resume will stand out from the rest and that you’ll be one of the first candidates considered for the job.
Samples for your resume
There are a lot of various ways applicants can choose to format their resumes.
- A chronological resume lists your work experiences in reverse-chronological order, starting with your current or most recent job and going back in time. This is the most common type of resume and is a good choice if you have a steady work history that shows career progression.
- A functional resume focuses on your skills and experience rather than on your chronological work history. This type of resume is a good choice if you have gaps in your employment history or if you’re changing careers.
- A combination resume combines elements of both the chronological and functional resumes. This type of resume is a good choice if you want to highlight both your skills and your work history.
When listing lab skills on a resume, it’s important to use industry-specific language. This will show employers that you are familiar with the terminology and concepts used in the laboratory. If you’re not sure what terms to use, you can consult a scientific dictionary or thesaurus.
Here are some examples of how you can list lab skills on a resume.
Example 1
Skills:
- Molecular biology
- Protein purification
- DNA extraction
- PCR
- Gel electrophoresis
Relevant Experience:
- Internship in a molecular biology lab
- Unpaid work in a research lab
Example 2
Skills:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Instrumental analysis
- Data analysis
- Method development
Relevant Experience:
- Volunteered in an environmental chemistry lab
- Coursework in analytical chemistry
Example 3
Skills:
- Cell culture
- Fluorescence microscopy
- Immunohistochemistry
- Western blotting
Relevant Experience:
- Worked as a research assistant in a cell biology lab
- Conducted undergraduate thesis research in a molecular biology lab
By following these tips, you can be sure that your resume will stand out from the rest and that you’ll be one of the first candidates considered for the job.
What Additional Relevant Info You Can Add?
Laboratory technicians typically have an associate’s degree in science. Some colleges offer programs specifically in laboratory technician studies, while others include laboratory technician courses as part of a larger scientific degree program.
If you’re interested in becoming a laboratory technician, it’s important to get experience working in a lab. This can be done through internships, volunteering, or paid work. Many employers also require certification from the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS).
When listing lab skills on your resume, be sure to use industry-specific language. This will show employers that you are familiar with the terminology and concepts used in the laboratory. If you’re not sure what terms to use, you can consult a scientific dictionary or thesaurus.
But what skills do lab technicians have?
- Independence.
- Being precise and exact with your work.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Excellent team-working skills.
- Analytical skills.
- Be nice at time management.
So, if you are sure that you have what it takes to work as a lab technician, don’t hesitate in adding these skills to your resume!
How Do You Describe a Lab Assistant On a Resume?
Sometimes when we speak about laboratory assistants, not the image that comes to our minds is the one of a highly skilled professional. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth!
Laboratory assistants are crucial members of any research team, as they provide essential support with tasks such as preparing samples, conducting experiments, and maintaining lab equipment.
When describing a lab assistant on a resume, it’s important to highlight both their technical skills and their ability to work well within a team. Here is an example of what you can write down:
I am the person who is a highly skilled and resourceful IT professional who excels at ensuring accuracy and timely delivery in fast-paced environments. With expertise in many laboratory testing methods, equipment, disease states, and clinical significance, and detail-oriented. Besides, I am able to maintain composure while working under pressure and adhere strictly to safety protocols.
In addition to listing your skills and experience, you can also highlight any awards or recognition you have received for your work as a lab assistant. This will show employers that you are dedicated to your career and take pride in your work.
If you’re interested in becoming a lab assistant, it’s important to get experience working in a lab. This can be done through internships, volunteering, or paid work. Many employers also require certification from the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS).
Final words
Working as a lab technician or assistant can be a rewarding and stimulating career. If you’re interested in this field, be sure to list your relevant skills and experience on your resume. With the right qualifications, you can land a job in this exciting field!
