STEM | HOW TO GET HIRED
PERFECT YOUR STEM RESUME Write the ideal resume to hook recruiters at first glance.
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resume should be no more than two sheets of A4-sized paper, but what information should you include? How can you fit all the information about yourself into a single document? The overall aim of a resume is to market yourself and your skills to recruiters in order to convince them that you are a good fit for the role and company you are applying to. In other words, a well-written resume is key to landing an interview with prospective employers. Make a positive first impression by crafting an effective resume with our tips and sample.
The golden rules 1. Tailor your resume to each employer. Keep a master copy on hand, but tweak it for each application. 2. Ensure your resume is easy to read – choose a clear font in a reasonable size (such as Calibri, size 11), word your headings clearly, and consider using bullet points to break up the text. 3. Use a skills-focused or chronological format for your resume, depending on what sells you best. 4. Resumes commonly follow the reverse-chronological format, which focuses primarily on work history and education. If you follow this approach, make sure the chronology is clear and there are no major time gaps to confuse or worry employers.
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STEM Career Guide 2021
Resumes often follow the reverse-chronological format, and are particularly useful if you have held a couple of positions in the past. This format is best for highlighting work experience and lessons learned.
A skills-focused resume, on the other hand, is useful if you are applying for a highly-specialised role that requires a specific skill set. It is also a good format to follow if you have very little prior experience.
Do graduate resumes need personal statements? Many students start with brief personal statements that outline their abilities and aspirations. It is also advisable for graduates to include a short profile in their resumes that quickly summarise their motivations for applying to the position and why they would be a good fit for the company. Be specific and keep it relevant to the position in question. For instance, it is a waste of space to put down: “Student with great teamwork skills seeks challenging job”. Instead, it is far better to state: “Finalyear mechanical engineering student with particular interest in mathematics seeking graduate role in the defence industry”.
Educational history – how much details do companies want? Your educational history from your university years should include your predicted or actual degree class, information on group projects and your dissertation, any modules relevant to the job and related academic awards. Keep in mind that employers do not need to know the specifics of modules that do not pertain to them.
What experience should I include in my resume? Many employers look very favourably on achievements and experiences outside STEM. These can be a real boost if you have not been able to secure any STEMrelated work experience – and can give you an extra edge. Examples worth mentioning include fundraising, voluntary work, or taking a leading role in a university society. You can also mention part-time work or summer jobs, but do not go into detail. Instead, summarise your achievements and any transferable skills developed that will be useful in your career.
