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Table of contents

Popular chemistry resumes
How to write a resume for a chemistry job
Chemistry resume examples by experience level
Write a chemistry cover letter
Facts about the chemistry career field
Key takeaways for your chemistry resume
Commonly asked question about resume writing

You have a deep understanding of chemistry, enough to make even the most complex reactions seem simple.

But when it’s time to talk about your own achievements to potential employers, you might find it hard to put into words.

A well-organized chemistry resume is like a periodic table for your career, laying out the elements of your professional experience to lead you to your ideal job in chemistry. Recognizing the importance of your resume is the first step, and soon, you’ll learn how to create an impressive one.

This guide will provide you with:

Effective chemistry resume samples.
Tips for crafting a resume that stands out in the chemistry field.
Advice for chemists at different career levels.
The importance of cover letters for chemists.
Key points to boost your resume.

Need help with your resume? Our AI Resume Builder can help. Pick a design that fits a chemistry career and receive tailored advice for each section, complete with customizable text suggestions.

Popular chemistry resumes

Before you even start writing, you should know what a great chemistry resume looks like.

The key is to show your chemistry skills and experiences in a clear and concise resume that’s easy for anyone to understand. Here are three resumes for different chemistry careers, each one a compelling example of a good resume:

How to write a resume for a chemistry job

Ready to level up in the chemistry world? Begin by learning how to make a resume that’ll make recruiters take notice.

Quick tip before we dive in — if you’re aiming for a job in research, you might need to write a CV instead. CVs are detailed documents that cover your whole academic journey, including any research projects and teaching gigs. Check out our CV templates and examples if you need them. And when you’re set, you can use our CV Maker to get yours ready.

Now, onto the resume part. Let’s kick things off with a resume outline, which should have:

Your contact info, so it’s the first thing they see.
A snappy profile that highlights what makes you stand out.
A couple of sections that show off your skills.
Your job history, starting with the most recent.
The schools you attended and the degrees you earned.
Some extra sections to give your resume a bit of flair.

Okay, ready to go through each part one by one? Let’s do this in a way that’s easy to follow.

Step 1

Put your contact info up top

Imagine your resume as a business card you hand out at research conferences. If you want the person hiring to reach out to you, you’ve got to make it super easy for them to find your contact details. So, pop your contact info right at the top where they can’t miss it.

Make sure your resume header has these:

Your full name
Your phone number
A professional email address
The city and state you live in

One piece of advice that applies to everyone — keep your resume header simple and neat. There’s no need for flashy fonts or colorful edges. It’s fine to add a little bit of your personality, but remember, the main focus should be on what you’ve achieved professionally.

Now, let’s move on to writing your summary.

Step 2

Write a compelling summary

Your resume profile is your first shot at making a great impression.

Right at the start, your intro gives a quick glimpse into what you’re all about — showcasing your top skills and experiences. It’s the perfect spot to show why you’re the ideal candidate and grab the recruiter’s attention.

Depending on where you’re at in your chemistry journey, you’ve got a couple of options for your profile:

Seasoned chemists should go for a professional summary. This is your chance to pack in four or five sentences that highlight your standout skills and experiences.

New to the scene or jumping into a new area of chemistry? A resume objective is your friend. Here, you’ll outline your career goals and how you plan to add value to the team, showing you’re all in.

Your goal is to show you’re as well-matched to the job as hydrogen is to oxygen.

How do you nail this? Start by asking, “What’s this company’s culture?” Dive into their mission statement so you can tailor your resume, shining a spotlight on the achievements and skills they’ll love.

Writing tip

Customize your summary or objective for every chemistry role you apply for. Remember, no two chemistry gigs are identical. By tailoring your resume for each position, you can spotlight the skills and experiences they’re specifically asking for in the job ad. This strategy also guarantees you’ll make a resume that passes applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Professional summary example for a chemistry resume:

Driven and adaptable chemistry professional with a Ph.D. in Chemistry and over two years of hands-on experience. Exceptionally proficient in the synthesis and analysis of chemical compounds and experienced with chromatography and spectrometry technologies. Committed to maintaining data integrity, meeting regulatory and cGMP standards and flexibly adjusting to production schedule shifts. Proven track record in collaborative projects, overseeing product development cycles and responding to evolving business demands.

Sample objective for a chemistry resume:

Newly minted Ph.D. graduate in Chemistry, eager to bring my deep-seated interest and expertise to the chemistry field, with a keen focus on research and development of pharmaceuticals. Motivated to employ my background in ensuring data integrity and adhering to regulatory standards. Excited about the opportunity to engage in cross-disciplinary teamwork and oversee projects from inception to completion in a fast-paced setting. Ready to adapt to changes in production schedules and contribute to innovation and efficiency in the chemical industry.

Step 3

Highlight your key skills

From handling intricate lab instruments to fostering teamwork across various departments, you deploy a range of skills in the chemistry field every day. The challenge lies in presenting these skills on your resume in a compelling manner.

Technical assignments call upon your hard skills, like conducting chemical analyses or synthesizing compounds. Your soft skills shine through when you’re working in a team or communicating your research findings.

It’s not a competition between hard and soft skills; rather, it’s their synergy that makes you an outstanding candidate.

Writing tip

Chemistry thrives on the delicate balance between data precision and team dynamics. Hence, while listing your technical skills is essential, don’t forget to highlight your interpersonal abilities that make you a great team player.

Skills for a chemistry resume

Hard Skills

Chemical synthesis
Analytical chemistry techniques
Statistical analysis
Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)

Soft Skills

Teamwork
Analytical thinking
Problem-solving
Effective communication

Step 4

Spell out your work experience

In chemistry, your career is filled with innovative research, significant findings and high-impact publications. Whether you’re honing your lab techniques, developing new processes or ensuring precise data logging, your contributions are monumental.

But remember — when detailing your work experience, you want it to truly pop off the page.

Here’s how to make your career history shine:

Highlight the impact, not just the duties. Mention measurable achievements to make your career journey stand out. For example, refer to the number of publications you’ve contributed to or the efficiency improvements you’ve brought about, rather than merely listing everyday lab tasks.
Show your career growth. Present your roles in reverse-chronological order, beginning with the most recent, to showcase your development in the chemistry field.
Use dynamic verbs. Elevate your experiences by choosing action-oriented words like “developed,” “led,” and “enhanced” to give your resume an energetic, results-focused vibe.

Writing tip

Don’t underestimate your laboratory expertise. While collaboration and communication are crucial, your technical skill set is your core asset. You utilize these skills daily, whether it’s through precise chemical analysis, developing new synthetic routes, or interpreting sophisticated data.

Chemistry work experience entry example:

Chemical Research Analyst
ChemCorp Solutions | Newtown, NY | August 2021 – April 2024

Collaborated on cross-functional teams, leading to two groundbreaking research findings published in renowned scientific journals.
Played a key role in optimizing lab processes, improving efficiency by 20% and reducing chemical waste significantly.
Implemented and maintained strict data management protocols with LIMS, enhancing data reliability and streamlining data review processes by 20%.

Step 5

Talk about your schooling

Your school days are super important, especially if you’ve just finished your degree in chemistry.

Remember all those late nights studying and doing experiments for your science classes? They’re about to really count for something. Your education section is a big sign to your future employer that you know your way around chemical reactions and lab work.

Here’s how you usually list your education:

If you went on to pursue graduate studies, like a master’s or Ph.D., list those first.
Next, talk about your undergraduate degree.
Mention your high school diploma only if you haven’t gone to college.

If you have just one certificate, you can add it right in with your schooling. And if you got any awards or special shoutouts during your studies, here’s a great spot to show them off.

Chemistry education example:

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry,
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA | 2023
Dissertation Topic: “Innovative Approaches to Renewable Energy Through Chemical Catalysts”

Master of Science in Chemistry,
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL | 2018

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry,
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL | 2016
Honors: Graduated Summa Cum Laude

Certifications

Certified Chemical Technician (CCT)
American Chemical Society
Certification Date: May 2017

Step 6

Consider adding extra sections

Whether you’re just starting your chemistry career or you’ve done some amazing things outside of a regular job, your resume can be a lot more than just work and school.

To make your chemistry resume even better, think about including a few special sections. They can really show who you are and what extra skills you bring to the table.

Here are some ideas:

Publications: If you’ve been part of writing articles or research papers, definitely mention them. It shows you’re serious about your science and contributing to the field.
Conferences: Have you attended or spoken at any chemistry conferences? This is great to include because it shows you’re engaged with the chemistry community and up to date on the latest science.
Volunteer work: Being part of environmental cleanups and community science fairs shows your hands-on approach to volunteer work. By applying your chemistry skills to help the planet and inspire others, you’ll prove you’re interested in experiments in the lab as well as action in the real world.

Writing tip

Have you won any awards at a science conference or been recognized for your work in the lab? Put those in a special section, too. It’s a chance to let future employers know people have already noticed your hard work and talents.

Finally, picking the right resume template is important. You’ll find loads of options, from super professional to creative templates. Go with what feels right for you and the chemistry role you want to apply to.

Don’t want to waste time looking for a free template? There are tons of free options on Microsoft Word or Google Docs. The most important thing is to keep your resume neat and easy to read, showing off your chemistry journey in the best way.

Chemistry resume examples by experience level

Work experience is like the core of a chemistry resume. The more you work in the lab, the field or even behind a desk, the more you grow and open up new opportunities for yourself.

As you gain more experience, it might even change how you organize your resume. There are three main types of resume formats, and each one is great for a different point in your chemistry journey:

If you’re an entry-level chemist, a functional resume layout is a good choice. It focuses on your skills and what you know, rather than where you’ve worked.
If you’re in the middle of your career, a combination resume layout works well. It mixes details about your skills with your work history.
If you’re an experienced chemist, a chronological resume layout is best. It lists your jobs starting with the most recent, showing off your work journey over time.

Let’s take a look at what each of these layouts might look like.

Entry-level chemistry example

Resume entry level example chemical quality control

Create your resume

Why this is a great resume for an entry-level chemist:

Clear career goal
This candidate starts with a resume objective instead of a professional summary, which is a smart move if you’re new to the chemistry world. It shows potential employers what you aim to bring to their team, even if you’re just starting out.
Skills galore
They didn’t stop at just one skills section; they went all out with multiple ones. Using bullet points and separate sections makes the resume not only look good but also makes it super easy for someone to see what you’re good at right away.
Focus on what you’ve learned
Instead of worrying about not having much job experience, this resume shines a spotlight on skills and knowledge from school and any internships. It’s a clever way to show you’ve got what it takes, even if you haven’t been in the field long.

Midcareer chemistry resume example

Resume mid career example chemical engineer

Create your resume

Why this resume is great for chemists in their midcareer:

Strong professional summary
Here, the candidate makes great use of the professional summary to highlight the best bits of their career so far. They mention how many years they’ve been working and point out their top skills, like knowing their way around lab equipment.
Skills take the spotlight
Once you’ve got some chemistry experience under your belt, it’s key to show off the special skills you have. This resume does that brilliantly by putting a big focus on the skills section, making it clear what makes this person stand out.
Show how you’ve grown
For anyone who’s been in the chemistry field for a bit, it’s important to show off how you’ve moved up or specialized over time. This resume does that by listing the most recent jobs first and giving details about what each role involved.

Experienced chemistry resume example

Resume experienced example senior chemist

Create your resume

What makes this a great resume for an experienced chemist:

Work experience front and center
For those with a lot of chemistry experience, the chronological resume lets their work history do the talking. It lists jobs from newest to oldest, with bullet points under each to highlight what was achieved in those roles, making it easy to see at a glance.
Uses an ATS-friendly template
Nowadays, lots of companies use software to sort through resumes, and this format works well with those systems. It sticks to a traditional structure that focuses on job titles and dates, which helps the software (and therefore, the hiring team) find what they’re looking for.
Highlights a steady career path
Putting the spotlight on how you’ve progressed in your career shows you’re a reliable choice. This format makes it clear you’ve consistently grown and succeeded, which is exactly what employers are looking for in someone with a lot of experience.

Write a chemistry cover letter

Create your cover letter

Believe it or not, what might really make a difference in your job hunt is a standout cover letter.

A cover letter is your chance to talk about things there wasn’t room for in your resume. This could be a career break you took for extra studies, or perhaps you’re moving into chemistry from another field. Start with our cover letter-writing guide to hit on all the right points.

When you’re ready to get writing, dive into our cover letter examples and our guide to formatting your letter so it gets noticed for all the right reasons.

If you’re tight on time or just want to make sure your cover letter is polished and professional, why not try a cover letter generator? These tools give you sentence options perfect for chemistry jobs to fill your cover letter, and you can tweak them to make sure they sound just like you, highlighting your personal achievements.

Curious about what’s next in your chemistry career journey? Let’s explore what opportunities might be ahead.

Facts about the chemistry career field

Looking to get a handle on what the chemistry landscape looks like and where your career could go?

Here are some interesting insights about the chemistry industry that underscore the significance of having a great resume:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for chemists is $81,810, or $39.33 per hour.
Over the next 10 years, jobs in chemistry are expected to grow by 6%, faster than the average for all occupations.

There are 95,000 chemists and material scientists working in the U.S.

Key takeaways for your chemistry resume

Customize your chemistry resume
Every chemistry job comes with its own set of requirements. Take a close look at the job posting and tweak your resume so it highlights the skills and experiences they’re specifically looking for.
Highlight your technical skills
From advanced lab techniques to effective project management, make sure your resume showcases the unique abilities you bring to the table.
Include your certifications
Certifications can really set you apart in the chemistry field. If you’ve earned any, make sure they’re listed prominently on your resume.
Back up your achievements
Results matter in chemistry. Use specific numbers to demonstrate what you’ve accomplished and the impact you’ve had.
Detail your research experience
Any hands-on experience in research labs is golden. Describe the projects you’ve worked on, including the methods you’ve mastered and the outcomes you’ve contributed to.
Proofread carefully
Accuracy is key in chemistry, and a small error on your resume could be a big deal. Double-check your resume yourself, and then have someone else review it too.
Include a cover letter
Don’t underestimate the power of a cover letter. A well-crafted one can highlight your enthusiasm and dedication to the chemistry profession in a way your resume alone might not.

Commonly asked question about resume writing

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Don is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than 10 years’ experience creating digital content, including four years helping job seekers develop their careers. He holds an M.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University.