1st February 2024 by David Forrest
Probably the single most important thing about your CV and your cover letter is that you tailor them to the opportunity to which you are applying. An application for a research position should not include huge amounts of detail about your retail experience (although you might be able to evidence some skills through this experience) and, conversely, an application for a retail position should not include huge amounts of detail about your research experience and your module grades. So, while it is always good to have a sample CV ready to use, be ready to alter it.
Cover Letter Guidance
Cogent Skills ‘How to write a captivating cover letter’: Download PDF
Example FBS CV for laboratory/research role
You can use the example given below as a base for creating your own CV which you can then target to the specific role you are applying for.
What are employers looking for in a CV?
These guidelines have been compiled based on discussions with employers on our Industrial Advisory Board and a sample of universities surveyed relating to PhD applications.
| Applying for science based roles | Applying for non-science roles | |
| Degree information | Include degree classification. Most employers won’t be interested in individual module grades. They are more interested in relevant skills/knowledge that you gained from your studies, particularly from research projects. | Definitely just degree classification. Any information about relevant skills gained should be included – this might include, for example, verbal and written communication skills, IT, teamwork. |
| Chronological v skills based CV | Chronological CV is preferred. There could be a few science employers who prefer skills based CVs. Check with the employer, where possible. If using a skills-based CV, make sure the skills listed are relevant to the role. | Depends on the company. Try to find out which they prefer, chronological or skills-based, if possible. |
| Final year research project | You should include detailed information about your final year research project. Include topic studied, skills gained and relevant techniques used. | No need for scientific detail, but you should highlight relevant skills gained, e.g. time management, initiative, communication skills, independent work etc. |
| Extra-curricular activities | Can be very important, especially if it demonstrates relevant skills. Include positions of responsibility, relevant competencies and achievements | Can be very important, especially if it demonstrates relevant skills and if you have done activities that are more closely related to the role than your degree. Include positions of responsibility, relevant competencies and achievements. |
| Skills recruiters will be looking for | Whatever is relevant to the role. If the job has a list of skills in ‘essential/desirable criteria for the role’ then you should include evidence of these skills in your CV. You should not simply list the skills, but give evidence of how the skill has been developed. Give details of all work experience and evidence of skills developed from that experience. | Whatever is relevant to the role. If the job has a list of skills in ‘essential/desirable criteria for the role’ then you should include evidence of these skills in your CV. You should not simply list the skills, but give evidence of how the skill has been developed. Give details of all work experience and evidence of skills developed from that experience. |
| References | If you have space, include academic and employer references on the CV. Write ‘available on request’ only if you have filled two pages with relevant info and can’t fit in the full references. | If you have space, include references on the CV. Write ‘available on request’ only if you have filled 2 pages with relevant information and can’t fit in the full references. |
| Personal profile | A strong personal profile can be useful, but isn’t essential. If you do include one, it should add something to your CV and must include evidence, not just general statements that anybody could write. This type of information is generally included in your cover letter. | A strong personal profile can be useful, but isn’t essential. If you do include one, it should add something to your CV and must include evidence, not just general statements that anybody could write. This type of information is generally included in your cover letter. |
NOTE: Above all, CVs must be targeted to the role that you are applying for. For all applications, please ensure that you take note of anything specific that the company or academic states in their job/PhD specification and make sure you follow the specific guidance and give evidence of the criteria they have included.
The most important things to consider when writing your CV/Cover letter are:
Underselling – avoid using negatives and qualifiers, for example “I’m not good at” or “I’m quite good at”
Format – Is your document easy to read and does it follow the conventions of that industry/country?
Relevance – if the job description has essential and desirable criteria, evidence them. If it has no criteria, think about what they might be and evidence them!
Spelling and grammar – many employers will discard applications with any spelling and grammar errors
Knowledge of industry – you must show that you understand the industry/company to which you are applying. Research before you apply!
Register (formal or informal?) – CVs, cover letters and applications via email should ALWAYS use formal language. No ‘Hi, Mary’. No contractions e.g. I’ve, I’m.
Repetition of words/phrases – find a different way to say it!
Length – normally 1 page for a cover letter, 2 pages for a CV. CVs for research posts/academia will be longer.
Enthusiasm – You should show your enthusiasm for the industry/company/position, particularly in the cover letter.
Attention to detail – check through your documents and ask at least two other people (ideally Careers Centre, Personal Tutor etc) for their comments
Avoid ‘Red Flag’ words/phrases e.g. stressful/party animal.