Biology Technician Resume tips 

Tips for Biology Technician Resume Common Key Skills and Action Verbs for Biology Technician Resumes Most organizations utilize some form of Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to identify qualified candidates for job openings. If your resume lacks a certain number of key terms from the job description, you may be rejected before your document reaches the hiring manager. To mitigate this risk, you need to incorporate as many key skills as possible that match the needs of the company you’re applying to. Below, you’ll find a list of key terms that you may encounter throughout your job search. Key Skills & Proficiencies • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Animal Testing Assay Development Biochemistry Biology Cell-based Assays Clinical Research Data Analysis DNA Testing Drug Discovery Ecology Environmental Science Flow Cytometry Microbiology Microscopic Imaging Capturing Software Molecular Biology Laboratory Operations Laboratory Safety PCR Phlebotomy Quality Control Research Sample collection Action Verbs • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Analyzed Built Collaborated Coordinated Conducted Created Designed Developed Diagnosed Enhanced Evaluated Examined Executed Identified Implemented Led Managed Oversaw Performed Supported Tested Tips for Writing a Better Biology Technician Resume Create an eye-catching professional profile The first thing the hiring manager sees on your resume is your professional profile. If the summary at the top of your document doesn’t grab the attention of prospective employers, they may not engage with your other content. The best way to make a strong impression in your opening summary is to incorporate key aspects of your laboratory expertise that align with the needs of the organization you’re applying to. In the example below, the job seeker provides these insights but also draws attention to the fact that they worked on research projects to develop new medications. This approach establishes the candidate’s core specializations and helps to paint a picture of their unique story as a biological technician. Example: A Biology Technician with three years of experience specializing in gas chromatography, flow cytometry, and cell based assays. A strong history of supporting laboratory operations and research projects to drive the development of new medical treatments. Highlight Specific Projects Job seekers often make the mistake of creating vague and generic bullet points that fail to capture the nuances of their professional experience. Prospective employers want to understand the types of research projects you were working on and what specific approaches you used to conduct your laboratory experiments. In the example below, the candidate highlights their extensive background in drug discovery, which will be especially valuable for companies within the pharmaceutical industry: • • • Conduct complex lab experiments and develop cell-based models to identify and characterize therapeutic antibodies for infectious diseases such as Covid-19 Perform cell-based assays and research studies of genetically manipulated cells and coordinate with the laboratory team to ensure quality control and accuracy Deliver presentations to stakeholders, research teams, and cross-functional groups using data mapping and data visualization techniques to support drug discovery Feature your Leadership Capabilities Although your technical expertise will be the most important factor when securing biological technician jobs, highlighting your leadership capabilities on your resume can help to show hiring managers that you’re a dynamic, multi-faceted candidate. Working effectively with multidisciplinary teams is important for large research projects, and highlighting this experience can help differentiate you from the crowded pool of applicants. In the example below, the job seeker focuses on their ability to lead diverse teams and build collaborative work cultures, which shows that they have more to offer an organization than just their knowledge of biology: Example: • Lead the planning, development, and execution of PCR testing and laboratory experiments to determine the efficacy of existing vaccines on new Covid-19 strains • Manage a team of 10+ biological technicians, delegate project responsibilities, evaluate performance, build a work culture founded on collaboration and accountability, and provide coaching and mentorship to junior lab technicians to drive professional growth • Coordinate with laboratory personnel and multidisciplinary teams to enhance the reliability of lab data by developing new analytical approaches and techniques How to Align Your Resume With the Job Description According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for biological technicians was $48,140 in 2021, with an expected growth rate of 9% over the next decade. Although this field is growing faster than average, you’ll still need to carefully tailor your resume toward individual job descriptions to separate yourself from the competition. For instance, if you’re applying for a biological technician role with a pharmaceutical company, it would likely be advantageous to highlight research projects related to drug discovery and development. If the organization requires a technician with a strong background in animal testing, you should showcase your experience performing surgical procedures and maintaining compliance with federal animal welfare regulations. By aligning your resume with the job description, you’ll significantly increase your odds of securing your next interview.