How to build a professional nature scientist resume

Nature scientists perform a necessary role by serving as mother earth’s observers. From meteorologists who predict and track the weather to geologists who uncover our planet’s history, there is a whole world of unique specializations and jobs waiting in the realm of nature science.

In this guide, we will cover 5 key steps to writing a job-winning resume as a nature scientist. keep reading to learn how to:

• Select a resume format that matches your experience level
• Write an effective resume summary as a nature scientist
• Include a diverse range of nature scientist skills
• Describe your work experience with clear and quantifiable details
• List your education as a nature scientist correctly

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1. Select the best format for your nature scientist resume

Applying to positions within scientific or academic fields presents you with a tough question upfront: do you write a short-form or long-form resume?

Short-form resumes often come in the form of the reverse-chronological resume, a one-page format that focuses primarily on work and field experience. This format is well suited for applicants who are applying for entry to mid-level nature science positions.

Alternatively, a long-form resume is known as a Curriculum Vitae (CV) and allows the applicant to include far greater detail in each section. Not only will the applicant provide thorough details about their past jobs but they will also include much more in-depth descriptions for their education, skills, and all other sections as well.

The CV is better suited for higher-level positions, such as a Lead Scientist in a lab or a Professor of Science at a university.

Of course, not every job requires a CV – in fact, most outside of formal science and academia will not. Therefore, it is always important to read job postings carefully and identify what application materials they specifically ask for.

Choose your preferred template and make your resume shine.

2. Write an effective resume summary as a nature scientist

A resume summary is an introductory statement at the beginning of a resume.

In this summary – which should be between one to three sentences in length – an applicant should strive to include the most important professional details about themselves. This can include academic credentials, awards, and key accomplishments.

To help show the difference between a strong and weak resume summary, below is an incorrect example, followed by a correction and explanation.

Why is this incorrect?

In this example, the applicant is right to begin describing their specialized knowledge, as this can help set them apart from the competition. However, as they go into greater detail, they lose all specificity and context, making this summary confusing or uninteresting to employers.

Why is this correct?

In this corrected example, the applicant provides much more information regarding not only their specialization but also specific accomplishments from within the field. They offer exact figures and contextual details to give the employer a clear idea of what they are most passionate about and talented in.

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3. Include a diverse range of nature scientist skills

Working in a scientific role involves many technical skills – the abilities you have gained through your rigorous studies and academics. However, interpersonal skills are equally as important to showcase on a resume, as they reveal to employers your ability to comprehend the people and world around you.

As such, it is essential to include a variety of both technical and interpersonal skills on your nature scientist resume. To help you brainstorm these skills, here are 10 examples of each that are specific to nature scientists:

4. Describe your nature scientist work experience with clear and quantifiable details

The work history section of your resume offers you the best opportunity to show off your hands-on scientific experience.

When describing your past positions, it is important to not overcrowd each entry with blocks of text. Instead, use bullet points and short sentences to describe the most relevant and eye-catching details. Whenever possible, strive to include quantifiable figures or notable accomplishments you achieved during your time in the position.

5. List your education as a nature scientist correctly

Like with the format you select, the way you describe your education on your resume will depend on both your academic history and your professional goals.

If you are applying for a higher-level academic or scientific position, you will likely need the larger education section that a CV can provide. However, for entry to mid-level positions in various nature science niches, sticking to a simple and concise education section on a reverse-chronological resume may be preferable.

No matter which format you are using, make sure to include the following information within the education section of your resume:

• The name(s) of your degree(s)
• The university you attended
• The date of graduation (if you graduated with honors, it can be useful to note this next to your date of graduation)