Creating an effective curriculum vitae (CV) is imperative for demonstrating your skills, qualifications, and work experience to prospective employers.
Preparing or updating your CV is the first step in searching for a new role, so it is important to get it right. Setting yourself apart in the saturated informatics market is the most challenging aspect. Here are our tips on creating a great CV to kickstart your career in informatics:
1. Enhance your personal information
For an informatics CV, it is recommended that you provide links to your professional social media profiles such as LinkedIn, or an online portfolio that showcases your IT experience and knowledge of databases and systems. It is your chance to build a picture of who you are, how you work and what experience you have in the mind of a recruiter. Show them, don’t just tell them. Remember that if you are linking to a platform like LinkedIn, make sure your profile is up to date and full of relevant information and content.
2. Tailor your CV for each role you apply to!
Before updating the main body of your CV, take the time to read the description of the role you are applying for and what it’s asking of you, and use this to underpin your CV. This allows you to then ensure that you keep coming back to the job requirements throughout and means your CV will portray an accurate image of how you are well suited as a candidate. If you possess skills that aren’t specified on the job description, but are still relevant to the role, they can help you to stand out as someone who can offer more than the core requirements.
Reiterating or mirroring the company’s values or goals is also a good approach, without being too obvious about it! Prior research of the company is vital, as it gives you a good feel for what they value and look for. Emphasize your alignment with the company and role, and how your skillset could be most useful for the position. Don’t just list your responsibilities – highlight what you have achieved, reference key results, and talk about times when your work has made a real difference to your organisation or customers.
3. Highlight relevant technical skills
Tailoring your CV to the job you’re applying for is important, but for an informatics role, it is critical that the most relevant experience is highlighted. Recruiters only spend a limited amount of time looking at your CV, so it must be attention-grabbing from the outset. Highlight roles in which you have used specific systems or applications – for example, if the role is in specifically lab informatics, talk about your experience with laboratory-specific systems such as scientific data management systems (SDMS), or electronic laboratory notebooks (ELN). If the recruiter or employer can see your familiarity with industry-specific key terms and systems, you are more likely to stand out against candidates with more general experiences and skillsets.
4. Project experience and research
Here is your opportunity to cite examples of informatics projects you have worked on previously. Adding details like the timeframe you worked in, how you carried out the project, and what equipment you used, will all enhance your application. Be mindful when it comes to the use of technical jargon, it is important to find a balance between showcasing your IT knowledge, and over-complicating your CV.
5. Knowledge of databases and systems
While it is important to show familiarity with industry terms and highlight relevant systems you have worked with, it is not enough to simply name-the systems you are familiar with. You also need to give examples of your experience in designing, implementing, and optimising these systems. Use your CV to provide clear examples of your successes, to entice the employer to ask for more detail during an interview.
Showcasing your problem-solving skills is equally important when applying for a new job, so don’t be afraid of sharing when things didn’t go to plan if you can then follow with what you learned from the experience, or how you resolved it. This demonstrates your ability to work through obstacles and highlights your continuing professional development.
6. Show off your portfolio
Past work or projects you have helped to deliver are useful examples of applied knowledge. These can be referenced in your CV and then brought to interviews with you, as a visual aid for your career journey. If you have attended or led informatics presentations, this would also be relevant here, as not only does it show that you can master these systems behind the scenes, but you put in the time to learn more about what’s happening across the industry, and are confident talking about your work in front of an audience.
7. Avoid fancy formatting
The aim of your CV is to hold the attention of the person reading it, so while it is tempting to provide all the information you feel is key, avoid 4 pages of lengthy text with lots of bright colours and fonts. Simplicity is key, especially for a career in informatics which requires conciseness and visualisation. Your CV should reflect this, not exceed 2 pages and also demonstrate your ability to compile and present complex information well.
At 32 Stripes, we understand the needs of our candidates, and aim to provide expert guidance for those seeking a career in informatics. Your journey starts here, with writing a successful CV. For more career insights and recruitment advice, visit our LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/32-stripes/