Chemistry Graduate CV example

You’ve built a strong foundation in scientific analysis and problem-solving – but now you need to show how that makes you an asset in the workplace.

This guide takes you through every part of writing a CV, from formatting it cleanly to how to phrase your project experience and technical skills in a way that employers actually care about.

In chemistry, structure matters – and it’s no different when it comes to your CV. A well-organised document helps recruiters quickly identify your key achievements, qualifications, and work history without combing through a messy reaction mix of text. Following the below tips will make sure recruiters recognise your value, and your potential.

Here’s the layout to follow:

• Name and contact details – Place your name and personal details prominently at the top of your CV for quick access. Adding a photo is up to you.
• Profile – Open with a compelling overview of your skills, experience, and career goals.
• Core skills – List your key abilities in this section, focusing on those that will be most relevant to the job.
• Work experience – Provide a detailed breakdown of your work history, starting with the most recent job first.
• Education – List your qualifications, expanding on specific modules or courses which make you the right fit.
• Additional info – Use this optional space for relevant hobbies and interests or personal pursuits that enhance your application.
  

Keep each section clearly labelled with bold headings, and use bullet points to break down dense walls of text. Stick to a clean, professional font – this isn’t the time for quirky formatting. Aim for a maximum length of two pages, so everything is relevant and skimmable (remember, your thesis is done and out the way – no need to write another one). Clear formatting signals attention to detail, which is something every lab (and hiring manager) values.

Your personal statement (or CV profile) sits right at the top of your CV, so make it count. It’s your first opportunity to introduce yourself and express what you bring to the table. Rather than just stating that you’ve studied chemistry, focus on your areas of strength, any relevant technical or research experience, and what kind of role or field you’re aiming to enter.

Keep it sharp and just reactive enough to spark interest. Recruiters should get a quick sense of what you’ve studied and how you’ve applied it, and why it matters in a working environment.

Include the following:

• Where you studied – Briefly mention the institution and course to give an academic context to your experience.
• Your top qualifications – Highlight your degree, any special modules, or academic honours.
• Essential skills – Mention practical and lab-based skills that have real-world applications.
• Field of interest – Indicate whether you’re targeting pharmaceuticals, education, R&D, data analysis, or another area.
• Value delivered – Mention where your knowledge or research has made a tangible impact – such as lab placements, group projects, or independent study.
  

This section gives recruiters a quick summary of what you can do – but keep it sharp and relevant. Focus on practical, hard CV skills you’ve picked up from your degree, lab work, or internships.

That means analytical chemistry, lab safety, instrument handling, data interpretation, scientific writing, and statistical analysis – not filler phrases like “strong work ethic” or “motivated graduate.” Use the job advert as your guide, and highlight only the skills that would catch a recruiter’s eye in your target industry.

Your education is likely to be the strongest part of your CV as a recent graduate, so give it the attention it deserves. Start with your degree, the university, and your dates of study. Expand on any key modules, research projects, or dissertation titles that relate to the field you’re applying for.

If you’re short on work experience, you can briefly include academic achievements or group work that demonstrates your soft skills or leadership.

Example education sections

What to include in your education section

For each qualification, add the following info:

• Qualification & organisation – Name the institution (e.g. the university) where you earned each qualification.
• Dates studied – Provide the beginning and end month and year.
• Extra details – Expand upon specific modules which you think are especially pertinent to the jobs you’re applying for.

This is where you show how your knowledge has been put into practice – in labs, internships, part-time jobs, or group projects. Even non-chemistry jobs are worth including if they demonstrate transferable skills such as teamwork or time management.

List your roles in reverse chronological order. For each one, start with a short paragraph outlining your role and where you worked. Then break down your responsibilities and achievements using bullet points. Mention any technical tools and lab techniques you used during your work experience.

Keep it focused on how you added value – even in an academic setting.

• Outline – State the context of your job or placement and describe your role – whether in a lab, retail environment, or university project.
• Responsibilities – Use action words like “conducted” and “documented.” For example: “conducted experiments using spectrometry equipment” or “documented results in line with GLP standards.”
• Achievements – Highlight specific results or contributions – this could be project outcomes, improved accuracy, faster analysis, or recognition for your work.

For chemistry graduates, the Additional Information section is a great way to show who you are outside the lab. It allows you to highlight interests, achievements, and independent projects that reflect attention to detail, analytical thinking, creativity, and scientific curiosity – qualities that employers in research, industry, and beyond truly value.

Good additional info for Chemistry Graduates

Additional info example