RESUME & COVER LETTER GUIDE

Biochemistry Majors

Steps for Using this Guide Research Associate,

Biochemistry & Molecular Pharmacology
1. Choose Your Position and Begin Tailoring
Our laboratory is primarily focused on the non‐invasive
Review these three job postings and select the one optical imaging of the intracellular environment with
of most interest to you. Begin adjusting your luorescence and bioluminescence.
resume and cover letter drafts by evaluating the Associate performs complex laboratory experiments.
organization’s needs and wants from their Conducts in‐depth analysis of research experiments.
job posting. Successful job seekers tailor their Interprets data, forms conclusions, and decides on and plan
documents to highlight the quali ications and the next experiments to be done with a high degree of
experiences sought by the organization. independence. Writes standard operating procedures,
schedule work, analyze data, maintain accurate records, and
2. Draft Your Resume and Cover Letter write reports, Compile and analyze data. Performs
Review the cover letter and resume samples to computations using image analysis software, spreadsheets,
begin drafting yours. graphing, and curve itting software. May modify protocols
and be responsible for a single, independent research
 Get Feedback
project. May assist with budget and/or operational aspects of
Have your documents reviewed by a CDC staff
grant and contract proposal. Assists in writing the text of
member, receiving feedback in‐person, during scienti ic publications and grants. Reviews literature.
Quick‐Question/Walk‐In Hours Mon‐Fri 2‐4pm.

Laboratory Technician Field Applications Scientist

Provides technical support, training and customer service
We are a clinical diagnostic specialist supporting healthcare
to both current and potential customers.
providers and the pharmaceutical industry with advanced
molecular and genomic diagnostic services. Perform installations, training and validations on our
Turbidimetric analyzer (SPA Plus). Perform Freelite
Maintain records of all incoming clinical samples according validations on current and future non‐company
to current procedures. Run clinical laboratory procedures. instruments. Provide on‐site technical support and training
Assist main Clinical Lab staff to improve ef iciency, for all Company reagents and chemistry analyzers.
turnaround times and lab productivity. Knowledge of basic Coordinate ield service support with outsourced
engineers and company technical service personnel.
laboratory procedures, materials and equipment a must.
Perform technical presentations at customer sites to

prospective customers or at the national sales meeting.
Computer and database skills with the ability to learn and Assist sales reps and customers with writing protocols for
use a LIMS system. Carry out high complexity molecular company and non‐company assays and performing work
diagnostics testing ‐ nucleic acid extraction / PCR low analysis. Ensure correct documentation for product
ampli ication and DNA Genetic Sequencing during clinical complaints. Provide on– call support before and/or after
testing and assay development / validation. Perform hours as required.
quality control testing, and preventive maintenance on
instrumentation and equipment

113 Stra on Administra on Center • careerhelp@kutztown.edu • 610‐683‐4067

www.kutztown.edu/careercenter • Offie Hours: M‐F 8‐4:30 (Quick Ques on/Walk‐In Hours: 2‐4)
 Brooke Biochemistry
123 Employment Avenue, Kutztown, PA 19530
bbiol000@live.kutztown.edu, 555‐555‐5555

OBJECTIVE
Full‐time research position in the healthcare ield with special interest in pharmaceutical research.

QUALIFICATIONS
Experience in laboratory and research‐focused environments
Ability to work independently and as a cooperative team member
Strong research and critical thinking skills
Excellent oral and written communication skills

EDUCATION
B.S. Kutztown University of Pennsylvania Kutztown, PA
Major: Biochemistry, Minor: Biology May 20xx
GPA: 3.88
Dean’s List Fall 20xx‐Spring 20xx

Related Courses: Advanced Biochemistry, Advanced Organic Chemistry, Advanced Inorganic Chemistry,
Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, Medical Microbiology, Immunology, Developmental Biology

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Testing Puri ied Apoptosis in a Caspase Activity Assay Fall 20xx‐Present
Kutztown University, Dr. Biochem
Work alongside advisor to test the effects of puri ied apoptosis in a caspase activity assay
Compile results for submission to The Journal of Biochemistry

Synthesis of Arti icial Dipeptides to Mimic DNA Spring 20xx
Kutztown University, Dr. DNA
Organized original research focused on DNA imitation with supervising professor
Maintained laboratory notebook while collecting data

RELATED WORK & EXTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE
CVS Pharmacy Kutztown, PA
Pharmacy Technician Fall 20xx‐Present
Fill prescriptions and ensure accurate distribution
Resolve insurance issues and complete data entries
Handle and maintain con idential information
Research customer orders and document internal employee errors
Pharmacy Extern Dec 20xx
Observe daily duties of pharmacist including research of potential therapeutic incompatibilities

CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Member, Biology International Club, Kutztown University Fall 20xx‐Present
Treasurer, Student Af iliates of the American Chemical Society Fall 20xx‐Present
STEM Shadow Day Volunteer, Kutztown University Spring 20xx & 20xx
Presented on biochemistry careers and answered student inquiries
Recipient, Career Success Certi icate, Kutztown University Career Development Center Fall 20xx
Recipient, Career Exploration Certi icate, Kutztown University Career Development Center Fall 20xx

WORK EXPERIENCE
Texas Roadhouse Trexlertown, PA
Server/Hostess Sept 20xx‐May 20xx
Train new employees by reviewing restaurant procedures and proper customer service techniques
Ensure customer satisfaction
  Resume Sample
   
Forma ng  Tips: 
Anita Jobb
123 Main Street                                                                                                          610  123‐1234   Emphasize your name  
Coopersburg, PA 18036                                                                      ajobbXXX@live.kutztown.edu   Set margins to 1/2”‐1” 
   Use 12 –14 point font for 
 Objec ve
  An internship in the field of human services; special interest in working with at‐risk teens  headings  
   Use 10‐12 point font for 
 Qualifica ons body text  
         Fluent Spanish                                                             Experience working with diverse popula ons  
    Well organized and dependable                              Excellent  interpersonal skills                       
 
Educa on Use 4‐6 strengths that 
    B.S.  Kutztown University of Pennsylvania                                                                                    Kutztown, PA       are RELEVANT to your 
Major: Criminal Jus ce May 20xx 
objec ve and to your 
Minor: Psychology
GPA: 3.40  poten al employer.  
Honors
  President’s Scholarship, Kutztown University, Kutztown, PA                                          20xx‐20xx 
  Girl Scouts Gold Award, Troop 123, Coopersburg, PA                                                                     20xx 
 
Related Experience
  Volunteer, KUBok Neighborhood Watch, Kutztown, PA                        November 20xx‐Present 
In conjunc on with Kutztown Borough residents and police, monitor streets 
       of Kutztown during peak social hours to keep students and residents safe. 
  Indent body text under the 
  Extern, Coopersburg Police Department, Coopersburg, PA                                              July 20xx 
       Observed daily du es of police officers during a ride‐along experience.  sec on headings.  All body text 
  should align to one point of 
 Work Experience
  Desk Recep onist, Kutztown University, Kutztown, PA                                        January 20xx Present  indent.  Do not create mul ple 
       Greet guests and residents, enforce visita on policy and check guest iden fica on.  points of indent as you would 
       Answer ques ons, perform administra ve and clerical tasks. 
in an outline.    
 
  Head Life Guard, Hillcrest Swim Club, Center Valley, PA                                                       Summer 20xx 
  Life Guard                                                                                                                Summers 20xx and 20xx 
      Insured safety of patrons, enforced all rules and regula ons, coordinated 
      emergency procedures, provided first aid in emergency situa ons, maintained  
      posi ve rela onships and rapport with patrons, and performed general maintenance. 
 
Campus Involvement
  Criminal Jus ce Club                                                                                                        January 20xx‐Present 
  Career Explora on Cer ficate, Career Development Center                                                        Spring 20xx 
  Berks Hall Council                                                                                                             October 20xx‐Present 
  Women’s Lacrosse Club                                                                                      September 20xx‐Present 
  Align non‐substan ve info such 
as dates, ci es, and states on 
the right margin.   
Use ac on verbs  (past tense for past ex‐
Indent body text under the 
perience and present tense for current 
sec on heading, all body text 
experience) to describe your experience.  
should align to one point of 
FOCUS on those tasks that relate to your 
indent.  
career objec ve.   

               Do NOT include the names and contact informa on of your references on your resume.   

 
 Cover Le er Sample
 
Forma ng Tips:  
  In the opening paragraph, catch the  
January 20, 20xx  reader’s a en on with a strong first  
BEFORE YOU START wri ng, review the internship/
(4 blank lines) sentence.  Be sure to include: 
job pos ng to determine the needs and requirements
   of the posi on or program for which you are  The posi on or program for which you 
Ms. Laura Mellner   applying. In your le er, make every effort to show are applying. 
Execu ve Director   the connec ons between your qualifica ons and
Northeast Youth Programs  their requirements/needs.  How you heard about the posi on. 
01010 Norway Drive  
Philadelphia, PA 19114   Why are you interested in this   
posi on, program or organiza on. 
(1 blank line)
Dear Ms. Mellner: 
(1 blank line)
As a senior English/professional wri ng major gradua ng this May from Kutztown University, I was very excited to find your      
Marke ng, PR and Community Outreach Specialist pos ng on KU Career Network. I grew up in Philadelphia and am familiar with 
Northeast Youth Programs and the extraordinary service it provides to youth and families in Delaware County.    
(1 blank line)
In the second paragraph
You will note on my enclosed resume, I have experience in various areas of public rela ons and marke ng.   (and possibly the third), 
My public rela ons internship with the American Red Cross of Delaware County provided me with the 
explain: 
opportunity to work closely with a Board of Directors in a non‐profit se ng.  I also worked daily with the 
director to plan, market, and execute the agency’s largest fundraiser of the year: a benefit dance which   How your skill, 
raised over $30,000.  My du es included wri ng press releases and ar cles for the monthly newsle er,  knowledge, and/or 
upda ng content on the agency website, solici ng dona ons from area businesses, maintaining a guest  experience relate to the 
and donor list in Microso  Access, and communica ng with vendors.  Planning an event of this magnitude  posi on requirements or 
requires the ability to mul task, as well as excellent communica on skills, close a en on to detail, and the  qualifica ons. 
ability to work both independently and as part of a team.  In addi on to this internship, I had the privilege 
to serve as my sorority’s Community Outreach Chair where I communicated and worked with both campus   What you can contribute 
and community residents to organize volunteer ac vi es for my chapter.  I coordinated a small team of  to the organiza on and 
volunteers who organized a fundraising project ne ng over $5,000 for a charity; the experience of        how you can help them 
crea ng both on‐line and in‐print campaigns further strengthened my public rela on skills.   meet their goals or 
support their mission. 
(1 blank line) 
 
I am very excited about the possibility of working at Northeast Youth Programs and  would appreciate the 
opportunity to meet with you to discuss my creden als. Please let me know if you need addi onal         
informa on or wri ng samples. I am available for an interview at your convenience. Thank you for your   Focus on keywords from 
me and considera on. 
the job pos ng in the 
(1 blank line)   second paragraph, (ex: 
Sincerely,   communica on, website. 
Marke ng materials, 
  In the closing paragraph, reiterate your interest 
in the posi on or organiza on.    press releases,  
 (4 blank lines for signature)
          fundraising, outreach).  
 Anita Jobb   Make a request for an interview. 
123 Main Street 
Coopersburg, PA 18036   Thank the reader for his/her considera on. 
610‐123‐1234 
ajobb***@live.kutztown.edu 
(2 blank lines)  
Enclosure 
Include your contact informa on with the 
  
closing under your name.   
Type the word in Enclosure to indicate 
you have included your resume.