Forensic Scientist Resume Samples
1. Candidate seeking forensic scientist internship:
Resume summary statement:
As a recent university graduate with degrees in chemistry and criminal justice, I wish to enter the Eliab County Forensic Department’s internship program in order to gain vital experience in applied forensic science.
- Graduated with a GPA of 3.85.
- Recieved an undergraduate science award for undergraduate research involving DUI statistical data for three Texas counties.
- Successfully performed proper laboratory procedures, including specimen handling, instrumental analysis, and solid and liquid phase extraction techniques during undergraduate coursework.
- Maintenanced and calibrated sensitive laboratory equipment.
2. Candidate seeking forensic scientist position:
[Dexter Lang]
[San Francisco, CA, USA | dexter.lang@example.com]
[Forensic Scientist]
Personal Statement
Dedicated Forensic Scientist with over 7 years of experience in crime scene investigation and laboratory analysis. Excellent at accurately handling and examining physical evidence, conducting comprehensive research, statistical analysis, and delivering reliable expert testimony in court. Proficient in leveraging cutting-edge technology like Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and advanced DNA sequencing methods.
Experience
Forensic Scientist, San Francisco Police Department, San Francisco, CA, USA | 2015-Present
- Collected physical evidence at over 150 crime scenes, preserving items for accurate analysis
- Conducted detailed toxicological examination of specimens and reported findings in over 200 cases
- Provided expert testimony in court in 30 high-profile cases, with a positive impact on case outcomes
Assistant Forensic Scientist, California Department of Justice, Sacramento, CA, USA | 2013-2015
- Assisted in the analysis of physical evidence, contributing to accurate conclusions in 60+ cases
- Conducted statistical analysis using substantive research techniques for over 100 cases
- Supported the calibration, maintenance, and management of laboratory equipment
Education
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science, University of California, Davis, CA, USA | 2009-2013
Graduated with a GPA of 3.8
Skills
- Proficient in leading laboratory software such as AB SCIEX, THERMO, and AGILENT
- Adept at crime scene investigation techniques and evidence collection procedures
- Skilled in various forensic analysis methods, including toxicology and DNA testing
- Expertise in the use of data analysis tools and statistical analysis techniques
- Logical thinking and problem-solving abilities in handling complex cases
Certifications
- Forensic Toxicology Certification, American Board of Forensic Toxicology, 2015
- Bloodstain Pattern Analyst Certification, International Association for Identification, 2014
Languages
- English: Native Proficiency
- Spanish: Advanced Proficiency
Forensic Scientist Resume Vocabulary & Writing Tips
Your forensic scientist resume will likely be investigated by a computer program before it ever reaches human hands. Why?
Today, many employers use resume software to evaluate incoming resumes. This software is designed to look for specific resume keywords that indicate whether you may be a good fit for the job.
In order to score well in this part of the hiring process, you should strive to include the right resume keywords in your resume. Often, these can be found in the original job description or listing. Use words and phrases from the job listing in your resume.
To help you get started, we’ve compiled the following list of common forensic scientist resume vocabulary terms. When your resume is complete, proofread it carefully, detecting and correcting any typos or errors.
Words to Use
- Crime scene
- Investigation
- Physical evidence
- Specimen
- Sample
- Fluid
- Blood
- Urine
- Drug testing
- Hair
- Biological
- Toxicology
- Data
- Substantive research
- Statistical analysis
- Testimony
Action Verbs
- Investigate
- Collect
- Analyze
- Test
- Perform
- Record
- Assay
- Document
- Review
- Report
- Calibrate
- Extract
- Label
- Evaluate
- Prepare
- Present
Forensic Scientist Resume Tips and Ideas
Forensic scientists are tasked with the collection and analysis of physical crime scene evidence. Their work involves preparing and testing biological specimens, and analyzing, evaluating, and reporting the results of these tests.
Forensic scientists are often hired by law enforcement organizations, and their work takes place both in the field and in the laboratory. Forensic scientists may also work for medical institutions, analyzing samples to determine the causes of disease, or for corporations or government institutions in performing routine drug tests. They may also be employed by independent laboratories.
Do you have what it takes to work as a forensic scientist? Meet your career goals with the help of our resume writing tips and professional resume samples.
Format
A chronological resume format is recommended.
Design
- When designing your forensic scientist resume, consider:
- Professional appearance
- Sections and headings
- Margins
Photo
No
Sections
Required:
- Contact information
- Skills
- Work history
- Education
Optional:
- Objective statement
- Continuing education
Resume Length
One page, letter size, 8.5 by 11 inches
Format
A chronological resume format is recommended for forensic scientists. This type of resume is the most widely accepted in academic career paths, as it places emphasis on your extensive education.
You will begin your chronological resume with your contact information and a list of relevant skills. Then, you will list your work history and education in reverse-chronological order, that is, starting with your most recent experience and working your way back.
Functional and combination resumes are not recommended for forensic scientists.
Design
How should a forensic scientist resume look? Concentrate on creating a document that has a professional appearance, reflecting the seriousness of your career choice. Select a simple, easy to read font such as Arial or Calibri. Avoid the use of fanciful fonts, bright colors, logos, or other distracting elements.
Arrange your information into logical sections. Begin each resume section with a heading. Common headings include “Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.” Leave plenty of white space around each section to maintain a neat appearance and easy readability.
Photo
It is not necessary to include a photo with your forensic scientist resume. In fact, in the United States, the inclusion of an unsolicited resume photo could result in the rejection of your resume due to anti-discrimination laws.
Sections of a Forensic Scientist Resume
A number of resume sections are vital to the success of every resume, including your forensic scientist resume. Don’t forget to include:
- Contact information
- Skills
- Work history
- Education
The above sections introduce you and your abilities on the most basic level. You may wish to include additional sections to reflect your expertise. These include but are not limited to:
- Objective statement
- Continuing education
The objective statement is used to hook your audience, capturing the attention of your hiring manager. A continuing education section could include items such as classes, seminars, or industry conferences.
Resume Length
Generally, your forensic scientist resume should be limited to one page in length.
Forensic Scientist Resume Section Headings
Education, skills, and work experience are among the most important resume sections for forensic scientist resumes.
Education
A bachelor’s degree is generally the minimum education requirement for forensic scientists. The degree may be obtained in forensic science, forensic psychology, chemistry, biology, physics, or a related field. Coursework should include criminal justice, mathematics, statistics, and writing.
Specialized positions may require an advanced degree – a master’s or Ph. D. – in psychology, medicine, anthropology, pathology, or a related field.
Skills
Forensic scientists should be adept at both field and laboratory work. Fieldwork may include evaluating a crime scene, collecting physical evidence, labeling evidence, and ensuring that evidence remains free from outside contamination. Laboratory work may include preparing biological specimens such as hair, skin samples, tissue samples, blood, urine, saliva, semen, or other fluids for testing; performing appropriate tests; and evaluating the results of those tests.
Computer proficiency is also a necessity. In addition to general productivity programs, orensic scientists may be required to use data analysis software such as AB SCIEX, THERMO, or AGILENT.
Communication skills are also needed, both written and verbal. Forensic scientists must file reports and communicate with police officers, at times providing relevant education. Forensic scientists are also called upon to testify in court as expert witnesses.
Work experience
Previous work in crime scene investigation, medical laboratory testing, or internships in forensic science or related fields are ideal.
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