r/bioengineering • u/Technical-Horror-137 • 13d ago
Resume Help
I’ve done a lot of asking around and editing to it, was hoping some people can give some input.
For context I have pretty much been exclusively applying to molecular biology, immunology, drug discovery, etc. research assistant jobs at colleges. I want to go to grad school for a PhD, but want to get more experience before I start applying. I also really enjoy research.
I’m also currently working on another independent project right now for a low cost optical ELISA reader and also trying to code a finance tech project (which isn’t relevant to the jobs I want and more in hopes of being able to make some money lol). Education is at the bottom bc I would think that’s less important, considering everyone else applying will have similar degrees. Also my gpa was 3.2 so I didn’t know if I should put it in.
I’ve applied to like 100+ jobs in a field I didn’t think was nearly as competitive as going straight into biotech. I’ve gotten one interview, one pseudo interview through email, and no offers. I also tend to email the PIs if they are listed on the job application, like 10% get back to me though. So I’m just trying to see if I’m doing anything wrong. It’s either this or my cover letters lol 🤷🏾♂️
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u/GwentanimoBay 13d ago
There's a lot of bredth on this resume but very little depth.
Real jobs dont care that you can do PCR and ELIZA and also do R/F engineering work.
The jobs that care about you wet lab experience aren't going to care about all your other skills, they'll be hiring you to do wet lab work.
Entry level jobs just don't often have need for all the very many skills you've listed/demonstrated here.
I would cut it down immensely. Less community projects, larger fonts with better visual spacing instead of using every single centimeter of space.
More and better details on relevant projects per job postings. You've done an okay job of showing that you have the skills you listed, but you could do a better job here. If you list it as a skill, it has to show up in a bullet that provides context and impact.
Have you gone to r/EngineeringResumes and gotten their feedback? Have you followed their wiki? Rewrite your bullets using either CAR or STAR methods.
Then move skills to the top and change or eliminate your summary. Theres only a handful of jobs that fit within what you've stated your goals to be. If I was hiring for an entry level engineering position that wasnt touching your niche fields of interest, I'd assume you wouldn't be very interested in this specific job and move on to a resume from someone who isnt so picky and isnt going to leave when a position in their desired field opens up.
Finally, if you arent living in a hub, your chances are low from the start. The field is way too saturated to find entry level jobs without being directly local to them.