At Evolve, we work with hundreds of scientific and technical candidates across Australia and around the globe. We understand what hiring managers are looking for, and more importantly, what makes a candidate rise to the top and be the number one choice for leading companies. Here’s our guide to making sure that you’re the one we call first.
1. Communicate more than your credentials
Yes, technical knowledge is essential, but it’s not enough on its own. Recruiters want to understand your communication skills, impact, and overall fit for the team and prospective employer. They want to know:
- What impact you’ve made
- How you work with others
- Why you’re passionate about your field
Make it easy for us to see what you bring beyond your qualifications.
Pro tip: Use metrics within your resume and direct conversations with recruiters to show your impact, whether it's achievements through previous employment or from education. For example, “Improved sample throughput by 20% by optimising assay development procedures” says much more than “performed ELISA testing.” Explain how your research or technical work supports the company’s mission or the broader field.
2. Make your resume work for you
An effective resume requires a clear structure, proper format, and engaging content. Without these elements, you might find it difficult to get your application noticed. Recruiters and hiring managers review hundreds of resumes daily, so yours must stand out. While colours and photos can grab attention, what truly captures our interest is clarity and demonstrating why you’re the ideal candidate. Your resume isn’t just about listing job history; it’s your first impression to us.
Ask yourself:
- Is it clear what role you’re targeting?
- Do your skills match the job ad?
- Have you highlighted your unique contributions, not just duties?
- What will make them want to keep reading?
Quick resume wins:
- Use a clear, scannable structure with bullet points
- Add a headline such as “QC Chemist | GMP Expertise | HPLC Specialist”
- Tailor your resume for each job you apply to
- Mention specific techniques (e.g., ELISA, GC-MS) that are listed in the job ad
Even in science, clarity trumps complexity. Many candidates lose out to recruiters by going overboard with technical language for the sake of including buzzwords. Avoid clichés and focus on providing specific details about your experience and knowledge that you can elaborate on later during the hiring process.
3. Prepare thoroughly for the interview
The internal interview is your golden opportunity, so preparation matters.
We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response to behavioural and technical questions. Here’s an industry example of how you can use this approach:
- Situation: Delays in lab turnaround times
- Task: Improve efficiency
- Action: Introduced a new sample tracking system and retrained the team
- Result: Reduced delays by 30% and improved team productivity
Be ready to explain everything you have mentioned in your resume and application, especially technical skills, which showcase your experience and capability for the role. Don’t list an instrument or method unless you’re confident discussing it, as you may be asked about it during the interview.
Bonus: As good practice, prepare a few questions for the interviewer as well. Ask insightful questions about current lab challenges, the structure of the team, or how success is measured in the role. Be specific and avoid general questions like “What’s the culture like?” The interviewer will want to know that you’ve taken the time to learn about the company and what’s required of the role.
4. Be authentic, engaged, and presentable
We know interviews can be nerve-wracking, whether it’s your first or hundredth, but we’re here to help. A strong 30-second elevator pitch explaining your background can set the tone for the rest of the interview – this should concisely tie your expertise, passion, and career goals.
A few simple things make a huge difference:
- Smile, maintain eye contact, and be yourself
- Dress appropriately and arrive early, even if it’s virtual
- Be polite to everyone you interact with, from reception staff to hiring managers
- Show genuine curiosity about the company and role, you want to show you’re adaptable and willing to keep up with developments in the company - do your homework
Employers notice when candidates have taken the time to understand their business, mission, and recent work. Study the job description and mirror the language and skills they’re emphasising. This is one of the key tips to help you stand out.
5. Be transparent with your recruiter
We want the best for you. Our role is to help you land your dream job, but we can only help if we know what’s happening. Always be upfront with:
- Your salary expectations
- Planned holidays
- Other interviews or offers in play
Transparency builds trust and can help us advocate for you more effectively.
6. Even non-industry work counts
Haven’t worked in a laboratory environment before? That’s okay. Whether it’s hospitality, retail, or university projects, your background is valuable, especially when showcasing your soft skills in your application. We recognise that some candidates may be recent graduates, making it important to emphasise non-industry experience.
Use any relevant activities to highlight:
- Communication skills
- Problem solving
- Teamwork under pressure
- Mentorship/leadership
Additionally, science is a team sport, so show you’re a great collaborator and can work in cross-functional teams. These are transferable skills that are highly regarded in the life science sector and matter in every workplace.
7. Not heard back yet?
After submitting your application, it’s common to feel anxious while awaiting responses. However, following up can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and reinforce your candidacy. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- As mentioned, recruiters have to sift through a lot of applications. Give them ample time to review submissions, following any timelines mentioned in the job posting.
- When reaching out, keep your message concise and professional, expressing your interest and enquiring about your application status.
- Thank the recruiter for any response, seek feedback if rejected, and express excitement if granted an interview.
- Maintain a professional tone and limit follow-ups to one well-timed email to avoid overwhelming recruiters.
By following up in a timely and respectful manner, you not only reaffirm your interest in the position but also set yourself apart as a proactive candidate.
Your next steps: Put these tips into action!
Standing out to a recruiter is not about being the loudest voice in the room; it’s about being the most prepared, authentic, and aligned with the role.
At Evolve, we’re passionate about placing great people in the right roles. Our recruiters are degree-qualified scientists with real industry experience. We know what it takes to succeed in scientific and technical roles because we’ve been there ourselves. By following these steps, you’ll not only stand out to us – you’ll stand out to any employer in the scientific sector.
Are you ready for the next step in your career? Check out our latest jobs or reach out to one of our consultants for support.
