What To Include in Your Resume To Get Into Research and Development

Crave learning? Actively looking for opportunities for discovery? A researcher position might be the job for you. A career in this field allows you to further your knowledge while earning as a professional. It is a valuable role that contributes to the development of ideas, translating them into something that can make a difference.

A researcher works in various fields, which includes science, sociology, and psychology, among others. In medical institutions, a researcher’s job responsibilities may include data collection and analysis. In a corporate setting, researchers are assigned to do deep dives into market research and business development. Regardless of the industry, researchers play an important role in every organisation.

Make yourself stand out from a pool of candidates and let employers know your passion for the field of research. Here are a few tips on how you can craft a winning resume for the job that matters to you.

Here is a sample of a complete resume for researchers:

How to write a resume for Researchers that communicates passion and purpose

Purposeful career summary and objective

To craft an impressive resume for a research position, you need to first find out what employers are looking for. These must align with your goals and expectations. Employers expect to see at first glance how you envision yourself and how you can contribute to their company.

Example:

Resourceful and results-oriented individual with a degree in Marketing Research and Business Development. With four years of professional experience in the field of research. Highly competent in data gathering and research methodology for business growth. Disciplined and passionate about advancing marketing services that will help generate more revenue.

Highlight your skills

Hard and soft skills are crucial to this role. Hard skills are technical abilities specific to an industry, while soft skills are learned from experience and apply to just about any field.

Conducting research will expose you to different methodologies, which means you must be at least familiar with such processes. You are also expected to communicate results clearly through report writing.

Show potential employers that you know how to successfully navigate the job responsibilities by highlighting your key skills. Here are a few samples to include in your resume:

Technical skills:

• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, and Powerpoint) and Google apps (Docs, Sheets, and Slides)
• Knowledgeable in database management software like Oracle and Microsoft Access
• Deep understanding of data mining and research processes in the field of business development
• Skilled in report writing

Soft Skills:

• Proven leadership skills with the ability to manage a team
• Adaptable to new technology and new methods of data collection
• Capable of critical and analytical thinking as well as decision-making
• Works well with a team in a fast-paced environment

Explain your work experience

Researchers often deal with quantitative data—something you can also use when listing down your professional experience. Support achievements with figures so employers can get a clear idea of your accomplishments.

Example:

FGH Communications

Research Analyst (2018 - 2020)

• Prepared reports and presentations using gathered data, results of which helped the sales department in coming up with new product offerings
• Employed data management tools to increase R&D efficiency
• Streamlined data gathering with research design, allowing the team to increase the accuracy of results by 10%

ABCDE Inc.

Research Assistant (2016 - 2018)

• Performed daily research on relevant news and updates to influence the target market
• Identified key takeaways from market research to determine the specific audience for product development with 98% accuracy
• Conducted multiple FGDs, the results of which were translated into 15 unique project proposals all approved by clients

Bank on your educational background

Your educational background lets the employer know that you meet the educational requirements for the position. With a researcher job, your academic background reveals what you want to focus on and the industry you are passionate about. Include your major coursework and extracurricular activities that reflect your interest in the field.

Example:

BS Market Research and Business Development

ABCDE University, 2012-2016

• Coursework includes Business Communication, Marketing Principles, Economic, and Finance
• Worked as a secretary for external affairs for the university student council (2013-2014)
• Organised marketing efforts for the university's drama club, exceeding expected sales by 10% through diverse marketing channels and networking options (2014-2015)

Ready to look for #JobsThatMatter in the field of research? Update your profile at JobStreet and start looking for a researcher post. The more you search, the more JobStreet learns your preferences. Visit our Career Resources for more tips and insights on how you can build a rewarding career.

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