To succeed in the competitive life-sciences job market, your CV must be clear, relevant, and instantly compelling.
Employers in biotech, medtech, and pharmaceutical sectors aren’t just scanning for job titles, they’re looking for concise evidence of your technical skills, regulatory knowledge, and how you contribute in highly regulated environments.
A strong CV doesn’t need to be flashy, but it does need to show you understand the standards of the industry and how you meet them.
At SEDA Talent, we review hundreds of CVs each month.
Here are the most important ways to make your CV stand out:
Start with a clear and relevant profile
Avoid vague descriptors, your personal summary should give a clear snapshot of your expertise, sector focus, and career goals.
In life sciences, the most effective CVs include:
- Your core discipline (e.g., QA, R&D, regulatory affairs, manufacturing)
- Years of experience and sector (biotech, medtech, pharma, or CRO)
- Key certifications or specialisms (e.g., ISO 13485, GMP, cleanroom experience)
- What you’re looking for in your next role (contract, permanent, leadership track, etc.)
This short summary sets the context for your application, and helps recruiters quickly understand your strengths and focus.
Prioritise achievements, not just responsibilities
Too many Life Science CVs list generic duties “oversaw quality audits”, “maintained lab records”, or “supported regulatory submissions”.
Where possible, reframe this information to show outcomes and achievements:
- “Led a successful ISO 13485:2016 transition across two product lines”
- “Reduced deviation response time by 25% through process mapping”
- “Supported 3 successful product submissions to HPRA and EMA”
Numbers, project names, and impact help hiring managers see your value clearly.
Highlight sector-specific skills and systems
Life sciences is a highly specialised sector, and showcasing the tools, systems, and standards you work with is essential.
Include relevant technical proficiencies, such as:
- Regulatory: GMP, GLP, GCP, ISO 13485, MDR, 21 CFR Part 11
- Systems: TrackWise, Veeva Vault, SAP, LIMS
- Lab skills: PCR, HPLC, ELISA, aseptic technique
- Manufacturing: cleanroom protocols, batch release, deviation handling
A well-structured ‘Technical Skills’ section helps both screening software and hiring managers quickly recognise your strengths.
Include soft skills that matter in regulated environments
Communication, problem-solving, and adaptability aren’t filler skills in this sector, they’re essential. Especially in cross-functional teams or QA roles.
If you’ve taken part in audits, led a team, delivered training, or adapted to new regulatory frameworks, make that visible:
- “Delivered internal GMP training across production teams”
- “Worked across QA and manufacturing to reduce CAPAs”
- “Supported site-wide audit readiness during MHRA inspections”
Tailor your Life Sciences CV for the role
Whether you’re applying to a permanent R&D role, or a short-term contract in QA, it pays to adjust your CV to highlight the most relevant experience.
That might mean:
- Moving certain projects or roles to the top
- Adding or removing specific systems or skills
- Adjusting your personal summary to reflect the contract type
A targeted CV is far more likely to resonate with hiring managers than a generic, one-size-fits-all version.
Final checks before you submit
✔ Use UK English spelling and keep consistent formatting
✔ Keep it to 2 pages if possible (3 max for senior roles)
✔ Include your location, work eligibility, and contact details
✔ Save and submit as a PDF (unless requested otherwise)
Your next role starts with a smarter CV
At SEDA Talent, we empower life-sciences professionals to showcase their expertise with confidence and clarity. Whether you’re chasing your next permanent position or eyeing contract roles, we’ll help you create a CV that grabs hiring managers’ attention and puts your skills front and center, giving you the edge to land the opportunities you deserve.
