How to Write a Great Geologist Resume
Getting a geologist job interview is very difficult without a properly written resume. It must be well laid out, demonstrate your competence in geology, and be tailored to the specifications of the job.
You should not send the exact same resume to multiple employers. Tailoring your resume for specific geology jobs is very important if you want to show the employer that you meet their exact qualifications. After all, employers list certain qualifications on their job postings because those are qualities they are looking for in an ideal candidate.
Your resume will likely list many of the same main elements from one job to the next, you will probably only have to make small modifications to show that you are the ideal candidate for a certain job. Such modifications are usually as simple as highlighting a certain skill set.
The Geological Society of the U.K. provides some excellent tips on how to properly tailor your resume for geologist jobs, we’ve highlighted some of them below:
Choosing a proper layout
Choose a layout that enables you to present details of your accomplishments in geological and geo-technical fields. This should include a series of sub-sections followed a list of specifics. For example, under the heading "Areas of Expertise," you might include bullets points such as "Prospecting and mineral assessments," or "Core logging and reserve evaluations."
Include an introductory section
Create an introductory section beginning with your contact information at the top of the page. Directly below, create a "Career Snapshot" that includes a brief summary of your professional experience, technical skills and career objectives. Use language that is specific to geology. For example, you might note that you have experience in igneous rock and fission track dating.
Include an objective that calls attention to your skill set. For example, you might say that you seek an opportunity to use your expertise in geological and geochemical mapping and sampling.
Adding a professional experience section
Add a "Professional Experience" section that provides details of your career including the name of the employer, the dates worked, and the job title. Begin with your current or most recent position. For each position use bullet points to highlight specific responsibilities that confirm your skills and versatility as a geologist. For example, you might say that you were "responsible for detailed topographical maps and geographical strategies."
Adding a Notable Accomplishments section
Add a "Notable Accomplishments" section that lets you cite some of your major accomplishments as a geologist. Go beyond vague and generic entries. Instead, include details such as "Identified previously unknown deposits of cobalt during survey of the Kunar province of Afghanistan, April 2014," or "Nominated for the Geological Society of America's President's Metal, September 2013."
Adding an Education and Formal Training Section
Adding a section that outlines your formal training or teaching experience is an "Educational Qualifications" section. Begin each entry with the name of the degree. Next, identify the name and address of the educational institution in the following line. Use bullet points to note geological studies or seminars you participated in.
Adding a section to further outline your commitment to geology
Add a section toward the end of your resume that outlines activities that further demonstrate your commitment to the field of geology. Under the heading "Activities," list your memberships in geological organizations or volunteer work you have done, such as mentoring geology students.
Geologist Jobs
We get new job postings every day! Visit our job board to search for geologist job opportunities.
Fatal Resume Errors for Geologists to Avoid
It’s hard enough to get your foot in the door with a company. If an employer is taking a serious look at your resume, you’re 90% of the way to getting a geologist job. Having the employer throw your resume out because of some small error can result in laying waste to all the work you’ve put in to get to that point. Avoid the following fatal resume errors at all cost:
Grammatical errors: Typos and grammatical errors in a resume, email, or other correspondence demonstrates sloppiness and poor attention to detail.
No cover letter: Sending a resume without a cover letter. Don’t be lazy, include a cover letter that allows you to introduce yourself and say things about yourself that a resume can’t show.
Overlooking references: If you are listing a reference, ask their permission first, and make sure their contact information is accurate.
Career Path Guide for Becoming a Geologist
Now that you have a good idea of how to craft a standout geologist resume, you may want to review the qualifications needed to become a geologist.
To get a good idea of who hires geologists, and how to approach them, visit our How to Get a Job as a Geologist guide.
