Writing a Cover Letter

Writing a Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Writing a Resume

• Apply early and broadly.
  • Most labs hire on rolling timelines. The earlier you apply, the more likely your materials get read.
• Tailor every application.
  • Mention the lab’s research area, the PI’s recent projects/papers, and the skills you bring that match their methods.
• Your Resume/CV should highlight relevant experiences only.
  • Include research experience, technical skills (e.g., R, Python, SPSS, Qualtrics, REDCap, etc.), presentations and posters, relevant coursework or clinical experiences.
  • Use short bullet points that show what you did, not just what the lab studied.
• Write a direct, professional email to PIs (when/if appropriate).
  • 3-4 sentences is enough: who you are, your research interests, why their lab, and your attached materials.
• Demonstrate trainability.
  • You don’t need every skill listed, just show how you can learn quickly and take feedback well.
• Use your network.
  • Ask professors, TAs, or graduate students if they know about lab hiring. A single forwarded email can open doors.
• Track Everything.
  • Use a spreadsheet for deadlines, contacts, and application status. It keeps you organized and reduces stress.
• Prepare for interviews.
  • Be ready to discuss your role in past projects, what you learned, why you want to work in this specific lab, and your long‑term goals (even if tentative).