Lab Assistant Resume—Sample, Job Description & Tips

You’re the backbone of every lab. Combining your organizational, technical, and analytical skills ensures that lab results are delivered on time. But if you want to land your dream lab, you have to prove your technical expertise to a rigorous hiring committee. 

You need an effective lab assistant resume to leave your competitors behind and impress the hiring manager. 

In this guide:

• A lab assistant resume sample that gets jobs.
• How to ace your lab assistant job description on a resume.
• How to write a resume for a lab assistant that gets the interview.
• Expert tips and examples to boost your chances of landing a lab assistant job.

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Looking for another technical position? Take a look at our guides:

• Biology Resume
• Chemistry Resume
• Data Scientist Resume
• Engineering Internship Resume
• Engineering Resume
• Engineering Student Resume
• Lab Technician Resume
• Science Research Resume
• Science Resume
• Technical Resume
• Tech Support Resume
• Best Resumes for Every Job

Lab Assistant Resume Sample

Lab assistants support all technical areas of laboratory work—from labeling and processing all specimens for testing to operating laboratory equipment. The purpose of your lab assistant resume is to highlight your technical knowledge and the skills that make you a great fit for the role. 

Here’s how to write an equally good lab assistant resume:

1. Start With the Right Lab Assistant Resume Format

You understand the importance of following strict laboratory procedures. They can make or break any test. The same applies to your lab assistant resume. Follow these resume formatting tips, and your chances of getting hired will skyrocket. 

Why is using the proper resume format so important? 

Because most companies and organizations nowadays use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan incoming resumes… and as much as 75% of applications get rejected by the software. Good formatting that makes your resume ATS-compliant is essential. 

Lab Assistant Resume Format

• Apply the reverse-chronological resume format. It will highlight your most recent accomplishments. 
• Use an easy-to-read resume font. You can’t go wrong with the classics—Times New Roman, Arial, or Helvetica.
• Leave 1-inch margins on all sides of your resume. 
• Submit a resume that’s the right length: one page, if possible. 
• Include these resume sections to provide the reader with all necessary information: Header, Summary, Experience, Education, Skills, and Additional information. 

Once you’ve crafted the perfect lab assistant resume format, save your resume as a PDF. A PDF format will be readable by ATS, helping your resume pass the first round of the application process. 

2. Write an Attention-Grabbing Lab Assistant Resume Objective or Summary

Ok, so you have the formula for the lab assistant resume. What’s the next step?

Introduce yourself using a resume profile—either a career summary or an objective. If you already have some professional experience, write a resume career summary. Here’s the formula: 

1. One adjective (diligent, hard-working, friendly)
2. Job title (Lab assistant)
3. Years of experience (2+, 3+)
4. What can you do to help (assist with receiving, identifying, accessioning, and storing specimens)
5. Your top 2–3 achievements (provided 99.9% error-free specimen documentation)

But what to do if you’re only starting your white coat journey?

Write a resume objective statement instead! Note down any transferable skills you’ve gained in previous gigs, university projects you’re proud of, or volunteer experience, and show you have what it takes to succeed in your new role as a lab assistant.

Expert Hint: Writing a resume profile can be difficult. To make the job easier, write it once you’ve covered other sections of your resume; you’ll undoubtedly do a better job then!

3. Create the Perfect Lab Assistant Job Description and Skills Sections

The work experience section is the most crucial section of your lab assistant resume. Luckily, there are some rules you can (and should) follow to nail it and land your dream job. 

First up, it’s important to target your resume to the job ad that caught your attention. There’s nothing more discouraging than reading a generic resume. 

Secondly, focus on your proudest professional achievements rather than dull everyday tasks. Don’t waste any time on irrelevant pieces of information. Keep in mind that you only have a few seconds to grab the recruiter’s attention, so use that time wisely! 

How to write a compelling job description for a lab assistant:

1. Read the job ad carefully. 
2. Note down skills and requirements—they will serve as your resume keywords. 
3. Think of times you’ve used those skills to impress your supervisors. 
4. Turn those examples into resume bullet points, and apply numbers and action words where possible. 

How to stand out even further in the Petri dish of skilled candidates? With a tailored resume skills section. 

Once again, consult the job ad and highlight the skills they need from their future colleagues. Then, mention only those skills in your lab assistant resume. Remember, less is often more! 7–10 skills will definitely be enough. Here’s a list to get you inspired:

Lab Assistant Skills—Resume Example

• Cleaning, maintaining and calibrating equipment
• Data analysis
• Sample collection, prep, and analysis
• Equipment knowledge
• OSHE
• CLIA
• CAP
• PPE use
• Experiment preparation
• Interpersonal Skills
• Communication Skills
• Computer Skills
• Technical Skills
• Time Management Skills

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4. Make Your Education Section Stand Out

Of course, you have to add an education section to your lab assistant resume. But make it easy for the recruiter to identify all the necessary information. 

For experienced candidates, the job is simple. Simply list your highest completed degree, name of the college/school, and graduation date, and you’re all done. If you’re writing a resume with no experience, put more effort into this section to stand out. 

Add extra bullet points with:

• Extracurricular activities
• Relevant coursework
• Special projects
• Academic achievements
• GPA (but only if it’s 3.7 or higher)

Expert Hint: For lab assistant resumes with no experience beyond an internship or two, consider listing your education first. If you did well in college and you’re applying for an entry-level position, your academic achievements may be more impactful than a two-month internship, for instance. 

5. Include Extra Sections on Your Lab Assistant Resume

Last but not least—extra sections on your lab assistant resume. Whether you’re an experienced candidate or just starting on your career, extra sections will help you stand out in the crowd. Think of: 

• Additional Activities
• Foreign Languages
• Awards
• Hobbies and Interests
• Volunteering
• Certifications
• Professional References

Expert Hint: Unless stated otherwise in the job ad, write a cover letter that will accompany your resume. A cover letter will allow you to include some extra pieces of information that may tilt the scale in your favor. 

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Key Points

To write a job-winning lab assistant resume, remember to:

• Use the lab assistant resume template from above. It’s easy to read and will highlight your work experience and skills. 
• Put your achievements in the resume profile, work history, and education sections. Use numbers and action words to show you’re the right candidate for the job. 
• Target your lab assistant resume with the proper selections of skills. Read the job ad carefully to identify the skills needed for the job. 
• Write a lab assistant cover letter. Use it to state your case and ensure you’ll get an invite to the next round of the recruitment process. 

Thank you for reading, I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide! Do you have any unanswered questions about writing a great lab assistant resume? Perhaps you’re still unsure how to write a lab assistant resume with no experience? Leave us a comment, we’re ready to chat!

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