Geologist Resume: Examples and Tips
Geologists research the earth, gathering data about its composition and processes, and studying its history. To succeed at this job, you should be proficient at collecting, analyzing, and modeling physical samples, and be adept at data analysis and research. This position usually calls for a master’s degree in geology or geoscience.
To build an effective geologist resume that withstands the scrutiny of hiring managers, use these resume tips and examples.
Table of Contents
Featured resume example: geologist
Name: RYAN STOKES
Address: City, State, Zip Code
Phone: 000-000-0000
E-Mail: email@email.com
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Bright and research oriented Geologist focused on gathering information and analyzing data. Energetic and hands-on with ability
to characterize sediment, perform studies, and complete textile modeling. Ready to tackle any challenge with positive attitude.
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
- Installs and maintains laboratory and field equipment.
- Conducts scientific tests on samples to determine their content and
characteristics. - Records data from tests and compile information from reports, computer databases, and other sources.
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
Physical stamina:
Company Name, City, State
- Collects soil, sediment, rock and core samples from various field sites.
- Investigates the physical and chemical properties of rocks and soil.
- Produces relevent data samples through field mapping andMTI International,Alexandria,WA excavation.
Critical-thinking:
Company Name, City, State
- Administers research on the formation and extraction of earth11/2011
materials. - Studies the effects of erosion and sedimentation; and information from reports, geochemical surveys, imagery, and maps.
- Applies geological, historical and environmental science to earth-based planetary bodies.
Analytical skills:
Company Name, City, State
- Documents geological formations on a map, such as rock patterns Earth Sciences and distribution.
- Uses seismic methods to study the earth’s internal structure.
- Determines findings through the relay of rock core logging data.
WORK HISTORY
Geologist,
07/2018toCurrent
Company Name, City, State
Assistant Geological Technician,
02/2014 to 10/2017
Company Name, City, State
Biological Science Aide,
06/2009 to 11/2011
Company Name, City, State
SKILLS
- Characterizing sediment
- Preparing reports
- Conducting research
- Conducting site suitability studies
- Completing explorations
- Data organization
- Information digitizing
- Modeling abilities
EDUCATION
Master of Science,Geological And Earth Sciences,City, State
Top 4 characteristics of a best-in-class geologist resume
- Summary Optimize your summary to fit your employer’s needs by highlighting the right skills, accomplishments and work history in a few short sentences. For example: “Meticulous geologist with experience developing detailed subsurface evaluations by collecting, integrating, and evaluating multiple data types. Proficient in isopach, structure, contour, bubble and location maps.”
- Skills Examine the requirements for the job, and feature skills in this section that fit with what the job needs, such as proficiency with specific geologic software, or the ability to supervise field operations. Don’t forget to include crucial soft skills such as a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and good verbal and written communication skills.
- Work history Focus on your achievements rather than standard duties, and how you’ve used your top skills. For example: “Provided operational support for a multi-well drilling program including developing well paths, managing 20+ surveyors and securing permits.”
- Education In addition to your academic degree (e.g., college diploma), include training or certifications that apply to geological work, such as completion of a Certified Coal Geologist program.
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Do’s and don’ts for your resume
- DO categorize your skills. Rather than just presenting your skills in a single grouping, break your skills section into important categories, such as “technical skills” and “soft skills.” This is especially helpful if you lack professional experience and need to rely on a robust skills section to impress a potential employer. For more suggestions on key hard and soft skills to include, visit our Top Skills page.
- DO quantify your work experiences and achievements. Make your accomplishments stand out by using metrics and data to describe them. For example: “Monitored performance and costs associated with drilling, identifying improvements that reduced costs by 23%” makes a stronger impression than “Monitored performance and costs associated with drilling, identifying improvements for cost reduction.”
- DO employ action verbs. Action verbs indicate to hiring managers that you’re proactive and can get things done. For example, writing “Was responsible for research” doesn’t provide the same punch as “Administered research.” Make sure to employ action verbs such as managed, executed, implemented, or oversaw whenever you explain your work history or major achievements.
- DON’T overdo it on jargon and acronyms. You might want to litter your resume with technical terms or acronyms to show off your knowledge, but keep in mind that hiring managers might not be aware of the terms you use. Organize your abilities and experience so that a layperson can read it, spelling out acronyms where needed.
- DON’T exaggerate your skills or experiences. Always stick to the facts when describing your capabilities and accomplishments. Back up your abilities with verifiable, tangible metrics instead of using terms that don’t mean anything by themselves, such as “best-in-class.” Even a mild fib can be taken as a lie if it’s found out, resulting in negative consequences.
- DON’T make your resume too lengthy. Recruiters usually only take a few seconds to read a resume, so don’t go overboard on length. Single out achievements and skills that the employer needs, rather than listing every job responsibility and skill you have. Limit your work history to the last 10 years, and as in our examples, use short, punchy phrases and bullet points instead of long-winded sentences. Aim for a length of 2twoes at most.
Geologist resume FAQ
- 1. What skills should you consider for a geologist resume?
- 2. How should you format your resume?
- 3. How can I tailor my resume for the job?
- 4. What are some examples of training and certifications that fit this resume?
- 5. How should you craft your resume if you’re looking to take the next step forward in your career?
1. What skills should you consider for a geologist resume?
| Technical skills: | Soft skills: |
| Report preparation and presentation | Excellent communication skills |
| Completing explorations | Analytical skills |
| Conducting research | Flexibility |
| Site suitability studies | Versatility |
| Field data and sample collection | Patience |
| Data organization | Collaboration |
| Modeling abilities | Team management |
| Proficiency with job-specific software and apps |
| Technical skills: |
| Report preparation and presentation |
| Completing explorations |
| Conducting research |
| Site suitability studies |
| Field data and sample collection |
| Data organization |
| Modeling abilities |
| Proficiency with job-specific software and apps |
| Soft skills: |
| Excellent communication skills |
| Analytical skills |
| Flexibility |
| Versatility |
| Patience |
| Collaboration |
| Team management |
2. How should you format your resume?
Use a chronological format for your resume if you can show consistent work experience and career progress, as this format features your work history first and foremost. You can also use a combination format, which presents a balanced mix of relevant work accomplishments and skills. If you lack professional experience, go with the functional format, which focuses on your job-ready skills and training.
3. How can I tailor my resume for the job?
Your resume should be unique for each job you apply to, so take the time to customize it for each opportunity. Look through the job description, pick out important skills and responsibilities, and make sure you address these areas in your own resume. For example, if the job stresses overseeing and working with subcontractors while performing fieldwork, feature skills and work experiences that tie in with this requirement. See our article How to Create a Targeted Resume for more tips.
4. What are some examples of training and certifications that fit this resume?
- Certified Professional Geologist
- AAPG Certified Petroleum Geologist
- Geologist-In-Training (GIT)
- IEEE Certification
5. How should you craft your resume if you’re looking to take the next step forward in your career?
To move up to a more senior role, focus on the following areas in your resume:
- Show examples of your proficiency in handling data collection and analysis, as well as overseeing field work.
- Show your ability to manage, mentor and collaborate with others in tasks that require leadership.
- Advanced training, certifications or coursework in specialized areas, e.g., state professional geologist certification, or completion of a Certified Professional Geologists (CPG) program.
- AIPB Certified Bookkeeper
- NACPB Licensed Bookkeeper
- QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor Certification
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