CV AND COVER

LETTER WRITING
WHAT DO THEY LOOK FOR?
•  Candidates who want THIS position
•  Candidates who will contribute to and succeed in the day-
to-day work, and hopefully later, the field
WHAT IS A CV?
A curriculum vitae (CV) is considered a comprehensive replacement for a resume in
academic and medical careers.
•  Personal Information à Name, address, contact information
•  Research Interests/Objectives à what position you are seeking, key skills you bring
•  Education à School, Major, Anticipated Graduation, GPA
•  Research Experience/Employment Experience à Role, time, description
•  Publications
•  Presentations
•  Research Skills
•  Extracurricular Activities à Role, tie, description
•  Awards/Honors
•  Scholarships/Fellowships
•  Important Classes Taken
•  Other Interests
•  References à Name, position, address, contact information
CV TIPS
•  Keep it concise (2 pages maximum)
•  Cater it to what you’re applying to
•  Use clean and consistent formatting
•  Use strong action words (facilitated, developed, built vs.
worked, did, spent)
•  Make in order of importance
•  Keep it recent (since high school if possible)
•  Highlight what makes you different
ACTION VERBS:
Action verbs are an effective way to begin a skills statement. They help to catch the readers attention and demonstrate both
technical and transferable skills you have used in your experiences.
Accomplishment lectured revised authorized studied grossed
achieved listened revitalized cataloged suggested increased
completed marketed shaped centralized tailored inventoried
decreased mediated solved charted tracked maximized
expanded moderated classified multiplied
exceeded negotiated Helping collected Problem Solving netted
improved observed aided commissioned alleviated profited
increased outlined accommodated committed analyzed projected
oriented participated advised confirmed brainstormed purchased
pioneered persuaded alleviated contracted collaborated quantified
reduced (losses) presented assisted coordinated conceived rated
resolved (issues) promoted assured customized conceptualized reconciled
restored proposed bolstered delegated created recorded
spearheaded publicized coached designated debugged reduced
succeeded reconciled continued designed decided totaled
surpassed recruited cooperated determined deciphered
transformed referred counseled developed detected Technical Skills
won reinforced dealt devised diagnosed adapted
reported eased dispatched engineered applied
Communication resolved elevated established foresaw assembled
addressed responded enabled evaluated formulated build
advertised solicited endorsed facilitated found calculated
arranged specified enhanced forecasted investigated computed
articulated spoke enriched formulated recommended conserved
authored suggested familiarized housed remedied constructed
clarified summarized helped identified remodeled converted
collaborated synthesized interceded implemented repaired debugged
communicated translated mobilized incorporated revamped designed
composed wrote modeled instituted revitalized determined
condensed polished issued satisfied developed
conferred Creative prescribed linked solved engineered
contacted adapted provided logged synthesized fabricated
conveyed began protected mapped out theorized fortified
convinced combined rehabilitated observed installed
corresponded composed relieved obtained Quantitative maintained
debated conceptualized rescued ordered accounted for operated
defined condensed saved organized appraised overhauled
described created served planned approximated printed
developed customized sustained prepared audited programmed
directed designed tutored prioritized balanced regulated
discussed developed validated procured budgeted remodeled
drafted directed programmed calculated repaired
edited displayed Planning & recruited checked replaced
elicited established Organizing rectified compiled restored
enlisted fashioned acquired researched compounded solved
explained formulated activated reserved computed specialized
expressed founded adjusted retrieved conserved spearheaded
formulated illustrated administered revised converted standardized
furnished initiated allocated routed counted studied
influenced integrated altered scheduled dispensed upgrade
interacted introduced anticipated selected dispersed utilized
interpreted invented appointed secured earned
interviewed modeled arranged simplified enumerated
involved modified assembled sought estimated
joined performed assessed straightened figured
judged planned assigned strategize financed
Page 4
 Laura Hergott
Cell: 613-484-4123
12LH40@queensu.ca
Science Quest Instructor
Education:
Currently in second year in the Arts and Science faculty at Queens University in
Kingston, Ontario studying Biochemistry and Mathematics.
Job Experience:
Summer 2014 - Camp Counsellor at Markham Summer Camps (Chess and Games,
Awesome Authors)
Summer 2013 - Camp Counsellor at Markham Summer Camps (Chess and Games,
Awesome Authors, Jr. Sports)
Summer 2012 - Camp Counsellor at Markham Summer Camps (Chess and Games,
Awesome Authors)
Summer 2011 - Camp Counsellor at Markham Summer Camps (Chess and Games,
Awesome Authors).
Summer 2010 - C.I.T at Markham Summer Camps (Chess and Games, Awesome
Authors).
Special Skills:
Seven years experience as a camper with The Town of Markham camps and the Toronto
Metro Zoo camp program.
2004-2009 - Enrolled in the gifted program in the York Region District School Board.
2004 - Identified as intellectually gifted by Psychological Services of the York Region
District School Board.
Achievements:
2014-2015 – Volunteer of the Month for January
2013-2014 – Dean’s Honour List (awarded to an undergraduate student who have
achieved an academic year GPA of 3.50 and above).
2012-2013 - Academic Excellence (awarded to any student with an average above 85%
first term), The HTS Excellence in Student Leadership Award (awarded for outstanding
leadership and significant contribution to the success of specific school initiatives),
Artistic Spirit Award Grade 12 (awarded to the grade 12 student with exemplary work
ethic and artistic technique as well as creativity), Love of Subject Award for Art Grade
12, Certificate of Recognition for Euclid Math Contest (awarded to the students in the top
24% of all students across Canada), Advanced Functions Subject Award (awarded to the
student with the highest mark in this subject), Calculus Subject Award (awarded to the
student with the highest mark in this subject), Visual Arts Subject Award (awarded to the
student with the highest mark in this subject).
2011-2012 - Academic Excellence (awarded to any student with an average above 85%
each term), Earth and Space Subject Award (awarded to the student with the highest
mark in this subject), Visual Arts Subject Award (awarded to the student with the highest
1 2
mark in this subject), Medal for Fermat Math Contest (awarded to the students in the
country between in the range of 125-130 out of 150), Certificate of Recognition for
Fermat Math Contest (awarded to the students in the top 25% of all students across
Canada), Headmasters Award for Academic Excellence Grade 11 (awarded to the
students with an average above 90%).
Specialized Training:
Completed Standard First Aid and CPR “C” June 23, 2013.
Completed High Five Healthy Child Development August 6, 2009.
Completed Leadership in Training Program August 7, 2009.
Volunteer Work:
March 2015 – Volunteer at the Department Showcase for Biochemistry during March
Break Open House (answered questions from incoming students)
2014-2015 - Co-Chair of Afterschool Buddies (a volunteer program run through the
Faculty of Arts and Science where students volunteer at the Boys and Girls Club in
Kingston from 3-6 pm)
2014-2015 - Women in Science and Engineering Volunteer (volunteer biweekly at
Winston Churchill Public School in Kingston doing science experiments with girls aged
11-12 and participated in EngSci Day in the winter term)
October 2014 – Queen’s University Homecoming Volunteer (tree planter)
2013-2014 - Women in Science and Engineering Volunteer (volunteer biweekly at the
Boys and Girls Club at St Patrick Catholic School in Kingston and once a month at the
Girl Guides Kingston branch doing science experiments with children aged 6-10)
October 2013 - Queen’s University Homecoming Volunteer (meet and greet host, alumni
relations football game ambassador and volunteer tree planter)
2011-2012 - Volunteer at Markham Food Bank
2011-2012 - Peer Tutoring at Holy Trinity School in Math and Science
2010-2011 - Peer Tutoring at Holy Trinity School in Math and Science
2009-2010 - Dance Teacher Assistant at Elite Danceworx in Markham, Ontario every
Friday
Interests and Activities:
2014-2015 - Member of the Queen’s Climbing Club
2014 - Arts and Science Orientation Leader at Queen’s University
2013-2014 - Member of the Queen’s Climbing Club
2013 - Member of the Queen’s Yoga Club
2005-2013 - Eight years as a competitive member of the Elite Danceworx Team (This
includes attending numerous conventions and competitions each year. I have received
special recognition in ballet and contemporary, achieved Senior Level Two of Russian
ballet Veganova method and have worked with renowned choreographers such as Blake
McGrath)
2012-2013 - Student Council Homeroom Representative
2012-2013 - Head of Senior School Art Council at Holy Trinity School (responsible for
holding weekly meetings, making public announcements and organizing events for the
entire school)
 Laura Hergott
(613) 484-4123 12LH40@queensu.ca
PROFILE
Focused and personable biochemistry major student, avid to expand my experimental skills and
laboratory technique. Highly accountable, dedicated team player, motivated to create a positive,
working environment. Eager to accept new challenges and apply well developed problem solving
and critical thinking skills. Special interest in epigenetics and molecular medicine.
EDUCATION
Honours BSc. Biochemistry 2013-Anticipated Graduation 2017
Queen’s University, Kingston, ON
GPA 4.07
EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE
Instructor, Science Quest, Kingston, ON Sept-Apr 2015-2017
• Facilitated 10 sessions of science and engineering based curriculum for children aged 9-13
including chemical experiments, computer coding and various critical thinking challenges
• Built strong leadership and collaborative skills working in a team of instructors to provide a
safe and well-run program
Research Intern, German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), May-Aug 2016
Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
• Characterized the DREAM/B-myb complex in vitro using an inducible shRNA expression
lentiviral system in human cancer cell lines during summer scholarship program in Germany
• Scholarship funding provided by DAAD, the German Chemical Society (GDCh), and the
German Chemical Industry Association (VCI)
Research Student, Laboratory of Medicine and Pathobiology, May-Aug 2015
University of Toronto; Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON
• Validated high throughput diagnostic assay for MLH1 methylation analysis used to diagnose
familial cancer syndrome
• Learned proper laboratory practice, expanded experimental skills and research experience
Camp Counsellor, City of Markham Summer Camps, Markham, ON Jun-Aug 2011-2014
• Successfully designed and executed 8 week camp programs in Chess and Games (ages 6-
12), Awesome Authors (ages 5-10) and Jr. Sports (ages 4-6) for 4 years
• Developed patience, perseverance and creativity in order to accommodate a variety of
learning styles, physical and learning disabilities, allergies and behavioral disorders
• Mentored Counsellor’s in Training to develop problem solving, safety awareness and initiative
CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
Hergott, L., Pangan-Mathurin, S., Mitri, A., Pollett, A. & Charames, G. (Nov 2015). Validation of
MethyLight as a diagnostic test for MLH1 methylation analysis. Poster presented at the
Canadian Undergraduate Conference on Healthcare in Kingston, Ontario.
nd
*Received 2 Place Poster Award
1 2
RESEARCH SKILLS
• Mammalian cell culture techniques and assays including flow cytometry (FACS), colony
formation assay, and cell staining using immunofluorescence
• Protein analytical methods including generating whole cell lysates, Bradford and Lowry
Assays, column chromatography, SDS-gel electrophoresis, and Western Blots
• Nucleic acid analytical methods including RNA and DNA isolation, cDNA synthesis and
quantification (using Nanodrop spectrophotometer (Thermo Scientific)), and Real-time PCR
reactions using fluorescent hydrolysis probes
• Titrations, recrystallizations, and spectroscopy techniques (UV, IR, and NMR)
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word and Powerpoint
ACADEMIC AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Queen’s University, Kingston, ON
Dean’s Honour List - For GPA >3.50. 2015-2016
Dean’s Honour List - For GPA >3.50. 2014-2015
Dean’s Honour List - For GPA >3.50. 2013-2014
Memorial Scholarship - For academic merit to first year students.
Excellence Scholarship - For high school average 90-95%.
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Member of Departmental Student Council Queen’s University, Kingston, ON 2015-2017
• 2016-2017 - Chair of Academics for Biochemistry, and assisted in other council initiatives
• 2015-2016 - Fundraising Committee, and assisted in other council initiatives
Cancer Triad Volunteer Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, ON 2015-2016
• Stationed in the cancer outpatient wing, answered general questions, guided patients
throughout the hospital and assisted patients completing their Symptom Assessment survey
Co-Chair of Afterschool Buddies (Boys and Girls Club volunteer program) 2014-2015
• Interviewed, selected and scheduled volunteers, facilitated meetings, planned fundraising
and awareness activities, and managed program budget
Women in Science and Engineering Volunteer 2013-2015
• Designed and led creative science experiments for girls aged 11-12 at Winston Churchill
P.S., 6-10 at St Patrick Catholic School and at the Girl Guides Kingston branch
• Facilitated critical thinking science challenges during EngSci Day to inspire girls aged 5-13
Arts and Science Orientation Leader Sept 2014
• Guided first year students through Orientation Week, creating a positive experience
introducing them to their new community and university life
• Mentored, provided academic and extracurricular advice; supported living away from home
Homecoming Volunteer Oct 2014, 2013
• University ambassador for returning alumni including: Meet and Greet Host, Alumni Relations
Football Game Ambassador and volunteer tree planter
OTHER INTERESTS
Physical Activities: Rock Climbing (bouldering and top rope), Slacklining, Yoga and Dance
Studying Abroad: 3 weeks in Italy learning Beginner Italian (2014) and 14 weeks in Germany as a
Research Intern (2016)
References available upon request.
YOUR COVER LETTER
•  It continues or starts a conversation about work or education
•  Introduce yourself! What would you say when sitting face-to-
face with your future employer?
•  It is your chance to make a great first impression or continue
a conversation that has already been started
•  It shows your professionalism and helps them get to know
you
•  It illustrates the connections between you and the work
•  Clearly show the match between your resume and cover letter
with what the employer needs and what you can contribute
•  Write professionally, using your own “voice”
•  Craft and review your correspondence with care
COVER LETTER TIPS
•  Not more than 1-2 pages
•  Personalize your cover letter
•  In first sentence, identify the position sought by name and
how you learned of it
•  Use an active voice to make your cover letter as
interesting and easy to read
•  Highlight 2 or 3 dimensions of your application that will
persuade them to read on
•  Cleary describe how they will benefit from choosing you
•  Include best way to contact you in the closing paragraph
•  Thank employer for their consideration
 January 15, 2016
(613) 484-4123
laura.hergott@hotmail.ca
To Katja Simon,

As a motivated and eager young academic, my aspiration is to pursue a research career in

the field of biochemistry and I am seeking both knowledge and experience from a summer internship Briefly who I am and why
position. Throughout my university education, the decision to pursue a future that focuses on
research evolved and after working as a research student this past summer in a molecular
diagnostics lab, my choice solidified. Eager to combine my love of science with my passion for new
I’m applying (including my
experiences, the opportunity to travel to Germany and work on such outstanding and innovative
projects such as those available through RISE, really captured my interest. I have a specific focus in
genomics, biomedicine and drug development but am eager to explore all areas of biochemistry.
future goals and research
Having always been interested in cancer, I recently developed and validated a diagnostic
test to quantify the methylation pattern of a particular tumour suppressor gene involved in colorectal
interests)
cancer. The laboratory that I was working in as a summer student, focused on the diagnosis of
breast, ovarian and colorectal cancers. This included diagnostic tests for mutations such as K-RAS
and thus, during weekly lab meetings, I had the opportunity to hear about the diagnostic processes.
However, throughout the summer, I was always more intrigued with the effect of the mutations, Why I think their research
rather than the identification of it. I chose biochemistry as my focus because I wanted to be able to
understand and explain the mechanisms at a molecular level that allow us to live every day. I always
want to understand the exact process in place and how each individual molecule contributes. I am
is awesome
excited that in this project, it is the effects and role of B-MYB and DREAM that is being investigated,
rather than diagnosing the final outcome. I am especially interested in learning about using a mouse
model to study the development of lung cancer. I am excited to have the opportunity to learn more
about such techniques and processes.
As you can see from my Curriculum Vitae I will have completed third year at Queen’s
University by the summer. I am majoring in Biochemistry, with a special focus in Mathematics and
currently hold a cumulative GPA of 4.0. I am well adept in basic laboratory techniques and am avid
to learn more. As mentioned, I worked at Toronto’s Mount Sinai Hospital in a molecular diagnostics
lab last summer and spent 12 weeks developing, optimizing, and validating a diagnostic assay for
MLH1 methylation analysis used to diagnose a familial cancer syndrome. This, as well as my
previous work experience as a seasoned camp counsellor has allowed me to develop my
interpersonal skills, a team player attitude, exceptional leadership abilities and customer service
skills. In the fall semester of my third year, I was enrolled in two laboratory courses: Introductory
Why I am awesome and
Biochemistry Laboratory and Experimental Chemistry. Both involved working very closely with my
professors and being exposed to a wide range of experimental techniques. I pay extreme attention
to detail, work efficiently and learn exceptionally fast. During this academic year, as well as excelling
you should hire me
in my academic courses, I am on the Biochemistry Department Student Council, volunteer weekly in
the Cancer Centre at Kingston General Hospital, have a part time job as an instructor for Science
Quest (a science and engineering based program for boys and girls aged 6-12), and am also a
devoted rock climber in my spare time. With my passion for being involved, I have been able to well
develop both my time management and organizational skills.
I am confident that with my strong ambition to succeed and motivation to excel at everything
I do, I would be a valuable member of your summer research team. I would greatly appreciate an
opportunity to discuss projects in your laboratory or to participate in any online personal interviews I Please hire me
am asked for. I look forward to hearing from you and thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Laura Hergott
EMAIL TIPS
•  Keep is short
•  Explain who you are and why you’re emailing
•  Attach your CV and transcript (they’ll ask for it anyways)
•  Send from your school email
•  Make it personalized
•  Highlight your best qualities
Dear Dr. Charames,

My name is Laura Hergott and I am a biochemistry student

at Queen’s University, living in Toronto this summer. I
intend to pursue a career in academic research and am
eager to attain a summer research assistant role to gain
both laboratory knowledge and valuable research Briefly who I am and why
experience this coming May until August. Although I am I’m emailing (including my
specifically interested in biomedicine, genomics and drug
development, I am enthusiastic to explore all areas of future goals and research
research in today’s laboratories.
interests)
I understand that your laboratory focuses on improving
clinical diagnostics for breast, ovarian and colorectal
cancers by utilizing genomic sequencing to improve
individualized medicine. With a personal family history of
cancer, and my own passion for science, the work you
do greatly interests me. I would love to be a part of your
research team this summer, in any capacity I can. Your use Why your research is
of genetic sequencing fascinates me and I would love to
learn more about this area of study. awesome

I have attached both my CV and my cover letter for your

review. I would greatly appreciate any opportunity to meet
with you or discuss projects your laboratory is doing. I
look forward to hearing from you and thank you for your
time. Please hire me

Sincerely,

Laura Hergott
Hello Dr. Craig,

My name is Laura Hergott and I am a third year Biochemistry Who I am and

student seeking a supervisor for a fourth year thesis project. I why I’m emailing
aspire to pursue a career in research and hope to gain both
(including my
knowledge and experience from a thesis project in my fourth
future goals and
year. I have a specific focus in genomics, cancer and drug
development but am eager to explore all areas of biochemistry. research
Last summer I worked in a molecular diagnostics lab that interests)
focused on the diagnosis of breast, ovarian and colorectal cancers.
Over 12 weeks I developed, optimized, and validated a diagnostic
assay for MLH1 methylation analysis used to diagnose Hereditary
Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer. Throughout the summer I was Why I’m awesome
focused on the diagnosis of cancer, but was always intrigued with
the research that came before. I would love to learn more about
the molecular mechanisms involved in the development of such
cancers and about the research process. I understand that your lab
Why you’re awesome
focuses on developing novel anti-metastasis therapies by
targeting actin branching and polymerization in certain cancer
models. I am extremely interested in your research and would
greatly appreciate an opportunity to discuss projects in your Please hire me
laboratory. I have attached both my unofficial transcript and
Curriculum Vitae for your review. I look forward to hearing from
you and thank you for your time.

Laura Hergott
 HOW DO YOU THINK JANE DID?
Dear Professor Jones,

I am a third year biochemistry student with an interest in laboratory research. I have taken all of
the required biochemistry courses with laboratory components, as well as a comprehensive
chemistry laboratory course (Chemistry 398). Additionally, I worked in a biology laboratory for a
Queen’s professor last summer.

I am interested in the LC-MS/MS technology used in your laboratory, as well as your research on
Vitamin D metabolics, and clinical effects of mutations in this pathway. As your research closely
matches my interests, I would greatly appreciate it if you would consider me for a position in your
laboratory this summer.

I believe my passion for science and exceptional work ethic make me an excellent choice for a
summer position student. I also understand the importance of working well with others and know
that I can contribute to a positive work environment. I have a current overall GPA of ---, and
participate in multiple volunteering opportunities within the school.

Thank you for taking the time to review my enclosed transcript. I look forward to speaking with
you about how I can contribute to your laboratory this summer. If you need to reach me, please
do so at email@queensu.ca.

Jane Smith
IMPORTANT DO’S AND
DON’TS
•  DON’T use colloquial language
•  DO have someone else proofread
•  DON’T be afraid to brag about yourself
•  DO use the cover letter to highlight key aspects of your CV
•  DON’T use too many abbreviations
•  DO explain positions held on your CV (your role and what
you gained from the experience that makes you a better
candidate)
•  DON’T be afraid to put yourself out there and apply!!!
 COVER
CV LETTER EMAIL
Personal Information •  Introduce yourself, and
Research Interests/Objectives
•  Keep it short
identify position sought and •  Explain who you are
Education how you learned of it
Research Experience and why you’re emailing
Employment Experience •  Clearly show the match •  Attach your CV and
Publications between your resume and transcript
Presentations cover letter with what the
Research Skills employer needs and what you •  Make it personalized
Extracurricular Activities can contribute •  Highlight your best
Awards/Honors
•  Write professionally but use qualities
Scholarships
Important Classes Taken your own voice
Other Interests
References •  Include best way to contact
you in the closing paragraph
•  Action words •  Thank employer for their
•  Order of relevance consideration
•  Highlight what makes you
different