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How To Build Resume

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Session will be divided in three parts:

  1. What is Resume, mechanism behind hiring and how resume works
  2. Contents in the Resume
  3. Formatting of the Resume

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What is Resume �and

Why It is important?

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What is Resume �and

Why It is important?

  • Resume ≠ Biodata
  • A document to showcase your skills
  • Describes what you bring to a specific job
  • Helps recruiter understand why you’re a fit
  • It's not about you as a person — it’s about you as a professional

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Name

Full address

Contact

Boold group

Marital status

Education- Pharma Degree + B.A degree (open university)

Microsoft Office

Project done in college- presentation and research

Name

Full address

Contact

Education- Pharma Degree

Knowledge of Pharmacology

Can read prescription

Handled multiple customers

Knowledge of billing software

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What is Resume �and

Why It is important?

  • A resume should be job-focused, not person-focused.
  • It should highlight how your skills match the job.
  • It should be:�→ Easy to read�→ Impactful�→ Relevant to the job�→ Focused on what you can do for the company

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What is Resume �and

Why It is important?

Your resume is not just a piece of paper — it’s your first impression.

Your resume is not a list of facts.�It’s a sales pitch — that says why you’re perfect for the job.

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Resume vs CV?

Feature

Resume

CV

📄 Length

1–2 pages

2+ pages (often much longer)

🎯 Focus

Job-specific, concise

Academic, detailed

📌 Content

Skills, experience, achievements

Full career history, publications

🔄 Customization

Tailored for each job

Usually static (less customized)

💼 Common In

Industry jobs (private sector)

Research, academia, abroad jobs

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Resume vs CV?

But Wait... Do You Even Need to Worry?

Talking too much about the difference between resume and CV is pointless — at least for your current goal of getting a job.

Yes, technically there’s a difference.

But in the real job market — especially in pharma and corporate roles —�everyone uses the terms “resume” and “CV” interchangeably.��🎯 Call it a resume, call it a CV — it doesn’t matter.

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How Recruiters Scan Resumes + What Is ATS + Hiring Flow

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Hiring Flow

Step 1: Job posted

⬇️

Step 2: Applications received (go into ATS)

⬇️

Step 3: ATS filters top matches (based on keywords)

⬇️

Step 4: Recruiter shortlists candidates from ATS-passed resumes

⬇️

Step 5: Interview rounds

⬇️

Step 6: Selection and Offer

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ATS (Applicant Tracking System)?

💻 Software that scans and filters resumes�🎯 Matches keywords from job description�❌ Rejects unreadable or irrelevant resumes

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ATS (Applicant Tracking System)?

Job Description: a short summary that explains what a job is about and what skills or tasks are needed for it.

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ATS (Applicant Tracking System)?

About the job

  • The Coder accurately assigns ICD-10 and/or CPT-4 codes in accordance with Coding Departmental guidelines maintaining no less than 95% accuracy in choice and sequencing of codes.
  • The Coder identifies and abstracts records consistently and accurately.
  • Consistently demonstrates time awareness: strives to meet deadlines; reduces non-essential interruptions to an absolute minimum.
  • Participates in coding meetings and education conferences to maintain coding skills and accuracy.
  • Demonstrates willingness and flexibility in working additional hours or changing hours.
  • Demonstrates thorough understanding on how position impacts the department and hospital.
  • Demonstrates a good rapport and works to establish cooperative working relationships with all members of departmental and Hospital staff.
  • Attend conference calls as necessary to provide information relating to Coding
  • Should be a Graduate
  • Certified Fresher/ experience in medical coding or with any other previous experience.
  • If experience in Medical Coding
  • G23 (0 to 1 Year)
  • Must be a certified coder through AAPC or AHIMA.
  • Certifications accepted include CPC, CCS, CIC and COC - Anyone
  • All the candidates must have current coding certifications and must provide proof of certification with valid certification identification number during interview / Offer process.

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ATS (Applicant Tracking System)?

About the job

  • ICD-10 and/or CPT-4
  • identifies and abstracts records.
  • Participates in coding meetings and education conferences to maintain coding skills and accuracy.
  • willingness and flexibility
  • relationships
  • Graduate
  • Certified Fresher/ experience in medical coding or with any other previous experience.
  • G23 (0 to 1 Year)
  • AAPC or AHIMA.
  • CPC, CCS, CIC and COC

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How Recruiters Actually Read Resumes?

📌 Most recruiters spend just 6 to 10 seconds scanning your resume the first time.

They quickly look at:

📍 Your name and location

💼 Current role or education

🎯 Keywords (skills/terms relevant to the job)

⏱ Any recent experience or certifications

🎓 Education (for freshers)

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How Recruiters Actually Read Resumes?

If they find relevance in those few seconds, only then they read deeper.

So you must make sure:�✅ Important skills and qualifications are easy to find�✅ Resume layout is clean and not crowded�✅ Keywords match the job you're applying for

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Resume Scanned by Technical team?

📤 Once your resume is shortlisted by ATS/HR, it goes to the technical team

🏢 Technical team = actual department with the job opening

Example: PV Associate role → resume goes to the PV team

👨‍💼 Managers or leads in that team review the resumes

✅ Your resume must still be clear and show the right skills for the role

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How to Make Your Resume ATS-Friendly & Human-Readable?

📄 Use a simple, clean format (no fancy designs or tables)

🔑 Extract keywords from the job description

🧩 Tailor your resume for each job role

📌 One resume = One field — avoid mixing multiple domains

👀 Make it easy for recruiters to scan and understand quickly

🎯 Show clear alignment between your skills and the job

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Building

the

Content of Resume

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Building

the

Content of Resume

🎯 Sections in an Ideal Resume

1️⃣ Name and Basic Information

2️⃣ Professional Summary / Objective

3️⃣ Education

4️⃣ Work Experience / Internships

5️⃣ Key Skills

6️⃣ Projects / Academic Projects

7️⃣ Certifications

8️⃣ Achievements / Awards

9️⃣ Co-curricular Activities

🔟 Extra-curricular Activities

1️⃣1️⃣ Publications / Research Papers

1️⃣2️⃣ Courses / Online Learning

1️⃣3️⃣ Languages

1️⃣4️⃣ References

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Building

the

Content of Resume

🎯 Sections in an Ideal Resume

1️⃣ Name and Basic Information

2️⃣ Professional Summary / Objective

3️⃣ Education

4️⃣ Work Experience / Internships

5️⃣ Key Skills

6️⃣ Projects / Academic Projects

7️⃣ Certifications

8️⃣ Achievements / Awards

9️⃣ Co-curricular Activities

🔟 Extra-curricular Activities

1️⃣1️⃣ Publications / Research Papers

1️⃣2️⃣ Courses / Online Learning

1️⃣3️⃣ Languages

1️⃣4️⃣ References

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Name and Basic Information

Name:

  • Use full name → First Name + Middle Name + Surname
  • Example: Rohit Tanaji Vyanjane

📞 Mobile Number:

📧 Email ID:

  • Use a professional-looking email
  • Examples: firstname.lastname@gmail.com / firstname.lastname12@gmail.com
  • ❌ Avoid emails like coolboy123@gmail.com, cutiepie@xyz.com

🔗 LinkedIn Profile

🌐 Other Links (Optional):

  • Add personal website, online portfolio, or GitHub (for coding roles)
  • Only if relevant to your domain

📍 Location / Address:

  • Not mandatory
  • Add City, State (e.g., Pune, Maharashtra)
  • ❌ Avoid writing full address (street, house no., etc.)

🚫 Do NOT Add These Personal Details:

  • Full Address
  • Marital Status
  • Blood Group
  • Date of Birth
  • Religion
  • Father's Name
  • Aadhar No., PAN No.

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Section:�Education

How to Add Education in Your Resume

In this section, we will learn:

What education to add

�✅ How to add it — what to mention for each degree

�✅ How to highlight your learning and skills within education so recruiters can easily understand your profile

�✅ How to use ChatGPT to refine your writing

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Section:�Education

👉 What to Add:

As a fresher, you should only mention relevant education — such as:

  • M.Pharm / B.Pharm / Pharm D / D.Pharm
  • 12th
  • 10th
  • You do NOT need to add unrelated degrees like B.A. or B.Com (unless they somehow relate to your job field).
  • You can skip 12 and 10th once you have experience of 1-2 year

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Section:�Education

👉 Order of Education:

Always add your education in reverse chronological order (latest first):M.Pharm → B.Pharm → Diploma → 12th → 10th

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Section:�Education

👉 How to Write Education:�1️⃣ Always start with Degree Name — Example:�Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm)

2️⃣ Then add the College or University Name — choose whichever is more known in the industry. If your college has better brand value than the university, write that.

Example:�Master of Pharmacy | Government College of Pharmacy, Amravati

Important Tip: Write the full name — avoid short forms (unless adding in brackets). Mention location (City, State).

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Section:�Education

👉 How to Write Education:�3️⃣ Grades/Marks:�Adding marks/CGPA is optional — add only if good (7+ CGPA or 70%+). If any low scores, skip them.

4️⃣ Dates:�Add just the years (or month/year) when you started and completed the course.�Tip: Keep date format consistent across your resume. Like, MMM YYYY (Jun 2025), MM YYYY (06/2025) , YYYY (2025)

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Section:�Education

Example:

M. Pharmacy | Government College of Pharmacy, Amravati | 8.8 CGPA | 12/2021- 05/2023

B. Pharmacy | Maharashtra College of Pharmacy, Nilanga | 9 CGPA | Aug 2017- Aug 2021

12th | College Name, City | Percentage | 2015- 2017

10th | School Name, City |Percentage | 2016 -2017

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Section:�Education

Example:

M. Pharmacy | Government College of Pharmacy, Amravati | 8.8 CGPA | 12/2021- 05/2023

B. Pharmacy | Maharashtra College of Pharmacy, Nilanga | 9 CGPA | 08/2017- 08/2021

12th | College Name, City | Percentage | 06/2015- 03/2017

10th | School Name, City |Percentage | 06/2016 -03/2017

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Section: Education

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Section:�Education

📚 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Education Section:

✅ People often add education in table format — avoid this! Tables are not ATS-friendly.

✅ Adding too many unnecessary details like:

  • Board name, institute name when not needed
  • Specialization for generic degrees (when irrelevant)
  • Exam names (like CET), instead of degrees

✅ Adding entrance exam results like GPAT / CET in education — avoid this! Only mention if specifically asked or extremely relevant (like GATE for higher studies).

✅ Adding incorrect order (random order). Always use reverse chronological order (most recent first).

✅ Adding very poor marks (unless compulsory). If marks are below avg — skip.

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Section:�Education

👉 Adding Courses & Certifications:

If you’ve done relevant courses — like Medical Coding, SAS Programming, Pharmacovigilance — mention them in this section.

Where to add it?

If it’s a recent course, you can place it on top to highlight your current learning.�Why? Because unless you showcase your skills, your resume will not stand out.

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Section:�Education

👉 Highlighting Learning:�To make your education section stronger — add bullet points under your degree to show what you learned that’s relevant to the job.

For example:

If applying for Production / QA roles:

• Learned In-process Quality Assurance

• Understood QbD principles, Validation, and Documentation

• Handled Tablet Compression Machine, HPLC, UV

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Section:�Education

👉 Highlighting Learning:�To make your education section stronger — add bullet points under your degree to show what you learned that’s relevant to the job.

For example:

If applying for R&D:

• Learned Formulation & Development processes

• Conducted Literature Reviews & Research Projects

• Studied Analytical Techniques

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Section:�Education

👉 Highlighting Learning:�To make your education section stronger — add bullet points under your degree to show what you learned that’s relevant to the job.

For example:

If applying for Clinical Research:

• Studied Clinical Trial Phases, Protocols

• Learned about Pharmacodynamics & Pharmacokinetics

• Understood Diseases & Therapeutic Areas

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Section:�Education

If you don’t know what skills to add — scan the Job Description first.

👉 How to Use ChatGPT for This:

You can simply ask ChatGPT:

"Hey GPT, I am a fresher, applying for Medical Coding. What are the basic skills and learning needed for this role? Give me bullet points I can mention under my B.Pharm education in my resume."

ChatGPT will give suggestions — edit them, make them fit your style, and use them!

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Section:�Education

Adding such points helps you spread JD skills naturally throughout your resume — improving your ATS score and making your profile stronger.

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Section:�Education

What we learned:

What education to add

�✅ How to add it — what to mention for each degree

�✅ How to highlight your learning and skills within education so recruiters can easily understand your profile

�✅ How to use ChatGPT to refine your writing

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Section: Experience

How to Write It Effectively (Even as a Fresher)

📌 What should you include as experience?

✅ Internships (clinical, QA, R&D, CDM, etc.)

✅ Apprenticeships

✅ Practical training (hospital, manufacturing unit, CRO)

✅ Freelance or part-time pharma work

✅ Retail pharmacy experience (with skill explanation)

✅ Workshops (only if hands-on and relevant)

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Section: Experience

How to Write It Effectively (Even as a Fresher)

📚 Format to Add Experience

Follow this structure:

Job Title / Intern Role Name, Company or Institute Name, Location. Start Date – End Date (If currently working, write "Present")

�Then, 2–4 bullet points explaining what you did and what you learned

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Section: Experience

How to Write It Effectively (Even as a Fresher)

✏️ Example:

Clinical Data Management Intern | Novartis, Bangalore | Jan 2024 – Mar 2024

  • Worked on CRF design and data entry using Medidata Rave
  • Supported query management and data reconciliation
  • Understood end-to-end CDM workflow and documentation
  • Gained exposure to regulatory compliance and audit trails

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Section: Experience

How to Write It Effectively (Even as a Fresher)

🔍 A Common Mistake

Let’s take a real-life example:�Many students work as retail pharmacists or in a medical shop, but they write this:

“Worked in pharmacy, gave medicine, maintained bills.”

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Section: Experience

How to Write It Effectively (Even as a Fresher)

That’s weak. It doesn’t show skills or connect to any job.

Instead, write like this (based on the role you’re applying for):

🧠 If applying for Medical Coding:

Learned to read and understand prescriptions

Developed knowledge of drug action, classifications, and indications

Understood disease-treatment relationships

Improved accuracy and attention to detail

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Section: Experience

How to Write It Effectively (Even as a Fresher)

📊 If applying for Data Management:

Managed daily entries and organized patient records

Learned basic documentation practices

Handled sensitive data with accuracy

Always relate your work to the job you're applying for using keywords, learning, and relevant skills.

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Section: Experience

How to Write It Effectively (Even as a Fresher)

💡 What if I don’t know what to write?

Ask ChatGPT to help you!

Just ask:��“Hey ChatGPT, I worked as a pharmacist for 6 months. I’m applying for a medical coding role. What kind of skills and bullet points should I include in my resume to connect the two?”

You’ll get ideas. Refine and reword those, and your resume will look solid!

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Section: Skills

What, How & Why?

🎯 Section: Skills – What, How & Why?

This section is one of the most important parts of your resume.

It gives a quick snapshot of what you can actually do and what you know — and it's also one of the first sections that ATS software and recruiter's scan.

But here’s what many freshers do wrong:

❌ Mix everything into one long list

❌ Add only software skills or random tools

❌ Write soft skills without purpose

❌ Use vague or outdated terms

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Section: Skills

💡 Why use the word “Knowledge”?

As a fresher, you may not have hands-on skills, but you do have knowledge from your studies, training, or certifications.

👉 Skill = You’ve used it practically�👉 Knowledge = You’ve studied or understood it conceptually

So when you say:

“Knowledge of Medidata Rave, CDM Workflow, SAS” —�…it’s completely valid if you’ve learned it in a course, even if you haven't used it on the job.

This gives you two benefits:

Helps your resume get picked by ATS (because you added keywords)

Gives you a safe answer in interviews — “Yes, I’ve studied it and have knowledge of it.”

✅ Correct Way:

Divide into Two Sub-Sections

🔹 Technical Skills & Knowledge�🔹 Soft Skills

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Section: Skills

✏️ Example:

Technical Skills & Knowledge�Pharmacovigilance, MedDRA Coding, SAS Programming, CDM Process, Medidata Rave (knowledge), Clinical Trials, Tablet Compression, HPLC, UV, Excel, QbD, Validation

Soft Skills�Communication, Problem-Solving, Attention to Detail, Quick Learner, Team Player, Presentation Skills, Time Management

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Section: Skills

🧠 How to Find What Skills to Add?

🔍 Read multiple job descriptions — extract repeated keywords

🧠 Ask ChatGPT for help

“I’m applying for a Clinical Research job. What technical and soft skills should I include in my resume as a fresher?”

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Section: Skills

💡 Formatting Tips

You can list skills using:

  • ✅ Commas�Excel, HPLC, QbD, MedDRA

  • ✅ Pipeline (|)�HPLC | UV | Validation | QbD

  • ✅ Bullet format (takes more space but looks cleaner)

Choose whichever looks neat and readable on your resume.

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Section: Skills

🚫 What to Avoid

❌ Long paragraphs in skills section

❌ Adding irrelevant hobbies or tools

❌ Writing “Basic Computer Knowledge” — outdated!

❌ Using weak words like “good in...” or “aware of...”

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Section: Project

🎯 Why Projects Are Important on a Resume?

Many students just write their project title and leave it there. But that’s not enough.

Your project section is actually one of the most powerful parts of your resume, especially for freshers. It helps the recruiter understand:

🔍 Do you know how industry-level work happens?

⚙️ Can you follow a process?

🧠 Did you learn practically during your studies?

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Section: Project

Your project shows that you’ve gone through a full cycle of problem-solving, similar to how it works in the industry.

✅ That’s why your project shouldn’t be just a topic.�🚀 It should reflect your learnings and relevant skills gained.

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Section: Project

📌 How to Add a Project Properly?

👉 Start by writing the title of the project clearly�(e.g., “Formulation and Evaluation of Sustained Release Tablets of Drug X”)

👉 Then, instead of a long paragraph, use bullet points to describe:

🔍 What you learned

⚙️ What tools/techniques you used

📈 Any specific process knowledge you gained

🤝 Any collaboration or documentation you did

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Section: Project

🧠 What if My Project Is Not in the Same Domain as the Job I Want?

Let’s say:

  • You did your project in Formulation,
  • But you are applying for Clinical Data Management.

What can you do?

✅ Focus on common transferable skills such as:

  • Documentation
  • SOP understanding
  • Attention to detail
  • Research mindset
  • Following timelines
  • Technical understanding of the product

Just like in the experience section — relate what you did to what the job needs.

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Section: Project

💬 Use ChatGPT to Help

Ask: ��“Hey ChatGPT, I did a project on XYZ. I’m applying for a job in PV or CDM. Please write some bullet points to show relevant transferable skills for my resume.”

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Section: Project

💬 Use ChatGPT to Help

Ask: ��“Hey ChatGPT, I did a project on XYZ. I’m applying for a job in PV or CDM. Please write some bullet points to show relevant transferable skills for my resume.”

🧾 Example Project Entry:

“Formulation and Evaluation of Sustained Release Tablets of Drug X”

  • Understood drug release mechanisms using polymers
  • Gained knowledge of pre-formulation and compatibility studies
  • Hands-on with tablet compression techniques
  • Maintained detailed records and batch manufacturing documents
  • Developed presentation and documentation skills during viva defense

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Achievement, certifications, extracurricular activities, publications, courses, references, Languages

➡️ These are not mandatory, but as a fresher, these can:

  • Help show your skills
  • Reflect your learning attitude
  • Differentiate you from others

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Achievement, certifications, extracurricular activities, publications, courses, references, Languages

🏅 Achievements

Many students make mistakes like writing:

“Participated in poster presentation at ABC College and got 2nd prize.”

🚫 Don’t write it like this. It's too long and not focused.

✅ Instead, format it this way:

Poster Presentation | National Pharmacy Seminar, Pune | Secured 2nd Prize | Dec 2023

📌 Tip:

Keep it one line

Focus on activity, event, result, date

Maintain consistent formatting

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Achievement, certifications, extracurricular activities, publications, courses, references, Languages

📜 Certifications & 📚 Courses

If you’ve taken any certification — either offline or online — add it here.

✅ Format:

Clinical Data Management | Coursera | Feb 2024SAS Programming – Beginner to Advanced | Online Training Institute | June 2023

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Achievement, certifications, extracurricular activities, publications, courses, references, Languages

🔍 Also add 2–3 bullet points under major certifications/courses explaining:

What you learned

Which tools/skills you picked up

How it relates to your desired job

💬 Example:

Medical Coding | MedSchool Training | Feb 2024

  • Learned ICD-10 and CPT coding basics
  • Understood clinical documentation and coding guidelines
  • Practiced mapping diagnoses with coding rules

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Achievement, certifications, extracurricular activities, publications, courses, references, Languages

💡 Extracurricular Activities

Show your soft skills here — leadership, initiative, communication, etc.

✅ Example:�Student Coordinator | PharmaTech Fest 2023 | College of Pharmacy

  • Coordinated 5+ events, managing logistics and teams
  • Developed communication and team leadership skills

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Achievement, certifications, extracurricular activities, publications, courses, references, Languages

📄 Publications (if any)

If you have a journal or article published, keep it clear.

✅ Example:�"Formulation of Sustained Release Tablets" | IJRPS Journal | ISSN 2321-5687 | Aug 2023

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Achievement, certifications, extracurricular activities, publications, courses, references, Languages

📞 References (Optional but helpful in Core Pharma)

While not required in most corporate jobs, if you have someone willing to refer you (like an intern manager), you can add:

✅ Format:�Dr. Neha Deshpande | Associate Professor | XYZ College | deshpande.neha@mail.com | 98765XXXXX

💡 Add only when:

You know them personally

You’ve taken their permission

It’s for roles in core pharma, especially small/mid companies

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Achievement, certifications, extracurricular activities, publications, courses, references, Languages

📞 References (Optional but helpful in Core Pharma)

While not required in most corporate jobs, if you have someone willing to refer you (like an intern manager), you can add:

✅ Format:�Dr. Neha Deshpande | Associate Professor | XYZ College | deshpande.neha@mail.com | 98765XXXXX

💡 Add only when:

You know them personally

You’ve taken their permission

It’s for roles in core pharma, especially small/mid companies

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Achievement, certifications, extracurricular activities, publications, courses, references, Languages

🌐 Languages

Always start with English, and add others below.

✅ Example:

English (Fluent)

Hindi (Fluent)

Marathi (Native)

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🎯Unnecessary Resume Sections & What to Do Instead

❌ 1. Hobbies

💡 Why to remove it?

  • It doesn’t add real value to your profile.

  • Recruiters don’t decide to call you based on hobbies like "listening to music" or "travelling".

  • Resume space is limited — use it for skills, projects, and achievements.

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🎯Unnecessary Resume Sections & What to Do Instead

❌ 2. Photograph / Profile Picture

💡 Why to avoid it?

  • Resumes go through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) — photos are not ATS-friendly.

  • It can lead to unintentional bias in early screening.

  • Most professional companies and MNCs in pharma/clinical research do not require a photo.

✅ Only add a photo if explicitly asked (like in walk-ins or a printed CV for campus drives).

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🎯Unnecessary Resume Sections & What to Do Instead

❌ 3. Area of Interest

💡 Why it's not needed?

You should tailor your resume to each job. If you're applying for Clinical Data Management, your resume should already show your interest through:

Summary

Skills

Projects

Adding “Area of Interest: Clinical Research, QA, RA, Coding” makes you seem confused or non-specific.

When is it acceptable?

If you're attending a walk-in or pool campus drive with multiple openings.

Even then, keep it brief and relevant.

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Resume Formatting & Layout

Why Formatting Matters

❌ Good content + bad format = Rejection�✅ Clean format = Easy scanning + ATS friendly�📌 First impression is visual

Ideal Resume Length

Freshers / < 1–2 years experience:�➡️ 1 page ONLY

❌ Do not extend to 2 pages unnecessarily�❌ No blank spaces just to fill page

📌 Recruiters prefer short & focused resumes

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Resume Formatting & Layout

Why Formatting Matters

❌ Good content + bad format = Rejection�✅ Clean format = Easy scanning + ATS friendly�📌 First impression is visual

Ideal Resume Format

➡️ Always use a simple, plain, vertically flowing resume format

✔️ One section below another (Top to Bottom)�✔️ No columns, no side boxes, no fancy layouts�✔️ Easy to read for ATS + Recruiters�✔️ Looks professional and corporate-ready

🚫 Avoid:

❌ Two-column resumes

❌ Creative designs for pharma/clinical roles

❌ Side panels, charts, icons, or heavy graphics

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Resume Formatting & Layout

Ideal Resume Length

Freshers / < 1–2 years experience:�➡️ 1 page ONLY

❌ Do not extend to 2 pages unnecessarily�❌ No blank spaces just to fill page

📌 Recruiters prefer short & focused resumes

✔️ Up to 2 pages is acceptable — but never more than 2

💡 Why 2 pages are okay (when needed):

  • When using a single-column, vertical resume, most content fits well
  • Job Descriptions (JD) have many required skills
  • Skills should not be only listed in the Skills section
  • They must be explained and demonstrated in:
    • Education
    • Projects
    • Internships / Experience
    • Courses & Certifications

📌 Reality check:

  • Explaining skills properly takes space
  • In such cases, 1 page may not be enough
  • 2 pages help you spread skills logically across sections

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Resume Formatting & Layout

Fonts – What to Use

✅ Use simple professional fonts:

  • Calibri
  • Arial
  • Times New Roman

📏 Font size:

  • Name: 16–18
  • Headings: 12–14 (If You are keeping same font size between Heading and content, Just Bold the Heading)
  • Content: 12

❌ Avoid:

  • Fancy fonts
  • Handwritten fonts
  • Decorative fonts

Spacing & Margins

📐 Margins:

  • Top / Bottom / Left / Right: 0.5–1 inch

📏 Line spacing:

  • Content: 1.0 – 1.15
  • Section gaps: consistent spacing

❌ Don’t:

  • Use extra blank lines
  • Use uneven spacing

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Resume Formatting & Layout

Consistency & Alignment

✔ Same font style throughout�✔ Same bullet style everywhere�✔ Same date format across resume�✔ Left alignment preferred

Bullet Points – Best Practices

✅ Use simple round bullets�✅ Start with action words�✅ Keep bullets:

  • Short
  • Clear
  • One line (max two)

❌ Avoid:

  • Paragraphs
  • Symbols (➤ ★ →)

🎨 Colors:

  • Use black + 1 soft color only

✅ Add clickable links:

  • LinkedIn profile
  • Portfolio (if any)
  • Certifications (if relevant)

📌 Hyperlink best practices:

  • Blue or black
  • Clean URLs
  • Test before submitting

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Resume Formatting & Layout

What NOT to Add (Very Important)

🚫 Tables (ATS can’t read properly)�🚫 Text boxes�🚫 Shapes�🚫 Headers & footers�🚫 Multiple columns�🚫 Excessive width margins

📌 Keep resume single-column

ATS + Human Friendly Formula

✔ Simple layout�✔ Single column�✔ Clear headings�✔ Standard fonts�✔ Logical flow

Good formatting doesn’t make your resume fancy — it makes it readable, professional, and shortlist-ready.

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⚠️ Reality Check: Resume Shortlisting in the Real World

If you make a perfect resume, will it get shortlisted every time?

�➡️ No. And that’s completely normal.

Why your resume may still not get shortlisted:

  • Internal requirements are often not mentioned in the Job Description
    • Preferred location
    • M.Pharm vs B.Pharm requirement
  • Hiring systems are not 100% efficient
    • ATS limitations
    • Resume may not even reach the hiring manager
  • Human factors
    • HR may be overloaded or reviewing in a hurry
    • Subjective screening decisions

What you should do instead:

  • ❌ Don’t get demotivated
  • ❌ Don’t assume you are not capable
  • Analyze your resume
  • Improve it continuously
  • Apply again with a better version

📌 Key Message:

Resume shortlisting is not fully in your control. Improving your resume is.

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Q & A

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Thank you