"Using 'Interdisciplinary' On Your Resume" The term 'Interdisciplinary' is a dynamic word that encapsulates the ability to integrate knowledge and methods from different disciplines, using a real synthesis of approaches. In simpler terms, it's about being able to connect the dots between different fields or areas of study to create a more comprehensive understanding or solution. When used on a resume, 'Interdisciplinary' is often employed to showcase one's ability to think outside the box, to bridge gaps between different sectors, and to bring diverse perspectives together. It's a term that hiring managers appreciate as it suggests that the candidate can adapt to various situations, work with diverse teams, and contribute to innovative solutions. It communicates that you have a broad knowledge base and the ability to apply it in a practical, cohesive manner. However, while 'Interdisciplinary' is a compelling term, it isn't always the most effective language to use on your resume. The term can be somewhat vague and may not clearly communicate your specific skills or experiences to potential employers. Furthermore, it's a word that, while impressive, may not resonate with all industries or roles. Therefore, it's beneficial to consider using other terms or more specific language that can better articulate your unique abilities and experiences. By doing so, you can make your resume more impactful, and give potential employers a clearer picture of what you bring to the table.
Tailor Your Resume Content to the Job Description
Interdisciplinary experience
This statement is too broad and does not provide any specific information about the nature of the interdisciplinary experience. It is better to provide specific examples or details to showcase your skills and accomplishments. For example, "Applied interdisciplinary approach in combining marketing and data analysis skills to increase product sales by 30%."Worked in an interdisciplinary team
While this statement shows that you have experience working in a diverse team, it does not highlight your specific contributions or achievements. Instead, it is better to mention the outcomes or results of your interdisciplinary teamwork, such as "Contributed to an interdisciplinary team, leading to the successful launch of a new software product."Interdisciplinary studies
This statement is vague and does not provide any specific information about the subjects or fields of study. It is better to provide specific examples or details to showcase your academic achievements. For example, "Completed interdisciplinary studies in Psychology and Sociology, focusing on the impact of social factors on individual behavior."Interdisciplinary skills
This statement is too general and does not provide any specific information about the skills you possess. It is better to list the specific interdisciplinary skills you have. For example, "Possess interdisciplinary skills in project management, data analysis, and strategic planning."Interdisciplinary approach
While this statement shows that you are capable of integrating different fields or perspectives, it does not highlight any specific projects or tasks where you applied this approach. Instead, it is better to mention specific instances where you used an interdisciplinary approach, such as "Used an interdisciplinary approach to develop a comprehensive business strategy, combining insights from finance, marketing, and operations."Working in a cross-functional role:
Instead of using "Interdisciplinary," job seekers can use terms like "Cross-functional," "Multidisciplinary," or "Transdisciplinary." These synonyms highlight the ability to work across different departments or specialties, showcasing their versatility, adaptability, and collaborative skills.Developing comprehensive solutions:
When describing their experience in creating solutions that incorporate various fields of knowledge, job seekers can replace "Interdisciplinary" with "Integrative," "Holistic," or "Comprehensive." These terms emphasize their ability to synthesize diverse perspectives and approaches, demonstrating their problem-solving skills and innovative thinking.Engaging in academic research:
For those involved in academic research that spans multiple fields, "Interdisciplinary" can be replaced with "Multifaceted," "Wide-ranging," or "Diversified." These alternatives underscore the breadth of their research interests and their ability to contribute to knowledge in various areas.Find the Right Synonyms for Any Job
Frequently Asked Questions
A suitable replacement for 'Interdisciplinary' on a resume could be 'Cross-functional'. This term also conveys the idea of integrating multiple fields of knowledge or skills. For example, if you've worked on a project that required both marketing and engineering skills, you could say, "Led a cross-functional team to develop and market a new product."
It's appropriate to use 'Interdisciplinary' on your resume when you want to highlight your ability to integrate knowledge and methods from different disciplines, or when you've worked on projects that required skills from various fields. For instance, if you're an engineer who also used marketing and business strategies to launch a product, you can describe this as an 'Interdisciplinary approach'. This term can effectively showcase your versatility and adaptability in handling diverse tasks.
You can gauge if 'Interdisciplinary' is relevant for your resume by considering if your skills, experiences, or education span across multiple fields or subjects. For example, if you're a software engineer with a background in psychology, that's an interdisciplinary skill set. Similarly, if you've worked on projects that required knowledge in both marketing and data analysis, that's an interdisciplinary experience.
