Computer Science Resume Example
If you're hoping to start a career as a computer scientist, you'll need experience in analyzing data patterns and collaborating with IT. For a successful computer scientist application, you'll want to submit a professional resume that showcases your relevant skills. In this article, we'll outline how to write a winning resume to boost your chances of success in your computer scientist applications.
This comprehensive guide will give you all the tools you need to craft a computer science resume that positions you strongly against other candidates. You'll find valuable tips on writing a resume that best showcases your unique skills and achievements. There is also extensive guidance on how to structure your resume to match the job description, and to reflect your experience levels to impress HR specialists and employers. Read on to access expert insights from Jobseeker that will help you create a winning computer science resume.
Main elements of a computer science resume
A successful computer science resume will typically include each of the sections listed below, with some optional sections.
If you're applying for an entry-level computer scientist role and have limited relevant experience, consider using a skills-based, or functional resume format. The layout emphasizes your skills and education above your work experience. Soft and transferable skills are often more highly valued by employers for junior roles, so highlight these. Also add any internships, volunteer work or training courses you've undertaken.
If you have some experience as a computer scientist, use a traditional, reverse-chronological resume format and focus on showing how you've used the skills required for the job in your career to date. By using this resume format you can focus on showing how your experience has helped you develop the required skills for the job. Review the job description to understand which key skills and experience to focus on.
Senior job applications require a slightly different approach to mid-level or junior computer scientist roles. Use a reverse-chronological format focusing on your work experience, with a particular emphasis on the impact you've made. It's likely that your senior resume will be longer than a standard resume of one-to-two pages. This is because you'll be listing additional achievements beyond your work experience, such as awards, publications and professional memberships.
Your resume layout and structure may differ depending on your experience levels, but make sure your resume includes the following:
Resume Header with Contact Details
Your computer science resume header should contain your name and contact details. These include your email address and phone number. If you have a LinkedIn profile, you can also add that, to give employers the chance to learn more about your skills and experience. It's not necessary to include a photo or any other personal information. Make your resume header clear, concise and as brief and compact as possible. Consider different layouts that spread the information horizontally across the page rather than using a different line for each piece of information.
Opt for a professional-looking email address based on your name. If your email address could be construed as unprofessional or inappropriate because it contains nicknames or unsuitable language, create a new, more professional email address for your job applications. Always check your contact details to make sure they're up-to-date before you send your resume.
Joshua Lewis
joshua.lewis@example.com
(111) 222 33 444 55
112 Ocean Avenue, Amityville, NY
linkedin․com/in/joshua–lewis123
Resume Summary
Next, write a short paragraph to introduce yourself. You could also call this section 'resume summary' or 'personal profile'. In two or three sentences, explain your professional background, achievements and key skills. If you choose to write a resume summary, this focuses on your career experience to date. On the other hand, a resume objective addresses your future plans and career ambitions. However, make sure you keep your resume summary short and snappy, and focused on the skills and experience listed in the job description.
Alternatively, use this section to emphasize your career objectives and explain how and why this role is a suitable step for you at this stage of your career.
A good resume summary reflects the job description and highlights some of the key skills required for computer scientist roles, while leaving the reader with an impression of your unique qualities and strengths. The most effective resume summaries also provide evidence to back up the claims made in them. See below for some great examples of how to approach your computer science resume.
Good example:
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with experience as a Machine Learning Engineer. Proficient in developing and deploying machine learning models, data analysis, and algorithm optimization. Strong programming skills in Python, TensorFlow, and PyTorch, with a solid understanding of statistical modeling and data preprocessing. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively on cross-functional teams, solve complex problems, and drive innovation through data-driven solutions
Bad example:
Studied computer science and worked in areas related to machines and learning. Have done things with models and data, and worked on making things better. Know how to use some programming tools and have some understanding of numbers and data handling. Have been part of teams and worked on solving problems and creating new things using data
On the other hand, a resume summary can be ineffective if it lacks specific information about how your skills align with the job description, or fails to paint a picture of your unique qualities and talents. The graphic above shows some of the pitfalls to avoid when creating your resume summary.
Work History
In the next section, list your employment history focusing on the most relevant previous roles and achievements that showcase your computer scientist skills. For each entry, list the job title, the name of the employer, its location and the dates you worked there. Add each job in reverse-chronological order, starting with your current or most recent role.
Add some bullet points under each job entry, explaining your achievements in the role, so the reader can see how you contributed towards success for the company. Provide evidence of your impact and make sure each point addresses a requirement listed in the job description.
A good work experience section pulls the reader in with clear examples of where you've put the skills necessary for the job into good use in your career to date. This typically includes evidence of how your skills and activities contributed to positive outcomes for the organization. See the examples below for some ideas of what a great resume work experience looks like.
Good example:
Machine Learning Engineer, January 2022 - Present
Quantum Innovations Ltd, Kansas City
- Designed and deployed a machine learning model that increased predictive accuracy by 25%, driving a 15% revenue increase for the company
- Led a team to create an automation pipeline that reduced data processing time by 40%, enhancing project efficiency
- Implemented a recommendation system using collaborative filtering algorithms, boosting user engagement by 30% on the platform
Bad example:
Machine Learning Engineer, January 2022 - Present
Quantum Innovations Ltd, Kansas City
- Worked on improving company technology solutions and processes
- Contributed to team projects for better data management
- Developed systems to enhance user interaction and satisfaction
Above, you can see a weaker example of a resume work experience section to best avoid. A poor resume work experience section would typically use vague descriptions of activities in previous jobs, while focusing too much on responsibilities rather than achievements. Failing to focus on the skills and experience that match the job description is likely to harm your chances of success.
Educational Achievements
Your resume's education section provides space for you to list your highest and most relevant qualifications for computer scientist roles.
Opportunities as a computer scientist and similar roles in the sector usually require a specialist degree. If you have a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree, be sure to mention this in your resume. You might also want to list any qualifications that highlight your programming languages expertise or machine learning algorithms.
List your relevant qualifications in reverse-chronological order. Add the name and level of the award, the institution, its location (if this isn't obvious from the name) and your dates of study. You can also add some bullet points outlining any high grades, awards you won or specialist subjects you studied. Adding this information will show the employer your dedication to learning and your areas of specialist knowledge.
Membership or leadership of any societies, clubs or causes while studying can also make a positive impression on hiring managers. Consider adding these to your education section for more insight into how you used your time as a student.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, 2017 - 2020
Brown University, Providence, RI
Hard and Soft Skills
Listing your key skills can help to prove your suitability for computer scientist jobs. These could be cloud computing platforms, continuous learning mindset or various other relevant skills. Again, refer to the computer scientist job description for an indication of the types of skills the employer is looking for, and make sure your skills section reflects these.
How to include hard skills on your computer science resume
In your hard skills list, include any specific abilities related to the role you're applying for. These could be technical skills or industry knowledge that showcases your expertise in your chosen profession. Furthermore, an extensive list of hard skills helps to make a compelling case for your computer scientist job applications, as they show employers your understanding of the computer scientist role. If possible, add four or five hard skills that reflect the requirements of the job description. These will boost your chances of success in your applications.
Your resume hard skills list should reflect your unique and specific industry expertise and experience, while also fulfilling the requirements listed in the job description. See the examples below for an idea of what an effective computer science resume hard skills list looks like.
- Machine learning algorithms
- Data structures proficiency
- Software development lifecycle
Showcasing your best soft skills
Your soft skills are the core qualities and personal characteristics that make you a good employee. They tend to apply to multiple professions and jobs, though the soft skills you'll require may change as you move from junior to senior positions. Indeed, transferable skills are growing in importance in the modern world of work, so make sure you include several of these in your resume. It's best to aim for four or five soft skills that match the job description and reflect your strongest personal qualities.
A strong soft skills section should play to your strengths, listing skills that reflect your personal qualities while also reflecting the skills listed in the job description. For some examples of good soft skills for a computer science resume, see below.
- Problem-solving ability
- Team collaboration skills
- Strong communication skills
Licenses and Certifications
In your certifications section, list any professional certifications or licenses that are relevant to working as a computer scientist. These could be professional accreditations and licenses, or certifications that improve your level of suitability for the position. Therefore, add any professional licenses or certifications, along with valid dates that show they're still valid.
Below you can find several examples of certifications for a computer science resume:
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect, 2022
- Google Professional Data Engineer, 2022
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect, 2022
Jobseeker Tip:
Optional Sections
There are several additional sections you could add to a computer science resume, to improve your chances of success. Add any of the sections below that help you showcase your key skills and experience.
Personal Hobbies and Interests
Listing your hobbies and interests can reveal key qualities that some employers may value. These are particularly useful for your resume if you're short of work experience and need to showcase a particular skill or experience. Just make sure any hobbies and interests you include in your resume add genuine insight into your personality, in ways other sections of the resume can't.
Volunteer Work
This section can be valuable for a computer science resume, if you've done any voluntary work that showcases your relevant skills. Add any voluntary roles, including your position, the name of the organization, the dates of your voluntary work and a brief explanation of your responsibilities and achievements.
References
It's not typical to include references in a computer science resume, but some employers might ask for them. Don't add references unless requested by the employer. Be sure to prepare your referees in advance, so they've agreed to provide a reference and are ready to be contacted.
References can be provided upon request.
Best words to use in a computer science resume
Action words can help illustrate to the hiring manager the difference you made in each of your previous jobs. Choose from the list of words below to make the best possible impression.
- Develop
- Implement
- Design
- Analyze
- Optimize
- Troubleshoot
- Collaborate
- Innovate
- Automate
- Deploy
If you need help creating a resume that impresses HR managers, take a look at Jobseeker's professional resume templates. You can also access beautiful cover letter templates that help your application stand out.
Example of a computer science resume
Now we've covered the main sections to include in your computer science resume, let's take a look at how it all comes together in the example below:
112 Ocean Avenue, Amityville, NY
•
joshua.lewis@example.com
•
(111) 222 33 444 55
•
linkedin․com/in/joshua–lewis123
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with extensive experience as a Machine Learning Engineer. Proficient in developing and deploying scalable machine learning models, data preprocessing, feature engineering, and model evaluation. Skilled in Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, and various machine learning frameworks and tools. Strong background in statistical analysis, algorithm design, and software development. Adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive data-driven decision-making and innovative solutions
Machine Learning Engineer
2020
-2022
Neural Innovations Inc (Baltimore)
- Developed and deployed a scalable recommendation system improving user engagement by 25% using collaborative filtering and deep learning
- Implemented a predictive maintenance model reducing equipment downtime by 40% through real-time anomaly detection and predictive analytics
- Optimized a fraud detection algorithm, increasing detection accuracy by 30% using ensemble methods and feature engineering techniques
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
2017
-2020
University of Houston (Houston, TX)
Machine learning algorithms
Data structures proficiency
Software development lifecycle
Problem-solving ability
Team collaboration skills
Strong communication skills
AWS Certified Solutions Architect
Google Professional Data Engineer
English - Fluent
Spanish - B2
Best practices for a computer science resume
Simple tips for creating a winning resume
- Make your computer science resume short and to-the-point. A length of one page is ideal for junior roles, while two is acceptable for senior applications.
- Adapt your resume depending on the job you're applying for. Take a look at the job description and make sure you reference all the required key skills and experience.
- Use a professional resume format with clear headings, a defined structure and consistent margins for optimum readability.
- Use strong action words to demonstrate the impact you've made in each computer scientist role (e.g. 'analyze', 'optimize', 'troubleshoot').
- Thoroughly proofread your resume before you send it, to make sure it's free from errors in spelling or grammar.
Keep away from these common resume mistakes
- Don't use an unprofessional email address. Instead, opt for a simple email address based on your name.
- Don't add hobbies and outside interests unless they help you prove a skill required for the role.
- Don't exaggerate, lie or hide details about yourself as these can all undermine your chances of success with computer scientist applications.
- Don't use elaborate formatting or layouts. These can make your computer science resume less readable and harder for applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan.
- Don't use passive language because it can switch off the reader. Adapt phrases like 'the work was completed' to 'I completed the work'.
How to make your resume ATS compliant
An applicant tracking system (ATS) is just one of the tools employers and recruiters can use to streamline their hiring practices. This typically includes screening candidates by scanning and ranking their resumes based on their likely suitability for any vacancy. There are several things you can do when writing your computer science resume, to give yourself the strongest chance of ranking highly in the ATS stage and progressing through the recruitment process.
Here a some simple tips to follow for an ATS-friendly resume:
- Use a traditional resume format, such as reverse-chronological or functional. These will give your resume a structure that's easier for ATS systems to scan.
- Add keywords throughout your resume that help ATS software match your application to the job description. A higher match means your application is more likely to proceed to be reviewed by human eyes.
- Using clear, simple headings makes it easier for an ATS application to scan your resume, as it can easily identify what's in each section of your document.
- Adopt a clean, unfussy design that gives your content enough white space to breathe. Use professional, readable fonts and subtle use of color and other design elements.
- Keep your resume as concise as possible, to make it easier to read, and for ATS software to scan.
For tips and ideas to help you draft a professional resume to get noticed by employers, read our expert career articles and check out our detailed resume examples.
Frequently Asked Questions for a computer science resume
After writing your computer science resume, you'll want to write an accompanying cover letter that helps your application stand out.
Check the job description to see whether a full, formal cover letter is necessary. In some situations, it might be more suitable to simply send a brief email to introduce yourself and accompany your resume.
For a full, traditional cover letter, follow formal letter-writing conventions with your header, address line and greetings. The main text of the letter tends to be split into three short paragraphs. Firstly, introduce yourself, confirm the role you're applying for and explain why you're applying for the computer scientist role. In the second paragraph, highlight your skills and experience that are most relevant to the job description. The third paragraph gives you the opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the role and your gratitude to the employer, while leaving a call to action which encourages them to make contact with you.
You can create a professional cover letter in just a few simple, easy-to-follow steps using Jobseeker's tried and tested cover letter templates.
There are plenty of ways to still make a positive impression with your computer science resume, even if you lack relevant work experience. Use a functional resume format instead of the standard reverse-chronological structure. This emphasizes your skills and education over your work experience. Utilize additional sections at the end of your resume to show you've got what it takes to do the job. These include hobbies and interests, voluntary roles, certifications and internships.
If you want to create a strong first impression in your computer scientist application, a resume headline can help. Resume headlines can also help you pass the ATS stage of the selection process, by highlighting the job title and one or two key details. Write a short, concise resume headline incorporating the job title, one or two key skills that match the job description and a reference to your reputation or track record.
See below for an example of a well-constructed resume headline:
- Aspiring Computer Science Professional
- Innovative Computer Scientist and Problem-Solver
- Distinguished Senior Computer Science Expert
The best format for your resume depends on two key factors. Firstly, the amount of relevant work experience you have. Secondly, the type of role and its level of seniority. If you don't have much experience, for example if you're applying for a graduate role or changing careers, you might consider a functional resume format. This focuses on your skills and education above your work experience. If, however, you have experience in your chosen profession, a traditional, reverse chronological resume format might be the way to go. This showcases your relevant skills and achievements in your work experience section.
Key takeaways for your computer science resume
Writing a strong, impactful resume is about using your experience to demonstrate your relevant skills and achievements. You can do this through your work history or other resume sections. Choose the most suitable resume format for your experience levels, and focus on tailoring your resume based on the requirements listed in the job description.
Jobseeker has a wealth of resume tools, including resume templates and examples, to help you create a winning job application. Sign up today to get started. To make the best possible impression with your applications, write a cover letter with the help of Jobseeker. You can also find plenty of expert-designed cover letter examples for inspiration.
Sources:
(1) Tips for Writing a Federal Resume, U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs/tips-for-writing-a-federal-resume
(2) Resume Tips, Duke University: https://careerhub.students.duke.edu/resources/resume-tips/
Impress potential employers with your resume
Follow step-by-step professional guidance to create a polished resume in minutes.
