Looking for a job as a computer scientist? Whether you are early on in your career or senior level, the first step is to create a resume positioning you as a top candidate and highlighting your qualifications, such as implementing enterprise-level cybersecurity protocols or designing and implementing applications. Review our list of tips, including examples, that can help you level up your computer science resume.
Key takeaways:
Using a resume template can help you write an effective computer science resume. Include these sections:
Provide your full name, phone number, email address, location, and a link to your online professional profile. Ensure your contact information is current so potential employers can contact you for an interview.
Your Name
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
City, State Abbreviation Zip Code
LinkedIn | Portfolio
Craft an impactful snapshot of your computer science career to capture the attention of hiring managers. Begin by listing your job title, years of experience, and three to four specializations that align with the computer science job posting. In the following sentences, establish yourself as a leader in the space.
For example, if you enhanced clients’ cybersecurity profiles with a vulnerability that indicated a 65% reduced risk, note this in your resume summary. If you supported app development to increase in-app purchases by 15%, list this information at the top of your profile. Providing these types of insights will help you tell your story and highlight the value you can bring to prospective employers.
Innovative, analytical computer scientist specializing in cybersecurity with more than 12 years of experience delivering financial privacy software solutions for FinTech corporations across the globe. Proven track record of identifying system vulnerabilities, engineering stopgap security solutions, implementing cybersecurity protocols, and enhancing controls to prevent security breaches.
Innovative computer scientist specializing in building and testing Android, iOS, and Windows applications for business users. Develops and maintains websites, elevating UX by implementing design principles that enhance engagement and increase web traffic.
To craft an achievement-driven professional experience section, create bullet points that display your career achievements rather than job responsibilities. Companies are interested in results, and as a computer scientist, you must demonstrate the bottom-line value of your contributions by incorporating data, metrics, and monetary figures.
Emphasize your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and translate complex technical concepts into accessible language. You will work with diverse teams and clients who do not have technical expertise like you do. Aside from your information technology (IT) specialties, showcase your ability to collaborate and solve complex problems.
Lead IT Cyber Security Analyst, TotalSecure IT Solutions, Detroit, MI | October 2018 – present
IT Security Specialist, Data Safe Co., Detroit, MI | July 2012– September 2018
Use numbers and metrics to show the results you achieved in previous roles. Provide context to your work history and give recruiters a better understanding of your scope and impact. You can demonstrate your value and potential as a computer scientist by detailing your success in ensuring client network uptime and reducing help desk requests.
Creating a computer scientist resume can be challenging if you lack real-world experience. In this case, highlight internships, academic experience, and projects that demonstrate your valuable skills and knowledge. Your resume should also include relevant coursework and certifications.
In addition to your education, feature relevant certifications you’ve achieved throughout your computer science career. Although most employers will focus on your professional experience, obtaining other credentials shows a commitment to continuing education and advancing your career.
For instance, a Cisco Certified Design Professional accreditation could be valuable to show an employer your deep knowledge of the platform. A certification alone won’t guarantee an interview for senior-level job seekers, but it lets prospective employers know you stay up on the latest technologies, best practices, and computer science solutions.
Template:
[Degree Name]
[School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Graduation Year]
Example:
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Computer Science
University of Syracuse, Syracuse, NY | 2019
Template:
[Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
Examples:
Cisco Certified Design Professional – Cisco | 2019
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) – Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) | 2019
Most organizations rely on some form of ATS to identify qualified candidates for job openings. To get your resume through the initial screening process and into the hiring manager’s hands, incorporate keywords from the job description directly into your profile, professional experience, and skills section. Below are key terms and skills you may encounter while applying for computer scientist positions:
Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
---|---|
Agile methodology | Artificial intelligence (AI) |
C# | Cloud technology |
Computer engineering | Computer science |
Cross-functional leadership | Data analysis |
Data analytics | Database management |
Data integrity | Data science |
JavaScript | Programming |
Project management | Python |
Software Development Lifecycles (SDLC) | SQL |
System administration | System architecture |
Technical leadership | Technical project management |
Vendor management | VMware |
Take a strategic approach with the words you use on your computer science resume. In the professional experience section of your resume, use action verbs to communicate your job duties and accomplishments. Instead of listing off responsibilities, use action verbs to start each sentence. Show how you executed your tasks through descriptive words and avoid using first-person language (e.g., “I was responsible for…”). Consider using the action verbs below to inject some energy into your computer science resume:
Action Verbs | |
---|---|
Analyzed | Automated |
Built | Collaborated |
Conducted | Created |
Designed | Developed |
Engineered | Implemented |
Improved | Maintained |
Managed | Optimized |
Programmed | Resolved |
Streamlined | Tested |
Troubleshot | Updated |
When selecting your template, prioritize structure and readability over visual appeal. Heavy use of colors and bulky graphics may look nice, but they can distract the reader from your content. Seek a template that organizes your content effectively but also fits with your brand. Hiring managers will always be more interested in your achievements and qualifications than the style of your template.
Amar Singh
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
Philadelphia, PA 12345
LinkedIn | Portfolio
Innovative computer scientist specializing in building and testing Android, iOS, and Windows applications for business users. Develops and maintains websites, elevating UX by implementing design principles that enhance engagement and increase web traffic.
Junior Programmer, AppBuilt Tech Corp., Philadelphia, PA | November 2022 – present
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Computer Science
Temple University, Philadelphia, PA | 2014
There are a range of computer science job categories, from computer programmers to information security analysts. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for network and computer systems administrators are projected to grow by 2% from 2022 to 2032, which is average for most occupations. This growth is primarily driven by an investment in newer, faster technology, mobile networks, and the expanding universe of IT equipment, hardware, and software.
Although these projections are optimistic, you must align your resume with the job description to secure interviews for the most lucrative opportunities. Computer science is a competitive field, and tailoring your document to individual job postings will significantly increase your chances of landing your next job opportunity.
For example, suppose a company is looking for a cybersecurity expert. In that case, showcase your knowledge of identifying system vulnerabilities and enhancing organizations’ cybersecurity risk profiles to establish yourself as a thought leader in the IT security space.
Reverse chronological format is ideal for most resumes, including computer science. This approach ensures that your most recent, relevant experience is featured at the top of your document. Even at the entry level, it’s best to avoid functional resume formats. If you lack hands-on experience, focus on highlighting academic projects and internship experiences rather than only listing technical skills.
Crafting a strong cover letter helps your chances of landing an interview during a job search. The key to creating a compelling cover letter is to customize your document for the organization you’re applying to.
ResumeTemplates offers free, HR approved resume templates to help you create a professional resume in minutes. Choose from several template options and even pre-populate a resume from your profile.