How To Write a Computer Science Resume
A successful computer science resume must emphasize your technical expertise as well as your leadership capabilities. Companies want candidates who can communicate complex technical concepts effectively to both technical and non-technical personnel. You also need to draw attention to your strongest career achievements rather than simply listing your knowledge of programming languages and technologies. Throughout this guide, we’ll provide valuable insights to help you translate your career into a results-driven resume.
Senior-Level Profile Example
Profile
A Cyber Security Specialist with over eight years of experience delivering patient privacy software solutions for the healthcare industry. A proven track record of identifying system vulnerabilities and identifying innovative solutions to improve cyber security protocols, enhance data integrity, and prevent security breaches.
Entry-Level Profile Example
Profile
An innovative Computer Scientist with entry-level experience specializing in building and testing Android, iOS, and Windows applications. Adept at developing and maintaining websites using UX best practices and user-centered design principles to improve engagement and web traffic.
2. Add an accomplishment-driven professional experience section
Your professional experience section should feature your strongest accomplishments as a technology professional. Hard numbers, data, and monetary figures are all important in establishing a sense of scope for your achievements, but you also want to highlight your ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. Keep in mind that your ability to communicate effectively with non-technical personnel is often critical for the success of a complex project.
Computer Science – Professional Experience Example #1
Professional Experience
Senior Network Engineer, Chestnut Systems, New York, NY
November 2016 – Present
- Lead team of 15+ IT specialists in designing and implementing network upgrades to Cisco 6500-E, including migrating over 100+ WAN connections across 10 locations
- Manage and troubleshoot over 500 servers, maintain 99.99% uptime, and implement remote access to servers for onshore and offshore teams during expansion
- Configure, upgrade, and troubleshoot Cisco switches and routers and implement new preventative maintenance protocols, resulting in an $80K reduction in annual repair costs
Computer Science – Professional Experience Example #2
Professional Experience
Junior Programmer, Elm Apps, Nashville, TN
October 2022 – Present
- Created informational and gaming applications in Python for corporate clients, which increased name recognition among target audiences
- Support development of gaming apps, performed quality assurance testing, configured in-app purchases, and enhanced user functionality, leading to 19% increase in revenue
- Coordinate with a team of UX designers to enhance user interfaces, UX copy, and application design
3. Include relevant education and certifications
Certifications are often more important for computer science professionals than for the vast majority of other industries. Although your primary focus should be on certifications that emphasize your knowledge of programming languages, databases, and technologies, you should also consider acquiring project management certifications. Having an advanced knowledge of Agile, Scrum, and Waterfall methodologies may help to differentiate you from other candidates during the job search process.
Certifications
Template: [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
Examples:
- Cisco Certified Design Professional, 2016
- VMware Certified Advanced Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization Design, 2015
- CompTIA A+, CompTIA, 2013
Education
Template:
- [Degree Name]
- [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] [Dates Enrolled]
Example:
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Computer Science
- UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA, Gainesville, FL September 2011 – June 2015
4. List relevant key skills and proficiencies
As a technology professional, you likely already have an understanding of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and the role they play in the hiring process. Incorporating keywords to achieve ATS compliance is only one aspect of resume building. You also want to provide hiring managers with tangible examples of utilizing your technical skills in fast-paced business environments. Below, you’ll find a list of keywords you may encounter throughout your job search:
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Agile Methodology | Artificial Intelligence |
| C# | Cloud Technology |
| Computer Engineering | Computer Science |
| Cross-Functional Leadership | Data Analytics |
| Data Analysis | Database Management |
| Data Integrity | Data Science |
| JavaScript | Programming |
| Project Management | Python |
| Software Development Lifecycles (SDLC) | System Administration |
| Technical Leadership | Vendor Management |
| SQL | System Architecture |
| Technical Project Management | VMware |
How to Pick the Best Computer Science Resume Template
When selecting your template, you should prioritize organization over aesthetics and presentation. In many cases, flashy modern templates often distract the hiring manager from the applicant’s qualifications and accomplishments, especially if they overuse color and bulky graphics. Keep your emphasis on why you’re the ideal candidate for the job, as this is the most valuable information for prospective employers.
Computer Science Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
Years of Experience
- Entry-level
- Mid-career
- Senior-level
Hideo Araki
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
LinkedIn | Portfolio
Nashville, TN 12345
Profile
An innovative Computer Scientist with entry-level experience specializing in building and testing Android, iOS, and Windows applications. Adept at developing and maintaining websites using UX best practices and user-centered design principles to improve engagement and web traffic.
Key Skills
- Web Development
- UX Design
- Application Development
- React JS
- Python
Professional Experience
Junior Programmer, Elm Apps, Nashville, TN
October 2022 – Present
- Created informational and gaming applications in Python for corporate clients, which increased name recognition among target audiences
- Support development of gaming apps, performed quality assurance testing, configured in-app purchases, and enhanced user functionality, leading to 19% increase in revenue
- Coordinate with a team of UX designers to enhance user interfaces, UX copy, and application design
Computer Scientist Intern, Hawthorn Tech, Nashville, TN
June 2022 – October 2022
- Wrote code for a SaaS web application in Python, maintained existing company applications, developed bug fixes, and identified opportunities to enhance application functionality
- Collated information on reported software problems and provided recommendations to prevent recurring issues using written reports and oral presentations
Certifications
- UX Design, CareerFoundry, 2022
- CompTIA A+, CompTIA, 2022
Education
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Computer Science
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN September 2018 – June 2022
Kevin Morrison
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
LinkedIn | Portfolio
Miami, FL 12345
Profile
A Cyber Security Specialist with over eight years of experience delivering patient privacy software solutions for the healthcare industry. A proven track record of identifying system vulnerabilities and identifying innovative solutions to improve cyber security protocols, enhance data integrity, and prevent security breaches.
Professional Experience
IT Security Specialist, Oak Health Systems, Miami, FL
December 2017 – Present
- Manage the design, installation, operational planning, and risk remediation activities for more than 12 hospital clients valued at $200K-$500K, conduct risk assessments for clients and provide recommendations to enhance infrastructure and network security
- Perform ethical hacking, malware reverse engineering, and penetration testing to evaluate system vulnerabilities and develop defenses
- Deliver presentations to senior leadership, client stakeholders, and non-technical audiences on security risks, vulnerabilities, and improvement recommendations
Assistant Cyber Security Specialist, Apple Healthcare, Miami, FL
June 2015 – December 2017
- Developed hospital software in compliance with HIPAA Cyber Security Framework
- Coordinated with IT team to implement software solutions, test for vulnerability and report security issues and solutions to management team
- Provided technical manuals and training guides to ensure doctors, nurses and administrative staff could use software, ensuring a high level of user compliance
Key Skills
- System Architecture Design
- Vulnerability Assessment
- Risk Management
- Project Management
- System Troubleshooting
Certifications
- Certified Information Security Manager, ISACA, 2017
- HealthCare Information Security and Privacy Practitioner, ISC2 2015
Education
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Computer Science
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL September 2011 – June 2015
Jessica Lang
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
LinkedIn | Portfolio
New York, NY 12345
Profile
A results-driven Computer Scientist with 12+ years of professional experience specializing in network design, project management, Cisco, and VMware. A proven track record of deploying and maintaining LAN/WAN infrastructure for enterprise companies. Adept at building and leading high-performance teams to deliver innovative technical solutions.
Professional Experience
Senior Network Engineer, Chestnut Systems, New York, NY
November 2016 – Present
- Lead team of 15+ IT specialists in designing and implementing network upgrades to Cisco 6500-E, including migrating over 100+ WAN connections across 10 locations
- Manage and troubleshoot over 500 servers, maintain 99.99% uptime, and implement remote access to servers for onshore and offshore teams during expansion
- Configure, upgrade, and troubleshoot Cisco switches and routers and implement new preventative maintenance protocols, resulting in an $80K reduction in annual repair costs
Network Engineer, Pine Network Solutions, New York, NY
June 2013 – November 2016
- Designed and installed private and public wireless services for public parks and buildings, configured Wi-fi networks, and implemented user access protocols
- Conducted security assessments and made recommendations for remote access, disaster recovery, and server security, monitored network capacity and performance, and resolved complex network problems
Key Skills
- Technical Project Management
- Technical Leadership
- Cisco Products
- VMware
- Network Security
Certifications
- Cisco Certified Design Professional, 2016
- VMware Certified Advanced Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization Design, 2015
- CompTIA A+, CompTIA, 2013
Education
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Computer Science
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL September 2009 – June 2013
Frequently Asked Questions: Computer Science Resume Examples and Advice
What are common action verbs for computer science resumes?+
It’s easy to find yourself running short on action verbs during the resume-building process. Often, there’s only a limited number of verbs you can use to describe your experience accurately, especially as a technology professional. Using the same verbs repeatedly may cause your content to appear redundant to the hiring manager. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of action verbs you can use to diversify your word choice as you craft your bullet points:
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Analyzed | Automated |
| Built | Collaborated |
| Conducted | Created |
| Designed | Developed |
| Engineered | Implemented |
| Improved | Maintained |
| Managed | Optimized |
| Programmed | Resolved |
| Streamlined | Tested |
| Troubleshot | Updated |
How do you align your resume with a job description?+
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for computer scientists are projected to grow by 21% from 2021 to 2031. This will mean around 3,300 new jobs for computer scientists each year. This growth comes from continued advances in technology, and many new positions will be created in the business sector as companies are using data mining to better understand their customers. There will also be an increase in jobs in cybersecurity and software development.
Although these growth rates are encouraging, computer science is expected to remain a competitive industry. Aligning your resume with the job description will make you stand out from a crowded field of job applicants. For example, if a company is seeking a professional with expertise in cloud technology, you may want to feature your knowledge of Microsoft Azure and SaaS. By tailoring your resume to the job description, you’ll significantly increase your chances of landing the interview.
What is the best computer science resume format?+
Computer science resumes should always follow a reverse chronological format, even at the entry level. Although a functional resume format may seem appealing as it highlights your programming languages and technology skills, it doesn’t provide hiring managers with specific examples of you using these skill sets in your career. Even if you lack hands-on work experience, you should prioritize academic projects over simply listing skills on your resume.
Expert Advice: Include a cover letter with your resume
Applying with a matching cover letter can be helpful in a number of different ways. The most important thing to consider is whether or not your document is tailored toward individual organizations. In the middle paragraphs, you should mention something about the company’s work culture or reputation and why this draws you to apply for the position. These small details often make all the difference in whether or not you’re selected for an interview. For most insights, you can view our computer science cover letter guide.
