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. Also, draw attention to your strongest career achievements rather than simply listing your knowledge of programming languages and technologies. We’ll provide valuable insights to help you translate your career into a results-driven resume.
- Entry-Level
- Mid-Career
- Senior-Level
1. Write a brief summary of your computer science qualifications
As a computer science professional, incorporate three to four specializations that align with the job posting within the first sentence of your professional profile. This will send a clear message to hiring managers that you have the necessary technical expertise to succeed in the position. An effective resume starts with a strong opening summary that immediately catches the reader’s attention.
Senior-Level Profile Example
Profile
A cybersecurity specialist with over eight years of experience delivering patient privacy software solutions for the health care industry. A proven track record of identifying system vulnerabilities and identifying innovative solutions to improve cybersecurity 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 user experience (UX) best practices and user-centered design principles to improve engagement and web traffic.
2. Add a compelling section featuring your Computer Science experience
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 also highlight your ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. Keep in mind 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 over 15 information technology (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 $80,000 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 the development of gaming apps, performed quality assurance testing, configured in-app purchases, and enhanced user functionality, leading to a 19% increase in revenue
- Coordinate with a team of UX designers to enhance user interfaces (UI), UX copy, and application design
3. List any education and certifications relevant to Computer Science
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, also consider acquiring project management certifications. Having an advanced knowledge of Agile, Scrum, and Waterfall methodologies may differentiate you from other candidates during the job search process.
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
Certifications
Template
- [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
Example
- Cisco Certified Design Professional, 2016
- VMware Certified Advanced Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization Design, 2015
4. Make a list of your Computer Science-related 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. Also, provide hiring managers with tangible examples of utilizing your technical skills in fast-paced business environments. Below is a list of keywords you may encounter throughout your job search:
| Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| Agile methodology | Artificial intelligence |
| 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 |
How To Pick the Best Computer Science Resume Template
When selecting your template, 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, the most valuable information for prospective employers.
Computer Science Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
- Entry-Level
- Mid-Career
- Senior-Level
Kevin Morrison
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
LinkedIn | Portfolio
Miami, FL 12345
Profile
A cybersecurity specialist with over eight years of experience delivering patient privacy software solutions for the health care industry. A proven track record of identifying system vulnerabilities and identifying innovative solutions to improve cybersecurity 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 $200,000 to $500,000, 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
- Project management
- Risk management
- System architecture design
- System troubleshooting
- Vulnerability assessment
Education
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Computer Science
University of Florida,Gainesville, FL September 2011 – June 2015
Certifications
- Certified Information Security Manager, ISACA, 2017
- HealthCare Information Security and Privacy Practitioner, ISC2 2015
Frequently Asked Questions: Computer Science Resume Examples and Advice
What are common action verbs for computer science resumes?-
It’s easy to run short on action verbs during the resume-building process. Often, only a limited number of verbs 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. We’ve compiled a list of action verbs 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, meaning around 3,300 new jobs in this field each year. This growth comes from continued advances in technology. Many new positions will be created in the business sector as companies use 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. A functional resume format may seem appealing as it highlights your programming languages and technology skills. But 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, prioritize academic projects over simply listing skills on 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, 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.
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