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Computer Science Resume Examples
More computer science resume examples
Choose the right resume format for your computer science resume
How to write a computer science resume in 5 simple steps
Add a cover letter
Key takeaways for your computer science resume
Commonly asked question about resume writing

As a computer scientist, you’re in charge of making things work from behind the scenes of everyone’s favorite apps, games and software systems. From writing complex algorithms that power search engines to unraveling the mysteries of artificial intelligence, a computer scientist’s realm is one of innovation and problem-solving.

Computer science pros know how to blend science and creativity to fuel the innovations that society depends on. With such impressive talents, all you need now is a resume that properly shows them off.

With the help of some easy-to-follow instructions on how to write a resume and some excellent resume examples for reference, creating a persuasive computer science resume is easier than you think.

Here, you’ll learn exactly what you need to know to write an impressive resume in a matter of minutes.

Keep reading to learn more about:

Examples of computer science resumes for applicants with and without experience.
What makes a computer science resume example great.
Tips and tricks for writing computer science resumes.
What to include in every section of your computer science resume.
How to choose the right resume template and format for the role.

Want a completely customized resume built in just minutes? Use our professional AI Resume Builder. This tool provides expert-written suggestions, advice and step-by-step help through each portion of the resume-writing process.

Computer Science Resume Examples

Entry-level computer science resume example

Computer Science Resume Example Entry Level

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What makes this a great computer science resume sample?

It focuses on goals.
Since this candidate is at the start of his career, a resume objective that focuses on aspirations and professional development goals is a great alternative to a summary of his experience.
It showcases skills.
This candidate only recently graduated college, so it makes a lot of sense to use the functional format to highlight his skills rather than other formats which organize the resume around experience.
It uses active language.
Action words like “troubleshot” and “coordinated” show just how impactful this candidate’s past work has been.

Experienced computer science resume example

Computer Science Resume Example Experienced

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What makes this a great computer science resume sample?

It’s professional.
The template that this candidate chose organizes her information simply and effectively for an overall effect that is both professional and easy to read.
It’s chronological.
With extensive work experience under her belt, this candidate puts her best foot forward with a chronological format that places her experience at center stage.
It balances hard and soft skills.
This candidate’s knowledge of SQL and Python are essential to her career, but her ability to communicate and problem-solve are also vital. Fortunately, she showcases both hard and soft skills for a well-rounded resume.

More computer science resume examples

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Web Developer Resume: Examples, Templates + Tips

Choose the right resume format for your computer science resume

To land the job you want, you need to get the right information in front of a recruiter. How do you accomplish that? By selecting the right resume format.

Experienced applicants should consider a chronological resume format to highlight work experience and a strong career progression.
Applicants with little to no experience should consider using a functional resume format.
Midlevel applicants with three to five years of relevant experience should consider a combination resume format to showcase a balance of skills and work experience.

Visit our guide to learn more about how to format a resume to highlight your candidacy.

Select an appropriate computer science resume template

Create your resume

While every resume template will have the same basic sections — a professional summary or resume objective, skills, work history and education — you can customize the look and feel of your resume by selecting the right template.

Computer scientists entering artistic fields, like game design, may benefit from using a creative resume template. In general, the sleek professionalism of a modern resume template is the most appropriate for computer science.

How to write a computer science resume in 5 simple steps

While there are some basic rules for writing a great resume, top candidates for competitive computer science jobs know that the key to getting noticed is to write a resume that is specific to the industry and the role they seek. Let’s decode how to produce a top-tier resume in the following section.

Step 1

Study the computer science job description

The most successful resumes are usually tailor-made to suit the job that the applicant is targeting. Customizing your resume is a key step toward earning the position that you want the most.

Many employers run resumes through applicant tracking systems (ATS) that screen out unqualified candidates using a list of predetermined keywords. If your resume doesn’t contain the right keywords, you might even be eliminated before a human sees your resume. To make your resume ATS-friendly, you must study the job listing and pay close attention to the words that it uses.

Most job ads will list specific skills that the hiring department is looking for. If you apply for a computer science position that asks for experience in app development or cloud computing, you should take extra care to highlight those specific skills on your resume — as long as you do have those skills.

Step 2

Write a professional summary or resume objective

Depending on your level of experience, your computer science resume should open with one of two types of resume profiles. Both types provide potential employers with a summary of your most relevant skills and experience and some professional highlights.

Candidates with less experience should choose a resume objective, which places more emphasis on professional development and career goals. Applicants with more experience should use a professional summary, which outlines your skills and experience and highlights some of your most notable professional accomplishments.

Here are some strong examples for your computer science resume:

Computer science professional summary example:

Accomplished computer scientist with over a decade of expertise in diverse domains, encompassing software development, algorithm design and machine learning. Proven track record of leading complex projects to successful outcomes while optimizing code efficiency and system performance. Proficient in multiple programming languages, adept at problem-solving and dedicated to continuous learning to remain at the forefront of technological advancements. Strong collaborator with a history of effective team leadership and communication.

Computer science objective example:

Motivated computer science intern with one year of practical experience, pursuing a challenging internship to advance skill set and contribute effectively within a collaborative tech environment. Intent on applying acquired knowledge to real-world projects, fostering programming expertise and staying current with emerging technological trends. Committed to delivering top-notch outcomes, building professional relationships and actively engaging with team members to achieve shared objectives.

Step 3

Highlight your most relevant computer science skills

Regardless of your experience level, hiring managers will be looking closely at the computer science resume skills you list. Skills for a computer science resume should be added to your resume skills section and peppered into your professional summary (or resume objective) and your work experience section.

A really great resume incorporates a blend of hard and soft skills. Hard skills are the measurable technical skills needed to perform a job. They are developed through training, education and experience. Soft skills, on the other hand, are the behaviors and personality traits that help you do your job well. Below, we provide a side-by-side list of hard and soft skills to help you see the difference between the two.

Hard and soft skills for a computer science resume

Hard Skills

Java
Python
C++
Cloud computing (AWS, Azure)
Database management
Data structures and algorithms

Soft Skills

Time management
Collaboration
Initiative
Communication
Leadership
Problem-solving

Here is an example of a strong computer science skills section:

Proficient in several programming languages including Python, C++ and Java
Skilled at cloud computing using AWS and Azure
Eager collaborator with excellent communication skills
Enthusiastic problem-solver

Pro tip

Even for jobs that don’t require interacting with the public, soft skills are important to list. Employers seek out candidates who already possess these skills because they are difficult to teach.

Step 4

Write a strong computer science work experience section

While the required background and experience will be different for each role, the key to getting noticed is writing a work experience section that demonstrates what you will bring to the table.

Here is an example of a great computer science work experience entry:

Computer Scientist, Cobalt Data Management
Augusta, ME
June 2020 – September 2022

Led a team of four developers in creating a mobile app that amassed 50,000 downloads within the first month of launch.
Optimized a legacy codebase, resulting in a 60% reduction in application startup time.
Implemented data encryption protocols, enhancing security and safeguarding sensitive user information for a user base of 100,000.
Designed and executed performance tests, identifying bottlenecks and achieving a 40% increase in server response speed.
Researched and integrated machine learning algorithms, leading to a 25% improvement in recommendation accuracy for a content recommendation system.
Streamlined deployment processes, reducing deployment time by 50% and minimizing downtime.
Collaborated with UX designers to implement responsive design principles, resulting in a 15% boost in mobile user engagement.
Conducted code reviews for a team of eight developers, identifying and rectifying 200+ issues, ensuring code quality and consistency.

Pro tip

Make your credentials pop by using action words, data and metrics to capture the attention of a hiring manager.

Step 5

Showcase your education and training on your computer science resume

To be hired as a computer scientist, you’ll need to show employers that you have the required education and training. Top candidates for this role will typically list a bachelor’s degree in computer science, however, depending on the seniority level of the position, a master’s degree may be necessary.

How to list your computer science education:

Education:

Bachelor of Science Computer science
University of Maine at Augusta
Augusta, ME

Certifications:

Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

Pro tip

If you have professional certifications or special training, add them to your resume. You can include them in your education section or add a special section to your computer science resume.

Optional sections for your computer science resume

Awards and certifications

Adding accolades to your resume is a smart way to show off your abilities, achievements and qualifications. Awards emphasize exceptional performance or leadership, whereas certifications offer hard evidence of your training and expertise

Certifications in specific languages, processes and frameworks are often a vital aspect of computer science careers, so be sure to include any that you’ve earned.

How to list awards on your computer science resume:

2018 Google Code-in Grand Prize Recipient

Projects

Programming projects are the computer scientists’s bread and butter. Whether you’ve got tons of work experience or not, the projects section of your resume allows you to show what your code can accomplish. Projects accomplished on the job can go here, but don’t forget to list those programming passion projects that you’ve worked on in your free time!

How to list projects on your computer science resume:

Machine Learning Image Classifier
- Developed an image classifier using Python and TensorFlow.
- Trained the model on a dataset of 10,000 images, achieving 90% accuracy.
- Implemented transfer learning using a pre-trained convolutional neural network (CNN).
- Deployed the classifier as a web application using Flask.
Stock Market Analysis and Prediction
- Collected historical stock data using APIs and libraries like pandas and yfinance.
- Performed exploratory data analysis (EDA) and visualized trends using matplotlib.
- Built a predictive model using a time-series forecasting algorithm (e.g., ARIMA).
- Achieved a 75% accuracy rate in predicting stock price movement.
Android Expense Tracker App
- Designed and developed a mobile app for tracking personal expenses.
- Implemented a user-friendly interface with input validation and data persistence.
- Utilized SQLite database for efficient storage and retrieval of transaction records.
- Published the app on the Google Play Store, garnering over 5,000 downloads.

Languages

Every computer scientist knows a few programming languages, but what about regular languages? While every computer science resume needs a dedicated section for programming and coding languages, human languages are also a good addition. Whether it’s reading documentation, engaging with broader academic communities or entering foreign markets, multilingual computer scientists have an advantage in the communication department.

List the languages that you speak to showcase your communication skills and your mental flexibility.

How to list languages on your computer science resume:

Fluent in English and Japanese
Proficient in Spanish

Interests and hobbies

Including hobbies on your resume is suitable when they align with the job requirements, providing a chance to showcase your character and establish a meaningful connection with prospective employers. Moreover, they accentuate your adaptable abilities such as creativity and leadership, traits that extend across various roles.

Furthermore, hobbies and interests can illustrate your compatibility with a company’s culture, enhancing your comprehensive profile and revealing your distinct and well-rounded identity to potential employers.

How to list interests and hobbies on your computer science resume:

Passion for game development and artificial intelligence.
Studies the potential of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies, staying informed about emerging trends and their potential applications.
Participates in hackathons, collaborating with diverse teams to develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges within constrained timeframes.

Add a cover letter

Cover letter example for computer vision engineer

Create your cover letter

Adding a computer science cover letter to your application can help you stand out. Why? Because it gives you extra space to convince the employer that you’re the right person for the job.

Learning how to write a cover letter gives you the opportunity to persuade your potential employer by explaining why the experience and skills on your resume make you the perfect fit for their needs.

Applying for your dream position? Use your cover letter to express your enthusiasm for the company and the role. Study our cover letter examples to learn how to express your unique candidacy in a compelling way and how to format your cover letter for success.

Or, if you want a job-specific cover letter in a matter of minutes, use our professional Cover Letter Generator, which offers professionally written text suggestions for every section. Use the wording as-is or customize it to suit your needs.

Key takeaways for your computer science resume

Follow our steps for a standout resume:
Take care to write all five sections of your resume in a way that is specific to the job you seek. Your professional summary, skills, work experience and education section should all contain information that is targeted to the job ad.
Select the appropriate resume format:
Decide what you’d like to emphasize the most on your computer science resume — strong skills, an impressive work history or both — and then select the template that will help you put your best foot forward.
Be specific to the role:
Use specific information from the job ad rather than generic resume filler when crafting your document. Again, a well-written job description will tell you the critical credentials you must emphasize on your resume.
Include both hard and soft skills:
A successful career in computer science requires a mix of technical and personal skills to do the job well. Study our list of hard and soft skills to be sure that you include a balance of both types in your resume.
Make your work experience section shine:
Accomplish this by using action verbs, data and metrics to show the impact of your work.
Choose an appropriate resume template:
We’ve already discussed the merits of modern resume templates, but if you still feel lost, it never hurts to stick with the basics. Try a simple template to help you get started.
Go the extra mile:
Including a well-written computer science cover letter can increase your chances of landing a job interview.

Commonly asked question about resume writing

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Hailey Brophy is an experienced writer with a diverse career in digital publication. She is passionate about using her unique skills and experiences to help job seekers find the information that they need to succeed.