Computer Science Resume Template Example

Writing a resume for a computer science job can be a daunting task, but it’s crucial to make a positive first impression on your potential employer. Communicating your technical skills and experience to non-technical recruiters and hiring managers can be a challenge, but a well-crafted resume can help you stand out from other candidates by highlighting your relevant skills in programming and software development, your education, and prior work experience. We’ll provide tips on formatting, what information to include, and how to align your computer science resume with your career goals and the role you’re applying for.

Resume Template Tips for Computer Science

  • Choose a template that aligns with your career goals: Consider the job requirements and the company culture when selecting a template. For example, if you’re applying for a software engineering position at a startup, pick a modern and creative template. But if it’s a more traditional company, you may use a classic and professional template.
  • Select a template that highlights your skills and experience: Demonstrate your most relevant skills and experience in the best possible light. For example, if you have a lot of experience in programming languages like Java and Python, look for a template with a technical skills section.
  • Use a template that is easy to read and visually appealing: Avoid templates that are cluttered or difficult to read. Look for a clean and simple design with plenty of white space. This will make your resume more visually appealing and easier to read.

How To Write a Computer Science Resume

When writing a computer science resume, it’s important to include the following sections:

  • Contact information
  • Profile
  • Key skills
  • Professional experience
  • Education and certifications

Tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for, and use a template that is easy to read and visually appealing.

Contact information

Give 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.

Example

Your Name
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
LinkedIn | Portfolio
City, State Abbreviation Zip Code

Profile

Adapt your resume profile to the specific job you’re applying for, and write a brief summary of your qualifications. Start with a strong opening statement that demonstrates your most relevant capabilities and background. Then, provide a brief overview of your skills and experience, including your technical skills, programming languages, and software tools. Finally, include a statement about your career goals and what you hope to achieve in your next role. Keep your profile concise and easy to read, and use keywords relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Example

Experienced computer science professional with over five years working in software development and project management. Skilled in developing and implementing software solutions for clients in various industries. Seeking a challenging role in software development or project management.

Key skills

Incorporating key skills on your computer science resume is a strategic move to catch the attention of employers, align with their specific needs, and display your expertise in a way that is easily digestible and compelling. It also helps your resume clear the bar of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) which screen and filter resumes based on specific keywords and skills.

Common hard and soft skills for computer science

Hard Skills Soft Skills
Data analysis Attention to detail
Mathematics Communication
Programming languages (be specific) Creativity
Software development Teamwork
Technical writing Time management

Resume writer’s tip: Use strong action verbs

Using action verbs in your computer science resume is important because it showcases your skills and experience in a more impactful way. By using action words, you can demonstrate your accomplishments and responsibilities in a more dynamic way, standing out from other candidates. Additionally, action words can help you convey your skills and experience more effectively to recruiters and hiring managers. Here are 10 common action verbs for the computer science industry:

Action Verbs
Analyzed Collaborated
Debugged Designed
Developed Documented
Implemented Managed
Optimized Researched

Professional experience

This section of your computer science resume should include your previous work experience in reverse chronological order. For each job, include your job title, company name, employment dates, and a brief description of your duties and accomplishments. Use action verbs to describe your achievements and responsibilities, such as “developed,” “designed,” or “implemented.” This will showcase your skills and experience in a more impactful way. If you have limited work experience, consider including relevant coursework or academic projects.

Example

Software Development Manager, Macrohard, Los Angeles, CA
June 2019 – present

  • Implemented a new SEO strategy that resulted in a 50% increase in website traffic
  • Developed and implemented a new testing process that resulted in a 25% reduction in software bugs
  • Collaborated with clients to understand their business needs and develop custom software solutions to meet those needs

Software Developer, Pear Computing, Los Angeles, CA
July 2016 – May 2019

  • Developed and implemented a new marketing strategy that resulted in a 15% increase in software sales
  • Worked with clients to gather requirements and develop software solutions to meet their needs
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure successful project delivery

Resume writer’s tip: Quantify your experience

By incorporating specific numbers, percentages, and measurable outcomes into your resume, you provide prospective employers with a clear understanding of your impact as a computer science professional. Providing measurable results validates your achievements and offers concrete evidence of your contributions.

Do
  • “Designed and developed a new software feature that resulted in a 40% increase in user engagement.”
Don’t
  • “Designed new software features which increased user engagement.”

Resume writer’s tip: Tailor your resume for each application

Start by carefully reading the job description and identifying the key skills and qualifications that the employer is looking for. Then, emphasize these in your resume, using specific examples from your work experience and education to demonstrate your proficiency.

Use action verbs to describe your accomplishments and responsibilities, including “designed,” “developed,” or “implemented.” Additionally, customize your professional summary to reflect the specific job you’re applying for, and use keywords relevant to the job description. Finally, use a template that is easy to read and visually appealing, and proofread your resume carefully to ensure it is free of errors.

What if you don’t have experience?

If you’re applying for a job in the field of computer science but lack experience, there are several ways to compensate for this. Even if you have little work experience, you may have developed valuable skills through personal projects or other activities. Display these skills on your resume, using specific examples to demonstrate your proficiency.

If you have a degree in computer science or a related field, highlight it prominently on your resume. You can also include relevant coursework or academic projects to demonstrate your skills and knowledge. Certifications can also be important. Earning one in a specific area of computer science can demonstrate your expertise and stand out from other candidates. Consider obtaining certifications in areas such as programming languages, software development, or cybersecurity.

Education and certifications

When creating a computer science resume, it’s important to include your educational background and any relevant certifications earned. While certification isn’t typically required for a career in computer science, it can prove your ongoing commitment to staying up-to-date in the field. Include any certifications directly relevant to the position you’re applying for, such as those for programming languages, computer systems, or computer repair.

Example

Education

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, September 2012 – June 2016
University of California, Los Angeles, CA

Certifications

  • AWS Certified Solutions Architect, 2020
  • Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE), Microsoft, 2017

Computer Science Resume Text Example

Your Name
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
LinkedIn | Portfolio
City, State Abbreviation zip code

Profile

Experienced computer science professional with over five years working in software development and project management. Skilled in developing and implementing software solutions for clients in various industries. Seeking a challenging role in software development or project management.

Key Skills

  • Databases: MySQL, Oracle, MongoDB
  • Frameworks: Spring, Hibernate, React
  • Programming languages: Java, Python, C++, JavaScript
  • Project management: Agile, Scrum, Waterfall

Professional Experience

Software Development Manager, Macrohard, Los Angeles, CA
June 2019 – present

  • Led a team of 10 developers in the design and implementation of software solutions for clients in the health care and finance industries
  • Managed project timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure successful project delivery
  • Collaborated with clients to understand their business needs and develop custom software solutions to meet those needs

Software Developer, Pear Computing, Los Angeles, CA
July 2016 – May 2019

  • Developed and maintained software applications for clients in the retail and manufacturing industries
  • Worked with clients to gather requirements and develop software solutions to meet their needs
  • Partnered with cross-functional teams to ensure successful project delivery

Education

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, September 2012 – June 2016
University of California, Los Angeles, CA

Certifications

  • AWS Certified Solutions Architect, 2020
  • Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE), Microsoft, 2017
Andrew Stoner

Executive Resume Writer and Career Coach

A resume should be a forward-looking value proposition that showcases your most relevant accomplishments for a target role — not a rear view summary of your previous roles and responsibilities.

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