The computer science job market is on a roll, expected to grow by an impressive 14.5% globally from 2021 to 2027, and, more specifically, jobs in the U.S. are set to increase by 12%. If you know how the internet, Linux, compilers, and Turing machines work, you’re in an excellent position to pursue a career in this industry. Sure, computer science can be tough and sometimes stressful, but with the right experience, you can pick and choose from the best workplaces.
Keep in mind that the first step is to catch a recruiter's attention with an outstanding computer science resume. This is something we can help you with.
In this guide we’ll explore:
- How to pick a resume template that boosts your professional look as a computer scientist.
- Which key sections you should include in your resume and how to write them.
- How to best highlight your computer science experience.
- How to list your CS achievements to show your impact.
- Which skills from the job description are critical to underscore when tailoring your resume.
Here are a few computer science-related resume guides that might interest you:
- IT Intern resume
- Entry-Level Software Engineer resume
- IT Support resume
- Data Scientist resume
- Web Developer resume
How to format a computer science resume
Selecting the best resume format in the field of computer science is essential. The goal is to spotlight your most impressive skills and achievements. In a field as dynamic and diverse as CS, your resume must pinpoint your specific strengths and how they align with the job you want. The format you choose is key to making a good first impression and ensuring your resume shows why you’re the right candidate for the job.
You have 3 main options for formatting a computer science CV:
- Reverse chronological resume: Perfect if you have a lot of relevant experience, this format lists your jobs starting with the most recent.
- Functional resume: Great for newcomers to computer science, career changers, those just starting out, or anyone with gaps in their work history. It highlights your skills more than your past jobs.
- Combination resume: This combines the best of chronological and functional resumes, allowing you to feature your most relevant skills and successes upfront, followed by a detailed job history. It’s ideal for showing off experiences that match well with computer science roles.
Make sure your resume is well organized into sections that fit these formats to catch recruiters’ attention.
Here are some useful resume tips:
- Avoid using fancy fonts that are hard for Applicant Tracking Systems to read. Stick to simple fonts like Rubik, Montserrat, Lato, or Arial, and keep the font size between 10 and 12 points.
- Use 1-inch margins on all sides of your resume to maintain a clean and professional look.
- Opt for resume colors that are easy on the eyes. Blue is an excellent choice as it's professional and commonly accepted in many business environments.
- Keep your resume concise and aim to fit everything on one page, especially if you have under 10 years of experience.
- Include your name, phone number, location, and professional email address in the header of your resume.
- Always save your resume as a PDF to ensure it looks the same on any device or platform.
Each market has its own resume standards – a Canadian resume layout may differ, for example.