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As a computer science graduate, the world is your oyster. However, to really conquer it, you need to have a great resume. Writing it can be easier than writing a simple program in JAVA. Read on, see the best computer science resume example, and let me teach you everything about writing a job-winning CS resume.

In this article, I’ll show you:

  • A computer science resume example better than 9 out of 10 other resumes.
  • How to write a computer science resume that will land you more interviews.
  • Tips and examples of how to put skills and achievements on any computer science resume template.
  • How to describe your experience on a resume for a computer science specialist to get any job you want.

Insights from 11 million resumes crafted with our builder show that:

  • On average, the typical resume for a Computer Scientist includes 5.2 skills.
  • Skills such as SQL, Agile, front-end development, and database programming are top choices for Computer Scientists.
  • The average resume length for Computer Scientists is 2.4 pages.

Want to save time and have your resume ready in 5 minutes? Try our resume builder. It’s fast and easy to use. Plus, you’ll get ready-made content to add with one click. See 20+ resume templates and create your resume here.

Create your resume now

Sample resume made with our builder—See more resume examples here.

Are you targeting a specific position in computer and information technology? Visit our guides:

Computer Science Resume Template

Skylar Xavier

Computer Science Specialist

593-422-9328

skylarxavier@email.com

linkedin.com/in/skylar.xavier

Summary

Results-driven computer scientist with over 8 years of experience in designing high-performance software solutions that have reduced application load times by 30% and improved data processing efficiency by 20%. Led cross-functional teams to develop robust, scalable applications that have been adopted by over 50,000 users. Expertise in applying machine learning techniques to enhance predictive models, increasing accuracy by 15% across large datasets. Seeking to bring this level of innovation and precision to CodeCraft Computing.

Work Experience

Data Analyst

TechSphere Innovations, Dallas, TX

June 2016–September 2024

Key Qualifications & Responsibilities:

  • Spearheaded optimization of data algorithms, improving processing time by 20%.
  • Developed and maintained comprehensive database systems, ensuring 99% uptime.
  • Led the development of interactive data visualization tools, improving executive decision-making efficiency.
  • Partnered with cross-departmental teams to maintain stable system operations.

Key Achievement:

  • Reduced web application load time by 30% through advanced code optimization.

Software Developer Intern

ByteMinds Solutions, Dallas, TX

May 2015–May 2016

Key Qualifications & Responsibilities:

  • Collaborated in the design and development of intuitive user interfaces.
  • Identified and resolved critical bugs during beta testing phases, improving system reliability.
  • Authored technical documentation to streamline future development and debugging processes.

Key Achievement:

  • Created a custom code optimization process, reducing analysis time by 25%.

Education

Bachelor of Computer Science

University of Texas, Dallas, TX

August 2011–May 2015

  • Graduated Cum Laude
  • Active member of the Computer Science Club
  • Participated in Hackathon 2014

Skills

  • Python, Java, C++
  • Machine Learning
  • Data Visualization & Reporting
  • Agile & Scrum Methodologies
  • Problem-solving & Creativity
  • Strong Communication
  • Time Management

Certifications

  • Certified Data Scientist, Data Science Council of America, 2020
  • Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer, Oracle University, 2018

Languages

  • English—Native
  • Spanish—Fluent

Interests

  • Keeping up with the latest technology advancements
  • Participating in coding competitions

Now, follow the steps below to create an effective computer science resume:

1. Format Your Computer Science Resume Correctly

As a computer scientist, you know how to develop new hardware. But do you know how to develop a CS resume that looks great at first sight? Allow me to explain it to you briefly.

Here’s what resumes look like in 2025 (the winning ones, that is!):

We’ve got the looks. Let’s move on to its content.

Pro Tip: Most CS applicants choose the reverse chronological resume format, which hiring managers consider the best resume format. However, if you don’t feel it’s the right one for you, remember that there are two more types of resumes: a functional resume (aka skills-based resume) and a combination resume (aka hybrid resume).

2. Describe Your Experience on Your CS Resume

Did you know there are currently 2.19 million computer scientists in the USA? The competition is fierce, so you must have a resume that stands out. The most important part of your resume, your employment history, is a great way to do it.

Here’s how to show your experience on a computer scientist resume:

  • Put your positions in reverse chronological order. 
  • List your impressive achievements and not your duties. That will perfectly separate you from your competitors.
  • Boost the readability of your resume by including some bullet points in your resume. Under each entry, add up to 6.
  • Start each bullet point with an action verb. It makes for an interesting read and will put you in a better light.
  • Quantify whenever it’s possible. Numbers pop and show your understanding of how impactful your work is.

Let’s see some examples.

Computer Science Resume Example [Experience]

Right

Data Analyst

TechSphere Innovations, Dallas, TX

June 2016–September 2024

Key Qualifications & Responsibilities:

  • Spearheaded optimization of data algorithms, improving processing time by 20%.
  • Developed and maintained comprehensive database systems, ensuring 99% uptime.
  • Led the development of interactive data visualization tools, improving executive decision-making efficiency.
  • Partnered with cross-departmental teams to maintain stable system operations.

Key Achievement:

  • Reduced web application load time by 30% through advanced code optimization.

Software Developer Intern

ByteMinds Solutions, Dallas, TX

May 2015–May 2016

Key Qualifications & Responsibilities:

  • Collaborated in the design and development of intuitive user interfaces.
  • Identified and resolved critical bugs during beta testing phases, improving system reliability.
  • Authored technical documentation to streamline future development and debugging processes.

Key Achievement:

  • Created a custom code optimization process, reducing analysis time by 25%.
Wrong

Kaituna Systems, Massachusetts

Worked as a programmer.

  • Used C++ and C#, PHP, Python.

The first computer science resume sample looks impressive and delivers quantifiable achievements, while the second one completely misses the target.

But what if you don’t have any relevant experience?

Delve into the computer science tasks you've tackled in non-computer science roles. Reflect on projects from your college or even high school years. Relevant courses and internships on a resume look great, too.

Explore these short-term work opportunities:

  • Freelance on job sites that offer short-term projects. The pay might not be great, but you'll gain valuable experience.
  • Contribute to open-source projects on platforms like Github. This can build up verifiable experience that employers recognize.
  • Create your own projects to build a strong personal portfolio.
  • Apply for part-time computer science internships at renowned companies. Even minimal roles can significantly enhance your resume.

Let’s see some examples.

Computer Science Student Resume [No Experience]

Right

Freelance Software Developer 

June 2020‒April 2024

  • Developed a fully functional e-commerce website for custom T-shirt sales utilizing PHP, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and integrated MailChimp, resulting in a 25% increase in sales within the first 3 months.
  • Designed and managed a comprehensive customer database, order management system, and inventory tracking system using MySQL, reducing order processing time by 40%.
  • Created an SQL performance monitoring tool for PawsomePetFood in New York, improving database efficiency by 30%.
  • Revamped the mobile interface for GetWealthyNow.com, leading to a 50% increase in mobile user engagement and meeting Google's latest mobile-first indexing standards.
Wrong
No software experience, but I’m willing to learn new things.

The first candidate has worked on several projects and included them in their computer science resume sample. The second one comes across as lazy.

Pro Tip: Create a tailored resume that directly answers the job description. Select only the most relevant experience. This will show your recruiter how you may help them on a daily basis.

Creating a resume with our builder is incredibly simple. Follow our step-by-step guide and use content from Certified Professional Resume Writers to have a resume ready in minutes.

When you’re done, Zety’s resume builder will score your resume and our resume checker will tell you exactly how to make it better.

3. Show Education on Your Computer Scientist Resume

The real-world experience matters more than education. It also applies to computer science. However, you must highlight your achievements in the resume education section to deliver a job-winning resume.

Here’s how to shine with your education on your CS resume:

Time to see some examples.

Computer Science Resume Template: Education

Right

Bachelor of Computer Science

University of Texas, Dallas, TX

August 2011–May 2015

  • Graduated Cum Laude
  • Active member of the Computer Science Club
  • Participated in Hackathon 2014
Wrong

Bachelor of Computer Science

2019

Wicklow Community College

  • GPA 3.2

The first example is impressive and precise, giving the recruiter all they need to know about the candidate. The second one doesn’t deliver anything. Plus, the GPA on a resume is too low to brag about it.

Pro Tip: If you’re still learning and want to write a CS internship resume, include your expected graduation date.

4. Put the Right Skills on a Computer Science Resume

Skill-first hiring is getting more and more popular. That’s enough to focus on your most impressive skills on a resume, don’t you think?

Here’s how to do it right:

Let’s see some skills a CS resume should have:

Skills for a Computer Science Resume

Hard Skills

Programming Languages

Soft Skills

Data Structures

SQL

Leadership

Web Development

Java

Creative Thinking

Coding

JavaScript

Critical Thinking

Open Source Experience

C#

Communication Skills

Machine Learning

Python

Collaboration Skills

Security

C++

Problem-Solving Skills

Math

PHP

Enthusiasm

Logic

IOS

Inquisitiveness

Networks

Ruby/Rails

Diversity of Interest

Okay, but what can it look like on a resume?

Computer Science Resume Example: Skills Section

Skills

  • Python, Java, C++
  • Machine Learning
  • Data Visualization & Reporting
  • Agile & Scrum Methodologies
  • Problem-solving & Creativity
  • Strong Communication
  • Time Management

A perfect mixture of all the important types of skills makes a great skills section.

Pro Tip: A recruiter will use Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) to sift through documents in search of resume keywords. Find the keywords your recruiter searches for by digging for them in the job description.

5. Add Other Sections to Your Computer Science Resume for Greatest Impact

Adding separate sections for hobbies, awards, certifications, memberships, or publications on your resume is a great idea, especially if you make them as relevant and impressive as possible. You can add several things that position you as a professional or even an authority.

Here are some additional sections to add to your CS resume:

Take a look at these examples:

Computer Science Resume Examples: Additional Sections

Right

Certifications

  • Certified Data Scientist, Data Science Council of America, 2020
  • Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer, Oracle University, 2018

Languages

  • English—Native
  • Spanish—Fluent

Interests

  • Keeping up to date with the latest advancements in technology.
  • Participating in coding competitions.
Wrong

Interests and Passions

  • Baking
  • Biking
  • Bowling

While the first example gives relevant certifications, languages (which is always a plus!), and interests that confirm skills, the second one tells you nothing relevant about this candidate.

Read more: Additional Sections on a Resume

6. Write a Compelling Computer Science Resume Objective or Summary

Time to write a great opening paragraph for your computer scientist resume. Why now? Everything you can include there is already shining on your resume. In a moment, I will show you how, but first, I need to explain the difference between the two types of resume profiles.

Resume objective vs resume summary: what’s the difference?

  • A resume summary is for those with over a year of relevant professional experience.
  • A resume objective belongs to an entry-level computer science resume. It also works for applicants who are changing careers or computer science students.

There are simple formulas you can use to ace these sections:

Computer Science Resume Summary Formula

Adjective + Job Title + Years of Experience + Achievements + Skills + What You Want to Do for the Employer 

Computer Science Resume Objective Formula

Adjective(s)/Certificate(s) + Your Job Title or Degree + seeking employment asa + Position You're After + at + Company Name + to apply my + Your Relevant Skills + to help + What Do You Want To Help The Company Achieve

Now it’s time for some examples.

Sample Computer Science Resume Summary

Right
Results-driven computer scientist with over 8 years of experience in designing high-performance software solutions that have reduced application load times by 30% and improved data processing efficiency by 20%. Led cross-functional teams to develop robust, scalable applications that have been adopted by over 50,000 users. Expertise in applying machine learning techniques to enhance predictive models, increasing accuracy by 15% across large datasets. Seeking to bring this level of innovation and precision to CodeCraft Computing.
Wrong
Computer science specialist willing to work in C++, C, SQL, JavaScript, Java, and PHP. Great communication skills.

The first example uses action words, delivers an impressive achievement, and states a career goal. It follows the formula but changes the order a bit, which is fine. The second example, on the other hand, might look well on the first site but doesn’t tell a lot about the candidate and doesn’t work as a summary of qualifications.

Let’s see what a resume objective can look like.

Sample Computer Science Resume Objective

Right
Curious and energetic computer science specialist skilled in leadership with a strong math, logic, and cross-platform coding foundation. Seeking to leverage solid collaboration, communication, and development skills as a Google programmer.
Wrong
Computer science graduate trained in C, C++, Ruby on Rails, HTML, CSS, PHP, MySQL, Java, JavaScript, Python, SQL, with an undergraduate degree.

The first example shows an interesting candidate. The second confuses resume objective with skills section, and probably leads to a repetitive resume.

Want to learn more about starting a resume? Visit our guide: Best Resume Starters; Guide and Tips

7. Write a Computer Science Cover Letter

You might be wondering if cover letters are necessary. Let me just tell you they’re as necessary as a hard drive to your computer. In other words, a lot.

Here’s how to write a good cover letter to add to your CS resume:

1. Begin your cover letter passionately and add an impressive accomplishment to grab the reader’s attention.

2. Highlight things that didn’t fit the resume. Write about your passion for the industry and the job. Mention the company name and things they’re dealing with to show them you want this job and not just any other.

3. End your cover letter by offering a precise date for your interview.

4. Format your cover letter and keep the right cover letter length. Don’t make it longer than 400 words.

5. Write a follow-up email a couple of days after you send your first email containing your resume and cover letter. 

And that’s it. You’re ready to send your computer science resume!

Want to blow that computer science cover letter out of the water? Use this guide: Computer Science Cover Letter: Examples and Tips

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:

See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Key Takeaway

Let’s quickly summarize what we’ve learned here today:

  • Start with the right CS resume format.
  • Describe your most impressive work-related achievements.
  • Highlight your education.
  • List skills most relevant to the specific job you’re after.
  • Add some extra information to make your resume stand out more.
  • Summarize your entire resume in a resume summary or a resume objective.
  • Include a cover letter that will further convince your recruiter of your candidacy.

If you have any questions about writing a computer science resume, just drop them in the comment section below. Let’s chat!

There are more guides you might find interesting:

About Zety’s Editorial Process

This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines. We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.

Sources

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Maciej Tomaszewicz, CPRW
Maciej is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer and career expert and with a versatile professional background, creating tools for job seekers in various industries. His creative writing background and HR-related experience allow him to create highly readable articles clarifying even the most complicated professional development aspects. Since 2022, he has authored guides on professional resumes and cover letters, written articles on work-related scenarios, and developed research-based career advice.
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