Computer Science Resume Example

On average, graduates with computer science degrees have better employment rates than other degree holders, and an average starting salary of $71,500. In fact, it’s one of the most in-demand majors on the job market.

However, to land your dream job, you’ll still need a resume that sets you apart from other applicants.

Whether you have years of experience or are just entering the workforce, these three tips will help you write a computer science resume that gives you the edge you need to get invited in for an interview.

1. Lead with a strong computer science resume objective

One of the most effective ways to make your resume stand out is a succinct, convincing resume objective. This applies to experienced computer scientists and recent graduates alike.

Instead of focusing on what you hope to gain from the position you’re applying for, your resume objective should give hiring managers a quick summary of your qualifications and what you can accomplish professionally.

A good computer science resume objective includes:

• Your title (“computer science student” or “computer science graduate” is also acceptable)
• Years of experience (if any)
• Degrees and certifications
• Relevant skills
• A statement explaining how you plan on using your skills and experience to benefit the company

Here’s an example of what a strong objective looks like on a resume:

This resume objective gives the hiring manager a brief, informative overview of the candidate’s abilities.

2. Emphasize your computer science resume skills

Employers want to see how you’ve put your skills to use in the past, so that they have a good idea of the value you’d bring if hired.

When showcasing skills on your resume, make sure to:

• Be specific – Instead of saying “skilled at programming,” mention the exact programming languages you’re comfortable using
• Demonstrate past experience – Describe how you’ve put your skills to use, whether that’s in the classroom or at work

Here’s a good example:

This example works because the candidate clearly states which programming languages they used to successfully execute the task.

3. Write an achievements-oriented experience section

Rather than read a long list of responsibilities you held at your last job, employers want to know what you achieved in previous roles.

Additionally, to make your experience section even more compelling, back up your claims with hard numbers.

Take a look at these two examples from a computer science resume:

• Contributed to a full revamp of the flagship app’s homepage

• Used HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to contribute to a full revamp of the flagship app’s homepage, leading to a 16% increase in click rates

While the first example does highlight an achievement, the second example is more effective because it specifies both which programming languages were used to update the webpage, and how much the click rate increased as a result.

How to write a computer science student resume (with no experience)

Even if you don’t have a lot of professional experience to add to your resume, chances are you’ve got other achievements that belong in your resume’s experience section.

For an entry-level computer science resume, write this section the same way you would write about your professional experience by adding relevant bullet points and quantifying your accomplishments. If you’re not sure what to add, consider listing the following types of computer science experience:

• Freelance work – If you’ve been involved in short-term freelance projects, you should include them on your resume. Explain who you worked for, what you did, and how you learned from it.
• Personal projects – If you’ve ever worked on a programming project in your spare time,be sure to elaborate on it.
• Schoolwork – Highlight school projects or relevant coursework that demonstrates your abilities.
• Internships – If you haven’t accumulated any professional experience yet, list your internships in your computer science resume’s experience section.

Even with no experience, you can strengthen your resume with a well-written cover letter. Study the job description to decide whether a computer science cover letter or a software engineer cover letter is right for your application.