Constructing an organized resume can be difficult. Especially if you are a computer science professional. This may mean that you have a lot of qualifications and skills that you want to list. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. We’ve put together a guide on how to construct the perfect computer science resume. What you can expect from this guide is a step-by-step guide on how to write a resume and skills to add to your resume. 

How to write a computer science resume

There are a few things that you need to have in your computer science resume to make it stand out. Here are some of the reasons why you should follow this perfected guide:

  • This guide is constructed in reverse chronological order, which is one of the most popular ways to write a resume. 
  • Provide relevant and complete contact information. This is important because you want to make sure the employers that you are contacting have a sufficient way to contact you. 
  • Keep your resume summary short and sweet. A quick way to highlight your ambitions and goals
  • Include an impressive list of relevant skills
  • Add a short educational section. It’s important to list where your educational background stands.  

Now that you know the basics of what your resume should consist of, we’re going to run through how to write it out. 

Good news for you, Prepory has a resume maker that can make the process even easier for you! It’s the perfect tool whether you need to update your existing resume or create an entirely new one. It’s easy to use and has over 250 different templates to choose from. Click here or below to visit our resume maker. 

The right way to format your resume

When you are constructing your resume, the first thing that your potential employer is going to notice is the layout. We recommend you organize it in chronological order. This type of resume format is expected for how you display your work experience. This is also the most common format, so the recruiters are already expecting this type of format. 

Here are some other tips on how to construct your resume once you have the work experience in the recommended order. 

  • Keep your resume short and sweet. An ideal resume length is one page. There are a few exceptions to this rule. Say you are a professional with 10+ years of experience or are applying for a job in academia. This is a more impressive resume length as opposed to listing every single accomplishment. 
  • Don’t forget to add headlines to your resume. This is important for the employer to easily examine your resume without missing important information. 
  • Save your resume in PDF format. Unless specifically directed to do otherwise. This is the easiest way for recruiters to open your resume from any device. 

Include the right contact details

This is one of the easiest yet most important sections to accomplish in your resume. Double-check this section for no mistakes or typos. The purpose of this section of your resume is to ensure that the recruiters or potential employers can get ahold of you and bring you in for an interview. 

Here is the information you’ll want to include in this specific order:

  • Full Name
  • Title
  • Phone Number
  • Email
  • Social Profiles (LinkedIn)
  • Location (City and State)

Write a resume summary

The cherry on top of your computer science resume is crafting a quick summary. This is a quick and insurable way to represent your professional history and goals and show your potential employer why you’re the perfect candidate for the job.

The purpose of a resume is to show your experience and is ideal for an entry-level position. The summary of your resume is better instructed for the recruiter to see how goal-oriented and ambitious you are.  

Describe your computer science experience

Unless you have no professional experience whatsoever, work experience is a must on any resume. This can be especially true in highly technical fields like computer science where you never really stop learning or developing throughout your career. 

Here is how to properly format your work experience:

  • List the work entries in reverse chronological order (which means putting your most recent job first).
  • Include your title, the company name, location, and the years attended.
  • Add 3-5 achievements and responsibilities underneath each work entry (with fewer bullet points for older jobs).

List your education

Knowing your education status is very important and proves to your employer that you finished your computer science education. This section doesn’t need the same amount of space as your work experience section, but that doesn’t mean it is any less important. 

Here is the important information you should list about your education:

  • Your degree
  • Name and location of the college
  • Years you attended

Write relevant skills

Now for all the skills you’ve acclimated. This section is one of the most important parts of your computer science resume. Especially if you are being considered for an entry-level position. It’s been recommended to list 15-20 different skills you have to improve your chance of being hired. 

We wanted to note that you shouldn’t list every single skill you can think of. You don’t want to crowd your resume with unnecessary information. Instead, consider listing the industry-relevant skills. A helpful tip is to list the skills that are in the job description that make your abilities.

  • Mathematics
  • Problem-solving
  • Coding
  • Experimentation
  • Computer and technology knowledge
  • Programming languages
  • Technical writing
  • Software development
  • Computer hardware engineering
  • Data analysis
  • Information systems management
  • Technical writing
  • Linear algebra
  • Statistics
  • Calculus
  • Discrete mathematics

Additional resume sections to use

These additional sections are just recommended and are not required for all computer science job listings. They can however bring a lot of value to your resume. 

Consider adding these sections to improve your computer science resume: 

Awards and certifications 

If you are new to computer science programs, just know that the competition these days are rigorous. This is a sure way to get your foot in the door at a competitive company. Prove to the recruiters that you deserve to be there by showing them the awards and certifications you’ve earned through your hard work and dedication.   

Projects

Listing all of the projects that you’ve worked on is just another way to show the recruiter that you like what you do and you are excellent at it. Note that projects don’t have to come from other jobs, but can be issued from school projects and/or personal projects that you’ve completed. 

Hobbies and interests

This section is not needed but can give your potential employer some insight into what you are like as a person. For example, if you list designing your own games, they will know that you are passionate about programming and even spend your downtime honing your skills. 

Include a cover letter

Most potential employers recommend submitting a cover letter along with your resume. It is an easy way to ensure that you are being taken seriously. Writing a detailed cover letter lets the recruiter know that you read the job description and you think you are the perfect candidate for the open position. Here is a guide to what you should have in your cover letter.

  • Header: This section should list your contact information, along with the contact information of the hiring manager you are addressing. 
  • Greeting the hiring manager: Add a personal touch by researching the recruiter’s name (usually be the head of whichever department you are applying to). Showing you’ve gone the extra mile will set you apart from candidates who include a generic “Dear Sir/Madam” greeting.
  • Opening paragraph: Here you really want to grab the hiring manager’s attention and impress them with your top 2-3 achievements. 
  • Body: You should convince the recruiter that you’re the perfect candidate for the job. Explain exactly what sets you apart from other applicants and what makes you a good fit for their company culture. You can also use this to say anything you couldn’t in your resume (e.g. explain a career gap).  
  • Closing: You want to leave a lasting impression with the closing paragraph. Make it memorable so the hiring manager won’t forget you by including a call to action (e.g. it’d be great to discuss this more in-depth in an interview). 

Prepory’s cover letter maker

If you are looking for an easier way to create cover letters during your job search, then look no further. We have the perfect tool for you. Not only can we assist you with constructing your resume, but your cover letters too! We have over 250 templates to choose from. Ensuring that your cover letter is up-to-date and specific. Check out our templates here or clicking below.

Key takeaways

You now have all the tools to construct the perfect computer science resume. All you have to do is perfect the formatting, include all the important and necessary information, as well as make everything you do stand out. If you follow along with our guide you will be a shoo-in during your next interview. Happy job hunting! 

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In this article, we will discuss the three most popular professional resume formats and how to use each of these resume formats to put forth a competitive job application. During your research and brainstorming process, make sure to look at resume templates and resume format examples, as well as resume templates for word, resume templates for google docs, and resume templates for free. 

Depending on the nature of your career and professional background, you may prioritize finding professional resume templates or simple resume templates. Use whatever works best for you!

Professional resume formats and resume templates

There are lots of factors to consider when putting together your ideal resume. Your resume is your one chance to make a good first impression and land an interview. In order to create a solid, professional resume that is reflective of your skills and qualifications is tailored to the specific job listing, is compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) technology, and brings you the attention you need to land an interview in a competitive job market, you’ll need to do your research! Look at sample resume formats to get a better idea of what will work best for you.

Perhaps the most efficient way to write a competitive, professional resume, is to use a professional resume builder or one of the best resume templates in 2022, easily available online. You may even consider using a resume template with a cover letter included. 

Chronological resumes

The best, most popular resume format is the chronological resume. This professional resume format is written in reverse chronological order — listing your most recent employment history first and ending with your most-dated employment history. 

This resume format for jobs is considered standard and is most favored by job recruiters and hiring managers. This is because these resumes are clear, concise, easy to read, and follow an overall narrative. The other benefit of writing a chronological resume is that this type of resume is readily interpreted by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), a popular hiring tool used by the majority of companies. 

Functional resumes

Another professional resume format is the functional resume. A functional resume is a more innovative resume format that focuses on job skills instead of on employment history. This can be helpful for young professionals, people changing careers, as well as for workers with gaps in their employment history. A functional resume allows job seekers to craft a compelling narrative as to why they would be a unique asset to the company by focusing on their passion, initiative, and overall professional job skills.

The potential downside to a functional resume is that a job recruiter or hiring manager may be suspicious of this format. They may wonder if the applicant is trying to hide something, such as potential gaps in employment or a lack of industry-related work experience. Overall, functional resumes are a bit more creative and rare. They certainly have their time and place; just be aware that they are not as standard and as a result, are not as immediately accessible to hiring managers and job recruiters. 

Hybrid resumes

The final professional resume format is the hybrid resume. There is no one correct way to write a hybrid resume. A hybrid resume combines elements of chronological and functional resumes. For many job seekers, chronological resumes hold a lot of appeals, but still, something is appealing about the innovative functional resume format. Due to this, many job seekers alter their resumes to further highlight job skills and other more creative, project-based credentials. This resume format is referred to as a hybrid resume.

Applicant tracking systems​

Something else to consider about functional and hybrid resumes is that Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) cannot interpret the data as efficiently. Therefore, your credentials, job skills, and work experience may be categorized and stored incorrectly. With the rise of Applicant Tracking Systems technology and online job listings, it is crucial to submit a resume that is compatible with these technologies. Otherwise, you risk having your resume overlooked, despite your overall qualifications. 

Using professional resume builders and resume templates

Resume templates are an invaluable resource for job seekers because they ensure that you will follow professional resume formatting standards. By choosing a job resume template that is well-suited to your needs, you will be able to demonstrate your unique qualifications in a way that is clear and concise, while simultaneously ranking well in the company’s hiring database (created by its Applicant Tracking System) and impressing your future employers. 

Tips for writing a professional resume

While you put together your ideal resume, make sure you follow professional resume standards. Here’s a checklist to keep in mind as you get started:

While it is important to always be mindful of these tips, especially as they relate to your overall formatting, professional resume templates will help give you a jump-start. With the help of a professional resume template, you will have a streamlined, professional resume. 

Popular job trends in 2022

The job market in 2022 has continued to evolve since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. Not only have industries been forced to adapt to these unprecedented times, but workers’ standards and priorities have shifted significantly. There have been more job openings than job seekers in recent years. Effectively, this has increased workers’ collective bargaining power. Overall, workers are increasing their workplace standards, especially in regards to healthcare coverage, benefits, pay, and the option for more flexible hours.

Remote or hybrid work​

Since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, workers have begun to favor remote or hybrid work environments. These environments eliminate many workplace stressors, such as long commutes and transportation factors, as well as interpersonal office dynamics. In fact, according to studies, workers tend to be more efficient and productive outside of an office setting. 

Many workers favor the freedom and flexibility that accompanies remote or hybrid work and are motivated to complete their work on time. In terms of overall job trends of 2022, many anticipate the rising popularity of the 4-day workweek. This is largely due to the increased efficiency of remote and hybrid work environments.

Self-employment and “gig work”

Workers are also increasingly gravitating towards self-employment, with the “gig work” economy currently on the rise. Through gig work, workers are realizing the true monetary value of their time, effort, and skill set. Professionals are learning to ask for, and expect to be paid for, their true monetary worth. Gig work has also presented itself as a powerful possibility for supplemental income. 

What to keep in mind about 2022 job trends

Remote and hybrid work environments are an important 2022 job trend to keep in mind for recruiters and job seekers alike. This is because companies are able to hire from a more diverse applicant pool. Physical location no longer plays such a crucial role in the hiring process. Now companies and workers can enjoy more options and overall flexibility. This also means, however, that workplace competition is also on the rise. Overall, this is why it is becoming increasingly important to learn how to write a professional resume and cover letter and to make sure that your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date.

Consider using a professional resume builder or resume template when applying for jobs. You may also choose to hire a career coach. Reach out to learn more about our resources as you move forward with your job search and job applications.