Unlocking Jobs: Computer Science Skills Every Resume Needs

Computer science is one of the fastest growing fields in the world. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, computer science jobs are expected to increase by 15% over the next decade. However, the field is also evolving rapidly thanks to both industry and user demands. 

To gain an edge in a career search, it is crucial to continually learn and refine your computer science skills. Here is how to make your resume stand out from the competition.

What are the Top Computer Science Skills?

• Programming languages. Languages like Python, Java, C++, and JavaScript are used extensively to develop software, analyze data, and write algorithms.
• Cybersecurity. Also called network security, employees in cybersecurity create and maintain systems to protect information and intellectual property.
• Computer networking. An understanding of how computers communicate is a vital technical skill to include on your resume.
• Software development. Software developers use programming languages to create software and applications that meet users’ needs.
• Database management. Using languages like SQL and understanding database structures are critical skills for database managers who design and maintain secure, functional databases.
• Machine learning and AI. More and more tasks are being automated through machine learning and AI; therefore, these skills are highly sought after by employers.
• Cloud computing. Having the skills to deploy, manage, and scale applications in cloud environments will enhance your resume.

How to Highlight Computer Science Skills on Your Resume?

To stand out to employers, you should emphasize both your technical skills and your practical experience on your resume. 

To start, include a list that specifically showcases your technical skills. Be sure to include any programming languages you are proficient in, as well as any databases, frameworks, and tools you have utilized. Make sure the skills you list match the job description as closely as possible.

To demonstrate your practical experience, highlight projects you have worked on by using metrics and achievements. For example, you could say you “developed a Python-based data tool that reduced processing time by 20%.” Using action words like “developed,” “implemented,” and “optimized” makes your statements more impactful and helps you to stand out from other applicants.

You should also include soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These skills are just as important to potential employers as your technical skills because all computer science jobs include working successfully with colleagues.

What are the Top Technical Skills to Highlight on Your Resume?

If the job description you are responding to mentions skills required for the position, be sure your resume mentions these (as long as you have those skills – never lie!) Demonstrating how your skills match the role will make you a stronger candidate. Computer science skills you should list on your resume include programming languages you know; expertise in database, web, or software management; and your knowledge of operating systems, machine learning, and cloud computing.

Your resume should also illustrate how you used your technical skills to advance projects and solve problems in your past roles. Your resume should make it clear to the hiring manager why your particular combination of skills and experience makes you the perfect candidate for their position. 

Reading the job description closely and visiting the company’s website will give you insight into the type of projects you will be working on if you are hired; use this information to tailor your resume for that position. Although it is more work to tailor your resume for each position you apply for, you will experience greater success at scoring interviews than you would if you send a generic resume out to multiple companies.

What Kind of Resume Helps to Land Computer Science Jobs?

A resume is often the first impression a potential employer gets of you and helps him or her decide whether to invite you for an interview. Therefore, it is important to make sure your resume is well-crafted, clean, and concise. 

As you create your resume, use a professional layout – there are many templates available online. For computer science resumes, your technical skills must be listed. If the job description mentions certain skills that you have, include those items at the top of your resume skill list.

Your resume should feature a timeline of work experience that is relevant to the position. Besides the main details (company, position name, dates), each listing should highlight your accomplishments. Describe the projects you worked on and the technical skills you used to contribute to the final result.

At the bottom of your resume, list your education and any professional credentials you have. Because computer science is such a rapidly changing field, your resume must demonstrate that you have engaged in continual learning. 

Make sure your resume is error-free by using spell- and grammar-check before sending it off to an employer. If you’re a UoPeople student and would like someone to proof your resume for you, or you need help writing any of the sections mentioned above, the Career Services Center at University of the People can help.

Add New Skills to Your Toolkit with University of the People

If you would like to continue to boost your computer science skills for your resume, University of the People has the program for you. With associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in computer science, you can build a solid foundation to advance your career in programming, networking, cybersecurity, software development, cloud computing, AI, and more.

UoPeople’s Associate of Science in Computer Science degree can be completed in as little as four months. This degree can help you gain an entry-level computer science position by teaching you skills in programming, networking, and software engineering.

If you would like to pursue higher-level job opportunities, UoPeople’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science will give you a critical advantage in the industry. The curriculum will go more in-depth into important technical skills like programming languages, database management, software development, network management, and machine learning.

If you are interested in a field like data science or network and application security, UoPeople also offers certificate programs in these two important fields. By earning a certificate in these crucial technical skills, you will be ready to take the next step in your computer science career.