Key Skills for a CV: List of Good Examples
Check the best skills to put on a CV. See good examples and learn what key skills for a CV are.
Maciej Duszynski
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert
A computer science CV template employers love. Write your computer science CV fast, with expert tips and good and bad examples.
This computer science CV template will get you noticed.
Here’s the secret:
Most CS CVs aren’t worth the SMTP packets that enclose them. They’re random and generic.
Say the right things in the right order and you’ll turn heads like Sergey Brin or Barbara Liskov.
This guide will show you:
Save hours of work and get a CV like this. Pick a template, fill it in. Quick and easy. Choose from 21 CV templates and download your CV now.
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I had an interview yesterday and the first thing they said on the phone was: “Wow! I love your CV.”
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Looking for another kind of CV? Have a look at these guides:
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Jill Macateer
Computer Science Professional
Personal Info
Phone: 503-519-0145
Email: jillmacateer@gmail.com
Portfolio: jillmacateer.com
stackoverflow.com/jillmacateer
github.com/jillmacateer
linkedin.com/in/jillmacateer
Summary
Passionate computer science specialist with 3 internships and multiple projects. Seeking to solve problems for Ken C. at Google with proven skills in C# and leadership. At Pralucitronics, commended 5x by managers for efficiency, including a solution that eliminated 15,000 lines of code.
Experience
Pralucitronics
Software Development Intern
2017–2017
MeetGood Inc.
Software Engineering Intern
2016–2016
Abernathy Wodge Healthcare
Programming Intern
2015–2015
Education
BS in Computer Science, Northwest Christian University
2014–2018
Projects
Oubliette Magic
Tax Ninja Samurai
Spam Classifier
Contest
Activities
Programming Languages (Proficient)—SQL, C, C#, Python, Java
Programming Languages (Familiar)—Assembly, HTML/CSS, TypeScript
Soft Skills: Communication, Leadership, Collaboration
Hard Skills: Programming Logic, Data Structures, Open Source Experience, Computer Skills
Now, here’s how to write a computer science CV:
Let’s blow the curve out.
The best CV format proves you dream in 1337-speak.
What is the best format for a computer science CV?
Expert Hint: Use a computer science major CV PDF unless the job ad deprecates them. Why? PDF CVs won’t fubar in transit and they’re machine-readable.
What goes first?
Start with a heart-thumping CV objective (or professional summary for CV).
It should tell the hiring manager you know FAT isn’t a weight problem.
Add:
1. An adjective (problem-solving, hard-working, creative)
2. Job title (computer science specialist)
3. Years of experience (1+, 5+)
4. How you’ll help (solve problems)
5. Flashiest achievements (led 4-person team)
These two computer science CV examples give the foo and bar:
Congrats, padawan. That first computer science CV sample blows the doors off. The accomplishments and metrics will make employers chew their nails.
You have achievements. Easter-egg them in your entry-level computer science CV objective.
Pow.
No computer science jobs, but still a professional junior computer science CV summary.
Remember: a computer scientist CV objective used to be all about you. You’ll get more notice if you show how you can help.
Expert Hint: Create your computer science student CV objective or CV summary last. That’ll give you all the best components to build with.
Most don’t know:
A good CV job description picks the right few accomplishments.
Once you know how, employers will see you as the next Ken Thompson.
Here’s how:
1. Read the job ad.
2. Highlight the computer science CV skills and duties.
3. Write CV bullets that show you live and breathe those things.
These computer science CV examples show the source code:
Why does #1 nuke it from orbit? Those metrics and achievements sell your skills.
You can stand out even with no experience. Do it with projects, like this computer science CV sample:
Projects
Oubliette Magic
Tax Ninja Samurai
Spam Classifier
And focus on your computer science skills.
Dodge this bullet:
Don’t use CV skills from online lists.
To employers, that’s worse than blindly copy-pasted code.
Instead:
1. Pick the right computer science skills from the job ad.
2. List them in your CV for computer science jobs.
3. Pack your CV bullets with measurable proof.
Job ad wants: (1) efficiency (2) research (3) C#.
That computer science CV example hard-codes you to the job. The #’s and % show it’s IRL.
Showcase your skills.
But—
Again, avoid skill lists.
Instead, pick those that are most relevant to the computer science job you’re applying for.
These skills are pretty common:
Hard Skills | Languages | Soft Skills |
Data Structures | SQL | Leadership |
Coding | JavaScript | Critical Thinking |
Machine Learning | Python | Collaboration |
Web Development | Java | Creativity |
Security | C++ | Calm Demeanour |
Logic | IOS | Inquisitiveness |
Open Source Experience | C# | Communication |
Math | PHP | Enthusiasm |
Networks | Ruby/Rails | Diversity of Interest |
The ResumeLab builder is more than looks. Get specific content to boost your chances of getting the job. Add job descriptions, bullet points, and skills. Easy. Improve your CV in our CV builder now.
Nail it all with a splash of colour, choose a clean font, highlight your skills in just a few clicks. You’re the perfect candidate and we’ll prove it. Use the ResumeLab builder now.
Expert Hint: What are the best computer science jobs in America? According to UIC, systems engineer jobs are better than university professor, CPA, PA, and financial analyst positions.
Who knew?
There are two ways to show education on computer science undergraduate CVs.
One gets you hired. The other’s kludge.
These computer science CV examples show the wiki:
That first computer science CV sample will slashdot you with interview requests.
It proves you had it dialled even as a n00b.
Expert Hint: Is your computer science undergraduate CV experience still initialising? Write a bigger education section. Partition it into projects, groups, and accomplishments.
For superusers:
Most CS CVs are clones.
Inject personality in yours to stand out.
How?
With CV extras that don’t just say “I’m passionate.”
These two computer science CV examples will help you pwn it:
Next.
Those first computer science CV samples prove your DNA is written in C#.
Warning! Put a portfolio link in your computer science entry-level CV. CS employers expect it. Stackoverflow and Git links work too.
Double your impact with a matching CV and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter builder and make your application documents pop out.
Want to try a different look? There’s 18 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here.
Expert Hint: For bonus points, send a cover letter with your CV for computer science jobs. Most employers won’t read them, but almost half insist on them.
To write a great computer science CV:
Got questions on how to write a great CV for computer science jobs? Not sure how to show computer science on a CV? Leave a comment. We’re happy to reply.
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Check the best skills to put on a CV. See good examples and learn what key skills for a CV are.
Maciej Duszynski
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert
A perfect CV is one that will land you an interview by convincing the recruiter you’re perfect for the role. Don’t know how to write one? We do, and we’re about to show you.
Maciej Duszynski
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert
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