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How to Write a Data Scientist Resume: A Practical Guide

The following guide will help you write an outstanding data scientist resume that will get you the job of your dreams.

How to Write a Data Scientist Resume: A Practical Guide
Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Updated 5 min read

A Data Scientist is a highly sought-after position in the job market. In fact, there are not enough data scientists to fill all the open positions. If you’re looking for a new gig or just want some skills to add to your resume, you might want to consider becoming a data scientist.

But what does it take to be a data scientist? What kind of experience should you have? What kind of degrees do data scientists have? And importantly, how can you write a resume that will get noticed by employers?

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In this article, we'll cover everything from how you can get started with programming and statistics, to the top schools for Data Science degrees and more! We'll also provide you with some tips on how to write your own resume as a data scientist.

Start with the basics

To become a data scientist, it's important to start with the basics. That means starting with some programming and statistics.

Programming is one of the most important skills you'll need to succeed in data science. It's an essential tool for doing work at a computer, which is the primary task of a data scientist. You won't be able to get very far in your job without being able to write code for programs!

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And while you don't need to have experience with coding before you start your job search, it can help if you do. If you're just starting out on this journey, consider programming courses that will teach you how to create web applications or games.

Then, learn about statistics by taking classes on probability, linear regression, and analyzing data using statistical software like R or Python. This will empower you with critical analytical skills that are necessary for success as a data scientist!

Pick the Ideal Format for your Data Scientist Resume

Before you get started on your resume, think about the format that would work best for you. There are three common formats for resumes:

The one-page resume is shorter and easier to read. It has some of the most important information at the top of the page, while including only some of your education and experience below. This format is good if you have fewer than 10 years' worth of experience or want to keep it simple.

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A two-part resume is also easy to read with your education and experience listed on separate pages. The second part is typically reserved for more in-depth details about your skills and accomplishments, while the first page lists your credentials more broadly.

The traditional resume has all of your information listed in one long page that might not be as easy to read.

How to Write Resume Objective or Resume Summary for Data Scientist

When you're looking for a job as a data scientist, the first hurdle is often your resume.

It's important that you tailor your resume to meet the specific needs of the position. That means reviewing the job description and understanding what skills and qualifications the employer is looking for.

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But how can you stand out from all of those other applicants? To start, read this post on resume objectives and summaries to learn how to write a professional summary for a data scientist position!

Job Description for Data Scientist Resume

A data scientist is someone who uses their skills to find insights in the data. They are often found in business, finance or research roles. Data scientists can be responsible for analyzing trends and patterns among different sets of data.

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Data scientists may create predictive models, which are algorithms that use past information to predict future events. They may also build other statistical models, which are tools for understanding data through math and statistics.

Some industries where the demand for data science skills is high include analytics, advertising, financial services and government agencies.

Write your Education as Data Scientist

Now that you know what a Data Scientist does, it's time to figure out how to become one. In order to go from a college graduate with no experience in data science to a qualified job applicant, there are several steps you'll need to take.

In order to get started as a data scientist, you'll need some basic programming and statistics skills. These skills will come in handy when working on data-driven solutions for your company. You might want to consider taking classes in these subjects or just do some self-teaching if that's the case!

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Once you have the basics down, you're going to need a degree in Data Science. There are many universities that offer degrees in this subject area so it shouldn't be too difficult for most people to find one. You can even work towards a Master's or PhD program if you really want!

It's also important to note that there are many different types of degrees within Data Science. Some of them require more focus on statistics while others have more focus on programming; make sure to research carefully before committing!

List your Skills as Data Scientist

Here are some skills that may be required for a data scientist position.

  • Programming skills
  • Statistics background
  • Programming languages like SQL, R, Python
  • Knowledge of machine learning algorithms
  • Data visualization tools like Tableau and Power BI

Include a Cover Letter for your Data Scientist Resume

So, you've decided to write your own Data Science resume. Great!

Before you sending your resume, be sure to include a cover letter. A cover letter will help employers understand more about your qualifications and why you're the perfect candidate for the job. It'll also give you a chance to tell employers why their company is an excellent place for you.

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If you're not sure what to say in a cover letter, there are plenty of resources out there to help you out. We recommend looking at this article on how to craft a data scientist cover letter from Forbes as a good starting point.

In addition, make sure that your resume accompanies any application materials or résumés that you're submitting for jobs, internships, fellowships or other opportunities where they're requested. Be sure that your email signature contains both a contact email and a phone number so that people can reach out easily if they have any questions about your experience. And lastly, always send a thank-you note after interviewing with an employer. It leaves a lasting impression!

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