Computer Science Skills to Put on Your Resume

Computer science is a field full of rewarding and lucrative careers. While a computer science degree can open up many career opportunities, it's only the first step. Whether you're a student earning your degree in computer science or you recently earned your diploma, the next crucial step is finding a job. To be sure, having a degree is a vital prerequisite for most job opportunities, but you'll also need to have a résumé that showcases your skills and abilities to land an interview.

Keep reading to learn about the skills you should list on your résumé to interest potential employers. 

What Hard Skills Do I Need for Computer Science? 

Hard skills are the specific abilities you use to succeed in your daily job. Many of these skills are technical in IT, so computer science candidates need to list them in their résumés. Many of the skills below are ones you learn as a WGU student.

• Computer and technology skills. To excel in an IT position, you must have advanced computer and technology skills. These can include knowledge of hardware, an understanding of operating systems, proficiency in typing, and prowess in working on spreadsheets and presentations. When you earn a degree from WGU, you gain all of these vital computer skills as you progress through your coursework. 
• Data analysis. In any IT job, you'll need to be able to interpret and analyze complex data. On your résumé, make sure to highlight proficiency with data software and demonstrate that you can produce actionable reports. This shows employers that you want to do the work and understand how that work influences results. Data analysis helps inform future decisions and explains to everyone, from consumers to executives, how a project performed and what that means for an organization. 
• Software development. Understanding software principles and development is a great hard skill to list on your résumé. It shows you understand the process of working with others to write code and programs, troubleshoot and test them, and ultimately create a usable software program. This article will uncover the kinds of programming languages that are great to list on your résumé later. Listing software development as one of the skills on your résumé is a good differentiator.  Technical writing. Technical writing has a particular purpose in the IT world. IT professionals may write technical documentation to explain and direct IT situations. Employers want to see that you not only have knowledge and skills but can also explain your projects to others. Showcasing your technical writing skills on your résumé will show employers that you'll be able to succinctly train and orient others through writing or write any articles or informationals needed for projects.
• Mathematics. A solid understanding of math and formulas will help you excel in computer science. Whether it's statistics or calculus, your math knowledge will be helpful when you need to run formulas and solve problems as part of your coding and development. Listing math as a skill on your computer science résumé will let potential employers know you have the knowledge and skills to solve complex problems.  

What Soft Skills Do I Need for Computer Science? 

Soft skills are sometimes broadly called "people skills." They're the intangible qualities you bring to a job that are vital to interacting with others. Soft skills can even impact your efficiency and ability to perform the technical aspects of your career. The following skills are essential for your success in IT. 

• Attention to detail. In the computer science and IT field, attention to detail is vital. You must be able to look at long lines of code and identify anything amiss. Having an eye for small details can help you significantly impact projects. Listing on your résumé that you're detail-oriented shows potential employers that you understand how impactful small elements are to the larger project. Being a stickler for the details can be an immense strength.  
• Creativity. Some people think computer science is all logical, dry work. But that's simply not true. Creativity is key to solving problems and creating functional, modern web applications and websites. When you put “creativity” on your résumé, the hiring manager can see that you're someone who'll think outside the box to solve problems and offer unique solutions.  
• Communication. In the IT world, communication is critical. This soft skill is vital to helping you talk to clients, coworkers, and managers. Show that you're skilled at explaining your projects, objectives, and timelines. Listing “communication” on your résumé shows you recognize the importance of communicating clearly in your job. It's wise to show employers that you are willing to engage respectfully in workplace communication. 
• Time management. In most jobs in the computer science field, there are tight deadlines, competing priorities, and quick transitions between tasks. Effective time management will help you stay on top of your various tasks and projects. By listing “time management” on your résumé, you show potential employers that you're dedicated to hitting deadlines and will be productive and efficient in your work.  
• Teamwork and cooperation. Being a good team player is key in any organization, but it's particularly important in computer science. Software engineers, data scientists, and IT professionals are often expected to collaborate with several different groups within an organization to ensure that timelines are met and expectations are fulfilled.  
• Analysis. Computer science is a highly analytical field. You must be able to analyze hundreds of lines of code to troubleshoot and find solutions. Above all, being proactive is critical, as it's important to ensure quality at the creation stage to avoid costly fixes later. The most impactful type of analysis involves taking data and deriving conclusions that drive change and produce measurable results for an organization. 
• Organization. Staying organized is vital to not only your productivity but also to a business's success. For instance, if you're working on complex lines of code and can't keep your work organized, you could make costly mistakes that could cause systems to stop functioning or even expose sensitive data. 
• Training and teaching. Showing that you're a willing teacher can help you stand out when searching for a job. Someone with a mindset to lift and guide others can significantly benefit any organization. Being technically proficient is important, but training and leadership skills can set you apart. 

What Programming and Coding Languages Do I Need to Know for Computer Science? 

When it comes to computer science and IT, a wide variety of programming languages are vital to know. Using these languages, you may code in instructions, design frameworks, and software solutions for your organization. Highlighting your proficiency in multiple programming languages shows that you're ready for the job and capable of learning other languages. 

Some essential programming languages you should be comfortable with and list on your résumé include:

C#

C# is a general, multipurpose language designed for Microsoft platforms. It requires the .NET framework on Windows to work. C# is a hybrid of Java, C++, and C languages. C# is quickly becoming a prevalent coding language, and putting it on your résumé shows the hiring manager that you're up to date on new and popular languages. Since it's a combination of other languages, employers can assume you know or can learn different languages quickly. 

C# programming language can be used to build almost anything but is best suited for coding Windows desktop applications and games. If this is your desired computer science job, highlight C# proficiency on your résumé. C# is also becoming famous for web and mobile development, so if you're searching for a job building mobile or web applications, listing C# on your résumé is a smart idea. At WGU, we offer software development degrees with two tracks, C# and Java so that you can pick the most effective track. You will have the chance to learn both languages in WGU programs.  

C++

C++ is another general-purpose programming language similar to C#. What separates C++ from other languages is its ability to precisely define operations for a computer to perform. Most of these operations involve manipulating numbers and text, but anything the computer can do can be programmed in C++. It's a great programming language to list on your résumé because it shows that you are versatile and comfortable working in a language that can manipulate anything on a computer. 

Java

Java is a popular computer coding language that allows programmers to write instructions in standard English instead of numeric codes. It's one of the easiest programming languages because it uses understandable language instead of complex codes. Java is used for writing programs and uses open-source or community-built projects to work. It can also deploy, debug, and monitor other Java applications on the cloud.  

Android apps can be built on Java, so including Java on your résumé can make you marketable. WGU offers Java courses in software development, data management and data analytics, and computer science bachelor's degrees. These programs utilize Java coursework to help students prepare for specific software development tasks.  

Python

Python is a higher-level programming language used to develop desktop applications, websites, and web applications. Because it is more high-level, everyday programming tasks are taken care of, allowing you to focus on core functionality. Python has simple syntax rules, making it easier to keep the code readable. Python processes text, displays images or numbers, solves equations, and saves data. Listing Python proficiency on your résumé shows that you have skills in a well-established coding language used across various industries for many functions. 

Impress Potential Employers

The importance of crafting your résumé with the right skills cannot be overstated. It's your first impression: a snapshot that communicates your capability and compatibility with the role at hand to potential employers.

Highlighting skills relevant to the job showcases your suitability and an understanding of the industry and the specific demands of the position. Even more so, strategically listing skills can significantly enhance your career prospects by aligning your potential with the future needs of the company. WGU stands ready to equip you with these critical skills and knowledge, paving the way for a thriving career in computer sciences. If you want to transform your passion into a profession and make meaningful contributions to the tech world, applying to WGU's computer science program is a decisive step toward realizing your ambitions.