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Data Scientist CV Examples & Guide...

Data Scientist CV Examples & Guide for 2024

Your data scientist CV must highlight your technical proficiency. Showcase your expertise with tools like Python, R, SQL, and data visualization software. Demonstrate your impact in previous roles with concrete examples. Include specific projects that resulted in actionable insights or business improvements.

All CV examples in this guide.

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Structure, write, and edit your data scientist CV to land the role of your dreams with our exclusive guide on how to:

  • Create an attention-grabbing header that integrates keywords and includes all vital information;
  • Add strong action verbs and skills in your experience section, and get inspired by real-world professionals;
  • List your education and relevant certification to fill in the gaps in your career history;
  • Integrate both hard and soft skills all through your CV.

Discover more industry-specific guides to help you apply for any role in the links below:

How complex should the format of your data scientist CV be?

Perhaps, you decided to use a fancy font and plenty of colours to ensure your data scientist CV stands out amongst the pile of other candidate profiles. Alas - this may confuse recruiters. By keeping your format simple and organising your information coherently, you'll ultimately make a better impression. What matters most is your experience, while your CV format should act as complementary thing by:

  • Presenting the information in a reverse chronological order with the most recent of your jobs first. This is done so that your career history stays organised and is aligned to the role;
  • Making it easy for recruiters to get in touch with you by including your contact details in the CV header. Regarding the design of your CV header, include plenty of white space and icons to draw attention to your information. If you're applying for roles in the UK, don't include a photo, as this is considered a bad practice;
  • Organising your most important CV sections with consistent colours, plenty of white space, and appropriate margins (2.54 cm). Remember that your CV design should always aim at legibility and to spotlight your key information;
  • Writing no more than two pages of your relevant experience. For candidates who are just starting out in the field, we recommend to have an one-page CV.

One more thing about your CV format - you may be worried if your double column CV is Applicant Tracker System (ATS) complaint. In our recent study, we discovered that both single and double-column CVs are ATS-friendly . Most ATSes out there can also read all serif and sans serif fonts. We suggest you go with modern, yet simple, fonts (e.g. Rubik, Lato, Raleway) instead of the classic Times New Roman. You'll want your application to stand out, and many candidates still go for the classics. Finally, you'll have to export your CV. If you're wondering if you should select Doc or PDF, we always advise going with PDF. Your CV in PDF will stay intact and opens easily on every OS, including Mac OS.

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PRO TIP

Use bold or italics sparingly to draw attention to key points, such as job titles, company names, or significant achievements. Overusing these formatting options can dilute their impact.

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The top sections on a data scientist CV

  • Technical Skills demonstrate the necessary tools and languages known.
  • Professional Experience shows relevant past roles and achievements.
  • Education and Certifications highlight formal training and specialisation.
  • Projects and Portfolio offer a practical view of skills applied in real-world scenarios.
  • Professional Development and Training underscore commitment to ongoing learning.
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What recruiters value on your CV:
  • Highlight your proficiency with data science tools and programming languages such as Python, R, SQL, and relevant frameworks or libraries; ensure you provide specifics about projects where you've applied these skills.
  • Demonstrate your experience with machine learning algorithms and statistical techniques, detailing success metrics from projects where your models significantly improved outcomes.
  • Showcase your ability to handle large datasets by mentioning experiences with data warehousing, ETL processes, and your competence in using big data technologies like Hadoop or Spark.
  • Include examples of your data visualisation and communication skills, illustrating how you've translated complex results into understandable insights for various stakeholders.
  • Exhibit your problem-solving capabilities by outlining scenarios where you've applied data science techniques to address real-world business problems, and the impacts of your solutions.

What information should you include in your data scientist CV header?

The CV header is potentially the section that recruiters would refer to the most, as it should include your:

  • Contact details - your professional (non-work) email address and phone number;
  • Professional photograph - if you're applying hinting at the value you bring as a professional.

Many professionals often struggle with writing their data scientist CV headline. That's why in the next section of this guide, we've curated examples of how you can optimise this space to pass any form of assessment.

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Examples of good CV headlines for data scientist:

  1. Lead Data Scientist | Predictive Analytics & Machine Learning | PhD | Certified Data Professional | 10+ Years
  2. Senior Data Scientist | AI Deployment & Strategy | Big Data Expertise | MSc Statistics | 7 Years Exp.
  3. Data Scientist II | Bioinformatics & Genomics | Python & R Proficiency | 5+ Years' Experience
  4. Junior Data Scientist | Graduate Analyst Program | Data Visualisation & SQL | MEng | Entry-Level
  5. Data Science Manager | Team Leadership & Project Delivery | Advanced Analytics | PMP | 8 Years' Track Record
  6. Principal Data Scientist | Finance & Risk Modelling | Deep Learning Specialist | Ph.D. | 12 Years Experience

Catching recruiters' attention with your data scientist CV summary or objective

Located closer to the top of your CV, both the summary and objective are no more than five sentences long and serve as an introduction to your experience. What is more, you could use either to entice recruiters to read on. Select the:

Judging which one you need to add to your data scientist CV may at times seem difficult. That’s why you need to check out how professionals, with similar to your experience, have written their summary or objective, in the examples below:

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CV summaries for a data scientist job:

  • With over 5 years of experience in leveraging data analytics and machine learning techniques, I have enhanced data-driven decision-making in a fast-paced fintech sector. Skilled in Python, R, SQL, and big data platforms, my crowning achievement includes deploying a predictive model that improved investment strategies by 20%.
  • An adept data scientist with 7 years under my belt, I specialise in utilising AI to drive e-commerce growth. Proficient in Python, TensorFlow, and A/B testing, I led a cross-functional team to develop a recommendation engine that boosted average user spend by 30%, significantly outperforming benchmarks.
  • Transitioning from a 10-year career in academia as a computational biologist, I am equipped with robust data analysis and statistical modelling expertise. Newly proficient in Python and SQL, I am eager to apply my track record of published peer-reviewed research to solve real-world data problems in a dynamic tech environment.
  • After a successful career in financial analysis with expertise in Excel and VBA, I am now seeking to pivot my analytical skills towards data science. Having recently completed a specialised course in Python, data visualisation, and machine learning, I am ready to contribute meaningful insights in a more data-centric industry.
  • Eager to embark on a data science journey, my fresh perspective is backed by a strong foundation in mathematics and statistics from my academic career. While I possess no direct experience, my recent certification in data analytics tools like Excel, Python, and Tableau has prepared me to deliver value through insightful data interpretation.
  • As a recent graduate with a degree in computer science and a passion for data analytics, I aim to apply the theoretical knowledge and technical acumen gained from university coursework in real-world situations. Despite lacking industry experience, my commitment to mastering Python, R, and machine learning techniques is unwavering.

Best practices for writing your data scientist CV experience section

If your profile matches the job requirements, the CV experience is the section which recruiters will spend the most time studying. Within your experience bullets, include not merely your career history, but, rather, your skills and outcomes from each individual role. Your best experience section should promote your profile by:

  • including specific details and hard numbers as proof of your past success;
  • listing your experience in the functional-based or hybrid format (by focusing on the skills), if you happen to have less professional, relevant expertise;
  • showcasing your growth by organising your roles, starting with the latest and (hopefully) most senior one;
  • staring off each experience bullet with a verb, following up with skills that match the job description, and the outcomes of your responsibility.

Add keywords from the job advert in your experience section, like the professional CV examples:

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Best practices for your CV's work experience section
  • Demonstrate your analytical skills by detailing complex data projects you've led or contributed to, and the impact they had on business decisions or outcomes.
  • Quantify your achievements using metrics such as percentages or monetary figures to show the tangible value of your work.
  • Showcase your proficiency with data science tools and programming languages like Python, R, SQL, and machine learning libraries by mentioning specific tasks you've completed with them.
  • Highlight any experience with big data platforms such as Hadoop or Spark, and your ability to handle large, complex datasets.
  • Include examples of data visualisation work and the tools used, such as Tableau or Power BI, to represent your ability to communicate complex information effectively.
  • Describe any experience in deploying machine learning models into production and the methodologies used, such as continuous integration or A/B testing.
  • Mention your proficiency in statistical analysis and your experience with hypothesis testing, forecasting, or experimental design.
  • Advertise your soft skills, particularly in communication and teamwork, by describing how you've collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive data-driven solutions.
  • Detail any publications or presentations you've contributed to, particularly those relevant to data science, to establish thought leadership and expertise in the field.
Senior Data Scientist
Principal Data Scientist
DeepMind
05/2018-Ongoing
  • Led the machine learning initiatives that increased user engagement by 25% through the development of a personalised content recommendation engine.
  • Automated data cleaning processes, which reduced the data preparation time by 40%, allowing more rapid insights generation for stakeholder decision-making.
  • Coordinated with cross-functional teams to deliver a predictive maintenance system for manufacturing equipment, which reduced downtime by 15% and saved £200k annually.
Machine Learning Scientist
Data Scientist II
BenevolentAI
02/2014-12/2019
  • Designed and deployed an NLP algorithm to analyse customer feedback, achieving a 30% improvement in customer satisfaction scores.
  • Spearheaded the data analysis for a market segmentation project, resulting in a targeted marketing strategy that boosted sales by 18% in the first quarter.
  • Initiated and led a cross-departmental team to integrate AI-driven forecasting tools into the inventory management system, ultimately reducing stock-outs by 20%.
Data Science Specialist
Lead Data Scientist
AstraZeneca
07/2012-08/2017
  • Implemented a fraud detection system using machine learning that decreased fraudulent transactions by 22% within the first six months.
  • Conducted extensive A/B testing to optimise website conversion rates, contributing to a significant uplift of 12% in e-commerce sales.
  • Orchestrated data-driven optimisation of supply chain logistics, enhancing delivery times by 25% and customer satisfaction by 10%.
Advanced Analytics Developer
Senior Data Scientist
Sky Betting & Gaming
11/2016-05/2021
  • Developed an advanced predictive model for customer churn that was instrumental in reducing churn rate by 17% within the customer base.
  • Collaborated on a complex data integration project that consolidated disparate data sources into a unified analytics platform, boosting team productivity by 35%.
  • Initiated a data literacy program within the company, raising the data-driven decision-making capabilities of non-technical departments.
Business Intelligence Analyst
Data Scientist I
Ocado Technology
09/2009-03/2015
  • Designed a suite of interactive dashboards that provided real-time KPIs to executives, leading to a 10% increase in operational efficiency.
  • Conducted a complex regression analysis to uncover key drivers of customer loyalty, informing the customer relationship management strategy.
  • Participated in the development of a demand forecasting model that accurately predicted seasonal demand fluctuations, improving inventory management by 18%.
Data Analysis Engineer
Data Scientist
Revolut
01/2013-06/2018
  • Implemented an anomaly detection system using unsupervised learning algorithms for real-time fraud detection, reducing false positives by 30%.
  • Streamlined data warehousing methods that increased data retrieval efficiency by 20%, supporting more agile business responses to market trends.
  • Guided a team in the incorporation of advanced prescriptive analytics to refine marketing strategies, achieving a consistent uptick in ROI by 15% year over year.
Statistical Modeling Expert
Data Science Manager
Monzo Bank
04/2015-02/2020
  • Developed a Bayesian hierarchical model to improve targeting accuracy of online ad campaigns resulting in a 26% rise in click-through rates.
  • Played a pivotal role in the creation of a risk assessment framework using predictive analytics, contributing to a 40% reduction in credit losses.
  • Leveraged machine learning to optimise logistics routes, resulting in a 10% reduction in fuel costs and a 5% cut in delivery times.
Predictive Analytics Consultant
Lead Data Scientist
Palantir Technologies
06/2017-Ongoing
  • Developed a custom churn prediction model that identified at-risk customers with 85% accuracy, enabling proactive retention strategies.
  • Optimised sales forecasting models incorporating seasonality and promotional data, enhancing forecast accuracy to 92%.
  • Facilitated workshops on data science best practices for cross-functional teams, significantly enhancing company-wide data utilisation and analytics proficiency.

Writing your CV without professional experience for your first job or when switching industries

There comes a day, when applying for a job, you happen to have no relevant experience, whatsoever. Yet, you're keen on putting your name in the hat. What should you do? Candidates who part-time experience , internships, and volunteer work.

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PRO TIP

Describe how each job helped you grow or learn something new, showing a continuous development path in your career.

Mix and match hard and soft skills across your data scientist CV

Your skill set play an equally valid role as your experience to your application. That is because recruiters are looking for both:

Are you wondering how you should include both hard and soft skills across your data scientist CV? Use the:

  • skills section to list between ten and twelve technologies that are part of the job requirement (and that you're capable to use);
  • strengths and achievements section to detail how you've used particular hard and soft skills that led to great results for you at work;
  • summary or objective to spotlight up to three skills that are crucial for the role and how they've helped you optimise your work processes.

One final note - when writing about the skills you have, make sure to match them exactly as they are written in the job ad. Take this precautionary measure to ensure your CV passes the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessment.

Top skills for your data scientist CV:
HARD SKILLS

Statistical analysis

Machine learning

Data mining

Data wrangling

Programming (Python/R)

Database management

Big data technologies

Data visualization tools

Predictive modelling

Deep learning

SOFT SKILLS

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Effective communication

Attention to detail

Critical thinking

Teamwork

Time management

Adaptability

Project management

Continuous learning

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PRO TIP

If you have received professional endorsements or recommendations for certain skills, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, mention these to add credibility.

Further professional qualifications for your data scientist CV: education and certificates

As you're nearing the end of your data scientist CV, you may wonder what else will be relevant to the role. Recruiters are keen on understanding your academic background, as it teaches you an array of hard and soft skills. Create a dedicated education section that lists your:

  • applicable higher education diplomas or ones that are at a postgraduate level;
  • diploma, followed up with your higher education institution and start-graduation dates;
  • extracurricular activities and honours, only if you deem that recruiters will find them impressive.

Follow a similar logic when presenting your certificates. Always select ones that will support your niche expertise and hint at what it's like to work with you. Balance both technical certification with soft skills courses to answer job requirements and company values. Wondering what the most sought out certificates are for the industry? Look no further:

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PRO TIP

If you have received professional endorsements or recommendations for certain skills, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, mention these to add credibility.

Key takeaways

Your successful job application depends on how you well you have aligned your data scientist CV to the job description and portrayed your best skills and traits. Make sure to:

  • Select your CV format, so that it ensures your experience is easy to read and understand;
  • Include your professional contact details and a link to your portfolio, so that recruiters can easily get in touch with you and preview your work;
  • Write a CV summary if you happen to have more relevant professional experience. Meanwhile, use the objective to showcase your career dreams and ambitions;
  • In your CV experience section bullets, back up your individual skills and responsibilities with tangible achievements;
  • Have a healthy balance between hard and soft skills to answer the job requirements and hint at your unique professional value.
data scientist resume example

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Volen Vulkov
Volen Vulkov is a resume expert and the co-founder of Enhancv. He applies his deep knowledge and experience to write about a career change, development, and how to stand out in the job application process.

Frequently Asked Questions about Data Scientist CVs:

1. How long should a Data Scientist CV be?
A Data Scientist CV should typically be two pages long. Any longer than this and it may appear over-detailed.
2. What font should I use for my Data Scientist CV?
Use a font that is easy to read such as Times New Roman, Arial or Calibri. Don't over-use creative fonts as this can be an immediate turn-off for hiring managers.
3. Should I include my publications in my Data Scientist CV?
If you have published research papers, technical articles, or other forms of industry publications, it is recommended to include them in your CV. This demonstrates your expertise and contributes to your credibility.