This is What Your Data Scientist CV Should Say

 

Data Scientists are in high demand, everywhere.  Harvard Business Review ranked it as the ‘hottest job on offer’ in coming years so it’s no surprise it was ranked 6th in the UK’s top jobs, and top of the list in IT careers.  The job offers excellent pay, endless opportunities, great work-life balance and good job satisfaction.  What’s not to love?

 

If you’re looking for a job in data science – and why wouldn’t you looking at that list – you’re in good company.  You’re wanted and needed by many, but don’t let that make you lazy with your job application.  Employers are looking for something special from their analytics professionals and data scientists and you’ll need to show what sets you apart from the rest.

 

These days, it goes beyond statistics and coding.  You’ll need to demonstrate business acumen, soft skills such as communication across teams, decision making, problem solving, critical thinking and creativity.

 

At the very basic level, a data scientist needs the following skills:

 

1. Statistics, Machine Learning, Software Engineering & Coding

 

A solid understanding and experience in statistics and algebra is essential in data science, as is soft engineering, machine learning and coding.

 

2. Big Data & Database Management Software Knowledge

 

With data this big, you need to know your management tools.  From MySQL or Cassandra to Spark, MapReduce or Hadoop, these software systems will help you perform your computations and analysis.

 

3. Visualization, Reporting and Presenting Skills

 

It is the data scientists job to improve decision-making.  Presentation of data and the communication of what that means it essential, so skills in visualization and reporting are highly desired.

 

Today’s data scientist needs to demonstrate a rare mix of technical and soft skills to succeed in both job applications and their career.  The competencies are many in this job because the reach of a data scientist on an organization is so wide.

 

Take a look at this incredible list (Source: TheBalance) which goes to show just how many abilities companies are looking for from a data scientist.  The list is a good one to use when adding relevant keywords to your CV:

 

The Top 95 Keywords for your Data Scientist CV:

 

1. Adaptability
2. Algorithms
3. Algorithmic
4. Analytical Tools
5. Analytics
6. AppEngine
7. Assertiveness
8. AWS
9. Big Data
10. C++
11. Collaboration
12. Communication
13. Computer Skills
14. Constructing Predictive Models
15. Consulting
16. Conveying Technical Information to Non-Tech People
17. CouchDB
18. Creating Algorithms
19. Creating Controls to Assure Accuracy of Data
20. Creativity
21. Critical Thinking
22. Cultivating Relationships with Internal and External Stakeholders
23. Data
24. Data Analysis
25. Data Manipulation
26. Data Wrangling
27. Data Science Tools
28. Data Tools
29. Data Mining
30. js
31. Decision Making
32. Decision Trees
33. Development
34. Documenting
35. Drawing Consensus
36. ECL
37. Evaluating New Analytical Methodologies
38. Executing in a Fast-Paced Environment
39. Facilitating Meetings
40. Flare
41. Google Visualization API
42. Hadoop
43. HBase
44. High Energy
45. Information Retrieval Data Sets
46. Interpreting Data
47. Java
48. Leadership
49. Linear Algebra
50. Logical Thinking
51. Machine Learning Models
52. Machine Learning Techniques
53. Mathematics
54. Matlab
55. Mentoring
56. Metrics
57. Microsoft Excel
58. Mining Social Media Data
59. Modeling Data
60. Modeling Tools
61. Multivariable Calculus
62. Perl
63. PowerPoint
64. Presentation
65. Problem Solving
66. Producing Data Visualizations
67. Project Management
68. Project Management Methodologies
69. Project Timelines
70. Programming
71. Providing Guidance to IT Professionals
72. Python
73. R
74. js
75. Reporting
76. Reporting Tool Software
77. Reporting Tools
78. Reports
79. Researching
80. Risk Modeling
81. SAS
82. Scripting Languages
83. Self Motivated
84. SQL
85. Statistics
86. Statistical Learning Models
87. Statistical Modeling
88. Supervisory
89. Tableau
90. Taking Initiative
91. Testing Hypotheses
92. Training
93. Verbal
94. Working Independently
95. Writing

 

Relevance will always win over generalization so don’t go cramming all these keywords into your job application.  Instead, use it as a guide of what to learn and gain experience in to land your dream data science job.  If you see weak areas in that list, start a course, embark on a project, join a forum, read discussions and build your knowledge.

 

Take a look at these current data science jobs for a look at what today’s employers are looking for right now: Data Science Jobs