Mathematics skills for your resume
Do you have a knack for crunching numbers and solving problems using hard data? Your mathematics skills might just help you land your dream job — if you know how to showcase them in your application. To do that, you’ll need to create an impactful mathematics skills resume. Here’s everything you need to know.
Why highlight mathematics skills on your resume?
A mathematics skills resume demonstrates your ability to solve problems and think critically. Whether your goal is to manage a massive budget or you need to showcase your hard skills for data-driven roles, math proficiency can set you apart.
Additionally, resumes that are optimized for certain mathematical skills are more likely to pass applicant tracking system (ATS) filters. This means that human recruiters will actually see your resume.
You’ll also need to showcase your mathematics-based problem-solving skills on your cover letter for maximum impact. Together, your resume and cover letter will show hiring managers that you know your way around complex math problems.
Top mathematics skills to include on your resume
Let’s look at some resume examples of different categories of math skills.
General mathematics skills
Some general mathematics skills you may want to highlight include the following:
- Numerical computation
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Problem-solving through equations and logical reasoning
Don’t feel like you need to list every single math skill in your toolbox. Focus on abilities relevant to the job you are applying for. Not sure where to start? Read the job description and make a list of what the employer is looking for. Mention any of your skills that line up.
Advanced analytics skills
Listing quantitative skills on resumes, like data modeling or statistical analysis, showcases your ability to sift through huge amounts of information. Forecasting and trend identification are some other great skills to include. Once again, the skills listed in the job description will be your best friend when deciding what skills to spotlight.
Software-based skills
If you are applying for a software-centric position that requires mathematical prowess, mentioning any relevant skills is important. A few examples include the following:
- Excel: Mention your mastery of tables and complex formulas
- MATLAB: Discuss your familiarity with the program and prowess in creating simulations
- Python/R: Explain the depth of your programming knowledge and link those abilities back to mathematics
Be honest about your level of proficiency, and never embellish. If you aren’t confident in your skills with a particular program or coding language, it’s probably best to leave it out of your resume altogether.
Industry-specific skills
If you are applying for a specific industry that relies heavily on mathematics, tailor your resume accordingly. Here are some industry-specific math skills you may want to include:
- Finance: Risk assessment, portfolio analysis, financial modeling
- Engineering: Structural calculations, CAD integration
- Data Science: Machine learning, predictive modeling
- Education: Curriculum planning, creating understandable lessons
This isn’t an exhaustive list. If your dream job involves mathematics, consider which skills you possess that align with what the hiring manager is looking for. The goal is to position yourself as an ideal candidate.
How to showcase mathematics skills across your resume
You can highlight your math skills throughout your resume. Don’t cram all of the information into a single section. Instead, provide a few concise insights in key sections.
Skills section
Dedicate a subsection to your math and analytical abilities. Use concise, impactful phrases. For example, you might say something like this: “Proficient in predictive modeling and statistical analysis using Python and Excel.”
Work experience section
You should also weave some math skills into the work experience section. Always use action verbs to put the focus on you, and back up your claims with quantifiable data whenever possible. For example, you could say that you “Reduced forecasting errors by 20% using advanced Excel and Python techniques.”
Make yourself the hero and highlight your wins. This way, the prospective employer will understand what you bring to the table.
Education section
Highlight relevant coursework or certifications that reflect your math expertise. If you majored in mathematics or a related field, that will often suffice. If not, list examples of math-related courses or certifications that you’ve completed.
Projects section
The projects section of your resume is the perfect place to demonstrate your mathematical skills. Talk about a project you worked on or led, and link your achievements back to math. As always, you should include quantifiable results anytime you have the data available.
Expert Tip:
When listing math skills, focus on the tools and methods most relevant to the position you are applying for. Align your expertise with the job description to demonstrate what you bring to the table and how you can help the employer succeed.
Writing strong math-driven points
Let’s look at some resume math skills examples so you can see what to do (and what not to do).
- Weak: “Handled company budgets”
- Strong: "Oversaw and optimized annual budgets totaling $3M, achieving a 10% cost reduction”
- Weak: “Analyzed sales data”
- Strong: “Developed data visualization dashboards in Excel to track sales trends, improving forecast accuracy by 20%”
- Weak: “Created reports for management”
- Strong: “Prepared weekly financial reports analyzing profit margins, leading to a 15% improvement in cost efficiency”
- Weak: “Conducted statistical analysis”
- Strong: “Applied statistical modeling techniques in R to predict customer behavior, resulting in a 30% increase in marketing campaign ROI”
The weak examples are vague and lack any hard data to support the claims. For a stronger resume, use action verbs to showcase what you did — and explain how those actions yielded positive results for your employer.
"Resumes that are optimized for certain mathematical skills are more likely to pass ATS filters. This means that human recruiters will actually see your resume."
ATS optimization: Using keywords and formatting tips
You need to pack your resume with ATS-friendly math skills if you want to make it past applicant tracking system filters. However, you can’t just stuff your resume with keywords and jargon. Use terms found in the job posting and incorporate them naturally throughout your resume.
As far as formatting, stick to ATS-friendly fonts like Arial and Times New Roman. Skip the images and organize your content using clear headings and bullet points. You want to make sure your documents are scannable for ATS systems while also being engaging for recruiters.
A resume template can help you hit a home run with your formatting and make it past the ATS. Choose a clean, crisp template and customize it for the job you are applying for.
Common mistakes
Mathematics skills resumes need to be as close to perfect as possible. That means nailing your formatting and structure while avoiding some common missteps, such as listing irrelevant skills. Don’t list every math skill in your toolbox. Instead, focus on capabilities that match the job description.
When it comes to jargon and industry-specific language, be strategic and thoughtful. After all, not everyone who reviews your resume will be an expert in your field. Use just enough technical language to show off your expertise without overloading readers with highly specialized terms.
Another common mistake involves repeating the same information on your cover letter and resume. While the documents should complement one another, each one should present the hiring manager with fresh information. We suggest checking out some resume and cover letter examples for inspiration so you can create two awesome documents that elevate one another.
Tools and resources to sharpen your mathematics skills
If you want to differentiate yourself from other candidates, you need to sharpen your skills. Consider using these resources:
- Khan Academy: Courses on core math topics
- Coursera: Certifications to expand your skill set
- Jobseeker: Resume-building tools designed to emphasize what you bring to the table
Obtaining new certifications and completing optional courses can help strengthen the skills section of your resume. However, you still need to show off those skills in an engaging way. That’s where Jobseeker can help.
Whether your goal involves adding analytical skills to resumes or showing hiring managers that you are a true math whiz, Jobseeker can help. Our library of resources includes cover letter templates, resume examples, and more.
Build an awesome mathematics skills resume to land your dream job
Math skills are the foundation of many high-demand roles across different industries. The tips above will help position you as a strong candidate and increase your odds of landing an interview.
Are you ready to build a great mathematics skills resume? Find the right template and start crafting a document that demonstrates your expertise.
