ATS Keywords & CV Guide for Data Scientist

Data scientists build predictive models, run experiments, and extract insights from large datasets to solve business problems. They combine statistics, programming, and domain knowledge. When you apply for Data Scientist roles, applicant tracking systems scan your CV for the skills, tools, and responsibility phrasing below. Use them in context within your experience bullets, not just in a skills list.

Top skills recruiters scan for

These are the skills that appear most frequently in Data Scientist job descriptions. The importance score reflects how heavily each skill is weighted in the occupation's O*NET profile. Include the top 5 in your CV where you can prove them with real outcomes.

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Tools & software to name explicitly

Recruiters and ATS systems search for specific tool names. List the ones you have real experience with in your skills section, and prove them in your bullets. Tools marked as hot are currently in high demand in job postings.

• Python (pandas, scikit-learn, NumPy)Hot
• R
• SQL (PostgreSQL, BigQuery)Hot
• Jupyter Notebooks
• TensorFlow / PyTorchHot
• AWS SageMakerHot
• SparkHot
• AirflowHot
• Tableau / Looker
• Git

Responsibility phrasing for your bullets

These are the core tasks a Data Scientist is expected to perform. Use them as starting points for your CV bullets, but rewrite each one with your specific outcomes, scope, and context. Do not copy them verbatim.

• Build and deploy predictive models using Python and machine learning frameworks
• Design and analyse A/B tests to measure product or business changes
• Query large datasets using SQL and Python to extract insights
• Communicate findings to non-technical stakeholders with visual reports
• Build data pipelines and ETL processes for analysis-ready datasets
• Collaborate with engineering to productionise machine learning models
• Define metrics and experiment frameworks for product teams
• Conduct exploratory data analysis to identify patterns and opportunities

Other titles this role is posted under

Job postings for this role may use any of these titles. Search for all of them to find more relevant opportunities, and use the matching title in your CV's professional summary when applying.

• Machine Learning Engineer
• Research Scientist
• Applied Scientist
• Analytics Manager
• Quantitative Analyst
• ML Engineer
• Senior Data Scientist

Related roles

Explore ATS keywords for other roles in the Data & Analytics family:

• Data Analyst

Includes information from O*NET 29.x by the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license.