How to Write a Data Visualization Resume (Step-by-Step with Examples)

Data visualization jobs are in demand, and experts anticipate the job outlook for computer-related positions to increase by 13 percent from 2023 to 2033 [1]. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) attributes this growth to a rise in the demand for skills to inform data-driven decisions in companies and organizations, and the need to replace existing computer engineering workers who leave their positions.

Explore how to write a standout data visualization resume to help prepare you for your next job search.

What do employers look for in a data visualization resume?

Data visualization jobs allow you to work with data and use software to create visual representations such as graphs, charts, and interactive animations.

You may be responsible for collecting and organizing large datasets, analyzing data to gain insights by finding specific patterns, identifying sources for the data you need, or presenting data using visual techniques.

Learn about the skills and experience to highlight in your resume to get the attention of hiring managers for data visualization jobs or to boost your salary in the data visualization field, including:

• Technical Skills: Proficiency in data visualization tools, such as Tableau, Power BI, and D3.

• Data Analysis: Experience with data manipulation and statistical analysis.

• Design Principles: Understanding of visual storytelling and design best practices.

• Programming Languages: Ability to work with languages like Python and R.

• Communication Skills: Ability to present insights clearly to stakeholders.

Step 1: Create a data visualization resume template

The first step in creating a data visualization resume is determining which resume template you use to effectively outline your work experience, skills, education, and other important information relevant to a potential employer while keeping your resume one to two pages long.

You can pick from three different options depending on how you want to format the information you’re including for potential employers:

• Chronological resume: A chronological resume emphasizes your work experience in data visualization starting with your most recent experience followed by other previous experience. If you have some prior professional experience, this format is ideal, particularly because many employers prefer it.

• Functional resume: This resume format focuses on your skills and strengths by emphasizing the skills necessary for data visualization jobs. It’s a good option if you are starting out in data visualization and want to emphasize the skills you have learned while downplaying your lack of previous professional experience in the field.

• Combination resume: A combination resume, as the name suggests, combines a resume’s chronological and functional characteristics by highlighting the skills that you used in previous positions. However, this format could reduce the space available on the page to provide your information.

Step 2: Fill in your basic data visualization resume essentials

Next, you should fill in your basic resume essentials. Your contact information is vital for your resume, so include your name, professional email address, and phone number to help potential employers reach you. You don’t need to include your full address, but it’s standard to add your city and state.

It’s also a good practice to add a link to your professional website or portfolio to quickly show off your previous work to potential employers. You can include embedded data visualization projects or links to other sites that showcase your work.

Step 3: Add your resume summary

Next, you should add your resume summary. A resume summary is located near the top of your resume and is a quick and easy way to introduce yourself to a potential employer. Your summary is a good place to highlight your experience in the data visualization field, your skills, or the types of positions you’re looking for. You can also use your summary to incorporate keywords of particular interest to potential employers.

If you have previous data visualization experience, your summary is a good place to focus on your years in the field by mentioning your experience relevant to the role and listing your professional accomplishments. On the other hand, if you are a recent graduate or new to the field, you may want to use your summary to mention your desire for an entry-level position that focuses on the skills you’ve acquired.

Step 4: Showcase your data visualization skills

Next, you should focus on presenting your data visualization skills. You can highlight the different categories of data visualization skills that you’ve gained through internships and previous work experience, including:

• Data visualization tools: You should detail your skills with data visualization tools Tableau, Power BI, and D3.

• Data handling: You should show your understanding of how to efficiently and effectively collect, store, use, and present data, including data cleaning, preparation, and processing.

• Data analysis: You should point out your data analysis skills, such as determining when to select specific data points or demonstrating how data helps your company meet a particular goal.

• Programming: You should highlight your coding skills and any programming languages that you know, such as Python, R, or SQL, because they help you display data effectively. 

It’s also good to mention your workplace skills, such as your communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and leadership abilities. These skills are also essential in demonstrating how you’ll fit into the overall company culture.

Step 5: Include your professional experience

Next, you should list your professional experience. Your experience in data visualization positions is an important stepping stone for your potential future success, and hiring managers want to know what you’ve accomplished in your career that you can bring to a new position.

Remember to provide the name of each of your past and present employers and the dates you worked there. After that, you should focus on listing your primary responsibilities and achievements for each position.

For data visualization positions, you should also talk about the specific projects you worked on during your tenure in a particular position and include examples of your projects and how they affected that company’s decision-making process.

Step 6: Feature your certifications, awards, and project milestones

Next, you should feature your certifications, professional awards, and project milestones. Certifications can be important additions to your resume because they show off your knowledge of specific topics and your ability to stay updated with changes to tools and other specialties you need. Some certifications that you can include in this section are the Tableau Desktop Specialist Certification, Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate, or PCED – Certified Entry-Level Data Analyst with Python.

You should also include a section for awards or highlights that illustrate your success in the field, such as reaching important milestones or goals for projects.

Step 7: Include your education

Finally, you should add details about your educational background. Education is an important factor for potential employers, especially if you’re starting out in the field and looking for an entry-level position. Remember to include the name of the school you graduated from, its location, and your degree and major. If you are a new graduate, you can also include a list of classes that you took or coursework that you completed that is relevant to a data visualization job.

Your degree can factor into the hiring manager’s decision to hire you. For example, 51 percent of data scientists have a bachelor’s degree, 34 percent have a master’s degree, and 13 percent have a PhD. The top majors for individuals in the data visualization field include computer science, statistics, mathematics, and science, according to Zippia [2].

Key takeaways

• Pick a template for your resume that is easy to read.

• Utilize a clear format tailored to data visualization roles.

• Include your contact information, work history, certifications, and education.

• Highlight your key skills and relevant experience that match the job description.

• Limit the length of your resume to one to two pages.

Enhance your data visualization resume with Coursera

To create the most effective data visualization resume, choose a template, fill in your information, add your summary, showcase your skills, list your work experience, feature your certifications, and include your education.

You can boost your data visualization skills by learning more about Tableau with Tableau’s Data Visualization with Tableau. The course is part of the eight-course Tableau Business Intelligence Analyst Professional Certificate and teaches you how to create data visualizations and build interactive tables for Tableau Public.

You can also add to your understanding of Python with IBM’s Data Visualization with Python course, also on Coursera. The course teaches you how to generate interactive dashboards, build charts, and use other visualization techniques utilizing Python libraries.