big data resume example

Many businesses use large volumes of data to get results and remain competitive. This is why big data engineers are in such high demand now.

You'll need a big data resume that reflects your experience, skills, and drive to deliver results. Your resume should show a history of contributing to big data projects, a number of certifications, and a clear passion for big data pursuits.

For more tips, check out our resume-building guide for big data engineers.

It helps to know what recruiters are looking for. Below, you'll find different sections to include in your resume.

Big data engineer resume summary

The "summary" has classically been a place to introduce the applicant in general terms. However, these days, recruiters want a summary of qualifications.

A summary of qualifications is a short three to five-sentence blurb in clear bullet points on why you are the best fit for the job. If you want it to be effective, you'll want to rewrite the summary for each new application.

The summary should be built entirely on the needs of the job poster. Present yourself in a way that uses the same language as the job application.

If the job description asks for specific knowledge (like Power BI or SQL), mention your experience with this in the introduction. Prioritize what the poster puts upfront, and you'll get more responses.

Must-have technical skills to add to your big data engineer CV

Big data engineer skills are incredibly important in your resume. Job posters often look for people who already know what they’re doing. Many look for people that they don't have to retrain on certain subjects.

Much like the summary, the technical skills on your CV should be the same ones in the job description. However, you'll also want a general list that might include the following:

• Programming languages like Python or Java
• AWS
• Oracle DB
• Agile methodology
• Spark
• Hive
• Map Reduce
• Cassandra
• SOA
• Scrum
• JIRA

Not all data engineer positions are built the same. What you include might change on a position-to-position basis. Like any job posting, prioritize what you see and find jobs where you'll be the most gifted.

Work experience and project descriptions

Your work experience section and project history is the proof of your skill sets. Without professional experience, you can't say that your skills have been field-tested. Big data engineers need deep expertise to get any position.

Experience should show job posters your ability to stick with a job from ideation to completion. It should also provide specific examples of your contributions. You don't want to focus on what the project brought to the table but on what you brought to the project.

For example, if you created a data warehousing solution for storing customer data, you'll want to mention that. You'll also want to provide data on how those contributions directly led to business growth. For example, if your creation led to a measurable increase in conversion rate, that connects your contributions to concrete results.

Your resume should make connecting your skills to results as easy as possible. Don't make the reader work or read between the lines. Instead, make it easy for them to find exactly what they need.

Education, training, and certificates

In most resumes, the education section is a small placeholder. However, continuing to pursue certifications and training shows your desire to learn. This can impress hiring managers.

Of course, the education/training section should emphasize things applicable to the job description. Mentioning your salsa dance classes might be a great topic of conversation during the interview, but not on your resume.

You'll also want to take some time to mention how you stood out from your class while pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Your awards, honors, and projects can bolster your clear desire for more knowledge.

Soft skills

The soft skills employers look for stay the same across most jobs. In your big data developer resume, this remains the case: leadership, collaboration, and strong written/verbal communication skills.

Soft skills should be built into your work experience (just like technical competencies). This means mentioning how you've been a leader and collaborated with others. You can do this by mentioning the teams you've worked with, your positions, and how you communicated with your colleagues.

If you worked remotely, explain how you connected with your online work colleagues. Excelling in remote positions requires self-motivation and a strong desire for communication and results. Displaying this skill set can therefore help you get remote jobs.

Below is a sample of a senior big data developer resume you can use to inspire your own:

If you’ve reached seniority as a big data architect, here's another resume example you can use:

Check out our data engineer resume samples for more examples of awesome resumes. Find one that speaks to you and emulate it.

You need a solid resume to get to the interview stage when applying for jobs. This resume should be in PDF format so you don't have to worry about word processing or formatting errors.

However, building your own resume can be tricky, so if you want to save time, download our free CV template today.

Need that extra oomph for your big data engineer resume? Check out these actionable tips you can apply to your resume today:

1. Mention any relevant side projects or open-source contributions

There comes a certain point where big data engineers have done so much "stuff" that they forget their side projects. However, some of those projects might be incredibly relevant, so keep them on your list.

For example, if you've worked on a side project for a gaming e-commerce website, that's very niche. However, when you apply for a project that seeks someone with experience in this field, that side project suddenly becomes very interesting.

This is why you should have a "master CV" that includes everything you've ever done. This way, you can choose your most relevant (recent) work to include on your job-specific resume.

You’ll also want to include these projects in your portfolio. Read our article on building a programmer portfolio to learn how to do this.

2. Show your passion for learning

Your resume should be a "story of growth" for readers. Throughout the resume, mention different things you learned and your passion for education.

This is why you should constantly seek information to improve yourself. You can demonstrate this by seeking out additional certifications (even years after pursuing college).

You can also bring this passion for learning during your next big data engineer interview. Check out our blog on remote interview tips for tech job seekers to see how you can do that.

3. Use numbers and data to quantify your achievements

Quantification empowers any claims you make about your job. So, if you want to affirm any claims, include concrete numbers.

Beyond affirming your claims, quantification displays you as someone who focuses on the big picture. You are more valuable if you see how your work contributes to the company's mission.

Ideally, this means you can apply that same focus to their company. Just make sure it's clear that your specific contribution can be connected to percentage growth in a business.

4. Highlight your experience with cloud platforms

Cloud-based platforms are becoming increasingly important in their current scope. By knowing these platforms, you show your expertise in the field.

Pay close attention to any companies that specifically ask for cloud experience. Always reference your cloud experience upfront in these cases.

Otherwise, you should still mention your cloud expertise in a later skills section. To learn more about gaining skills in the cloud environment, check out our list of the best cloud certifications you need in 2024.

5. Include a cover letter

A cover letter provides an excellent way to show your willingness to conduct research and display your written communication skills. Consider it mandatory whenever you see "cover letter optional" in a job description.

A cover letter should include the name of the hiring manager, why you applied for the company, and an affirmation confirming how your skills are the best fit. Be confident, be direct, and show that you align with the company's mission.

For more tips, check out our blog on how to write a data engineer cover letter.

So, now that you’re a master of building a big data resume, try it out on us! Check out our remote big data engineer jobs to see what EPAM Anywhere can do for you.