How to Write an R Programming Resume (Step-by-Step with Examples)

R programmers’ expertise in the R programming language makes them particularly useful in data and computer modeling. What’s more, having these skills can position you for a career with solid earning potential. For example, computer programmers make a median annual wage of $99,700, and the states that employ the most programmers are California, New York, Texas, New Jersey, and Florida, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) [1].

First, you must craft an R programming resume that helps your skill set shine to get noticed by potential employers. Continue reading to get some tips on how to do just that. 

What do employers look for in an R programming resume?

Landing a position within R programming requires a combination of experience, a robust skill set, and education.

Understanding how to use R programming and determining what situations best fit the R programming language, such as data analysis, data visualization, or computer modeling, will help you excel in the industry. Proficiency in machine learning and workplace skills such as communication and problem-solving will also help you succeed in an R programming position.

Learn how to present your experience and skills in a concise and visually appealing way with an R programming resume designed to help you secure a position in the field. 

Step 1: Create an R programming resume template.

The first thing to consider is choosing a professional format for your resume tailored to your strengths, such as your experience or education. Three standard formats include:

• Chronological resume: This is a popular option for people with previous work experience. Start with your most recent experience and then move to older experience, emphasizing your computer-related work, especially your R programming work. Employers prefer you utilize the most common template.

• Functional resume: Use a functional resume template if you don’t have much experience, as it highlights your skills over your work history. This is a good option if you’re a recent graduate or switching careers to work in R programming without much previous experience.

• Combination resume: Combine the best of a chronological and functional resume by showcasing the skills you used in previous work experiences.

Step 2: Fill in your basic R programming resume essentials

Include your contact information in an easy-to-notice spot to make it easy for potential employers can reach you. Your resume should include your name, email address, and phone number. Your city and state can also be helpful if a potential position has a location requirement, but that information isn’t necessary otherwise.

It’s also a good idea to include a link to your website or online portfolio if you have one that showcases your previous work with R programming to give potential employers an idea of the type of work you’ve completed.

Step 3: Add a resume summary

A resume summary is a short introduction to you, your previous work and skills, or the positions you’re interested in.

If you’re a recent graduate, you may want to focus on the skills you’ve learned in school or through internships that could help you with a position that requires R programming. If you’re a seasoned professional, you should emphasize your previous work experience, including the jobs or industries you worked in.

Step 4: Showcase your R programming skills

Your R programming skills are an important piece to highlight for positions, as well as other computer-related skills that can work with R programming in different positions. Some of the skills you should have on your resume include:

• Technical proficiency: Understand R programming and its best use cases, and be proficient in R programming packages such as dplyr.

• Data analysis: Experience with R programming when handling projects that use data visualization, data cleaning, data analysis, among other tools.

• Machine learning: Understand how to develop machine learning models with R programming by interpreting and analyzing data.

Also, incorporate relevant workplace skills that can be useful in a work environment while using R programming such as communication, management, and problem-solving skills.

Step 5: Include your professional experience

Your professional experience can give potential employers an idea of the type of work you can do and the skills you’ve learned in your career.

You’ll want to start with your most recent work experience, including the name of the company or organization, when you worked there, and your job title(s). You should also include accomplishments, achievements, and skills used for those jobs.

Repeat this process for older work experience that you think is relevant to potential R programming jobs moving from recent to older positions.

Step 6: Feature your certifications, awards, etc.

Certifications can be beneficial to include on your resume since they demonstrate your willingness to learn about topics related to R programming or show your aptitude for specific skills that are needed for R programming jobs.

You can also find specific certifications that may be helpful for R programming jobs in areas such as: 

• Data analysis, including entry-level credentials like the Associate Certified Analytics Professional (aCAP)

• Data visualization, including vendor-specific options like the Tableau Certified Data Analyst

• Machine learning certifications like the Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate credential

Step 7: Include your education.

Your education can be important for potential employers, especially if you’re a recent graduate. Let them know about what you studied and foundational skills you may have learned. You should list the educational institute you attended, your degree, and your major.

It’s also helpful to review job listings, which usually include the degrees and majors that potential employers are looking for. Check the education requirements to see if your education matches the listing to make it more likely for you to get a position.

Jobs that use R programming

You can use R programming in a variety of computer-related positions. For instance, as an R programmer, you can expect to earn an average annual salary of $74,447 [2] or $101,353 as an R developer [3]. A few other popular job options and their average base salaries include:

• Data analyst developer: $101,951 [4]

• Power BI data analyst: $101,710 [5]

• Data analytics engineer: $124,477 [6]

• Solar AI developer: $83,621 [7]

Key takeaways

• Choose the best template for your R programming resume and take professional factors into account.

• Include relevant information such as your experience, education, skills, certifications, and other pertinent details to highlight your R proficiency and other abilities.

• Review your skills to make sure they match the job description, including keywords.

• Limit the length of your resume to two pages.

Earn a certificate for your R programming resume on Coursera

Educational courses and certifications can help you learn more about R programming or showcase your proficiency with R programming topics and programs to help prepare you for your chosen career path. 

For example, the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate will offer you opportunities to gain proficiency in working with R, SQL, and other essential tools. Another option, the IBM Data Analytics with Excel and R Professional Certificate, can help you build your skills in R, as well as R Studio, Jupyter, and Excel.