The Most Important Science And Math Skills (With Examples)

Many students often express skepticism about the relevance of mathematics and science skills in real-world applications. As youngsters, it may seem reasonable to assume that these complex abilities might not be necessary beyond school. However, the reality is that these skills are critical in numerous professional fields today.

A wide range of career paths strongly depend on a candidate’s proficiency in science and mathematics. Furthermore, even roles that seem unrelated can benefit from these competencies. Effectively showcasing these skills on a resume can significantly increase your chances of receiving an interview invitation.

Key Takeaways:

• Science and math skills encompass both hard and soft skills that can enhance your resume.

• Positions such as accountant, engineer, and professor require varying levels of scientific and mathematical competency.

• When listing these skills on an application, tailor them to align with the job requirements. Whenever possible, include brief examples of how you’ve applied these skills in practice.

What Are Basic Science and Mathematics Skills?

When applying for jobs, it’s essential to identify specific science and mathematics skills that can be highlighted on your resume. Candidates whose roles involve the regular use of these skills may find it easier to list them, while others might be uncertain about which skills to emphasize.

Examples of fundamental science and mathematics skills that can enhance your resume include:

• Probability and statistics

• Mathematical reasoning

• Profit measurement

• Laboratory analysis

• Medication administration

• Programming skills

• Sterilization procedures

By effectively showcasing these and similar skills on a resume, you can distinguish yourself as a strong candidate. While these skills are beneficial across various professions, they are crucial in specific career fields. Key positions that require a strong emphasis on science and mathematics include:

• Accountant

• Computer scientist

• Physicist

• Aerospace engineer

• Professor

• Research analyst

How to Include Science and Mathematics Skills on a Resume

Successfully impressing a hiring manager with your science and mathematics skills begins with effectively presenting them on your resume.

Even for those experienced in resume writing, articulating these skills compellingly can be challenging. Here are some straightforward steps to include science and mathematics skills on your resume:

1. Identify your most relevant skills. A resume should be easy to read and digest quickly.

   Hiring managers often have limited time to review many candidates, making a concise presentation of your skills essential. Be selective about which abilities you include on your resume.

   While you may possess numerous professional strengths, focus on the most relevant ones. Including irrelevant skills can be distracting and unnecessary. Tailor your skills to align with the job description, emphasizing what is most valuable to the hiring manager.

   For instance, a candidate interviewing for a business analyst position should prioritize interpersonal and financial analysis skills, while a candidate for a mathematics professor role would do well to highlight their calculus and teaching competencies.

2. Differentiate hard science and math skills. When structuring your resume’s skills section, it’s standard to group soft and hard skills separately. Start with hard skills, which are acquired through education and experience, followed by a list of relevant soft skills.

3. Use bullet points for clarity. Most resume sections are best formatted as bullet points for concise information presentation.

   Once you’ve selected your relevant science and mathematics skills and separated them from soft skills, organize them in a bullet-point format, starting with the most important skills for the position.

4. Consider brief descriptions. While not mandatory, a brief description of each skill can be advantageous, particularly for scientific and mathematical competencies. If you include a description, place it immediately after the skill title, ensuring it’s concise.

Example Resume Highlighting Science and Mathematics Skills

More Tips for Including Skills in a Resume

• Tailor your skills to the job you’re applying for. Given that the skills section is often the shortest part of a resume, customizing it for each application is essential.

  Hiring managers assess candidates’ abilities to determine if they can manage job responsibilities. A great way to appear qualified is to refer to the job listing and identify the desired skills.

  Companies often specify skills they seek in their initial posting to save time, which is precious for professionals. Identify these preferences and include any that align with your qualifications.

• Highlight relevant soft skills. In science and mathematics roles, candidates often overlook their soft skills in favor of technical abilities on their resumes.

  While hard skills are necessary for effective performance, don’t forget to mention relevant soft skills. When faced with two similarly qualified candidates, hiring managers typically favor the applicant who acknowledges transferable skills on their resume.

  Examples of useful soft skills in science and mathematics include:

  • Effective verbal and written communication

  • Time management

  • Analytical and critical thinking

  • Patience

  • Attention to detail

  • Leadership

• Organize your skills section for impact. Proper organization is crucial for crafting an impactful resume.

  While you have flexibility in formatting, maintaining a clear structure is essential, especially for candidates with limited experience who need to convey their skills directly to capture attention.

  If you choose a creative resume format, seek feedback from peers to ensure clarity. For positions with a strong focus on math or science, sticking to a traditional layout is advisable.

• Optimize for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Job seekers must navigate a complex application process.

  From crafting your resume to negotiating a job offer, the hiring process is extensive. One often overlooked aspect is the need to pass through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS).

  An ATS serves as an initial filter for applicants, used by companies to evaluate and organize large pools of candidates automatically.

  To increase your chances of passing this stage, optimize your resume with relevant keywords and highlight the required skills for the role. It’s crucial to ensure your resume meets ATS criteria to avoid losing opportunities.

Science and Math Skills FAQs

1. How important are science and math skills on a job application?

   The importance of science and math skills on a job application varies by role. Many positions do not require these skills, and those that do typically specify them in the job description.

   Jobs that necessitate significant science and math skills include those in technology, engineering, finance, and education.

2. Is it worth it to put soft skills on your resume?

   Yes, including soft skills on your resume is beneficial. Most employers express a desire to see soft skills listed in applications. Ideally, your resume should integrate both soft and hard skills.

   Keep the skills section concise, including only those relevant to each specific application.

3. Should you list every soft skill on your resume?

   No, listing every soft skill on your resume is not advisable. The skills section shouldn’t dominate your resume, and many soft skills may not be relevant to most positions. For example, basic computer skills like proficiency in Microsoft Word may not need to be included.

Final Thoughts

Science and math skills are vital for many roles, and effectively highlighting them on your resume can significantly enhance your application. Additionally, soft skills associated with science and math are valuable across various positions and will appeal to hiring managers.

Be strategic about the skills you include on your resume. Ensure that your skills section is well-organized, focuses on the most relevant abilities for the position, and remains concise with succinct descriptions or examples.

Author

Sky Ariella

Sky Ariella is a professional freelance writer, originally from New York. She has been featured on websites and online magazines covering topics in career, travel, and lifestyle. She received her BA in psychology from Hunter College.