GIS is a popular computer system used for graphical data analysis. It is so versatile that it can be used for traffic analysis, urban planning, business decision-making, waste management, and storytelling. That’s why so many professionals rely on this tool going from journalists to teachers, and even engineers.
To become a GIS specialist you should ideally have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Geography, or any related field. However, you should know that there are potential employers that are willing to hire you if you have equivalent job experience and the required skills.
There are different roles you can have with GIS skills including analyst, technician, specialist, or developer. Each one of those positions is part of a particular stage of the GIS development process. Developers and technicians work in the initial phase by gathering information and developing applications or maps. Analysts, on the other hand, work in the analytical stage by using that collected data to discover actionable insights and help organizations make more informed decisions.
Regardless of your occupation, it is crucial to demonstrate your problem-solving skills on your resume. Your potential employer is looking for a candidate that helps them solve a particular problem; whether it is conducting market research, urban planning, or geographical analysis. Therefore, you can mention challenges you’ve faced in previous jobs and how you were able to find solutions.
Additionally, it is a great idea to include GIS projects that you’ve worked on in the past on your resume. This will give your potential employer a better idea of your competencies and expertise.
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A GIS analyst evaluates patterns and trends in graphical data to discover actionable insights that help organizations make better decisions. They usually focus on the last stages of a GIS project. However, some GIS analysts are also expected to develop maps and applications. As a GIS analyst, you will also create reports and data representation to share your insights. It is important to demonstrate a deep understanding of the industry you’ll be working in on your resume.
GIS is used for geospatial data analysis. This means evaluating how people, events, and objects interact in space. That’s why as a GIS analyst you should be able to interpret data and represent your insights through data visualization. You should have strong statistical and analytical skills.
Data visualization is the process of using graphics to demonstrate discoveries. It helps non-technical colleagues and general users understand data and helps them make more informed decisions. That’s why GIS analysis is all about data visualization.
GIS technician is an entry-level position in which you will work on the initial phase of a GIS project. You are responsible for data collection, database creation and management, creating maps, and reporting. GIS technicians are also responsible for integrating other team members into the project. This means you should make data accessible to them. If you don’t have extensive experience, you can also include any volunteering experience or internship in your resume.
As a GIS technician, you should have cartography skills, which is essentially the discipline of representing geographical areas (mapping). This is one of your main responsibilities as a GIS technician. You will create maps using available geographical data.
GIS technicians should collect, retrieve, maintain, update and make data accessible to other users. Therefore, it is essential to have database management skills. Additionally, it can be a plus to be proficient in programming languages like Python, R, or SQL.
A GIS specialist, also known as a GIS developer, is responsible for creating and upkeeping GIS applications according to organizations’ needs. They customize these applications based on a business goal, whether it is market research, field inspection, or forecasting. In this role, you will focus on the initial stage of a GIS project. However, this occupation still requires strong statistical skills, so this is something you might want to highlight on your resume.
As a GIS programmer, you might use multiple coding languages, such as Python, .Net, C#, and C++. Additionally, GIS does also involve front-end development since it is essentially a very graphic area of data analysis. Therefore, you might also work with front-end development languages like HTML or CSS.
As we mentioned earlier, GIS professions often require a bachelor’s degree in a technical field like computer science or engineering. However, you can also become a GIS specialist if you have non-traditional training in online courses, certificate programs, or internships. Yet, it is important to demonstrate you have received advanced training.
We interviewed hiring managers at top organizations that hire GIS professionals, like Esri, Google, and government agencies. They shared their insights on what makes a great GIS resume stand out. Here are six key tips to improve your resume and increase your chances of getting hired.
Hiring managers want to see the specific GIS software, tools, and programming languages you have experience with. Don't just list them; provide examples of how you used each one. Compare the following:
Instead, try:
A resume summary for a GIS (Geographic Information Systems) position is an optional section that provides a brief overview of your professional background, skills, and achievements. While a summary is not always necessary, it can be particularly useful if you are a career changer, have extensive experience, or want to highlight specific qualifications that may not be immediately apparent from your work history alone.
When crafting your GIS resume summary, focus on showcasing your most relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Avoid simply restating information already present in other sections of your resume. Instead, use this space to provide additional context, emphasize key metrics, and demonstrate your value as a candidate.
The work experience section of your GIS resume is where you showcase your professional achievements and demonstrate your value to potential employers. It's your chance to highlight your technical skills, project management experience, and the impact you've made in your previous roles. Here are some key tips to help you craft a compelling work experience section:
The education section of your GIS resume is an important part of showcasing your qualifications. While it may be tempting to list every course you've taken, it's crucial to focus on the most relevant and impactful information. Here are some key tips to help you craft a strong education section:
As we mentioned earlier, there are other ways to demonstrate your soft skills in your resume. If you want to reflect on your excellent communication skills, you should use the appropriate vocabulary and structure. Try incorporating strong action verbs on your resume to reduce the number of words you use and improve readability.
These action verbs will help you illustrate your experiences precisely and concisely. Keep in mind you should use different action verbs every time to avoid repetition. If you’re struggling to find the appropriate action verbs for your GIS resume, consider checking our selection.
For more related action verbs, visit Healthcare Action Verbs.
For a full list of effective resume action verbs, visit Resume Action Verbs.
Your GIS resume should indicate your expertise in map development, project planning, data collection, and data analysis. These are some of the skills you should highlight in your resume. Depending on your position, you might have to include the programming languages you are familiar with and the GIS techniques you regularly use.
Keep in mind that it is crucial to maintain your skills section focused on technical competencies. There are numerous soft skills that are relevant for GIS positions, but there are alternative ways to demonstrate them. If you want more skills ideas to include in your GIS resume, take a look at our selection.
You can include the above skills in a dedicated Skills section on your resume, or weave them in your experience. Here's how you might create your dedicated skills section:
This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on GIS job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more 'important' it is.
Thank you for the checklist! I realized I was making so many mistakes on my resume that I've now fixed. I'm much more confident in my resume now.
