Interacting | Troubleshooting | Debugging |
Programming | Problem Solving | Implementing |
Coding | Deductive Reasoning | Detecting |
Developing | Designing | Recording |
Interpreting | Communicating | Analyzing |
Testing | Processing | Calculating |
Applications Software Engineering | Software Architect |
Bioinformatics Software Engineer | Software Engineering Supervisor |
Computer Software Engineer | Systems Software Engineer |
Computer Systems Software Engineer | Web Software Engineer |
Information Technology Engineer | Windows Software Engineer |
Sectors : Various Career Type : Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, Programming, Networks Person type : Writer , Coder, Implementer, Designer , Developer , Fixer Education levels : From Bachelor’s Degree upwards Salary indication : From $98k to $130k annually / $42 – $52 per hour Labor market : A whopping 26% from 2016 – 2016 (350.000 jobs) Organizations : All
>Resume – Software Engineer.PDF (2) | >Resume – Software Engineer.PDF (3)
>Resume – Software Engineer.PDF (4) | >Resume – Software Engineer.PDF (5)
>Resume – Software Engineer.PDF (6) | >Resume – Software Engineer.PDF (7)
>Resume – Software Engineer.PDF (8) | >Resume – Software Engineer.PDF (9)
>Resume – Software Engineer.PDF (10) | >Resume – Software Engineer.PDF (11)
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Software Engineers are highly technical experts, skilled at designing, developing, and maintaining complex software applications. Just like a robust software program, a software engineer's resume should be well-structured, tested, and optimized for performance. In this guide, we'll review 7 software engineer resume samples and share key insights for making an impression in this highly competitive field.
Resume guidance.
You can use the examples above as a starting point to help you brainstorm tasks, accomplishments for your work experience section.
and maintenance
Highlight your technical skills: As a software engineer, your technical expertise is crucial. Emphasize your experience with software development methodologies, programming languages, and other technical tools and frameworks. Showcase your project experience: Highlight the projects you have worked on, the technologies you have used, and the results you have achieved. Be specific and quantify your accomplishments wherever possible. Highlight your software architecture skills: Software engineers must understand how to design software architectures that meet the needs of a business or organization. Highlight your experience with software design patterns and system architecture.
Here are the essential sections that should exist in a software engineer resume:
Additionally, if you're eager to make an impression and gain an edge over other software engineer candidates, you may want to consider adding in these sections:
Let's start with resume headlines.
Software engineer resume headline examples:, strong headlines.
Experienced Software Engineer: 4+ Years of Technical Expertise
Innovative Software Engineer: Working with Emerging Technologies and Team Collaboration
Good headlines demonstrate the job seeker's hard and soft skills as they relate to the role they're applying for. The headlines demonstrate their value proposition in a concise and direct way. Additionally, good resume headlines incorporate industry-relevant keywords to ensure the content is tailored to the job description.
Software Guy with 4 Years of Experience
Just Looking for a Paycheck: Software Development
Weak resume headlines can be confusing, vague and uninspiring. They do not mention any relevant skills, nor do they portray the individual as a capable Software Engineer. Each headline fails to convey anything unique or valuable about the person. Additionally, resume headlines that make no reference to the context of the job which make the job seeker appear shallow.
A resume summary is a critical component for Software Engineers, as it provides a valuable opportunity to highlight the skills, experiences, and accomplishments of your career in a brief and impactful way.
When written well, a resume summary can (and should) do the following:
Here are some the key best practices to write an exceptional resume summary:
Strong summaries.
Why these are strong:
Why these are weak:
Strong objectives.
Highly motivated Software Engineer seeking to join an innovative and creative team, with experience in web languages such as HTML and CSS, as well as coding in C# and Java.
Eager to apply expertise in software development to help the company reach the highest levels of efficiency, with the ability to work independently, or as part of a team, in a fast-paced environment.
Speed up your resume creation process with the resume builder. generate tailored resume summaries in seconds., how to impress with your software engineer work experience:, best practices for your work experience section:.
Strong experiences.
Built a microservices-based architecture for a customer management system, resulting in a 50% reduction in system downtime and improved scalability.
Developed a real-time analytics dashboard for a leading telecommunications company, providing key business insights and driving strategic decisions.
Led a cross-functional team of engineers, designers, and product managers in the delivery of a new cloud-based product, on time and within budget.
Contributed to the development of a machine learning-powered recommendation engine, resulting in a 20% increase in user engagement and revenue.
Developed and maintained an enterprise-level system for a major financial institution, ensuring high availability and security.
Mentored junior engineers in the team, sharing technical knowledge and contributing to the team's overall growth.
Worked as a software engineer on various projects.
Assisted senior developers in coding and debugging.
Participated in code reviews and contributed to the development of technical documentation.
Worked as a software engineer on multiple projects.
Wrote code for various applications and modules.
Debugged and resolved technical issues.
Top hard & soft skills for software engineers, hard skills.
Software engineer cover letter example: (based on resume).
Dear Hiring Manager, I am excited to apply for the Software Engineer position at [Company]. With over [number of years] years of experience in software development, I am confident that my skills and expertise will contribute to the continued success of your company. In my previous role as a Software Engineer, I spearheaded the development of a large-scale software system that met regulatory standards and improved customer satisfaction by 25%. Additionally, I upgraded a critical server-side solution, enhancing security and process speed by 27%. My experience in developing custom software architectures, designs, and specifications has allowed me to meet customer requirements and exceed project deadlines consistently. I am well-versed in collaborating with cross-functional teams to design and deploy versatile and intuitive software solutions that have resulted in a 6% increase in customer loyalty. I have implemented cutting-edge database migration strategies, which improved database performance and reduced operational maintenance costs by 25%. Additionally, I have installed, maintained, and debugged third-party services to optimize software performance, resulting in improved system stability and reliability. As a mentor and technical guidance provider, I have successfully improved code quality by 15% and reduced software development bugs by 15% for my peers. I have also devised automated unit tests and integration tests to ensure software conformance with best practice standards, leading to a 20% improvement in team productivity. I am confident that my skills in software development, collaboration, and leadership will make me a valuable addition to your team. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing my qualifications further in an interview.
Sincerely, [Your Name]
A cover letter is an essential tool for any software engineer looking to stand out from the competition. It's an opportunity to showcase your technical skills, highlight your relevant experience, and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position.
While a resume provides a summary of your skills and experience, a cover letter allows you to personalize your application and connect with the hiring manager on a deeper level. It's an opportunity to explain why you're passionate about software engineering, and show how you can add value to the organization.
Here are some of the key reasons for pairing your software engineer resume with a cover letter:
We understand that writing a cover letter may seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Remember that the cover letter is an extension of your resume, so you can use the same format and content as your resume. It's also a chance to address any gaps or questions that the hiring manager may have after reading your resume.
Tips for aligning your cover letter with your resume:
How long should i make my software engineer resume.
The ideal length for a Software Engineer’s resume should be two pages. Brevity is key - highlighting your software engineering experience, achievements, and education should be the priority. Any necessary additional information or details can be added after this. Try to focus on concisely presenting your most relevant expertise and accomplishments so as to keep the resume concise and in-depth.
For Software Engineers, the best resume format is one that emphasizes the candidate’s technical strengths and accomplishments, highlights their related experience and training, and excludes any irrelevant information. To provide an effective overview of an engineer’s skills, it is suggested to keep the design of the resume clean and efficient, relying on the most relevant, impactful bullets and relevant keywords to provide an organized and compelling story. Additionally, it is important to tailor the resume to each position by leveraging buzzwords and phrases found in the job description.
Some of the hard skills that Software Engineers should include in a resume are: coding proficiency (in a variety of programming languages such as Java, JavaScript, Python, etc.), knowledge of development tools, experience with databases and SQL, ability to work with source control management, excellent problem-solving Skills, and ability to develop algorithms and debugging. Additionally, Software Engineers should be proficient in operating systems and software design, databases, eCommerce platforms, and cloud platform and associated technologies. Knowing various application and development frameworks such as NodeJS, Drupal, and API integration is also important for Software Engineers. Finally, Software Engineers should have experience in designing and implementing unit and integration tests and ensuring application security.
If you have no experience as a Software Engineer, be sure to highlight any academic, technical and/or quantitative coursework that is relevant to the position. Also list any programming languages, systems or libraries that you have experience with. If you have relevant course projects, internship projects, or programming projects that you completed, include those in your resume too. Show your enthusiasm for software engineering by citing any certifications, awards, or other extracurricular activities you have been involved with. Finally, make sure to demonstrate your transferable skills, such as problem-solving, teamwork, and communication, and how you have applied in them in other areas. These can help distinguish your resume from others without software engineering experience.
See how your Software Engineer resume compares to the job description of the role you're applying for. Our free Resume and Job Description Match tool will analyze and score your resume based on how well it aligns with the position. Here's how you can use the comparison tool to improve your Software Engineer resume, and increase your chances of landing the interview:
Complete the steps below to generate your free resume analysis.
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Looking to score a job as a Software Engineer?
You're going to need an awesome resume. This guide is your one-stop-shop for writing a job-winning Software Engineer resume using our proven strategies, skills, templates, and examples.
All of the content in this guide is based on data from coaching thousands of job seekers (just like you!) who went on to land offers at the world's best companies.
If you want to maximize your chances of landing that Software Engineer role, I recommend reading this piece from top to bottom. But if you're just looking for something specific, here's what's included in this guide:
How to write offer-winning software engineer resume bullets.
Here's the step-by-step breakdown:
What do companies look for when they're hiring a Software Engineer?
Companies look for Software Engineers who are proficient in languages such as JavaScript, Python, or Java, with expertise in essential tools and frameworks.
Companies also seek candidates who can collaborate, solve problems, communicate well, and align with their values and tech interests.
Your resume should show the company that your personality and your experience encompass all these things.
Additionally, there are a few best practices you want to follow to write a job-winning Software Engineer resume:
Let's dive deeper into each of these so you have the exact blueprint you need to see success.
Keywords are one of the most important factors in your resume. They show employers that your skills align with the role and they also help format your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
If you're not familiar with ATS systems, they are pieces of software used by employers to manage job applications. They scan resumes for keywords and qualifications and make it easier for employers to filter and search for candidates whose qualifications match the role.
If you want to win more interviews and job offers, you need to have a keyword-optimized resume. There are two ways to find the right keywords:
The first is to leverage our list of the best keywords and skills for a Software Engineer resume.
These keywords were selected from an analysis of real Software Engineer job descriptions sourced from actual job boards. Here they are:
The second method is the one I recommend because it's personalized to your specific resume and target job.
This process lets you find the exact keywords that your resume is missing when compared to the individual role you're applying for.
Here's how it works:
ResyMatch is going to scan your resume and compare it to the target job description. It's going to show you the exact keywords and skills you're missing as well as share other feedback you can use to improve your resume.
If you're ready to get started, use the widget below to run your first scan and get your free resume score:
Copy/paste or upload your resume here:
Click here to paste text
Upload a PDF, Word Doc, or TXT File
Paste the job post's details here:
Scan to compare and score your resume vs the job's description.
And if you're a visual learner, here's a video walking through the entire process so you can follow along:
Employers spend an average of six seconds reading your resume.
If you want to win more interviews and offers, you need to make that time count. That starts with hitting the reader with the exact information they're looking for right at the top of your resume.
Unfortunately, traditional resume advice like Summaries and Objectives don't accomplish that goal. If you want to win in today's market, you need a modern approach. I like to use something I can a “Highlight Reel,” here's how it works.
The Highlight Reel is exactly what it sounds like.
It's a section at the top of your resume that allows you to pick and choose the best and most relevant experience to feature right at the top of your resume.
It's essentially a highlight reel of your career as it relates to this specific role! I like to think about it as the SportsCenter Top 10 of your resume.
The Highlight Reel resume summary consists of 4 parts:
For example, if we were writing a Highlight Reel for a Software Engineer role, it might look like this:
You can see how the first bullet includes the Software Engineer job title, the years of experience this candidate has, and it wraps up with a value-driven pitch for how they've helped companies in the past.
The next bullet is a “Case Study” of specific results they drove at their past experiences and the third one covers relevant skills for the role. The last bullet wraps up with a certification and additional skill set.
This candidate has provided all of the info any employer would want to see right at the very top of their resume! The best part is that they can customize this section for each and every role they apply for to maximize the relevance of their experience.
Here's one more example of a Software Engineer Highlight Reel:
The content of this example showcases the candidate's years of experience and wraps up the first bullet with a high-value pitch, while the following bullet points focus on measurable results. The final bullet point wraps up by mentioning their academic achievements.
If you want more details on writing a killer Highlight Reel, check out my full guide on Highlight Reels here.
Bullets make up the majority of the content in your resume. If you want to win, you need to know how to write bullets that are compelling and value-driven.
Unfortunately, way too many job seekers aren't good at this. They use fluffy, buzzword-fill language and they only talk about the actions that they took rather than the results and outcomes those actions created.
If you apply this framework to each of the bullets on your resume, you're going to make them more compelling and your value is going to be crystal clear to the reader. For example, take a look at these resume bullets:
❌ Responsible for building applications to help achieve company goals
✅ Software Engineer with 9+ years of proven experience leveraging React and PHP to build SaaS applications supporting 1M+ users
The second bullet makes the candidate's value so much more clear, and it's a lot more fun to read! That's what we're going for here.
That said, it's one thing to look at the graphic above and try to apply the abstract concept of “35% hard skills” to your bullet. We wanted to make things easy, so we created a tool called ResyBullet.io that will actually give your resume bullet a score and show you how to improve it.
ResyBullet takes our proprietary “resume bullet formula” and layers it into a tool that's super simple to use. Here's how it works:
Let's take a look at how this works for the two resume bullet examples I shared above:
First, we had, “Responsible for building applications to help achieve company goals”.
ResyBullet gave that a score of 25/100. Not only is it too short, but it's missing relevant skills, compelling language, and measurable outcomes:
Now, let's take a look at our second bullet, “Software Engineer with 9+ years of proven experience using Jira for agile project management, reducing project delivery time by 15%.”
ResyBullet gave that a 50/100. Much better! This bullet had more content focused on the experience in the Software Engineer role, while also highlighting measurable results:
Now all you have to do is run each of your bullets through ResyBullet, make the suggested updates, and your resume is going to be jam-packed with eye-popping, value-driven content!
If you're ready, grab a bullet from your resume, paste it into the widget below, and hit scan to get your first resume bullet score and analysis:
Learn to write crazy effective resume bullets that grab attention, illustrate value, and actually get results., copy and paste your resume bullet to begin analysis:, 3 software engineer resume examples for 2023.
Now let's take a look at all of these best practices in action. Here are three resume examples for different situations from people with different backgrounds:
For our second Software Engineer Resume Example, we have a candidate who has a non-traditional background in Sales. Here's an example of what their resume might look like:
For our third Software Engineer Resume Example, we have a candidate who has 14+ years of experience and a Master's Degree. Here's an example of what their resume might look like:
At this point, you know all of the basics you'll need to write a Software Engineer resume that wins you more interviews and offers. The only thing left is to take all of that information and apply it to a template that's going to help you get results.
We made that easy with our ResyBuild tool . It has 8 proven templates that were created with the help of recruiters and hiring managers at the world's best companies. These templates also bake in thousands of data points we have from the job seekers in our audience who have used them to land job offers.
Just click any of the templates below to start building your resume using proven, recruiter-approved templates:
Choose a resume template below to get started:.
You made it! We packed a lot of information into this post so I wanted to distill the key points for you and lay out next steps so you know exactly where to from here.
Here are the 5 steps for writing a job-winning Software Engineer resume:
If you follow those steps, you're going to be well on your way to landing more Software Engineer interviews and job offers.
Now that your resume is taken care of, check out my guide on how to get a job anywhere without applying online!
Paula is Cultivated Culture's amazing Editor and Content Manager. Her background is in journalism and she's transitioned from roles in education, to tech, to finance, and more. She blends her journalism background with her job search experience to share advice aimed at helping people like you land jobs they love without applying online.
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Looking for a job as a software engineer? That’s exciting! Whether you’re changing careers or just looking for your next job, this fast-growing industry offers career development opportunities galore. Plus, it can pay quite well .
With great pay and growth potential, the job hunt can be competitive. If you want a shot at a job interview, you need to know how to write a compelling software engineering resume, and you’ll want to create a web developer portfolio .
Writing your first resume, or revamping your old one, can feel daunting. It doesn’t have to be complicated. We’ll walk you through the resume writing process step-by-step and give you plenty of software engineer resume examples. You won’t feel overwhelmed after reading this!
In this complete guide, you’ll learn the following:
Step 4: add your three most relevant work experiences, step 5: list your education, step 6: include your skills.
Step 10: proofread, mistakes to avoid when creating a software engineer resume, where to go for great software engineer resume templates.
Let’s start with the basics; why do you even need a resume?
Yes, software engineers need a resume. Many developers will tell you they’ve gotten multiple job offers with just a resume. Of course, they might not mention that they also had an active GitHub history, polished portfolio, or connection in the industry. But that’s beside the point.
The number one reason you need a resume to land a software engineering job is that almost every job you apply for will require you to have one. But secondly, your resume is how you’ll showcase your transferable skills .
Even if you don’t have much experience with software engineering, you still need to create a software engineer resume. A compelling document with all your most relevant experience will showcase how you learned to code and the skills you can transfer to your new role.
You can also optimize your resume for applicant tracking systems (ATS)–but we’ll discuss that later. First, let’s learn how to create a software engineer’s resume that wins.
Okay, so we’re all on the same page now–you need a resume! But how do you write one? Buckle up! This is where we walk you through the resume writing process–one step at a time.
This section may seem a bit long, but that’s because we’re going to go into every single part of your software engineer resume and make it as compelling as possible. Feel free to start writing your resume in another window while you read through each step. Learning while doing is often the most effective way!
Resume layout (design) and copy (words) go hand-in-hand. If you don’t budget your words for the space you have, you won’t be able to fit it all on one page. It’s helpful to begin by choosing a resume template or layout.
There are templates all over the internet for free that you can use! More on that later. If you don’t want to use a template, you can use the outline in Step 2 below to create your layout in a word processor, PDF maker, or graphic design tool.
Before filling in your resume, open up a blank document or your notes app to gather the information you’ll need for your resume. If you’ve already optimized your LinkedIn for the job search, you might want to pull that up too.
Here’s what you should include in your software engineer resume, from top to bottom:
Here’s a software engineer resume example with a great layout from BeamJobs . There’s even enough room to include certifications and awards in the left-hand column!
Here’s what you need to include in this section:
Your contact information is the simplest part of writing a resume. But it’s being analyzed by recruiters as much as the rest of what you’ve written. Here are some tips for making this section as small and effective as possible.
Under your name, you can include a subtitle listing your current job title or a one-sentence personal description. If you don’t have a current job title, you can put the job title you’re looking for or a more creatively branded title. For example, you could put “Entry-Level Software Engineer” or “Skilled Full-Stack Developer.”
Firstly, if you want to come across as professional, make sure your email address isn’t your old AOL email address. I’ll admit it! My email was [email protected] until I got to college. But I would never put that on a resume. Instead, my email is a polished version of my first and last name with no numbers.
To save space, you don’t need to include your physical address unless you apply for a fully in-person job that favors locals. You don’t need to include your social media profiles unless you’re a thought leader in the industry. You can also omit your website if you don’t have a software engineer portfolio website .
Here’s what your resume contact information section might look like, courtesy of Resume Worded :
When you think about writing your resume, this is probably what you imagined. This part will be easier if you’ve already optimized your LinkedIn for the job hunt. If you haven’t, budget some time to gather everything you need.
Before you dive into writing this section, you will need the following:
Once you have these items, you can start with the basics. Pick your top three-to-five most relevant experiences. Format each job on your list to reflect the structure outlined below.
Here’s how to structure each of your experiences:
Keep your structure consistent throughout your resume. There’s no right or wrong way to choose whether you’ll abbreviate. But if you abbreviate one state you worked in, abbreviate them all. If you spelled out the entire month of your employment, spell out every month.
Next, list them chronologically, beginning with your most recent experience. Here’s the creative part! It’s time to describe your work experiences. It’s best to list three to five bullet points per experience.
In your bullet points, include some quantifiable accomplishments that are data-proven and action verbs relating to tech but not jargon. Keep your tone present and active, not passive.
This is a software engineer resume example, also from Resume Worded:
If you’re a career changer, your college education might not be relevant to the job you’re applying for now.
Regardless, you should still include it. If you don’t have much experience, you should include information about your software engineer education here in five bullet points. Cover what you learned, how you got hands-on experience, and the projects you did.
If you already have software engineering experience, this section isn’t as important for you. You can simply include where you went to school and one bullet or less about relevant coursework.
Whether you’re new to software development or not, you can elaborate on your undergraduate and graduate degrees in certain circumstances. If you were a double major or had a minor, you can list that too on your software engineer resume. If you had a phenomenal GPA, you could list it. But if your GPA was less than 3.8, you can leave it out.
Here’s how to format your education:
Each job you apply for will use a specific naming convention in the description like BS, b.s., bachelor’s degree, bootcamp, or boot camp. Try to edit this to match every job description. You may not always fit the education level specified in the listing. That doesn’t matter! You should still apply for it if you think you’d be a good fit.
Here’s an example of what your software engineering resume might look like if you took CareerFoundry’s Full-Stack Web Development Program :
The skills section might be where you shine! Hiring managers and recruiters are looking for specific development skills and that’s why you should list them in the job description. For each coding job you apply for, you can customize this section to fit the job description.
It shouldn’t need to be stated but—don’t lie! Run through the job description and pick the skills you’re proficient in. In this section, it’s usually best to only list hard skills . Group your skills by Expert, Advanced, and Familiar.
If you have any certifications or awards, include this section! But if you don’t, skip to Step 8. Keep this section of your software engineer resume brief. You only need one line per award; you can simply list each award or certification and the date you received them.
Certifications can serve as proof to your employer that you’ve achieved a certain skill level. If that skill or certification is in the job description, include it in your resume. Whatever you list, include both the full name and the abbreviation. Obviously, only include certifications you’ve actually earned.
For example, a software engineer’s resume skill section might look like this:
If you’re looking to apply for software engineering jobs , you’ve probably worked on a few projects by now. Whether personal projects, open source, internships, freelance, or bootcamps projects, you can use them on your resume.
Career changers and anyone new to software development should take advantage of this section. If you already have experience in software engineering, you probably don’t need this—simply list your portfolio in your contact information and move on to Step 9.
Before you fill in this section, you’ll need a list of the projects you’ve worked on. If you have more than three, group your projects by type. You can use whatever categories seem fitting to you but consider ones like business projects, user interface projects , technical projects, mobile development, etc.
Here’s how to format your projects in your software engineer resume:
This is what your projects section might look like:
You can hyperlink the title of your project to a portfolio piece with more details, the live project, or your GitHub.
Stop now if your resume can’t fit on one page with more than just the title. But if you still have room, include a description of the problem your project solved, why you created it, and the client you made it for. Then, list the skills or tech stack you used to create the project.
It might be odd to see the introductory statement as one of the last steps in the software engineer resume-writing process. Even though this goes at the top of your resume, we recommend you write it last. It’s much easier to write it at the end for most people.
A summary statement is essentially an introductory paragraph. You’ll use these three-to-five lines to inject some personality into your resume. This is the first thing the interviewer will see.
There are two ways you can approach this. You can either treat it as a summary or an objective . If you already have experience in software engineering, you can summarize your skills, experience, notable accomplishments, and education. If you don’t have experience, you’ll want to opt for an objective.
With an objective, you’ll share tangible achievements from your bootcamp, professional training, college, or internship. You’ll also want to point out your transferable skills and career goals.
This is the most challenging part of writing your resume. You’ll have less than 8 seconds to make a good impression on a recruiter or hiring manager. So, think of this paragraph as a hook to get them to keep reading. Here’s how to maximize your summary statement.
Your summary statement should touch on the following:
Wherever possible, mention numbers or statistics to back up your statements. Rewrite your summary for every single job you apply for. It may feel tedious, but if you tailor it to that company and that role specifically, you’re far more likely to get straight to the recruiter screen and land an interview.
They might not notice if you have a spelling mistake on your resume, but typos never look good! Your summary paragraph is the most crucial thing to edit, but it doesn’t hurt to check over the entire thing. You can use AI editing software like Grammarly , or enlist a friend to proofread it. Better yet, ask your career counselor or mentor–if you have one!
Okay, that might be a lot of information. We’re almost through with this complete guide. But before we let you go, we want to let you in on a few things you shouldn’t do when you’re writing your resume.
While it’s tempting to write your resume once and walk away, it’s not that simple. You should create your resume and edit it for each job you apply to. Adjust the objective statement, skills, and experience to reflect keywords in the job description.
In the US you don’t need to include your date of birth, social security number, political affiliations, religion, or other personal details. These are dangerous to include, and they’re not relevant to the person who’s going to be reading your resume.
These days, most companies use ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) to screen applicants before sending software engineer resumes to a hiring manager or recruiter. Make your resume as text-based as possible: most ATS can’t read graphics well.
Save it as a PDF before you submit it.
If you can’t fit it all, omit the optional sections, trim down your experience descriptions, or reduce the skills you’ve included.
If you want to use a resume template, ensure they’re ATS-friendly. There are plenty of beautiful templates out there with graphics and charts that won’t help you get an interview.
There are hundreds of places you can go to get resume templates online. There are free and paid options. Most offer both free and paid versions. We rounded up the best resume template sites for software developers. Our favorites are the ones that tech professionals or coders created.
Here are our top five favorite resume template sites:
Writing a software engineer resume is not easy, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. As long as you remember to proofread your work, use a few keywords from the job description, and stay away from graphics, you’ll be golden.
Whatever you do, tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for and include a unique introductory paragraph. And if you want to use a resume template, ensure it’s ATS-friendly. With these tips and the steps we outlined, you’re sure to write a stellar software engineer resume.
You’ve just finished the complete guide to writing a software engineer resume. Now get started creating yours, and prepare to apply for jobs. Good luck!
As students of CareerFoundry’s Full-Stack Web Development Program reach the end of their studies, they get paired up with a career specialist. Y ou’ll work closely with them to connect the dots between your previous accomplishments with your newfound coding skills.
Together, you’ll create a winning software engineer resume that showcases your talent, and carefully craft your online presence to appeal to tech employers. You’ll also fine-tune your technical interview skills , learning how to confidently market your experience and negotiate salaries.
If you’d like to learn more about the world of coding, check out these articles:
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Download in google doc, word or pdf for free. designed to pass resume screening software in 2022., experienced software engineer resume sample.
As the name indicates, this position calls for an applicant with extensive experience as a software engineer. Your tasks may include developing new software or apps, coding, creating patches, testing software, etc. As a senior in the department, you may also be put in charge of a team of more junior engineers. Managerial skills will also need to be shown if this is the case.
We're just getting the template ready for you, just a second left.
Tips to help you write your experienced software engineer resume in 2024, keep your tools section current..
Because you have had extensive and lengthy experience in the field, you may forget to update your tools section to incorporate new software, languages, and programs that have been developed. Remember to keep updating your tools list to reflect current industry standards.
This is a senior position so show recruiters that you would be a good team leader within the department. Mention if you have led teams before, the size of the teams you have led, and what success your teams have had under your leadership.
Backend developer resume sample, lead java developer resume sample, senior full-stack developer resume sample.
As a hiring manager who has worked with companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon, I've seen thousands of resumes for experienced software engineer positions. In this article, I'll share some of the most effective tips that make resumes stand out and increase your chances of landing an interview. These tips are based on what I and other hiring managers look for when reviewing resumes for these roles.
Emphasize your proficiency in the programming languages, frameworks, and tools that are most relevant to the position you're applying for. Provide specific examples of how you've used these skills to build and maintain software applications.
Showcase your ability to tackle complex problems and find efficient solutions. Use specific examples from your past projects to illustrate your problem-solving skills.
Instead, provide more context and quantify your impact:
Highlight the projects you've worked on and the specific contributions you made to their success. Use metrics to quantify your impact and show the value you brought to the team.
In addition to your professional experience, showcase your passion for software development by including relevant personal projects and open-source contributions. This demonstrates your initiative and commitment to continuous learning.
Customize your resume for each job application to highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position. Use keywords from the job description to show that you're a good fit for the role.
Experienced software engineer with a strong background in web development and a passion for creating efficient and scalable applications.
Instead, tailor your summary to the specific job:
Experienced software engineer with 5+ years of experience in building robust and scalable Java applications. Proficient in Spring, Hibernate, and AWS, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality software on time and within budget. Passionate about creating efficient and maintainable code that solves real-world problems.
In addition to your technical skills, highlight your soft skills and ability to work effectively in a team. Provide examples of how you've collaborated with others, communicated complex ideas, and adapted to changing priorities.
summary.
A resume summary is an optional section that sits at the top of your resume, just below your name and contact information. While not required, it can be a valuable addition for experienced software engineers looking to provide context or highlight key qualifications that may not be immediately apparent from the rest of their resume.
When writing your summary, avoid using an objective statement, which focuses on your career goals rather than what you can offer an employer. Instead, think of your summary as a brief, high-level overview of your most relevant skills, experiences, and achievements as they relate to the specific software engineering role you're targeting.
To learn how to write an effective resume summary for your Experienced Software Engineer resume, or figure out if you need one, please read Experienced Software Engineer Resume Summary Examples , or Experienced Software Engineer Resume Objective Examples .
A common mistake job seekers make is using the same generic summary for every application. Instead, take the time to customize your summary for each role you apply to.
While this summary touches on relevant skills, it doesn't provide any context or highlight specific achievements. A more effective approach:
By tailoring your summary to the job description and company, you show the hiring manager that you've done your research and understand how your qualifications align with their needs.
As an experienced software engineer, your summary should showcase both your technical proficiencies and the soft skills that make you an effective collaborator and problem-solver.
Senior software engineer with 8+ years of experience architecting and developing robust web applications using JavaScript, React, and Node.js. Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality, scalable solutions on time and under budget. Passionate about mentoring junior developers and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
In this example, the candidate highlights their technical stack, leadership experience, and commitment to teamwork and growth. They also quantify their experience, which helps the hiring manager quickly gauge their level of expertise.
However, be careful not to overload your summary with too many buzzwords or soft skills:
Your work experience section is the heart of your resume. It's where you prove to potential employers that you have the skills and experience to excel in the software engineering role you're applying for. In this section, we'll break down the key steps to writing a compelling work experience section that will catch a hiring manager's eye.
When listing your work experience, always start with your most recent job and work backwards chronologically. This ensures that the first thing a hiring manager sees is your current or most recent role, which is likely to be the most relevant to the position you're applying for.
For each job, include your title, the company name, and the dates you worked there. Then, beneath each job, list your key achievements and responsibilities in bullet point format. Focus on the most relevant and impressive points that showcase your software engineering skills.
Software Engineer , ABC Tech Company, June 2018 - Present Developed and maintained cloud-based applications using AWS, resulting in a 30% increase in system performance and scalability Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify and resolve software issues, reducing bug reports by 25% Implemented Agile methodologies to streamline development processes, improving team productivity by 20%
When describing your achievements and responsibilities, use strong, industry-specific action verbs to make your experience stand out. Avoid generic phrases like "responsible for" or "worked on."
Instead, use powerful verbs that demonstrate your technical skills and expertise, such as:
Compare the following examples:
Whenever possible, use specific metrics and numbers to quantify your achievements and demonstrate your impact in previous roles. This helps hiring managers understand the scale and significance of your contributions.
For example, instead of simply stating that you "improved application performance," provide specific metrics:
If you don't have access to specific metrics, you can still provide context for your achievements:
As an experienced software engineer, it's crucial to showcase your technical skills and the tools you've worked with throughout your career. Hiring managers want to see that you have hands-on experience with the technologies and methodologies relevant to their organization.
When describing your experience, weave in mentions of the programming languages, frameworks, and tools you've used. For example:
By highlighting your technical skills and tools, you demonstrate to potential employers that you have the expertise they're looking for and can hit the ground running in their organization.
Hiring managers want to see that you've progressed and taken on more responsibility throughout your career. Demonstrating career growth in your work experience section can set you apart from other candidates and show that you have the potential to grow within their organization.
If you've been promoted or taken on leadership roles, make sure to highlight this in your job descriptions. For example:
Senior Software Engineer , XYZ Corp, Jan 2020 - Present Promoted to Senior Software Engineer after demonstrating strong technical leadership and mentoring junior team members Led the development of a new microservices architecture, resulting in improved scalability and a 50% reduction in deployment time Software Engineer , XYZ Corp, June 2017 - Dec 2019 Developed and maintained web applications using React and Node.js Collaborated with product managers to gather requirements and deliver features on time and within budget
By showcasing your career progression, you demonstrate your ability to take on more responsibility and adapt to new challenges, making you a more attractive candidate for senior-level positions.
Your education section is an important part of your resume, especially for experienced software engineers. It shows employers your academic background and qualifications. Here are some key tips to make sure your education section is effective and tailored to your level of experience.
As an experienced software engineer, your work experience is more relevant and impressive than your education at this stage in your career. Put your education section after your work experience section.
Many experienced engineers make the mistake of leading with their education:
EDUCATION Bachelor of Science in Computer Science XYZ University, Anytown, USA 2002 - 2006 Relevant Coursework: Data Structures, Algorithms, Software Engineering EXPERIENCE Senior Software Engineer, ACME Inc., 2015 - Present Software Engineer, Initech, 2006 - 2015
Instead, lead with your impressive experience and put education after:
EXPERIENCE Senior Software Engineer, ACME Inc., 2015 - Present Software Engineer, Initech, 2006 - 2015 EDUCATION Bachelor of Science in Computer Science XYZ University, Anytown, USA
As an experienced software engineer, you likely graduated a while ago. Don't take up precious resume space with irrelevant details about your education. Keep this section concise, with just the key facts.
Bad example:
Good example:
Many software engineers pursue certifications to expand their skill set and stay current. If you have completed any substantial, industry-recognized certifications, include them in your education section.
However, avoid listing minor or less-recognized online courses and certifications, as they can clutter up this section. Only include those that are truly valuable for the jobs you are pursuing.
The skills section of your resume is crucial for experienced software engineers. It's where you showcase your technical abilities and convince hiring managers you have the right expertise for the job. To make your skills section effective, follow these tips.
Group your technical skills into clear categories so it's easy for hiring managers and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to quickly identify if you're a match. ATS are used to automatically filter out candidates who don't have the required skills, so make sure yours are easy to find.
Here's an example of how to group your skills:
As an experienced engineer, avoid listing every skill and tool you've ever used. Instead, focus on your core areas of expertise that are most relevant to the role you're targeting.
Skills: Java, Python, C, C++, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, SQL, NoSQL, AWS, Azure, Git, SVN, Jira, Jenkins, Docker, Kubernetes, Hadoop, Spark, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scala, R, MATLAB, SAS, Tableau, Excel, PowerPoint, Word
Cramming in too many skills, especially ones that aren't critical for the job, can make it seem like you lack specialization and depth. Narrow it down to 10-15 of your strongest, most relevant skills:
Skills: Languages : Java, Python, JavaScript Web : React, Node.js, HTML, CSS Databases : MySQL, MongoDB Tools : Git, Jenkins, Jira, AWS
For skills that are crucial for the role, consider adding proficiency levels to stand out. This quickly conveys your level of expertise to hiring managers. For example:
Technical Skills: Java (Expert) | Python (Advanced) | AWS (Proficient) | React (Proficient) | SQL (Advanced)
However, avoid using proficiency levels for every skill, as it can clutter up your skills section. Focus on highlighting a few key skills.
Also be honest about your skill levels - don't claim to be an expert in everything. Misrepresenting your abilities may get you through the resume screening process, but it will become apparent later in technical interviews.
Here are examples of popular skills from Experienced Software Engineer job descriptions that you can include on your resume.
This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Experienced Software Engineer job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more likely you should include it in your resume.
Similar resume templates, network engineer.
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• Get a resume score compared to other Experienced Software Engineer resumes in your industry.
• Fix all your resume's mistakes.
• Find the Experienced Software Engineer skills your resume is missing.
• Get rid of hidden red flags the hiring managers and resume screeners look for.
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No one should be surprised to learn that demand for software engineers is expected to increase over the coming decade. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 25% increase in job growth for these professionals through 2031. As a skilled coder, you can expect your skills to be in demand for many years to come, but just having those skills may not be enough to fuel your career journey. You’ll also need a Software Engineer resume that captivates prospective employers.
Transform your resume
To help you achieve that goal, we’ve created this “Software Engineer Resume Example, Tips & Tricks.” It contains key insights into the resume creation process and helpful tips that can assist you in highlighting your key competencies, experiences, and other qualifications. By using this guide, you can learn how to craft the compelling resume you need to make a great first impression and earn more interview opportunities.
How to write a resume.
It’s always a great idea to start with the basics when you’re learning how to create your Software Engineer resume. Of course, that means starting with the proper foundation to ensure that your resume delivers the right message to any potential employer. Let’s begin with some essential tips to get you started.
While you need compelling content in your Software Engineer resume, it is just as important to ensure hiring managers can easily find that information. That’s why it is so important to use the right format when you outline your resume. There are three basic formats that you can choose: reverse chronological, combination, and functional. Most employers prefer the reverse chronological since it presents information in a clear, chronological format that is easy to skim.
You will also need to use an organized structure if you want to create a resume that is easy to read. The best structure to use for your reverse chronological resume is one that separates your skills, experiences, and other qualifications into distinct sections identified by clear headings. Those sections should include:
Contact details like your full name, city and state, phone, email address, and the URL to your optimized LinkedIn profile
Job title for the position you are trying to get
Summary or profile statement, which consists of one paragraph that summarizes your relevant skills, experiences, and unique value proposition
Core competencies should include hard technical skills as well as soft skills you use as a Software Engineer
Professional experience , with your positions listed in reverse chronological order and covering the previous 10 or 15 years of work
Education is where you list college degree, any continuing education, certifications, and coursework
Additional information like awards, industry recognition, public speaking, and specialized research
With its location just below your contact details, the summary statement may be the most critical part of your Software Engineer resume. Think of it as your unique elevator pitch – an opportunity to make a first impression on a hiring manager and convince them to continue reading your resume. A great summary statement should always be no more than three to five concise sentences that highlight your most important skills, experiences, and achievements. For example:
Solutions-focused software engineer with demonstrated success in architecting, developing, and delivering cutting-edge applications for diverse environments. Adept at analyzing and interpreting business requirements to develop robust solutions aligned with business user needs and expectations. Engaging communicator and collaborator; able to partner with cross-functional teams through all phases of development, prototyping, and deployment. Continually research and evaluate new technologies, concepts, and methods to maintain a competitive advantage.
Before you can complete the professional experience and core competency sections of your Software Engineer resume, you must know which skills and accomplishments to include. To identify those details, you should examine the job posting and description to see what the employer has listed as key qualifications. To be considered for hire, your resume will usually need to highlight each of those requirements to demonstrate that you are the right person for the job.
Pay careful attention to the words that the company uses to describe any skill, educational achievement, or professional experience. More than likely, those words will be keywords and phrases that the hiring manager looks for when skimming your resume. More importantly, those words may be used by applicant tracking systems (ATS) , which many companies use to screen out applicants whose listed qualifications don’t meet the job post requirements.
Now that we’ve provided some critical insight and tips to help you get started, it might be helpful for you to see an illustration of just how all these elements can work together to create your resume. We have you covered there as well, with this example of an outstanding Software Engineer resume. Use it as a guide and template as you gather the relevant information you need and begin the process of crafting your resume.
When employers read a Software Engineer resume, they pay close attention to the skills highlighted on that document. They want to see that you have the technical knowledge and ability they’re looking for, including proficiency in programming, an analytical mind, and keen problem-solving skills. They also expect you to highlight your soft skills , too, such as creativity and the ability to collaborate in a team environment. Below are some of the most in-demand core competencies you can include in your resume.
Hard skills are specific technical abilities you need to fulfill the technical requirements of your job. They are typically obtained through formal training, education, and hands-on experience. For a Software Engineer, those hard skills may include:
Software programming in languages like Python, Java, C/C++, SQL
Software architecture
Object-oriented design
Testing and debugging
Performance tuning
Enterprise integration
Proficiency with platforms like Microsoft SQL Server, Linux, Oracle, JBoss, etc.
Soft skills are all those personal abilities and traits that you possess. Some soft skills develop naturally over time, while others can be improved through conscious effort. Though technical skills are often the first thing people think of when they reflect on a coder’s abilities, these professionals also need to possess a wide range of developed soft and interpersonal skills, such as:
Communication
Collaboration
Attention to detail
Team leadership
Critical thinking
Adaptability
Before you even begin to craft your own resume, make sure you understand the vital role this document plays in any successful job search. It is your main marketing tool and your first and best opportunity to make a great and lasting first impression on any employer. If your resume is a substandard document that fails to capture a hiring manager’s imagination, you may never get the chance to interview for that job.
The good news is you don’t have to rely on the whims of chance to make the right first impression. By using our Software Engineer resume guide, tips & tricks, you can craft a more convincing narrative for prospective employers and increase your odds of landing an interview. That can help give you the confidence and peace of mind you need as you continue to advance your career.
Knowing how to create your own resume can provide invaluable benefits for your job search efforts. However, even that knowledge may not be enough to ensure you can successfully land the interviews you need. In a highly competitive field and labor market, you need every advantage you can get. Fortunately, the resume writers at TopResume are always here to provide the professional assistance you need to craft the best possible resume document.
Our team of resume writers is passionate about creating resume narratives that speak directly to each employer’s unique hiring needs. We understand what Software Engineers need to highlight to capture an employer’s attention and work with you to ensure that your Software Engineer resume presents you as the most qualified and capable applicant for any position. And because our team is made up of people with deep knowledge of your industry, you can be confident that their expertise is second-to-none.
No matter how qualified you might be, you’ll always struggle to land your dream job if you can’t effectively convey those qualifications to prospective employers. When you partner with TopResume’s team of expert resume writers, you never have to worry about that again. By investing in our writing services and teaming up with one of our experienced resume writers, you can finally unleash your job search potential and begin to make your career dreams a reality. Contact us today !
4+ years of experience, bachelor of arts in humanities and classical studies.
Billie is a passionate writer whose mission is to write impactful resumes to support career growth, evolution, and transition targets. Billie’s love of the written word spans her entire life, and she enjoys utilizing that passion to empower successful career transitions.
Master of arts in english.
Traci has a Master of Arts in English and has been writing since middle school. After spending several years in marketing, she used her writing skills and corporate knowledge to help job seekers put their best foot forward and achieve their career goals.
Bachelor of arts in english and business writing.
Jeremy has helped 6K+ clients gain the confidence to apply for and get their dream jobs. His educational background in English and business writing and dedication to supporting clients’ needs inspire him to deliver top-tier career support.
Review your resume.
An Entry Level Software Engineer typically focuses on developing and maintaining software applications while collaborating with team members on various projects. On your resume, highlight relevant internships, personal projects, and any programming coursework that demonstrates your technical abilities. Including proficiency in languages like Python, Java, or JavaScript, along with familiarity with version control systems like Git, will enhance your profile. Mentioning your ability to learn quickly and adapt to new technologies, as well as your experience working in team settings, will further emphasize your potential contributions to an organization.
Traditional
Choose an appropriate format for your entry-level software engineer resume, reference relevant industry profiles in the resume header, outline the tech stack you’re working with in the resume summary, include internships in your software engineer experience section, don’t list your high school diploma if you have a master’s degree, compensate the tech talk by highlight your software engineering soft skills, showcase your entry-level software engineering certificates, prove you are the right candidate by adding other relevant sections, support your outstanding software engineering resume with a fitting cover letter, key takeaways.
It’s time for you to start looking for a job in the tech industry and you need a foolproof resume.
We know it’s tough for first-timers. Especially with all the tech layoffs in the past few months.
So, what would make you stand out?
To write an exceptional entry-level Software Engineer resume, you must focus your efforts on:
Our complete guide will teach you all this and more. Read on.
Given that you’re just entering the tech business world, you must consider your choice of resume format carefully.
Recruiters tend to favor the reverse-chronological resume format . It’s intuitive and readable.
You can opt for this layout, if you’ve been a prolific project-maker over the years. Not only in school, but as a hobby, too.
Yet, if you’ve stuck to the traditional academic path and haven’t tried your luck with the gig economy, use the functional resume format .
Its layout pushes your technical and social skills to the forefront. While any projects and internships you’ve done are pushed to the bottom of the resume.
If, however, you fall somewhere in-between or you’re career hopping, the hybrid resume format is your best choice.
This layout provides enough real estate for you to share relevant experience and any transferable abilities you have.
Once you pick an option that fits your expertise level, it’s time to concentrate on some format specifics.
A while ago we conducted an internal research to check out whether there are any changes in how ATS tools assess different resumes.
We wanted to verify which factors make or break a resume in 2024.
Our research found that formatting and typos are still the most important dealbreakers. Other crucial components are:
Consider using a non-standard resume layout, such as an interactive web-based format.
By now you’re probably aware that you can’t rely on your education alone. You must display your skills in action.
As such, one of the first things hiring managers will check is your GitHub activity.
The best way to introduce your work to recruiters and tech managers is by adding your GitHub in the resume header .
Along with your:
If you’re not sure whether to place something in the resume header, regard the section as your business card.
Take a look at how Gustavo Zanetti has framed his:
Typically, a key component of your resume would be the resume summary . You can still choose to write one if you have industry-related achievements to boast about.
But if you’re just starting out, think about writing a resume objective . It’s similar to the summary in terms of purpose. The only difference is its focus.
Rather than displaying career achievements, tailor the resume objective towards the company’s core projects.
Prove that your skills will benefit your prospective employer. Listing your tech stack will also help you move up into the pile of resumes.
ATS tools boost resumes which mention tools and programming languages near the top of the document.
How do you do that?
In a short paragraph of 5-6 sentences talk about:
Compare the examples below. While the two candidates have different employment backgrounds, both are focused on project outcomes and professional development.
Depending on the type of resume format you choose, the size and position of your work experience section will vary.
Also, keep in mind that internships take precedence over side projects.
Having experience working in a corporate environment shows that you:
But don’t count personal projects out yet.
They prove that you have the discipline and time management skills to see your work through to the end.
When it comes to structure of your experience section, make sure you:
Note that each of the achievements in your entries must start with an action verb . Then, continue describing a challenge you’ve tackled and the successful outcome.
Don’t forget to tie your results to data and numbers when possible. For example:
Leveraged consumer feedback, business data and log reports to develop 12 new features, thus increasing customer satisfaction by 140%.
But if you can’t cite numbers, remember that your phrasing is important. For instance:
Supported ABC company’s tech infrastructure overhaul by conducting seamless server migrations, implementing new caching methods and increasing user load.
Have a look at the following sample section for some inspiration:
We said that education isn’t everything. But your academic background is crucial because it shows how you’ve acquired your expertise.
If you’re aiming for a role in a more innovative field, having a good foundational knowledge in math is crucial.
In this case, list your bachelor’s and master’s degree on the education section of your resume. If asked, state your GPA, but only if it’s above 3.5.
Still, if you’re a self-taught professional, focus on your highest level of education and your certificates. And don’t include your high school diploma if you have a master’s degree.
Apart from your GPA, make sure to list the:
Here is a sample education section you can use:
It’s easy to fall into the tech talk trap, especially if you’re too involved in the industry. But don’t forget that not every hiring manager is familiar with the essence of your work.
Sure, they will consult with the manager of the respective hiring team. But before your resume reaches the manager it must pass both the ATS tests and the HR review.
To do that, you must balance out your hard skills and your social talents.
Let’s focus on your tech abilities first. As we mentioned in the beginning, outlining your tech stack in the resume objective is necessary.
It’s even more important to continue referencing your abilities in the experience section and the skills section .
If you haven’t had the chance to list all of your tech talents or you think you’re forgetting something, check out the table below for ideas:
Providing context and results for soft skills is considerably more difficult. But it’s not impossible.
Concentrate on how your work has affected those around you.
Has your work helped solve a painful issue? Did anyone benefit from using your products?
Do you have a knack for learning new things?
Also, take into account the job description. Confirm which qualities are hiring managers looking for.
When you have your list ready, employ the same Challenge-Action-Result (CAR) method you used in the experience section:
And if you’re stuck and can’t come up with examples for your own skills section, we have some recommendations:
If your professional and academic background is not tech-related, the best way to prove you have what it takes to do the job is with certificates .
Show that you’re up to date with industry trends and best practices.
To make your certificates section complete, fill in the:
Among the many certificates you can add to your resume, it’s recommended you include those that confirm you know your programming basics.
Some good suggestions are:
One big plus about resumes is that you can attach extra sections with relevant information to impress recruiters.
Tech is practically everywhere now, so there’s plenty of ways to stand out:
As long as you can boast any of these, your chances of getting hired grow exponentially.
You may think that cover letters are a thing of the past. But they are the best way to highlight your achievements and your character.
To show that your personality and work attitude match the corporate culture, pair your resume with a quality cover letter .
Divide your letter into three sections:
Get advice from an expert who’s seen more than 300,000 resumes, should i use a resume template and why, how to create a first year elementary school teacher resume, imposter syndrome at work: 4 strategies to battle it out, a summer job resume – here's how to make one.
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Most popular software engineer resumes.
Greg Jones (123) 456-7890 [email protected] 123 Address Rd, Anywhere, USA, 12345
A Software Engineer with three years of experience, specializing in data analytics, object-oriented design, Python, and Java. A strong history of delivering innovative software designs and web frameworks to support large user bases.
Software Engineer, RCN Broadband, Philadelphia, PA September 2019-Present
Junior Software Engineer, Smith Tech Solutions, Philadelphia, PA June 2018-September 2019
Bachelor of Science, Computer Science Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 2014-2018
Angela Martin (123) 456-7890 [email protected] 123 Address Rd, Anywhere, USA, 12345
A Senior Software Engineer with eight years of experience, specializing in front-end and back-end development, application design, and web development. A proven track record of designing scalable web frameworks to support enterprise customers.
Senior Software Engineer, RSS Tech, Pittsburgh, PA April 2016-Present
Software Engineer, Ruby Solutions, Pittsburgh, PA June 2013-April 2016
Bachelor of Science, Computer Science University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, August 2009-May 2013
Christine Miller (123) 456-7890 [email protected] 123 Address Rd, Anywhere, USA 12345
A Senior Software Engineer with 10+ years of professional experience, specializing in Python, web development, and technical project management. A proven track record of coordinating with diverse teams across all phases of the software development lifecycle.
Software Tech Lead, KMS Solutions, Philadelphia, PA September 2016 – Present
Senior Software Engineer, ABC Systems, Philadelphia, PA June 2009 – September 2016
Oracle Certified Professional: Java SE Programmer, 2012 CIW Web Development Professional, 2011
Bachelor of Science, Computer Science Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, August 2005-May 2009
Whether you’re just starting as a software engineer or have years of experience helping businesses build and debug products, your resume needs to make a good first impression. Every resume you send out should be tailored to the job posting and position you to keep moving forward in your career. Use the tips, examples, and templates provided below to revamp your resume and take the next step toward getting an interview.
The profile section of your resume should be concise but give the hiring manager a concrete idea of your experience and what you bring to the table as a software engineer. Make sure to mention your current job title and be as specific as possible with your experience. Adding in your programming languages, such as C++ and Python, or whether you have worked with cloud computing or machine learning also lets you include some keywords from the job description to show you’re a good fit from the first paragraph.
A senior software engineer with over 10 years of professional experience, specializing in Python, web development, and technical project management. A track record of coordinating with diverse teams across all phases of the software development lifecycle.
A software engineer with three years of experience, specializing in data analytics, object-oriented design, Python, and Java. A strong history of delivering innovative software designs and web frameworks to support large user bases.
The actual job duties can vary widely when it comes to software engineer roles, so don’t assume a hiring manager knows what you did in your previous job. Be specific about what your responsibilities include, and use numbers and data whenever possible to quantify your achievements. A senior-level engineer with management experience can highlight how many direct reports they had and how they detected and fixed critical bugs with a tight turnaround time. An entry-level applicant may want to focus on how they used their skills in specific languages and frameworks to bring value to the team.
Software Tech Lead KMS Solutions, Philadelphia, PA | September 2016 – present
Software Engineer RCN Broadband, Philadelphia, PA | September 2019 – present
Because software engineering is highly focused on applying specific skills, spend more time and give more page space to this section than applicants may in other industries. If you have a computer science degree, highlight specific coursework or projects you completed that align with the job posting — especially if you’re an entry-level applicant. Certifications can also help you stand out among the competition because they externally validate that you have the skills you’re claiming.
It’s important for software engineers to hit the ground running when they are hired into a new position. A key skills section on your resume lets you list all your proficiencies in one spot so a hiring manager can tell at a glance if you’re a good fit. It’s helpful to include anything you’re comfortable working with, such as different programming languages, cloud computing platforms, operating systems, and containerization systems.
Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
---|---|
Agile project management tools, such as Jira | AWS |
C++ | Continuous learning and adaptability |
Data analytics | Debugging and troubleshooting |
Front-end development | Java |
Kubernetes | Machine learning and data science concepts |
Mobile app development | Natural language processing |
Networking protocols and concepts | Object-oriented design and development |
Python | Scrum |
SQL database management | User interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design |
Using a template for your resume can give you a standardized format that makes it easier to tailor your resume to each position. The best software engineer resume template is clean and simple and focuses on your skills and experience. There should be a section for your key skills and proficiencies, certifications, and previous work experience. Look for a template that has an easily skimmable format with lots of bullets and enough white space to not overwhelm the person reviewing it.
What are common action verbs for software engineer resumes -.
Each bullet under your professional experience section should start with an action verb that either describes your job duties, such as “collaborated,” or the value you brought to the company, such as “improved.” But it can be hard to think of unique action verbs for each bullet, especially if you’re a senior-level applicant with a longer resume. Try some of the options below if you get stuck and need some fresh ideas.
Action Verbs | |
---|---|
Assessed | Automated |
Built | Collaborated |
Configured | Debugged |
Deployed | Designed |
Developed | Enhanced |
Implemented | Integrated |
Investigated | Launched |
Maintained | Optimized |
Planned | Refactored |
Resolved | Scaled |
The Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicts that software engineering and development is likely to see much faster than average job growth (25%) through 2031, which means you may see lots of options for open positions. If you’re applying for a specific job opening, it’s important to tailor your resume to the posting. Including keywords, skills, and proficiencies listed in the job description can help a hiring manager identify you as a good fit and increase your chances of making it to an interview.
Which resume format to use is largely a matter of personal preference, as long as it has space to include all of your skills and experience. However, a combination resume can be especially helpful for software engineers because it provides enough space to list all your technical skills and proficiencies while also providing an experience section where you can highlight how you used those skills to contribute to company objectives.
With many hiring managers getting hundreds of applicants for just one job posting, including a cover letter can help you stand out. Software engineer cover letter examples can give you a clean format to follow and examples of specifics to include to highlight your skills and why you’d be a good fit for the position.
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Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)
Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).
Administrative Assistant Resume Template
Published on September 5th, 2024
Entry Level Software Engineers are the budding technologists of the tech industry, contributing fresh ideas and essential programming skills to support software development projects. As a new graduate or someone transitioning into the tech field, your resume should emphasize your educational background, technical skills, and any relevant project or internship experiences.
This blog will provide a sample resume for an Entry Level Software Engineer to help you secure a position in this competitive field.
Entry level software engineer resume template 2.
An effective Entry Level Software Engineer resume should clearly articulate your technical skills, understanding of software development principles, and a keenness for professional growth. It should highlight your ability to collaborate on projects and your passion for technology. Utilize these templates as a guide to craft a detailed, well-structured resume that showcases your capabilities and aligns with the expectations of potential employers. Remember, a well-crafted resume is your stepping stone towards launching a successful career in software engineering.
Thomas M. A.
A literature-lover by design and qualification, Thomas loves exploring different aspects of software and writing about the same.
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