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The ultimate software engineer resume builder & guide

Want to create a convincing software engineer resume? What you'll want to do is highlight your unique experience and skills. Use our resume builder below, verified by a Certified Professional Resume Writer.

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• Contact information

Introduction paragraph

• Work experience

Certifications & awards

• Personal projects
• Other important parts
• More resume tips
• Resume FAQs
• 🔥 Software engineering jobs

How to create an effective software engineer resume

What makes a great software engineer resume? Comparing a good resume with a bad resume makes it easier to spot the difference. Read on to create your best developer resume ever!

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in software engineering and development will grow by 22% in the decade between 2019 and 2029. Globally, according to Evans Data Corporation, the number of developer jobs is expected to increase to 28.7 million in 2024.

Though more software engineer positions will open up in the coming years, more candidates will be vying for your position. And that's especially true for the higher-paying jobs at top startups and multinational companies.

Meaning, don’t phone it in if you want a serious shot at an interview. You need to know how to write a killer software engineering resume to be considered.

Well, you’re in luck!

Below, you’re going to learn exactly how to write a resume for software engineering jobs. What to include on your resume, how to structure it, things to omit, and more - it’s all here. There is no need to hire a resume writing service, as you can do this by choosing a great developer CV template on Google Docs or Microsoft Word or start building your resume using our resume builder.

For this guide, Arc partnered with Christian Eilers, career expert and CPRW (Certified Professional Resume Writer) to lay out exactly how to write a resume for software engineering jobs in detail.

Whether you’re starting from scratch, already have the alpha version of a software engineer resume drafted up, or want to find a software engineer example resume, you’ll find all the best advice and expert tips below to transform it into a stable release candidate .

Read more: What to Include on a Software Developer Resume — and What to Leave Off

So, ready to get going?

Here’s how to write a software engineer resume that’ll land you interviews:

Contact information section

As you might have guessed, the first software engineering resume section is all about your contact details and personal information.

While it is easier than the other resume template sections, many software engineer candidates actually mess this part up. Turns out, there’s way more to consider than what you might have thought.

First, take a look at a bad example SWE resume contact section:

And here’s a good example:

Now, what makes the good example good and the bad example bad?

Hint: it’s not the formatting.

Here are the important details to consider when preparing your contact information section:

Name - First name and last name is fine, but a middle name or initial could help when there are many others with similar names on Google and LinkedIn. Job title or branding statement - An optional subtitle below your name listing your current professional title or short personal description is a common and accepted practice. You could put "Entry Level Software Engineer, User Interfaces" if you want to be specific. With that said, you want to avoid convoluted titles like "Full-Stack Dev Ninja," as this title may not work well with ATS. Email address - Don’t turn IT recruiters off with your old high school handle (e.g., [email protected] ). Use a basic, professional email address with just your first and last name. You can also create an alias or a brand new email address if necessary. Phone number - Give your cell phone number rather than your home phone number, and include your country code. As recruiters may leave a voicemail, make sure you have ample space. Also, re-record your voicemail greeting if it’s unprofessional. Physical address - In most cases, don’t include your home address or mailing address, as it’s usually unnecessary. Add it only if the company you’re applying to requires local candidates for onsite positions. Website - A personal portfolio website is a great supplement to your resume for software engineer jobs. Use it to document your past professional, freelance, and personal projects in detail. LinkedIn profile - Around 72% of recruiters use LinkedIn to make hiring decisions. Before sending your software developer resume, complete your profile and update it with current information. To showcase your software engineer skills, complete LinkedIn skills assessments to earn badges and impress IT recruiters with your expertise. GitHub URL - If you’re active on GitHub, add a link to your profile to show off your projects, repositories, and other development activities. Many hiring managers give you bonus points if you’ve contributed to open-source projects. Other social media profiles - In most cases, leave your other social profiles off, as they’re likely irrelevant (and easily found on Google anyway). However, add these profiles to round out your resume if you are a software engineering thought leader on Reddit or Twitter. Sensitive information - Don’t include your social security number, date of birth, political affiliations, religion, or other super-personal details. It's not safe and could lead to bias, which may result in you being excluded from consideration. Formatting - Feel free to be a bit creative here and consider customization options, but don’t go overboard. Make sure your name stands out (larger font size, bold, etc.), and align as you please. Keep the header the same on both your software engineer cover letter and resume template for consistency. Hyperlinks - Make it as easy as possible for recruiters and CTOs by hyperlinking any URLs in your software engineering resume.

Finally, before we move on to the actual resume content, a warning — make sure to clean up your online presence!

Whether you list your social media profile links or not, an interested hiring manager or head of IT will Google your name to see what comes up. You want it all (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn) to be professional, so thoroughly comb them beforehand for lewd photos, political rants, and other potentially offensive material. Hide them, or better yet, remove them completely!

Hiring managers and IT recruiters spend an average of six seconds scanning through every single resume the first time around, which is really no time at all.

If they notice something they like during that quick glance, your software engineer resume will be reviewed more thoroughly. If not, it’s game over at this particular company, unfortunately.

So, write an irresistible introduction paragraph to capture their attention.

This opening statement is a sales pitch that tells them, "Here's why you should continue reading my resume and keep me in the running as a software engineer job candidate." Let’s start off by looking at two examples of this opening paragraph.

First, here’s a bad software engineer resume example:

And here’s a good resume summary example:

The second resume sample provides enough information, like education, years of experience, and quantifiable measurements of success. With these information in hand, the HR hiring manager or tech recruiter is much more likely to pass your developer cv on to the head of IT for further review.

Let’s dive deeper to understand the characteristics of a compelling opening statement on software engineer resumes:

Concise & complete - A perfect resume summary statement is only about 3-5 sentences long, yet it touches on everything. Important keywords - It’ll allude to, or directly mention, key skills, education, professional experience, certification, and other items meant to keep your candidacy alive. Numbers as proof - Don’t simply write that you have certain technical skills or knowledge of software applications. Give the recruiter hard numbers to back up your claims. For example: “I increased speed and accuracy” is vague and requires clarification, but “I increased speed and accuracy by 12% in 6 months ” shows hiring managers just how capable you are. Tailored - The introductory paragraph should be tailored to each software engineer job you apply for. Start by mentioning the role and company you are applying to. Look at the job posting to find hints about the type of person they want.

There are two main kinds of resume introductions:

Resume summary - When you have previous experience in software development jobs or as an SWE, this is the one you’ll use. As the name suggests, it summarizes your relevant skills, experience, and education while showcasing key accomplishments. All in a way that is tailored to this particular job, of course. Resume objective - Also known as a "career objective," use a resume objective when you have little or no experience in software development or engineering (like if you’re fresh out of university or changing careers). Here, give quantifiable achievements from college or other professional areas that are transferable to software engineering. Then, mention your goals for a career in software engineering to wrap it up.

And, a quick pro tip —

Write your career objective or resume summary paragraph last. Though it's positioned at the top of the page, completing the rest of your software engineering resume first allows you to flesh out the important numbers and critical details. Once you’re done, you can circle back and fill in this opening paragraph, and it’ll be a heck of a lot easier!

Work experience section

Next comes the work experience section, where you’ll compile your previous job history.

As in the last section, let’s look at a good example and a bad example of a software engineering resume job experience section before discussing the best way to go about it.

Here’s a not-so-great professional experience example:

Now take a look at this good example work experience section:

Here’s what makes the second software engineer resume example the better choice:

Order - In your work experience section, the first line should be your job title, as it’s the most relevant information. Below each job title, include the company name, your working location (not their HQ city), and the dates you were employed. Start with the most recent software engineering position and work backward (reverse-chronological order). Active voice - Use active voice rather than passive voice. It’s way more powerful and effective to say “I formed and mentored a team” than to say “the team was formed and mentored by me.” Quantifiable achievements - Just as a checksum verifies the integrity of an associated file, achievement numbers verify how well you carried out past responsibilities. You can say you oversaw the redesign of a website, but you can prove you did a great job if you add something like “... leading to a 35% sales increase.” Power verbs - Things like “worked on,” “responsible for,” and “helped” are weak resume words and phrases. Add some oomph to your writing with powerful, software development-related words (e.g., “tested,” “engineered,” “transitioned”). Formatting - Group work experience achievements into bullet points. Around 3-5 bullet points per entry is ideal. Also, let it breathe - rather than cramming it all in there. Make use of negative space to help each point stand out. A solid text block is hard for recruiters to parse in that initial 6-second scan! Be consistent - You can choose to spell the full month name or abbreviate the state in which you worked. Just be sure to follow that same styling everywhere else in the work experience section and other resume areas.

Please note that we recommend a great mid-level or senior software engineer resume to have the work experience section immediately follow the introductory statement. However, if you’re writing a resume with little or no experience (perhaps for a software development internship or junior software engineer position), move more relevant sections higher, particularly skills and education. Always put the most impactful items highest.

Education section

Depending on where you’re applying, your academic history may play an important role in software engineering. Even if you are a self-taught developer or learned through a coding bootcamp, many job descriptions for software engineer roles still require some university education. While your degree may be completely unrelated to information technology, it’s still important to display your scholastic credentials in the best way possible.

Before we dive into how to write a resume education section, let’s again take a look at some resume examples.

A bad software developer resume example:

And a good SWE resume sample:

Note that there are many ways to organize the education section of your senior or junior software developer resume.

A general rule of thumb: the less professional experience a job seeker has (say on a junior software engineer resume), the more info ought to be included to compensate.

Here are the must-have elements:

Degree - If you've earned a degree, the first line of each entry should be the degree name and your major. Follow the naming convention the job description uses when deciding to choose between “bachelor’s degree,” “BS,” or “B.S.” If you’re working on a degree, write instead “Majoring in Computer Science,” for example. School Details - On the following line, simply write the name of the university and the city and state (or city and country). Dates - Follow the same dating format you used above in the work experience section. Format - In the bad example, the date is a second column within the education entry, which itself is in the resume’s second column. This very likely would make it difficult to parse if scanned into HR’s ATS (applicant tracking system) software. The fewer columns, the better, but a single column is best!

And some optional items to consider:

GPA - Adding your grade point average is often problematic, as anything much less than a perfect GPA will turn them off. Relevant coursework - Include college classes you took that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. And not just specifically connected to software engineering. For example, if you’re applying to become the lead software engineer, adding that course you took on business leadership is a great way to increase your chances! Minor - Listing a minor (or double major) on your resume shows you can balance a heavy workload and are eager to soak up knowledge. Honors - If you graduated with honors or earned any academic awards, show them off. Projects - Similarly, highlight any relevant software engineering projects, academic publications, or research papers.

Finally, while most job descriptions may specifically seek someone with a degree in computer science or software engineering, don’t pass up the chance just because your university history doesn’t match. As one of the more modern employment sectors, they may still consider you - especially if you have enviable software engineering skills and experience.

For those of you applying for software engineer jobs with non-traditional learning pathways in your past, we’ve got you covered! Use the resume education section to list traditional education, and we’ll talk more about where to add the others in just a moment.

Skills section

The software engineering resume skills area should be well thought out. Managers are looking for abilities you have that are relevant to the position, and anything that doesn't just get in the way.

Reread the job description. Find the software engineer skills they’re looking for, and, if applicable, include these in your resume skills list.

Here’s a bad resume skills example:

And this is a better example:

Let’s look at the characteristics of a great SWE resume skills section:

Quantity - Include only relevant skills that will help you land the software engineering position. These will usually be listed in the job description. As a software engineer, there's probably no point listing your proficiency with Microsoft Office, but more relevant software applications should certainly be included. Go “Hard” - Hard skills are those that can be developed through learning, such as technical skills, while soft skills are acquired as life goes by, such as people skills. Go heavier on the hard skills. Grouping - IT managers often prefer you to include skill levels to identify just how proficient you are at each one. Follow our convention above or choose your own, but omit any skills with which you have only a rudimentary understanding. Format - Remember that ATS we mentioned earlier? To make sure hiring software will read your resume correctly, opt for a text-based format (see the good software engineer resume example) over bar charts or fancy graphics.

An important thing to remember - your entire resume shows off your software engineering skills and abilities, not just this skills section. And, other places often show these skills off in a better way, particularly when accompanied with numbers.

You can save crucial resume real estate by thoughtfully cherry-picking, especially for soft skills. For example, rather than (or on top of) adding “communication skills” or “leadership skills” here, imply you are a great communicator or leader using the career summary statement, education section, or work experience bullet points.

If you’re looking to apply Pareto’s principle (the “80/20 rule”) to writing a resume for software engineering jobs, the certification and awards section will surely give you the most bang for your buck.

If you can include this section, the few words you list here may just be the most impactful items found on your resume. Why? Certifications and awards, including online qualifications, automatically prove a certain level of technical skills and knowledge, especially when delivered from an industry-renowned organization.

However, though just a few words long, there’s a right way and a wrong way to list them.

Here’s a bad software engineer resume sample:

First and foremost, the bad example is hard to notice as it’s crammed there into a corner. The good example makes use of white space all around to ensure the contents stand out to hiring managers.

Also, always remember to stay consistent . The bad example uses the full name of one certification as the first entry but the abbreviation for the second. Our recommendation is to write out the full name and include the abbreviation in parentheses to maximize resume keywords.

Finally, if you have several certifications and awards each, consider splitting them up into their own sections. Otherwise, one section combining both is just fine.

Personal projects section

Software developers are a passionate, dedicated, enterprising bunch, and you likely have some (or many) personal projects, open-source contributions, or freelance work to show off. And that’s great! These software side projects are very useful in getting the hiring manager on your side.

Let’s just figure out how to highlight your software projects in the best possible way.

A personal projects section *on* a resume is a good idea for lower-level software engineering positions with little professional experience. If you’re writing an entry-level software development resume or a resume for a software engineering internship position, add a few of your proudest projects. Having these projects shows you’re not just in it for the paycheck, but rather you are wholly passionate about software development and engineering.

But, for mid-level and senior software engineering resumes, link out to an online portfolio of your projects in the resume contact information section instead. As a software engineer with experience, you’re going to need all the room on the resume you can get, which is why the online projects portfolio is better. However, if you find yourself with room to spare, by all means, include them!

Anyway, if you’ve decided to add projects directly onto your resume, here’s what to do:

Grouping - When listing more than a couple of projects, group them into subheadings like “Technical Projects,” “Business Projects,” and “Other Projects.” Title - On the first line, identify the type of project. It could be something like “iOS Mobile Application” or “eCommerce Chatbot.” If you have a website with expanded details on the project, hyperlink the title there. Description - Give a short description of the project, no more than 3 sentences. Perhaps include the problem it solved, why you created it, and the client (if applicable). Skills - To end each entry, identify the skills you used (e.g., API access, JavaScript Interop) or tech stacks required to complete the project (e.g., LAMP, MEAN).

An entry-level software engineer resume should be about a *single page* in length, and an experienced candidate should have a two-page resume at most. If your side projects resume section is causing your document to become too long, opt for linking to an online portfolio of projects, instead.

Other important parts of a resume

Above are some of the most common and important sections to include on a resume for software engineer positions, but other areas may help your chances as well. The important thing is to tailor each resume for one particular software engineer job description, rather than sending one generic resume everywhere.

Here are a few additional sections to consider for a good software engineer resume:

Languages - I don’t mean Java, Go, or Python here, but human languages. Adding languages you’re fluent in, along with your proficiency level in each, could be a great addition — especially if you’re joining an international team! Volunteer work - Volunteering speaks to your character, commitment, and values. Any job seeker with a volunteer work experience section will definitely earn some extra points. Publications - Are you an IT thought leader? Let the recruiter know with a few choice links to articles you've published on software design, containerization, or big data! Memberships & affiliations - Highlight your dedication to computer science, information technology, and software engineering in particular by listing professional organizations where you have an active membership. Hobbies and interests - This may seem irrelevant at first, but, like volunteering experience, they help to portray you as a human rather than just as a candidate. If you have some extra space left over on your resume template, consider adding hobbies and interests you’re proud of. Coding Bootcamps - If you attended or graduated from a coding bootcamp, don’t be shy! Adding this type of non-traditional coding school and education to your resume is more and more common these days. Plus, it looks great to recruiters, especially for software developer resumes with little experience. Courses - If you took courses related to software development but unrelated to a specific college degree (for example, the University of New South Wales’ “Introduction to Systems Engineering” on Coursera ), add these in a section separate from your other education. Do the same for courses you took for other skills you want to show, such as leadership, communication, or business, for instance. Additional activities - Have other life experiences or activities which may benefit your chances of landing that tech interview but nowhere to put them? Create a section called “Additional Activities” on your developer CV template. Here you can put things like conferences you attended (or better yet, spoke at), side projects you have, and other projects and pursuits.

And finally —

A software engineer cover letter .

A cover letter may not exactly be part of a resume, but you definitely ought to include one *with* your resume.

Just be sure to use it wisely.

Tailor your software engineering cover letter to the job description. Don’t repeat your resume on the cover letter, but use it instead to expand upon or add value to your resume. Explain why you’re applying and why you believe you’re the most eligible candidate for the software engineering position. Highlight key skills, experience, qualifications, and other items which support your claim.

“Every job is essentially a problem looking for a solution. So every job posting has within it a problem that the company is trying to solve by hiring a human to do that,” as Lisa Smith, Engineering Manager at Zapier, told Arc. If you can use your resume and cover letter to convey how hiring you helps them solve their problems, you’ll be well on your way to that software engineer interview.

And just before you send off your application, do a quick resume review to ensure everything is in order, from your resume format to your relevant skills section. Reread the software engineer job description to see if you missed anything. If possible, get a friend, family member, or roommate to proofread your documents or resume builder draft. Now, send your perfect resume to the hiring manager or IT recruiter, and keep your fingers crossed for a smooth job search experience.

💻 Create an effective software engineer resume

Want to land interviews for your dream job? Click "Create my resume" now to start crafting your best resume ever with Arc's resume builder!

📚 More Tips on Crafting Your Software Engineering Resume

8 Resume Format Tips for Senior Software Developers

10 Hard and Soft Skills to Put On A Resume

8 Best Sites for Free Resume Templates for Software Developers

What to Include on a Resume — and What to Leave Off

8 Best Resume Builders & CV Makers for Software Developers in 2023

How to List Programming Languages (& Other Technologies) on a Resume

❓ software engineer resume faqs.

Still have some questions about our resume builder or questions about software developer resumes in general? Check the following resume frequently asked questions — and their answers.

Why should I use Arc’s developer resume builder?

At Arc, we help developers get great remote jobs. So looking at developer resumes is something we do all day, every day. We've designed a resume builder to include all the must-have information for recruiters to notice and pick you from a sea of applicants.

What if I don’t have a resume to upload? Can I make one from scratch?

No resume? You can just create a new one using this resume builder . Without a resume, we can't pre-fill the template and you'll need to do some more writing. That said, you'll still get professional tips and will be able to use the optimized resume template.

How long should a resume be?

Have you ever been told that your resume must only be one page long? If you're a recent grad or a junior developer, one page might be sufficient. However, if you're a seasoned developer, you may need up to two pages to cover all the crucial information that makes you a competitive candidate.

With that said, your resume should be concise and as relevant to the job you're applying to as possible. Why? On the one hand, technical recruiters don't usually spend more than 6-8 seconds skimming through any given resume. But just as important: the 1-page or 2-page rule sets up a constraint for you to only include the most relevant experiences and achievements.

When writing your resume, you should always make sure the highlighted skillsets, experiences, and achievements map onto the job description of any given job. This means your resume should look different for every job you're applying to .

As a final reminder, try not to include every project you've contributed to or led simply because they seem meaningful to you. Always think from the hiring manager's point of view. Does the experience help them understand how your skills fit the role? If not, consider leaving it out.

How to add a resume to LinkedIn?

While LinkedIn allows its users to essentially host their resumes — a summary, work experience, skills, education, certifications, and volunteer experience — on its platform, LinkedIn is more about networking and gaining exposure. As your resume should be uniquely tailored to each job you apply to , your LinkedIn profile should only be an overview of your experience, skillsets, and connections.

"Featured Media" Want your resume to show on LinkedIn? Upload it as a "Featured Media." After converting your resume to a PDF file or multiple PNG files, you may add your resume as a "Featured Media" by clicking on "Add Profile section" via your profile. The catch: the resume you upload is likely a generic resume that doesn't specifically cater to the exact jobs you're interested in. Resumes as "Featured Media" may be useful for providing extra information about you to proactive recruiters or for displaying your design abilities, but these resumes are still rather generic.

"Easy Apply" and "Upload Resume" If you're actively looking for new opportunities, we'd recommend tailoring your resume for each job. Once you click on a specific job's "Easy Apply" button, you'll see an option to "Upload Resume." Click this and follow the prompts. Make sure the resume you attach follows the best practices we provide in other sections of this FAQ.

What skills should I put on my resume?

Developers often include a separate "Skills" section on their resume that lists their technical skills in bullet point form. This is a great strategy because hiring managers can quickly scan your resume to see what skills you possess. To showcase your hard skills, you should list some of the skills you possess in the following areas:

• Programming languages
• Operating systems
• Data structures
• Database software
• Web frameworks
• Debugging tools
• Project management tools
• UI and UX design skills

(Make sure you use standardized spelling of technical terms — if in doubt, check!)

With that said, soft skills should be woven into your resume in succinct, story-telling bullet points. As the old saying goes, it's better show than tell when it comes to soft skills. When you're writing about your experiences, these are some of the soft skills you want to keep in mind:

• Critical thinking skills
• Collaboration ability
• Self-driven attitude
• Communication skills
• Conflict resolution skills
• Troubleshooting skills
• User-centric mindset
• Leadership skills

What is the best font for resume?

You've probably browsed enough websites and apps to know that fonts and font sizes can make or break a product and its readability/brand consistency.

The same applies to your resume.

Your resume is the first impression you make on the hiring manager and is part of your self branding. What fonts are best?

• Calibri: It's a sans-serif font that's professional and easy to read. However, it's quite an ordinary font.
• Cambria: It's serif font that's easy to read, especially when the font size is small. However, it can be seen as a little too traditional or old-fashioned.
• Helvetica: It's a minimalistic, iconic, and easy-to-read sans-serif. However, if you're using a Windows computer, you'll have to purchase it.
• Georgia: Like Cambria, it's a serif font that's easy on the eyes. With that said, it's a pretty generic font, so it wouldn't highlight your sensitivity to design.
• Verdana: The sans-serif sister to Georgia, Verdana is great for smaller fonts. Again, the downside of Verdana is that it doesn't add any "wow" factor to your resume.
• Garamond: A classic serif from the 1400s, Garamond is classy and easy to read. It is, however, 600 years old, so some may consider this font too old-school.

Feeling a little too overwhelmed by all the fonts out there? Just decide whether you want to use a serif font or a sans-serif font . Serifs are fonts with little lines at the end of each stroke in a letter while sans-serifs are those without lines at the end of each stroke. Serifs tend to be easier to skim but a little old-fashioned, whereas sans-serifs might be tougher on the eye but modern, simple, and minimalistic.

Besides what fonts you use, you should also make sure your font size is larger than 10pt. The standard font size is 12pt, but for names, job titles, and company names, you can either enlarge the font or bold the words for emphasis.

In addition to fonts, you should pay attention to white space, color schemes, and formats. If you want to show off your design skills, you can add in some unique design elements or even consider making your resume look like an infographic . With that said, if design is not your strong suit, just keep your resume simple and clean.

What are the best action verbs and power words for resumes?

Still using "worked on" or "participated in" to start off your sentences on your resume? It's time to bring more power and action into your resume to show off your assertiveness and proactiveness. Here are some powerful action verbs to help you start each bullet point in your resume:

• Trained/Mentored
• Volunteered
• Decreased/Increased

and some more inspirations from MIT Career Advising & Professional Development .

Some technical "power-words" you can add in to the content of your experience and achievements include:

• Highly available
• Fault-tolerant
• Maintainable
• High-performing
• Asynchronous
• Distributed
• Large-scale

and more from CV Compiler about how other power words can be incorporated into your resume.

Instead of painting yourself as a passive participant, use action verbs to assert the active role you played in the completion of different projects. Incorporate power-words to showcase the impact of your contribution to products you’ve worked on and the company you’ve worked for.

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Software Engineer resume examples & templates

Choosing the best resume format for a software engineer

Use your header to include contact information, make use of a summary, compile your software engineer work history: manage your workflow, curate a list of the key skills that make you an exemplary software engineer, detail your education & relevant software engineering certifications, choose the right layout and design for a software engineer resume, what type of salary can you expect in software engineering , software engineer resume example.

A software engineer resume is like the user interface for your connection with potential employers or clients. By design, it can be your next ticket to success from a career launchpad aimed at infinitely higher and wider targets all the time. 

How does a resume get you an interview? By presenting a clear story of success.

When you meet with clients, you discern what it is they need and repeat it back to them to create a first impression that you are an active listener who can deliver what they need. A software engineer's resume performs the same function during your job hunt. Demonstrating that you can solve your prospective employer’s problems programs you for success.

Resume guide for a software engineer resume

For those who recognize the crucial difference between an acceptable and an outstanding job application, Resume.io is continually expanding its collection of practical tips and tools. That now includes more than 500 occupation-specific resume examples and writing guides, plus a resume builder .

This guide, along with a software engineer resume example, will take you step-by-step through the writing process with insights as follows:

• How to write a software engineer resume, including the correct structure and best format
• Section-by-section advice for crafting your software engineer resume, optimizing the impact of the header, summary, employment history, education, and skills content
• Professionally engineered resume design and formatting hints
• What software engineers earn, and how their future looks

Let’s get started.

How to write a software engineer resume

Software engineering requires adherence to structure, and so does any resume for a software engineer. The following are the elements to include:

• The resume header
• The resume summary (aka profile or personal statement)
• The employment history section
• The resume skills section
• The education section

Your resume is designed with one purpose in mind, to answer the question, “Why should I interview you?” To accomplish that, you need to gather as much information as possible about the role, the company, its IT systems and its culture. Then, you can speak directly about how you will fit into the team and what contributions you will make. 

Here are the fundamental tenets to remember as you compile your software engineer resume:

• A work history bullet item illustrating an achievement is much more compelling than one that names a responsibility.
• Speak directly to the job for which you are applying. In other words, target your audience by personalizing every application.
• Reflect on your professional personality in the content and design of your software engineering resume.

Software engineers can pursue opportunities as company employees or independent contractors. They may be courted relentlessly by head-hunters and business leaders in a multitude of burgeoning industries. 

Beyond the more obvious technology sectors, opportunities are endless in areas from healthcare, automotive manufacturing, and green energy to remote sensing, aeronautics, and finance. Lucrative positions are available in all manner of government, private, and non-profit organizations. 

Beating applicant tracking systems

Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are used by popular employers to screen supposedly undesirable candidates, sending only the best resumes to human recruiters. This is done based on keywords in your resume.

Seize the opportunity to outshine the savviest of other software engineers whose ATS-busting resumes will be fully loaded with all the same keywords. The more times you scrutinize the job description language, the better — often, even one word or abbreviation related to a desired skill can be the difference between getting to the interview or not. So, make sure you. Just don’t overstuff your resume with keywords and end up sounding like a robot.

How do you add keywords without sounding fake? Aside from your skills section, where you can simply list the attributes from the job listing, consider inserting phrases into both your summary and work history sections. 

Here are software engineer resume examples that include specific desired traits from a job listing:

Summary sentence: Software engineer with 5+ years of experience in object-oriented design, TypeScript , and C++.

Work history bullet item:   Created website for appliance repair company using React and Redux

From an engineer’s analytical and strategic perspective, consider which of these three resume formats is the best fit for your job experience.

The most widely used chronological resume format is failsafe if you’ve worked mostly as an employee for one organization at a time. Your progressive job experience, skills, and accomplishments are traced under employer headings in reverse chronological order, from most recent to earliest dates. 

But if your job history is more project-based, perhaps in mostly contract positions, then the functional resume format might work well. A functional or hybrid structure can also be useful for highlighting specialized skills or accomplishments, especially if relevant to where your sights are set now.

There is no right or wrong choice, but possibly a better one to bridge your past and future. Again, always think about what each prospective employer expects or should know about your employment history. It’s yet another custom-tailoring strategy.

The header of your software engineer resume should be distinctive enough to set your job application apart from the rest. With no extra effort but double the impact, use the same header design for your resume and cover letter so they look like a matching pair.

The header’s main purpose is to display your identifying information prominently so readers will see it first and can easily retrieve it when contacting you later: your name, occupation/job title, phone number, and email. If you have a LinkedIn profile, that should also appear in the header, along with a link to your online portfolio of work samples.

Leave out any information about your private life, such as your marital status or identifying numbers, that could lead to identity theft. Do not include a photograph . HR personnel are sensitive to any potential for bias in hiring.

Theodore Martin

Software engineer

[email protected]

(617) 781-3542

www.tmartin.com

Geek extraordinaire

An awesome software engineer resume summary — some call it a profile or personal statement — is where you become the envy of every peer who may be vying for the same software engineer job. But that’s not the point. You’re not trying to impress your competitors. 

The only other IT experts you should care about are those who may have a say on the hiring side, even if it’s not the first or last word on who gets the job. So, first things first. Your resume summary must be flawlessly efficient in capturing attention for longer than the six or seven seconds that studies contend is the worthiness average. 

Limited page space dictates conciseness, without selling yourself short. Don’t be shy or unduly modest, but don’t boast or exaggerate either. Let your stellar track record as a software engineer speak for itself. Use clear, precise, descriptive language in a few terse statements. Omitting “I am” or “I have” helps with word economy. So do action verbs such as: equipped, executed, excelled, built  … and, of course,  engineered. Add modifiers that are appropriate but not overblown: proficient, robust, rapid, striking, nimble, agile, solution-focused, innovative, and cutting-edge.

Not sure how to put your software engineer resume together? Have a look at these related IT resume samples below:

• Systems Analyst resume sample
• Technical Project Manager resume sample
• Computer Science resume sample
• Network Engineer resume sample
• IT Director resume sample
• Software Engineer resume sample
• Film and Video Editor resume sample
• Motion Graphics Artists resume sample
• Network Systems Analyst resume sample
• 3D Animator resume sample
• Software Developer resume sample
• Web Developer resume sample
• Programmer resume sample
• Data Scientist resume sample
• IT manager resume sample
• Data Analyst resume sample
• IT Project manager resume sample

You can find adaptable software engineer resume example summaries below:

Newly-minted software engineer with dual degrees in computer engineering and mathematics ready to apply analytical capabilities to real business problems in a collaborative setting. Hands-on experience in Microsoft SQL Server, JavaScript and Python. Adaptable and dependable team player.

 Business-focused software engineer with 5 years of experience designing, developing and deploying state-of-the-art solutions. Communicative mentor of junior team members and collaborator with cross-functional teams specializing in full-stack development. Committed to continued professional development to stay current in this ever-evolving field.

Results-driven software engineer with a decade of experience offering cutting edge engineering solutions and effectively guiding developer teams. Proven expertise in managing all stages of the software development life cycle. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to confidently execute software tasks from start to finish.

We’ve already covered the options for formatting a resume for a software engineer, with reverse chronological order being the most common way to organize someone’s work experience. However, this resume section might require some structural decisions you are best qualified to make. 

Whether it’s your first job change or the latest in a series, or your career path is geared more toward consulting opportunities, adaptability, and responsiveness are hallmarks of a software engineer’s career. 

Whatever structure you choose, optimize the space you have and maximize the impact through power-packed bullet point statements. Have a master list handy of incisive verbs describing what you’ve done and can do: analyzed, evaluated, created, designed, customized, built, augmented, bridged, spearheaded, streamlined, oversaw, solved, advanced, delivered, applied, debugged, persuaded, negotiated, collaborated, expedited, reconciled. 

Demonstrate tangible outcomes, not duties or responsibilities. Quantify your achievements whenever possible.

Below is the employment history section from our software engineer resume example.

Software Engineer at Revive Inc., Boston  June 2016 - Present 

• Define, develop and implement guidelines to ensure code quality.
• Provide troubleshooting support to a 12-member team of developers and engineers.
• Collaborate with colleagues to deliver innovative advancements, including three award-winning applications.
• Instrumental in building and improving tools to boost overall team efficiency by 28%.
• Mentor and lead junior developers, including 12 who were subsequently promoted or recruited by other companies.

Junior Software Engineer at Untold Designs, Boston  June 2013 - April 2016 

• Provided optimal project support to development teams in a 125-employee IT firm.
• Identified opportunities for product optimization.
• Built and maintained web application for the accounting platform.
• Contributed boldly original or pragmatically simple ideas during weekly software design discussions.
• Problem-solved with various stakeholders.
• Effectively managed priorities to meet or beat deadlines 96% of the time, often under tight time constraints.

Regardless of your occupation, the skills section serves a vitally important purpose on all resumes. Software engineers will appreciate the elegance and simplicity of making their key strengths impossible for any hiring manager to ignore by highlighting them in a carefully considered list. 

Zeroing in on what you most want under that person’s nose might be the easiest and fastest part of your resume-writing task. Be sure to include any skills that are stipulated in the advertised job requirements.

But don’t be too offhanded about this golden opportunity to convey that you are a remarkable software engineer, not just average. On each custom-targeted resume you create, reserve your skills list for the shiniest nuggets.

Pay special attention to the soft skills that may set you apart from other candidates. In fact, it’s possible the hard skills you have in common (which, ironically in this occupation, are software-specific skills) might not give you the kind of edge your resume should strive to display. Try brainstorming a master list of skills that you possess in any and all areas. Then - cherry pick the most appropriate ones for the job opening. 

Below is our example of a software engineer resume skills section that you can adapt to your own expertise.

Key skills and proficiencies

But don’t stop at your skills list! Your entire software engineer resume should be infused with the attributes that make you great at your job. Consider illustrating:

• Critical thinking with an example of a thorny development problem you solved and what tools you used to do so.
• Cybersecurity expertise by explaining how you thwarted an attempted attack.
• Programming talent with a description of software you engineered and the tools you used.

Computer skills should feature prominently in many resumes, but if you last performed these skills a while ago, do you need to refresh your knowledge? We look at the most popular computer skills and where to revisit your expertise.

Off the top in your resume's education section, your college degrees should be listed in reverse chronological order, from highest to lowest level.

The right combination of additional training, certifications, and skills development could give you a job-winning edge over other software engineers. Every post-college stride you’ve taken to keep your knowledge and skills current has a place on your resume.

Most software engineers receive on-the-job training as newly hired company employees. Off-the-job training opportunities abound for software engineers throughout their careers, from seminars and international conferences to specialized courses that help keep a pace of new technology.

Coding bootcamps have grown exponentially since the first program launched in 2011. Schools offer nontraditional pathways into software engineering to meet the demand for quick, intensive programming education outside the traditional university environment. 

Certification s available to software engineers include: Oracle Certified Associate and Oracle Certified Professional (OCA and OCP), Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) and Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP).

Professional association memberships also send the right message about taking your software engineer career seriously. Possibilities include Sigsoft , an Association for Computing Machinery interest group for software engineers, and the Transaction Processing Performance Council .

The education section below comes from our software engineer resume example.

Master of Computer Science, Northeastern University, Boston September 2014 - May 2016

Bachelor of Software Engineering, Boston College, Boston September 2012 - May 2014

Nothing less than a superior-caliber resume document is acceptable for software engineers. As we’ve emphasized before, put yourself in the hiring manager’s chair. Deliver on the expectation of a clean, user-friendly layout that does you justice.

The result should be eye-catching without being flashy or gimmicky. Keep it sleek, streamlined, and uncomplicated — inviting at first glance and disappointing no one reading further. And it goes without saying your resume must be character-perfect and bug-free in every other sense. Subject it to multiple beta test runs under anyone's scrutiny but your own. Tweak it further each time and do a proofreading reboot.

Fonts and size

Most tech-minded people (IT hiring managers included) widely favor sans-serif fonts popularized by web designers/developers and web-based companies. Fonts like Open Sans, Roboto, Arial, Calibri, Lato, Helvetica, and PT Sans will feel right at home in a software engineer resume. Incidentally, most of them can be found in the Google Fonts library or as standard inclusions on PC/Mac systems.

For font size, stick to a range between 10 to 12pts (11 pt is usually the sweet spot for your one-page resume).

While your designing eye could come in handy, we’re guessing you don’t have hours to spend reinventing unbroken wheels. Consider using one of our field-tested resume templates as the simplest and fastest way to achieve professional results. Choose a template you like from one of four style categories  — perhaps a simple or professional design would be most suitable. Then, enter your own replacement text using our resume builder tool.

Software engineer job market and outlook

BLS projections for software developers (again, software engineers are not classified separately) see market demand increasing by 25% between 2022 and 2032, much faster than the national average. And with 377,500 more jobs forecast in the computer and information technology workforce during the same decade, computer software engineers will have no shortage of job options.

Whether it was astute planning or lucky breaks that landed you on this trajectory in the first place, software engineers can afford to be choosy. Exceptionally lucrative job prospects are on offer as explosive IT growth appears unstoppable. Few occupations are as dynamic or less likely to stagnate from dried-up opportunities. 

Software engineers can pursue opportunities as company employees or independent contractors. They may be courted relentlessly by head-hunters and business leaders in a multitude of burgeoning industries. Beyond the more obvious technology sectors, opportunities are endless in areas from healthcare, automotive manufacturing, and green energy to remote sensing, aeronautics, and finance. Lucrative positions are available in all manner of government, private and non-profit organizations. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) $127,260 was the median annual wage in May 2022 for software developers (there is no separate data category software engineers, which are grouped together with software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers). For comparison, the average annual software engineer salary posted by Builtin.com is $136,295 in 2024, while Glassdoor.com puts base pay at $154,397. Salaries range from $72,401-$182,129.

Key takeaways for building a software engineer resume

• The talents of software engineers are highly sought-after in virtually all industries globally. There are no sunsetting signs on this horizon, only continued explosive growth in IT economies.
• It’s essential for software engineers to have a versatile and adaptable resume document for easy updates and tailoring to specific job and employer requirements. Speak the right language in each case, including carefully mined ATS-safe keywords from the job description.
• Also think strategically each time about an intuitive resume structure and format that showcases your attributes to best advantage. Emphasize soft skills that might set you apart from your peers with similar technical skills.
• The right resume design choices, found within the resume builder, help ensure you come across looking as good as you sound and get you into the job market faster.

Beautiful ready-to-use resume templates

The Complete Software Engineer Resume Guide

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:

• Do software engineers even need a resume?

Step 1: Work out your structure

• Step 2: Gather your information

Step 3: Fill in your contact information

Step 4: add your three most relevant work experiences, step 5: list your education, step 6: include your skills.

• Step 7: Share your certifications and awards
• Step 8: List your software engineering projects

Step 9: Write your introductory statement

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? 

1. Do software engineers 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.

2. How to write a software engineer resume step-by-step

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. 

Step 2: Gather your information 

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: 

• Contact information
• Introduction paragraph
• Work experience
• Certifications and awards (optional)
• Projects (optional)

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: 

• First and last name 
• Job title, branding statement, or subtitle
• Email address
• Cell phone number
• LinkedIn profile
• Website (optional)
• Social media profiles (optional)
• Physical address (optional)

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: 

• A list of all of your relevant work experience (anything with transferable skills or software engineering)
• Data points from your jobs to demonstrate your achievements
• Information about your bootcamp, professional training program, or college (if you’re new to software development)

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: 

• Job title – bolded
• Company name and the location where you worked – standard text
• Dates of employment – italicized

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: 

• Name of program or degree — bolded
• Institution and location—standard text
• Dates attended — italicized

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. 

Step 7: Share your certifications and awards (optional)

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: 

Step 8: List your software engineering projects (optional)

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: 

• Project Title — bolded
• 2-sentence description—standard text
• Skills—italicized

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: 

• Your unique strengths, expertise, and transferable skills
• Your personality traits that are relevant to the job 
• Notable achievements 
• The type of position or industry you’re seeking

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. 

Don’t use the same exact resume for every job you apply for

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. 

Don’t include any sensitive information on your resume

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.

Don’t use fancy graphics

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. 

Don’t send in your resume as a word document

Save it as a PDF before you submit it. 

Don’t let your resume exceed one page

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:

• BeamJobs —made by tech professionals for career changers, diverse tech workers, and experienced developers. 
• Career Cup — founded by Gayle Laakmann McDowell, author of Cracking The Coding Interview
• Resume Worded — LinkedIn and resume optimizer 
• Kick Resume — a generic resume builder
• JobScan — exclusively ATS-friendly resume builder

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:

• What Does a Backend Developer Do?
• What on Earth Is CSS? A Beginner’s Guide
• The Ultimate 2024 Guide to Frontend Developer Salaries

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32 Software Engineer Resume Examples Designed for 2024

• Software Engineer Resumes
• Software Engineer Resumes by Experience
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Writing Your Software Engineer Resume

If you’re looking to take the next step in your software engineering career, there’s no better time than now, especially with many companies releasing salary information thanks to  pay transparency laws across the states .

You have the skills and experience to land your next software engineer job, but figuring out  how to write a resume  is entirely different.

We’ve analyzed countless developer resumes seeing what works and what doesn’t. That’s why we’ve written 32 software engineer resume samples that have  helped developers get jobs at top tech companies like Google, Uber, and Twilio .

Whether you’re wondering how to use ChatGPT to write a resume or are already  checking your resume  for improvements, you’re in the right place to help you get more interviews in 2024!

Software Engineer Resume Example

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• Always check the job description and the company’s mission statement to determine what you should include in your resume. If you have experience that doesn’t fit into your software engineer resume, but you still want to include, you can try to add some in your  software engineer cover letter .
• Try to include metrics relating to revenue, increased user counts, or increased efficiency. There are numbers there; you just have to find them!

Software Developer Resume Example

• Because of the amount of niche positions, you need to be careful when titling your resume. Always adjust the title on your resume to match the job to which you’re applying.
• Even if your work experience is different from the description, you can include some of the necessary skills and keywords. However, if your work experience is vastly different from the job description, you might want to consider applying for a different type of job.

Software Engineer Student Resume Example

• As long as you have relevant project experience, you’ll be good to go. Plus, points for a strong career objective that clearly labels why you’re joining a company and your main aim after being hired.

New Grad Software Engineer Resume Example

• A word of caution: resist the urge to feature just anything in your piece. Instead, strive to unearth duties and wins relevant to the target company and its KPIs. Talk about using Jenkins for integration automation, building custom UIs with Django, optimizing databases with MySQL, and more.

Software Engineer Intern Resume Example

• Companies will understand that you’re just starting out in your career, so including technical courses like ‘Computer Organization and Architecture’ in your software engineer intern resume will show them you have a solid understanding of the fundamentals.

Software Engineer New Grad Resume Example

• If you’re a recent grad, employers will understand that you have limited work experience but would like to see some proficiency in the technical aspects of the job. Use the job description to know the company’s requirements and adjust the skills you include in your software engineer resume to align with what the company is looking for.

Entry-Level Software Engineer Resume Example

• Plus, a template lets you easily adjust stylistic elements like color, font type, and layout. Make your resume as unique as you are!
• The first option is to demonstrate your ability to create and maintain new projects that are easily scalable and solve real problems. You can include college projects, personal projects, or even start something new so you have something to add!
• The second option is to show off any internships you’ve gotten. You can treat them just like work experience, but you can include it in your work experience or projects section.

Junior Software Engineer Resume Example

• Your time as a developer in a personal endeavor may have involved several responsibilities and accomplishments that make for a worthy addition to your junior software engineer resume.

Associate Software Engineer Resume Example

• Of course, if you have more than 10 years of experience, use a  resume summary  instead. Objectives and summaries aren’t too different, but summaries have more achievements and experience.
• Personal pronouns like “I,” “me,” and “my” take up space, so cut them out.
• Use active voice and active verbs to make sure your work experience bullet points are as short as possible.

Senior Software Engineer Resume Example

• Highlighting a lengthy career with multiple software engineering roles is key to getting noticed, especially when you pair it with quantifiable data from various sources.
• Always check the job description to get an idea of what the employer wants to see. Try to include six to eight skills in your  resume skills section  to give a wide range of your available skills.
• Focus more on adding technical skills, but you can include a few soft skills to highlight how well-rounded you are.

Experienced Software Engineer Resume Example

• For example, take the case of a Certified Software Development Associate (IEEE) certification included in this resume. It’s credible evidence that proves you have a concrete understanding of software design, testing, maintenance, and quality assurance—all of which are integral to any software engineering role.

Mid-Level Software Engineer Resume Example

• Your mid-level software engineer resume should give prominence to accomplishment metrics that touch on your application tools competencies, process streamlining, project timeline reductions, and ability to utilize resources to meet outcome expectations.

Lead Software Engineer Resume Example

• Your lead software engineer resume will go up a notch once you mention a master’s degree in computer science. It gives more credibility and shows that you’ve professionally learned how to lead other engineers and also keep systems running smoothly.

Java Software Engineer Resume Example

• But don’t forget to quantify your contribution. Try using multiple metrics in one bullet point to be extra flashy and prove that your Java skills are second to none.

Front End Software Engineer Resume Example

• If you don’t have the best technical highlights, add names of the most famous companies you’ve worked for in your front end software engineer resume. They can alone show that you weren’t hired for nothing.

Amazon Software Engineer Resume Example

• Create an unmatchable Amazon software engineer resume by listing your best achievements so far like “Grew Amazon Prime subscriptions by 18%” to show your to-be employer you’ve got what it takes to leverage technology and use it to drive better customer experience metrics.

Software Quality Engineer Resume Example

• We know automation’s a big part of this job, but it doesn’t mean you spam the word in every bullet point. Draw out other important impacts you’ve created on the job such as reducing coding errors and expanding test coverage to be a standout candidate.

Backend Software Engineer Resume Example

• Then, why not let your piece showcase your eye for detail? Take the time to go through it, ensuring every line is polished to perfection. While tools like Grammarly can be handy here, they aren’t foolproof, so be critical of the suggestions. Even better, enlist a friend or family member—a fresh pair of eyes might catch something you missed.

Staff Software Engineer Resume Example

• Did your overhauling MYSQL schema indexation expedite data access? Mention time saved in hours per month or week. Can you recount how many technical guides you built or published or how many users benefited from your software programs? Specify the numbers. Dollar-amount savings should also suffice in your metrics.

Software QA Engineer Resume Example

• Subsequently, choose a template (preferably Elegant) that gives ample spacing in the skills section for you to write down all the things you’re an expert at. Keep things simple by using a good color accent and let loose on all your past work experiences.

Director of Software Engineering Resume Example

• It is paramount that your director of software engineering resume shows your numbers for managing teams, cutting costs, expediting processes, and properly managing and prioritizing resources to exceed targets and goals.

Software Engineering Manager Resume Example

• Adding measurable results to your software engineering manager resume will help an employer evaluate the progress and results you’ve brought to companies you’ve previously worked with. This simple addition of observable statistics can go a long way in setting your resume apart from the crowd.

Google Software Engineer Resume Example

• For instance, adding tools and cloud-based services under the Google Cloud umbrella to your Google software engineer resume shows the company you’re well-versed in multiple development solutions.

Principal Software Engineer Resume Example

• While you may have several hobbies and interests, ensure you include those most relevant to the role you’re applying to. Participating in coding challenges and hackathons shows you’re passionate about software engineering, even outside work hours—something any employer will love to see!

Python Developer Resume Example

• That’s why it can be useful to include a projects section. Of course, you want the majority of your resume to focus on work experience, but if you’ve got some unique experience that might fit the  software engineer job description , consider adding this optional section.
• We’d recommend making your  web developer skills  section about 70 precent technical skills, but you can include soft skills for the rest. 

Software Engineer Front-End Resume Example

Full-Stack Software Engineer Resume Example

• Include multiple programming languages in your  resume skills section  to increase your value and better fit the ATS screening criteria.
• Start by reading the  software engineer job description  and looking for repeated keywords. You can also look at other local software engineer jobs to look for more key phrases to include.

Embedded Software Engineer Resume Example

• This will inform recruiters and hiring managers that, in addition to your technical coding skills, you have applicable knowledge of CPU architectures, operating systems, and more. You can also include soft skills related to communication and collaboration to showcase your ability to work with teams.
• This is the perfect place to briefly convey your achievements, your experience, and what you hope to accomplish at your future company. Always tailor it to each job for which you apply!

Software Integration Engineer Resume Example

• Your layout should have a good “visual voice” that’s as unique as you are, so don’t be afraid to play with colors, font types, and layouts. So long as it’s easy to read, format your resume to match your style!
• For example, did you start working with a team and end up leading a team? That’s an excellent example of scalable growth!
• Highlight versatile skills (like types of tools you’ve used) and scalable achievements to prove that you can improve your future workplace!

Security Engineer Resume Example

• Our special  resume tip : cut the fluff away from any novice jobs to leave more room for more impressive credentials you got later in your career.
• Demonstrate how your programming skills have evolved or how your interpersonal abilities helped advance your team. And be sure to back your claims with data! 
• Having a variety of jobs shows that you’re well-rounded with a host of skills you may not have obtained otherwise.
• Show this off in your work experience bullet points with a mix of transferable skills and unique abilities from other positions.

Software Development Engineer Resume

• Unload as many education qualifications as you possess to maximize the impression that you’re a certified software developing maestro. These aren’t just fancy additions to your resume but proof of your problem-solving and critical skills , making you the go-to guy for any tech need.

FAANG Software Engineer Resume

• Including skills like PostgreSQL, Apache Hadoop, and Git enrich your FAANG software engineer resume and prove to employers that you’re basically the Swiss Army knife of technology, all ready to confront any software needs Silicon Valley throws your way.

Related resume guides

• Scrum Master
• Tableau Developer
• Program Manager
• Web Developer

When you apply for an engineering job at a company, the first person looking at your resume is actually not a person. Companies use something called an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to filter out a majority of applicants for a role based on keyword matching.

If you pass this initial scan, your resume will get reviewed by a non-technical recruiter. Then at long last, the technical hiring manager will look at your resume.

So, how do you write a resume that will get you through all these hoops to get that first interview? That’s what this guide is designed to help you do!

We’ve analyzed numerous resumes from software engineers and to come up with valuable  resume tips  to get your foot in the door.

Here’s what we’re going to cover in this guide:

• What to put in the vital skills section of your resume.
• How to properly  format your resume  to appease the ATS filters, including what sections to include or omit.
• How to talk about your work experience and personal projects to convincingly appeal to technical and non-technical audiences.
• How to customize your resume for each job to which you apply (it’s easier than it sounds).

Software engineer skills for resume

The skills section is a vital part of your software engineer resume. This will make or break whether you get through the first phase of the resume review, aka the dreaded ATS scan.

Your  resume’s skills section  shouldn’t be a laundry list of frameworks and programming languages. Especially don’t try to include what you wouldn’t be comfortable coding; just reading about Java is not enough to have it in your skills section.

The worst thing that can happen is that you claim knowledge of a programming language and then can’t answer basic questions about that language in an interview. It’s much better to have true expertise in one programming language than to claim knowledge of 10 different languages.

Good hiring companies know that quality engineers can learn new frameworks as needed. So, it’s a big red flag if you list every programming language under the sun.

There are a few options for organizing your skills section on your resume. First, you can organize them by your proficiency level. You can use categorizations like “Advanced” vs. “Familiar” or “Expert” vs. “Working Knowledge.”

Skills organized by proficiency

Or you can organize them by the type of skill you’re discussing. So you can separate the programming languages you know, the frameworks, the tools, and the databases you’ve used.

Skills organized by skill type

Finally, you can list the programming languages you know and include the frameworks associated with that language you’ve used. You can also list your years of experience with that language. This is useful for recruiters, but it can take up a lot of space on your resume, so make sure your resume format allows for an extended skills section.

Skills organized by years of experience

Software engineer resume format

Threading the needle of making your resume ATS-readable, HR-readable, and technical-hiring-manager-readable is not an easy task. So, try to quantify your achievements without getting too in the weeds (while also not being too broad).

General formatting tips

The most important  resume formatting  tip that you should internalize is making your resume one page long, maximum. Recruiters spend, on average, only  six seconds reviewing your resume . They’re not going to read a several-page resume.

Here are the quick hits for how to properly format your resume:

• Keep it to one page.
• Avoid long paragraphs of text to make it readable.
• Bullet points should be self-contained, complete ideas.
• Keep your tenses consistent. Refer to old roles and projects in the past and refer to your current position in the present.
• Avoid pronouns like “I” or “we.”
• Check for grammar and spelling errors . Don’t let this be the reason you don’t get the job!

It’s tough to fit all of your projects and work accomplishments on a single page, but remember, you’re more than your resume. Recruiters understand this and know if a resume looks good initially, they can ask more questions in the interview.

Your goal with your resume isn’t just to include your best talking points; it’s also to make the life of the person reviewing it as easy as possible. Make sure you don’t have long paragraphs of text so it’s easier to read. Break up your would-be paragraphs into singular ideas that are more appealing to the reader.

Bad bullet point formatting

Designed and built out the backend for a client application that enabled users to build their own recipe books. Used Angular on the front-end and NodeJS on the back-end. Working closely with product managers, scaled this application to 200,000 users and generated annual revenue of $1.4M. (If you’re still reading this, then well done, because it’s far too long.)

Good bullet point formatting

• Designed and built out the back-end for a client application that enabled users to build recipe books.
• Used Angular on the front-end and NodeJS on the back-end. Working closely with product managers, scaled this application to 200,000 users and generated annual revenue of $1.4M.

Your bullet points should be self-contained, so you don’t need periods after each point. Within your bullet points, make sure your verb tenses are consistent (past tense is preferable).

Also, we’d recommend avoiding singular pronouns, so don’t use “I” or “we.” They waste time and look unprofessional, so don’t include them. For example, instead of saying, “I worked on building the back-end for a project,” you should say, “Worked on building the back-end for a project.” There are plenty of ways to avoid saying “I.”

Lastly, please  review all grammar and spelling . Don’t give recruiters or hiring managers an easy excuse for someone to put you into the “no” pile. Too many great software engineers don’t  check their resumes  and leave typos and punctuation errors.

Contact information and title

Your name should be the first thing on your resume, and it should be listed in a bigger font. Directly underneath it, you should include a title. This title should always be the job for which you’re applying. So, if your current title is “software engineer” and you’re applying for a senior engineering role, your title should be “senior software engineer.” After your title, include your contact information, including:

• City and zip code (you don’t need to give your specific address)
• Email address (make sure it sounds professional and includes your name)
• Telephone number
• LinkedIn profile URL
• GitHub profile URL
• Personal website (if you have one)

And although you know already to review your resume for typos,  triple-check your contact section  for anything that’s incorrect. We once had a great engineer misspell his email here, and although he was a great fit for the role to which he was applying, the company couldn’t contact him, so he didn’t get an interview!

This may seem like a lot of information to include, but you can make it compact. Here’s a great example:

What you include in the education section of your resume will vary depending on whether you’re applying for an entry-level software engineering role or a more senior role.

Regardless of your seniority, you should always include the school you attended, the year you graduated, and your major. If you had a minor or a specific concentration, include that.

If you’re applying for anything  other  than an entry-level role, that’s all you should include in your education section. Why? Because real estate is valuable on a resume, and your work experience and projects will convey more about your qualification than your GPA or college courses.

Suppose you’re  applying for a software engineering internship  or  looking for your first full-time role . In that case, your education section will be more expansive to accurately convey your qualifications. Plus, you’ll want to mention relevant courses to the role for which you’re applying. For software engineering roles, this means any classes related to software engineering. Took a databases class? Completed an algorithm design course? You get the idea.

If you want to include your GPA, make sure it’s above a 3.2. Otherwise, leave it out.

Entry-Level Software Engineer Education

Senior Software Engineer Education

Software engineer resume summary

Unless it’s done exceptionally well, we strongly recommend that you don’t include a  resume summary  or objective on your software engineer resume. Why? Because they rarely, if ever, convey meaningful information to the person reviewing your resume. Let’s break down a typical objective statement:

Sample software engineer resume objective

I have 3+ years of experience, and I’m looking to leverage my Django expertise to work on challenging problems as a Senior Software Engineer.

There isn’t anything new in this objective. Their 3+ years of experienceand Django expertise should be demonstrated in their work experience. There’s no customization for the specific job, and it’s far too short.

Remember, recruiters typically only look at your resume for six seconds. Don’t make them waste precious time on anything that doesn’t demonstrate new information about why you’re a great fit for the role.

Anything unique to your situation or circumstance (for example, you’re undergoing a career change) should be discussed when creating a cover letter . You can elaborate on what you’re looking for in your next role without the constraint of space.

Work experience

Your work experience section is, without a doubt, the most important section on your resume. This is where a resume reviewer spends most of their time and attention. It’s here that they’ll decide whether they want to move you onto the first stage of the interview process. So, this is not the place to be humble. Show off the good work you’ve done.

If you’re a junior developer, this section will be shorter (in favor of a longer “Projects” section). If you have two-plus years of work experience, this should take up the majority of the space on your resume.

So how do you talk about your work experience convincingly? The key is to  be specific  and  quantify the impact of your work  whenever possible.

Developers rarely work in complete isolation, especially at larger companies. So you must tease out what you did specifically on each project. If you worked as part of a team to turn a multi-page web app into a single-page app, and you were in charge of re-designing the back-end infrastructure for the new app, talk about that specifically.

Good work experience description

Architected the new back-end in Ruby to change multi-page primary product into a single-page app, resulting in $1.2M in annual incremental revenue.

Bad work experience description

The team changed our primary product from a multi-page app to a single-page app, resulting in $1.2M in annual incremental revenue.

Notice that when talking about your actual work, you want to be specific about your particular role. However, when talking about the project’s impact, you can talk about the overall effect that the team had.

Again, quantify the impact of the projects you worked on whenever possible. Businesses hire engineers to move the company forward, and the best way to demonstrate you can do that is to show you’ve had a measurable impact in your past roles.   Rough estimates of impact are okay if you don’t have exact numbers; just be reasonable and logical in your assessments.

Here are some other ways you can try to quantify your work:

• Reduced downtime by X%
• Improved the speed of the application by X%
• Implemented a product feature that improved customer retention by X%
• Improved customer satisfaction (as measured by NPS) by X%
• Built a feature that improved click-through rate by X%
• Scaled a product that successfully handled X concurrent users
• Automated a process that saved X hours of manual labor each week
• Improved a product feature that increased usage by X%
• Worked on a project that led to a cost savings of $X
• Implemented unit tests that improved test coverage by X%
• Fixed a bug that reduced customer complaints by X%  

The formula for discussing your work experience is “my specific contribution to a project” + “the overall quantitative impact.” This describes the same work experience, just in different ways.

Let’s look at an example of this in action to see how effective it is.

Good: Specific contribution plus quantitative impact

Bad: Vague description and no quantitative impact

Software engineer resume projects

The size of your projects section on your software engineer resume should be directly tied to your seniority level when applying for a developer job. The more junior your role, the more space you should allocate to your projects.

If you have more than two years of experience, you should only list one project of which you’re especially proud. Most of your resume should be composed of what you did in your previous jobs.

Try to talk about your projects in the same way you would talk about your work experience. The goal of your projects is to demonstrate your technical skills in context. Show how you used a language or framework to build something that satiated your curiosity or solved a problem.

Your projects should give more color to your skills section. While it’s great to say you know Ruby, it’s even better to say how you built the back-end of your movie recommendation engine in Ruby. Anyone can list a skill on their resume, but showing how you used that skill demonstrates even stronger mastery of that skill.

If you worked on substantial coding projects during school, you should include them here. When possible, always include the projects you’ve listed on your resume in your Github profile or on your personal website.

Here’s the format of how you should talk about your projects on your resume:

• Describe the problem you were trying to solve and how you solved it at a high level. In the example above, “Built an Android app to allow party-goers to vote on what song should play next.”
• Next, discuss some technical details in either one or two bullet points.

Again, you’re trying to demonstrate two things to a hiring manager with your projects. First, you want to give context to the skills you list on your resume. Next, you want to show that you can identify a problem and then implement a solution to solve that problem.

Interests & hobbies

If you have a bit of extra space and have a hobby or interest that might interest employers, you should include it. Some companies appreciate personality, so this would be the place to highlight that.

Customize your resume for each job

We know, we know; customizing your resume is tedious. But we have some good news! You don’t have to overhaul your resume for each job to which you apply. You will likely have to change one or two bullet points on your resume for each application.

Read the  software engineer job description  for the job to which you’re applying. Do any particular projects you’ve worked on or languages you’ve used come to mind when reading it? Those should absolutely be included in the resume you submit for that role.

Now, let’s say you’re applying for the following role:

Clearly, they want an engineer who has experience developing APIs. So, instead of just one bullet talking about my experience building out APIs, you should allocate two to three bullet points to my work.

When customizing your resume for each job you apply for, be sure to expand on the work experience or projects you’ve worked on that are especially relevant to the position at hand.

How to write an effective software developer resume

Here are the major takeaways you should keep in mind when  writing a professional resume :

• Keep your resume to one page.
• Proofread your resume  multiple times  to avoid any grammar or spelling errors.
• If you’re applying for an entry-level role, mention any relevant college courses. Otherwise, don’t let your education section take up a lot of space.
• Unless you tailor it, you don’t need a summary or objective section on your resume.
• Only include skills for which you’d be comfortable being interviewed.
• Always mention your specific contribution and quantify the overall project’s impact on the business.
• If you’re applying for an entry-level role, talk about any personal coding projects you worked on.

Remember, the goal of this resume is to get your foot in the door. Once you get that first phone interview, your skills and personality will surely shine through.

Applying to new jobs can be daunting, but one of the most complex and most confusing parts is now over. You’ve done the research, and you’re ready to  write your resume ! You can use our free  AI resume builder  to start your resume from scratch or a template, and our  free resume checker  uses AI-powered tips to suggest improvements and resolve errors.

You’ve got the knowledge; now go land your dream job!

Here's the resume I used to get a job at Google as a software engineer.

Hi everyone!

On my programming-education YouTube channel called CS Dojo , many people have asked me to explain how I would go about writing a résumé for software engineer positions.

So, here’s my article about it.

In this article, I’m going to first walk you through the résumé I personally used to get a software engineer job at Google.

Then, I’m going to show you how I would change it today based on what I’ve learned since then.

I’m also going to give you some general tips and advice on how to build your own software engineer résumé.

I don’t really consider myself an expert on résumé writing, but hopefully I’ll be able to provide some insights based on my personal experience, as well as some research I’ve done to write this article.

See my résumé here.

If you’d like, you can download my résumé here as you follow along with this article.

The Structure

First of all, let’s quickly go over what sections I have on my résumé. Then, we’ll go over each of them in turn to talk about them in more detail.

From the top, I have:

• Technical Skills
• Other Skills

This is the part where you include the work experience you want to show. You don’t have to include every single position you’ve ever held. That’s why I didn’t include my math tutoring position. It’s less relevant than my other, more technical positions.

If you have significant non-work experience that’s relevant, you can also include it here. For example, if you led a team for a coding competition, you might want to include it here. You could also include it in the project section, but it will stand out more in the experience section.

I have four positions in my experience section:

• Program Manager Intern at Microsoft
• Data Science Intern at Microsoft
• Founder and President at Data Science Club at UBC (University of British Columbia)
• Software Development Intern at Moneytree (a startup in Japan)

Let’s take a look at the first position as an example.

In my résumé, it looks like this:

The headline has the following structure:

at <Company>, <Lo</strong>cation>, <Date> as in:</p> <p><strong>Program Manager Intern at Microsoft, Redmond, WA, 5/2015–8/2015</strong></p> <p>This is a fairly standard format.</p> <p>Then, below it, I have a description of what I did:</p> <blockquote> <p>I was responsible for designing and implementing a specific feature within Microsoft Dynamics CRM with developers and other PM’s. My responsibilities included the initial research, planning the project, designing the product, creating wireframes, and writing and executing on a spec.</p> </blockquote> <h4 id="heading-how-i-would-change-it-today">How I would change it today</h4> <p>When you write your résumé, don’t necessarily assume that the reader knows all the technical terms, especially company-specific ones. In the above description, I mentioned Microsoft Dynamics CRM, but many people are not familiar with it. So, I would change it to the following:</p> <blockquote> <p>I was in the team that was responsible for Microsoft Dynamics CRM, which is a piece of customer relationship management software. I led the effort to build a feature that allows users to easily keep track of business expenses. My responsibilities included the initial research, planning and managing the project, designing the feature, creating wireframes, and writing out our specs.</p> </blockquote> <p>Note that in addition to clarifying the term <strong>Microsoft Dynamics CRM</strong>, I added a quick explanation about what exactly I built.</p> <p>Now, let’s take a look at another position I have in the experience section.</p> <p><img src="https://cdn-media-1.freecodecamp.org/images/b-XuUMHc9S7CNEMmUv4J07Vf89jqheEEA4qZ" alt="Image" class=""></p> <p>The headline is: <strong>Founder and President at Data Science Club at UBC, Vancouver, BC, 10/2013–5/2014</strong></p> <p>I have three bullet points below it:</p> <ul> <li>Responsible for acquiring more than 120 members</li> <li>Organized meet-ups to exchange our ideas on data science</li> <li>Formed a team of several students to work on a machine learning competition on Kaggle</li> </ul> <p>First, note the use of bullet points here. Sometimes it makes it easier to read and skim the résumé.</p> <p>Also, note how I used a specific number in the first bullet point — <strong>Responsible for acquiring more than <em>120</em> members</strong>. Using a number often makes your accomplishment clearer. Of course, you don’t <strong>always</strong> have to use a number. Use it when it makes sense.</p> <h4 id="heading-how-i-would-change-it-today-1">How I would change it today</h4> <p>I wouldn’t make any major edits in this one. Only minor grammatical edits.</p> <h3 id="heading-education">Education</h3> <p>This is, of course, the part where you list your relevant education.</p> <p>Here’s what I have:</p> <p><img src="https://cdn-media-1.freecodecamp.org/images/UXkXS16A18w79glLagkNylDEtnFWlhiuOwqt" alt="Image" class=""></p> <p>For each university, I have the university name, location, a type of degree (BS — Bachelor’s of Science here), a major, the expected graduation date, as well as the GPA listed.</p> <h4 id="heading-about-gpa">About GPA</h4> <p>According to an <a target='_blank' rel='noopener' href="https://careercup.com/resume">article on CareerCup</a>, the general rule of thumb is to show GPA only if it’s higher than 3.0 out of 4.0. I agree with this recommendation.</p> <h4 id="heading-how-i-would-change-it-today-2">How I would change it today</h4> <p>I would keep this section as-is. Let’s go to the next section.</p> <h3 id="heading-technical-skills">Technical Skills</h3> <p>Here’s what I listed under this section on my résumé:</p> <ul> <li>Wireframing: <strong>Balsamiq, Microsoft PowerPoint</strong></li> <li>Visual Design: <strong>Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator</strong></li> <li>Statistical Analysis: <strong>R</strong></li> <li>Machine Learning: <strong>Python with NumPy and Pandas, Ruby, Spark (prior experience)</strong></li> <li>Programming Technologies: <strong>SQL, MATLAB, Ruby on Rails, Java</strong></li> <li>Programming Technologies, front end: <strong>JavaScript, HTML/CSS, LaTeX</strong></li> <li><strong>Version Control: Git, GitHub, Bitbucket</strong></li> </ul> <p>I would say that I listed way too many things here. I would cut it down to just these two:</p> <ul> <li>Data Science: <strong>R, Python with NumPy and Pandas, Spark (prior experience)</strong></li> <li>Programming Technologies: <strong>SQL, MATLAB, Ruby, Ruby on Rails, Java, JavaScript, HTML/CSS</strong></li> </ul> <p>I would only list these two, because the other skills were less relevant in this case.</p> <p>Also, note how I put <strong><em>Spark (prior experience)</em></strong> to show that I have some experience with Spark, but I’m not proficient with it.</p> <h3 id="heading-other-skills"><strong>Other Skills</strong></h3> <p>You can use this section if you want to include other relevant skills. I included Japanese and public speaking in this section.</p> <h4 id="heading-how-i-would-change-it-today-3"><strong>How I would change it today</strong></h4> <p>I would cut this section out entirely since it’s not that relevant to the software engineer position I was applying for.</p> <h3 id="heading-awards-and-projects">Awards and Projects</h3> <p>Include relevant awards and projects in these sections.</p> <p>The word “relevant” is important here. If you won second place in a regional karate championship, for example, it’s probably not that relevant.</p> <p>However, you might want to include it if it’s <strong>really</strong> impressive — for example, competing on a national or international level with karate.</p> <p>I have one award and three projects on my résumé.</p> <h4 id="heading-the-award">The award</h4> <p>Here is the award I have on my résumé:</p> <blockquote> <p><strong>TELUS / IEEE Student Innovation Challenge</strong><br>Our team won a third place at the pitch contest where we presented an idea for a device that helps the blind. Our idea was a device that converts 3-dimensional spatial information into sound so that blind people can “see” the environment by hearing. We were awarded a $3000 grant to develop a prototype.</p> </blockquote> <h4 id="heading-how-i-would-change-it"><strong><em>How I would change it</em></strong></h4> <p>I would clarify my wording a bit so it’s easier to read. Maybe something like:</p> <blockquote> <p><strong>TELUS / IEEE Student Innovation Challenge</strong><br>At this technical product pitch contest, we presented an idea that helps blind and visually impaired individuals. Our idea was a device that converts 3-dimensional spatial information into sound. It would convert the proximity of the object in front of you to the loudness of the sound, and the height of the object to the pitch of the sound. We were awarded a $3000 grant to develop a prototype for this idea, and we are currently in the process of developing it.</p> </blockquote> <h4 id="heading-projects">Projects</h4> <p>Now, in addition to this award, I listed three projects which I thought would be the most impressive.</p> <p>One of them was this one:</p> <blockquote> <p><strong>YamBomb! ,</strong> August 2014<br>A colleague of mine at Microsoft and I created a gaming app with which one would send a “bomb” that “explodes” in 24 hours unless they pass it to somebody else. It started with a few users and organically grew to more than 70 users within a week of its launch. We developed the application with Ruby on Rails and Yammer API.</p> </blockquote> <p>Note how I used a specific number (70 users) here as well. I also mentioned the tech I used for this project — Ruby on Rails and the Yammer API. (Yammer is a website by Microsoft, and it’s kind of like Facebook that’s used to communicate internally within a company.)</p> <h4 id="heading-how-i-would-change-it-now"><strong>How I would change it now</strong></h4> <p>No major edits here.</p> <h3 id="heading-how-i-would-edit-the-entire-resume-today">How I would edit the entire résumé today</h3> <p>Now, there is one major issue with this résumé I used back then — it was too long. It’s about 2 pages, and ideally, it should be one page.</p> <p>Let’s see if we can get it down to a single page.</p> <p>I was, in fact, able to get it down to one page. Here are some of the major changes I made:</p> <ul> <li>I took off <strong>Founder and President at Data Science Club at UBC</strong> from the experience section. It’s good, but less relevant than the other ones.</li> <li>I took off <strong>Suffolk University</strong> from the education section. It’s not too relevant since I had already transferred out of it.</li> <li>I combined the awards and projects sections into just <strong>Projects</strong>, and listed only 2 projects.</li> </ul> <p>Now, what I omitted would’ve been perfectly good information to show on my résumé. It’s just that they were less impressive and relevant than the other things I listed.</p> <p>Just by omitting those pieces of information, my résumé became much easier and quicker to read.</p> <h4 id="heading-okay-heres-the-edited-one-page-version-of-my-resume">Okay, here’s the edited, one-page version of my résumé:</h4> <ul> <li><a target='_blank' rel='noopener' href="https://www.csdojo.io/s/yk_sugi_resume_new.pdf">PDF</a></li> <li><a target='_blank' rel='noopener' href="https://www.csdojo.io/s/yk_sugi_resume_new.docx">Word (.docx)</a></li> <li><a target='_blank' rel='noopener' href="https://www.csdojo.io/s/yk_sugi_resume_new.pages">Pages (.pages)</a></li> </ul> <p>Feel free to use it as a template.</p> <h3 id="heading-now-here-are-some-key-takeaways">Now, here are some key takeaways.</h3> <h4 id="heading-1-put-yourself-in-the-shoes-of-the-recruiterhiring-manager"><strong>1. Put yourself in the shoes of the recruiter/hiring manager.</strong></h4> <p>Don’t automatically assume that they will be familiar with every technical term you are familiar with. Think about what’s commonly used and not so commonly used in your particular field.</p> <p>Also, keep refining your paragraphs so they are easy to read. Use short sentences. Clarify what’s not clear. It’s probably a good idea to have a friend of yours read it for you to make sure everything is clear.</p> <h4 id="heading-2-omit-anything-thats-not-too-relevant"><strong>2. Omit anything that’s not too relevant.</strong></h4> <p>Speaking Japanese is a good skill, but it wasn’t relevant for the particular position I was applying for. So, I didn’t really have to list it.</p> <h4 id="heading-3-its-not-about-the-quantity-its-about-the-quality"><strong>3. It’s not about the quantity. It’s about the quality.</strong></h4> <p>If you show 4 projects instead of 2 projects, is it always better? Well, not necessarily.</p> <p>Having more information on your résumé clutters it out, and it makes it harder to find important information.</p> <h4 id="heading-but-you-might-say-you-still-got-the-job-without-doing-any-of-these">But, you might say — you still got the job without doing any of these!</h4> <p>Yes, that’s true. I think it’s important to build an easy-to-read résumé, but it’s even more important to build strong skills and experience first to show on your résumé.</p> <h3 id="heading-some-additional-tipsadvice">Some additional tips/advice</h3> <h4 id="heading-should-i-list-education-first-or-work-experience-first"><strong>Should I list education first, or work experience first?</strong></h4> <p>The general rule of thumb is, list whichever one’s more impressive/relevant.</p> <p>For me, I had some good experience with Microsoft, which was more impressive than my education. That’s why I listed it first.</p> <p>If you’re still in school, my default choice would be to show your education first. But if anything from your experience stands out, then put the experience section first.</p> <h4 id="heading-should-i-include-my-email-address-phone-number-and-location">Should I include my email address, phone number, and location?</h4> <p>You should always include your email address, but other than that, it’s up to you.</p> <p>I only included my email address in my résumé to keep it simple. However, if you want to show that you’re in a certain location, or if you want to include your phone number, go ahead and do so as well.</p> <h4 id="heading-what-if-i-dont-have-that-much-experience-to-show-on-my-resume-yet">What if I don’t have that much experience to show on my résumé yet?</h4> <p>Basically, you should think about all the skills and experience you’ve gained up to this point, and think about how they might lead to the next step.</p> <p>As an example, here’s how I did it:</p> <ul> <li>I had next to no experience a few years before I applied to Google.</li> <li>So, I built a simple website with Ruby on Rails, which I learned on my own.</li> <li>Using this project, I got my first technical internship in Japan.</li> <li>Using this, combined with my statistics background, I got a data science internship at Microsoft.</li> <li>Using that experience and the connections I built there, I got my second internship at Microsoft.</li> <li>Using all of these, I got my full-time software engineer job at Google.</li> </ul> <p>I like to think of it sort of like a snowball.</p> <p>It might be just tiny at the beginning, but if you keep building on it, it will just keep growing.</p> <h4 id="heading-here-are-some-additional-resources-for-writing-a-software-engineer-resume">Here are some additional resources for writing a software engineer résumé:</h4> <ul> <li>There’s a nice overview about this topic on CareerCup <a target='_blank' rel='noopener' href="https://www.careercup.com/resume">here</a>.</li> <li>My friend <a target='_blank' rel='noopener' href="https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/heres-the-resume-i-used-to-get-a-job-at-google-as-a-software-engineer-26516526f29a/undefined">Zhia Hwa Chong</a>, who is a software engineer at Twitter, has a <a target='_blank' rel='noopener' href="https://medium.freecodecamp.org/how-to-write-a-great-resume-for-software-engineers-75d514dd8322">nice article about it here</a>.</li> <li><a target='_blank' rel='noopener' href="https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/heres-the-resume-i-used-to-get-a-job-at-google-as-a-software-engineer-26516526f29a/undefined">Quincy Larson</a>, Teacher / Founder of freeCodeCamp, also has a nice article on this topic <a target='_blank' rel='noopener' href="https://medium.freecodecamp.org/you-in-6-seconds-how-to-write-a-r%C3%A9sum%C3%A9-that-employers-will-actually-read-fd7757740802">here</a>.</li> </ul> <p>Okay, good luck, and thank you as always for reading my article!</p> <p>If you have any questions about this or anything else, please feel free to let me know in a comment below or on <a target='_blank' rel='noopener' href="https://www.instagram.com/ykdojo/">Instagram</a> or <a target='_blank' rel='noopener' href="https://twitter.com/ykdojo">Twitter</a> (@ykdojo on both).</p>

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12 Software Engineer Resume Examples for 2024

Your software engineer resume is your first code to crack the job market. This brief will give you resume models and tips. Expect clear instructions on skills to highlight, how to detail your work experience, and ways to list your coding languages. We want to help you land your next role. Keep reading to optimize your resume today.

• 14 Aug 2024 - 1 new resume template (DevOps Engineer) added
• 06 Jul 2024 - 1 new section (Get instant feedback on your resume) added
• 21 Jun 2024 - 1 new section (Tailor for company size) added

  Next update scheduled for 22 Sep 2024

Here's what we see in top software engineer resumes.

Showing Impact With Numbers : The best resumes show real impact with clear metrics. You should use numbers that show how you increased efficiency or solved problems. Common metrics include code performance improvements , reducing load times , cutting down error rates , and automating tasks .

Matching Skills With Job Descriptions : Include skills on your resume that you have and that are also mentioned in the job description. Some popular ones include Python , Java , SQL databases , version control , and API development . Pick the ones that match your experience.

Understanding Resume Differences : Junior and senior software engineers show different experiences. A junior may say Developed new features , while a senior might show Architected scalable systems .

use this maybe to have a resume upload button widget 1: yellow Here's a short quick tip / warning for people to include. If your symptoms get worse or do not improve after 1 day, go to a lower altitude if you can. Try to go around 300 to 1,000 metres lower.

widget 2: red / but not serious Here's a short quick tip / warning for people to include. If your symptoms get worse or do not improve after 1 day, go to a lower altitude if you can. Try to go around 300 to 1,000 metres lower.

helpful blue / but not serious Here's a short quick tip / warning for people to include. Here's a short quick tip / warning for people to include. Here's a short quick tip / warning for people to include. Here's a short quick tip / warning for people to include. Here's a short quick tip / warning for people to include. Here's a short quick tip / warning for people to include. Here's a short quick tip / warning for people to include.

Software Engineer Resume Sample

Find out how good your resume is.

ummm here it is

Get instant feedback on your resume

Want to know how your software engineering resume measures up? Our AI-powered tool simulates how recruiters and hiring managers evaluate resumes in the tech industry. It checks for key criteria that matter most in software development roles.

Upload your resume now for a free, unbiased assessment. You'll get a clear score and specific tips to make your resume stronger. This feedback can help you stand out in a competitive job market and increase your chances of landing interviews.

Software Developer Resume Sample

Placement of education on your resume.

Start with your experience if you're already a part of the workforce as a software engineer. However, in certain scenarios, beginning with education makes more sense. If you've recently completed a relevant specialized course such as a coding bootcamp or advanced degree, list that first. It shows employers why there's a gap in your employment history.

For entry-level positions or if you're still studying, lead with your educational background. Recruiters want to see that first because it's your main experience source in this case.

Web Developer Resume Sample

Showcasing your projects.

Software engineers often break into the field through personal or academic projects which showcase their technical skills, creativity, and initiative. Don't be shy about including these on your resume, especially if you're new to the field. It gives employers tangible proof of what you can deliver.

Include these projects in a 'Portfolio' or 'Projects' section, and provide a brief overview of the nature of the project, the tools and technologies used, and the outcomes achieved. This gives recruiters insight into your work without having to click through to external sites or portfolios.

Software Engineer with Artificial Intelligence specialization Resume Sample

Optimal length for your resume.

You should strive for a one-page resume, particularly if you’re an entry-level or mid-level hire with fewer than 10 years in the software development sphere. This shows you can be concise and prioritize key information.

For senior-level candidates, a two-page resume is acceptable to accommodate the breadth of your experience. Struggling to stick to the page limit? Try a concise template, trimming older or less relevant information such as extracurricular activities or non-related education.

Entry-Level Software Engineer Resume Sample

Specific skills for software engineers.

As a software engineer, your technical skills carry great weight. In the skills section of your resume, highlight key languages, platforms, and environments you're proficient in. For example, Python, Java, C#, Ruby, Git, and so forth. But don't just list them, show recruiters how you've implemented these skills in projects or work-related tasks.

You should also showcase your methodical problem-solving ability, a critical software engineering skill. Detail how you’ve used it to overcome challenges in past roles to provide value to employers.

Senior Software Engineer Resume Sample

Understanding resume screeners.

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) can be tough to get past, but with the right approach, you can make sure your resume for a software engineering position stands out. An ATS scans your resume for keywords and phrases that match the job description. If you don't include these, your resume might not be seen by human eyes. Here are two key things to keep in mind.

• Use keywords that match the job posting. For a software engineer role, include programming languages you know, like 'Java' or 'Python', and tools or technologies you have worked with, such as 'Git' or 'Docker'.
• Make job titles and sections clear. Instead of creative titles, stick to standard ones like 'work experience'. For your role, write 'software engineer' instead of more general titles like 'developer'.

Keep these tips in mind and tailor your resume to get through the ATS and into the hands of a hiring manager.

Embedded Systems Engineer Resume Sample

Customizing your resume.

To stand out as a software engineer, show skills and experiences that match the job you want. Include words from the job ad and focus on what you have done that relates to the job. This makes it easy for the hiring manager to see you’re a good fit.

• List programming languages and tools you know like JavaScript , React , or AWS .
• If you have led a team, tell how many people were in it, like 'Led a team of 5 developers'.
• If you’re new to software engineering, talk about relevant things you have done. For example, if you have made a website or an app, say so.

Cloud Solutions Architect, Software Engineering Resume Sample

Showcase your achievements.

When crafting your resume, focus on what you've achieved as a software developer, not the tasks you were responsible for. You want to show your impact, how you've contributed to projects, and the value you've brought to previous roles. Instead of simply listing duties, quantify your accomplishments. This approach makes your experience more compelling to potential employers.

Think about times you have improved a system, optimized performance, or exceeded project targets. For example, instead of writing 'Responsible for maintaining web applications,' you could say:

• Boosted application performance by 20% through efficient code refactoring.
• Reduced application load time by 30% by implementing caching solutions.

These statements provide clear evidence of your skills in action and the direct benefits realized by your work.

Full Stack Developer Resume Sample

Use strong action verbs.

When you write your resume, it's important to start each bullet point with a strong action verb. This shows what you have done in a clear and direct way. You should choose verbs that match the tasks and skills you used in your past work as a software engineer.

Here's a list of action verbs that fit well with the tasks you might have done. They show your ability to build, fix, and create software, which can help your resume stand out.

• To show you have built or improved software, use developed , engineered , built , implemented , enhanced .
• To show problem-solving skills, use troubleshooted , resolved , debugged , refined , reworked .
• To show you can make software more efficient, use optimized , streamlined , refactored , revised , consolidated .
• To show you can lead projects, use coordinated , managed , oversaw , directed , supervised .
• To show you can work with others, use collaborated , partnered , mentored , supported , integrated .

Want inspiration for other action verbs you can use? Check out synonyms to commonly used action verbs like Work with , Built , Executed , Increased , Assisted .

Mobile Applications Developer Resume Sample

Essential technical skills for software engineers.

As a software engineer, your resume should show a strong command of technical skills. These are critical for the job and help you stand out. You don't need to list every skill you have, just the ones most relevant to the role you want. Here are some key skills to consider including:

• RESTful APIs

Include these skills in a dedicated section on your resume. This makes it easy for hiring managers and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to find them quickly. ATS often scans for specific keywords related to the job. So, if you're experienced with JavaScript but the job is for front-end development, make sure to mention frameworks like AngularJS or React too.

Remember, the job description is your best guide. Match your skills with what's asked for in the job. If the job needs someone good at data management, highlight your experience with SQL and database technologies. If it's a role focused on web development, show your strength in HTML , CSS , and JavaScript . This targeted approach shows you're a good fit for the job you're applying for.

Lead Software Quality Assurance Engineer Resume Sample

Quantify your engineering impact.

As a hiring manager, I look for clear evidence of how you have made a difference in your past roles. Showing your impact with numbers helps me understand the value you could bring to my team. In software engineering, certain metrics can highlight your contributions effectively.

Think about your past projects and consider the following:

• Efficiency improvements: Have you sped up code deployment? Show this by stating the percentage increase in deployment speed, for example, 'Enhanced deployment process, resulting in a 20% increase in release efficiency.'
• Error reduction: If you've contributed to fewer system crashes or bugs, quantify it. Mention something like, 'Implemented a new testing protocol that reduced bug reports by 15% .'

Other common metrics in software engineering include:

• The number of features you've developed, e.g., 'Developed 10+ new user-facing features within a single quarter.'
• Code optimization leading to performance boosts, e.g., 'Optimized application performance, achieving a 30% reduction in load times.'
• Cost savings from improved processes or solutions, e.g., 'Identified a cloud storage solution that cut costs by $5,000 annually.'
• User impact, such as 'Designed a module that improved customer experience, leading to a 25% rise in user retention.'

Remember, if you are unsure about exact numbers, use your best estimate. It's about showing a tangible way in which your work as a software engineer makes a difference. This helps hiring managers like me see the real-world impact of your skills and experience.

DevOps Engineer Resume Sample

Tailor for company size.

When you apply for a software engineer role, understanding the type of company is key. For small startups, show how you can wear multiple hats and adapt quickly. You might say, 'Skilled in rapidly prototyping new features and troubleshooting live issues.' On the other hand, large companies like Google or Microsoft value specialized knowledge. You could highlight, 'Experienced in developing scalable cloud-based solutions using Azure.'

Your resume for smaller companies should emphasize your ability to work independently and manage various tasks. A phrase like 'Proficient in end-to-end software development with minimal supervision' can be appealing. In contrast, large corporates often look for engineers who can collaborate within large teams. Consider stating, 'Strong team player focused on contributing to large-scale projects.'

•   Electrical Automation Engineer Resume Examples
•   Test Engineer Resume Examples
•   Entry-Level Civil Engineer Resume Examples
•   Azure Data Engineer Resume Examples
•   Production Engineer Resume Examples
•   Entry Level Network Engineer Resume Examples
•   Control System Engineer Resume Examples
•   AWS Cloud Engineer Resume Examples

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Software Engineering Resume Examples & Writing Guide for 2024

Creating an outstanding software engineering resume is a crucial step in getting your foot in the door in the competitive field of software development. 

In this guide, brimming with examples, useful tips, and adaptable templates, we'll simply walk you through the process of crafting a resume that sets you apart . Whether you're a veteran in the field or just setting out on your coding journey, the steps outlined here will ensure your application doesn't just blend into the binary, but leaves a lasting impression.

Here's what's under the hood:

• Navigate resume samples tailored to different levels of experience in software engineering
• Properly format your software engineering resume
• Write a strong software engineering resume summary
• Include your best hard and soft skills as a software engineer
• Describe your work experience and key projects as a software engineer
• Include action words to make your resume pop
• List your educational credentials properly
• Select the perfect extra sections for your software engineer resume
• Avoid common mistakes on a software engineering resume
• Include a relevant cover letter
• Find out more about the job outlook and average salary for software engineers
• Access top job search resources for software engineers

Oh, and if you want to turn your LinkedIn profile into a resume with just one click, we've got you covered.

Software engineering intern resume sample

What's this software engineering intern resume sample doing right?

• Education takes center stage: In the competitive world of internships, this resume distinguishes itself by highlighting the candidate's educational background. It weaves a captivating tale interlaced with preferred, relevant classes, thesis topics, and active involvement in events like Robocot and Hackathon. It’s a showcase of learning, enthusiasm, and tech prowess.
• Highlighting relevant projects: An intriguing addition in this intern resume is a focused display of relevant projects. The candidate brilliantly demonstrates their hands-on experience with technologies such as C#, MySQL, Firebase, and more. These tangible instances of technical expertise serve to validate the candidate’s skills and boost their professional credibility, despite their early career stage.

How could we improve this resume sample?

• Welcoming core skills: One area ripe for improvement in this resume is the inclusion of both hard and soft core skills. A well-rounded candidate is not just about applicable knowledge or technical abilities, but also interpersonal and transferable skills.
• Evolving project descriptions: Though the resume introduces relevant projects, the door is open for enhancement in how these are described. The key lies in striking a balance between the project outline and highlighting the specific achievements stemming from these projects. Retelling the project's story with a focus on results can provide a sharper angle on their value proposition.

Junior software engineer resume sample

What stands out in this entry-level software engineering resume sample?

• Including relevant coursework: At an entry-level, relevant coursework can elevate a software engineering resume significantly. While real-world experience might be sparse, coursework allows candidates to showcase the practical and theoretical knowledge they possess. It offers potential employers a lens into your educational focus and how it aligns with the job requirements.
• Showcasing technological competencies:  Another strength of this entry-level resume lies in its mention of various technical skills within the description of their internship experience. Showing familiarity with diverse tech tools can be highly advantageous. It can position candidates as quick learners who are able to ride the wave of quickly evolving industry trends.

What can enhance this resume sample?

• Streamlining campus involvement: While it's great that the candidate shows diverse campus involvement, portions of this content seem out of sync with a software engineering resume. For instance, being part of an acapella group, while interesting, is not entirely relevant. Clearing some of this clutter and maintaining focus on activities related directly to software engineering can make this section stronger.
• Highlighting the award: The resume drops mention of an award within the internship experience. This significant accolade could have its own spotlight. By giving such achievements their own separate awards section, candidates can emphasize their recognitions and let them speak volumes about their competency.

Senior android developer resume example

What does this resume example ace, and why should you take note?

• Highlighting progress with numbers:  This candidate cleverly captures their impact. They've put numbers to work, showcasing a dip in application crashes and a swift decrease in app load times. When success is spelled out in percentage terms, it's hard to ignore.
• Flashing the certification card: Don't underestimate the power of professional certifications. Especially in a field like software engineering, where each credential can dramatically edge up your standing. Including relevant certifications in your software engineering resume not only underscores your competence but also aligns perfectly with the role you're eyeing.

What can make this resume sample better?

• Shuffling the order of sections: For a senior position, the spotlight naturally gravitates to work experience and core competencies. In this resume, education leads the parade — a slight misstep. The candidate would better command attention by placing their work experience or key competencies first.
• Expanding the list of achievements: While this resume does feature accomplishments, for a senior role, there's room for more. Increasing the array of listed achievements can only enhance the profile, giving it additional weight and making it more compelling. Showcasing a broader range of success stories is always beneficial when aiming high.

Embedded software engineer resume sample

What makes this resume sample great?

• Strong action words giving this resume dynamic energy:  This software engineer resume sample is a standout, particularly due to its efficient use of powerful action words. Verbs like "spearheaded", "streamlined", "conducted", and "developed", bring a sense of dynamism and pro-activity to the resume. They illustrate not just what the candidate did, but how they drove impact.
• Tailored skillset highlighting specific competencies:  This resume also does a great job at specifying computer skills and listing software specialties like C++, Eclipse, and GDB. These technical elements add authenticity, proving this candidate doesn't just know the buzzwords but genuinely has the skills.

How can we improve this QA engineer resume sample?

• Reordering sections:  Looking at potential improvement areas, the placement of the education section could be reconsidered. For an experienced candidate like this, work experience might be more relevant to the hiring manager. And so, getting that upfront could add more weight to the resume.
• Shifting focus from objectives to achievements in the professional profile:  Instead of leaning towards an objective, the professional profile could highlight the candidate's achievements more. This is a chance to showcase the valuable contributions made in past roles, promising the potential value add to the new employer. All in all, it's about indicating the 'achiever' in the candidate, not merely the 'doer'. 

Web developer resume sample

Why does this web developer resume sample work?

• Balanced skill sets: A major strength of this web developer resume is its inclusion of both hard and soft skill sets. It showcases not just technical prowess in coding languages and web development tools, but also highlights interpersonal skills such as teamwork and problem-solving. This creates a well-rounded candidate who excels in both the nuts and bolts and the heart and soul of web development. 
• Extra sections — the icing on the cake: Another good aspect of this resume is the thoughtful addition of extra sections such as volunteering activities and certifications. Besides showcasing the candidate's wider interests and dedication to personal growth, it also reflects a dynamic personality ready to go the extra mile.

What can make this resume sample work even better?

• Work experience enhancement: This resume could use more specificity in the work experience section. Instead of a general statement like "Conducted market research and analysis and reported findings to manager", why not try:   "Led UI market analysis, resulting in a 20% increase in user engagement." This concise, result-oriented approach works to highlight your impact clearly and efficiently.

Software testing fresher resume sample

What sets this resume apart?

• Impact-oriented work experience:  A plus for this software testing resume is its impact-oriented work experience. Bullet points that highlight the impact of the task like "...identified and resolved critical defects, ensuring product quality and customer satisfaction" turn duties into tangible achievements, showing clear value to potential employers
• Highlighted academic achievements: Another positive aspect of this resume is the detailed portrayal of educational accomplishments. A standout GPA, academic awards, and participation in relevant activities not only show great academic prowess but also demonstrate hard work, diligence, and commitment.

What could make this sample better?

• Quantifying achievements: Despite its strengths, the resume could use more quantifiable achievements. For example, instead of saying "resolved critical defects," why not specify how many? Numbers add credibility and offer a measure of your impact. It's a simple way to make your resume more concrete and compelling.

Data engineer resume sample

Why does this data engineer resume example pop?

• Critical responsibilities and achievements are chosen: A strong point for this data engineer resume is its careful selection of key responsibilities and achievements. It cuts through the clutter, presenting a streamlined snapshot of the candidate's value-add. The fact that a recruiter can get a clear picture of your resume in just about 7 seconds (he rumored review time for recruiters) shows that this resume is doing its job well. It's easy to read and gets straight to the point - that's a big win!

What can be enhanced?

• Showcasing work experience upfront: A potential improvement for this data engineer resume could involve reordering the sections. For experienced candidates like this, work experience typically holds more weight than education. Shifting it to the forefront would immediately draw attention to the candidate's hands-on involvement in the field, increasing the chances of making an instant impact.

Junior Java developer resume sample

What's good about this junior developer resume sample?

• Spotlight on adaptability and discipline: One of the key strengths of this junior developer resume is the profile's emphasis on adaptability and discipline in a remote work setting. By highlighting proficiency in common remote work tools like Slack, Asana, and Zoom, it shows readiness to hit the ground running in today's digital work environment.

What can make this resume even better?

• Quantifiable achievements: The work experience section could benefit from the inclusion of quantifiable achievements. Specific figures can illustrate the impact of your work more effectively. For instance, instead of saying "designed and developed various user-friendly websites and applications", something like "Developed 15+ user-friendly websites and applications, increasing client website traffic by 30%" might add more punch.
• Impact-first framing (because 'how' matters): Also, the impact made by the tasks could be focused on, besides the task itself. For example, instead of "Reviewed and tested existing code to discover and fix bugs.", consider something like: "Enhanced software reliability by reviewing and fixing bugs in the existing code." 

Software developer resume sample

What makes this software developer resume sample stand out?

• Quantified achievements:  A significant highlight of this software developer resume is the use of quantified achievements. Statements like "Achieved 20% growth for Organization" and "Improved website performance and speed by 25%" not only quantify the extent of the candidate's impact but also draw attention to their problem-solving abilities.
• Personal projects showcasing initiative and passion: Adding personal projects to this software developer resume is a savvy move. They demonstrate not just the candidate's technical skills, but also their initiative, passion, and commitment to software development outside of a work context. In essence, personal projects serve as the candidate's portfolio.

Android developer resume sample

Why does this Android developer resume sample work?

• Effective achievements — results in action: This Android developer resume shines in how it links responsibilities to tangible results. Highlighting achievements such as contributing to "50% increase in user engagement" or causing a "40% decrease in query time" transforms the work experience section into a persuasive narrative of the candidate's real-life impact.

What could be improved in this resume sample?

• Include a profile:  It's important to include a compelling professional profile that provides a quick snapshot of the candidate's skills, experiences, and career objectives. Think of it as your elevator pitch, letting potential employers quickly understand who you are and what you bring to the table.
• Avoid repetition: While the resume has several strengths, a potential improvement lies in diversifying the action verbs used. The repetition of words like "developed", "led", and "collaborated" could risk dulling the impact of these actions. Alternatives could include "engineered", "spearheaded", "partnered with teams", giving a refreshing variance to the narration.
• Experience before education: Lastly, for an experienced candidate like this, leading with education before work experience might be less advantageous. Typically, employers are more interested in recent applicable experience over academic qualifications. Reshuffling these sections could make the resume more aligned with what hiring managers are looking for.

1. Properly format your software engineering resume

Crafting the content of your software engineering resume might seem like the hard part. However, presenting this information in a user-friendly format is equally important. 

With numerous format types to consider, let's boil it down to the three most common ones you're likely to encounter — namely, the chronological, functional, and hybrid formats.

• Chronological format: A chronological format , as the name suggests, arranges your work history in reverse order, with the most recent job first. This format serves seasoned professionals best, highlighting your career progression and expertise.
• Functional format: A functional format , on the other hand, emphasizes skills over job history. This format is favored by fresh graduates or those planning to switch careers who might not have a wide range of related work experience. Instead of focusing on job positions, it magnifies your skills relevant to the software engineering sector.
• Hybrid format: A hybrid format combines aspects of both chronological and functional formats. It's effective if you want to highlight specific capabilities while still detailing your work history. This format allows you to showcase your expertise upfront, backed by your professional experience.

Remember, the best format is the one that highlights your strengths and fits the job description. Regardless of the chosen format, ensure consistency across your resume. Keep fonts professional and layouts neat, giving employers no excuse not to call you in for an interview!

So, choose your preferred template and make your software engineer resume shine.

Try our AI Resume Writer and have your resume ready in minutes!

2. write a strong software engineering resume summary or objective.

Right at the top of your resume, beneath your contact details, should sit your resume summary or objective . While a summary encapsulates your professional experience and key achievements, a resume objective communicates your career goals and demonstrates how you can benefit the organization. 

If you’re just starting out in the software engineering field, changing your career path, or have specific goals, using a resume objective may be ideal for you. It allows you to focus on how your skills and career ambitions align with the company's needs and mission.

Let's illustrate with examples:

Bad example of a software engineer resume objective 

Seeking a challenging software engineering role to advance my career.

This objective falls short because it's solely focused on the applicant's wants, and lacks specifics on how the company would benefit from their contribution.

Good example of a software engineer resume objective 

Entry-level software engineer with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and proficiency in Java and Python. Looking to leverage academic knowledge, internship experience, and passion for programming to solve unique challenges and contribute to XYZ Tech's mission of creating innovative software solutions.

Why is this example correct? This objective succeeds where the previous example failed. It demonstrates the candidate's qualifications and skills, shows how they intend to apply them, and links their goals to those of the company. 

As an experienced software engineer, you should be writing a resume summary . It should articulate your expertise, key achievements, and any unique value you can provide to the company. Communicate your most relevant skills in line with the job description.

Let's take a look at contrasting examples to understand how to effectively formulate your resume summary:

Bad example of a software engineer resume summary

Software engineer with many years of experience. Has worked in different types of businesses, can code in various languages.

Why does this example fall short? This resume summary is overly broad and lacks specificity. It doesn't tell prospective employers what your career focus is, or exactly what skills and experience you bring to the table.

Good example of a software engineer resume summary

Seasoned Software Engineer with eight years of expertise, specializing in system design, data security and full-stack development. Proficient in C++, JavaScript, and Python with a proven track record of crafting efficient, scalable solutions. Led a development team at XYZ Tech that improved software release efficiency by 30%.

Why is this summary correct? This example details the candidate's experience, specialized skills, indicates their professional focus, and showcases a quantifiable achievement relevant to the role.

Remember, a strong resume summary or objective is just the launching pad you need to propel you into the interview shortlist. Make it compelling, specific, and tailored to the software engineering role on offer.

3. Include your best hard and soft skills as a software engineer

Choosing the most relevant skills to showcase on your software engineering resume is crucial. This calls for understanding the distinction between hard and soft skills and their significance in your applications. 

Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities that can be measured, like proficiency in a programming language or understanding of agile methodologies. 

Soft skills , on the other hand, relate to how you work and interact with others. They're less tangible but equally important — think problem-solving or teamwork.

When you're tailoring your resume to a specific job ad, it's essential to highlight the skills mentioned in the job description first . Why? Because hiring managers or Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) may be specifically looking for these skills.

Here are examples of hard and soft skills relevant to a software engineer:

Best hard skills for a software engineer resume

• Java, Python, C++, or other programming languages
• Full-stack development
• Database management
• Debugging and code review skills
• Knowledge of algorithms and data structures
• Agile methodologies

Best soft skills for a software engineer resume

• Problem-solving
• Attention to detail
• Time management
• Communication
• Adaptability

Recognizing the most effective hard and soft skills relevant to the role shows your understanding of the job and proves your direct value to your potential employer. The right blend of these skills can make your software engineering resume shine brighter than the rest.

4. Describe your work experience and key projects as a software engineer

Your work experience section is a chance to display your professional journey and achievements. It's typically formatted in reverse chronological order and features the following:

• The name of the company and the period of employment
• A bulleted list summarizing your main responsibilities, achievements, and key skills demonstrated or acquired.

Now, let's consider two contrasting examples of a work experience and key projects section for a software engineer:

Bad example of a software engineer work experience section

Software Engineer, ABC Tech March 2018-Present

• Was part of the development team

Why is this example incorrect? This example fails to show specific responsibilities, skills, or achievements the candidate held or earned during their tenure. It's vague and doesn't demonstrate the impact of the applicant's work.

Good example of a software engineer work experience section

• Engineered an efficient database management system, improving data retrieval times by 15%.
• Led a team of five in developing an innovative client solution that boosted user engagement by 40%.
• Implemented strategic quality assurance methods to eliminate software errors by 30%.
• Directed successful integration of third-party API's into company software, expanding functionality and user experience.
• Optimized code performance, resulting in a 25% speed increase in software operations.

Key project

• Project Lead, Cloud Migration Project: Oversaw the successful migration of the company’s product suite to a cloud-based architecture. Resulted in a 70% cost reduction in infrastructure expenses and improved uptime by 30%.

Why does it work? This revised software engineer work experience section uses strong action verbs , specifies responsibilities, and includes quantifiable achievements , which clearly shows the candidate's impact at work.

It also includes a clearly defined key project , detailing the candidate's role and the impact their leadership had on the project's success

All in all, a compelling work experience and key projects section paints a vivid picture of your capabilities. Remember to use dynamic language, be specific, include quantifiable achievements, and align your experience with the software engineering job description to showcase your fit for the new role.

5. Include action words to make your resume pop

Using action words in your software engineering resume can significantly enhance its impact. They convey your experience and achievements in a dynamic, results-oriented manner that can catch a hiring manager's attention. The importance of these power verbs lies in their ability to:

• Paint a vivid picture of your abilities in action 
• Highlight your initiative
• Show results and developments that you've been instrumental in

Here's a list of impactful action words for your software engineering resume

• Streamlined
• Implemented

These action words can be your best pals while crafting your resume. They help make your resume stand out from the crowd and are more likely to grab the reader's attention. So, remember, what you say is important, but how you say it can make all the difference.

6. Make your education section count

Including an education section in your software engineering resume is critical, regardless of the level of experience. It reflects your formal training, provides context to your other qualifications, and can be a tiebreaker in close calls.

Even if your education isn't in software engineering , it's valuable information. Any degree demonstrates a dedication to learning, and critical thinking skills. Mention any relevant courses you have taken or learning projects you have undertaken.

Software engineering education section example (no related background)

Bachelor of Arts in Physics

Yale University, 2015 - 2019

• Relevant Courses: Programming for Scientists, Electronics and Circuit Analysis
• Projects: Collaborated on a 4-person team to create an application predicting particle motion using Python.

If your degree directly relates to software engineering , it serves as strong evidence of your knowledge and skills in this field. Highlight any esteemed honors, relevant subjects, or notable projects related to software development.

Software engineering education section example

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Harvard University, 2010 - 2014

• Honors: Graduated Summa Cum Laude, Dean's List 2012-2014
• Key project: Built a full-stack web application as part of end-of-year project, which significantly increased departmental efficiency.

Including an education section helps round out your software engineer resume, providing further insight into your qualifications. Regardless of your field of study, this section illustrates your problem-solving abilities, exposure to relevant concepts, and potential to contribute meaningfully to a software engineering role.

Find out your resume score!

7. Select the perfect extra sections for your software engineer resume

Including extra sections in your software engineering resume can give you the edge by showcasing your well-rounded personality, interests, and other competencies beyond your professional and academic life. 

These sections should add value and align with the role or the company culture you're applying to.

Here are three examples:

• Volunteering: Volunteering experience, particularly if it's tech-focused, can reflect positively on your ability to apply your skills to real-world situations. It also showcases your social commitment.
• Certifications: Certifications can add value to your resume, especially if they demonstrate specialized skills or increase your expertise in a specific area. This could include coding languages or platforms.
• Personal projects: Side projects that show the application of your skills give potential employers a concrete demonstration of what you are capable of, even if these projects were not part of your professional or educational experience.

Here’s how you can list your extra resume sections

Volunteer activities

• Code Mentor, Girls Who Code (2018 - Present): Providing mentoring in basic coding principles and problem-solving skills to a weekly class of high school girls interested in tech.

Certifications

• Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer 
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Personal projects

• Fitness Tracker App: Developed a personal fitness tracking app using React Native and Firebase, with features like activity logging, progress charts, and goal setting.

These examples offer a glimpse into your personality, display your dedication to your field, and provide a hands-on showcase of your relevant skills.

8. Avoid common mistakes on a software engineering resume

Crafting a flawless resume is no less than programming a complex system — attention to detail is crucial. Here’s how to sidestep common pitfalls in your software engineering resume:

1. Avoid vagueness

• Mistake: "Experienced in coding."
• Fix: "Proficient in Python, Java, and C#, with over five years of hands-on experience in both front and backend coding."

2. Shun the one-size-fits-all approach

• Typical error: Using the same resume for every job application.
• Fix: Instead, tailor your resume to each role you apply for. Highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the individual job description.

3. Be wary of overstating

• Regular misstep: "World-class software engineer."
• Fix: Show your worth through your achievements and validated skills on your resume, rather than using superlatives. E.g., "Developed a data analytics tool that boosted revenue by 20%."

4. Check for typos and errors

• Common blunder: Typos or incorrect information.
• Fix: Proofreading your resume multiple times is essential. Consider enlisting a trustworthy friend or using a tool like Grammarly to avoid overlooked mistakes.

5. Striking the balance

• Frequently noticed mistake: Either underestimating your role in a project or taking all the credit.
• Fix: Giving due credit to team efforts and accurately representing your contributions is vital. It shows your ability to work in a team while showcasing your personal contributions.

Remember, your resume is often the first impression a potential employer has of you - make it count by avoiding these common mistakes.

9. Pair a relevant cover letter with your software engineer resume

A cover letter , while often overlooked, can be a powerful companion to your software engineering resume. It's especially pertinent when the job posting asks for one , or when you want to provide context or detail that your resume just doesn't accommodate.

The primary difference between a resume and a cover letter lies in their purpose and format. While a resume is a concise snapshot of your skills, experience, and education relevant to the role, a cover letter is a place to connect the dots, tell your story, and elaborate on details related to the position.

A well-tailored cover letter can offer valuable insights into your personality , motivation , and fit for the role . It's your chance to catch the hiring manager's attention, show you've done your homework about the company, and express why you're excited about the role beyond coding languages or software development strategies.

Remember, an effective cover letter doesn't rehash your resume. It complements it. It's an opportunity to showcase your communication skills and to share your professional journey in a way that a bullet-list just cannot capture. So the next time you're sending out your polished software engineering resume, consider pairing it with a compelling cover letter. You might just increase your chance of landing that coveted interview call.

10. Average salary and outlook for software engineers

Crafting a standout resume is the first step to securing a rewarding career in the field of software engineering. And understanding the industry's salary and growth outlook can surely add to your motivation. 

According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) , the average yearly salary for software engineers was $127,260 in May 2022. This impressive figure reflects the high demand for skills and competencies that software engineers bring to the table.

Moreover, the future looks particularly bright for the profession. Overall employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is projected to grow by a robust 25 percent from 2022 to 2032 . This is much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.

In terms of job availability, an average of 153,900 openings for software engineers are projected each year over the decade. This means that, armed with a strong resume and the right skills, your chances of landing a role are on a favorable path.

With attractive salaries and promising job prospects, software engineering certainly stands out as a rewarding career choice.

11. Top job search resources for software engineers

To support your job search journey and career growth in software engineering, plenty of resources are available. Utilizing these can help you stay current with the latest developments in the sector, refine your skills, and broaden your network. Here are some noteworthy tools and platforms:

• GitHub: It's an essential tool for showcasing your programming chops and collaboration on projects. Building a strong GitHub profile can significantly impact recruiters and hiring managers.
• Stack Overflow: This platform is a hub of information where developers help each other solve coding problems. It's also a source of coding news and job advertisements.
• LeetCode: Sharpen your problem-solving skills and prepare for technical interviews with the practice problems and mock interviews available on this platform .
• Learning platforms: Learning platforms like Coursera or Udemy offer a variety of coding courses, often taught by industry experts. You can access courses specific to various programming languages or software engineering general practices.
• Meetups or developer groups: Check meetup.com or search online for local software engineering groups or forums. Attending these meetings can help you network with fellow professionals.
• Tech blogs & podcasts: Following reputable tech blogs or podcasts like Coding Horror , A List Apart , or Software Engineering Daily can keep you updated with the latest trends in the tech world.

It's crucial to remember that being successful in your software engineer job search isn't only about having an exceptional resume. It's also about constant learning, networking, and staying abreast of industry trends. The resources listed above can provide invaluable support on your journey.

Software Engineering Resume FAQ

How should i list my programming languages and technical skills on a software engineering resume.

Create a dedicated 'tech skills' section and list your programming languages and technical expertise, arranging them based on your proficiency or relevance to the job.

What's the best way to showcase my software project experience or portfolio?

Detail your project experiences under "Work experience and key projects". For each project, include the name, your role, the technologies used, and measurable achievements. Also, consider providing a link to your online portfolio or GitHub account.

In what section of my software engineering resume should I feature certifications?

Include a separate "Certifications" section and list all your relevant certifications along with their issuing authority and dates.  

I'm a recent graduate with very limited work experience, what can I include on my software engineering resume?

Focus on academic projects, internships, relevant coursework, certifications, and technical skills. Highlight transferable skills and express enthusiasm for the industry.

How should I handle gaps in employment on my software engineering resume?

Don't ignore employment gaps . Instead, explain them in your cover letter or an 'additional information' section on your resume. Showcase any constructive activities during the gap, like freelance projects, courses, or volunteering that kept your skills relevant.

Julia Belak

Julia is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW™) and an active member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Career Coaches (PARWCC™). She is also a passionate translator and graphic designer. Julia holds degrees in translation and interpretation and has international work experience in various countries across Europe, as well as in China and Panama. Julia formerly taught academic writing and contributed as a graphic designer to outlets such as The Business of Business. You'll often find her with a book in one hand and a specialty coffee in the other, always on the lookout for new insights.

Subcategories

• Back-End Developer / Engineer
• Front-End Developer / Engineer
• Software Tester
• Web Developer

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50+ Engineering Resume Examples - Here's What Works In 2024

Engineers are in demand in every industry as technology evolves and companies prioritize innovation. we've provided word and pdf templates for every kind of engineering role, whether that's a software or mechanical engineering role. use them as inspiration as you write your engineering resume..

Choose a category to browse Engineering resumes

We've put together a number of free Engineering resume templates that you can use. Choose a category depending on your field, or just scroll down to see all templates.

Software Engineer Resumes

Software engineers need to be equipped for a field of ever-changing technology. Showing your adaptability in your work is essential for any software engineer’s resume. Today we’ll be helping you by providing five software engineer resume templates to help you do just that: display your technical versatility, prove your results, and demonstrate necessary skills in 2023.

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Computer Programmer

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Full Stack Developer Resumes

In today’s job market, companies are in a hiring frenzy for qualified software engineers to create efficient and appealing websites and mobile applications. As a full stack developer, you’ll want to emphasize your fluency in both front end and back end development. Let’s go over six full stack developer resume templates to get you started in 2023.

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Java Developer Resumes

Java developers are the cornerstone of the industry. While most developers will know and use several programming languages over the course of their careers, getting a job as a Java developer will give you longevity and security. In short, Java developer jobs are perennially in demand. In this article, we’ll look at some example resumes to help you demonstrate your skill as a Java developer to employers.

J2EE Developer

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Python Developer Resumes

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Junior Python Developer

Senior Python Developer

IT Manager Resumes

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IT Infrastructure Manager

IT Security Manager

Senior IT Manager

IT Asset Manager

Cyber Security Resumes

It’s certainly become increasingly clear that cyber security professionals are essential in 2023. The news has been littered with headlines of major security breaches at companies both large and small with the associated damage measured in dollars. Cyber security professionals are in demand and will be for the foreseeable future. Here are some ways to target your resume, complete with examples and tips specific to this growing industry.

Cyber Security Engineer

Cyber Security Consultant

Cyber Security Specialist

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Salesforce Resumes

Salesforce is one of the most popular CRM platforms that streamline the entire sales life cycle. It orchestrates multiple functions, including customer service, analytics, IoT, communication channels, etc. Since Salesforce is a cloud-based application, users have their information available anywhere at any time. If you’re familiar with this interface and want to get a job in the Salesforce field, look at this guide. We’ll share six Salesforce resume templates that will serve as inspiration. Additionally, we’ll give you some interesting tips you can use to enhance your resume.

Salesforce Developer

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Salesforce Marketing (Cloud)

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Quality Assurance Resumes

If the tech industry were the publishing industry, Quality Assurance professionals would be the proofreaders. So much of our world runs on extensive lines of code these days, and it’s mathematically impossible for it all to be perfect. This article will show you how QA professionals are integral to the tech industry and give you resume examples to target these roles.

QA (Quality Assurance) Automation Engineer

QA (Quality Assurance) Engineer

QA (Quality Assurance) Manager

QA (Quality Assurance) Software Tester

Entry Level QA (Quality Assurance) Tester

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Medical Quality Assurance Inspector

QA Engineer

Quality Engineer Resumes

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Electrical engineering is a complex and multifaceted field with many potential areas of specialization. Our resume samples will show you what recruiters are looking for in 2023 (Google Docs and PDFs included).

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Electrician Apprentice

System Administrator Resumes

With steady growth in the field, now is a great time to start a career as a System Administrator, especially for those who are able to specialize. This guide will show you how to set up your System Administrator resume, with specialized System Administrator templates that you can use. You’ll also learn important skills for this field.

IT System Administrator

Junior System Administrator

Linux System Administrator

Senior System Administrator

Entry-Level System Administrator

Experienced System Administrator

Windows System Administrator

Scrum Master Resumes

Your resume is a neat summary of who you are and what you bring to the table. Here are five templates of sample resumes for a scrum master that will do the job and more to land you the role in 2023.

Agile Scrum Master

Entry Level Scrum Master

Agile Coach

Junior Scrum Master

Program Manager Scrum Master

Project Manager/Scrum Master

Senior Scrum Master

Civil Engineer Resumes

Civil engineering is an in-demand career with high salary expectations and plenty of room for growth. In this guide, we’ve included everything you need to write a great civil engineer resume and land the perfect job, including essential skills and keywords, industry-specific tips, and resume template samples you can use to get started.

Entry Level Civil Engineer

Entry-Level Civil Engineer

Design Engineer

Architect / Architecture

Structural Engineer

Senior Civil Engineer

Civil Engineer Project Manager

Network Administrator Resumes

Network administrators are an essential part of any organization’s IT team. When crafting your application, showing that you have the requisite skills and experience is important to ensure that your resume will stand out from the crowd. Below, we’ve compiled four resume templates with the most important qualities to have in 2023. (Google Docs and PDFs attached).

IT Network Administrator

Junior Network Administrator

Entry Level Network Administrator

Mechanical Engineer Resumes

Mechanical engineering is a diverse field with a multitude of applications. Read these resume samples to learn what hiring managers want to see in 2023 (Google Docs and PDFs attached).

Junior Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Design Engineer

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Entry-Level Mechanical Engineer

Experienced Mechanical Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer Resumes

Manufacturing engineers are one of the most in-demand experts due to the rapid changes the field undergoes as new materials and processes are developed. If you have an analytical mind and enjoy planning a product’s production from start to finish, this guide will help you build an eye-catching manufacturing engineer resume by reviewing five templates and key skills.

Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Quality Engineer

Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer

Network Engineer Resumes

Network engineers are highly sought-after professionals in today’s tech-driven world. Our resume samples can help you find a job in this dynamic field (Google Docs and PDFs attached).

Senior Network Engineer

Wireless Network Engineer

Entry Level Network Engineer

IT Network Engineer

Cisco Network Engineer (CCNA)

Telecom Network Engineer

Network Security Engineer

Node.js Resumes

Node.js developers play a crucial part in designing real-time interactive web applications. Read on to learn how to create a Node.js resume that’ll get you interviews in 2023 (Google Docs and PDFs attached).

Node.js Software Developer

Senior Node.js Developer

SQL Developer Resumes

SQL developers are constantly in demand given that SQL is the foundation of most databases used across enterprises. Therefore, there’s no better time than now to apply for roles in this field. Here is a guide to writing a standout SQL developer resume, which includes useful resume templates and industry-specific tips.

Junior SQL Developer

PL/SQL Developer

SQL Analyst

SQL Data Analyst

SQL Database Administrator

Oracle SQL Developer

SQL Server Developer

Entry-Level SQL Developer

Integration Architect Resumes

Modern business processes require that information moves fast and efficiently between different applications, tasks, and software. Most of the time, these applications and software systems cannot work with each other unless an Integration Architect allows them to. Read on to learn how to target your resume to boost your chances of getting a job as an Integration Architect.

Enterprise Integration Architect

Integration Solution Architect

Engineering Manager Resumes

An engineering manager’s main job is to solve any engineering problem during a project. They also respond to technical questions, propose budgets for projects, train new staff members, and work with other departments. Engineers also prepare reports of the projects they’re working on. Here are a few tips, skills, action verbs, and recommendations to help point you in the right direction as you prepare your resume.

Software Engineering Manager

Data Engineering Manager

Senior Engineering Manager

IoT Engineering Manager

Software Tester Resumes

The technology industry has been one of the fastest-growing industries for over a decade. The Covid pandemic accelerated that growth as the entire globe transferred its workforce, learning industry, and socializing online almost instantaneously. The technology industry has had to rapidly build different online platforms and tools to provide for this new online normal. Software testers ensure that the programs and platforms that we now use every day, run as smoothly as possible, do what they say they are going to do, and are easy to use. This guide will take you through different software tester positions, show you some successful resumes, and give you tips to create your own strong and attractive resume.

Automation Tester

Test Engineer

Test Analyst

Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)

Validation Specialist

Service Technician Resumes

The service technician job space is vibrant at the moment. It's an ideal space to work in due to the diversity of jobs and industries. It is a fair assessment to contend that service technicians are needed in almost every industry. At the elementary level, these professionals handle the technical aspects of the equipment in their domain of work, be it in engineering, IT, agriculture, etc. So, how do you make your service technician resume stand out? Here's how.

Field Service Technician

Environmental Service Technician

HVAC Service Technician

Platform Engineer Resumes

With all the fast-paced start-ups surrounding us today, one of the most sought-after jobs is a platform engineer. Technology is booming everywhere and software applications need constant upgrading and patching to stay relevant. It's a well-paid job that will stick around for some time. In this guide, we will help you prepare your resume for platform engineering jobs. We will also throw in a couple of hacks that will make your resume stand out.

DevOps Platform Engineer

Automation Engineer Resumes

As technology continues to develop and evolve at accelerated speeds, many industries are using new technology to shift from manual processes to more efficient and cost-effective automated processes. And when a company is looking to find points of automation, automation engineers are who they call to make it happen. This guide will take you through some of the automation engineer titles out there, show you what a strong resume looks like for each title, and give you tips to create your own to nab yourself a job.

QA Automation Engineer

Robotic Process Automation Engineer

Test Automation Engineer

C, C++, and C# Developer Resumes

C, C++, and C# are highly in-demand backend programming languages. These object-oriented and procedural coding languages will help you develop efficient and scalable applications. That’s why you can have a very profitable career if you have these skills. Yet, you still need an effective resume to land a good job. Today, we’ll help you create one from scratch by giving you some C, C++, and C# resume examples. This way, you can have some inspiration. We’ll also provide a couple of tips you can use to enhance your resume.

Junior C# Developer

Senior C# Developer

C Net Developer

C# Developer

Technical Support Resumes

Since the entire world is thriving in an IT environment, there is a greater demand than ever for technical support. Giving technical support includes managing, maintaining, and handling IT systems as needed. Our technical support resume guide can be useful if you are a tech-savvy job seeker in the field. Filled with tips and downloadable templates, make yourself an impressive resume!

Software Product Support Analyst

Technical Support Specialist

Technical Support Engineer

Application Support Engineer

Project Engineer Resumes

Project engineers are responsible for controlling and overseeing the entire lifecycle of a particular venture. They work with project managers to develop budgeting and human resources strategies needed to complete a project. Considering this is such a demanding job, project engineers must be logical thinkers, resilient, and diligent. Today, we’ll show you four project engineer resume templates and tips to help you land a job in this field.

Construction Project Engineer

Electrical Project Engineer

Civil Project Engineer

Process Engineer

Security Manager Resumes

Being a security manager in 2023 means having a resume that shows you can protect a company’s assets. If you’re struggling to create a resume, we compiled 5 security manager resume templates in this guide. Download the PDF and Google Doc versions to create your resume and land jobs now!

Cyber Security Manager

Security Project Manager

Information Security Manager

Chief Security Officer

Electronic Technician Resumes

Everybody has an array of electronics that they use daily. And when there is an issue with our electronic devices, electronic technicians are the people we call. This is a steadily growing career with ever-increasing opportunities. This guide will outline 3 electronic technician positions, detail what recruiters are looking for in each, and show you some sample resumes to get you started on creating your own successful resume.

Electronic Assembler

Electronic Engineering

System Engineer Resumes

Systems engineers are responsible for organizing the product development lifecycle. They create systems that will make the process more smooth. They work with other departments such as IT, marketing, and logistics to ensure each team contributes to the organization’s production goals. Considering they have such a huge impact on the company’s success, these professionals are highly in-demand. If you’re one of them and you’d like to build your system engineer resume, take a look at this guide. We’ll show you five system engineer resume examples and give you handy tips to make a better impression.

Senior System Engineer

Embedded System Engineer

Control System Engineer

IT System Engineer

IT Specialist Resumes

Our world is increasingly held together and brought together by technology and IT systems. Few processes can be completed without interaction with technology. IT specialists are the maintainers and operators of these technologies. This guide will help IT specialists create powerful resumes that will secure them their dream IT jobs.

IT Support Specialist

Entry-Level IT Support Specialist

Packaging Engineer Resumes

A packaging engineer is responsible for developing packaging designs for a wide variety of products. This profession is crucial for keeping us safe while consuming products, such as food, cosmetics, or medicine. Their role is to ensure that the product is preserved over time and that packaging is functional and aesthetic. If this sounds like you and you’d like to break into the manufacturing industry, read on. In this guide, we’ll show you how to create your own packaging engineer resume by giving you tips and resume examples.

Packaging Sales Engineer

Oracle Resumes

Oracle is a highly scalable database solution companies use for storing, retrieving, and organizing data. It is compatible with PL/SQL and improves accessibility regardless of team members’ locations. Oracle careers such as development or database administration are highly in-demand. Companies need to organize and protect their data to prevent financial losses. If you are an Oracle developer or database administrator, check this guide. We’ll show you how you can write your Oracle resume and share some tips to keep your resume up the stacks. Let’s get started.

Oracle Database Administrator

Oracle PL/SQL Developer

Planning Engineer Resumes

Planning engineers play a huge role in the construction industry. They are responsible for developing strategies to meet deadlines and budgetary goals. This is a managerial role in which they must oversee the engineering team to make sure they follow the projects’ standards. If you have experience with team management and an engineering career, you may qualify for this role. Learn how you can create your own planning engineering resume with this guide. We have compiled four resume templates that will serve as inspiration for your job-seeking journey.

Development and Planning Engineer

Transmission Planning Engineer

System Planning Engineer

Blockchain Resumes

Blockchain is an innovative method that offers clear and secure transactions. Currently is used in cryptocurrencies because it’s a decentralized system that is not monitored by banks or any other platform. However, the blockchain economy goes beyond financial transfers. Blockchain promises to improve the contractural processes, the internet of things, etc. Today, we’ll help you on your journey to break into blockchain technology by showing you two resume templates and some tips you can implement to enhance your performance. Let’s get started.

Ethereum Developer

Cloud Developer Resumes

Almost every company and individual operates in the cloud to some extent nowadays. Cloud developers are the professionals tasked with building this cloud infrastructure and developing applications that make cloud use easier and more dynamic. This resume guide will explore three cloud developer titles with 3 resume samples.

Cloud Services Developer

Azure Developer

ETL Developer Resumes

Andrew McAfee, a well-renowned researcher, once said: “the world is one big data problem”. There is an incredible volume of data worldwide produced by companies and users. We could think that this amount of data is going to collapse the system, but it can actually become a powerful tool when used wisely. Companies can leverage those large datasets to make data-backed business decisions that drive them to success. Yet, data is not of much use in its raw form, we need to Extract, Transform, and Load it to make it consumable. This is precisely the role of an ETL developer. The ETL process is a highly technical method that helps companies with their business intelligence efforts. Today, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about this occupation and how to create an ATS-friendly ETL developer resume.

Junior ETL Developer

SharePoint Developer Resumes

SharePoint developers create SharePoint-based solutions for a variety of purposes within an organization. However, they are mostly known for building SharePoint websites and mobile applications. This is a role that requires a deep understanding of the SharePoint interface and programming skills. If you have those two requirements and are ready to create your SharePoint developer resume, read on. We’re about to show you how you can develop an industry-relevant resume. We’ll also share three resume examples that will help you get a better idea of what you need to do.

Junior Sharepoint Developer

Senior Sharepoint Developer

Kafka Resumes

Kafka is an open-source application that provides a solution for storing, analyzing, and processing stream data. This software enables your system to handle a high volume of data without affecting servers’ storage capacity and performance. Since this software has provided a highly scalable solution for data processing, Kafka developers have become highly in demand. If you are familiar with this tool and you’d like to start a career as a Kafka developer, this guide is for you. We’ll teach you how to create your own Kafka resume.

Kafka Java Developer

Audio Engineer Resumes

From Michael Jackson’s ‘Beat It’ to the Tom and Jerry theme song, audio engineers work to transform raw sound into the engineered classics we hear today. This guide has been created to help audio engineers build impressive resumes and secure themselves their next audio engineering job.

Entry Level Audio Engineer

Freelance Audio Engineer

HVAC Resumes

HVAC technicians have a steady job outlook and great career opportunities. This is a profession that allows you to work in almost every corner of the world because you can either work with a contractor or independently. Also, almost everybody owns an HVAC system, whether it’s for residential or commercial use, so you’ll surely have job opportunities. This guide is here to help you if you have HVAC skills and you’d like to enter this field. We’ll give you interesting insights about each technician role and show you how to optimize your HVAC resume.

HVAC Installer

HVAC Engineer

Industrial Engineer Resumes

Industrial engineers work in most industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, computer science, robotics, and retail. Their role is to optimize business and engineering processes to reduce costs and improve efficiency, security, and quality. This is a crucial position in many organizations as it directly impacts the company’s bottom line in terms of production. Generally, industrial engineers have a bachelor’s degree in an engineering field and are familiar with industry regulations. If you are one of them and would like to enhance your resume, read on. This guide will give you interesting tips to create your industrial engineering resume.

Entry Level Industrial Engineer

Industrial Sales Engineer

Maintenance Technician Resumes

Maintenance technicians keep everything up and running in a building, including HVAC systems, structures, and equipment units. These professionals evaluate the conditions in the building to identify issues and troubleshoot them. In addition, they schedule maintenance operations and repairs. This is a profession that requires manual dexterity and technical knowledge of building maintenance. You don’t need a bachelor’s degree for this occupation, but technical training is surely important. If this sounds like your cup of tea read on. We’re about to show you how to create your maintenance technician resume.

Industrial Maintenance Technician

Maintenance Supervisor

Maintenance Manager

Solutions Architect Resumes

A solution architect designs and implements IT solutions for improving an organization’s operations. Their role is to evaluate business needs and develop solutions to solve issues in the company. They work with computer systems, networks, hardware, and software. This is a highly technical occupation that requires extensive knowledge of IT infrastructure. If you have a computer science background and project management skills, this might be an excellent career move for you. Find out how you can escalate to this position with our resume guide. We’ll give you interesting tips to tailor your resume for a solutions architect role.

AWS Solutions Architect

Cloud Architect

Enterprise Architect

Data Architect

Azure Architect

Technical Architect

Cloud Solutions Architect

Implementation Specialist Resumes

An implementation specialist is the bridge between a company’s clientele and the software development team. They promote the adaptation of digital products and software that the company sells. This includes offering consultation services for customers, collecting data from the clientele, and using it to improve the software and its features. Implementation specialists play a huge role in the IT team. They improve customer engagement and help generate more sales. If you have software engineering and customer service skills, this job might be for you. Learn how to develop an implementation specialist resume with our guide.

Implementation Manager

Implementation Consultant

Implementation Project Manager

Software Architect Resumes

Software architects are responsible for determining project standards, tools, and architecture. They also design the type of system they’ll use for the project. This is a highly demanding but rewarding role in the development team. This role requires you to have extensive experience in the development team and high-performing software engineering skills. If you think this could be a good fit for you, read on. This guide will show you how to optimize your resume for a software architect role.

Senior Software Architect

PHP Developer Resumes

PHP developers are a specialized form of software developers. They create, test, and launch websites and web applications with PHP programming language. It is their responsibility to write clean and efficient code. PHP developers don’t need a bachelor’s degree. However, they do need to have technical skills in PHP, databases, and server-side techniques. If you think you’re a good fit for this position, take a look at our guide. We’ll show you how to develop your own PHP developer resume.

Experienced PHP Developer

Biomedical Engineer Resumes

Biomedical engineering is a rewarding discipline that integrates medicine, biology, engineering, and even computer science to create biotechnology solutions. Biomedical engineers help patients improve their health and quality of life by developing biomedical devices such as prostheses and pacemakers. If you have an engineering background and an interest in physics, computer science, and medicine, this career is for you. This guide teaches how to create your resume for a biomedical engineering role.

Entry Level Biomedical Engineer

Technical Biomedical Engineer

Robotics Resumes

Robotics engineers are responsible for designing, crafting, and maintaining robot devices. They create innovative devices to provide solutions to daily and complex problems. Robotics engineers can work in a wide variety of industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, aerospace, and automobile. This is an in-demand profession that opens opportunities for you in the tech field. Do you want to be part of the robotics revolution? Learn how to enter the robotics workforce with our resume guide.

Robotic Process Automation Analyst

Chief Digital Officer Resumes

Digitalization has taken over, and it’s more important than ever that companies migrate from analog operations to data-centric business models. This is precisely the role of a chief digital officer. They help organizations transition from traditional structures to the digital arena, by implementing systems that improve customer service, IT operations, or finances. If you have a passion for innovation and an experience with digitalization, learn how you can optimize your resume with our guide.

Chief Transformation Officer

Innovation Resumes

Innovation teams, and roles like innovation managers or Chief Innovation Officers, are the brains behind successful products. They source and develop innovative business ideas that generate revenue. Hence, they play a huge role in large corporations because they target visionary business models that drive success to the company. To become an innovation manager or chief innovation officer, you should have a background in product management or marketing. If this resonates with you, read on. Let’s explore some expert advice and resume templates for your innovation management career.

Innovation Manager

Security Analyst Resumes

Cybersecurity has become more and more relevant over the last decade due to the constant risk of cyber attacks. That’s why the role of a security analyst is so relevant nowadays in any organization. Companies can have millionaire losses caused by data breaches or any other type of cybercrime. If you have a background in computer science or information technology this might be your career path. Learn how you can craft your security analyst resume with our guide. We have included insightful tips and customizable templates.

Information Security Analyst

IT Security Analyst

IT Auditor Resumes

An IT auditor is in charge of auditing operations to improve efficiency and security levels. This is why it is a highly technical career that requires you to have extensive knowledge of computer networks and IT infrastructure. Despite the huge demand for IT auditors, you still need to optimize your resume to make it past the ATS screening process. That’s why today, we’ll show you how you can do this by giving you the resources and expert advice you need.

Senior IT Auditor

Entry Level IT Auditor

Director of Software Engineering Resumes

A director of software engineering is responsible for overseeing and managing the development team. They coordinate with team members and managers to achieve technical goals. This is a job that requires a vast experience in programming and managerial roles. To become a director of software engineering it is recommended to have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science (CS) or Information technology (IT). However, some employers can hire you if you have equivalent work experience. Today, we’ll show you how to take your director of software engineering resume to the next level.

Software Engineering Director

Environmental Engineer Resumes

An environmental engineer is prepared to help companies reduce waste and maximize their resources. They conduct research to evaluate the current and future environmental hazards to develop eco-friendly solutions. This career requires you to have a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a similar field, according to BLS. If this is your case, and you’d like to optimize your resume, you’re in the right place. Today we’ll give you some tips that could help you boost your environmental engineering resume.

Senior Environmental Engineer

Entry Level Environmental Engineer

Technology Director Resumes

A technology director often called a director of technology, is the leader of the information technology (IT) team. They coordinate operations to ensure the IT team works seamlessly with minimal downtime. That’s why the role of a director of technology is so important in any organization. If you want to make a good impression on your potential employer, you may want to read this guide. We’ll show you how to optimize your technology director resume.

Director of Technology

Senior Director of Technology

Director of Information Technology Resumes

The director of information technology is the leader of the IT team. They determine the technology needs of the organization and estimate the implementation costs. Since this is a managerial role, you will be in charge of team members, so you must delegate tasks and monitor their performance. If you have advanced computer science training and experience as an IT manager, this might be your career path. Today, you can learn how to craft your director of information resume with our guide.

Director of IT

IT Director

IT Program Director

AWS Resumes

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is an Infrastructure-As-A-Service platform that allows users to develop a fault-tolerant and scalable cloud infrastructure. However, this isn’t the only AWS use. This platform offers numerous options for software development, database management, storage, and computing services. Considering the numerous AWS uses, there are also different types of roles for this skill. Today, we’ll explore four AWS occupations and provide you with personalized tips to improve your resume. We’ve also included four resume templates, one for each role.

AWS Architect

AWS Cloud Practitioner

Director of Engineering Resumes

A director of engineering is responsible for managing the engineering department. They oversee the production cycle and implement strategies to improve scalability and operations. That’s why they will determine, prioritize, and assign tasks. Ideally, a director of engineering should have advanced training in engineering and extensive industry experience. If you are a director of engineering in the job hunt, check this guide. We’ll cover essential tips to take your director of engineering resume to the next level.

Engineering Director

Senior Director of Engineering

Data Engineering Director

Materials Engineer Resumes

Materials engineers contribute to the process of product manufacturing. They design, test, and process materials to improve the structure or functionality of a particular product. That’s why they will evaluate the properties of materials, like ceramics, plastic, and metals. If you’re a materials engineer trying to land a job in manufacturing or science, this guide might help you. We’ll give you some tips to enhance your resume and two customizable templates for you.

Materials Science Engineer

UAT Tester Resumes

User acceptance testing is the last stage of the software development cycle. It consists of performing a final test on end users to determine whether it is ready for market release. It is a crucial step that minimizes risks and improves user experience. If you’re a UAT tester that wants to improve your resume, you’re in the right place. Read on to discover some technical tips to enhance your performance. Also, feel free to download our customizable templates.

UAT Test Lead

Action Verbs For Engineering Resumes

• Conceptualized
• Architected
• Restructured
• Troubleshooted

How to use these action verbs?

Resume bullet points should always start with strong action verbs which highlight your role in a specific accomplishment. If you’re not sure which action verbs to use, here’s a list of action verbs that are useful for engineers. Remember that each job is different, so you might want to tailor your bullet points to the specific job you apply to. If it's a software engineering job, use action verbs like "Developed" or "Coded", while if it's an operational engineering job, use verbs linked to process efficiency, like "Systemized".

Engineering Resume Guide

• Software Engineer Resume Templates
• Software Developer Resume Templates
• Web Developer Resume Templates
• Programmer Resume Templates
• Front End Developer Resume Templates
• DevOps Resume Templates
• Full Stack Developer Resume Templates
• Java Developer Resume Templates
• Python Developer Resume Templates
• IT Manager Resume Templates
• Cyber Security Resume Templates
• Salesforce Resume Templates
• Quality Assurance Resume Templates
• Quality Engineer Resume Templates
• Electrical Engineer Resume Templates
• System Administrator Resume Templates
• Scrum Master Resume Templates
• Civil Engineer Resume Templates
• Network Administrator Resume Templates
• Mechanical Engineer Resume Templates
• Manufacturing Engineer Resume Templates
• Network Engineer Resume Templates
• Node.js Resume Templates
• SQL Developer Resume Templates
• Integration Architect Resume Templates
• Engineering Manager Resume Templates
• Software Tester Resume Templates
• Service Technician Resume Templates
• Platform Engineer Resume Templates
• Automation Engineer Resume Templates
• C, C++, and C# Developer Resume Templates
• Technical Support Resume Templates
• Project Engineer Resume Templates
• Security Manager Resume Templates
• Electronic Technician Resume Templates
• System Engineer Resume Templates
• IT Specialist Resume Templates
• Packaging Engineer Resume Templates
• Oracle Resume Templates
• Planning Engineer Resume Templates
• Blockchain Resume Templates
• Cloud Developer Resume Templates
• ETL Developer Resume Templates
• SharePoint Developer Resume Templates
• Kafka Resume Templates
• Audio Engineer Resume Templates
• HVAC Resume Templates
• Industrial Engineer Resume Templates
• Maintenance Technician Resume Templates
• Solutions Architect Resume Templates
• Implementation Specialist Resume Templates
• Software Architect Resume Templates
• PHP Developer Resume Templates
• Biomedical Engineer Resume Templates
• Robotics Resume Templates
• Chief Digital Officer Resume Templates
• Innovation Resume Templates
• Security Analyst Resume Templates
• IT Auditor Resume Templates
• Director of Software Engineering Resume Templates
• Environmental Engineer Resume Templates
• Technology Director Resume Templates
• Director of Information Technology Resume Templates
• AWS Resume Templates
• Director of Engineering Resume Templates
• Materials Engineer Resume Templates
• UAT Tester Resume Templates
• Engineering Action Verbs
• All Resume Examples

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Best Resume Advice According to Reddit: 6 Tips That Actually Work

• Júlia Mlčúchova , 
• Updated January 29, 2024 9 min read

Do you often turn to Reddit for answers to your burning questions? And, have you considered exploring this popular online forum to uncover what the best resume advice according to Reddit is?

Of course, Reddit can be notoriously difficult to navigate and not all of its users actually know what they're talking about.

Still, Reddit and other public forums can be valuable sources of first-hand experience in all things resume. 

We've painstakingly sifted through countless subreddits, all dedicated to resume writing and career tips, to save you the trouble.

Now, we present to you the crème-de-la-crème of Reddit resume advice. 

In this article, you'll find:

• 6 best resume advice according to Reddit;
• What we think about them; 
• And, of course, examples. 

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

TL;DR: 5 Best resume advice according to reddit

1. use a single column layout to pass the ats.

• 2. Don't name your resume 'resume.pdf'

3. Keep your job descriptions short. Use bullet points and action verbs

4. use numbers to quantify your achievements, 5. less is more for both word count & job applications per day, 6. use resume builders to make your life easier, key takeaways: best resume advice according to reddit.

First, for those in a hurry, here's the TL;DR version of our top five resume advice gathered from Reddit:

• Use a single column layout to pass the ATS.
• Don't name your resume 'resume.pdf'.
• Keep you job descriptions short. Use bullet points and action verbs.
• Use numbers to quantify your achievements.
• Less is more for both word count & job applications per day.
• Use resume builders to make your life easier.

Now, let's look at the best resume advice according to Reddit users more closely. Here's what we think:

If you thought that layout doesn't play any significant role in the success rate of your resume, you thought wrong!

In case the company you're applying to uses an Applicant Tracking System, always opt for a single column layout . 

The reason? ATS compatibility. 

Even though all ATSs are designed to read text from top to bottom, left to right , not every ATS is programmed to distinguish between columns. 

And you just can't know with certainty which software you'll encounter. Therefore, reduce the risk of your resume being incorrectly processed or rejected by picking a one-column ATS friendly resume template . This will make the process of parsing and interpreting information easier and safer.

HOWEVER. That doesn't mean you should discard the two-column resume all-together. Here are some reasons why a two-column layout can still be beneficial :

• Non-ATS employers . Many companies still don't use ATS systems, making the ATS compatibility argument less relevant in these cases. For these employers, the visual and organizational benefits of a two-column layout could be more advantageous.
• Aesthetics . A two-column format can be more visually engaging, making your resume stand out.
• Ease of reading . Smaller chunks of information can make the resume easier for the human eye to navigate.
• Space management . For those with less experience, a two-column layout can help evenly distribute text and avoid large empty spaces.
• Strategic organization . It allows for a more strategic presentation of information, guiding the recruiter's eyes through your resume efficiently.

Moreover, if you're just entering the workforce with no experience , your resume is probably still quite sparse. 

Because of this, you may end up with a large, unattractive empty space at the bottom of your document. And with one-column structure resumes, this is often the case. 

There' s an easy fix! Organizing your resume sections into a two-column structure can help spread the text more evenly.  

2. Don't name your resume 'resume.pdf'

Indeed, putting together a good resume is quite a tedious process.

There're so many rules and principles to think about, for instance:

• Every single resume section, whether it be the resume summary , work experience section, education section, skills section, or any other optional section, requires your full and undivided attention. 
• You must remember to always tailor your resume to fit a specific job description . 
• Not to mention the subsequent formatting and proofreading!

By the time you've finished writing your resume, you're likely mentally drained. 

It's at this time that errors creep out from the most unexpected places.

One such error is not naming your resume file appropriately .

How to name your resume file: step-by-step.

When naming your resume file for submission, it's important to consider clarity, professionalism, and the likelihood of it being easily found by the recruiters.  

Here are our recommendations for naming your resume file:

• Use your name. Start with your full name. This is the most crucial piece of information because it clearly identifies the document as yours. For example, "PeterStones" .
• Specify the document type. Make it clear that the document is a resume . This helps distinguish your resume from other documents like a cover letter . For example, " Resume ".
• Add the job title. This can be particularly helpful if you are sending the resume directly to a hiring manager. For example, " ProductManager ".
• Use a professional format. Avoid using any unnecessary symbols or fancy formatting. Underscores (_) or hyphens (-) are acceptable to separate words.

A good file name for your resume could look like this: "PeterStones_Resume_ProductManager.pdf".

Finally, before hitting send, consider carefully what to write in an email when sending a resume . Of course, when you're applying for a job, every detail matters. Don't neglect the content of your email – it's also responsible for making a positive first impression.

Undoubtedly, you know that the work experience section is the heart and soul of your resume.  

The recruiters always pay it the most attention, and so you need to be extra diligent and patient while writing about your past employment. 

Consequently, many will try to fit in as much information as humanly possible, disregarding the readability and quality of their entries. To steer clear from such mistake, follow these two simple principles:

• Organize your work descriptions into bullet points . Under each work experience entry, list 4-5 bullet points underlining your most notable responsibilities and achievements. That is to say, you should focus on demonstrating the impact your presence had on your former employment, rather than just stating your daily duties. 
• Open the said bullet points with action verbs . The recruiters don't care about long winding sentences! That's why it's a good idea to start each bullet point with an action verb . This will not only make your writing more concise, but it'll also depict you as a proactive, and therefore valuable, employee.

For example, a well conceptualized work entry description can look like this:

Work experience entry example:

Senior Product Manager XYZ Tech Solutions, New York, NY | June 2019 – Present

• Led a team of 8 in the development of an innovative mobile application, increasing user retention by 35% within six months.
• Collaborated with cross-departmental teams to streamline product delivery, reducing time-to-market by 20%.
• Managed product lifecycle from concept to launch, including market analysis, positioning, and rollout strategy.
• Oversaw a budget of $1M, optimizing resource allocation and cutting costs by 15% without impacting product quality.

This is another great resume advice according to a Reddit user!

The recruiters adore to see numbers in your resume! Why, you ask?

It makes life a bit easier for them. By quantifying your accomplishments, you simultaneously allow recruiters to better gauge your abilities ; and add more weight to your words . 

Be as specific as you can - numbers are universal. 

Struggling to figure out how to incorporate numbers into your resume? Here are few examples of what you can quantify:

• Revenue and sales increases. If you contributed to growing revenue or sales, specify the percentage or dollar amount of the increase. For example: " Boosted sales by 20% within a six-month period. "
• Cost reduction. Similarly, if you implemented strategies that reduced costs, mention the amount or percentage saved. For example: " Cut operational costs by 15% through process optimization ."
• Time efficiency. If you streamlined processes, indicate how much time was saved. For example: " Reduced project turnaround time by 30% ."
• Team management. If you manage a team, you can specify the number of people you supervise. For example: " Led a team of 12 sales professionals ."
• Project scope and delivery. Quantify the size or value of the projects you managed, then mention if you delivered them under budget or ahead of schedule. For example:  " Managed projects worth $2M, consistently delivering 10% under budget ."
• Training and development. If you were involved in training, mention the number of people you trained or the improvement in performance post-training. For example: " Trained over 30 employees, leading to a 40% increase in overall team efficiency. "

Resume advice two-in-one!

As this Reddit user rightly pointed out, less is sometimes more . 

This is especially true when it comes to the content of your resume as well as the amount of job applications you send out each day .

When crafting your resume, keep in mind that you must show the recruiters that you have everything they're looking for . Chances are, you actually have much more – more diverse job experience; more interesting hobbies; or more fulfilling volunteer work you'd like to share with them. 

Obviously, resumes have their length limitations . Once you've started to write yours, you'll soon learn that you have to be picky! 

Recruiters prefer resumes that are focused, relevant, and straight-to-the-point. In other words, don't make them read information they didn't ask for. 

The same applies to applying for jobs.

Many in this situation start panic-applying to every single job posting they find. Because they assume that the more applications they send, the bigger their chances at landing a job will be. 

Makes sense right?

In theory, maybe. In practice? Hardly!

Believe it or not, there's such a thing as sending too many applications. Basically, if your solely focus on the quantity of applications, you're running the risk of sacrificing their quality . 

And that is a problem. If you'd like to learn how to go about this problem, including tips on how to manage the pressure of job hunting, take a look at what research says about the ideal number of job applications .

Now, hand over your heart!

Would you prefer to sit in front of your computer for hours, battling with Microsoft Word and its many settings? Trying to create a perfect resume design from scratch? 

Admit it, even the thought of setting margins and spacing makes you roll your eyes. 

Hence, arguably the best resume advice according to reddit is to make a resume with an online resume builder to avoid these inconveniences (politely said).

No need to scratch your head over a layout or the best colour palette! Instead, simply pick a resume template that best suits your needs (both aesthetic and practical), fill in all your information, and watch your resume come to life in seconds. 

Additionally, resume builders can proofread and correct any misspellings or typos you might've otherwise missed. 

Sounds good? If so, your perfect resume is one click away.

Resume template by Kickresume

This resume was written by our experienced resume writers specifically for this profession.

In conclusion, Reddit and other public forums can serve as a good starting point for seeking resume advice.

Apart from first-hand applicant experience, many posts are sumbitted by actual hiring managers.

However, there's a lot to weed out first to find the best resume advice according to reddit.

Plus, you should always compare your findings with reputable sources. Which is exactly what we did.

• Don't forget to name your resume file appropriately.
• Keep your job descriptions short with bullet points and action verbs.
• Keep your resume concise and the number of daily applications reasonable. 
• Use online tools (like Kickresume) to build your resume.

Ready to create the perfect resume?

Create a beautiful resume quickly with the help of AI and our customizable templates.

Julia is an experienced career writer at Kickresume, who brings you expert tips on how to score big in the job market. From helping people improve their English to gain admission to their dream university, to guiding them on how to advance professionally, it would seem that her own career is also on a steadfast trajectory. Julia holds a degree in Anglophone studies from Metropolitan University in Prague, where she also resides. Apart from creative writing and languages, she takes a keen interest in literature and theatre.

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