professional resume format for software engineer

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24 Software Engineer Resume Examples Designed for 2024

• Software Resumes
• Software Engineer Resumes by Experience
• Software Engineer Resumes by Role

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 24 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.

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.

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.

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  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!

Software Engineer Resume [2024] - Example + How-to Guide

You’re a software engineer. You use your talents to build the future.

Well, once you get the job.

There’s one thing in your way:

The huge pile of other resumes sitting on the recruiter’s desk.

It’s time to make your talents stand out.

In this guide, we take you through a step-by-step process to creating a software engineer resume that gets results.

• An example of a finished software engineer resume that works
• How to write a software engineer resume that’ll fill up your interview diary
• How to make your software engineer resume stand out [with top tips & tricks]

For some inspiration, here’s a software engineer resume example, created with our very own online resume builder :

Looks good, right?! Now it’s time to create your own.

Besides the software engineer resume example, we've got a bunch more examples for professionals in the computer science field:

• Java Developer Resume
• Web Developer Resume
• Computer Science Resume
• Artificial Intelligence Engineer Resume
• Engineering Resume
• Data Scientist Resume
• Data Analyst Resume
• Data Entry Resume

How to Format a Software Engineer Resume

Now, before you can highlight your talents, you need to format your resume correctly. 

Your resume should be easy to read and not be hard work for the recruiter to skim through. 

The “reverse-chronological” resume format  is the most commonly used format, and we can see why. It positions your top talents at the top of your resume, so the recruiter can immediately see your value proposition.

These software engineering resume formats also get our approval…

• Functional Resume – If you have strong software engineering skills, but a small amount of work experience, this resume format is recommended
• Combination Resume – The final format combines both “Functional” and “Reverse-Chronological” formats. As such, it is ideal for software engineers who have skills AND work experience.

Once you’ve chosen your format, you need to organize your resume layout .

Use a Software Engineer Resume Template

Word is a great application for creating documents.

Creating a resume with text editors is a different story all together!

This is due to formatting issues.

In fact, there’s a chance your entire layout will fall apart as you make alterations. 

Want to skip any formatting issues? Use a software engineer resume template .

What to Include in a Software Engineering Resume

The main sections in a software engineering resume are:

• Work Experience
• Contact Information

Want to go a step further? You can also add these optional sections:

• Awards & Certification

Interests & Hobbies

But wait – what should you write for each of these sections? 

Read on to learn how.

Want to know more about resume sections? View our guide on What to Put on a Resume .

How to Correctly Display your Contact Information

Now, this section doesn’t need any creativity, but it must be factually correct. 

Play close attention to this section – the last thing you want is an impressed recruiter who wants to interview you, but can’t contact you!

The contact information section must include:

• Title – Align this to the job description, which is “Software Engineer”
• Phone Number – Check this multiple times
• Email Address – Use a professional email address ([email protected]), not your childhood email ([email protected])
• (Optional) Location - Applying for a job abroad? Mention your location.
• Lauren Hill - Software Engineer. 101-358-6095. [email protected]
• Lauren Hill - Ninja Software Engineer. 101-358-6095. [email protected]

How to Write a Software Engineer Resume Summary or Objective

Here’s a shocking fact for you –

Recruiters spend less than 6 seconds on each resume .

With hundreds of resumes to get through, it’s no surprise that recruiters simply glance over resumes looking for the most important information. 

As such, you want to make the most important information clear to see.

The best way to do this is via a resume summary or objective , which are snappy paragraphs that go on top of your resume.

Their purpose is to quickly highlight why you are the best candidate for the software engineering job. They can be seen as a “small preview” to the rest of your resume.

But what is the difference between the two sections?

A resume summary is a 2-4 sentence summary of your professional experiences and achievements.

• Experienced software engineer with a strong background in developing award-winning strategies for a diverse clientele. 12+ years of industry experience includes leading large engineering teams to achieve concrete goals on a strict deadline. Strong skills include Database management and MySQL, .NET and Java.

A resume objective is a 2-4 sentence snapshot of what you want to achieve professionally.

• Motivated software engineer looking to pursue a successful career in software development at Company X, where I can help in the delivery of state-of-the-art software solutions. Experience includes coding, troubleshooting, and testing for my own personal projects while at University X. Relevant skills include PHP, Data Structures, Machine Learning, and Debugging.

So, which one is best for your situation, summary or objective?

Generally, we recommend experienced software engineers go with a summary. If you have the skills but lack the industry experience, you should choose a resume objective (graduates, career changers, or those still studying).

How to Make Your Software Engineer Work Experience Stand Out

Recruiters want to know that you can do the job, and do the job well. The easiest way to instil confidence in the recruiter is with your work experience.

Here’s how we recommend you structure your work experience section:

• Position name
• Company Name
• Responsibilities & Achievements

Software Engineer

ElectronicsX

03/2017 - 07/2020

• Built an ecommerce site integrated with multiple payment APIs for a 32% in company revenue
• Developed new infrastructure to easily handle over a million client files 
• Consistently achieved 100% compliance with industry best practices
• Reduced security breaches by 84%

To separate your resume from the competition, you should highlight your top achievements. Doing so will allow the recruiter to see the obvious benefits in hiring you.

Instead of saying:

“In charge of infrastructure”

“Developed new infrastructure to easily handle over a million client files”

Simply put, the first statement doesn’t say much.

This is in direct comparison with the second statement that shows how your work benefited the company greatly. Hard numbers that prove your skills – can’t argue with that!

What if You Don’t Have Work Experience?

Not everyone will have a wealth of work experience.

Maybe you’re a graduate looking for your first engineering job?

The question is how to tackle this part of your resume when you have no experience.  

The answer –

Talk about your internship experience, volunteering work, or any achievements at your place of education. 

You can even create a portfolio of your own work!

There are several ways to build a portfolio (and even get paid for it):

• Pick up some relevant freelance gigs on UpWork
• Start you own software project as a side-hustle

Are you recent engineering graduate? Make sure to check out our student resume guide!

Use Action Words to Make Your Software Engineer Resume POP!

…are all common words that the recruiter sees time and time again.

However, you don’t want your resume to resume the competition, which means you should use power words to make your achievements stand out:

• Conceptualized
• Spearheaded

B.A. in Software Engineering

The University of Chicago

2012 - 2016

• Relevant Courses : Software Engineering Project, Distributed Systems Development, Information Systems Modelling, Specification of Software Systems, Software Evolution, Software Quality, Agile Methods

Now, you may need more information. If so, here are the answers to some of the most frequent questions that we get:

What if I haven’t completed education yet?

• Regardless of whether you’re an engineering graduate or still studying, you should still mention every year of education to date

Should I include my high school education?

• Generally, only include your highest form of education. Therefore, include your high school education if you don’t have a relevant degree in engineering

What do I put first, my education or experience?

• Experiences are the priority, so those go first. If you’re a recent graduate, you will likely need to start with education

Need more information? Check out our guide on how to list education on a resume .

Top 10 Skills for a Software Engineer Resume

Your software engineer resume must do one thing—

Show that you’ll do a better job than the other candidates.

But how can you do this? 

Well, by highlighting the right software engineer skills on a resume.  

This is done by looking at the job description, and then comparing the skills needed with the skills you already have.

Put all relevant skills on your resume. Here are the most commonly used skills for a software engineer resume:

Hard Skills for a Software Engineer:

• Data Structures
• Machine Learning
• Web Development

Soft Skills for a Software Engineer:

• Creative Thinking
• Communication
• Time-Management
• Team Player
• Try to sprinkle your skills throughout the document, not just in the skills section. You can drop some of your skills in the resume summary, education section, and work experience section.

Here’s a more comprehensive list of 101+ must-have skills this year .

What Else Can You Include?

That’s all of the essentials covered.

But ask yourself one question –

Does your resume stand out ?! 

The above sections should be enough to get you onto the shortlist, but adding some extra sections could be the deciding factor between you and another candidate.  

Awards & Certifications

Have you won an award for your engineering work?

Have you completed any courses that improve your skills?

If you have any awards or certifications, be sure to list them in your resume!

Here’s an example:

Awards & Certificates

• “Advance Software Engineering” - Coursera Certificate
• “Critical Thinking Masterclass” - MadeUpUniversity

Even though you will unlikely need to speak an alternative language in your job, the skill is still impressive to any recruiter. As such, feel free to add a language section if you have space.

Rank the languages by proficiency:

• Intermediate

Now, you’ll probably thinking, “why is my love of fishing relevant to the job application?”

Well, listing your hobbies allows the recruiter to get to know who you are.

They can also show that you’ll be a good part of the team, especially if you enjoy social activities. 

Here’s which hobbies & interests you may want to mention.

Include a Cover Letter with Your Resume

Cover letters are just as important as they always have been.

You see, a cover letter instantly makes your application specific and more personal. 

Unlike a generic resume that has been sent to ten other companies, a cover letter shows the recruiter that you want to work for their company.

For a winning cover letter, you need the correct structure. Here’s what we recommend:

You should complete the following sections:

Personal Contact Information

Your full name, profession, email, phone number, location, and website (or Behance / Dribble).

Hiring Manager’s Contact Information

Full name, position, location, email

Opening Paragraph

As the recruiter will likely skim through your application, you need to win their attention within the first few sentences. Use concise language to mention:

• The position you’re applying for
• Your experience summary and best achievement to date

Now it’s onto the main body of the cover letter, where you should delve into the following specifics:

• Why you want to work for this specific company
• What you already know about the company
• How your engineering skills will help you to do the job
• Which similar positions have you held before

Closing Paragraph

To wrap up your cover letter, you should:

• Conclude the main points made in the body paragraph
• Thank the recruiter for the job opportunity
• Finish with a call to action that leaves the conversation open, such as “At your earliest opportunity, I’d love to discuss more about how I can help company X” will work

Formal Salutations

End the letter in a professional manner. Something like, “Kind regards” or “Sincerely.”

For more inspiration, read our step-by-step guide on how to write a cover letter .

Key Takeaways

Congratulations!

If you followed the advice above, you’re well on your way to landing that elusive software engineering role.

Before we go, let’s summarize the main points:

• Format your software engineer resume correctly. Use the reverse-chronological format, and then follow our layout recommendation
• Use a summary or objective at the top of your resume
• Highlight your achievements in your work experience section
• Make sure your portfolio is the best it can be. If you don’t have one, think about getting one
• Include a convincing cover letter to separate you from the competition

Suggested Reading:

• Guide to Green Careers - All You Need to Know
• How to Answer “What Is Your Greatest Strength” [4 Samples]
• Why Should We Hire You - 10+ Best Answers

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Resume Worded   |  Proven Resume Examples

• Resume Examples
• Engineering Resumes

18 Software Engineer Resume Examples - Here's What Works In 2024

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..

Software engineers play a crucial role in various elements of software development. The programs that you run on your computer? The many apps installed on your phone? Some of the tech inside smartwatches? At some point, a software engineer was needed to finish the product. Even the coding of this website required a software engineer to make. With technology continuously on the rise, so is the demand for software engineers. The need for them hasn’t declined in a long time. Developers have a bright future in the job market; employment in this field is projected to boost 22% over the next decade. Because technology is ever-changing, recruiters want to see a willingness to learn and adapt. However, they also want to see your experience with various software programs or skills like HTML/CSS, Python, Java, and more. If you’re transitioning to or from a role like data analytics, many of the skills you learned or used will be useful in your new job. Continue reading to view examples of effectively written software engineer resumes that will get you your next job.

Software Engineer Resume Templates

Jump to a template:

• Software Engineer
• Entry Level Software Engineer
• Senior Software Engineer
• Software Test Engineer
• Software Engineering Lead
• Software Engineer Intern
• Experienced Software Engineer
• Junior Software Engineer
• Principal Software Engineer
• Mid-Level Software Engineer
• Software QA Engineer
• Lead Software Engineer
• Software Architect

Jump to a resource:

• Keywords for Software Engineer Resumes

Software Engineer Resume Tips

• Action Verbs to Use
• Bullet Points on Software Engineer Resumes
• Related Engineering Resumes

Get advice on each section of your resume:

Template 1 of 18: Software Engineer Resume Example

A software engineer is a multifaceted professional who is involved in the entire software development life cycle. Software engineers can work for a variety of companies and industries. Software engineers are responsible for gathering requirements from clients, developing software based on these requirements, programming features, testing code, troubleshooting bugs, maintaining software, and much more. To become a software engineer, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or IT. An associate's degree with relevant experience and certifications may also be considered. Hiring managers will be looking for some with technical knowledge and experience in creating code. They may look for someone with prior experience as a test engineer or technical support engineer. Ideal candidates for this role will be knowledgeable in many coding languages, with strong problem solving and project management skills.

We're just getting the template ready for you, just a second left.

Tips to help you write your Software Engineer resume in 2024

   showcase the breadth of your coding language knowledge on your resume.

There are several coding languages software engineers may use depending on the project at hand. The more coding languages you are fluent in, the more dynamic you will look to hiring managers. You should list off all of the coding languages you are comfortable working with on your resume for this reason.

   Highlight your ability to build software according to client requirements

Often, software engineers are answering to a client who wants a specific outcome. Though it may be challenging to meet client requirements, it’s imperative that software engineers are skilled at taking client requirements and meeting them using problem-solving skills. You should showcase any prior examples where you met difficult or unusual software requirements from clients on your resume.

Skills you can include on your Software Engineer resume

Template 2 of 18: software engineer resume example.

Software engineers with a few years of experience will want to list a good amount of relevant skills, and explain their application in their experience. This sample provides a list of skills needed for the job. It also talks about how those skills were used to deliver effective results. In your resume, talk about what skills/programs you’ve used and how you benefited the company from using them.

   Tailored to the software engineering job

Along with mentioning the job title at the top, this sample lists the job title a few times throughout the whole resume. It also lists certain key terms that are common for this profession. In your resume, try to use keywords that are relevant to the position. This will help your resume pass the ATS during the application process.

   Demonstrates effective results with context

This sample explains how certain skills were used to achieve positive results for the company. A notable example is “ahead of schedule by 6 months.” If a project you’ve completed on the job was finished ahead of schedule, explain that in your resume. Employers want to see that you’re efficient in your work.

Template 3 of 18: Entry Level Software Engineer Resume Example

As an entry-level software engineer, you'll be working in an exciting field with numerous opportunities to grow. With the tech industry constantly evolving, it's essential to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and skills. When writing your resume for this role, focus on showcasing your technical proficiency, teamwork abilities, and desire to learn new technologies. In the second paragraph, emphasize your relevant practical experience, such as internships, coding bootcamps, or personal projects that demonstrate your competencies and passion for software engineering.

Tips to help you write your Entry Level Software Engineer resume in 2024

   highlight programming languages and frameworks.

As an entry-level software engineer, it's crucial to demonstrate your proficiency in key programming languages and frameworks relevant to the job you're applying for. List them in a dedicated section on your resume and mention any certifications or coursework that supports your skills.

   Showcase personal and collaborative projects

Hiring managers look for candidates who not only have the technical skills but can work effectively in a team. Showcase any personal or collaborative projects you've worked on, highlighting the technology stack, challenges faced, and your contribution to the project to emphasize your aptitude and teamwork abilities.

Skills you can include on your Entry Level Software Engineer resume

Template 4 of 18: entry level software engineer resume example.

If you’re a recent college graduate or completed a Bootcamp, this is the resume template for you. The key here is for you to sell yourself with the skills you’ve learned, projects you’ve completed, and software tools you’ve used. Internship experience, if any, will be useful to highlight as well. This sample lists many activities, projects, and classes that are relevant to the position, and communicate effective use of the knowledge they have.

   University projects and activities relevant to software engineering

We understand that you may not have much experience right out of college. That’s why you should list relevant activities you’ve done while in school. This sample does so by listing important courses, projects completed and explaining the different software used.

   Strong action verbs related to software engineers

This sample communicates strong relevant verbs to highlight their experience. Use of words like “developed”, “designed”, and “implemented” all help to show usage of the skills they have. Use action verbs like these in your resume to show you can apply the knowledge you have to real situations.

Template 5 of 18: Senior Software Engineer Resume Example

A senior software engineer is a managerial role who oversees many facts of a company’s software development team. Typically, senior software engineers have many years of experience in software engineering roles and are highly talented programmers. The responsibilities of the senior software engineer include managing mid-level software engineers, creating and spearheading new projects, problem solving high level issues and bugs, guiding junior engineers in coding, and more. Since this is a senior level role, hiring managers will be looking for a candidate with a mix of experience and knowledge. A bachelor's degree in computer science or IT will be required, though a master’s degree can help you stand out. Moreover, hiring managers will be looking for candidates with several years of experience in relevant roles. Previous experience as a software engineer, IT development manager, or software analyst will be valuable to land this role. Most importantly, candidates for this role must have strong leadership and project management abilities.

Tips to help you write your Senior Software Engineer resume in 2024

   showcase progression in responsibility on your resume.

For this role, it’s important to showcase your leadership skills alongside technical skills. Your resume should show how you gained more responsibility in previous related roles. Showcasing a progressive journey will tell hiring managers you are ready for the challenge of leasing a software engineering team.

   Consider a certificate in agile project management

Agile project management frameworks, often known as SCRUM, are popular with software engineers and their teams. This type of management allows teams to plan, structure, and manage work with an emphasis on communication and flexible reprioritization. A senior software engineer may need to use these principles to keep their team on the right track. Gaining a certification in SCRUM can help you stand out for a senior software engineer role.

Skills you can include on your Senior Software Engineer resume

Template 6 of 18: senior software engineer resume example.

It takes more than being skilled in different software to excel as a senior software engineer. You also need to convey that you can effectively lead a team that delivers positive results. This sample demonstrates the success they’ve had bringing individual success and managing a team that also succeeds.

   Shows growth in promotions

Recruiters love to see that your success led to achievement and promotion. If you’ve been promoted, describe that promotion, listing timelines and achievements leading up to it. An example found in this sample is “promoted within 18 months due to strong performance and organizational impact”.

   Strong senior software engineer skills

While it is key to list the skills you’re proficient at, you should list which skills you excel at. Did you achieve high marks for something complex? Were you in charge of a project that led to large profits? Elaborate on the skills used to accomplish these feats in your resume.

Template 7 of 18: Software Test Engineer Resume Example

As a software test engineer, you play a crucial role in ensuring the quality of software products. Your expertise in testing methodologies, as well as your ability to identify and resolve issues, are highly sought after by employers. In recent years, companies have been adopting agile development processes and incorporating automation tools in testing, making it even more important for you to stay up-to-date with these trends. When crafting your resume, it's essential to showcase your knowledge in these areas and demonstrate how you've contributed to successful projects in the past. A well-written resume for a software test engineer should highlight not only your technical abilities but also your ability to work effectively within a team. Employers are increasingly looking for candidates who can communicate well with both developers and other stakeholders, so be sure to emphasize your soft skills as well as your technical prowess.

Tips to help you write your Software Test Engineer resume in 2024

   highlight your testing methodologies.

As a software test engineer, it's crucial to showcase your understanding of different testing methodologies (like unit testing, integration testing, and system testing) and how you've applied them in your past experiences. Detail your approach to testing and any specific tools or frameworks you've used to carry out those tests.

   Showcase automation and scripting skills

Automation is becoming increasingly important in the software testing process, so it's essential to emphasize your skills in utilizing automation tools and scripting languages, such as Selenium, JUnit, or Python. Describe any projects where you've implemented automated testing solutions and how you've contributed to improving overall efficiency.

Skills you can include on your Software Test Engineer resume

Template 8 of 18: software test engineer resume example.

Software testing is different from the other similar job titles listed. Instead of building software, you’re testing it. This sample explains how they did various quality assurance tasks to find flaws and boost performance. Add your achievements in your experience to show that you know what to specifically look for when testing software.

   Numbers and metrics relevant to software test engineers

Because you’ll be testing numerous software to improve results, you need to provide metrics of your results. This sample does this by numerically explaining how much productivity and efficiency were increased.

   Emphasis on project management skills

Experience leading a team is necessary for this role. It’s also great for when you desire to level up within a company. This sample lists how effective team leadership led to satisfactory results. If you’re chasing a promotion, list some of your project management experience throughout your resume.

Template 9 of 18: Software Engineering Lead Resume Example

If you're a software engineer with a few years of experience under your belt, use a template like this one. It's simple, effective at highlighting our work experience, and minimizes the emphasis on the education section (the dates are omitted which is good to prevent ageism, especially if you graduated more than 10 years ago).

Tips to help you write your Software Engineering Lead resume in 2024

   resume summary highlights key accomplishments.

The first rule about including a resume summary is that it does not repeat accomplishments mentioned elsewhere on the resume. This resume stresses new software engineering and leadership skills right at the top of the resume, and includes an award too. If you include a summary, try to include a mix of both technical accomplishments (e.g. projects you developed or led), as well as career-related accomplishments (e.g. being promoted).

   Strong mix of relevant action verbs

Each bullet point starts with an action verb that stresses the skills relevant to the role. For example, action verbs like "Led", "Spearheaded", or "Launched" emphasize leadership.

Skills you can include on your Software Engineering Lead resume

Template 10 of 18: software engineer intern resume example.

This is an entry-level position. Tasks assigned to you may include coding, testing apps and patches, debugging, etc. While you may not have extensive software engineer experience, recruiters will expect to see that you are qualified as a software engineer. You can prove this by listing relevant certifications, tools, and degrees. Keep in mind that as an intern you will likely not be paid or may be paid a minimal amount.

Tips to help you write your Software Engineer Intern resume in 2024

   highlight the range of your capabilities..

Show recruiters that you will be an asset to the software engineering team by including the wide range of tasks that you have had experience completing.

   Work on expanding your toolset.

You may not be able to impress recruiters with your experience, but you can impress them by having an extensive tools list. So keep learning new relevant software and programs to add to your list. It’ll put you above your competitors and show recruiters your dedication to the industry.

Skills you can include on your Software Engineer Intern resume

Template 11 of 18: experienced software engineer resume example.

As the name indicates, this position calls for an applicant with extensive experience as a software engineer. Your tasks may include developing new software or apps, coding, creating patches, testing software, etc. As a senior in the department, you may also be put in charge of a team of more junior engineers. Managerial skills will also need to be shown if this is the case.

Tips to help you write your Experienced Software Engineer resume in 2024

   keep your tools section current..

Because you have had extensive and lengthy experience in the field, you may forget to update your tools section to incorporate new software, languages, and programs that have been developed. Remember to keep updating your tools list to reflect current industry standards.

   Highlight your managerial skills and successes.

This is a senior position so show recruiters that you would be a good team leader within the department. Mention if you have led teams before, the size of the teams you have led, and what success your teams have had under your leadership.

Skills you can include on your Experienced Software Engineer resume

Template 12 of 18: junior software engineer resume example.

A junior software engineer might be new to the industry or has had minimal experience. You will work under a senior software engineer or manager and will be given tasks like coding, testing, and fixing bugs, among others. Recruiters strongly prefer to see an educational background in software engineering or a similar field and expect you to be experienced using industry-standard tools.

Tips to help you write your Junior Software Engineer resume in 2024

   have a thorough skills list..

Your skills list can be used to impress recruiters where your experience section may not. Here you can list all software and languages you are skilled in under the tools section, and list the tasks you can complete. Make sure you keep updating this list.

   Show growth through promotions.

Recruiters will want to see a progression in your career up to this point. Showing promotions in your career indicates to recruiters that you are an exemplary employee that previous employers have felt was deserving of a promotion.

Skills you can include on your Junior Software Engineer resume

Template 13 of 18: principal software engineer resume example.

This position is the highest ranking software engineer position and there is usually only one principal software engineer in a company. In this position, you will oversee the entire software engineering department and so may find yourself spending more time managing and leading teams and projects, rather than doing the software engineering yourself. Regardless, recruiters will need to see that you are an expert at software engineering and that you have had a long and successful career.

Tips to help you write your Principal Software Engineer resume in 2024

   mention your style of leadership..

Recruiters will want to know if your leadership style fits in with the company’s ethos and culture. If you have a specific style, be sure to list it. This applicant uses Agile methodology to lead.

   Include extra communication skills.

If you speak any extra languages, be sure to include them. You may find it useful when applying to an international or multicultural company.

Skills you can include on your Principal Software Engineer resume

Template 14 of 18: mid-level software engineer resume example.

This position is also sometimes called a junior software engineer position. You may not have extensive experience coming into this role but you should have a strong software engineering educational background and skill set. You will be working under a senior software engineer or a principal software engineer.

Tips to help you write your Mid-Level Software Engineer resume in 2024

   use metrics to show you value addition..

All companies and recruiters are impressed by decreases in costs and increases in productivity, output, profit, and efficiency. Use metrics to show where your work has led to success in these areas.

   Get certification where possible.

Because you might not have a lot of experience, proving your skills may be the main way to impress recruiters. A way to prove your skills and put you above your competitors is to get certification in industry-standard software, especially new software.

Skills you can include on your Mid-Level Software Engineer resume

Template 15 of 18: software qa engineer resume example.

A software QA (Quality Assurance) engineer tests software to discover any points of weakness or defects. To do this you must be able to design test plans, carry out the tests, and properly report any bugs or defects you may come across. This position requires you to be thorough and creative when designing and enacting test plans.

Tips to help you write your Software QA Engineer resume in 2024

QA testers are tasked with finding anything that stops an app or software from not operating at its most efficient. If your testing led to an increase in response time or a decrease in launch time, this will be particularly impressive to recruiters. So include these successes with metrics of just how successful you were.

   Include any recognition and awards.

Show recruiters that your work stood out and earned you recognition in previous positions. It is an easy way to indicate your skill level and to present you as the best amongst your peers.

Skills you can include on your Software QA Engineer resume

Template 16 of 18: lead software engineer resume example.

A lead software engineer is tasked with developing, maintaining, testing and evaluating software. You may be assigned a team to manage and lead, and may also work directly with clients. Communication skills are therefore paramount. You also need to have an extensive background as a software engineer and an extensive skills list that at least covers industry standards. Take a look at this strong lead software engineer resume sample.

Tips to help you write your Lead Software Engineer resume in 2024

   highlight your leadership/managerial experience..

Tell recruiters the size of the teams you have led and what impressive progress your team made under your leadership. They need to trust that not only are you a good software engineer but that you can effectively lead a team of software engineers.

   Use software engineering keywords.

An easy way to indicate your level of expertise is to use software engineering keywords. It shows a good understanding of the industry. An assimilation of its keywords into your everyday communication can only come from extensive experience.

Skills you can include on your Lead Software Engineer resume

Template 17 of 18: software architect resume example.

A software architect is a software engineer in charge of designing software systems and programs. You will also be responsible for troubleshooting problems and finding software solutions. You need to have a strong software development background and a strong skill set. Take a look at this strong resume sample.

Tips to help you write your Software Architect resume in 2024

   have a focused technical skill set..

Focus your skill section on the skills most fundamental to your software architect tasks. This applicant has included skills like ‘integration’ and ‘software architectural design’.

   Show career progression in software development.

Show recruiters that you are exceptionally skilled and successful by showing promotions in your career. It will also show recruiters your dedication to your profession. This applicant started as a programmer and moved their way up to a software architect position.

Skills you can include on your Software Architect resume

Template 18 of 18: software architect resume example.

Software architects make high-level decisions for the software development process. They identify the project’s requirements and create an actionable plan to develop them. This includes designing the structure needed for the software and tools the team will use. That’s why you should highlight skills in your resume, such as systems design and databases.

   Indicate your knowledge of agile principles.

As a software architect, you will be responsible for supervising the entire software development process, so you need to work with a system that promotes productivity, such as Agile. Most employers might look for candidates with knowledge of Agile principles, so it’s important to mention this in your resume.

   Mention your experience with DevOps practices.

As a software architect, you may have to coordinate with both the development and operations teams, so some DevOps skills might be relevant for this position. DevOps practices will help you automate and integrate processes for the successful completion of the project.

As a career coach and hiring manager, I have worked with numerous software engineers to help them create resumes that stand out. I have also spoken with hiring managers at top tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon to gain insights into what they look for in software engineer resumes. Based on my experience and research, here are some essential tips for crafting a compelling software engineer resume that will catch the attention of recruiters and hiring managers.

   Highlight your technical skills and programming languages

Employers want to know what technical skills and programming languages you possess. Be sure to list them prominently on your resume, ideally in a separate 'Skills' section.

• Languages: Python (Expert), Java, C++ (Intermediate), and JavaScript (Familiar)
• Frameworks: React, Angular and Flask
• Databases: MySQL, MongoDB, PostgreSQL

Avoid simply listing generic skills or ones that are not relevant to the job you're applying for. Instead, tailor your skills section to the specific requirements mentioned in the job description.

   Quantify your achievements and impact

When describing your work experience, use metrics and numbers to quantify your achievements and the impact you made. This helps employers understand the scope and significance of your contributions.

• Worked on a team that developed a new mobile app
• Helped improve the performance of the company's website

Instead, provide specific details and numbers:

• Developed a mobile app that was downloaded by over 50,000 users in the first month of launch
• Optimized the company's website, reducing page load time by 40% and increasing user engagement by 25%

Using metrics makes your achievements more tangible and impressive to potential employers.

   Showcase your projects and provide links

As a software engineer, your projects are a crucial part of your resume. They demonstrate your practical skills and give employers a sense of the type of work you can do. When listing projects, provide a brief description of each one and highlight your role and contributions.

• Personal Blog - Created a responsive blog using React and Node.js, deployed on Heroku, and attracted over 1,000 monthly readers
• Collaborative Task Manager - Worked in a team of 4 to develop a task management web app using Vue.js and Firebase, implemented features such as user authentication and real-time updates

To make your projects even more impactful, include links to live demos, GitHub repositories, or blog posts that showcase your work. This allows employers to explore your projects in more depth and see your coding skills firsthand.

   Demonstrate your problem-solving abilities

Employers value software engineers who can solve complex problems efficiently. Use your resume to showcase your problem-solving skills by providing examples of challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

Faced with a performance bottleneck in a critical system, I profiled the code, identified the issue, and implemented a caching solution that reduced response times by 75% and allowed the system to handle 10x more traffic.

When describing problem-solving experiences, focus on the impact of your solutions and how they benefited the company or project. This demonstrates your ability to think critically and deliver results.

   Tailor your resume to the job description

One of the most important things you can do to make your resume stand out is to tailor it to the specific job you're applying for. Read the job description carefully and identify the key skills, technologies, and experience the employer is looking for.

For example, if the job description emphasizes experience with cloud platforms like AWS or Azure, make sure to highlight your relevant experience prominently on your resume.

• Deployed and managed a microservices architecture on AWS using EC2, S3, and Lambda
• Implemented CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps to automate build, test, and deployment processes

By tailoring your resume to the job description, you show employers that you have the specific skills and experience they are looking for, increasing your chances of getting an interview.

   Highlight your soft skills and teamwork abilities

While technical skills are essential for software engineers, employers also value soft skills and the ability to work well in a team. Use your resume to showcase your communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.

• Collaborated with cross-functional teams, including designers and product managers, to deliver high-quality features on time
• Mentored junior developers, providing guidance on coding best practices and helping them grow their skills
• Presented technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and alignment

By highlighting your soft skills, you demonstrate that you're not just a strong coder but also a valuable team member who can contribute to a positive work environment and drive successful projects.

Software engineering is an analytics-heavy profession. It’s going to involve many percentages, projects, and the use of different software. Hard skills are necessary to excel in this job. But software engineers need to be proficient at teamwork or team management. To succeed in a company project, you’ll need to gather all of the info necessary to get the job done. Recruiters want to see your resume communicate that you can use relevant skills for projects, and for helping others reach a common goal. To make your resume stand out against the competition, follow our suggestions:

  List your skills, then talk about them

This is a highly technical field. It’s not enough to just say that you know programs like Java, SQL, or CSS. You need to show that you know how to use them. How have you used different programs in your previous jobs? Did you use it in a large project? What did you accomplish, improve, or make more efficient? Think about these questions as you fill out the experience section of your resume.

   Don’t leave out metrics

As previously mentioned, it looks good if you talk about the things you accomplished or improved on in your previous job. But it makes your resume even stronger to have the numbers support your claims. If you were responsible for doing something that led to a “25% increase in annual revenue,” recruiters want to see that. It communicates how effective you are at using the tools you know. It also looks good to hiring managers when they see that you can possibly help the company earn money, reduce costs, increase productivity, or solve customer issues more effectively.

   Talk about every relevant achievement

Did you win an award on the job for your superior work? Were you promoted at any point? Did a team meet or exceed a goal under your leadership? Talk about it. If previous managers recognized your exceptional work, it’ll catch the eyes of hiring managers as well.

   Describe your projects

Even entry-level software engineers gain from talking about a project. That’s a way for you to demonstrate your project management skills. If you were in charge of --or started-- a project, then talk about it. Show recruiters that you can work with, or lead, a team to generate positive results.

Writing Your Software Engineer Resume: Section By Section

  header, 1. put your name front and center.

Your name should be the most prominent element in your resume header. Put it on its own line at the top, using a larger font size than the rest of your contact details.

Here's an example of how to format your name:

Avoid formatting your name like this:

• John Q. Smith, Software Engineer

Remember, your goal is to make it easy for hiring managers to remember your name and find your contact information quickly.

2. Include essential contact details

After your name, list your key contact details on a single line, separated by vertical lines or bullet points. Essential details to include are:

• Phone number
• Email address
• LinkedIn profile URL
• GitHub profile (optional but highly recommended for software engineers)

Here's an example of a well-formatted contact details line:

• 555-123-4567 | [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/johnsmith | github.com/johnsmith

Keep your email address professional, ideally [email protected] . Avoid outdated email providers like AOL or Hotmail that may make you seem out of touch.

3. Decide whether to include your location

In the past, job seekers were advised to always include their full address in their resume header. However, with the rise of remote work and privacy concerns, this is no longer necessary.

If you're applying for jobs in your local area and want to demonstrate that you're a local candidate, you can include your city and state, like this:

Seattle, WA

However, if you're open to relocating or primarily seeking remote software engineering roles, you can leave your location off your resume header entirely. This can help avoid any potential bias from employers who may prefer local candidates.

  Summary

A resume summary for a Software Engineer is an optional section that provides a brief overview of your professional experience, skills, and career goals. While a summary is not strictly necessary, it can be beneficial if you have extensive experience or are making a career change. However, avoid using an objective statement, as it is outdated and focuses on what you want rather than what you can offer the employer.

When crafting your summary, tailor it to the specific Software Engineer position you are targeting. Highlight your most relevant qualifications, technical skills, and achievements. Be concise and objective, using metrics to quantify your impact where possible.

To learn how to write an effective resume summary for your Software Engineer resume, or figure out if you need one, please read Software Engineer Resume Summary Examples , or Software Engineer Resume Objective Examples .

1. Emphasize your technical expertise

As a Software Engineer, your technical skills are your greatest asset. Use your summary to showcase your proficiency in programming languages, frameworks, and tools that are relevant to the position you are seeking. For example:

• Experienced Software Engineer with expertise in Java, Python, and C++, and a strong background in developing scalable web applications using Agile methodologies.
• Proficient in full-stack development using React, Node.js, and MongoDB, with a track record of delivering high-quality, maintainable code.

Avoid simply listing your skills without context, as it doesn't demonstrate how you've applied them in your work. Instead, tie your skills to specific projects or achievements to show their impact.

2. Highlight your problem-solving abilities

Software Engineers are often tasked with solving complex problems and finding innovative solutions. Use your summary to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to overcome challenges. For example:

• Creative problem-solver who developed a machine learning algorithm that improved product recommendation accuracy by 25%, resulting in increased user engagement and revenue.
• Collaborative team player with a proven ability to identify and resolve performance bottlenecks, optimizing application speed and scalability.

Avoid using generic phrases like "problem-solver" or "critical thinker" without providing concrete examples. Instead, use specific instances that showcase your ability to analyze problems and develop effective solutions.

3. Tailor your summary to the company and role

To make your summary more effective, customize it to the specific Software Engineer position and company you are targeting. Research the company's mission, values, and projects, and incorporate relevant keywords and phrases into your summary. For example:

Passionate Software Engineer with 5+ years of experience developing robust, scalable applications for the fintech industry. Skilled in Agile development, microservices architecture, and cloud computing using AWS. Seeking to leverage my expertise to contribute to [Company Name]'s mission of revolutionizing the way people manage their finances.

Avoid using a generic, one-size-fits-all summary that could apply to any Software Engineer position. Instead, tailor your content to demonstrate your fit for the specific role and company culture.

  Experience

Your work experience section is the heart of your software engineer resume. It's where you prove to employers that you have the technical skills and experience to excel in the role you're applying for. In this section, we'll cover what to focus on in your work experience section and share examples of how to make your achievements and contributions stand out.

1. Highlight your technical skills and tools

Employers want to see that you have hands-on experience with the programming languages, frameworks, and tools relevant to the job. Be specific about the technologies you've used in each role.

Instead of this:

• Developed software applications
• Worked on front-end and back-end code

Highlight your technical skills like this:

• Developed web applications using React, Node.js, and MongoDB
• Built RESTful APIs with Python and Django
• Implemented CI/CD pipelines using Jenkins and Docker

Not sure if your technical skills are coming through? Try Targeted Resume , which scans your resume against a job description and identifies missing skills and keywords that employers look for.

2. Quantify your impact with metrics

Numbers jump off the page and grab attention. Whenever possible, use metrics to quantify the impact of your work. Think about how you improved processes, optimized code, or contributed to business objectives.

Weak, vague bullets:

• Improved application performance
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams
• Managed project timelines

Impactful, quantified bullets:

• Reduced page load time by 40% by implementing lazy loading and code splitting
• Collaborated with product and design to ship new features that increased user engagement by 25%
• Delivered project under budget and 2 weeks ahead of schedule

If you don't have access to metrics, use numbers to provide a sense of scale, like the size of the codebase, user base, or team you worked with.

3. Showcase promotions and leadership

Career progression and leadership roles are strong signals to employers that you are a high performer. If you've been promoted, make it obvious by listing your different titles separately.

Software Engineer, ABC Corp Senior Software Engineer, ABC Corp Tech Lead, ABC Corp

Also highlight your leadership experience, whether that's mentoring junior developers, leading projects, or driving technical initiatives.

• Mentored 3 junior developers and onboarded 6 new hires
• Led a team of 5 engineers to rebuild the payment processing system
• Spearheaded the adoption of TypeScript across the organization

Make your promotions and job titles stand out by bolding them. Recruiters often scan for this to quickly assess your career trajectory.

4. Tailor your bullets to the job

Hiring managers look for candidates whose experience aligns closely with the job requirements. Review the job description and prioritize the projects, skills, and achievements on your resume that are most relevant.

For example, if you're applying for a front-end focused role, emphasize your experience with:

• JavaScript frameworks like React, Angular, Vue
• HTML, CSS, responsive web design
• Performance optimization, accessibility, cross-browser compatibility

If the job involves more back-end work, focus on your experience with:

• Server-side languages like Java, Python, Ruby
• Database management, SQL, NoSQL
• System design, scalability, security

Score My Resume is a helpful tool that analyzes your resume against 30+ key criteria, including how well your skills and experience match the job requirements. Get objective feedback to improve your resume's tailoring and relevance.

  Education

Your education section is an important part of your software engineer resume. It shows employers that you have the necessary background and training for the job. Here are some tips to help you write an effective education section:

1. Put your education section at the top if you're a recent graduate

If you graduated within the past few years, it's best to put your education section above your work experience. This is because your education is likely to be your strongest qualification at this stage in your career.

Here's an example of what your education section might look like:

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science University of California, Berkeley Graduated: May 2022 GPA: 3.8/4.0 Relevant Coursework: Data Structures, Algorithms, Software Engineering, Database Systems

2. Keep your education section concise if you have several years of experience

If you have several years of work experience, you can keep your education section short and to the point. Employers will be more interested in your professional accomplishments than your academic background.

Here are some examples of what not to include:

• Irrelevant coursework or projects
• High school education (unless it's your highest level of education)
• Outdated or non-accredited certifications

Instead, focus on your degree, university, and graduation year:

Master of Science in Software Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 2015

3. Include relevant certifications in your education section

If you have certifications that are relevant to software engineering, you can include them in your education section. This can help demonstrate your expertise and commitment to professional development.

Some examples of relevant certifications include:

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect
• Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
• Oracle Certified Java Programmer

Be sure to include the full name of the certification, the issuing organization, and the date you earned it.

Action Verbs For Software Engineer Resumes

The use of weak action verbs will hurt the overall strength of your resume. You don’t want to use generic verbs. You want to use ones that are complementary to the software skills you’ve used. Try not to overuse one action verb; variety helps keep your resume unique. If you’re not sure which action verbs to use, here’s a list of action verbs that are useful for software engineers.

• Conceptualized
• Architected
• Restructured
• Troubleshooted

For more related action verbs, visit Software Engineering Action Verbs .

For a full list of effective resume action verbs, visit Resume Action Verbs .

Action Verbs for Software Engineer Resumes

Skills for software engineer resumes.

To get your resume noticed, it needs to list skills that make you look like you’d be successful in the role. It’s equally important to talk about how you used these skills to succeed. If you want your resume to be seen, thoroughly read through the job description. Find keywords and hard skills in the description that you can use in your resume. Doing so will get your resume past ATS and in the hands of hiring managers. Here is a list of skills and keywords we’ve analyzed from job descriptions; use these to make your resume powerful.

• Software Development
• Agile Methodologies
• Cloud Computing
• Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
• Software Project Management
• Amazon Web Services (AWS)
• Enterprise Architecture
• Distributed Systems
• Software Architecture
• Microservices
• Software as a Service (SaaS)
• Web Services
• Integration
• Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA)
• Enterprise Software
• Technical Leadership

Skills Word Cloud For Software Engineer Resumes

This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Software Engineer job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more 'important' it is.

How to use these skills?

Resume bullet points from software engineer resumes.

You should use bullet points to describe your achievements in your Software Engineer resume. Here are sample bullet points to help you get started:

Designed and implemented 50+ E2E tests using Selenium & Protractor, simulating each user group's actions

Analyzed impact and effectiveness of in-app UI changes on customer retention; identified features of customer behavior and recommended additional menu modifications [R, MySQL, Chart JS]

Developed web scraping program in Python to help the firm download public data, including over 10,000 company descriptions and stock quotes, enriching internal data and increasing research efficiency by over 50%

Designed and implemented an automated system for processing employee timesheets, eliminating the need for manual handwritten timesheets and resulted in a 10/hr per week time saving

Led code review sessions with peers to present and analyze system designs; recommendations reduced defect creation rate by 35%

For more sample bullet points and details on how to write effective bullet points, see our articles on resume bullet points , how to quantify your resume and resume accomplishments .

Other Engineering Resumes

Product manager.

Sales Engineer

Software Engineer Resume Guide

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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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Software Engineer Resume: Examples, Tips, and More for 2024

Software engineers are highly sought after in the job market. Learn how to create your software engineer resume and stand out from the crowd.

Software engineers use their knowledge of programming languages and systems architecture to build software and applications for digital devices, such as mobile phones and personal computers. Today, software Engineers are increasingly important as more and more industries undergo digital transformations .  

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of jobs for software developers – including engineers – is projected to grow by 26 percent between 2022 and 2032, resulting in about 153,900 new job openings each year throughout [ 1 ]. That’s significantly higher than the projected number of new jobs for all occupations in the country, which the BLS puts at just 3 percent during the same period. 

Yet, just because software engineers are in high demand doesn’t mean that you should apply to job openings without preparing first. Many software engineering jobs can be competitive, so it’s important to put your best foot forward when applying for a new job. And, crafting a great resume is one of the best ways to do it. 

In this article, you’ll find three different examples of resumes for software engineer positions of varying levels. Afterward, you’ll explore tips to improve your resume and explore flexible online courses that can even help you expand your skill set today. 

Software engineer resume examples

Your resume is an opportunity for you to showcase your experience, achievements, and expertise to potential employers. What you choose to show employers will differ based on the precise software engineer job you’re applying to.  

Here, we break down three different resumes for software engineers, including one for interns, one for entry-level job seekers, and one for senior-level positions. Plus, to help you craft the best possible resume, you'll also find software engineer resume templates and examples for each job.

Software engineer intern resume

Internships can be a great way for students and recent graduates to explore what it’s like to be a software engineer in the real world. Typically lasting only a few months, internships can be found at large, established tech companies like Google or Microsoft or at smaller start-ups that may only have a handful of employees. 

Usually, companies want internship applicants to highlight their interest in the position or company, their knowledge of the field through relevant coursework, and any achievements or skills that are relevant to the position.

As an intern, your resume doesn’t need to be filled with years of experience but should instead clearly demonstrate your interest in developing into a future software engineer and what you’ve done so far to develop toward your goal.

Software engineer intern resume example

Why it works

This resume is simple, professional, and clearly demonstrates the applicant's preparedness for an internship as a software engineer. 

The statement of purpose at the top outlines their personal objectives, while their related coursework indicates they’ve taken classes that can prepare them for the role. Ana also haad some related experience as a research assistant in college and a tutor in high school. Best of all, they demonstrated their impact as a tutor by noting their student raised their grades by one letter. 

They’re also smart about what to include. Ana highlighted their education at the top, emphasized their technical and people skills at the bottom, and even described activities they’ve done that are relevant to the position. Ultimately, while they don’t have extensive professional experience, it’s clear that Ana demonstrated interest in the field and has done a lot to one day become a professional in the field. 

Read more: How to Write a Resume with No Experience: 5 Tips

Entry-level software engineer resume 

Entry-level software engineer positions provide a great opportunity for early career professionals or job switchers to gain experience in the field. Typically, employers don’t expect applicants to entry-level software engineer jobs to possess extensive previous work experience, but they do usually expect job applicants to have knowledge of certain programming languages , experience working with teams, and a degree in computer science or a related field. 

If you’re creating a resume for an entry-level software engineer position, read the job posting to identify the experience and skills you possess that overlap with the position. Highlight these on your resume. In some cases, you may not have direct experience in the field, but you may have a related experience that allows you to highlight your transferable skills . 

Finally, don’t be afraid to apply to entry-level jobs with extensive “job requirements,” as these usually just describe the ideal applicant rather than the most realistic one. In fact, many employers are still happy to hire those without the “perfect” background. 

Entry-level software engineer resume example

This junior software engineer resume guides the employer clearly through the job applicant’s purpose for applying, their related work experience, and their qualifications for the role. Unlike the internship resume, this one puts the education section lower because Adam has work experience that is directly related to the position that they want to highlight for their potential employer. 

Although the applicant doesn’t have extensive work experience, they have worked on personal projects and even participated in activities that relate to the role. Finally, they emphasize relevant skills at the bottom so that hiring managers can quickly identify what they bring to the table. All of these factors ensure that the resume plainly explains Adam’s overall preparedness for an entry-level software engineer job. 

Read more: The Job Seeker’s Guide to Entry-Level Software Engineer Jobs

Senior software engineer resume 

Once you’ve gained some real-world experience as a software engineer, you’ll be ready to apply to senior software engineering positions. Typically, these positions involve more responsibility and may even require you to oversee the work of other engineers. 

Typically, employers like to see job applications demonstrating previous work experience that aligns with the role and showcases that the applicant has a comprehensive understanding of programming languages and software best practices, and is comfortable taking on leadership roles. When reviewing your resume, they’ll be looking to see that you have the people skills, technical skills, and experience required to take on a position that requires additional responsibility, such as leading key projects and mentoring more junior engineers. 

Senior software engineer resume example

This resume for a senior software engineer position works because it very clearly explains the applicant’s previous work experience, their qualifications for the position, and the skills they bring to the job. Unlike the past two resumes, this one has an expanded work experience section, which Charly uses to explain the most relevant duties and responsibilities they performed at their previous positions. 

Furthermore, the applicant demonstrates their impact at their previous positions by specifically stating the number of software systems they developed in their former role (three), how many junior developers they’ve mentored (five), and the positive impact they had on the organization by optimizing existing code (a 65-percent increase). All of this information further reinforces Charly’s preparedness for the position and gives the employer a sense of how the applicant could help them in the future too.

Read more: What Are Leadership Skills, and Why Are They Important?

Software engineer resume tips 

Hiring managers often only look at resumes for seconds. In that span of time, you must effectively highlight that you have the experience, qualifications, and software engineering skills needed to meet the job requirements. That’s a lot to do in a short amount of time, but with some careful planning and intention-setting, it’s possible. 

Here are some tips to help you craft a software engineering resume that stands out from the crowd. 

1. Format it properly. 

Your resume should only span one to two pages and include a header with your contact information, such as your name, job title, phone number, and email address. You should also include sections to describe your work experience, educational background, and skills relevant to the position.

In some cases, you may also include a resume section to highlight any notable accomplishments or certifications, such as IBM’s Full Stack Software Developer Professional Certificate or Meta’s Back-End Developer Professional Certificate . 

In your work section, list your jobs in reverse chronological order and note your job title, employer, and the length of time that you worked at each position. Describe key responsibilities using three to five bullet points below each title.

Finally, use an easy-to-read font, such as Helvetica or Times New Roman, throughout your resume and cover letter. Use size 11 to 12 front in the body of your resume and slightly larger 14 to 16 size font for each resume section heading. 

Read more: How to Make a Resume: 2024 Resume Writing Guide

2. Tailor it to the job. 

Although many of the positions you will be applying for will undoubtedly have many similarities, they’ll also have important differences that truly matter to employers. Rather than sending out one generic resume, consequently, it’s best to tailor your resume to each job. 

To do it, read through the job posting and identify the duties that overlap with your previous work experience. Next, emphasize that experience on your resume so that hiring managers get a sense of your preparedness for the role. Finally, use the skills section of your resume to highlight any human and technical skills that you possess that are also described in the job listing, such as your leadership abilities or programming skills. 

You should also consider peppering specific keywords found in the job description throughout your cover letter, resume summary, work experience, and skills section. This can be a good way to get your resume noticed by the applicant tracking systems (ATS) used by many recruiters. 

Read more: Resume Keywords: How to Find the Right Words to Beat the ATS

What skills should you put in your software engineer resume skills section?

The software engineering skills that you put in the skills section of your resume will depend on the position to which you're applying. But, that said, there are some skills you might consider adding to your resume.

Some workplace skills (or "soft skills") that you might consider highlighting include emotional intelligence, communication , critical thinking , collaboration , and time management . Some technical skills that you might highlight, meanwhile, include data management, familiarity with Agile methodologies, and knowledge of programming languages like Python and C++ .

3. Use action words. 

Action words are verbs that describe your previous work experience in impactful terms. Rather than using run-of-the-mill verbs like led or oversaw , consider using more descriptive verbs like designed, managed, or initiated . These kinds of verbs can help hiring managers get a better sense of your impact elsewhere, so they can start to imagine the value you’ll add to your new position. 

Read more: 120 Resume Action Words to Optimize Your Next Job Search

4. Highlight your transferable skills. 

Whether we realize it or not, we use many different skills every day of our lives. When you’re applying for a job in a new field, you might consider highlighting the skills you honed elsewhere that could transfer over to the new role. These are called your transferable skills and can include everything from collaboration and teamwork to project management and statistical analysis .

5. Emphasize your credentials. 

It’s always a good idea to highlight any relevant educational training you may have undergone that has prepared you for a job as a software engineer. This can include any degrees you hold, continuing education courses you may have completed, or relevant certifications. 

Recent graduates who lack related work experience may also choose to highlight their educational training by moving their education section to the top of their resume, below their resume summary. 

Get job-ready with Coursera 

Software engineers are integral to creating the software and applications that power much of the world today. If you’re looking to start a career as a software engineer, consider taking a cost-effective online course on Coursera to build job-relevant skills and prepare for your next job search. 

In IBM’s Applied Software Engineering Fundamentals Specialization , you'll build the foundation of your career by gaining hands-on experience with Git, GitHub, Linux, and Python, and learning the fundamentals of Software Engineering in as little as two months.

In the State University of New York’s How to Write a Resume (Project-Centered Course) , you’ll review resume best practices and explore current trends with guidance from a professional career counselor and recruiter, as well as exchange structured feedback with your peers as you work to polish your own resume.

Article sources

1. US BLS. " Occupational Outlook Handbook: Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers , https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm." Accessed March 12, 2024.

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This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

Software Engineer Resume: Examples, Templates and Tips for 2024

by Hailey Brophy | Career Advice Expert

Last Updated: January 18, 2024

Table of contents

• Resume examples

More engineering resume examples

• Choosing the right resume format
• 5 steps to writing a software engineer resume
• Adding a cover letter
• Key takeaways
• Commonly asked questions about resume writing

As a software engineer, you’re a computer whiz. From learning programming languages to building software to writing documentation, you’ve got the programming skills to own the engineering process.

Writing code is up your alley, but writing a resume might not be. But don’t worry, resume writing is easier than you think. If you can write a program, learning how to write a resume will be a total cinch!

Follow the steps in this guide to write a software engineer resume that stands out from the competition.

This guide will show you:

• Example software engineer resumes for different levels of experience.
• What makes a great software engineer resume example.
• Proven strategies for writing a job-winning resume.
• What to include in each section of your software engineer resume.
• How to select the ideal resume format and design for the position.

To make a software engineer resume in a matter of minutes, check out our Resume Maker . In the builder, you can select a professional resume design, get proven job-winning guidance for each step of the resume-writing process and even use auto-generated text to fill out your first draft.

In the next section, we’ll review a couple of resume samples for applicants at different stages in their careers.

Software engineer resume examples

What makes this a great sample resume for a software engineer.

This sample software engineer resume showcases a candidate who focuses on her career goals and professional development in her resume objective, showing her desire and willingness to grow as she gains experience.

Because this is a resume for an entry-level software engineer, the candidate has chosen a functional resume format which focuses more on skills than experience.

Software engineer resumes should look appropriately modern, without distracting from the candidate’s professionalism. This example software engineer resume has the right balance of substance and style.

What makes this a great software engineer resume sample ?

Because this is a senior software engineer resume, the candidate wants to give his experience the most attention, allowing his strongest selling points to shine. A chronological resume allows for just that.

Numbers are a fantastic way of giving your accomplishments a sense of concrete impact. The numerical data in this candidate’s work history section shows the effect he’s had in previous roles.

Hard skills demonstrate this candidate’s expertise, but his soft skills show his aptitude. Both skills have their place as essential software engineer resume skills.

resumes made with Resume Now!

Looking for more engineering resume examples ? Check out our library of resume samples to help you get started.

Computer hardware engineer

GIS analyst

Project engineer

Project manager

Scada engineer

Choose a resume format for your software engineer resume

Resume formats refer to the way in which you organize your resume sections. Each format focuses on a different section to emphasize the applicant’s strengths. At different stages in your career, your ideal resume format will change.

There are three different resume formats successful job seekers use:

• Chronological : Highlights experience by focusing on the work history section. This is ideal for senior-level roles .
• Functional : Gives greater weight to the skills section, allowing applications to focus less on experience. This is the best format for applicants with little to no experience .
• Combination : Gives equal treatment to experience and skills, making it perfect for midcareer applicants .

Once you’ve picked the best resume format for you, take a look at our resume-formatting guide for tips on font size, spacing, margins and more.

Now that the basic layout of your resume is decided, let’s get to work on styling your resume.

Select an appropriate software engineer resume template

Your software engineer resume template will decide the visual design of your resume.

While resume templates come in many designs, a software engineer would benefit from choosing one that focuses on function over style. To organize your information and convey your programming skills a modern template is a great choice. The modern template is what we recommend for styling a senior software engineer resume. A simple template might be the way to go if you want a resume that sticks to the basics. This is a good starting place for styling an entry-level software engineer resume.

Once you’ve picked a software engineer resume template that feels like a good fit, it’s time to start writing!

How to write a software engineer resume in 5 simple steps

Writing a software engineer resume is as simple as following five steps. Let’s walk you through each one!

Study the software engineer job description

The best place to find out what to include on your resume is the job listing. Study the position to understand what your potential employer wants and needs from their ideal candidate. These are the traits that your resume should emphasize.

Keep an eye out for keywords from the listing that match your skills and background. Using keywords helps give your resume a leg up when the organization uses applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes for critical keywords. As long as you really have the skills that you list, picking keywords from the job listing helps your resume to stand up to ATS scrutiny.  

Write a professional summary or resume objective

Now that you’ve studied the job listing, it’s time to write your professional summary or resume objective. Both of these are opening sections for your resume where you introduce your qualifications and career goals. The differences between the two are subtle, but it’s still important to choose the right one for your experience level.

A professional summary offers a brief summary of your qualifications and accomplishments. Because it focuses on your career, it is the best resume profile choice for more experienced job seekers.

A resume objective summarizes your skills and career goals. A resume objective is great for applicants at the early stages of their careers because it doesn’t rely on previous experience. Instead, you can describe your eagerness to learn and contribute in future roles.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make a strong first impression with a concise professional summary or a software engineer resume objective, like in these examples.

Software engineer professional summary example:

Results-driven software engineer with seven years of experience in the design, development and implementation of high-quality software solutions. Adept at leveraging strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and troubleshoot complex technical issues, optimize performance and ensure the successful delivery of projects on time and within budget. Highly skilled in multiple programming languages and frameworks, including Java, Python, JavaScript and C++. Committed to staying current with the latest industry trends and technologies to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of clients.

Software engineer resume objective example :

Eager and motivated recent computer science graduate with a solid foundation in software development principles and one year of internship experience. Seeking to apply my programming skills and passion for learning in a software engineer role that offers opportunities for growth and professional development. Proficient in Python and C++, with hands-on experience in full-stack web development and Agile methodologies. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in team environments and adapt quickly to new technologies. Committed to developing as an engineer and a professional while contributing to a dynamic organization.

Highlight your most relevant software engineer skills

Now that you’ve introduced yourself, it’s time to work on the skills section of your software engineer resume.

Skills are one of the most important things to communicate on your resume. A software engineer needs advanced technical knowledge and exceptional hard skills , like programming and software architecture, as well as soft skills , like teamwork and time management.

Here’s a handy list of hard and soft skills for software engineer resumes.

Hard and soft skills for a software engineer resume

Here is an example of a strong software engineer skills section:

• Passionate programmer with a firm grasp on several programming languages including Python, JavaScript and Ruby.
• Collaborative team player with extensive experience in leadership roles.
• Dedicated to owning the software engineering process from project initiation to completion.

Write a strong software engineer work experience section

Unless your career is just getting started, the work history section of your resume is critical. Your resume’s most important job is to convey your experience and competencies in a format that is persuasive and easy to understand.

Here’s a sample software engineer resume experience section:

Software Engineer, Victory Web Consulting McKinney, TX November 2018 – December 2022

• Designed, developed and maintained high-quality software solutions for a diverse client base across various industries, resulting in a 95% client satisfaction rate.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to gather requirements, analyze user needs and translate them into technical specifications, ensuring seamless integration with existing systems.
• Utilized expertise in JavaScript and Python to create efficient and scalable applications, achieving a 20% reduction in development time and a 15% increase in overall system performance.
• Implemented Agile methodologies to streamline project workflows, improve collaboration and deliver projects on-time and within budget, contributing to a 10% increase in team productivity.
• Conducted thorough code reviews and unit testing to identify and resolve bugs, enhance code quality and maintain consistency with industry best practices.

Replace passive resume filler with action words to give your work experience section more impact. Active verbs give your resume a sense of confidence and forward motion.

Showcase your education and training on your software engineer resume

Your education and training are a crucial part of your career journey. That’s why you can’t skip writing an education section on your resume.

Most software engineers have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Different types of training may also be a part of your career history. Whether you’ve got a high school diploma and a certification from a coding bootcamp, or a master’s degree in computer science, use the education section of your resume to list your degrees and demonstrate your technical knowledge and willingness to learn.

How to list your software engineer education:

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science University of California, Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, CA Graduated: May 2017

Certifications:

• AWS Certified Professional Solutions Architect

Certifications lend credibility to your resume. As long as they are relevant to the job listing, include any certifications that you’ve earned.

Optional sections for your software engineer resume

Awards and certifications.

Your achievements show employers what you’re capable of. An optional section for awards and certifications is a great way to showcase them.

How to list certifications on your software engineer resume:

AWS Certified Professional Solutions Architect:  Earned for completing comprehensive training in Amazon Web Services Cloud.

Projects are a huge part of your software engineering career. While you might list some projects under work experience, it’s a good idea to give some of your most important projects their own space to shine.

How to list projects on your software engineer resume:

• Developed a comprehensive inventory management system for a retail client, streamlining the tracking and management of products across multiple store locations. The system featured a user-friendly interface, real-time inventory updates and automated reordering capabilities, resulting in a 25% reduction in stock discrepancies and a 20% increase in warehouse efficiency.
• Led a small team of developers to create an AI-powered customer support chatbot for an e-commerce website client, improving customer satisfaction and reducing response times. Utilized natural language processing and machine learning algorithms to understand user queries and provide accurate, context-specific responses, handling 60% of customer inquiries without human intervention.
• Collaborated with a group of developers to design and build a mobile fitness application that allowed users to track their workouts, set personal goals and monitor their progress over time. The app integrated with wearable devices and provided personalized exercise recommendations based on users’ fitness levels and preferences, attracting over 10,000 downloads within the first three months of launch.

As a software engineer, programming languages are your bread and butter, but you might be surprised by how helpful human languages can be for your resume. If you speak more than one language, this demonstrates learning abilities and superior communication skills. Use a languages section to list the languages you speak and your proficiency level.

How to list languages on your software engineer resume:

• Fluent in English and Japanese
• Proficient in Spanish and Italian

Interests and hobbies

Hobbies add character and individuality to your resume. It’s never a good idea to fill your resume with irrelevant information, but you might be surprised by how many hobbies and interests showcase skills that overlap with important career skills. Use the hobbies and interests section of your resume to provide some extra character while also drawing attention to your skills.

How to list interests and hobbies on your software engineer resume:

• Avid amateur game designer.
• Volunteer mentor for Kids That Code.
• Music and music theory enthusiast.

Add a cover letter

Now that your resume is finished, you may wonder how to give it the best chance of being read by recruiters. That’s where writing a cover letter comes in. After all that writing, adding a cover letter may seem like a pain, but it’s absolutely worth the effort and it’s much easier than you think!

Cover letters give you the chance to tie together everything that you’ve written in your resume. It also allows you to explain why your qualifications make you the perfect fit for the job at hand. It’s an opportunity that you don’t want to pass up.

Start by reviewing cover letter examples and our formatting guide to learn the basics about spacing, fonts and more.

If you’re still dreading the idea of doing more writing, use our Cover Letter Builder which simplifies the process with auto-generated text suggestions based on your work experience. These suggestions are completely customizable, so you can do as much or as little writing as you want to. Once you’re done, you can simply download your completed cover letter and you’re good to go!

Let’s touch on top takeaways before we wrap up.

Key takeaways for your software engineer resume

Applicant tracking systems can’t read a resume that is poorly formatted. Keep it simple and make use of resume keywords from the job listing to build a resume that is ATS-proof.

The format that you choose should be based on your career history. Pick a resume format that emphasizes your strengths and keeps your information organized and easy to digest.

Make sure that your resume is visually appealing without being too distracting. Choose an appropriate resume design for your desired software engineering role. A stylish but simple design is ideal to show professionalism and polish. Check out our software engineer sample resumes for help visualizing the perfect look for your resume.

Technical skills and more subtle soft skills both have an important role to play on your software engineer resume. Showcase a mix of both.

Resume filler does nothing but take up valuable space. Be intentional about everything you include on your resume. Pay attention to the job listing and only include information that is relevant to your desired position.

Action verbs and numerical data take your achievements from abstract to concrete. Use plenty of both to show the impact that your work has had on previous roles.

• Go above and beyond A cover letter is a big opportunity to demonstrate why you should get the job. Don’t waste this chance to explain your incredible software skills!

Frequently asked questions from job seekers

• How do I list references on a resume?
• How important is font size on a resume?
• How do I prepare for a phone interview?
• What are computer skills and why are they important?
• How do I list technical skills on my resume?
• What questions should I expect to answer in an interview?
• How do I prepare for an interview?
• What are core competencies and how do I list them on a resume?

Was this information helpful? Let us know!

Hailey Brophy

Hailey Brophy is an experienced writer with a diverse career in digital publication. She is passionate about using her unique skills and experiences to help job seekers find the information that they need to succeed.

Read more articles by Hailey Brophy

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Software Engineer Resume Examples & Templates

• 30% higher chance of getting a job
• 42% higher response rate from recruiters

Our customers have been hired at: * Foot Note

Software engineers are in demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this career has 25% projected growth during this decade. With 153,900 yearly job openings, you need a great software engineer resume to stand out.

With this guide and software engineer resume examples, you can update your current resume or start a brand new one to highlight your interpersonal skills , programming language expertise and impeccable documentation.

Start by editing this software engineer resume sample template or explore our 40+ resume templates to find the best one for you.

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Software engineer resume example (text version)

BROOK HOPKINS

City, State, Zip Code 000-000-0000 [email protected]

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Knowledgeable Software Engineer evaluates and integrates software throughout sales cycle to drive meaningful solutions and increase sales. Collaborates with developer team, project managers and salespeople to implement application designs supporting customer needs and technical challenges. Offers product training, testing and continuous improvement for cost-effectiveness and market leadership.

• Web-based software engineering
• Database programming
• Virtualization technologies
• Code reviews
• Software applications
• Database management software

WORK HISTORY

Lendios . Company Name, City, State Senior Software Engineer | 05/2017 – Current

• Tested troubleshooting methods, devised innovative solutions, and documented resolutions for inclusion in knowledge base for support team use.
• Worked with project managers, developers, quality assurance and customers to resolve technical issues.
• Built outstanding and dynamic team of software engineers and developers which significantly boosted overall success of organization.

Leidos . Company Name, City, State Software Engineer | 04/2013 – 03/2016

• Installed and configured software applications and tested solutions for effectiveness.
• Interfaced with cross-functional team of business analysts, developers and technical support professionals to determine comprehensive list of requirement specifications for new applications.

Scribe Technologies . Company Name, City, State Development Associate | 10/2006 – 02/2012

• Identified training needs and developed content while evaluating existing programs.

Bachelor of Science: Computer Engineering Technology, City, State

Important sections for a software engineer resume

Contact details.

Start with the basics: a bold header for your contact details. Include your full name, city, state and ZIP code, followed by phone number and email address. Finally, add your portfolio, Github or professional membership profile. If you have LinkedIn, you can include it here.

Personal statement

The professional summary of your software engineer resume is your introduction. In no more than five sentences, highlight your strongest job-relevant abilities. Include how long you’ve been in the industry, one or two professional accomplishments and your job-relevant skills. Always tailor this section to the software engineer job description. 

Software engineering is a highly technical field that requires a diverse set of skills. Your software engineer resume skills section should reflect what you bring to the table and how you work with others. 

Use hard skills , like debugging, testing and design, and soft skills , like time management and leadership. 

Include keywords from the software engineer job description to capture the hiring manager’s attention. If this is your first job as a software engineer, you can include transferable skills from other employment, training or school. 

Work history

Your work history, more than showing where you’ve worked, shows what you’ve accomplished. Tailor the software engineer job description for your resume to highlight accomplishments.

Start with your current or most recent position and include the employer’s name, dates worked and the location. If you’ve had more than one role within the same organization, list them separately. 

Under each role, include three bullet points with your quantifiable accomplishments, as seen on our software engineer resume example. 

If this is your first job, you can include other relevant work experience , like volunteer experiences, community services, professional projects and more. 

Your resume for a software engineer should have a complete education section, however that looks for you. Start with your highest degree and include the school’s name, degree and graduation date — if it was 10 years ago or less.

No degree? No problem! Include your high school and any other courses you’ve completed, like a boot camp or certification.

See why My Perfect Resume is a 5-star resume builder

Action words for a standout software engineer resume.

Action words add power to your work accomplishments. It helps present you as a proactive and results-oriented candidate.

Here’s a sample of action words for a software engineer resume:

Our Resume Builder can quickly build your resume with powerful action words. It also has expert content suggestions and professionally designed templates. See the finished product in our 800+ resume examples and create your perfect resume for a software engineer.

Top skills for a software engineer resume

Software engineers need a variety of programming, development and interpersonal skills. Build a balanced skills section using bullet points and include top skills for a software engineer resume. 

Your skills might include:

• Programming languages
• Frameworks and libraries
• Time management 
• Collaboration
• Foreign language and level of proficiency

Match your skills to those in the job description, and include other useful skills for the role and industry. 

Certifications for a software engineer resume

Software engineers who get certified can stand out from the competition in their area of expertise. 

These are a few examples of certifications you could get and include in your software engineer resume.

• MEAN Stack Development 
• Certified Professional in Web Development  
• Android Certified Professional (ACP) 
• iOS Certified Developer (ICD) 
• Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)
• Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD) 
• Certified Software Engineer (CSE) 
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) 
• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) 
• CompTIA A+  
• MTA: Software Development Fundamentals 

Remember to include the issuing organization and expiration date when you include a certification on your software engineer resume. 

Pair your resume with a matching cover letter

How do i make a good resume for a software engineer.

To make a good resume for a software engineer, focus on highlighting your technical skills and experience, as well as your education and work history. Here are some tips to follow:

• Start with a summary that highlights your hard and soft skills and relevant experience.
• List your technical skills and the programming languages, frameworks and tools you have experience with.
• Detail your work experience, including the projects you have worked on and the technologies you have used.
• Use numbers and metrics to quantify your achievements.
• Include your education and any relevant certifications or training.
• Showcase your soft skills, such as communication and problem-solving.
• Tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for.
•  Keep your resume concise and easy to read.
• Proofread and edit your resume carefully.

Follow these guidelines to create  your perfect software engineer resume.

How do I write an objective in a resume for a software engineer?

When writing a resume objective for a software engineer, keep it brief and focused. 

• Start with a strong opening statement that highlights your skills and experience as a software engineer.
• State your career goals and what you hope to achieve in your next position.
• Mention the specific skills and technologies you have experience working with.
• Emphasize the value you can bring to the company and how you can contribute to their success.
• Keep it short and to the point, ideally no more than three sentences.

What should my software engineer resume look like?

A resume must be legible and professional. It needs to fit in all your information and leave enough white space to guide the reader’s eyes through your skills and experience. We have a vast template collection you can choose from to build a professional and stylish resume. Our templates can pass the ATS-test to ensure your software engineer resume template gets to the hiring manager.

What format should a software engineer resume use?

There are three resume formats. Choose one according to your years of experience:

• The chronological resume format is great for candidates with 10+ years of experience, as it focuses on your work experience.
• The functional resume format works for candidates starting their career as it focuses on skills and abilities while downplaying any lack of experience.
• The combination resume format is ideal for candidates with three to nine years of experience. It balances the skills and experience sections.

Best practices for software engineer resumes

• Use measurable achievements to describe your software engineer resume skills and experience.
• Use action words to make an impact on your software engineer resume.
• Tailor your resume to your target software engineer job.
• Use keywords from the job description throughout your software engineer resume.
• Format your software engineer resume so that it’s easy to read by ATS software and human eyes.
• Lie about your software engineer experience and skills.
• Boast about your “incomparable” software engineer resume abilities.
• Include irrelevant personal information such as your ethnicity and age.
• Add skills and experience that do not pertain to a software engineer resume.
• Forget to proofread. A software engineer resume with errors is unprofessional and will be discarded.

Interview tips

Research the company before your interview..

Learn more about the company before your interview. Use their official website, the news and current or former employees you may know to delve deep into their work culture, niche, reputation and other relevant details that are good to know beforehand. This research will help you answer the manager’s questions regarding the specifics of the company and role, and help you formulate your own questions for the interview.

Practice at home.

Prepare for any scenario by practicing an interview with the help of a friend or relative. Start by reviewing the most common interview questions, such as: 

• Why Did You Choose This Career?
• What’s Your Experience with Suggesting Process Improvements ?
• When Have You Had to Make Work Decisions With Limited Information ?
• What Two or Three Things Are Most Important to You in Your Job?
• Tell Me About a Time When You Were Forced to Think on Your Feet .

Find other possible interview questions and an interview partner, someone whose feedback you trust. Do a mock interview with them and ask them for improvements on your answers and body language. This practice will prepare you for the big day and help your nerves. 

Be proactive and ask questions.

You are also interviewing the employer. Prepare at least three questions that will help you learn more about the company, the role and how this career move fits into your plans.

Start with these examples: 

• What specific technologies or programming languages do you use?
• What is the typical development process or methodology followed by the team?
• How do you handle code reviews and collaboration with other developers?
• Can you describe a recent project or challenge the team faced and how it was overcome?
• What opportunities are there for professional development and learning within the company?
• How are performance evaluations conducted and what metrics are used to evaluate success?
• What is the company’s approach to work-life balance and employee wellness?

Use open-ended questions and allow the interviewer to answer before moving on to the next one. You can bring a small notebook or piece of paper with your questions written down.

Also, remember that, as you progress in the interview process, you will eventually have to study for the practical final interview. Be sure to ask the interviewer what you can expect from any further interviews and how to best prepare for what’s to come.

Gather your references.

References are an important aspect of the job application process, as they provide potential employers with insight into your professional abilities and character. It’s a good idea to reach out to former managers, colleagues or mentors ahead of time to ask for their permission to use them as references. Let them know if they should expect a phone call or email. 

If this is your first full-time job as a software engineer, you can request a reference from a mentor or instructor, an individual that can vouch for your skills.

Cover letter examples for the next step in your computer software career

• Software Tester Cover Letter

CV examples for the next step in your computer software career

• Android Developer CV
• Devops Engineer CV
• Drupal Developer CV
• Video Game Developer CV
• Mobile Application Developer CV
• Performance Tester CV
• Programmer CV
• Ruby On Rails Developer CV
• SAS Programmer CV
• Sharepoint Developer CV
• Senior Software Developer CV
• Software Engineer CV
• SQL Developer CV
• Technical Assistant CV
• Test Manager CV

How we reviewed this article

Since 2013, we have helped more than 15 million job seekers. We want to make your career journey accessible and manageable through our services and Career Center’s how-to guides and tips. In our commitment to bring you a transparent process, we present our Editorial Process .

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers
• Pluralsight, Top Software Developer Certifications
• CareerFoundry, 10 of the Best Software Engineer Certification Courses Out There in 2024
• Springboard, Best Software Engineering Certifications [2024 Guide]
• Redline, 5 Key Skills You Need To Be a Software Engineer

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Engineer Resume Example

4.5/5 stars with 179 reviews

Kellie Hanna, CPRW

Career advice expert.

Kellie is a Certified Professional Resume Writer with 20+ years of experience in digital media and is passionate about helping job seekers navigate their careers. She earned a B.A. in English and writing from Temple University.

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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

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.

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.

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

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

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 Gergelova

Julia is a professional writer, translator and graphic designer. She holds degrees in translation and interpretation, and has international work experience from a number of different countries in Europe as well as China and Panama. Julia formerly taught academic writing and as a graphic designer contributed to outlets such as  The Business of Business . She has a passion for lifelong learning and good coffee.

Subcategories

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

All software engineering resume examples

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Software Engineer Resume Example, Tips & Tricks

No one should be surprised to learn that demand for software engineers is expected to increase over the coming decade. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 25% increase in job growth for these professionals through 2031. As a skilled coder, you can expect your skills to be in demand for many years to come, but just having those skills may not be enough to fuel your career journey. You’ll also need a Software Engineer resume that captivates prospective employers.

Transform your resume

To help you achieve that goal, we’ve created this “Software Engineer Resume Example, Tips & Tricks.” It contains key insights into the resume creation process and helpful tips that can assist you in highlighting your key competencies, experiences, and other qualifications. By using this guide, you can learn how to craft the compelling resume you need to make a great first impression and earn more interview opportunities.

Software Engineer Resume Example

How to write a resume.

It’s always a great idea to start with the basics when you’re learning how to create your Software Engineer resume. Of course, that means starting with the proper foundation to ensure that your resume delivers the right message to any potential employer. Let’s begin with some essential tips to get you started.

Use the correct format and structure

While you need compelling content in your Software Engineer resume, it is just as important to ensure hiring managers can easily find that information. That’s why it is so important to use the right format when you outline your resume. There are three basic formats that you can choose: reverse chronological, combination, and functional. Most employers prefer the reverse chronological since it presents information in a clear, chronological format that is easy to skim.

You will also need to use an organized structure if you want to create a resume that is easy to read. The best structure to use for your reverse chronological resume is one that separates your skills, experiences, and other qualifications into distinct sections identified by clear headings. Those sections should include:

Contact details like your full name, city and state, phone, email address, and the URL to your optimized LinkedIn profile 

Job title for the position you are trying to get

Summary or profile statement, which consists of one paragraph that summarizes your relevant skills, experiences, and unique value proposition

Core competencies should include hard technical skills as well as soft skills you use as a Software Engineer

Professional experience , with your positions listed in reverse chronological order and covering the previous 10 or 15 years of work

Education is where you list college degree, any continuing education, certifications, and coursework

Additional information like awards, industry recognition, public speaking, and specialized research

Create a winning summary statement

With its location just below your contact details, the summary statement may be the most critical part of your Software Engineer resume. Think of it as your unique elevator pitch – an opportunity to make a first impression on a hiring manager and convince them to continue reading your resume. A great summary statement should always be no more than three to five concise sentences that highlight your most important skills, experiences, and achievements. For example:

Solutions-focused software engineer with demonstrated success in architecting, developing, and delivering cutting-edge applications for diverse environments. Adept at analyzing and interpreting business requirements to develop robust solutions aligned with business user needs and expectations. Engaging communicator and collaborator; able to partner with cross-functional teams through all phases of development, prototyping, and deployment. Continually research and evaluate new technologies, concepts, and methods to maintain a competitive advantage.

Identify your most relevant experiences and skills

Before you can complete the professional experience and core competency sections of your Software Engineer resume, you must know which skills and accomplishments to include. To identify those details, you should examine the job posting and description to see what the employer has listed as key qualifications. To be considered for hire, your resume will usually need to highlight each of those requirements to demonstrate that you are the right person for the job.

Pay careful attention to the words that the company uses to describe any skill, educational achievement, or professional experience. More than likely, those words will be keywords and phrases that the hiring manager looks for when skimming your resume. More importantly, those words may be used by applicant tracking systems (ATS) , which many companies use to screen out applicants whose listed qualifications don’t meet the job post requirements.

Software Engineer resume example

Now that we’ve provided some critical insight and tips to help you get started, it might be helpful for you to see an illustration of just how all these elements can work together to create your resume. We have you covered there as well, with this example of an outstanding Software Engineer resume. Use it as a guide and template as you gather the relevant information you need and begin the process of crafting your resume.

Key hard & soft skills for a Software Engineer

When employers read a Software Engineer resume, they pay close attention to the skills highlighted on that document. They want to see that you have the technical knowledge and ability they’re looking for, including proficiency in programming, an analytical mind, and keen problem-solving skills. They also expect you to highlight your soft skills , too, such as creativity and the ability to collaborate in a team environment. Below are some of the most in-demand core competencies you can include in your resume.

Hard skills

Hard skills are specific technical abilities you need to fulfill the technical requirements of your job. They are typically obtained through formal training, education, and hands-on experience. For a Software Engineer, those hard skills may include:

Software programming in languages like Python, Java, C/C++, SQL

Software architecture

Object-oriented design

Testing and debugging

Performance tuning

Enterprise integration

Proficiency with platforms like Microsoft SQL Server, Linux, Oracle, JBoss, etc.

Soft skills

Soft skills are all those personal abilities and traits that you possess. Some soft skills develop naturally over time, while others can be improved through conscious effort. Though technical skills are often the first thing people think of when they reflect on a coder’s abilities, these professionals also need to possess a wide range of developed soft and interpersonal skills, such as:

Communication

Collaboration

Attention to detail

Team leadership

Critical thinking

Adaptability

Summary & last words

Before you even begin to craft your own resume, make sure you understand the vital role this document plays in any successful job search. It is your main marketing tool and your first and best opportunity to make a great and lasting first impression on any employer. If your resume is a substandard document that fails to capture a hiring manager’s imagination, you may never get the chance to interview for that job.

The good news is you don’t have to rely on the whims of chance to make the right first impression. By using our Software Engineer resume guide, tips & tricks, you can craft a more convincing narrative for prospective employers and increase your odds of landing an interview. That can help give you the confidence and peace of mind you need as you continue to advance your career.

Introduction to TopResume: Professional resume writers

Knowing how to create your own resume can provide invaluable benefits for your job search efforts. However, even that knowledge may not be enough to ensure you can successfully land the interviews you need. In a highly competitive field and labor market, you need every advantage you can get. Fortunately, the resume writers at TopResume are always here to provide the professional assistance you need to craft the best possible resume document.

Why you should make use of our resume writing services to land your next job as a Software Engineer

Our team of resume writers is passionate about creating resume narratives that speak directly to each employer’s unique hiring needs. We understand what Software Engineers need to highlight to capture an employer’s attention and work with you to ensure that your Software Engineer resume presents you as the most qualified and capable applicant for any position. And because our team is made up of people with deep knowledge of your industry, you can be confident that their expertise is second-to-none.

Resume writing service for Software Engineer: Let us write your resume

No matter how qualified you might be, you’ll always struggle to land your dream job if you can’t effectively convey those qualifications to prospective employers. When you partner with TopResume’s team of expert resume writers, you never have to worry about that again. By investing in our writing services and teaming up with one of our experienced resume writers, you can finally unleash your job search potential and begin to make your career dreams a reality. Contact us today !

Who are the TopResume writers?

Senior Resume Writer

4+ years of experience, bachelor of arts in humanities and classical studies.

Billie is a passionate writer whose mission is to write impactful resumes to support career growth, evolution, and transition targets. Billie’s love of the written word spans her entire life, and she enjoys utilizing that passion to empower successful career transitions.

10+ years of experience

Master of arts in english.

Traci has a Master of Arts in English and has been writing since middle school. After spending several years in marketing, she used her writing skills and corporate knowledge to help job seekers put their best foot forward and achieve their career goals.

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Bachelor of arts in english and business writing.

Jeremy has helped 6K+ clients gain the confidence to apply for and get their dream jobs. His educational background in English and business writing and dedication to supporting clients’ needs inspire him to deliver top-tier career support.

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Software Engineer Resume Examples For 2024 (20+ Skills & Templates)

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Looking to score a job as a Software Engineer?

You're going to need an awesome resume. This guide is your one-stop-shop for writing a job-winning Software Engineer resume using our proven strategies, skills, templates, and examples.

All of the content in this guide is based on data from coaching thousands of job seekers (just like you!) who went on to land offers at the world's best companies.

If you want to maximize your chances of landing that Software Engineer role, I recommend reading this piece from top to bottom. But if you're just looking for something specific, here's what's included in this guide:

• What To Know About Writing A Job-Winning Software Engineer Resume
• The Best Skills To Include On A Software Engineer Resume

How To Write A Job-Winning Software Engineer Resume Summary

How to write offer-winning software engineer resume bullets.

• 3 Software Engineer Resume Examples

The 8 Best Software Engineer Resume Templates

Here's the step-by-step breakdown:

Software Engineer Resume Overview: What To Know To Write A Resume That Wins More Job Offers

What do companies look for when they're hiring a Software Engineer?

Companies look for Software Engineers who are proficient in languages such as JavaScript, Python, or Java, with expertise in essential tools and frameworks.

Companies also seek candidates who can collaborate, solve problems, communicate well, and align with their values and tech interests.

Your resume should show the company that your personality and your experience encompass all these things.

Additionally, there are a few best practices you want to follow to write a job-winning Software Engineer resume:

• Customize your resume to the job description: Tailor your resume for each job application, matching your skills, experiences, and proficiency in programming languages and tools with the requirements of the software engineer role you have an eye on.
• Detail your previous experiences: Provide detailed information about your past experiences, emphasizing responsibilities related to software engineering.
• Quantify achievements and impact: Use specific metrics, such as the percentage of performance improvement, the number of lines of code written, or the successful completion of projects within deadlines.
• Showcase technical skills and tools: Clearly outline your technical skills, programming languages, and tools you are proficient in.
• Make it visually appealing: Use a clear and professional layout for easy reading. Maintain consistency in the font and formatting throughout and limit your resume to one or two pages.
• Use keywords:   Use a skills section to provide a quick overview and consider incorporating relevant keywords from the job description. This helps automated applicant tracking systems (ATS) identify your compatibility with the role and ensures your resume passes through initial screenings.
• Proofread your resume: Proofread your resume to eliminate errors (I recommend using the Hemingway App or Grammarly ). Also, if you want to make sure that your work is easy to understand and effective, it's always a good idea to ask for feedback from your colleagues or mentors!

Let's dive deeper into each of these so you have the exact blueprint you need to see success.

The Best Software Engineer Skills To Include On Your Resume

Keywords are one of the most important factors in your resume. They show employers that your skills align with the role and they also help format your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

If you're not familiar with ATS systems, they are pieces of software used by employers to manage job applications. They scan resumes for keywords and qualifications and make it easier for employers to filter and search for candidates whose qualifications match the role.

If you want to win more interviews and job offers, you need to have a keyword-optimized resume. There are two ways to find the right keywords:

1. Leverage The 20 Best Software Engineer Keywords

The first is to leverage our list of the best keywords and skills for a Software Engineer resume.

These keywords were selected from an analysis of real Software Engineer job descriptions sourced from actual job boards. Here they are:

• Development
• Engineering
• Computer Science
• Communications
• Communication
• Organization
• Team Member
• Verification
• Time Management
• Problem-Solving

2. Use ResyMatch.io To Find The Best Keywords That Are Specific To Your Resume And Target Role

The second method is the one I recommend because it's personalized to your specific resume and target job.

This process lets you find the exact keywords that your resume is missing when compared to the individual role you're applying for.

Here's how it works:

• Open a copy of your updated Software Engineer resume
• Open a copy of your target Software Engineer job description
• In the widget below, paste your resume on the left, paste the job description on the right, and hit scan!

ResyMatch is going to scan your resume and compare it to the target job description. It's going to show you the exact keywords and skills you're missing as well as share other feedback you can use to improve your resume.

If you're ready to get started, use the widget below to run your first scan and get your free resume score:

Copy/paste or upload your resume here:

Click here to paste text

Upload a PDF, Word Doc, or TXT File

Paste the job post's details here:

Scan to compare and score your resume vs the job's description.

Scanning...

And if you're a visual learner, here's a video walking through the entire process so you can follow along:

Employers spend an average of six seconds reading your resume.

If you want to win more interviews and offers, you need to make that time count. That starts with hitting the reader with the exact information they're looking for right at the top of your resume.

Unfortunately, traditional resume advice like Summaries and Objectives don't accomplish that goal. If you want to win in today's market, you need a modern approach. I like to use something I can a “Highlight Reel,” here's how it works.

Highlight Reels: A Proven Way To Start Your Resume And Win More Jobs

The Highlight Reel is exactly what it sounds like.

It's a section at the top of your resume that allows you to pick and choose the best and most relevant experience to feature right at the top of your resume.

It's essentially a highlight reel of your career as it relates to this specific role! I like to think about it as the SportsCenter Top 10 of your resume.

The Highlight Reel resume summary consists of 4 parts:

• A relevant section title that ties your experience to the role
• An introductory bullet that summarizes your experience and high-level value
• A few supporting “Case Study” bullets that illustrate specific results, projects, and relevant experience
• A closing “Extracurricular” bullet to round out your candidacy

For example, if we were writing a Highlight Reel for a Software Engineer role, it might look like this:

You can see how the first bullet includes the Software Engineer job title, the years of experience this candidate has, and it wraps up with a value-driven pitch for how they've helped companies in the past.

The next bullet is a “Case Study” of specific results they drove at their past experiences and the third one covers relevant skills for the role. The last bullet wraps up with a certification and additional skill set.

This candidate has provided all of the info any employer would want to see right at the very top of their resume! The best part is that they can customize this section for each and every role they apply for to maximize the relevance of their experience.

Here's one more example of a Software Engineer Highlight Reel:

The content of this example showcases the candidate's years of experience and wraps up the first bullet with a high-value pitch, while the following bullet points focus on measurable results. The final bullet point wraps up by mentioning their academic achievements.

If you want more details on writing a killer Highlight Reel, check out my full guide on Highlight Reels here.

Bullets make up the majority of the content in your resume. If you want to win, you need to know how to write bullets that are compelling and value-driven.

Unfortunately, way too many job seekers aren't good at this. They use fluffy, buzzword-fill language and they only talk about the actions that they took rather than the results and outcomes those actions created.

If you apply this framework to each of the bullets on your resume, you're going to make them more compelling and your value is going to be crystal clear to the reader. For example, take a look at these resume bullets:

❌ Responsible for building applications to help achieve company goals

✅ Software Engineer with 9+ years of proven experience leveraging React and PHP to build SaaS applications supporting 1M+ users

The second bullet makes the candidate's value  so much more clear, and it's a lot more fun to read! That's what we're going for here.

That said, it's one thing to look at the graphic above and try to apply the abstract concept of “35% hard skills” to your bullet. We wanted to make things easy, so we created a tool called ResyBullet.io that will actually give your resume bullet a score and show you how to improve it.

Using ResyBullet To Write Crazy Effective, Job-Winning Resume Bullets

ResyBullet takes our proprietary “resume bullet formula” and layers it into a tool that's super simple to use. Here's how it works:

• Head over to ResyBullet.io
• Copy a bullet from your resume and paste it into the tool, then hit “Analyze”
• ResyBullet will score your resume bullet and show you exactly what you need to improve
• You edit your bullet with the recommended changes and scan it again
• Rinse and repeat until you get a score of 60+
• Move on to the next bullet in your resume

Let's take a look at how this works for the two resume bullet examples I shared above:

First, we had, “Responsible for building applications to help achieve company goals”.

ResyBullet gave that a score of 25/100.  Not only is it too short, but it's missing relevant skills, compelling language, and measurable outcomes:

Now, let's take a look at our second bullet,  “Software Engineer with 9+ years of proven experience using Jira for agile project management, reducing project delivery time by 15%.”

ResyBullet gave that a 50/100. Much better! This bullet had more content focused on the experience in the Software Engineer role, while also highlighting measurable results:

Now all you have to do is run each of your bullets through ResyBullet, make the suggested updates, and your resume is going to be jam-packed with eye-popping, value-driven content!

If you're ready, grab a bullet from your resume, paste it into the widget below, and hit scan to get your first resume bullet score and analysis:

Free Resume Bullet Analyzer

Learn to write crazy effective resume bullets that grab attention, illustrate value, and actually get results., copy and paste your resume bullet to begin analysis:, 3 software engineer resume examples for 2023.

Now let's take a look at all of these best practices in action. Here are three resume examples for different situations from people with different backgrounds:

Software Engineer Resume Example #1: A Traditional Background

Software Engineer Resume Example #2: A Non-Traditional Background

For our second Software Engineer Resume Example, we have a candidate who has a non-traditional background in Sales. Here's an example of what their resume might look like:

Software Engineer Resume Example #3: Senior Software Engineer With A Master's Degree

For our third Software Engineer Resume Example, we have a candidate who has 14+ years of experience and a Master's Degree. Here's an example of what their resume might look like:

At this point, you know all of the basics you'll need to write a Software Engineer resume that wins you more interviews and offers. The only thing left is to take all of that information and apply it to a template that's going to help you get results.

We made that easy with our ResyBuild tool . It has 8 proven templates that were created with the help of recruiters and hiring managers at the world's best companies. These templates also bake in thousands of data points we have from the job seekers in our audience who have used them to land job offers.

Just click any of the templates below to start building your resume using proven, recruiter-approved templates:

Free Job-Winning Resume Templates, Build Yours In No Time .

Choose a resume template below to get started:.

Key Takeaways To Wrap Up Your Job-Winning Software Engineer Resume

You made it! We packed a lot of information into this post so I wanted to distill the key points for you and lay out next steps so you know exactly where to from here.

Here are the 5 steps for writing a job-winning Software Engineer resume:

• Start with a proven resume template from ResyBuild.io
• Use ResyMatch.io to find the right keywords and optimize your resume for each role you apply to
• Open your resume with a Highlight Reel to immediately grab your target employer's attention
• Use ResyBullet.io to craft compelling, value-driven bullets that pop off the page
• Compare the draft of your resume to the examples on this page to make sure you're on the right path
• Use a tool like HemingwayApp to proofread your resume before you submit it

If you follow those steps, you're going to be well on your way to landing more Software Engineer interviews and job offers.

Now that your resume is taken care of, check out my guide on how to get a job anywhere without applying online!

Paula Martins

Paula is Cultivated Culture's amazing Editor and Content Manager. Her background is in journalism and she's transitioned from roles in education, to tech, to finance, and more. She blends her journalism background with her job search experience to share advice aimed at helping people like you land jobs they love without applying online.

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Professional Software Engineer Resume Samples

The guide to resume tailoring.

Guide the recruiter to the conclusion that you are the best candidate for the professional software engineer job. It’s actually very simple. Tailor your resume by picking relevant responsibilities from the examples below and then add your accomplishments. This way, you can position yourself in the best way to get hired.

Craft your perfect resume by picking job responsibilities written by professional recruiters

Pick from the thousands of curated job responsibilities used by the leading companies, tailor your resume & cover letter with wording that best fits for each job you apply.

Create a Resume in Minutes with Professional Resume Templates

• Involve into designing and developing database, including design/redesign databases/schemas, create stored procedures, views, triggers
• Coordinate with front end application developers to complete application development from back end perspective
• Perform tuning of databases/schemas and PL/SQL statement for optimal performance
• Other assignments from Line Manager
• Involve into composing and training course related to Database
• Coordinate with client to review, design and implement databases
• Ability to integrate moderately complex hardware and software systems
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Leadership skills to assist less experienced personnel
• Organization skills to balance and prioritize work
• Communication skills to communicate system proposals to management and customers and provide systems diagnoses and resolution for current systems
• Interpersonal skills to interact with customers, senior level personnel, and team members
• Optional skills : J2EE, Web development concepts, LDAP,

15 Professional Software Engineer resume templates

Read our complete resume writing guides

How to tailor your resume, how to make a resume, how to mention achievements, work experience in resume, 50+ skills to put on a resume, how and why put hobbies, top 22 fonts for your resume, 50 best resume tips, 200+ action words to use, internship resume, killer resume summary, write a resume objective, what to put on a resume, how long should a resume be, the best resume format, how to list education, cv vs. resume: the difference, include contact information, resume format pdf vs word, how to write a student resume, professional software engineer resume examples & samples.

• Performs systems modeling, simulation and analysis to provide appropriate software solutions
• Provides input for documentation of new or existing programs to ensure information accessibility, as required
• Experience working with software design principles
• PLC ladder logic programming and control design
• 3+ years Rockwell RsLogix 5, 500 or 5000. Allen-Bradley PLC5. SLC500 or ControlLogix processors
• 2+ years Programming experience with a SCADA tool
• Candidate will work with a team of Factory Automation software engineers to develop and enhance control system software used to run shop floor machine tools
• The applications are typically used to control mechanical components on machine tools or provide data collection and analysis from control systems
• Experience with PLC Ladder Logic is important
• Familiarity with motion control or mechanical components is desired
• Codes, tests, debugs, implements, and documents programs. Assists in the modification of company products and/or customer/internal systems to meet the needs of the client and/or end-user
• Designs programs for projects or enhancements to existing programs
• Writes specifications for programs of low to moderate complexity
• Develops test plans to verify logic of new or modified programs. Identifies issues as appropriate
• Creates appropriate documentation in work assignments such as program code, and technical documentation
• The work location is Middletown, CT

Senior Professional Software Engineer Resume Examples & Samples

• Performs moderately complex systems modeling, simulation and analysis to provide appropriate software solutions
• Designs, develops, troubleshoots and analyzes software programs to ensure compatibility with hardware systems
• Customizes software based on research and customer needs as appropriate
• Coordinates and facilitates communications with other departments and/or commercial vendor(s) to investigate and resolve software matters of significance and to ensure proper functioning of systems
• Maintains communication with management and customers regarding status of software development and problems
• Acts as technical lead on large projects involving a particular software package(s)
• Provides the customer base with first level support
• Three or more years of experience in software engineering or operating systems programming
• Experience working with design and coding languages
• Experience working with computer hardware
• Good communication skills to interact with team members and senior support personnel
• Strong in .NET, C#, Webservice, WSDL, XSD, Web API, WCF, MVC4, ORM Framework (Entity or nHibernate), SQL server and MSMQ. SOA, IOC/Aspect Oriented programming
• UI development in .Net focused on web applications utilizing ASP.Net, C#, design patterns like MVC or MVVM, jQuery, as well a good understanding of server configuration of IIS required
• Strong in service layer development to include WCF, bindings, Web API, SAX and DOM Parsers and general web services architectures required
• Strong background and knowledge in Oracle/SQL Server Knowledge of design patterns that promote code reuse and maintainability is preferred
• Strong oral and written communication skills required
• 5+ years of experience in application development, multiple major project delivering of med-large scale projects/programs required
• Experience in travel industry, especially airline is a plus
• Agile Development experience a plus
• Strong project organizations skill, including prioritization, planning and organization required
• Assists in the research and analysis of existing systems and program requirements; assists in preparing documentation to change existing programs. Performs data analysis to support internal and external project needs
• Designs basic programs for projects or enhancements to existing programs
• Assists in resolving routine production support problems
• Assists in the completion of unit testing by preparing test data, running tests and evaluating results. Develops screen tests and debugging problems. Develops test plans to verify logic of new or modified programs
• Zero years of experience in programming or testing
• Personal computer and business solutions software skills
• Microsoft BizTalk 2013 - ESB Toolkit (7 yrs)
• .NET (4.0x or higher C#) - OData (WCF Data Services) and .NET - Web API (4 yrs)
• JSON / Rest / SOAP (4 yrs)
• Strong Analytical, Communication and client interaction skills
• Strong hands on experience in design and development processes and tools Should be a great team player and willing to learn quickly
• Knowledge of interfacing with SQL Server / Oracle 10g or higher
• Knowledge of IBM Data Power
• Knowledge of WebShpere MQ Exposure to Windows Identify Framework (WIF) / HAWK
• Designs and develops integrated solutions to meet business requirements or enhance performance
• Performs and evaluates cost analyses and vendor comparisons of software/hardware systems to ensure cost-effective and efficient operations and measures feasibility of various approaches and makes recommendations
• Analyzes potential systems investments and prepares supporting documentation for recommendation(s) to management and customers based on results of independent assessment of current and future performance, stability, and systems management/life cycle issues
• Provides escalated technical support to customers by handling systems-related issues; may provide on-call technical support telephonically and/or electronically
• Analyzes and resolves program support deficiencies and conducts testing to enhance performance
• Conducts moderately complex projects or phases of significant projects; coordinates the efforts of technical support staff in the performance of assigned projects
• Applies advanced methods, theories and research techniques and assists in the development, implementation and documentation of processes and procedures to ensure compliance with standard business practices. Develops and implements training tools and documentation
• Provides technical consultation on current and proposed systems to other organizations and clients
• Performs repairs, maintenance and upgrades of existing systems using solutions in accordance with standard operating procedures. Investigates and resolves matters of significance
• Bachelor's degree in systems engineering, computer science, management information systems, or related field preferred
• Four or more years of experience in systems engineering, software engineering, operating systems programming, or naval architecture
• Experience working with computer hardware, operating system software and desktop applications with a specific concentration in one or more areas
• Experience working with one or more structured programming languages
• Experience working with design principles and applications
• Overall 5+ years experience in IBM Websphere Adminstration
• 3+ years of Websphere 8.5.5
• Application Deployment Process, Application Troubleshooting
• Coordinate with multiple groups on identifying/fixing the issues
• Utilizes expertise of other team members and leverages other resources across the organization to develop and implement complex systems
• Coordinates with release management organization to control release of patches/upgrades to the application infrastructure
• 5+ years hands on experience with Installation, configuration,troubleshooting of EAP JBOSS 6.x and Weblogic 10.3.x
• 3+ years hand on experience on Installation & configuration of Apache webservers Experience in JDBC/JMS configuration and code deployment on WebLogic 10.3.x, EAP JBOSS 6.x servers
• Understanding and troubleshooting experience for J2EE Applications
• 5+ years hand on experience in troubleshooting and isolating performance and complex issues that are experienced within Middleware environments
• Perform Log analysis and provide root cause resolution -Document standard operation of systems in environment
• Provide technical support to business partners and system users following SLA guidance Liaison for team providing technical guidance -Perform analysis in preparation of patch and migrations
• Execute migration and shakeout procedures; typically on weekends
• Analyze, resolve, and co-ordinate technical problems with various platform teams -Experience in any Change Control tool is plus
• Maintain incident tickets and service request cases in a timely and efficient manner Preferred Skills
• Strong Unix Skills and knowledge of Unix Shell scripting Web server and Middleware (WebLogic 10.3.x, JBOSS 6.x/7.x, Apache 2.x)
• Understanding of Development on Java – Write Java Programs
• Experience working on Solaris and RedHat Linux. -Experience working in Operations / Production Support environment -
• Strong Problem Solving skills High level of interpersonal, communication (verbal and written) and negotiation skills
• Codes, tests, documents and implements programs according to the specifications provided
• Provides moderately complex to complex technical and production support to end-users
• Participates in and conducts peer reviews as needed
• Participates in creating unit and other test plans for assigned programming tasks
• Assists with analyzing and writing program specifications
• Assists in designing new programs of routine complexity and for basic enhancements to existing programs
• Recommends changes to client software based on information such as client feedback, language changes and new technology
• High school diploma or G.E.D
• Four or more years of programming or application development experience
• Experience working with relational databases to facilitate programming software
• Experience working with writing specifications
• 5+ years experience building scalable mobile applications on cloud platform such as Microsoft Azure or Amazon Web Services (AWS)
• Thorough understanding of Cloud Computing: virtualization technologies, Infrastructure as a Service, Platform as a Service and Software as a Service Cloud delivery models
• 3+ years experience in one or more programming or scripting languages such as Bash, Python, Ruby, PHP, and/or Java
• Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to work with individuals at all levels in the organization and strong relationship building abilities; excellent team building and leadership skills
• 5+ years development/solution architect experience
• Develop end-to-end proof of technology solutions that may include experimenting with cutting edge development and architecture tools, technologies and coding practices
• Assess and communicate the impacts, trade-offs, risks, costs, benefits and opportunities of IT solutions
• Experience in application development tasks, specifically, knowledge of the complete Software Development Life Cycle and Systems Architectures
• Ability to guide internal and external partners in strategy and project initiation, architecture, requirements analysis, design, project management and systems integration activities
• Lead the communication of projects and programs to team members and stakeholders
• Guide and mentor developers, testers, and/or analysts
• Strong personal computer and business solutions software skills
• Good communication skills to interact with team members and support personnel
• Basic leadership skills to guide and mentor the work of less experienced personnel
• Strong Technical skills - Application Engine, Peoplecode, SQR, BI Publisher , PeopleTools �
• Professional Peoplesoft NA American Payroll functional Knowledge. �
• Know how of Mainframe is Plus. �
• Very Good Ability to Analyze and communicate. �
• Demonstrated ability to Understand project scope and client expectations �
• Clear and effective communication is very Imp. Client will Interview So candidate should not have deviation from JD
• Good Communication Technical and NA payroll Knowledge is must

Professional, Software Engineer Resume Examples & Samples

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in a software engineering discipline
• Typcall has 1-3 years of experience in an applicable software development environment
• Driven to excel in areas of technical expertise
• Customer oriented: meet individual commitments, work with the team to achieve team commitments, respond to team/customer requests in a timely manner, willing to help
• Ability to focus on and solve problems, but with a willingness to ask for help when needed

Senior Professional, Software Engineer Resume Examples & Samples

• Experience building native mobile applications: iOS, Android or other development
• Experience with REST web service framework and JSON
• Understanding of SOLID principles of object oriented design
• Experience building web applications with C#, ASP.Net MVC, and Web API
• Familiarity with Microsoft technology stack
• Java development including web services
• HTML5/JavaScript/React Native application development experience
• UI Design experience
• Build our new generation video platform by tackling complex problems such as performance optimization, scalability, high availability and operational readiness
• Working in a cross-functional team you will be exposed to all of these aspects of software development and architecture
• You will evangelize best practices that ensure our platform remains operable and flexible, or work side by side with support team and architects on coming up with ways to improve incident response times, define SLAs and increase visibility into the performance of our software and infrastructure, and much more
• Very good command of C++, Java, Python or Go
• Solid experience building production services
• Experience with containerization technologies, preferably Docker
• 5+ years’ experience installing and configuring IBM Websphere
• Websphere Administrator
• Deployment, administration and operational support
• Application Troubleshooting
• Ability to lead projects and implement processes
• 5+ years experience with Linux-based development packages, specifically Python and Django, in addition to Java and Wintel-based development packages
• 5+ years experience working with IT Departments for large-scale, enterprise class, Fortune 500 organizations
• Preferred experience/exposure to aerospace manufacturing and or inspection data
• Understanding of Big-Data concepts a plus
• Ability to communicate highly technical issues, approaches, etc to functional/management and offer solutions to business problems
• Degree, Certification, Total Yrs of Experience
• Typically has 3-6 years experience in an applicable software development environment
• Proficient/competent to work on most phases of development within assigned technical discipline
• Willing to assist team members in areas of: manual testing, test automation, build improvements
• Customer oriented: meets individual commitments, works with the team to achieve team commitments, responds to requests in a timely manner, willing to help
• Ability to focus on and solve problems, with a willingness to ask for help when needed
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field preferred
• SQL Server or other relational database
• Three to five years of experience in an applicable software development environment
• Use skills as a seasoned, experienced professional to work on all phases of development within broadly assigned technical discipline
• Able to translate conceptual ideas into projects and tasks
• Bachelor's degree strongly preferred
• Five to eight years of experience in an applicable software development environment
• Able to translate business needs to technical requirements
• Driven to excel in areas of technical expertise and expand base of knowledge
• Business acumen to determine feasibility of customer requests
• Customer oriented: meets individual commitments, works with the team to achieve team commitments, responds to request in a timely manner, willing to help
• Coaching and teaching skills to mentor less experienced team members
• Two to five years of experience in an applicable software development environment
• Must have worked on rich-client web applications using AJAX programming with strong knowledge of HTML 5, XML, CSS, ASP.NET, JavaScript, C#, Visual Studio, and SQL Server
• Familiarity with ETL (extract, transform, and load) for large data sets preferred
• Familiarity with WebAPIs, oData, OpenID Connect, and oAuth2 are extremely valuable
• Comfortable with agile methodologies. We use Scrum for most of our projects
• Working knowledge of Real Estate Technology and RETS is a big plus
• Experience developing large, scalable, consumer facing applications
• This is an entry level position in the Software Engineering job family
• Specific course work/projects, related volunteer work experience a plus
• Able to evaluate, select and apply standard engineering techniques, processes and criteria in preparation of deliverables
• Willing to do whatever work is needed in order to help the team and the organization succeed: manual testing, test automation, build improvements
• Customer oriented: meet individual commitments, work with the team to achieve team commitments, complete tasks in a timely manner, willing to help
• Administer all database objects, including tables, views, indexes, packages, stored procedures
• Experience designing and developing high-performing, relational databases
• Experience with ETL processes, SSIS package development, deployment, and support
• Experience with business itelligence and data warehousing development lifecycle
• Ability and desire to thrive in a fast paced, agile, team environment
• Experience with enterprise data management, data standards ratification and enforcement
• Experience with OLAP cube concepts, dimensions, processing, performance tuning
• High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor's degree strongly preferred
• Five to eight years of experience with Java and object oriented programming
• Three or more years of experience writing enterprise software in a J2EE environment using JBoss, Tomcat, or WebLogic
• Three or more years of experience with servlets, JSP, XML, JQuery, JavaScript, JSON
• Three or more years of experience with database SQL and one or more RDMS such as MySQL, SQL Server, and Oracle
• XML, XSTL, JAXB/JAXP
• Spring framework, IoC, AOP, MVC, JPA, and Hibernate
• Strong understanding of architectural concepts and design patterns
• Strong understanding of web development performance issues
• Strong understanding of concurrency programming and threading issues
• Strong critical thinking skills and troubleshooting techniques for production operational issues
• Familiarity with Eclipse or IntelliJ, Maven, Subversion
• Familiarity with SOA, SOA concepts, and web services
• Familiarity with a Unix (Linux) environment
• Familiarity with Agile SCRUM
• Familiarity with CSS3, HTML5, UI Bootstrap, and AngularJS
• Ability to work with geographically dispersed team members
• 3 years experience Technologist with exposure to a variety of shop floor Manufacturing Applications, with a focus on Manufacturing, Machine Tool, or Robotics
• 3+ years experience in Machine Tool PLC and SCADA software programming
• 3 + years experience in Data collection and reporting
• Basic project management
• Must work onsite in Columbus, GA
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, MIS, or related discipline, or equivalent related experience
• Deep understanding of SOLID principles of object oriented design
• Experience building web applications, ideally on the Microsoft technology stack with C#, ASP.Net MVC, and Web API
• Proficiency in unit testing and TDD
• Experience designing and developing high performing, relational databases
• Experience with automated build systems and continuous integration/deployment
• REST / RESTful web service design and programming
• Experience with front-end frameworks such as AngularJS or knockout
• Familiarity with message queues or event bus technologies like RabbitMQ and NServiceBus
• Experience with NoSQL platforms, such as Redis and MongoDB

Related Job Titles

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• Resume Examples
• Entry-Level Software Engineer Resume Sample & Guide

Entry-Level Software Engineer Resume Sample & Guide

Our customers have been hired by:

Imagine standing at the doorstep of your dream job as an entry-level software engineer, but there's a twist. The door is locked, and the key is a flawless resume.

Fear not! In this article, we'll provide you with the tools and tips to build a resume that stands out like a well-crafted UI among clunky interfaces. So, let's start scripting your journey to success!

  This guide will show you: 

• An entry-level software resume example better than 9 out of 10 other resumes.
• How to write a junior software developer resume example that will land you more interviews.
• Tips and examples of how to put skills and achievements on an entry-level software resume.
• How to describe your experience on a junior software developer resume to get any job you want.

Want to save time and have your resume ready in 5 minutes? Try our resume builder. It’s fast and easy to use. Plus, you’ll get ready-made content to add with one click. See 20+ resume templates and create your resume here .

Sample resume made with our builder— See more resume samples here .

Applying for an internship? Check out our Software Engineering Intern Resume Sample & Guide .

For other examples, take a look at our other technical engineering related resume guides:

• Entry Level Resume
• Entry Level Web Developer Resume
• Junior Java Developer Resume
• Computer Engineering Resume
• Computer Science Internship Resume
• Information Technology (IT) Resume
• Entry-Level IT Resume
• Software Engineer Resume
• Senior Software Engineer Resume
• Best Resume Examples for All Professions

Sample Entry-Level Software Engineer Resume

Patricia Shaw

Entry-Level Software Developer

[email protected]

267-279-2329

Motivated software engineering graduate from the Rochester Institute of Technology with 6 months experience in software development. IEEE Computer Society Merwin Scholarship winner in 2018. Seeking to use proven skills in JavaScript and project management via JIRA to meet business needs at GFC Inc. 

2016-2019, B.Sc. in Software Engineering

Rochester Institute of Technology, New York

• Pursued my passion for software structures through six advanced electives in software systems, architecture, and modeling.
• Member of the RIT Women in Computing and Society of Software Engineers student organizations.
• Article “Why Android is Better Than You Think” was published in TIR SEE newsletter.

Work Experience

Fryction Inc.

March-Oct 2018

• Assisted in maintenance of software for engineering applications.
• Analyzed user needs and proposed design software solutions to meet them.
• Supporting testing operating systems-level software and filed 150+ upgrade and bug fix reports.
• Committed code to GIT/SVN and created 75+ code reviews.
• Creative thinking
• Analytical thinking
• Web programming
• Operating systems software
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• French (Advanced, C2)
• German (Basic, A2)

Hobbies and Interests

• Weekend computer class volunteer at local YMCA.
• Manage web and software engineering blog called “Cup of Java”.

Now, this is how to write a job-winning entry level software engineer resume :

1. Structure Your Entry-Level Software Engineer Resume Template Properly

You’re a software engineer— you create software from scratch and make it work. You know that without the proper structuring, you’re just waiting for an “oops, an error has occurred and we need to shut down” to happen. Don’t let that happen to your resume.

Here’s how to format an entry-level software engineer resume :

• Layou t: use the reverse-chronological format .
• Subheadings: clear resume section titles make it easy to find everything in a flash.
• Fonts : go for modern, legible fonts . Use 12 pt for the text and 14-16 pt for section titles. 
• Margins : keep a 1” resume margin on all sides of the page.
• Line spacing : stick to 1.15 or single line spacing.
• Sections : leave plenty of white space to make it easy to read.
• Filetype : save as a PDF unless the job ad says otherwise.

Here’s a quick outline of what your resume should include from start to finish:

• Header : include relevant contact information .
• Introduction : a short paragraph explaining how you’re perfect for the software engineering job.
• Work experience : history of your past job duties and achievements.
• Education : brief description of educational history.
• Skills : concise list of the most job-related abilities.
• Extra sections : to round it out, such as certifications, awards, languages, etc.

Want an expert hack on resume writing? Don’t start off with the top.

Instead, write out the sections that you can complete quickly and with little effort, such as your education section and job experience. Later loop back to the top with a firm grasp of your potential and worth.

So without further ado, let’s move to your work history section.

Read more : How to Format a Resume

2. Start With an Entry Level Software Engineer Work Experience Section

According to the BLS, software engineer jobs are expected to grow much faster than average (21%!) for the next decade. With great job growth comes great competition. And let’s face it, there are going to be candidates more experienced or skilled than you at any level in the game.

So how do you make sure that your work experience section gives the hiring manager that nice tingly sensation even if you’re only an entry-level candidate?

We’ll show you.

Here’s the best method for creating an entry-level software engineer resume description of your job history:

• Use the reverse-chronological layout, beginning with your most recent position first.
• Add your job title , the company’s name and location, and the dates you worked for each entry.
• Use up to 6 bullet points detailing your job responsibilities.
• Always tailor your resume to personalize it to the entry-level software engineer job requirements.
• Include quantifiable achievements to show the recruiter that you’ve got coding in your blood.
• To make your entry level software engineer description for resumes more impactful, use the PAR (Problem-Action-Result) formula.
• Start each entry with power verbs to be most effective.
• There are no resumes with no experience . Come up with  relevant experience  you got through projects  (esp. programming projects ), freelance work , and relevant coursework .

Enough theory. Let’s run this and see what happens— 

Entry-Level Software Engineer Resume Job Description

You don’t need an error message to see that the bad resume example needs a major update. Could you imagine how software would run with code that vague? That right example though. You can be sure that the hiring manager will <mark> that up with a smile.

But hold on a nanosecond, what if I don’t have any job experience in software engineering or any at all? Don’t get your terabytes all in a twist. You can still show the hiring manager that you’ve got the skills and potential needed to give you a shot.

Entry-Level Software Engineer Resume Examples (With No Experience)

The right example shows that little experience can still go a long way if demonstrated properly. The skills and drive needed for an entry-level software engineer are there and the recruiter will surely give that candidate a call.

The wrong example? <del>

Pro Tip : If you’re really a super noob in the experience department, mention GitHub projects you’ve been involved in to show that you weren’t slacking.

When making a resume in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check . Start building a  professional resume template here for free .

When you’re done, our online resume builder will score your resume and our resume checker will tell you exactly how to make it better.

Read more:  Writing an Amazing Resume Job Description

3. Highlight Your Education on a Junior Software Developer Resume

For most entry-level candidates, their education section will be the most solid part of their resume. In fact, it can be the section that gets you that dream interview. You might be thinking that it’s “just a degree”, it probably means little when compared to candidates with work experience.

Use your education to your advantage by demonstrating that you didn’t just go to classes and get a degree like some out-of-date robot. First list the dates you studied, the name of the school, and the degree you acquired (including majors and minors ). Next, dive deeper into academic career and find school examples that prove you have the skills the employer is looking for.

Entry-Level Software Engineer Education Sample

Here are some more experience points that will help you level up your entry-level software engineering education section:

• Latin honors
• Dean’s List
• Studying abroad
• Type of degree
• Relevant coursework
• Extracurricular activities

Pro Tip : If you’re writing a recent college grad resume or have very little professional experience as a junior software developer consider putting your education section above your work experience section. This will help show your greatest strengths first.

Read more:  How to Put Your Education on a Resume

4. List Entry-Level Software Engineer Skills Relevant to the Role You’re After

Time pressure is an obvious challenge in software engineering. It’s the same with recruiting. Hiring managers don’t have time to go ctrl+f your skills. In fact, they actually use software to do that for them—the applicant tracking system (ATS). It’s what sorts candidates into the “have”s and “have not”s.

You know as well as anyone that software is not open to discussion and second opinions, so you need to know how to add resume keywords that’ll make you light up the system. Here’s how to do just that:

• Build a master list of all the job skills you have: soft skills and hard skills , technical skills , computer skills , and any other relevant skills.
• Pick the skills that are most relevant to the job ad and add them to your entry-level software engineer resume. Don’t leave them just hanging there—make sure you prove these skills through your work experience and education.

Here are some of the most common entry-level software engineering skills for your resume:

Entry-Level Software Engineer Skills List for a Resume

• Java, .NET, SQL, C++, C#, JavaScript, Scala, Ruby
• iOS, Android
• Web development
• Open source experience
• Programming languages
• Data analysis
• Software design and testing
• Critical thinking
• Problem-solving skills
• Organizational skills
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Time management

So what would that look like on your resume? Here’s an example:

Sample Skills for an Entry-Level Software Developer Resume

Pro Tip : If you feel your skills are lacking or just want to one up the competition, scour the internet for the multitude of free IT courses available. EdX and Udemy are a couple of examples, but be sure to check out open courses online offered by big name schools too. In the ever evolving world of tech , stay up to date.

Read more: Skills for Jobs in Any Sector

5. Show Don’t Tell: Add Extra Sections to Your Entry-Level Software Engineer Resume

Employers are constantly scratching their heads over how to help software developers be more productive. Show them that you can make that challenge so much simpler by highlighting different extras that make you stand out from the copy-paste crowd and show you have what it takes to get the job done.

Pull out the unique elements out of your array of experience and add them as extra sections in your entry-level software engineering resume:

• Call it languages skills , projects , certifications , achievements or awards , hobbies , volunteer work , or whatever else you think might be beneficial.
• Make the recruiter read these sections and say “I need this candidate more than a system upgrade!”

Have a look at this example to get your creative code up and running:

Entry-Level Software Engineer Resume: Additional Sections Example

Certifications

• Professional Program Certificate in Virtual Reality (VR) App Development
• Attended Genetec F Sharp Workshop

Affiliations

• Ecsess: Electrical, Computer, and Software Engineering Student Society
• Society of Women Engineers

Languages  

• Spanish—C2
• German—A2

Pro Tip : Have a bunch of extra courses or certifications in IT and software development? Add them in a separate section in your resume, so they don’t get lost like a random comma in JavaScript.

Read more: What to Include on a Resume

6. Compile the Best Bits Into an Entry-Level Software Engineer Resume Objective

Okay, we’re getting close to the closing tag of your resume. This may be the last part you’re going to write, but it’ll definitely be one of the most important—the resume profile . 

A resume profile is as known as a resume summary or a resume objective. It’s a concise paragraph that you put at the top of your resume to explain why you’re the candidate for the role. You can kind of think of it like an elevator pitch for your job application.

As an entry-level software developer, pick the resume objective since it’s job is to bring your skills and knowledge to the forefront to show you’re a valuable hire. Here’s how to write your resume objective:

• Read through your resume, look for the data that stands out and is relevant to the position.
• Pick 2–3 top achievements and skills from your work experience/skills/education sections.
• Construct your resume objective using the following formula: Adjective + Job Title + Years of Experience + Achievements + Skills + What You Want to Do for the Employer

Here are a few examples of entry level software engineer resume objective to show you the ropes:

That wrong example—the computer says no. That right example, on the other hand, demonstrates to the hiring manager that they are in for a great UX. 

Read more: How to Start a Resume

7. Write a Resume Cover Letter to Add to YOUR Junior Software Developer Resume

This shouldn’t be breaking news— cover letters are still necessary , even for an entry-level software engineer. According to HR statistics , more than 50% of hiring managers won’t even give your application the time of day without a cover letter.

Write your entry-level software engineer cover letter using the following tips:

• Use a sleek, professional cover letter format and get your cover letter structure right.
• Start your cover letter with a strong “hook”.
• Demonstrate how your experience is the company’s future success when thinking about what your cover letter should say .
• End your cover letter with an offer and a compelling call to action.

You’re not writing the history of coding, make sure your cover letter length is just right.

Pro Tip : Don’t include remuneration expectations in your cover letter unless you’re asked too. The recruiter may treat it as malware. 

Read more: How to Write a Software Engineer Cover Letter

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here.  Here's what it may look like:

See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Recap—Entry-Level Software Engineer Resume in a Nutshell

Here’s how to write an entry-level software developer resume that will be redirecting all the others:

• Start with writing up your experience in powerful bullet points that highlight your relevant duties and accomplishments.
• Make a meaningful education section. Choose the things that are relevant to the position and required skill set.
• Pick out your strongest skills that the employer is looking for and list them in a separate experience section.
• Make your entry-level software engineer resume unique by adding several extra sections like certifications, hobbies and interests, or knowledge of foreign languages.
• Write a captivating introduction to your resume that’ll pique the hiring manager’s interest from the start.
• Format your resume for an entry-level software engineer to make it look professional.
• Write an entry-level software engineering resume cover letter to underline your motivations and highlight your strengths.

That’s it! Now you’ve got a download of everything you need to write a perfect entry-level software engineer resume.

Do you have tips or thoughts about making a killer entry-level software engineer resume? Let us know down in the comments below!

About Zety’s Editorial Process

This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines . We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.

• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm
• https://arxiv.org/pdf/1901.05771.pdf
• https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/494e/91cca437cb791e5955c82d1899002e5272e2.pdf

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Microsoft Software Engineer Resume for 2024 [Example & Template]

Home Blog Web Development Microsoft Software Engineer Resume for 2024 [Example & Template]

The demand for software engineers has been high in the past decade. This means that plenty of opportunities are available for professionals with efficient skills. As someone who specializes in software engineering, I think you need to create the best resume before you can apply for these job roles. This is especially relevant when applying to globally renowned technology companies like Microsoft. But I will tell you this: just because you know how to build server-side applications or develop cloud solutions does not mean you will be considered for interviews with such tech giants. That is why you must create a Microsoft software engineer resume that meets the needs of the company. In this guide, I will provide detailed tips and tricks for creating a standout resume. I will also highlight how to draft a Microsoft software engineer cover letter to complement your application.

You may also check these Software Engineering courses for beginners to grab job opportunities.

Resume Format - Microsoft Software Engineer

The Microsoft software engineer resume format should stand out among the crowd when you apply for a job position. That is why I have curated some key points that you must remember when preparing a resume for a Microsoft software engineer .

A. Create a Solid Microsoft Software Engineer Resume Structure/Template

Let me start by suggesting some critical sections that you must add to your Microsoft software engineer CV. These include

• A header with contact details
• Portfolio or essential social media profiles
• An experience section
• Your technical and social abilities
• An education and certificate section

Here is a sample Microsoft software engineer resume structure that can help you draft your document.

I have attached another Microsoft software engineer resume template in PDF format so you can understand how to create a Microsoft software engineer resume.

B. Work Experience Section

The work experience section is the most important part of a Microsoft software engineer resume. I have curated the things to keep in mind when working on the work experience section.

• Your work experience should always be in reverse chronological order.
• Every entry should include your job title, the start and end dates, company name, and location.
• Be sure to list accomplishments and job duties.
• Use numbers and metrics to make your accomplishments stand out, if necessary.

Here is an example of a work experience sample.

What if You Don’t Have Work Experience?

I recommend adding any skills in the job application you may have picked up during your days at an educational institute or as an intern in some organization. You can also highlight your documentation, like a Web Development certificate .

Here is a sample fresher Microsoft software engineer resume for your reference.

C. Contact Information

Make sure you are listing the following must-include information in your contact information on the Microsoft software engineer resume:

• Phone Number
• Email Address

D. Add Your Education

What you include in the education section of your Microsoft software engineer resume is based on several things. It usually depends on whether you are applying for an entry-level software engineering role or a more senior role.

The following image is the best example.

E. Include Microsoft Software Engineer Skills Tailored to the Job

A software engineer has multiple roles, which is why I advise adding some important skills according to your job. These include:

• Experience in Programming Languages
• System Design and Algorithmic Skills
• Cloud Computing
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Skills

F. Summary or Objective

Adding a sentence or two of summary or objective to the Microsoft software engineer resume is important. It enables the hiring managers to get a quick glimpse of the candidate.

Here is a sample:

G. Use Action Words to Strengthen Your Resume

Action words or verbs always help bring your resume to life by painting a picture for the hiring committee and affirming your skills.

Here are some action verb examples:

H. Add Extra Sections to Your Resume

Extra sections can always help you stand out among other candidates. This usually includes adding:

• Awards and Certification: These help showcase all your professional achievements.
• Languages: Proficiency in multiple languages showcases your versatility across various regions.
• Interests & Hobbies: They provide a glimpse into your personality. This further contributes to an efficient and engaging profile.

I. Write a Microsoft Software Engineer Cover Letter

A cover letter serves as a complement to your resume. It helps you to showcase your skills, knowledge, and your personality as a candidate. I have included a sample cover letter for your reference.

Best Practices to Make Your Resume Easy to Scan

Your Microsoft software engineer resume should not only be simple and straightforward but also ATS-friendly. To ensure your resume is easily scannable across all organizations, including Microsoft, I have listed the best practices in the form of do’s and don’ts below:

Microsoft Software Engineer Resume Example/Sample

A Microsoft software developer plays a crucial role in shaping technologies across organizations, with their contributions often impacting the functionality and user experience of various products and services. Now, let me provide you with some samples of Microsoft software developer resumes based on different levels of expertise.

Your career in software engineering will start by enrolling yourself as an intern across different organizations, including Microsoft.

Download this Software Engineer intern resume PDF link for your reference.

1. Entry-Level Resume

Even with limited experience as a fresh professional entering the software development field, you can still draft a perfect, fresher Microsoft software engineer resume that grabs the attention of the hiring committee. The best part is that you can apply to different roles as an entry-level software engineer across organizations, including Microsoft.

Meanwhile, I have curated this entry-level resume PDF link that you can check to prepare your CV accordingly.

2. Senior Software Developer Resume

A senior software developer's resume is unique and utterly different from the one you draft as an intern or an entry-level professional. You must highlight your educational qualifications, experience, and projects in detail when writing a senior software developer resume.

Here is a sample senior software engineer resume PDF link for your reference.

Top 10 Skills for a Microsoft Software Engineer Resume

Check out these top 10 skills you can add to your Microsoft software engineer resume:

• Communication: This can help in receiving all kinds of information and discussing issues openly.
• Adaptability: It can help you adapt to new methods and techniques.
• Troubleshooting: These capabilities can help identify problems in systems. This helps in developing appropriate resolution mechanisms.
• Collaboration:  You have to interact with other professionals and help them do their job as a software engineer working at Microsoft.
• Empathy: It showcases your ability to sympathize with other people. This can help you comprehend other individual's emotions and feelings.
• Programming Languages: You must know languages that act as a communication method between several software elements. These, in turn, allow an application to function efficiently.
• Object-oriented Programming: This popular software engineering approach is for large applications. Most of them have several functions and methods.
• Testing and Debugging:  You must know these two procedures that always help ensure that a particular software application performs its duties.
• Database Knowledge: You should have extensive knowledge of databases as a software engineer. These databases help explore, collect, and extract data across different systems.
• Source Control: This process includes managing changes to codes. The process is important for testing and debugging software development tools .

The field of software engineering is evolving, and the demand for these professionals is increasing across different sectors. Microsoft, being a tech giant, frequently has requirements for such professionals at senior or entry-level positions. However, as mentioned earlier, drafting a Microsoft software engineer resume is not everyone’s cup of tea. That is why you can take reference from the samples and example templates that I have added in this article to draft a fresh resume that will grab the attention of the management.

Now, what else do you need apart from a well-written resume? My answer would be relevant certifications that help you gain more skills as a software engineer. I recommend KnowledgeHut's Software Engineering courses for beginners . These courses can assist you when starting your career in software engineering and development.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Several certifications can prove useful for your Microsoft software engineer resume. Certifications are typically based on your specific field of work, credentials, and job opportunities. However, some of the more common ones you can include in your CV are a Web Development certificate and other documents related to software engineering or development courses.

Include jobs that equal or exceed your work experience as a software engineer. Each of your projects should demonstrate new skills or knowledge in a specific technical or soft skill area. However, under ‘work experience,’ avoid repeating skills or experiences you have already listed.

A bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field can add to your qualification in the Microsoft software engineer resume. For specific job opportunities, the tech giant's hiring committee may also require a master's degree. Ensure that you have programming skills and knowledge of various programming languages and that you have a formal education.

Sachin Bhatnagar

With 20+ yrs of industry experience in media, entertainment and web tech, Sachin brings expertise in hands-on training and developing forward-thinking, industry-centric curricula. 30k+ students have enrolled in his tech courses.

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