As a software engineer, your job is to ensure programs function in a way that’s both user-friendly and efficient. Your software engineer resume must convey your understanding of the computer science principles and programming languages required to develop and maintain software. This guide provides strategies to help you create a resume that shows you have the ability to excel and evolve amidst the constant change of the tech industry.
Key takeaways:
Software engineering is a field that values clarity and precision, and your resume should reflect that. A modern template will serve you well and provide a clean, easy-to-read outline for your work history. Ensure your software engineer resume includes the following sections:
At the top of your resume, display your full name in a big and bold manner, and follow it up with all the essentials. List your phone number, email address, and city of residence. You can also include links to your LinkedIn or GitHub profile pages to show off your connections and open-source collaborations.
Your Name
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
City, State Abbreviation Zip Code
LinkedIn | Portfolio
A strong resume profile will highlight the most compelling aspects of your software engineering career. This short paragraph condenses all the need-to-know information at the top of the page, like a meta description for an HTML document. Include your job title and years of experience, followed by a few specializations that align with the job description.
Focus on incorporating keywords and relevant qualifications into this section. For example, if you know the organization works within cloud environments, then highlight your expertise in deploying and managing applications in the cloud. You could also list any certifications you might have for common cloud environments like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Azure, or Google Cloud.
Seasoned senior software engineer and Certified ScrumMaster with more than a decade of experience in software development. Solid foundation in multiple programming languages and operating systems. Leads cross-functional teams with agile methodologies to reduce product development cycle times. Focused on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to boost end-user productivity.
Resourceful junior software engineer with a strong education in computer science and over two years in the field. Translates complex software ideas into user-centric features. Full-stack expertise with demonstrated ability in optimization and migration. Excels in a fast-paced environment, achieving timely project delivery through automation.
The professional experience section should provide examples of the value you can bring to employers by highlighting what you’ve accomplished as a software engineer. Starting with your most recent job first, use bullet points to briefly outline your main responsibilities and a few notable achievements.
Show hiring managers what they can expect if they were to hire you. You can do this by describing times you’ve used the same or similar programming languages as those mentioned in the job ad. Discuss your coding skills, software proficiencies, and team collaboration in action. When you can, use numbers to bring measurable value to your engineering work.
Senior Software Engineer, Adobe, San Francisco, CA
June 2021 – present
Junior Software Engineer, Synergy IT, Chicago, IL
August 2022 – present
Quantify your duties and accomplishments to bring clarity and concrete evidence to your professional software engineer experience section. Numbers can easily transform vague descriptions into impactful data, effectively illustrating your past contributions. This strategy can help set you apart and show you’ve taken the time to calculate your success for the reader.
Although a resume is an overview of your unique work history, it must speak to the needs of the employer you want to work for. You can incorporate target keywords from the job description into your software engineer resume to stand out from other applicants.
For example, suppose a company is looking for someone with experience in database systems. In that case, your resume should demonstrate an ability to write and optimize complex SQL queries. You would discuss times you did things like optimizing existing databases or managing data migration projects, prioritizing those experiences relevant to the job.
Even without any official hours as a paid software engineer, you can still prove your ability to create apps, websites, and systems. If you have an educational background in computer science or engineering, highlight this vital training toward the top of your resume. Also, discuss any internships, externships, and bootcamps you’ve attended.
When listing your experiences, recount any personal projects or those you’ve done for friends. While you may not have been paid for this work, these examples provide hiring managers with an idea of how you’ve used transferable skills in the real world. They want to see the steps you’ve taken to develop your knowledge of programming languages and practice interpersonal skills.
A good majority of software engineer opportunities will require a four-year degree, often in majors like computer science, engineering, or software development. Regardless of your level of education or the job requirements, list your highest degree first and all the relevant details, such as the degree name, school name, and attendance dates.
Additionally, if you’ve obtained certifications to enhance your knowledge and skill set, include those as well. For example, if you specialize in database design, you would benefit from including something like a Certified Internet Web Professional (CIW) credential, while a cloud expert could stand out with an Oracle certification.
Template:
[Degree Name]
[School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Graduation Year]
Example:
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Computer Science
DePaul University, Chicago, IL | September 2017 – June 2021
Template:
[Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
Example:
Oracle Database SQL Certified Associate, Oracle University, 2022
A key skills list is a great place to incorporate target keywords into your resume. To build this list effectively, consider the requirements of the engineering job you’re applying for. This will include a mixture of technical and soft skills that prove your proficiency in programming languages and an ability to work on a team. Explore the list below to get familiar with the skills hiring managers are looking for in a software engineer resume:
Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
---|---|
AI technology | Algorithm design |
Cloud computing (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) | Containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) |
Continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) | Database management (MySQL, SQL, XML) |
Data structures | DevOps |
Front-end development | Machine learning |
Mobile development | Programming languages (Python, Java, C#) |
Software architecture design | System design |
Test-driven development | Web frameworks (Django, Flask, React) |
If you want to level up your software engineer resume, use action verbs, especially in the professional experience section. These powerful words emphasize the active role you had in past positions. You can easily turn a daily task into an accomplishment with the help of action verbs. Consider using the words below to describe your work history:
Action Verbs | |
---|---|
Automated | Built |
Collaborated | Engineered |
Debugged | Designed |
Developed | Implemented |
Integrated | Managed |
Optimized | Programmed |
Resolved | Tested |
Selecting the right template will ensure a positive UX when hiring managers read your resume. Your resume should be easy to read and navigate, so opt for a clean, modern style. Look for a design with well-structured headers and space for bulleted lists. Avoid overly complex layouts with tables or graphics that can distract from your resume content.
James Miller
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
City, State Abbreviation zip code
LinkedIn | Portfolio
Experienced software engineer with a six-year background in cloud computing and DevOps practices. Proven track record of automating deployment processes, enhancing system reliability, and collaborating effectively in cross-functional teams. Seeking a senior-level role to contribute technical expertise and leadership in cloud-based environments.
DevOps Engineer, CloudTech Solutions Inc., Seattle, WA
February 2020 – present
Software Engineer, Innovative Software Solutions, San Francisco, CA
July 2017 – January 2020
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Computer Science, September 2013 – June 2017
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Employment for software engineering and development professionals is expected to grow by an impressive 25% between 2022 and 2032. It’s an exciting time to be in tech. From robotics to automation, new jobs are on the rise each year by the thousands. Even with an increase in demand, a well-tailored resume is vital to landing your dream software engineering job.
Although the field is projected to see an abundance of opportunities, competition can still be tough. Start by analyzing the job description of the role you’re applying for and match up your own skills and experience. Then, make an effort to align your resume accordingly, adjusting sections to better speak to that company’s needs.
It’s not about copying the job ad word-for-word or exaggerating your background, but acknowledging the unique requirements for each position. For instance, if the role requires proficiency in front-end development, emphasize your most relevant experience in user design.
Merging the strengths of the chronological and functional formats, a combination resume is a great choice for software engineers. In such a skill-driven field, emphasizing your unique technical abilities works to your advantage with this format. It also includes a comprehensive overview of your work history so far, clearly outlining your growth within the tech industry.
Wouldn’t it be nice to attach a README file to your resume so you can further explain the nuances of your career? You can easily do that by including a cover letter with your application. It’s your chance to explain why you’re the perfect software engineer for the job and how your experience makes you uniquely qualified.
ResumeTemplates offers free, HR approved resume templates to help you create a professional resume in minutes. Choose from several template options and even pre-populate a resume from your profile.