Software Engineer Resume Example & Writing Guide

Software engineers are the driving force behind some of the world’s most innovative technology. They’re the people who create the programs and systems that allow us to shop online, bank from home, play games, and so much more. Software engineers are tasked with building great user experiences that are both intuitive and engaging.

As a software engineer, you may work on web applications or mobile apps. You might create systems that manage data or work with databases. You could help create an organization’s identity or its branding. Or you might work on something completely different! There are so many different types of software engineers and so many different types of jobs available in the industry.

Here’s some tips and an example to help you write a fantastic software engineer resume that will get you noticed by recruiters.

How to Write a Software Engineer Resume

Here’s how to write a software engineer resume of your own.

Write Compelling Bullet Points

Bullet points are the most important part of your resume because they’re the first thing recruiters and hiring managers will see. And they’re the best way to showcase your experience and qualifications.

So it’s important to use them to their full potential. And that means using them to describe your responsibilities and achievements. So rather than saying you “developed software,” you could say you “developed software to automate inventory management system, resulting in a 10% increase in inventory turnover rate.”

The second bullet point is much more specific and provides more detail about what exactly you did and the results of your work.

Related: What Is a Software Engineer? How to Become One

Identify and Include Relevant Keywords

When you apply for a software engineer role, your resume is likely to be scanned by an applicant tracking system (ATS) for certain keywords. ATS programs rank resumes based on how many relevant keywords are found. If your resume doesn’t have the right keywords, your application might not make it past the initial screening process.

The best way to identify the right keywords is to read through the job posting and take note of the terms that are used most frequently. You can also use a keyword analysis tool like The Work

Showcase Your Technical Skills

As a software engineer, you are responsible for developing and maintaining software applications. As such, you need to be proficient in a variety of programming languages and tools. Some of the most common programming languages used in software engineering are Java, Python, C++, and C#. In addition, you should be familiar with various software development frameworks, such as Spring, Hibernate, and AngularJS.

Additionally, you need to be proficient in using various software development tools, such as Eclipse, IntelliJ, and Git. Familiarity with database technologies, such as MySQL, Oracle, and MongoDB, is also important.

Related: How Much Does a Software Engineer Make?

Remember The Basics

As you’re writing your resume, you’ll want to keep a few basic guidelines in mind.

Create Scannable Sections

There are a few things you can do to make your resume more readable and skimmable for potential employers. First, use left-aligned text, a standard font type and size, and bullets instead of paragraphs to list your experiences. You should also use all-caps and bold sparingly, and keep your bullets to no more than two lines. Additionally, you can include some white space on the page to make the document easier to scan.

Be Concise

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how long a resume should be. However, most experts agree that a resume should be succinct and easy to read, with no more than one or two pages of information. For recent graduates or those with less than five to eight years of experience, a one-page resume is typically best. For those with more experience, a two-page resume may be more appropriate. When trimming down a resume, focus on removing irrelevant information and streamlining the content.

Check Your Work

Proofreading your resume is important in order to make sure it looks professional and error-free. Spell checking is a must, as are punctuation and grammar checks. It is also helpful to have someone else proofread your resume for you, as they may catch mistakes that you have missed. Beware of easily confused words, and make sure that your tense is consistent throughout the resume.

Consider Including a Summary

A resume summary statement can be an extremely useful way to introduce yourself to potential employers and market yourself effectively. By detailing your skills, experience, and goals succinctly, you can make a strong first impression and show that you have what it takes to excel in the role you’re applying for. If you’re having trouble summarizing your experience, try focusing on your best skills or traits, and think about what you’d like to do next. A well-crafted summary can help you to stand out from the competition and show that you’re a viable candidate for the job.

Related Resume Examples

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• Software Developer
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• Database Administrator
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