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Programmer Resume Examples for 2024 (Also for Entry-Level)

You know how to program, test, and debug. You basically dream in code. But the recruiter doesn't know you from a spambot. Use this programming resume example to prove your worth.

Tom Gerencer, CPRW
Career Writer at ResumeLab
Programmer Resume Examples for 2024 (Also for Entry-Level)

Writing a programmer resume is no joke.

There are 1,800 fewer programming jobs each year. In other words?

Your iceberg’s shrinking.

Plus, you’re up against millions of other applicants from all over the world.

It’s terrifying, but—

A well-developed programming resume stands out like Ken Silverman in a mob of luddites.

In this guide you'll find:

  • A programmer resume example better than most.
  • How to write a computer programming resume they’ll notice.
  • How to compose the perfect programmer job description for resumes.
  • Why you can’t just list programming skills (and what to do instead).

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The programming job market is shrinking. But other coding jobs are growing fast. See these computer programming resume guides:

Trying to put programmer on a resume? Coming into programming from another job? Try this guide: Resume for a Career Change

Haven't found what you're looking for? Check all our Resume Examples.

Programmer Resume Example You Can Copy and Use

Carl Vera

Java Programmer

Personal Info

Phone: 352-895-7805

E-mail: carlzvera@gmail.com

www.carlvera.com

stackoverflow.com/users/338122/carlzvera

linkedin.com/in/carlzvera

twitter.com/carlzvera

Summary

Prolific Java programmer with 4+ years of experience and strong history of RESTful and JSP programming. Seeking to deliver efficient programming for OddPointer. At Laurel Barrie Financial, programmed an average of 10+ native Java apps per year, beating deadlines by 15%. Cut testing time by 20% and onboarded 12 programmers.

Experience

Java Programmer

Laurel Barrie Financial, Gainesville, FL

2016–2019

  • Developed 10+ native Java applications per year with integrated BI tools. Beat deadlines for jobs by 15% on average.
  • Led team of 2 Java programmers in project to improve product testing efficiency. Slashed time to test by 20%.
  • Collaborated with 10 Java programmers to exceed KPIs by 10%.
  • Onboarded and trained 12 Java programmers. Retrained 3 lagging new hires through regular coaching, raising their KPIs 50%.

Junior Java Programmer

BadCode Software

2015–2016

  • Assisted with development of 3 native Java applications.
  • Collaborated to help slash security risk by 30% through automation.
  • Worked with senior Java programmers to complete jobs 15% ahead of schedule with 98% client satisfaction scores.

Education

BS Computer Science, University of Miami

2010–2014

  • Maintained 4.0 GPA in Java programming classes.
  • VP of student Java programming group.
  • Made instruction video on JSP with 65,000 views.

Java Projects

Investistar

Freelance Project, 2014

Wrote a Java-based Android stock tracker that was downloaded 2,500+ times with a 4.7-star Google Play rating.

Donnie Permuth Plumbing A/R

Freelance Project, 2014

Developed accounts payable system for local plumbing company that saved $30,000 a year in unpaid accounts and saved 5 hours a week.

Vera Player

Freelance Project, 2013

Developed a Java-based media player for Android.

Hard Skills: Java, RESTful, JSP, HTML5, CSS3, Javascript, JSON, C

Soft Skills: Interpersonal skills, collaboration, problem solving, efficiency

Here’s how to write a programmer resume that works:

1. Choose a Professional Programmer Resume Format

Question:

What do you think when you see code riddled with simple errors?

Lazy? Rookie?

Well—

Hiring teams think that when they see amateur formatting in a resume for programmers.

So—

Use the reverse-chronological format to look professional. It serves up the most important facts about you first.

Use these resume formatting tips:

Programmer Resume Format

Expert Hint: There are 185,700 programmer jobs in the US. In 10 years, there will be 18,300 less. That’s why you must tailor your resume to the job you want.

2. Write a Programmer Resume Objective or Summary

It’s a fact:

Employers won’t read your computer programmer resume.

They’ll give it a cursory glance. If you don’t hook their interest fast, you’re cooked.

So—

Start with a career summary or resume objective.

In it, put:

  1. An adjective (prolific, energetic)
  2. The word “programmer”
  3. Years of experience (1+, 5+)
  4. Who/how you want to help (deliver efficient programming for OddPointer)
  5. Best programmer moments (Cut testing time by 20%...)
  6. A couple job skills (testing, onboarding...).

These programmer resume examples show the requirements:

Programmer Resume Summary—Example

Good Example
Prolific Java programmer with 4+ years of experience and strong history of RESTful and JSP programming. Seeking to deliver efficient programming for OddPointer. At Laurel Barrie Financial, programmed an average of 10+ native Java apps per year, beating deadlines by 15%. Cut testing time by 20% and onboarded 12 programmers.
Bad Example
Experienced programmer, skilled in Java, RESTful, and JSP. Recognized for interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate across disciplines to meet key company goals. Expert at testing, building native java apps, and onboarding

Don’t miss this.

Both programming resume examples mention testing, building apps, and onboarding. But—

The first adds 10+, 15%, 20%, and 12. That’s proof your skills are real.

But what about a resume for programmers with no experience?

See this entry-level programmer resume example:

Entry-Level Programmer Resume Objective

Good Example
Enthusiastic Java programmer with skills in mobile app development. Seeking to contribute to high programming quality at BadCode Software. Developed Android stock tracker with 2,500+ downloads and a 4.7-star Google Play rating. Programmed several other apps, including an A/R system for a local firm that saved $30K per year.
Bad Example
Entry-level programmer. Still no official programmer experience but excelled in school and possess high-level skills in mobile app development and Java programming. Eager to start soon and learn fast on the job.

Can you spot the error?

The first of those computer programmer resume examples gives details like 2,500+, 4.7-star, and $30K per year.

The second just says, “I can do it, trust me.”

Expert Hint: Programmer salaries run from $50K to $100K. You may need to kiss a lot of frogs. But the prince won’t kiss back for a weak programming resume summary or objective. The key: save your sanity and write it last. 

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3. Optimize Your Programmer Job Description

What skills belong in a programmer resume?

See this list:

Programmer Resume Skills

Hard Skills

  • Java
  • JSP
  • RESTful
  • JavaScript, JSON
  • HTML5, CSS3, XML
  • Debugging, Testing
  • C, C++, Perl, Visual Basic
  • Python
  • Pairs Programming
  • Sprints, Scrum

Soft Skills:

Need more idea for skills to put on your programming resume? See computer skills and technical skills

But be careful.

Don’t list them all. Employers see through that like ninja comments.

To write a programmer job description for resumes:

  1. Find resume skills in the advertisement.
  2. They’re your resume keywords. Put them in your programming resume.
  3. Show how you used them to create results.

See the first of these software programmer resume samples:

Say the job ad wants these programmer skills: Java, testing, collaboration, training.

Programmer Job Description for Resume [Sample]

Good Example

Experience

Java Programmer

Laurel Barrie Financial, Gainesville, FL

2016–2019

  • Developed 10+ native Java applications per year with integrated BI tools. Beat deadlines for jobs by 15% on average.
  • Led team of 2 programmers in project to improve product testing efficiency. Slashed time to test by 20%.
  • Collaborated with 10 Java programmers to exceed KPIs by 10%.
  • Onboarded and trained 12 Java programmers. Retrained 3 lagging new hires through regular coaching, raising their KPIs 50%.
Bad Example
  • Worked as programmer in team of 3. Completed all projects ahead of deadlines.
  • Led team of programmers in project to improve productivity and efficiency.
  • Responsible for onboarding other programmers to ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.
  • Helped cut security risk through new automation drive.

There’s a clear winner.

The second of those computer programmer resume examples doesn’t mention Java, testing, collaboration, or training.

The first does. Then it adds 10+, 15%, and other features.

Plus—

That works just as well with entry-level resumes.

What if the job needs these programmer skills: mobile app development, updating legacy code, collaboration, efficiency.

See this entry-level programming resume example:

Entry-Level Programmer Resume Job Description [Sample]

Good Example

Java Projects

Investistar

Freelance Project, 2019

Wrote a mobile Android stock tracker app that was downloaded 2,500+ times with a 4.7-star Google Play rating.

Donnie Permuth Plumbing A/R

Freelance Project, 2019

Updated legacy code with new accounts payable system for local plumbing company. Saved $30,000 a year in unpaid accounts and 5 hours a week.

Team Member

Dominoes

2014–2019

  • Recognized for collaboration skills.
  • Employee of the month 2x for efficiency.
Bad Example

Team Member

Dominoes

2014–2019

  • Ran cash register.
  • Cleaned front and back of house.
  • Provided excellent customer service in accordance with company policy.

Wow.

The first entry-level computer programmer’s resume example is the full package. The numbers add zing.

Plus—

Note how it adds transferable skills from other jobs.

Expert Hint: Is programming the right job for you? Other coding jobs are growing 12% faster than average. Before you write that programming resume, consider other options.

4. Pack More Into Your Education Section

The bad news?

Everybody went to school.

But your resume education section can’t make you look like everybody.

This game programmer resume sample shows the method:

Programmer Resume Example—Education

Good Example

Education

BS Computer Science, University of Miami

2010–2014

  • Maintained 4.0 GPA in Java programming classes.
  • VP of student Java programming group.
  • Made instruction video on JSP with 65,000 views.

That’s multithreaded.

You’re showing education while you prove your skills.

Expert Hint: Add GPA (3.8 or higher) to your resume education section only if you’re writing an entry-level resume or have less than 2 years of professional experience. 

5. Add More to Your Programmer Resume

Let’s move you to a higher class.

Don’t just list your work experience and education.

Add extra features to keep them reading.

Try 1–2 of these:

This sample programmer resume does it right:

Programmer Resume—Extra Sections

Good Example

Portfolio

www.carlvera.com

Certifications

  • Oracle Apex Certification.
  • AWS Certification.

Additional Activities

  • Member, Association for Women in Computing (AWC)
  • Mentor 7 programmers in C++ best practices.
  • My article, "A RESTful Knight's Sleep" linked to by Techie Delight.
  • Teach yoga 2x per week.

Conferences

  • 2019 - Microsoft Ignite, Spoke on panel about MVC.
  • 2017 - DeveloperWeek.
Bad Example

Additional Activities

  • Running
  • Baking

Not even close.

The first of those computer programmer resume examples shows you’re switched on. It touts a few more skills not listed in your other sections.

Add a Portfolio to Your Programming Resume

One last thing—

Your portfolio (or link to your GitHub or StackOverflow page) is key. It gives employers a chance to see what you can really do.

Expert Hint: Do you know how to write a cover letter? A programming resume without one may get read. But why risk it when so many hiring teams insist on them.

Haven't written your cover letter yet? See:

Double your impact with a matching resume and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter generator and make your application documents pop out.

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Want to try a different look? There's 21 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here.

Key Points

Here’s how to write a programmer resume:

  • Use the programmer resume template up top. It’s the right framework to make them notice you.
  • Don’t just list programmer skills. Java or Python might look good. But use accomplishments to prove you used them well.
  • Add numbers to your programming resume like percentages or dollar figures. Numbers add weight to your skills and accomplishments.
  • Include “added” resume sections with conferences or projects. Those add-ons will drive home your skills.

Got questions on how to write great resumes for programmer jobs? Not sure how to put programmer on a resume? Leave a comment. We’ll be happy to reply!

About ResumeLab’s Editorial Process

At ResumeLab, quality is at the crux of our values, supporting our commitment to delivering top-notch career resources. The editorial team of career experts carefully reviews every article in accordance with editorial guidelines, ensuring the high quality and reliability of our content. We actively conduct original research, shedding light on the job market's intricacies and earning recognition from numerous influential news outlets. Our dedication to delivering expert career advice attracts millions of readers to our blog each year.

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Tom Gerencer, CPRW
Having published over 200 career-advice articles, Tom Gerencer is a career expert who covers the whole array of job-seeking topics for people at all career stages, from interns to C-suite members. His insights, commentary, and articles reach over a million readers every month. With inside knowledge of key industry players and in-depth research, Tom helps job seekers with advice across all professions and career stages. Tom holds a degree in English from Colby College.

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