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Software Engineer Resume Examples for 2023 (+Templates)

Your software engineer resume should be as good as your code. Follow our step-by-step guide for an ideal software engineer resume with proven examples and templates.

Tom Gerencer
Career Writer at ResumeLab
Software Engineer Resume Examples for 2023 (+Templates)

Most software engineer resumes get the same answer:

 

You shall not pass!

 

Why?

 

They show the wrong things. They’re visibility: hidden.

 

But—

 

Pick the right achievements and you’ll shine like an elegant recursive function in a sea of Jenga code.

 

This guide will show you:

  • A software engineer resume template better than most.
  • How to write a software engineer resume that gets interviews.
  • Several standout software engineer resume examples.
  • Why your choice of software developer resume accomplishments will make or break you.

 

Save hours of work and get a job-winning resume like this. Try our resume builder with 20+ resume templates and create your resume now.

 

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CREATE YOUR RESUME NOWsoftware engineer sample resume

 

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My previous resume was really weak and I used to spend hours adjusting it in Word. Now, I can introduce any changes within minutes. Absolutely wonderful!
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Need help with a different kind of resume? Explore our other guides: 

 

Haven't found what you're looking for? Check all our Resume Examples for Over 200 Jobs.

 

Software Engineer Resume Example You Can Copy and Use

 

Willow Zanghi
Software Engineer

 

Personal Info
Phone: 716-989-7025
E-mail: willowzanghi@gmail.com
willowzanghi.com
linkedin.com/in/willowzanghi
github.com/willowzanghi

 

Summary

 

Friendly software engineer with 5 years of experience and proven cloud and security skills. Seeking to deliver robust solutions for Microsoft. At Softhammer, drove team that received the 2017 Bossie. Cut breach risk 68% through automated standards enforcement. Cut lead times 23%.

 

Experience

 

Software Engineer
Softhammer, Inc.
2017–2019

  • Led team of 12 software engineers handling end-to-end software development life cycle for 27 client projects. Increased customer satisfaction 25%.
  • Drove team that received 2017 BOSSIE award for software development.
  • Slashed security breaches 68% by automating standards enforcement.
  • Raised code efficiency 35%. Cut lead times 23%. Raised client retention 35%.

 

Programmer
Cloudbouncy, Inc.
2015–2017

  • Developed infrastructure to process millions of files in proprietary systems.
  • Achieved 100% compliance with development best practices by building security into new features. Cut software rework time by 18%.
  • Decimated production bugs by getting 97% buy-in for test-driven development program. Increased code reliability by 35% and slashed security risk 23%.

 

Volunteer Software Engineer
Cattaraugus County Animal Shelter
2013–2016

  • Transferred all record keeping to cloud database form.
  • Implemented principle of least privilege to slash security risk 35%.
  • Wrote new donations functionality that increased collections $5,500/year.

 

Freelance Software Engineer
2014–2015

  • Built a working productivity app for real-time project management collaboration. App was downloaded 1,254 times.
  • Wrote a native Java cryptocurrency tracking app. The app retrieves and displays current prices for the 10 most popular cryptocurrencies.
  • Composed a messenger app using websockets for instant messaging.
  • Added invisible keypad to open source Wikimedia Commons App for Android. Debugged crash reports. Wrote code to show media talk page.

 

Education

 

University at Buffalo, BS, Software Engineering
2010–2014

  • Excelled in Java programming with 5 advanced classes.
  • President of student cloud computing club.
  • Completed a senior project to build a working web app and Java server.
  • Pursued a passion for programming coursework.
  • Created a YouTube video on cloud security that got 98,000 views.
  • My article, "Machine Learning Will Change Everything" appeared in the campus magazine. Linked to by TechCrunch and Gizmodo.

Additional Activities

  • President, women in coding club. Raised membership 20%.
  • Active member, IAENG Society of Software Engineers.
  • Nominated for Ada Lovelace Award, Association for Women in Computing.
  • Led a session on cloud computing at FOSDEM 2017.
  • Attended the NYC Hackathon 2016.
  • Avid cross country skier for health and wellness.

 

Hard Skills: Programming, debugging, database knowledge

 

Languages: Java, SQL, C#

 

Soft Skills: Leadership, collaboration, critical thinking

 

Now here’s how to write a software engineer resume:

 

1. Pick the Best Software Engineer Resume Format

 

This is central:

 

Your resume format must prove you don’t think FizzBuzz is a soft drink.

  • Choose the reverse-chronological resume format. It loads your newest achievements first.
  • Select the best resume fonts with 1-inch margins and 10–14pt. Use big headings and white space for better UX.
  • Write a one-page resume unless you’re more experienced than Jack Dorsey.
  • Start with a resume header with name, phone, email, and portfolio links. No photo—no street address.
  • Next add a software engineer resume summary, then work experience, then education.
  • Install resume extras like hackathons, meetups, organizations, and publications. They’re your hidden assets.

Expert Hint: Save your resume as a PDF if the job offer doesn’t deprecate them. Software Engineer resume PDFs don’t regress in transit. Plus in 20202  they’re machine-readable.

2. Write a Software Engineer Resume Summary With Impact

 

Here’s the Hindenbug:

 

Most software engineer resumes are clones.

 

Employers skim them, looking for a jewel amid the dross.

 

So—

 

Write a resume objective that glitters.

 

How?

 

Use:

 

1. One adjective (dedicated, quick-thinking, friendly)

2. Job title (Software Engineer)

3. Years of experience (3+, 5+)

4. How you’ll help (deliver robust solutions)

5. Flashiest 2–3 achievements (won a Bossie, cut lead times 23%)

 

These software engineer resume examples show how:

 

Software Engineer Resume Summary—Example

Good Example
Friendly software engineer with 5 years of experience and proven cloud and security skills. Seeking to deliver robust solutions for Microsoft. At Softhammer, drove team that received the 2017 Bossie. Cut breach risk 68% through automated standards enforcement. Cut lead times 23%.
Bad Example
Ninja software engineer with skills in security and cloud computing. Highly skilled in data structures and open source coding. Have worked for five years at different software engineering firms. Responsible for all aspects of software development life cycle.

Ouch.

 

Only the first of those software engineer resume samples will drop jaws. It shows achievements that prove core skills.

 

What if You’ve Got No Experience?

 

How to write a resume with no experience? It's not that hard. 

 

List accomplishments. Get them from:

 

We have a full guide on how to write a resume for entry-level software engineer, so feel free to check it out.  

 

Expert Hint: Don’t make your software engineer resume summary first. You won’t know what to say. Make it last so you can reuse your best components.

3. Write a Software Engineer Resume Job Description That Turns Heads

 

Here’s a shock:

 

The best software engineer resumes only show a few achievements.

 

But—

 

They’re the perfect ones.

 

To pick them:

 

1. Read the job ad carefully.

2. Note the software engineer duties and responsibilities in it.

3. Write resume bullets that map directly to them.

 

These software engineer resume examples show how:

 

Software Engineer Resume Job Description—Example

 

Job ad wants these software engineer skills: (1) leadership (2) security (3) efficiency.

Good Example

Experience

 

Software Engineer
Softhammer, Inc.
2017–2019

  • Led team of 12 software engineers handling end-to-end software development life cycle for 27 client projects. Increased customer satisfaction 25%.
  • Drove team that received 2017 BOSSIE award for software development.
  • Slashed security breaches 68% by automating standards enforcement.
  • Raised code efficiency 35%. Cut lead times 23%. Raised client retention 35%. 
Bad Example
  • In charge of programming team.
  • Responsible for development and delivery of software and code security.
  • Handled code efficiency and customer satisfaction concerns.

The second of those software engineer resume examples is handwaving. The first hard-codes you to the job.

 

Plus—

 

Those % and other numbers show your skills are SuperUPERNAP-sized.

 

Skills for Software Engineer Resumes

 

Warning:

 

Don’t copy-paste from a list of skills to put on a resume fot software engineers.

 

Hiring managers see that and think, Ick.

 

But—for reference:

 

Hard Skills:

  • Data Structures
  • Web Development
  • Coding
  • Open Source Experience
  • Machine Learning
  • Security
  • Problem Solving
  • Debugging
  • Blockchain
  • Cloud Computing
  • eCommerce Platforms

Soft Skills:

Programming Languages 

  • SQL
  • Java
  • JavaScript
  • C#
  • Python
  • C++
  • PHP
  • Perl
  • Ruby/Rails
  • Golang
  • Objective-C

 

Here you can find more IT skills if you need an inspiration. 

 

Add a portfolio link and GitHub link to your software engineer resume. Then you can wow the boss with your achievements beyond that single sheet of paper.

 

The ResumeLab builder is more than looks. Get specific content to boost your chances of getting the job. Add job descriptions, bullet points, and skills. Easy. Improve your resume in our resume builder now.

 

CREATE YOUR RESUME NOW

 

CREATE YOUR RESUME NOWcreate your resume now

Nail it all with a splash of color, choose a clean font, and highlight your skills in just a few clicks. You're the perfect candidate, and we'll prove it. Use our resume builder now.

Expert Hint: According to TechBeacon, a good GitHub profile should list your website, a few programming exercises, and various apps and games.

4. Turn Boring Education to a Reason to Hire You

 

Here’s a tip worth rhodium:

 

Your education section is a sales pitch.

 

On a software engineer resume, you must show achievements even back in school.

 

These software engineer resume examples show how:

 

Education on Software Engineer Resume—Example 

Good Example

Education

 

University at Buffalo, BS, Software Engineering
2010–2014

  • Excelled in Java programming with 5 advanced classes.
  • President of student cloud computing club.
  • Completed a senior project to build a working web app and Java server.
  • Pursued a passion for programming coursework.
  • Created a YouTube video on cloud security that got 98,000 views.
  • My article, "Machine Learning Will Change Everything" appeared in the campus magazine. Linked to by TechCrunch and Gizmodo.

Flawless.

 

Those software engineer resume samples are in the Marissa Mayer zone.

 

It shows your hacker passion didn’t pop up yesterday.

Expert Hint: Is your software engineer resume experience still booting? Divide your education section up like different jobs. List projects and positions, with accomplishments in each. That’ll put your software engineer resume first in queue.

6. Upgrade Your Software Engineer Resume With These Extra Sections

 

Time to blow the curve out.

 

To make the other applicants look basic—

 

Add special resume extra sections. They’ll make your software engineer resume more robust.

 

These two software engineer resume examples show the difference:

 

Software Engineer Resume—Extra Sections

Good Example

Additional Activities

 

  • President, women in coding club. Raised membership 20%.
  • Active member, IAENG Society of software engineers.
  • Nominated for Ada Lovelace Award, Association for Women in Computing
  • Led a session on cloud computing at FOSDEM 2017.
  • Attended the NYC Hackathon 2016.
  • Avid cross country skier for health and wellness.
Bad Example

Additional Activities

 

  • Listening to music
  • Swimming

Those first software engineer resume samples will make the hiring manager stop breathing.

 

What about certifications on software engineer resumes?

 

Put certifications from Microsoft or Oracle in a special resume certifications section near the bottom.

Expert Hint: Learn how to write a cover letter for software engineers and include it with your resume. Make it passionate and it’ll get the hiring manager to actually read your software engineer resume.

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

 

CREATE YOUR COVER LETTER NOW

 

CREATE YOUR COVER LETTER NOWcreate your cover letter now

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.

 

Haven't written your cover letter yet? See:

 

Key Points

 

For a software engineer resume that glows:

  • Use the software engineer resume template at the top. It shows you’re job-compatible without a lot of blah blah blah.
  • List accomplishments in your software engineer resume experience section. Match them to the job like Mixins.
  • Put a yardstick near your software engineer resume with numbers. Percents, dollars, and other metrics make the competition look micro.
  • Send a software engineer cover letter and link it to the employer’s needs. She’ll read your software engineer resume like the source code for reality.

 

Got questions on how to write a great resume for software engineer jobs? Not sure how to show software engineer on a resume? Leave a comment. We’ll be happy to reply.

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Tom Gerencer
Tom Gerencer is a career advice writer and a resume expert at ResumeLab. Tom has been featured on BBC News, NBC, The Economist, Business Insider, Fast Company, and dozens of other outlets. 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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