Software Engineer Resume Examples & Writing Guide

You applied for yet another job, and again, no answers. That’s a clear sign that you might need to review and debug your resume. A great software developer's resume needs to be clean and easily readable so that your recruiters decide on a YES in just a couple of seconds.

Whether you’re a code-writing expert or have more experience in implementing entire system architectures, put your coding cap on and get ready to land that dream job.

This step-by-step guide will show you the following:

• A software engineer resume template that’s better than most.
• Resume example for a software engineer that lands interviews.
• How to choose and list the most valuable software engineer resume skills.
• The best way to showcase error-free software engineer resume accomplishments.

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Looking for something other than a software engineer resume? Take a look at our guides:

• Android Developer Resume
• Computer Science Resume
• Cyber Security Resume
• Data Engineer Resume
• Game Design Resume
• Information Security Analyst Resume
• IT Resume
• Java Developer Resume
• Machine Learning Resume
• Network Engineer Resume

Resume Example for a Software Engineer

Software engineers, also often called software developers, are IT professionals responsible for creating and maintaining software. They are masters in using software programming languages and have to possess high levels of analytical thinking, creativity, and technical skills.

And to write a software engineer resume that will make a company #include<you> in their team, follow these simple steps:

1. Start by Choosing the Best Software Engineer Resume Format

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Isn’t it painful to look at such an unstructured mess? That’s how recruiters feel when they see a resume just as messy. They may view your messy software engineer resume as a sign of disorganization or lack of attention to detail, which may, in turn, negatively impact their perception of you. That’s why learning how to write a resume is so important.

So how do you immediately show you’re worth being noticed? By presenting a software engineer resume in a clean format. Here’s how to do that:

• Use the reverse-chronological format. This way, you boot up your recent accomplishments first.
• Pick a readable resume font like Calibri in 10–12pt. Use large, visible headings and 1.15 line spacing for a premium UX.
• Set the margins on your resume to 1 inch, and don’t overstuff the page on all fronts.
• Submit a two-page resume. A software developer resume should have a lot of relevant accomplishments.
• Apply these resume sections in this order: header, summary, experience, education, and skills, and add one or two “additional” sections.
• Give the following information in the header: Your name, phone, email, and links to relevant sites (LinkedIn or your website). Don’t include an address or photo on your software developer resume.
• To ensure your application is readable at all times, save the resume in a PDF format. This will allow both algorithmic programs and human recruiters to open your application on any device with any program.

Expert Hint: A software developer greatly benefits from having a well-made GitHub profile. It shows your coding passion and your ability to write and read code. It also serves as a portfolio of your work. And if you created a collaborative project, it paints you as a great team player.

2. Write a Software Engineer Resume Summary That Won’t Crash

A resume summary is the “Hello World” of your application. If you don’t introduce yourself properly here, you have reduced your chances of landing a job interview down to near null. So, what should your software engineer resume summary look like?

Use:

• One adjective (Diligent, Efficient, Reliable)
• Job title (Software Engineer/Software Developer)
• Years of experience (4+, 6+)
• One-liner about how you’ll help (deliver robust solutions)
• Flashiest 2–3 achievements (won a DEVIES award, cut breach risk by 71%)

Resume Example for a Software Engineer—Summary

Diligent software engineer with 6+ years of professional experience in programming, software development, and cybersecurity, seeking to deliver robust solutions for Google. At Codeware, drove the team that received the 2018 DEVIES award. Cut breach risk by 71% through automated standards enforcement. Cut lead times by 23%.

Great software dev with a lot of experience. Highly skilled in cloud computing, cybersec, and soft building. Responsible for all aspects of the software development life cycle.

We all know which of these candidates gets approved. The first software developer resume summary exudes pure professionalism. The second candidate not only didn’t back their claims up with data, but they also came in with casual lingo.

And “if(unprofessional) close(application).”

What if your software engineer resume doesn’t come with much experience and achievements? We have a complete guide on how to create an entry-level software engineer resume. Check it out if you’re looking for a guideline on how to write a resume with no experience.

3. Input a Software Engineer Resume Job Description That Leaves an Impact

As a software engineer, you surely have a couple of outstanding achievements on your resume. And this is the section where you showcase most of them. But keep one thing in mind—you're not here to talk about the responsibilities you had.

Instead, show achievements through the clever use of resume power words. The thing is, as a software engineer, your employer already knows what your responsibilities are. By showing them in the form of measurable achievements, your software developer resume will show you exceeded in those tasks and that you were not just a passive employee but an active, motivated one. Here’s the framework:

• Carefully read the job listing.
• Extract the skills, duties, and responsibilities that are written in it.
• Make a list of relevant achievements where the skills show.
• Write a number of bullets to back them up using quantifiers.

Let’s take a look at this resume example for a software engineer to visualize:

Software Engineer Resume Example—Work Experience

Software Engineer

Codeware, Inc., Des Moines, IA

June 2017–August 2020

• Led team of 10 software engineers handling end-to-end software development life cycle for 28 client projects. Increased customer satisfaction by 30%.
• Piloted the team that received the 2018 DEVIES award for software development.
• Slashed security breaches by 71% through automated standards enforcement.
• Increased code efficiency by 35%. Cut lead times by 23%. Raised client retention by 35%.

Programmer

DevHive, Inc., Ottumwa, IA

October 2015–June 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 by 21%.

Software Engineer

Codeware, Inc.

June 2017–August 2020

• Led a software engineering team that handled multiple clients.
• Received a 2018 DEVIES award.
• Significantly lowered the number of security breaches in the company.
• Increased code efficiency, cut lead times, and raised client retention.

The result is similar to learning advanced math. You take away all the numbers, and suddenly everything looks wrong. Even though these two applications are technically the same, data always wins.

Create a list like that for all the positions you had, and you’re hard-coded to gain the next one you want. Especially if you’re a senior software engineer, you definitely have a lot of achievements to show.

The next point in the string of sections? Put together a cohesive list of software engineer resume skills. Aim for a maximum of 10.

There are different skill classes to consider here, but remember to prioritize hard IT skills over soft ones. And don’t use Ctrl + C, Ctrl + V on resume skill lists from the internet. A trained recruiter will see through that in an instant.

Software Engineer Resume—Skills

• Data Structures
• Web Development
• Coding
• Open Source Experience
• Machine Learning
• Debugging
• Cloud Computing
• Creative Thinking
• Critical Thinking
• Communications Skills
• Collaboration
• SQL
• Java
• JavaScript
• C#
• Python
• C++
• PHP
• Perl
• Ruby/Rails

As can be seen in this software developer industry study, the market demand for software engineers is constantly growing. And on the topic of programming languages, the most used ones are JavaScript, HTML/CSS, and Python. So choose one of these if you’re looking to gain a new skill.

Expert hint: If you’re not listing any spoken language proficiencies (Spanish, French, etc.) on your software engineer resume, you can create a programming languages section. Do that instead of mixing with your soft skills in the main skills section.

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4. Turn Your Education Into an Array of Accomplishments

A lack of the education section on your software engineer resume can be a major breach in your application. Add a couple of lines of achievements to your resume education section to show the recruiters you were an avid coder from the start.

Resume Example for a Software Engineer—Education

Education

Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering

Upper Iowa University

July 2010–August 2014

• Excelled in Java programming with 5 advanced classes.
• President of the student cloud computing club.
• Published an article, "Machine Learning Will Change Everything," which appeared in the campus magazine. Linked to by TechCrunch and Gizmodo.

Nothing to troubleshoot here! This repository of achievements speaks volumes about your commitment.

Expert hint: A senior software engineer resume shouldn’t bother recruiters with a robust section of college achievements. Here, just say which school and course you graduated from and add your graduation date.

5. Add a Couple of Extra Sections to Your Software Engineer Resume

Are you ready to blow the recruiter’s socks off? Do so by adding one or two additional resume sections. They’ll make your software engineer resume more powerful, and other applicants will look basic in comparison.

Software Engineer Resume Examples—Additional Sections

Certificates

• Microsoft Certified Azure Developer Associate, August 2015
• Google Professional Cloud Developer, March 2016
• Certified Software Engineer, ICCP, May 2019

Conferences

• Led a session on cloud computing at FOSDEM 2017.
• Gave a speech on “Machine Learning Algorithms for Cloud-Based Solutions” during the NYC Hackathon 2017.

Additional Activities

• Hiking
• Listening to music
• Photography

That first software engineer resume is on the right track. If you’re looking to certify yourself as a software developer, see this certificate offered by ISC2. If you decide to include a hobbies section, ensure they are relevant to your position. For example, modding games would be a great addition.

And to increase your chances even more, create a cover letter. Use our software developer cover letter guide as a blueprint.

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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

For a software engineer resume that works flawlessly:

• Use the software engineer resume template at the top. It shows you’re job-compatible without needless information.
• 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.

Got questions on how to write an excellent resume for software engineer jobs? Did our resume example for a software engineer help? Leave a comment. We’ll be happy to reply.

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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.