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.
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:
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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
Programmer
Cloudbouncy, Inc.
2015–2017
Volunteer Software Engineer
Cattaraugus County Animal Shelter
2013–2016
Freelance Software Engineer
2014–2015
Education
University at Buffalo, BS, Software Engineering
2010–2014
Additional Activities
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:
This is central:
Your resume format must prove you don’t think FizzBuzz is a soft drink.
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.
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:
Ouch.
Only the first of those software engineer resume samples will drop jaws. It shows achievements that prove core skills.
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.
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:
Job ad wants these software engineer skills: (1) leadership (2) security (3) efficiency. Experience Software Engineer
Softhammer, Inc.
2017–2019
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.
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:
Soft Skills:
Programming Languages
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.
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.
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
University at Buffalo, BS, Software Engineering
2010–2014
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.
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:
Additional Activities
Additional Activities
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.
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:
For a software engineer resume that glows:
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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A targeted resume works because it’s personalized to the job description and the company. In this article, you’ll learn how to tailor your resume to get jobs.
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