Programmer CV—Examples and 25+ Writing Tips

Writing a programmer CV 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 CV stands out like Ken Silverman in a mob of luddites.

In this guide:

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

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What users say about Resumelab:

I had an interview yesterday and the first thing they said on the phone was: “Wow! I love your CV.”
Patrick

I love the variety of templates. Good job guys, keep up the good work!
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My previous CV 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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The programming job market is shrinking. But other coding jobs are growing fast. See these computer programming CV guides:

• Computer Science CV
• Software Engineer Developer CV
• Web Developer CV
• UX Designer / UI Developer CV
• Web Designer CV 
• DevOps CV Sample
• Technical Support CV
• Technical Writer CV
• Programmer CV
• Java Developer CV
• Entry Level Software Engineer CV
• Engineering CV
• Entry-Level IT CV
• IT CV

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

Haven't found what you're looking for? Check all our CV Samples.

Programmer CV Sample You Can Copy and Use

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

1. Choose a Professional Programmer CV 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 CV for programmers.

So—

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

Use these CV formatting tips:

Programmer CV Format

• Make a 1-page CV with 1-inch margins.
• Write with a respected CV font like Didot or Cambria in 10–12pt.
• Add CV sections like Heading, Summary, Experience, Education, and Skills.
• Leave negative space so you don’t overload recruiters’ eyes.
• Save it as a PDF CV. They translate well to all machines.

Expert Hint: There are 250,000 programmer jobs in the US. In 10 years, there will be 17,900 less. That’s why you must tailor your CV to the job you want.

2. Write a Programmer CV Objective or Summary

It’s a fact:

Employers won’t read your computer programmer CV.

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 CV 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 CV examples show the requirements:

Programmer CV Summary—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.

Experienced programmer, skilled in Java, RESTful, and JSP. Recognised 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 CV samples 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 CV for programmers with no experience?

See this entry-level programmer CV sample:

Entry-Level Programmer CV Objective

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.

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 CV 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 CV summary or objective. The key: save your sanity and write it last. 

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 CV in our CV builder now.

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3. Optimise Your Programmer Job Description

What skills belong in a programmer CV?

See this list:

Programmer CV Skills

Hard Skills	Soft Skills
Java	Interpersonal Skills
JSP	Collaboration
RESTful	Communication
JavaScript, JSON	Problem Solving
HTML5, CSS3, XML	Time Management
Debugging, Testing	Efficiency
C, C++, Perl, Visual Basic	Attention to Detail
Python	Organisation
Pairs Programming	Multi-Tasking
Sprints, Scrum	Critical Thinking

See a more comprehensive list of computer skills here.

But be careful.

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

To write a programmer job description for CVs:

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

See the first of these software programmer CV samples:

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

Programmer Job Description for CV [Sample]

Experience

Java Developer

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 developers. Retrained 3 lagging new hires through regular coaching, raising their KPIs 50%.

• Worked as programmer in team of 3. Completed all projects ahead of deadlines.
• Led team of developers 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 CV 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 CVs.

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

See this entry-level programming CV example:

Entry-Level Programmer CV Job Description [Sample]

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

• Recognised for collaboration skills.
• Employee of the month 2x for efficiency.

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 computer programmer’s CV 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 CV, consider other options.

4. Pack More Into Your Education Section

The bad news?

Everybody went to school.

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

This game programmer CV sample shows the method:

Programmer CV Example—Education

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 CV education section only if you’re writing an entry-level CV or have less than 2 years of professional experience. 

5. Add More to Your Programmer CV

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:

• Associations (ACM, AAAI, AWC, etc.)
• Groups, clubs, meetups
• Certifications (MCSD, AWS, Oracle Apex, etc.)
• Conferences (PyCon, Microsoft Ignite, etc.)
• Publications
• Projects
• Volunteer work
• Freelance work
• Your portfolio
• Foreign languages
• Hobbies or additional activities
• Sports

This sample programmer analyst CV does it right:

Programmer CV—Extra Sections

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 practises.
• 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.

Additional Activities

• Running
• Baking

Not even close.

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

Add a Portfolio to Your Programming CV

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 need to write a cover letter? Yes. A programming CV without one may get read. But why risk it when so many hiring teams insist on them.

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

CREATE YOUR COVER LETTER NOW

Key Points

Here’s how to write a programmer CV:

• Use the programmer CV 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 like percentages or dollar figures. Numbers add weight to your skills and accomplishments.
• Include “added” CV sections with conferences or projects. Those add-ons will drive home your skills.

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

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