CV for a Software Engineer: Examples & Template [+Graduate]

Most software engineer CVs get the same answer:

You shall not pass!

Why?

They show the wrong things. Their 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 CV template better than most.
• How to write a CV for a software engineer that gets interviews.
• Several standout software engineer CV examples.
• Why your choice of software developer CV accomplishments will make or break you.

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Need help with a different kind of CV? Explore our other guides: 

• Entry Level Software Engineer CV
• Engineering CV
• Computer Science CV
• Programmer CV
• Mechanical Engineer CV
• Entry Level Mechanical Engineer CV
• Web Developer CV
• Electrical Engineer CV
• Engineering Student CV
• Entry-Level IT CV
• IT CV

Haven't found what you're looking for? Check all our CV examples for over 200 jobs.

  

CV for a Software Engineer

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

1. Pick a Professional CV Format for a Software Engineer

This is central:

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

• Choose the reverse-chronological CV format. It loads your newest achievements first.
• Select the best CV fonts with 1-inch margins and 10–12pt. Use big headings and white space for better UX.
• Write a one-page CV unless you’re more experienced than Jack Dorsey.
• Start with a CV header with name, phone, email, and portfolio links. No photo—no street address.
• Next add a software engineer CV summary, then work experience, then education.
• Instal CV extras like hackathons, meetups, organisations, and publications. They’re your hidden assets.

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

2. Write a Software Engineer CV Summary With Impact

Here’s the Hindenbug:

Most software engineer CVs are clones.

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

So—

Write a CV 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 senior software engineer CV examples show how:

Senior Software Engineer CV Summary—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%.

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 CV samples will drop jaws. It shows achievements that prove core skills.

What if You’ve Got No Experience?

How to write a CV with no experience?

List accomplishments. Get them from:

• Projects
• Volunteer Work
• Non-Software Engineer Jobs
• Consulting Work

This graduate software engineer CV example nails it:

Sample CV Objective for a Software Engineer Fresher 

Energetic software engineer with proven skills in Android and native Java development. Have built 4 end-to-end apps, including a Java cryptocurrency tracking app that got 928 downloads. President, student cloud computing club at University College London.

That beats the entropy out of “I’m still hunting entry-level programming jobs.” Even with no experience, you’ve got a professional software engineer CV.

Note: A software engineer CV objective used to talk about the applicant’s goals. Today you need to say how you’ll reach company goals instead.

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

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

Here’s a shock:

The best software engineer CVs only show a few achievements.

But—

They’re the perfect ones.

To pick them:

1. Read the job ad carefully.

2. Note the computer programmer duties and responsibilities in it.

3. Write CV bullets that map directly to them.

These CV for experienced software engineer examples show how:

Software Engineer CV UK Job Description—Example

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

Experience

Senior Software Engineer
Softhammer, Ltd.
April 2017–September 2019

• Led team of 12 programmers 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%.

• 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 CV examples is handwaving. The first hard-codes you to the job.

Plus—

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

Software Engineer Graduate CV Job Description—No Experience

No software engineer experience? Don’t worry.

Your software engineer CV can still blaze.

Again, show accomplishments, like this sample CV for a software engineer:

Skills for Software Engineer CVs

Warning:

Don’t copy-paste from skills lists for programmers.

Hiring managers see that and think, Ick.

But—for reference:

Skills for Software Engineer CVs

Soft Skills	Hard Skills	Languages
Leadership	Data Structures	SQL
Creativity	Web Development	Java
Critical Thinking	Coding	JavaScript
Communication	Open Source Experience	C#
Collaboration	Machine Learning	Python
Calm Demeanour	Security	C++
Enthusiasm	Problem Solving	PHP
Inquisitiveness	Debugging	Perl
Positive Attitude	Blockchain	Ruby/Rails
Problem Solving	Cloud Computing	Golang
Adaptability	eCommerce Platforms	Objective-C

Add a portfolio link and GitHub link to your CV for a software engineer. 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 CV in our CV builder now.

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Nail it all with a splash of colour, choose a clean font, highlight your skills in just a few clicks. You’re the perfect candidate and we’ll prove it. Use the ResumeLab 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 CV, you must show achievements even back in school.

These software engineer CV examples show how:

Education on Software Engineer CV—Example 

Education

BS Software Engineering, University College London
2010–2013

• Excelled in Java programming with 5 advanced modules.
• 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 CV samples are in the Marissa Mayer zone.

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

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

6. Upgrade Your Software Engineer CV With These Extra Sections

Time to blow the curve out.

To make the other applicants look basic—

Add special CV extra sections. They’ll make your CV for a software engineer more robust.

These two software engineer CV samples show the difference:

Software Engineer CV—Extra Sections

Additional Activities

• President, women in coding club. Raised membership 20%.
• Active member, Research Software Engineers Association.
• 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.

Additional Activities

• Listening to music
• Swimming

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

What about certifications on software engineer CVs?

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

Expert Hint: Include a cover letter for software engineers. Make it passionate and it’ll get the hiring manager to actually read your software engineer CV.

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

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Want to try a different look? There’s 18 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here.

Key Points

For a software engineer CV that glows:

• Use the software engineer CV template at the top. It shows you’re job-compatible without a lot of blah blah blah.
• List accomplishments in your software engineer CV experience section. Match them to the job like Mixins.
• Put a yardstick near your software engineering CV 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 CV like the source code for reality.

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

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