Software Developer Resume Example [Senior & Junior Format]

The demand for software developers is exploding—

Employment numbers are expected to grow 22% from 2019 to 2029, way faster than the average. 

But you don’t want to be one of those software developers stuck working as an underpaid code monkey. 

You want to be programming exciting projects at the next Silicon Valley unicorn.

Read on and you’ll see software engineer resume examples that’ll help get you there. Plus, you’ll learn an easy formula for writing a resume for software engineering that will land you 10x more interviews than any other resume you’ve written in the past.

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Software Developer Resume Example

Now, here’s the format to write your own winning software engineering resume:

1. Structure Your Resume Properly

Just like clean code, every resume needs a clean and easy to read structure—

Follow these simple rules if you want your resume to look professional and have the right information hierarchy:

Software Developer Resume Format

• Follow the standard and most popular chronological resume format.
• Use a bolded heading for each section to create a structure that is readable.
• Pick a standard font from a list of professional resume fonts, and use 11 or 12 pt size.
• Remember about the resume margin. We recommend it being one inch on all sides of the document.
• Utilize white space as it improves readability.
• Save your resume as a PDF unless it’s stated otherwise in the job posting.

So we got the basics of formatting your document covered! Let’s take a look at the content structure now. Here are sections you should include in your software engineer resume:

• Put your contact details at the top in a resume header. (Make sure they are up-to-date!)
• Follow up with a resume introduction, which can be either a resume objective or a resume summary.
• Next, write about your previous job experience and background. 
• Then list all relevant information about your education.
• Finally, choose relevant skills and highlight your strengths. 
• Sprinkle in some extra sections to finish, such as languages, certifications, hobbies and interests, etc.

Thinking a different resume format might suit your situation better? Check out our guide: Best Resume Formats [2020]

2. Go Big in Your Software Developer Work Experience Section

Honestly, in software development experience is the number one most crucial thing recruiters look for. Spend as much time as necessary to get this section right. 

Follow these simple steps to make your resume stand out:

• Start with your current position and go backwards in time.
• Remember to include all important details: job title, company name, and dates worked.
• Include key responsibilities in each one but keep them under six bullet points for each entry.
• Quantify your experience and accomplishments to impress the recruiter.
• Use resume action verbs to prove your leadership qualities and the active role that you play. 

Remember to tailor your resume to the particular job offer to show the reader that you are really interested in the position you’re applying for. The following example will show you how to do it:

Software Developer Job Description

Night and day, right? Clearly, the same work experience can come across very differently on paper.

But what if this will be your first job as a software developer? Aka you don’t have much experience yet. Should you skip the work experience section?

No!

Here’s what to do—

Describe any experience you have: as an intern, on projects that you worked on, or relevant bootcamps or courses that you took. Highlight the skills that you have and phrase them in a way that is relevant to the job requirements. 

The example below will help you understand how to do it in practice:

Entry-Level Software Developer Resume Job Description 

Even if you don’t have much professional experience in a workplace, you can still get attention from recruiters by showing that you’re a self-driven, capable worker. 

Remember—

What you want is to recognize your strengths and highlight them to address why you’re a perfect fit for the position you’re applying to.

Need a little extra help on this section? Read our guide: Work Experience Section for a Resume

3. Impress With Your Education Section

Your education section depends mostly on your level of work experience. 

If you’re applying for a mid or senior position and you already have enough relevant experience, just add basic information about your degree.

If you’re looking more at entry-level gigs, your degree and student activity may be the biggest asset you have. In that case, you can really flesh this section out.

Here’s an example to get you started:

Sample Software Developer Resume Education Section

If you’re writing an entry-level resume, think about adding the following:

• Relevant coursework
• Major/minor
• Latin honors
• Study abroad programs
• GPA on a resume
• Dean’s list 

If you’d like a little more information on education sections, see our guide:How to Put Your Education on a Resume

When making a resume in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check. Start building professional resume template here for free.

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When you’re done, Zety’s resume builder will score your resume and tell you exactly how to make it better.

4. Tailor Your Application With the Right Software Developer Resume Skills

At first glance, a skills section can seem as pointless hitting the spacebar instead of using tabs.

But hang in there with me.

There are two great reasons to include one on your resume. The first is so that your resume gets past keyword filters in ATS (software that decides which resumes are worth considering for the HR manager). 

The second is to show the recruiter or hiring manager that you are a good fit for the job, by tailoring your skills to fit the job description.

Here’s how you can do just that:

• Review the job ad and list all the skills the employer is looking for.
• Create a master list of all the skills you have that you can remember.
• Find the skills that are on both lists.
• List these skills throughout your resume, both in the skills section and your experience section.

The right mixture of soft skills and hard skills can take your resume to the next level.

Here’s a list of skills commonly found on software developer resumes:

Software Developer Skills List

• Web Development
• App Development (Android, iOS)
• Game Development
• Algorithms
• Data Structures
• Debugging
• Quality Assurance
• Security
• Networks
• Machine Learning
• Swift
• Java

• SQL
• C#
• JavaScript
• C++
• Python
• PHP
• Ruby on Rails
• Agile/Scrum methodology
• Version Control (Git)
• Interpersonal skills
• Organizational skills

• Communication skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Decision-making skills
• Teamwork skills
• Time management skills
• Project management skills
• Technical skills
• Computer skills
• Problem-solving skills

And here’s how to format your software developer resume skills section.

Skills Section in a Senior Software Development Resume

 And one more thing—don’t lie on your resume. Only list the skills that you really have and that are relevant to the job you’re pursuing.

Wondering which skills belong on a resume? See: 99+ Skills to Put on a Resume

5. Add “Extra” Sections to Your Software Developer Resume

The unfortunate reality is that the top software dev positions have hundreds of candidates applying for them. And many will have great experience and education. 

So how can you stand out amongst them?

By spicing up your resume with additional sections such as interests and hobbies, volunteering, certifications or foreign languages. 

Junior Software Developr Resume (Extra Sections)

Remember. Relevance is key here, too!

Need some more inspiration? Check out: What to Put on a Resume: 20+ Great Examples

6. Squeeze Your Best Parts into a Resume Summary or Objective

It’s no mistake that the introduction to your resume is the last section in the guide. 

The reason behind the madness is simple. Resume profiles are easier to write at the end, because they’re basically a summary of the entire document meant to highlight your strengths. 

There are two categories of resume intros. The resume summary, which is for more experienced candidates with years of experience. And the resume objective, which is for entry-level job seekers.

This resume summary example can show you how it looks in practice:

Software Developer Resume Summary Example

You don’t have to be too creative here. A simple formula to craft your own software developer resume summary is:

• Give how much experience you have.
• Mention the company by name. Make it personal!
• Say what you can do for the company.
• Include which skills you have that would be of interest. 

The same rules apply when writing a resume objective statement. If you’re writing a resume with no experience, focus on projects, volunteering or school achievements. 

Software Developer Resume Objective Example

Even junior software developers have enough expertise to make the recruiter say “wow.” Think internships, freelancing, online presence, hobbies. Anything that can show you have software developer skills counts.

To get more ideas, check out: How to Start a Resume

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:

See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Key Points

Here’s a summary of how to write an impressive software developer resume:

• Start with writing up your professional experience in powerful bullet points that highlight your relevant duties and accomplishments.
• Make a meaningful education section. Choose the things that are pertinent to the position and remember that the more experienced you are, the fewer details you need to provide here.
• Pick out your strongest skills that are in line with your experience and list them in a separate experience section.
• Make your software engineer resume unique by adding several extra sections, for example, certifications, hobbies and interests, or knowledge of foreign languages.
• Write a captivating introduction to your resume that will spark the reader’s interest right off the bat.
• Format your resume for a software engineer to make it look well-organized and professional.
• Write a software engineering resume cover letter to show off your motivations and highlight your strengths.

You made it to the end! Have any comments or concerns? Let us know in the comment section below! We’ll do our best to get back to you.