When aiming to land an entry-level programmer job, you need to go beyond just listing your academic qualifications and theoretical knowledge. Highlight any hands-on experience with relevant software or coding languages, even if it was part of a classroom project, an internship, or a personal hobby.

Employers are also interested in transferable skills like problem-solving and critical thinking. If you've partaken in coding challenges or hackathons, mention these to demonstrate your aptitude for finding creative and effective solutions.

In the programming industry, knowing the right language is crucial. Customize your resume to each job application by matching the coding languages and software listed in the job description. Detail your proficiency and practical experience in each.

In the 'Skills' section, also remember to include software development methodologies you’re familiar with, like Agile or DevOps, to show you understand the full spectrum of a software's lifecycle.

To get a job as an entry level programmer, your resume should show you can do the work. Look at the job post. Use the same words they use when you talk about your skills. Show you've used these skills before.

• List programming languages you know like Java or Python if they're mentioned in the job ad.
• Show projects where you used software development skills to make something useful.
• If your last job was not as a programmer, talk about how you solved problems with computers or code.

When crafting your resume as an entry-level programmer, it's important to showcase the right technical skills that will catch the eye of hiring managers. Here are some skills you should consider including:

• Java
• C++
• Python
• SQL
• JavaScript
• HTML/CSS
• Git
• Linux
• Agile methodology
• RESTful APIs

You don't need to know all these skills, but include those you are good at. If you have experience with specific frameworks or libraries like React or Angular, add these too. Place them in a skills section for easy reading. Remember, hiring managers often use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that scan for these keywords, so having them listed can help get your resume noticed.

Next, think about the role you want. If you're aiming for web development, make sure to show strong HTML, CSS, and JavaScript abilities. For back-end roles, emphasize your knowledge of SQL and server-side languages. Always tailor your resume to the job you're applying for, and you'll stand a better chance of getting that interview.

As a hiring manager, I look for evidence of how you've made a real difference in your projects. You can show this by using metrics in your resume. Think about the times you've improved a process or saved time.

Consider these examples:

• If you optimized an algorithm, estimate the percentage increase in efficiency. For instance, 'Optimized sorting algorithm to enhance performance by 20%.'
• When you worked on a project, calculate how much faster the task is now completed. You might say, 'Contributed to a team project that reduced data processing time by 30%.'

Even as an entry-level programmer, you might have examples from internships, academic projects, or personal work. If you created a program or script that saved time, think about how many hours it saved per week or month. If you reduced errors or bugs, estimate by what percentage the incidents decreased. Use statements like 'Developed a script that saved 5 hours per week in data entry' or 'Reduced software bugs by 15% through thorough testing.'

By showing these kinds of metrics, you make it easy for employers to see your value. It's not just about the code you write; it's about the results your work produces.