12 Software Engineer Resume Examples for 2024

Your software engineer resume is your first code to crack the job market. This brief will give you resume models and tips. Expect clear instructions on skills to highlight, how to detail your work experience, and ways to list your coding languages. We want to help you land your next role. Keep reading to optimize your resume today.

  Compiled and approved by Steve Grafton
  Last updated on See history of changes

  Next update scheduled for

At a Glance

Here's what we see in top software engineer resumes.

  • Showing Impact With Numbers: The best resumes show real impact with clear metrics. You should use numbers that show how you increased efficiency or solved problems. Common metrics include code performance improvements, reducing load times, cutting down error rates, and automating tasks.

  • Matching Skills With Job Descriptions: Include skills on your resume that you have and that are also mentioned in the job description. Some popular ones include Python, Java, SQL databases, version control, and API development. Pick the ones that match your experience.

  • Understanding Resume Differences: Junior and senior software engineers show different experiences. A junior may say Developed new features, while a senior might show Architected scalable systems.

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Placement of education on your resume

Start with your experience if you're already a part of the workforce as a software engineer. However, in certain scenarios, beginning with education makes more sense. If you've recently completed a relevant specialized course such as a coding bootcamp or advanced degree, list that first. It shows employers why there's a gap in your employment history.

For entry-level positions or if you're still studying, lead with your educational background. Recruiters want to see that first because it's your main experience source in this case.

Section Example Education for Software Engineer
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Showcasing your projects

Software engineers often break into the field through personal or academic projects which showcase their technical skills, creativity, and initiative. Don't be shy about including these on your resume, especially if you're new to the field. It gives employers tangible proof of what you can deliver.

Include these projects in a 'Portfolio' or 'Projects' section, and provide a brief overview of the nature of the project, the tools and technologies used, and the outcomes achieved. This gives recruiters insight into your work without having to click through to external sites or portfolios.

Optimal length for your resume

You should strive for a one-page resume, particularly if you’re an entry-level or mid-level hire with fewer than 10 years in the software development sphere. This shows you can be concise and prioritize key information.

For senior-level candidates, a two-page resume is acceptable to accommodate the breadth of your experience. Struggling to stick to the page limit? Try a concise template, trimming older or less relevant information such as extracurricular activities or non-related education.

Specific skills for software engineers

As a software engineer, your technical skills carry great weight. In the skills section of your resume, highlight key languages, platforms, and environments you're proficient in. For example, Python, Java, C#, Ruby, Git, and so forth. But don't just list them, show recruiters how you've implemented these skills in projects or work-related tasks.

You should also showcase your methodical problem-solving ability, a critical software engineering skill. Detail how you’ve used it to overcome challenges in past roles to provide value to employers.

Understanding resume screeners

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) can be tough to get past, but with the right approach, you can make sure your resume for a software engineering position stands out. An ATS scans your resume for keywords and phrases that match the job description. If you don't include these, your resume might not be seen by human eyes. Here are two key things to keep in mind.

  • Use keywords that match the job posting. For a software engineer role, include programming languages you know, like 'Java' or 'Python', and tools or technologies you have worked with, such as 'Git' or 'Docker'.
  • Make job titles and sections clear. Instead of creative titles, stick to standard ones like 'work experience'. For your role, write 'software engineer' instead of more general titles like 'developer'.

Keep these tips in mind and tailor your resume to get through the ATS and into the hands of a hiring manager.

Customizing your resume

To stand out as a software engineer, show skills and experiences that match the job you want. Include words from the job ad and focus on what you have done that relates to the job. This makes it easy for the hiring manager to see you’re a good fit.

  • List programming languages and tools you know like JavaScript, React, or AWS.
  • If you have led a team, tell how many people were in it, like 'Led a team of 5 developers'.
  • If you’re new to software engineering, talk about relevant things you have done. For example, if you have made a website or an app, say so.
Bullet Point Samples By Job Title for Software Engineer
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Showcase your achievements

When crafting your resume, focus on what you've achieved as a software developer, not the tasks you were responsible for. You want to show your impact, how you've contributed to projects, and the value you've brought to previous roles. Instead of simply listing duties, quantify your accomplishments. This approach makes your experience more compelling to potential employers.

Think about times you have improved a system, optimized performance, or exceeded project targets. For example, instead of writing 'Responsible for maintaining web applications,' you could say:

  • Boosted application performance by 20% through efficient code refactoring.
  • Reduced application load time by 30% by implementing caching solutions.

These statements provide clear evidence of your skills in action and the direct benefits realized by your work.

Use strong action verbs

When you write your resume, it's important to start each bullet point with a strong action verb. This shows what you have done in a clear and direct way. You should choose verbs that match the tasks and skills you used in your past work as a software engineer.

Here's a list of action verbs that fit well with the tasks you might have done. They show your ability to build, fix, and create software, which can help your resume stand out.

  • To show you have built or improved software, use developed, engineered, built, implemented, enhanced.
  • To show problem-solving skills, use troubleshooted, resolved, debugged, refined, reworked.
  • To show you can make software more efficient, use optimized, streamlined, refactored, revised, consolidated.
  • To show you can lead projects, use coordinated, managed, oversaw, directed, supervised.
  • To show you can work with others, use collaborated, partnered, mentored, supported, integrated.

Want inspiration for other action verbs you can use? Check out synonyms to commonly used action verbs like Work with, Built, Executed, Increased, Assisted.

Bullet Point Samples Action Verbs for Software Engineer
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Essential technical skills for software engineers

As a software engineer, your resume should show a strong command of technical skills. These are critical for the job and help you stand out. You don't need to list every skill you have, just the ones most relevant to the role you want. Here are some key skills to consider including:

  • Java
  • Python
  • C++
  • JavaScript
  • SQL
  • Git
  • Linux
  • RESTful APIs
  • AngularJS
  • Docker

Include these skills in a dedicated section on your resume. This makes it easy for hiring managers and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to find them quickly. ATS often scans for specific keywords related to the job. So, if you're experienced with JavaScript but the job is for front-end development, make sure to mention frameworks like AngularJS or React too.

Remember, the job description is your best guide. Match your skills with what's asked for in the job. If the job needs someone good at data management, highlight your experience with SQL and database technologies. If it's a role focused on web development, show your strength in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. This targeted approach shows you're a good fit for the job you're applying for.

Section Example Skills for Software Engineer
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Quantify your engineering impact

As a hiring manager, I look for clear evidence of how you have made a difference in your past roles. Showing your impact with numbers helps me understand the value you could bring to my team. In software engineering, certain metrics can highlight your contributions effectively.

Think about your past projects and consider the following:

  • Efficiency improvements: Have you sped up code deployment? Show this by stating the percentage increase in deployment speed, for example, 'Enhanced deployment process, resulting in a 20% increase in release efficiency.'
  • Error reduction: If you've contributed to fewer system crashes or bugs, quantify it. Mention something like, 'Implemented a new testing protocol that reduced bug reports by 15%.'

Other common metrics in software engineering include:

  • The number of features you've developed, e.g., 'Developed 10+ new user-facing features within a single quarter.'
  • Code optimization leading to performance boosts, e.g., 'Optimized application performance, achieving a 30% reduction in load times.'
  • Cost savings from improved processes or solutions, e.g., 'Identified a cloud storage solution that cut costs by $5,000 annually.'
  • User impact, such as 'Designed a module that improved customer experience, leading to a 25% rise in user retention.'

Remember, if you are unsure about exact numbers, use your best estimate. It's about showing a tangible way in which your work as a software engineer makes a difference. This helps hiring managers like me see the real-world impact of your skills and experience.

Show leadership and growth

When you apply for a software engineering role, showing growth in your career is key. Here are ways you can highlight your leadership skills and promotions.

  • For leadership, list any projects where you were the lead or a key team member. Use phrases like 'Led a team of X to develop Y', showing how you guided others.
  • If you've been promoted, make this clear by listing your job titles in order, from the most recent to the oldest. For each role, show how your responsibilities increased over time.

Even if you're not sure you have leadership experience, think about times when you took charge of a project or helped a team member. These are good examples of leadership. If you have had any title changes, even small ones, list them to show you've grown in your role.

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