As technology continues to evolve and help improve our lives, we need more and more tech experts to help in this venture. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of software developers, including software engineers, is expected to grow by 22% from 2019 to 2029. Do you want to be a part of this number?
Now, we get how looking for software engineer jobs can get a bit tough. Add to that the struggle of writing your own resume that can help you strengthen your chances of landing a job. Looking for tips on how to create one? We’ve got you! Let’s walk you through an in-depth guide on writing your software engineer resume and check out our software engineer resume examples to aid your job search now!
How to Write a Software Engineer Resume
Before looking at software engineer resume examples, let’s delve into the best tips on resume writing first.
1. Choose the best format for your resume.
Based on your experiences, level, and job search goals, you need to use the best structure on how to write your resume. In most cases, using the chronological format is the way to go. This is where you list your most recent work experience down to the oldest. Make sure, though, that the work experiences you list are relevant to the job you’re eyeing for.
There are also other cases where it’s best for you to use other formats rather than listing your work history in order. For an overview, here are some of the other resume formats you can use:
- Functional: Sometimes referred to as skills-based resume, this format aims to showcase your skills more than your experiences.
- Hybrid: A combination of the chronological and functional formats, this is used to mix and focus on both your skills and experiences in your resume.
2. Keep it to one page.
As much as you can, write a one-page software engineer resume. Since recruiters scan hundreds of resumes every day, they only spend an average of 6 seconds for each. To beat this, you may want to market your feats in a concise yet strong resume.
3. List your core competencies.
Note the keyword “core.” As much as you think you need to list all your skills, you need to narrow your skills section down only to the most relevant skills you have.
Also, this section lets hiring managers better gauge if you’re the best fit for the role.
4. Show achievements relevant to your skills.
To support your listed areas of expertise, provide proof of your skills in action. Doing this helps you showcase your abilities better, and increases your chances of standing out from the rest of the job candidates.
5. Tailor-fit your resume.
To help make you look ideal for the role, ensure your resume is targeted for one job at a time. How do you do this? First, research about the basics of the company you want to work for, such as their services and the processes behind their products, and their mission and vision.
Next, you can also check the job description or requirements to check if the role fits you. Also, this step lets you add certain resume keywords to further optimize your resume and pass applicant tracking systems or ATS that companies use in their initial screenings.
With these, you can get ideas on their needs or pain points. Hence, it’ll help you on how to best present yourself through your job application.
6. Bonus: Include a cover letter!
Writing one adds a personal touch to your application. This also shows recruiters that you’re applying specifically for them.
Include your name and contact details, the name of the job you’re going for, a brief list of your most relevant skills or qualifications, and a summary of why you’re the best fit for the role. Treat your cover letter as something to give your job application its needed boost.
Now, time for visuals! Read on for the sections you need to include as you write your resume.
Must-Have Sections of a Software Engineer Resume (with Examples)
In general, your resume must clearly state who you are. Place your name at the top of your resume using a large, readable font. Along with this are your contact details found in the header part as well.
Further, highlight your education section. If you attended or are currently in college, show recruiters that you’re invested in your learning. This can also serve as a support indicator of your success, so be proud of it! To better guide you as you write a software engineering resume, refer to the next topics based on your job level and use the software engineer resume examples as your guide.
1. Summary
This part aims to highlight your skills that are needed for you to do the job. Make sure you write using the best words to describe who you are as a professional, even if you’re an entry-level one. If you think you lack experiences in your field, fret not! You may opt to mention the areas you’re most skilled in, and brand yourself as someone who’s the best fit for the role.
Your core competencies must be listed in this section as well. Further, doing this helps you upgrade your application and be a better candidate before recruiters.
2. Work History
Use action verbs to improve your work experience resume section. Instead of using the usual resume buzzwords such as “tasked with” and “responsible for,” you might want to use these:
- Increase
- Enhance
- Introduce
- Oversee
- Conduct
- Spearhead
- Carry out
- Guide
- Supervise
- Train
Most of the time, this is one of the most important parts of a resume. Hence, you need to make sure that this section is well-written and easy to find.
3. Relevant Projects
As a software engineer, one way to show your qualifications is to mention special projects you took part in. This lets you showcase your skills in action and let recruiters see how you can contribute to the company.
4. Skills
As hiring managers scan resumes, one major section they look at is your skill set. That said, make sure you provide them a list of your top skills that match the job offer. This puts you at a greater chance of getting hired for the role.
Important tip: Always review the job description first so that you can include the skills you have and are required from the position.
5. Certifications
This is another way for you to level up your application. You can customize this part if you have licenses and/or certifications relevant to the job you’re applying for.
What Sections to Highlight When You are an Entry-Level Software Engineer
- Professional Summary
- Education
- Academic Projects
- Professional Experience
- Certifications
- Technical Skills
What Sections to Highlight When You Write a Senior Software Engineer Resume
- Professional Summary or Qualifications Profile
- Professional Experience
- Technical Skills
- Notable Projects
- Education
- Certifications
Need more samples? Browse our IT resume examples!
Top Hard Skills of a Software Engineer
While software engineers may have different feats in their own line of work, there are top hard skills they must have to succeed in this career.
Here’s a quick software engineering skills guide for you!
Download a copy of the Top Hard Skills of a Software Engineer infographic now.
To add, your skills and experiences written on your resume will all be useless if you’re not able to format them well. Heed the next tips before finalizing your software engineer resume!
General Resume Format Tips
Aside from the top resume writing tips you should follow, be mindful of the best ways to format your resume. Do these to ensure a well-written one:
- Choose the best resume format to use: reverse-chronological, functional, or hybrid.
- Pick proper resume font types and sizes (12 point) to keep your resume professional.
- Use single or 1.5 line spacing. Put appropriate margins as well.
- Make your software engineer resume section headings clear and simple.
- Use a bullet point system to list and talk about your past work experiences.
- Save and submit based on the required resume file format (PDF, Word document, text file, etc.).
- Don’t put photos unless asked for.
Better yet, create your own checklist as you double-check your resume to make sure you don’t leave anything out!
Ready to Write Your Software Engineer Resume?
For some job seekers, reviewing software engineer resume examples and tips might not be enough to brush up on their writing skills. You might also have this dilemma: worrying about your resume on top of your other job search tasks. Of course, you want to put your best self out there! But if you don’t have the proper knowledge and skills, how can you do so?
Let us help you! Our specialized IT resume writing services aim to help you make your job application more targeted and skills-focused so that you’ll stand out from the rest.
You may also check out our federal IT resume writing services if you’re aiming to land a federal job. Contact us today!
