Career Insight

Tips for Creating a Software Engineer Resume

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On the market for a new Software Engineering job? Before you send out any applications, you’ve gotta freshen up that resume. Use these tips to make your Software Engineer resume stand out and land your dream job in the tech industry.

Keep it Simple 

Unlike an online dating profile, Software Engineering resumes should be straightforward and easy to read, so refrain from getting super creative with word choice and design elements. Instead, use a traditional resume model. Keep your resume at 1 page, and stay under five bullets for each of your past positions. Include links to relevant projects, portfolios, and professional profiles. List any education and relevant certifications, work experience, and skills. Include awards, publications, and research if they’re relevant to the position as well. Check out this awesome template for some inspiration. Remember readability trumps design here, so proofread, proofread, proofread.

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Tech Tips

Use Keywords 

According to The Muse, many companies now rely on applicant tracking systems (ATS) during the hiring process. These programs scan resumes for specific keywords and eliminate or move applicants forward based on the presence or absence of those keywords. Software Engineer resumes should include relevant industry and job-specific keywords so you can ensure your resume is seen by an actual human being. Instead of giving you a list of common keywords, we recommend scouring the job description for keyword ideas so your resume is specific to the role.

Be Language-Specific 

Use your resume to show off your language skills (and no, we don’t mean high school French) and don’t forget to be specific. Let the hiring manager know which programming languages you have experience with, which ones you consider yourself proficient in, and, specifically, how well you know the ones listed in the job description. Above all, be honest here. Don’t claim to be an expert in a certain language if you’re not. Check out these helpful tips from Pathrise about showing off the impact of your work, instead of listing your daily work assignments.

Tailor Your Resume for the Position

You’ll want to tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for. You can do this by thoroughly reading through the description, studying up on the company, and using language found in the job description in your resume draft.

How do your skills align with the position? You’ve gotta let them know! This will give the company a better picture of how your skills will fit in with their specific needs. This process will also give you a better idea of what the company is like culture-wise, and help you figure out if they’re a good fit for you. The process of reading up on the job and the company will force you to be honest with yourself too. Does the job really fit you and your skills? Be thoughtful about what both you and the company are looking for. Don’t try to fit a square peg into a round hole.

Craft an Objective Statement

With automation and the changing marketplace, more and more people are making career pivots and joining the tech industry. If you’re making a mid-career change and don’t have prior Software Engineering work experience, it could be helpful to include an objective statement. This will allow you to explain your background, why you’ve made a change, and how your skills and certifications make you a great fit for the job. Plus it’s a motivating exercise to share why you’re so passionate about working in tech!

Ready to rock the job search? With these tips in mind, we believe you’ll score a sweet new gig in no time! Check out these interviewing and negotiation tips for more job search hacks.


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