Top 20+ Backend Developer Resume Examples and Writing Guide

Getting a good backend developer job starts with a good resume. While an emphasis on coding is key in the industry, qualified individuals still need a cohesive backend developer resume to present their skills and projects in an organized fashion to future employers.

And with the number of developers around the globe expected to reach 28.7 million, having a good backend developer resume is key to getting that coveted interview.

A backend developer builds and maintains the server-side logic, databases, and infrastructure of web applications. They write code for user requests and databases, manage APIs, optimize server performance and implement security measures. Basically, backend developers work with frontend developers behind the scenes to make sure that everything runs smoothly and efficiently for all users.

With all these technical skills required for the job, it is important to channel your creative side and find a unique way to present yourself on your next backend developer resume. 

If you are a fresh graduate and looking for jobs in software development field, we encourage you to read this article of 15+ Entry-level Software Resume Examples and Templates

How to Write a Winning Backend Developer Resume

Fill in Your Details in the Resume Header

When creating your resume, it's important to include your full contact information at the beginning. This should typically include your name, address, phone number, and email address. By providing this information upfront, you make it easier for hiring managers to quickly access and understand the basic details about you.

One of the most important items on your resume is your resume headline, which is sometimes referred to as a resume title. It is typically placed at the very top of your resume so that recruiters can get an introduction to who you are as a candidate.

Crafting an engaging and succinct resume title is important as it can be the deciding factor for recruiters if they want to read further. Aim to have the resume title in one line or maximum of two lines and highlight the software required for the job to which you are applying.

Here are 3 backend developer resume headline examples: 

Add in Your Resume Objective, Especially if You're a Fresh Grad

A good backend developer resume objective highlights your long-term career goals. This is useful to recruiters so they know what your expectations are as well as if you’re a good fit for the position.

The career objective section is typically 2 to 3 sentences long and includes info about your personality (detail-oriented, punctual) and your years of experience related to backend development. Tailor your career goals to match with the requirements of the opening job and make sure it is clear and concise.

The career objective can replace the resume headline or resume summary section if desired. If so, just make sure to highlight your skills and experience in the description.

Here are some examples of backend developer resume objectives:

Spend Some Time on the Work Experience Section

The work experience section is arguably the most crucial part of a backend developer's resume because it directly showcases your technical expertise, accomplishments and contributions in real-world scenarios.

This section must detail your ability to design, build, and maintain backend systems, handle database management, optimize database performance, and implement security measures. Employers look for specific examples of projects worked on, technologies used, and the impact achieved.

Moreover, detailing your work experience demonstrates your familiarity with industry best practices and your ability at solving complex technical issues. A good work experience section for backend developers should make sure to use strong, action words and mention your relevant skills and experience to the applying job.

Here are some examples of a well-written backend developer work experience section:

Essential Backend Developer Skills for a Resume are a Must

The skills section on a backend developer's resume is your bread and butter. Potential employers want to know the specific software and project skills you possess. Yet for a backend developer, listing all the technical skills in your wheelhouse can easily become long and unwieldy.

Start by categorizing your skills into programming languages (Java, Python), frameworks (Spring Boot, Django), databases (MySQL, MongoDB), version control systems (Git, SVN), and other relevant tools (Docker, Jenkins). Prioritize skills based on relevance to the job description, with the most proficient and frequently used tools listed first.

Additionally, be sure to include soft skills (such as time management and adaptability) in your skills section as it presents you as a more well-rounded candidate.

Here are some common hard and soft skills for your backend developer resume:

Don't Forget Your Education Info, but Opt-out if You've Been Working for a While

A formal education, such as a degree in Computer Science or related fields, equips developers with theoretical understanding and practical experience through coursework, projects, and labs. While recruiters will tend to favor practical experience, it is still important to present your educational background in a clear and organized manner—-especially if you are a recent graduate.

Moreover, employers often value candidates with relevant educational credentials as they signify a solid base of knowledge that can hit the ground running with a prospective team.

Here’s an example of how to write an education section on your resume:

If you haven't graduated yet but are still pursuing a degree, you can adapt the education section on your resume to reflect your current academic status. Here's a guide on how to do that:

Add Your Certificates or Certifications

Certifications on a backend developer’s resume can enhance your credentials and demonstrate proficiency in specific technologies.

While these certifications are respected and can boost your resume, their necessity and prevalence vary depending on the industry and job requirements. Practical experience, coding skills, and a strong portfolio often weigh more heavily in hiring decisions than certifications alone.

However, certifications can help differentiate you as a candidate in competitive job markets and demonstrate your commitment to developing yourself professionally.

Example Backend Developer Certifications:

• AWS Certified Developer - Associate
• Google Professional Cloud Developer
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate
• Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE Programmer
• MongoDB Certified Developer
• Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
• Certified Scrum Developer (CSD)
• Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)
• CompTIA Security+

3 Backend Developer Resume Templates & Examples

1) Fresh Graduated Backend Developer Resume Example

2) Junior-level Backend Developer Resume Example #2

3) Senior-level Backend Developer Resume Example #3

Conclusion

The perfect backend developer resume isn’t as hard to put together as you think. Use the tips above for each part of your resume and follow the examples provided when writing your own. By using clear language and organizing your skills and and experience, your backend developer resume will help you stand out to recruiters and land that developer job of your dreams.

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— Originally written by Michael Reid —