The average annual salary
for a
software engineer in the US is over $100,000 per year (according to Indeed). That's nearly double the national average, a fact that is both impressive and reflective of the tough work that
software engineers do.
In addition to being well-versed in a plethora of programming languages,
software engineers and developers have to be self-motivated, oftentimes collaborative, and whizz with technology. They have to be com
fortable:
Adapting to new technologies and tools to ensure
software functionality and reliability;Reviewing code and creating
software solutions; andCommunicating effectively to completed projects on time and to a high quality.
They need to be able to demonstrate these
skills on their
software engineer
resumes. Are you not sure how to do that?
From entry level
software engineer
resumes to junior and senior
software engineers, this article will cover how to write an amazing
software engineer
resume, including how to list essential engineering
skills (including vital
soft skills) within and outside your work experience. We'll also share 5
software engineer
resume examples you can use as templates
for whatever your
software engineering needs.Table of Contents:
What Do
Software Engineers Do?
How to Write a
Software Engineer
Resume
Tips
for Writing a
Software Engineer
Resume
5
Software Engineer
Resume Examples
Conclusion
What Do
Software Engineers Do?
But first, what do
software engineers do? And what's the difference between a
software engineer and a
software developer? Better yet, what's the difference between a
software engineer
resume and a
software developer
resume?
Let's start nice and easy with a revelation:
software engineers are not the same as
software developers. But they're very similar.
Software engineers cover the broader aspects of
software development, focusing on design, system integration, testing, scalability, and maintenance.
Software developers, on the other hand, focuses on creation, like writing, debugging, and testing code
for software programs and applications.
In short, the focus is much more narrow, which of course has to be specified and reflected in your
software engineer OR
software developer
resume.How to Write a
Software Engineer
Resume
A
resume profile is made up of a
resume header,
resume summary, and a
resume objective, as well as your personal in
formation (name, email address, and location, at the very minimum). When writing a
resume header
for a
software engineer, applicants need to focus on the most essential in
formation they want a hiring manager to know.
Here are some examples of
software engineer
resume headers, depending on the specialization:
Software engineer
resume header #1Entry Level
Software Engineer
Software engineer
resume header #2Certified AWS
Software Developer With 5 Years Experience
Software engineer
resume header #3Motivated Junior
Software Developer
Next, we're discussing how to write a
resume summary
for a
software engineer. This is a short paragraph that summarizes your background and the key points of your
resume, often showcasing your main achievements and
skills. Aside from the
resume header, the
resume summary is the first thing hiring managers read when they come upon your
software engineering
resume so it's important that it's as attention-grabbing as possible. Let's look at some examples:
Examples of
resume summary
for software engineers:
Software engineer
resume summary #1Certified developer with a strong foundation in
software development and a passion
for creating Android applications. Proficient in Java, Kotlin, Python, and C++, with a proven track record in applying problem solving
skills to improve user engagement and retention.
Software engineer
resume summary #2Motivated and resourceful
Software Engineer Intern with a passion
for coding, programming, and creating powerful
software solutions. Possesses a detailed understanding of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and C+++.
Software engineer
resume summary #1Experienced junior
software engineer with over 5 years of experience delivering innovative
software solutions to achieve
software dominance. Proven track record in cross-functional collaboration, implementing APIs and optimizing data structures.Lastly, we've got the
resume objective.
For interns, freshers, and entry-level applicants, this is a key part of your
software engineer
resume that draws attention to your strengths and motivations
for applying. It can be omitted
for experienced professionals, like junior and senior
software engineers.
Software engineer
resume objective #1I am excited to grow my technical
skills in a remote internship.
Software engineer
resume objective #2Seeking an entry-level
software developer position to leverage technical background.
Software engineer
resume objective #3Eager to apply creative problem-solving
skills to exceed targets in a challenging
software engineering role.How to Discuss Your Work ExperienceWhether you're an entry-level
software engineer, a junior
software engineer a senior
software engineer, and any of the variations in between, the work experience section is your most important section on a
software engineer
resume.
That's because it's your chance to show hiring managers exactly what
skills and achievements you have that make you a stellar candidate. In the case of
software engineering, this section requires an obvious need to focus on technical
skills, even
for software engineering managers, as well as communication, self-motivation, adaptability, and time management.
These
skills can be demonstrated through a variety of different work or academic experiences, such as personal projects (especially successful
software projects), relevant coursework, and internship experience at tech companies - essentially anything that can prove your technical expertise.
So, how can you include all these
skills while making your
resume read well?
For starters, you can follow this guide:
Take keywords from the job description. The first step to properly discuss your work experience is to take keywords from the job description and input them into the description of your work or academic experience(s). This may seem like copying to the untrained eye, but it's actually one of the best ways to ensure that your
software engineer
resume gets noticed. Recruiters are looking
for candidates who match the JD (job description); what better way to make yourself the perfect match than by integrating the ideal
skills? That said, remember to only include
skills that you actually possess and that are mentioned in the JD.Add numbers. Don't
forget to add figures to quantify your achievements, as this gives extra evidence of your
skills. However, it's not the end of the world if you can't find out how much was increased or reduced by your actions; there are plenty of other ways to include numbers in this section. You may also wish to consider addressing the specific number of projects completed, the degree of accuracy, or the super-high rating from feedback surveys. These are other easy ways to quantify your results.Use action words to describe experiences.
Resumes are all about touting what you did, not what was done to you. Ensure you appear confident and professional by writing in an active voice and using active verbs.Here are 20 sample
resume action words you can use in your
software engineer
resume:
ManagedLedOptimizedCollaboratedDeveloped
CreatedIntegratedTestedConductedDesigned
EngineeredEnsuredMaintainedProvidedProgrammed
ConfiguredImplementedModifiedTroubleshootEnhanced
Now let's check out these
resume examples:
Software engineer work experience example #1
Software Developer, ABCTech, US March 2018 - Present-Implemented automated testing protocols that reduced testing time by 30% during internship and detected 95% of bugs in final
software releases.
Junior
Software Developer, Facebook, UK Sept. 2020 - Present-Collaborated with senior engineers to design new features
for Facebook using Java, contributing to a 30% increase in user engagement and satisfaction on feedback surveys.
Final Course Project: WeatherApp (2020)-Developed an Android application that provided Columbia students with real-time weather updates using Kotlin and Retrofit, achieving over 1,000 downloads and a 4.5 average of customer satisfaction.
How to List Your Education
Degree programs that get your foot in the door
for software engineering positions include Computer Science,
Software Engineering, Maths, and (Electrical) Engineering, however having a degree is not always compulsory
for these positions. That's because hiring managers are often more interested in what you can actually do and have done - not what a piece of paper says.
It's there
fore in your best interests,
for university students and graduates, to mention relevant coursework in your education section, especially if you're an intern, fresher, or entry level
software engineer applicant. More experienced applicants can omit this but should always include their place of study, duration of study, and degree achieved (i.e. Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD).
Below are a few examples showing how to list your education on a
software engineer
resume.
BSc Engineering, University of Roehampton, UK Oct. 2015 - July 2018 B.S. Computer Science, University of Cali
fornia Berkeley, CA Sept. 2018 - June 2022MSc
Software Engineering, University of College London, UK Oct. 2022 - July 2023What Key
Software Engineer
Skills to Add
Whether you're an intern or
software engineering manager, you need an extensive array of technical
skills to propel you in the industry. And it really goes without saying that the focus needs to be on programming languages.
You should also consider addressing your
soft skills. While they may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the word 'Engineering',
soft skills can be just as important as technical
skills, especially when it comes to managerial positions. Think communication
skills (verbal and oral), time management, project management, self-motivation, and collaboration as your 6 key
skills to mention. Hard
SkillsOperating SystemsFront-end Development (e.g. Bootstrap, AngularJS)
Software Testing and Quality Assurance (QA)Coding and Programming Languages (e.g. Python, C, C++, Java, Go, PHP, Swift, Kotlin, Ruby)Integration TestingUser Experience (UX) Design
Software Development Methodologies (e.g. Scrum/Agile Methodologies)TroubleshootingMachine LearningAlgorithmsData StructuresOOP (Object-Oriented Programming)Web Development (e.g. Javascript, HTML/CSS, React)Cloud Computing (e.g. Amazon Web Services, Azure, Google Cloud, Jenkins, Prometheus)Operating Systems (e.g. Windows, Linux, macOS, Android)Database Management (e.g. SQL, Oracle)Git/GithubCommunication Tools (e.g. Zoom, Asana, Slack)
Soft SkillsCommunication
SkillsInterpersonal CommunicationProblem Solving
SkillsCustomer ServiceTeamworkLeadershipCollaborationAdaptabilityCritical ThinkingProject ManagementTime ManagementMentoringSelf-MotivationResilienceAnalysisCreativityOrganizationAttention to Detail
💡 PRO TIP: You shouldn't list every single skill known to (wo)man on your
software engineer
resume; only list the
skills you possess AND the ones that correspond to the job description.How to List Your Certifications
Although we've established that a degree isn't an entirely necessary part of the application - at least in the case of
software developers - your
software engineer
resume or
software developer
resume will be more impressive if you've got evidence of
skills, like with a certification.
While we won't list all the certifications available, here are a few ideas on relevant certifications and how to list them in your
resume:
Professional
Software Developer Certification, IEEE Computer Society (March 2023)AWS Certified Developer, Amazon Web Services (Feb 2024)Associate Android Developer Certification, Google (Jan 2020)
Should You Add an Additional Section?
If your
software developer
resume is looking a little bare, spruce it up with an additional section that discusses your hobbies, awards, or extracurricular activities. While there is still an obvious technical focus
for software engineering
resumes, these sections can help hiring managers know the real you by delving into your interests and passions.
It's also a big tick in your favor if you happen to spend your free time participating in hackathons and coding challenges, or volunteering as a coding coach. Tips
for Writing a
Software Engineer
Resume1) Beat ATS by using Cake's
resume builder.
ATS, or Applicant Tracking Systems, searches
for keywords in applications. While they're a considerable asset to HR departments with their powerful tracking
skills, they can be a pain
for applicants who use online
resume templates, as ATS don't recognise columns, graphics, tables, and images.
Thankfully, if you're using Cake's
resume templates, you don't have to worry, as all of Cake's templates are ATS-compliant and will help you beat the bot. Taking keywords from the job description and adding them to your
software engineer
resume is also a sure-fire way to ensure your
resume passes the test.
2) Attach a Cake Portfolio.
Don't just leave it to chance that the hiring managers may like the sound of your
resume - show them what you can do! Demonstrate the
skills and achievements mentioned in your work experience with a tailored portfolio built with Cake that showcases your knowledge of programming languages, plus how these programming
skills have created epic projects with epic results. 💡 PRO TIP: Whether your projects are personal or academic, make sure to share previous work that highlights your
skills in the best possible way.
Use the right
resume format.
As you'll see later with the
resume examples, there are different
resume formats to choose from and the best
format
for a
software engineer
resume may not be the one you think.
Where interns, freshers, and entry-level
software engineers are encouraged to use the
skills-based
resume format (also known as functional
format), experienced
software engineers are instead recommended to utilize the (reverse) chronological
resume format. This is a great choice
for software engineers that can demonstrate career progression and consistent work experience.
Don't
forget your cover letter.
The cover letter is an often overlooked part of applications, even though it can be the dealbreaker
for hiring managers reviewing
software engineer
resumes. While the
resume provides an important snapshot into you and your experiences, the cover letter explains how all of that will benefit the position.
In other words, a
software engineer cover letter offers valuable insights into your personal style, motivation, and suitability
for the role.5
Software Engineer
Resume Examples
Curious what a good
software engineer
resume looks like? Look no further than these 5
resume examples, which can substitute as a
software engineer
resume template
for your application.
Software Engineer Intern
Resume Example
Martha Win |Motivated
Software Engineer
[email protected] | +55 555-555 | Cali
fornia, US | cake
resume.portfolio
Motivated and resourceful
Software Engineer Intern with a passion
for coding, programming, and creating powerful
software solutions. Possesses a detailed understanding of 5 programming languages: HTML, CSS, Java, Python, and C++. Excited to grow technical
skills in a remote internship.
SKILLS
Programming
Built a predictive model using Python, focusing on data preprocessing and model training, improving prediction accuracy by 18%. Built user-friendly interface
for a web application that was developed using HTML, CSS, and Java to help users track and manage finances. Designed an embedded system to automate home appliances using C++ and Python, testing code quality and reliability that resulted in a 27% improvement in efficiency.
Communication
Presented 10 projects to classmates with clear visuals and verbal communication.Collaborated with classmates to improve user experience, increase
software usability that led to a 10% increase in team productivity.
PROJECTS
Academic Projects: Personal Budget Tracker, Smart Home Automation System, UC Berkely (2022 - Present)
EDUCATION
B.S. Computer Science, University of Cali
fornia Berkeley, CA Sept. 2022 - June 2026Relevant coursework: Data Structures Algorithms;
Software Engineering; Operating Systems; Embedded Systems
Fresher
Software Engineer
Resume ExampleJackie Jackson - Fresher
Software Engineer
Enthusiastic graduate of B.S. Engineering from NCCU, eager to leverage proficiency in programming to real-world applications. Demonstrated ability in
software testing, project management, and optimizing operating systems.
[email protected] | +8869123456 | Taiwan
SKILLS
Programing
Implemented automated testing protocols that reduced testing time by 30% during internship and detected 95% of bugs in final
software releases.Developed scripts in Python
for data parsing and analysis.Proficient in Java
for backend development and SQL
for database management.
Time management
Managed multiple projects simultaneously, consistently meeting deadlines.Completed 2 online courses in cybersecurity and machine learning alongside degree program.Strategically managed progress on development of a mobile application project, organizing meetings across teams with developers and marketers to deliver the app within a 3-month timeframe.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Software Engineer Intern, NCCU, Taiwan
EDUCATION
B.S. Engineering, NCCU, Taiwan (Feb 2020 - Feb 2024)
Relevant Coursework: Mobile Application Development, Database Systems,
Software Engineering, UI Design
Entry Level
Software Developer
Resume ExampleJohn Desmond -Certified Android
[email protected] | London, UK
Certified developer with a strong foundation in
software development and a passion
for creating Android applications. Proficient in Java, Kotlin, Python, and C++, with a proven track record in applying problem solving
skills to improve user engagement and retention. Seeking an entry level
software developer position to leverage technical background.
SKILLS
OPERATING SYSTEMS
Developed an Android application that provided local residents with real-time weather updates using Kotlin and Retrofit, achieving over 1,000 downloads and a 4.5 average of customer satisfaction.Built an Android e-commerce app using Java, implementing user authentication, product listing, and payment processing that increased user retention by 35% with improved UX design.
ADAPTABILITY
Easily transitioned between different programming languages and technologies to resolve compatibility issues and optimize
software per
formance across Windows and macOs.Debugged and optimized Android application ensuring 98% functionality across 5 Android OS versions and device configurations.
PROJECTS
Personal Project: WeatherApp, E-commerce App
CERTIFICATION
Associate Android Developer Certification, Google (Jan 2020)
Junior
Software Engineer
Resume Example
WINNIELINLE |Junior
Software Engineer With 5 Years Experience
Experienced junior
software engineer with over 5 years of experience delivering innovative
software solutions to achieve
software dominance. Proven track record in cross-functional collaboration, implementing APIs and optimizing data structures. Eager to apply creative problem solving
skills to exceed targets in a challenging
software engineering role.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Junior
Software Engineer, IBM UK (Remote)Nov. 2019 - Present
Developed creative
software solutions
for MinutePlus, a CRM plat
form, increasing user adoption by 20% over 6 months.Collaborated with senior engineers to integrate new payment gateway into MinutePlus, reducing transaction processing errors by 10%.Contributed to the implementation of APIs using Node.js, contributing to a 15% reduction in API response times.
Software Engineer Intern, IBM UK (Remote)Sept. 2018 - Sept. 2019
Assisted in developing a machine learning module
for sentiment analysis, improving accuracy through optimization of data preprocessing techniques.Led troubleshooting and debugging ef
forts, resolving technical issues within SLA timeframes 95% of the time.
EDUCATION
BSc Engineering, University of Roehampton, UKOct. 2015 - July 2018
SKILLS
Creative Problem SolvingCollaborationTime ManagementData Structures AlgorithmsMachine LearningTroubleshooting
Senior
Software Developer
Resume Example
WINNIELINLE |Junior
Software Engineer With 5 Years Experience
Experienced junior
software engineer with over 5 years of experience delivering innovative
software solutions to achieve
software dominance. Proven track record in cross-functional collaboration, implementing APIs and optimizing data structures. Eager to apply creative problem solving
skills to exceed targets in a challenging
software engineering role.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Junior
Software Engineer, IBM UK (Remote) - Nov. 2019 - Present
Developed creative
software solutions
for MinutePlus, a CRM plat
form, increasing user adoption by 20% over 6 months.Collaborated with senior engineers to integrate new payment gateway into MinutePlus, reducing transaction processing errors by 10%.Contributed to the implementation of APIs using Node.js, contributing to a 15% reduction in API response times.
Software Engineer Intern, IBM UK (Remote) - Sept. 2018 - Sept. 2019
Assisted in developing a machine learning module
for sentiment analysis, improving accuracy through optimization of data preprocessing techniques.Led troubleshooting and debugging ef
forts, resolving technical issues within SLA timeframes 95% of the time.
EDUCATION
BSc Engineering, University of Roehampton, UKOct. 2015 - July 2018
SKILLS
Creative Problem SolvingCollaborationTime ManagementData Structures AlgorithmsMachine LearningTroubleshooting
Conclusion
In this article, we've shown how to describe a
software engineer on a
resume by highlighting what technical
skills and work experience are essential
for applications to a
software engineer position.
We've covered how the essentials in technical and
soft skills (like programming languages and adaptability) play significant roles in your application, plus how to make your
software engineer
resume pop by taking keywords - like the mentioned
skills! - from the JD and putting them into your application.
Remember, whether you're a fresher or an experienced junior
software engineer, you can always use this handy trip.
We've even gone the extra mile and provided you with 5 stellar
software developer
resume examples that you can use as templates. If that wasn't enough, Cake has an overflowing boatload of resources on the blog
for prospective
software engineers, making nailing your entire application process from
resume creation to technical interview a piece of cake.
With Cake, you can create winning
resumes
for free with our online
resume builder and also search
for software engineer jobs around the globe. Try it out now!— Originally written by Eva O'Mara —