How to Write a Software Engineer Resume
A strong software engineer resume highlights your technical skills, project experience, and impact. Here's what recruiters and hiring managers look for:
1. Technical Skills Section
Lead with your technical stack. Organize by category:
- Languages: Python, JavaScript, Java, C++, etc.
- Frameworks: React, Node.js, Django, Spring Boot
- Cloud/DevOps: AWS, GCP, Docker, Kubernetes
- Databases: PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Redis
2. Quantified Achievements
Don't just list responsibilities. Show impact with numbers:
- ❌ "Worked on backend systems"
- ✅ "Reduced API response time by 40% by implementing caching layer"
- ✅ "Built microservices architecture serving 1M+ daily requests"
3. Project Experience
Include notable projects that demonstrate your skills:
- Personal projects with GitHub links
- Open source contributions
- Hackathon projects or side projects
4. Education & Certifications
Include relevant credentials:
- CS degree or related field
- AWS/GCP certifications
- Online courses (Coursera, Udacity)
ATS Optimization Tips
Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems. Make sure your resume:
- Uses standard section headings
- Includes keywords from the job description
- Avoids tables and complex formatting
- Uses a clean, readable font
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Listing every technology you've ever touched
- Not tailoring to the specific job
- Missing contact information or LinkedIn
- Typos in code-related terms