Software Engineer Resume Example, Tips & Tricks
No one should be surprised to learn that demand for software engineers is expected to increase over the coming decade. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 25% increase in job growth for these professionals through 2031. As a skilled coder, you can expect your skills to be in demand for many years to come, but just having those skills may not be enough to fuel your career journey. You’ll also need a Software Engineer resume that captivates prospective employers.
To help you achieve that goal, we’ve created this “Software Engineer Resume Example, Tips & Tricks.” It contains key insights into the resume creation process and helpful tips that can assist you in highlighting your key competencies, experiences, and other qualifications. By using this guide, you can learn how to craft the compelling resume you need to make a great first impression and earn more interview opportunities.
Software Engineer Resume Example
How to write a resume
It’s always a great idea to start with the basics when you’re learning how to create your Software Engineer resume. Of course, that means starting with the proper foundation to ensure that your resume delivers the right message to any potential employer. Let’s begin with some essential tips to get you started.
Use the correct format and structure
While you need compelling content in your Software Engineer resume, it is just as important to ensure hiring managers can easily find that information. That’s why it is so important to use the right format when you outline your resume. There are three basic formats that you can choose: reverse chronological, combination, and functional. Most employers prefer the reverse chronological since it presents information in a clear, chronological format that is easy to skim.
You will also need to use an organized structure if you want to create a resume that is easy to read. The best structure to use for your reverse chronological resume is one that separates your skills, experiences, and other qualifications into distinct sections identified by clear headings. Those sections should include:
Contact details like your full name, city and state, phone, email address, and the URL to your optimized LinkedIn profile
Job title for the position you are trying to get
Summary or profile statement, which consists of one paragraph that summarizes your relevant skills, experiences, and unique value proposition
Core competencies should include hard technical skills as well as soft skills you use as a Software Engineer
Professional experience, with your positions listed in reverse chronological order and covering the previous 10 or 15 years of work
Education is where you list college degree, any continuing education, certifications, and coursework
Additional information like awards, industry recognition, public speaking, and specialized research
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/7thvzrs93dvf/2Day9rE8YIK3sG1QrNd1F/b6ce2e8d057b851c18a4b36b62db5514/Software_Engineer-1.jpg?w=612&h=792&fl=progressive&q=90&fm=jpg)
Create a winning summary statement
With its location just below your contact details, the summary statement may be the most critical part of your Software Engineer resume. Think of it as your unique elevator pitch – an opportunity to make a first impression on a hiring manager and convince them to continue reading your resume. A great summary statement should always be no more than three to five concise sentences that highlight your most important skills, experiences, and achievements. For example:
Solutions-focused software engineer with demonstrated success in architecting, developing, and delivering cutting-edge applications for diverse environments. Adept at analyzing and interpreting business requirements to develop robust solutions aligned with business user needs and expectations. Engaging communicator and collaborator; able to partner with cross-functional teams through all phases of development, prototyping, and deployment. Continually research and evaluate new technologies, concepts, and methods to maintain a competitive advantage.
Identify your most relevant experiences and skills
Before you can complete the professional experience and core competency sections of your Software Engineer resume, you must know which skills and accomplishments to include. To identify those details, you should examine the job posting and description to see what the employer has listed as key qualifications. To be considered for hire, your resume will usually need to highlight each of those requirements to demonstrate that you are the right person for the job.
Pay careful attention to the words that the company uses to describe any skill, educational achievement, or professional experience. More than likely, those words will be keywords and phrases that the hiring manager looks for when skimming your resume. More importantly, those words may be used by applicant tracking systems (ATS), which many companies use to screen out applicants whose listed qualifications don’t meet the job post requirements.
Software Engineer resume example
Now that we’ve provided some critical insight and tips to help you get started, it might be helpful for you to see an illustration of just how all these elements can work together to create your resume. We have you covered there as well, with this example of an outstanding Software Engineer resume. Use it as a guide and template as you gather the relevant information you need and begin the process of crafting your resume.
Key hard & soft skills for a Software Engineer
When employers read a Software Engineer resume, they pay close attention to the skills highlighted on that document. They want to see that you have the technical knowledge and ability they’re looking for, including proficiency in programming, an analytical mind, and keen problem-solving skills. They also expect you to highlight your soft skills, too, such as creativity and the ability to collaborate in a team environment. Below are some of the most in-demand core competencies you can include in your resume.
Hard skills
Hard skills are specific technical abilities you need to fulfill the technical requirements of your job. They are typically obtained through formal training, education, and hands-on experience. For a Software Engineer, those hard skills may include:
Software programming in languages like Python, Java, C/C++, SQL
Software architecture
Object-oriented design
Testing and debugging
Performance tuning
Enterprise integration
Proficiency with platforms like Microsoft SQL Server, Linux, Oracle, JBoss, etc.
Soft skills
Soft skills are all those personal abilities and traits that you possess. Some soft skills develop naturally over time, while others can be improved through conscious effort. Though technical skills are often the first thing people think of when they reflect on a coder’s abilities, these professionals also need to possess a wide range of developed soft and interpersonal skills, such as:
Communication
Innovation
Collaboration
Attention to detail
Team leadership
Critical thinking
Adaptability
Summary & last words
Before you even begin to craft your own resume, make sure you understand the vital role this document plays in any successful job search. It is your main marketing tool and your first and best opportunity to make a great and lasting first impression on any employer. If your resume is a substandard document that fails to capture a hiring manager’s imagination, you may never get the chance to interview for that job.
The good news is you don’t have to rely on the whims of chance to make the right first impression. By using our Software Engineer resume guide, tips & tricks, you can craft a more convincing narrative for prospective employers and increase your odds of landing an interview. That can help give you the confidence and peace of mind you need as you continue to advance your career.
Introduction to TopResume: Professional resume writers
Knowing how to create your own resume can provide invaluable benefits for your job search efforts. However, even that knowledge may not be enough to ensure you can successfully land the interviews you need. In a highly competitive field and labor market, you need every advantage you can get. Fortunately, the resume writers at TopResume are always here to provide the professional assistance you need to craft the best possible resume document.
Why you should make use of our resume writing services to land your next job as a Software Engineer
Our team of resume writers is passionate about creating resume narratives that speak directly to each employer’s unique hiring needs. We understand what Software Engineers need to highlight to capture an employer’s attention and work with you to ensure that your Software Engineer resume presents you as the most qualified and capable applicant for any position. And because our team is made up of people with deep knowledge of your industry, you can be confident that their expertise is second-to-none.
Resume writing service for Software Engineer: Let us write your resume
No matter how qualified you might be, you’ll always struggle to land your dream job if you can’t effectively convey those qualifications to prospective employers. When you partner with TopResume’s team of expert resume writers, you never have to worry about that again. By investing in our writing services and teaming up with one of our experienced resume writers, you can finally unleash your job search potential and begin to make your career dreams a reality. Contact us today!
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/7thvzrs93dvf/7w3ophl2518pyx7uIKLLbT/3465feebb93d15bca4241d8dfe39949c/Celebrating_laptop_Yay.png?w=1000&h=608&q=90&fm=png)
Who are the TopResume writers?
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/7thvzrs93dvf/6cQB2FkcsXBr6yeQPd52Ii/b8084acce8c3a66c8c1b7024429cb5f2/Billie-J.png?w=140&h=140&q=90&fm=png)
Billie J.
Senior Resume Writer
4+ years of experience
Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and Classical Studies
Billie has partnered with clients from all industries and regions, writing impactful resumes to support a wealth of career growth, evolution, and transition targets. Billie’s love of the written word spans her entire life and career, and she enjoys utilizing that passion to empower the success of her clients!
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/7thvzrs93dvf/7sumkIBG06AbAms0ZTkdT1/32a489f646ba7806bd0aca5b970662e8/Traci-K.png?w=140&h=140&q=90&fm=png)
Traci K.
Senior Resume Writer
10+ years of experience
Master of Arts in English
Traci has a Master of Arts in English and has been writing since middle school. After spending several years in marketing, she decided to use her writing skills and corporate knowledge to help job seekers position themselves to achieve their career goals.
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/7thvzrs93dvf/4wxIH4gn9qLNOIQYWp9vAh/5f430b608cd7436ffe7a964d5ad43f9e/Jeremy-Z.png?w=140&h=140&q=90&fm=png)
Jeremy Z.
Senior Resume Writer
15+ Years of Experience
Bachelor of Arts in English and Business Writing
Jeremy has helped 6K+ clients gain the confidence to apply for, and get, their dream jobs. His educational background in English and business writing and dedication to supporting clients’ needs inspire him to deliver top-tier career support for customers across all industries.