Carefully building the right software engineer resume template can be the key to landing a fantastic job. It makes it impossible for recruiters and hiring managers to miss you when searching through new applicants.
But what sets a standout resume apart from the competition?
This guide explores what essential elements are key to creating a successful software engineer resume template, and guides you through so that you can create one yourself.
You’ll have a flexible and editable template that has everything you need to get noticed.
Short on time? Get a premium template right now.
The Importance of Having a Software Engineer Resume Template
Lots of applicants underestimate the importance of personalization.
Amending your resume for every job application is crucial.
Having a flexible template that you can quickly adjust ensures you can apply for high-quality positions without the hassle of starting from scratch each time a promising opportunity arises.
To craft a top-tier software engineer resume, there are a few key steps you need to follow.
Step 1: Formatting Your Resume
The foundation of any great resume is its layout. A well-structured resume makes it easier for hiring managers to pick out the key information that they’re looking for without reading the entire page.
Certain companies may prefer specific styles—such as the Harvard resume format or templates used in top tech firms like Google—so be aware of what your target employer might expect.
Choosing the Right Layout and Format
With this in mind, how should you be formatting your software engineer resume?
- Keep It Clean and Simple: Select a design that’s professional, avoiding overly flashy elements. Don’t choose designs that will interfere with applicant tracking systems (ATS).
- Choose Readable Fonts: Stick to professional fonts like Arial or Calibri, ensuring consistency in font size throughout the resume.
- Maintain Proper Spacing: Use clear margins and space out your sections so that your resume is easy to scan.
- File Format: Always save your resume as a PDF to preserve your formatting. Some .doc or .docx formats may also be acceptable in certain cases.
- Newest First: Organize your experiences and qualifications starting with the most recent.
- Use Clear Section Titles: Simple headers like “Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills” will help make your resume readable.
- Bullet Points for Clarity: Bullet points help to clarify complex information and present it in an easy-to-digest format. They’re the most readable way to communicate your achievements. Use them throughout your resume.
Pro Tip: Pay close attention to the keywords used in job listings. Incorporating relevant phrases into your resume will demonstrate that your experience aligns with the position requirements.
Step 2: Contact Information
Contact information is a critical part of your resume. Always include it at the top, so it’s easy for recruiters and hiring managers to reach out to you.
Be sure to include all of the following information clearly at the top of your resume.
- Full Name: Your name should be the most prominent text on the page to make it easy for recruiters to recall.
- Phone Number: Provide a reliable phone number where you can be easily contacted.
- Professional Email Address: Your email should sound professional, ideally something like yourname@example.com.
- LinkedIn Profile: If you have a well-maintained LinkedIn profile, including it on your resume offers recruiters further insights into your background, endorsements, and connections within the industry.
- Portfolio: If you’ve worked on a number of impressive projects, you may want to include a link to an up-to-date portfolio.
Step 3: Experiences
This section is the heart of your software engineer resume template. Highlighting your key achievements, technical proficiency, and problem-solving skills is essential.
What Should You Include In The Experience Part Of A Resume?
- Company Name and Location: Include the full name of each employer and where they are based.
- Job Title: List your complete job title to accurately highlight the positions you’ve held.
- Dates of Employment: Use the month and year to detail the duration of each position.
- Key Responsibilities and Achievements: List key achievements as bullet points, focusing on your impact within the role. Prioritize experiences relevant to the position you’re applying for.
How to Write Effective Bullet Points:
Make sure every bullet point has an impact. Here’s how you should format them:
- Action Words: Start each bullet point with strong action verbs such as “Developed,” “Designed,” or “Led” to highlight your contributions.
- Quantify Achievements: Where possible use numbers to illustrate the scope of your work and its impact (e.g., “Reduced server downtime by 30%” or “Designed an app used by over 100,000 users”).
- Keep It Relevant: Tailor your bullet points to highlight the experiences most relevant to the role you’re applying for. It may help to have backups to swap in when needed for specific roles.
EXAMPLE:
GOOGLE
Staff Software Engineer
Mountain View, CA | Mar 2022 – Present
- Designed and implemented scalable web applications, leading to a 20% boost in user engagement.
- Collaborated with executives and engineering teams to meet strategic goals and improve operational efficiencies.
Step 4: Education
Many hiring managers look for formal qualifications in computer science, software engineering, or related fields, meaning your education section is incredibly important.
Here’s what you need to include:
- Institution Name: Clearly state the university or institution where you earned your degree.
- Degree: Mention the full name of your degree (e.g., Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering).
- Graduation Date: Include the month and year of your graduation.
- Relevant Coursework or Honors: If applicable, include any specific courses or academic distinctions that demonstrate your expertise or commitment.
EXAMPLE:
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT LOS ANGELES
Master of Science in Software Engineering
Los Angeles, CA | Apr 2018
- Cumulative GPA: 3.93/4.0
- Engineering Honor Society (General Member)
Step 5: Additional Details
The final section of your resume should showcase any extra qualifications, certifications, or skills that distinguish you from other candidates. This is where you can demonstrate your technical abilities and professional development.
Key Elements to Include:
- Technical Skills: List your proficiency in programming languages, tools, and frameworks relevant to software engineering.
- Certifications and Licenses: Highlight certifications such as AWS Solutions Architect or ScrumMaster, which are highly regarded in the industry.
- Professional Memberships: If you are a member of any engineering or software organizations, list them here.
- Languages: Fluency in additional languages can be a valuable asset, especially in global tech companies.
EXAMPLE:
Technical Skills: Java, Python, React, Django, AWS
Certifications: Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), AWS Solutions Architect
Awards: Dean’s List (2018, 2019)
Get Your Software Engineer Resume Template
Creating an impactful software engineer resume template doesn’t have to be complicated.
By following these structured steps, you can create a resume that showcases your technical expertise and helps you stand out from the competition.
Whether you’re applying to tech giants like Google or dynamic startups, a polished resume will make all the difference.
Get your premium template here.
About the author
Mollie Buttery
Writer | SEO | Articles & Blog Posts | Social Media
Mollie supports ULTMECHE through website growth, social media, SEO, and also other digital marketing tricks. Mollie has 10+ years experience of in house and freelance marketing experience in industries such as Finance, Law, SAAS, Automotive, Building Services, Commerce, and more. Some of her favorite writing topics consist of sports and finance. Mollie has been key to the growth of ULTMECHE’s SEO and digital marketing efforts.