Created: 19 December 2022

Last Updated: 09 March 2023

How Can You Create the Perfect Software Developer Resume?

If you want to have a terrific software developer resume, there are a couple things you need to remember. This guide covers what to include.

Among all occupations, software development is one of the highest in demand. Studies show that its projected employment growth rate is 25%. This is the perfect opportunity for software developers to start building their careers.

However, with great job opportunities come challenging competition. You must submit a terrific software developer resume before you get in. In job applications, it's a tool used to market oneself.

Are you wondering how you can create the perfect software developer resume? Read on to find out how you can land your dream job.

Choose the Best Format

Before you highlight your talents and skills, format your resume. It must be well-presented and easy to read to make it less hard to skim. When writing a resume, you have a few options to format it.

If you had full-time jobs, a reverse-chronological resume format is your best option. List your experiences, starting with the current job followed by previous ones. For instance, you put the most recent job you left behind on top and put the first-ever work you had last.

However, we recommend the functional resume format when you have less work experience. In this scheme, you can highlight your skills and achievements. When you finish choosing the format to use, plan your layout.

Highlight Crucial Information

After choosing a format and planning a layout, create a draft of all information you need. Often, job applications cover a few sections that highlight crucial information. It includes your contact details, summary, work experience, skills, and education.

1. Contact Information

In the Contact section, creativity is unnecessary, although all details must be correct. You must check it to ensure you didn't give the wrong information. The last thing you want is to lose your chance for an interview because of a wrong number.

This section contains your name, title, email address, phone number, and home address. When writing a resume, place your contact section at the top of the page, either centered or aligned on the left side.

First, you type in your name followed by the job title, which you align with the job description. Then, write your email address, phone number, and home address. Remember to use a professional email address.

2. Resume Summary

Did you know it takes a recruiter 6 seconds on average to scan a resume? With the number of applications to review, there's no wonder they only go over them. To avoid getting rejected, make the most crucial information visible.

Putting a resume summary is the best way to get their attention. It's a short paragraph at the top of your resume highlighting why you are the best candidate for the job. Here, you can include your achievements and educational background.

However, you must fit all these in at most 4 sentences.

3. Work Experience

For the work section, it's not necessary to list every job you had. You can only put in the relevant ones, even if it leaves a gap. Use your job history to present your growth as a software developer.

To structure the work experience section, begin with the job position you once held. Next, the company name and duration of your stay with them. Then, highlight your responsibilities and accomplishments.

What if you don't have any work experience? For fresh graduates, you can put your internship and volunteer work experience. Moreover, add your educational achievements to showcase your competitive and passionate side.

4. Skills

As a software developer, technical skills are crucial. You must be an expert in different areas and able to keep up with the advancements. In this section, the recruiter must get a concise overview of your abilities.

If you want to get accepted, you must have the skills they need in a candidate. Some technical skills recruiters look for are data structure and algorithms, operating systems, and integrated development environments (IDEs). Apart from these, you must display interpersonal skills, such as adaptability and perseverance.

If you think you lack some skills, there are online courses you can take to improve.

5. Educational Background

Another piece of information recruiters look into is your educational background. Often, your career demands a bachelor's degree. Regardless of the program, you must include it in your resume.

In this section, you must put your degree, the dates, and the academy. You can include your achievements and GPA if it's impressive. The education section highlights how you become a software developer.

However, if you're out of school for a long time, your degree becomes less relevant in applying for jobs.

As technology continues to evolve, your skills must improve too. You can use this section to showcase your post-college training. If you received special awards, include them here.

Customize the User or Reader Experience

Despite an impressive resume, you can never pass if you never use relevant keywords. In case you're unaware, most applications pass through an Applicant Tracking System before it reaches the recruiters. The ATS scans and rates each resume in search of keywords that match the job description.

To ensure your application passes the system, incorporate relevant keywords in your resume.

Use the job description stated in the recruitment notice to enhance your resume. Remember the skills, responsibilities, and programs mentioned in the posting. If you have any of the listings, write them in your resume.

Further, avoid putting experiences and skills not included in the description.

Remember the Basic Framework of Resume Design

With all the resume ideas you learned, it's time to finish your application. There are a few rules to keep in mind because these can improve your application.
First, try to fit all the information on a single page. Recruiters prefer well-organized, and on-point resumes considering it takes time to review them.

Unless you have a long list of work experiences, a one-page resume is enough.
Second, highlight your achievements. If you work on many projects, consider making an achievements section. Doing so allows you to showcase works that are relevant to the position.

Third and last, edit your application before submitting it. As mentioned, a resume is a tool used to market oneself. You want to ensure it's perfect and error-free if you want to get your chance of getting interviewed.

Before you hit submit, proofread your drafts. You can ask a family member or friend to review it for you!

Creating the Perfect Software Developer Resume

Looking at the demand for software developers, you can guarantee tight competition. Although you have all the qualities, you can never land a job if your application is unimpressive. To secure your desired position, submit a software developer resume that impresses employers.

Do you need more skills to include in your application? Here at Advised Skills, we offer courses that can improve your ability! If you want to know more about our services, reach us here.

 Marcin Chmielewski - Blog Author 
He has extensive IT knowledge combined with enthusiasm for digital marketing.
His experience and knowledge come from many years of working for large corporations. Associated with Information Technology since the beginning of his career, he has qualifications in the fields of team management, Enterprise Architecture, IT Service Management, databases, application servers, and operating systems.
His hobbies include traveling, skiing, and hiking.