- What should your software engineer resume include?
- How can you create a professional summary?
- How should you describe your work experience as a software engineer?
- Include a fitting software engineer resume education and certifications section
- Which key skills are relevant for a software engineer resume?
- How to select the most impactful software engineer resume template
- Copyable software engineer resume example
- Key takeaways for writing a software engineer resume
With the rapid changes in technology and the development of AI-powered tools, the demand for software engineers is on the rise. But, it’s also a highly competitive job market. If you’ve a passion for software development and are looking for the next high-paying gig, then having a stand out resume is vital.
This resume guide and software engineer resume example will cover the following topics:
What should a software engineer resume include
Advice on each section of your resume (summary, work history, education)
Adding relevant key skills to your resume
Choosing the right resume template for a software engineer
What should your software engineer resume include?
When you’re applying for a job as a software engineer, it’s important to show that you have the specific skills and experience required to thrive in the role. You'll want to display your strong technical, analytical, and project management skills and how you have applied these in each of your roles. Any relevant education, licenses, and certifications will add to your credibility.
Your software engineer resume should contain the following elements:
The resume header with your contact information
The resume summary
The employment history section
The resume skills section
The education section
How can you create a professional summary?
The professional summary is your elevator pitch. Using the job description as your guide, highlight the skills and experience that makes you the perfect candidate. Including three short statements at the beginning of your profile is a great way to pique the hiring manager's interest. These key points can outline the level of your software engineering experience and any standout achievements.
Follow this with a short paragraph of three or four sentences that provides specifics on your software engineering career journey. This could include experience in full lifecycle project management and success in engineering development. Wrap up this paragraph with your soft skills, such as leadership, communication, and collaboration.
See our adaptable software engineer resume summary below.
Multifaceted technical career with proven track record of development and innovation. Continuously improved systems to substantially increase productivity and streamline processes. Proven achievements in developing and training new technology teams.
Technologically sophisticated software engineering professional with solid history leading end-to-end project life cycle to align technology solutions with current and emergent business needs. Broad knowledge and success in an engineering development environment. Skilled trainer and team leader; able to guide and contribute to all facets of qualification, integration, streamlining, and testing for sophisticated systems.
How should you describe your work experience as a software engineer?
Typically, hiring managers are most interested in your work experience and how this relates to the job opening. Your goal: show off your assets quickly and efficiently. When adding work experience, keep things simple. Summarize the core technologies used under each role. Next, provide a brief description of your main responsibilities followed by bullet points of key projects.
When outlining your key projects, you don’t need to go into the weeds. Just provide a brief synopsis of your role in the project and the positive outcomes. Where possible, include any quantifiable information as this really backs up the skills.
For example:
Analyzed and validated selected delimiters and column counts to reduce errors from a previous high of 247 down to only three.
Take a look at the adaptable software engineer resume employment history section below.
Software Engineer at Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Miami 2018 - Present
Core Technologies: Jetbrains IntelliJ, Struts2, Spring framework, JPA 2.1 with Hibernate, CSS3, JQuery and JqGrid, Oracle, Linux server side, Windows 7, Weblogic
Redesign use cases to encompass business domain objects and processes, including extensive role-based user constraints across multiple organizations.
Leverage Struts2, Spring JPA, and Oracle to implement use cases within a DEP framework utilizing approved technologies; use JqGrid to create a UI display of extensive table data.
Create interim code reviews for DEP customers with CSS3, JQuery, and JavaScript.
Develop JPA utility tools that generate entity, dto, dao, service, and action classes to sharpen team focus on core business functionality.
Analyzed and validated selected delimiters and column counts to reduce errors from a previous high of 247 down to only three.
Developed and implemented a use case to localize a remote file with FTP, validate the file, and subsequently submit the file to a database import script.
Software Engineer at Florida Lottery 2014 - 2018
Core Technologies: IBM Rational Developer, Git, CVS, Struts2, Servlets/JSP, CSS3, Jquery, JavaScript, Spring Framework, JPA/Hibernate, Jenkins, Maven 3, BASH and Korn Shell, TOAD, SQLDeveloper, Slf4J, IBM Software Analyzer, Oracle, Derby, MySQL, SQLite, AIX Linux, Windows 7, Tomcat, WebSphere
Guided IT managers and directors on resource requirements for application development aligned with client visions.
Documented existing systems and processes; reviewed existing build and release management processes to provide improvement / optimization recommendations.
Mentored junior developers to refine skills and emphasize unit and performance testing.
Researched and developed new technologies, tools, and methodologies to enhance the software development process.
Developed an application for Android 4.0 that featured search and display of an Android SQLite database as well as tools for automatically updating onboard database on set schedule.
Rewrote and modernized Java code for three applications, the Lottery website, Second Chance, and retailers, reducing lines of code by 50% while improving application clarity and performance; developed code generation tools to assist in test and development efforts.
Conducted detailed code reviews to improve maintainability, reliability, and performance. Developed the CSTS prototype application using Spring Framework to improve data collection and feed inputs to the Oracle Forms workflow application.
Determined security configuration changes to solve failed audit findings, and created file operation scripts required by customer reporting processes; met with clients to analyze/evaluate system requirements to create functional and technical specifications.
Application Architect at Walt Disney World, Orlando 2009 - 2014
Core Technologies: IBM Rational Architect 7.0, Spring 3.0, Web Services. UML Diagrams, Progress SonicESB, Oracle, Derby, MySQL, Linux, Windows, Tomcat, Glassfish, WebSphere, Jetty
Developed, deployed, and maintained applications and databases leveraging service-oriented architecture (Progress SonicESB) JEE and web services technology.
Partnered with colleagues to complete installation, configuration, and implementation of tools and products within build environment.
Reviewed technical diagrams, WSDL, performance requirements, and system characteristics; conducted extensive code reviews and analyses to help project teams with development efforts.
Served as a key resource to manager and directors, offering guidance on strategic planning and requirements gathering to align development efforts with client vision for application functionality.
Assisted with installation and configuration of databases as well as development of utilities and databases for analyzing source code.
Trained Java developers on best practices, code reviews, IDE tools and utilization, unit testing, and project documentation.
Created a continuous integration and build management system for enterprise applications totaling more than 2M lines of code.
Performed R&D on new technologies, tools, and methodologies to enhance the SDLC.
Transitioned software projects to use Maven (a build management and project management tool).
Applied static analysis tools to large multi-module projects that improved performance, reliability, and maintainability, and established compliant coding standards and related tools.
Expert Tip
Add a personal projects section if you’re just starting out in software engineering
When you’ve little or no work experience as a software engineer, it can be tricky to get started. Include a “Personal Projects” section on your resume where you can highlight your experience using technologies relevant to the job opening. You should also incorporate any relevant projects from your academic studies as well as any technology-based internships or volunteer work.
Include a fitting software engineer resume education and certifications section
Highlighting your degrees, credentials, and certifications the right way is vital on your software engineer resume; recruiters will want to see that you’re suitably qualified for the job opening. Here’s some key areas to focus on:
List your education in reverse order with the highest degree first. Keep it short and sweet, detailing just the degree level, area of study, university name, and location. Highlight any honors and, if you’re a recent software engineering graduate, any key projects (if you don’t use a separate projects section).
List any licenses and certifications you’ve completed or are working towards. Certifications add value to your resume and show your commitment to professional development.
Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering at Old Dominion University, Norfolk
Which key skills are relevant for a software engineer resume?
When deciding which skills to include on your resume, look closer at the software engineer job listing so you understand what hiring managers want.
Sprinkle these keywords across the resume, incorporating ones specific to each job opportunity in the areas of expertise section. This ensures that the resume performs well not only when reviewed by a human but also when parsed by applicant tracking systems many companies now use. (To learn more about conquering the ATS, check out our article on resume ATS optimization.)
Consider utilizing the following skills if they apply to your job experience:
Application architecture
Research and development
Full-stack development
Project management
Agile methodologies
Process improvement
Application Architecture
Database Management
Strategy & Execution
Innovative IT Initiatives
Development & Execution
Research and Development
How to select the most impactful software engineer resume template
The best format to use is a clean and organized resume template with clear sections to maximize readability. You only have mere seconds to impress a recruiter scanning your resume, so having the essential information in a clear format is vital.
Stick to reverse chronological order for your professional experience section to make your most recent and relevant work experience prominent. Keep it concise and to the point, across one or two pages.
When exploring our many resume templates in our resume builder, select the resume layout that fits your situation best. Find inspiration with over 100 available resume examples.
Copyable software engineer resume example
Summary example
Multifaceted technical career with proven track record of development and innovation. Continuously improved systems to substantially increase productivity and streamline processes. Proven achievements in developing and training new technology teams.
Technologically sophisticated software engineering professional with solid history leading end-to-end project life cycle to align technology solutions with current and emergent business needs. Broad knowledge and success in an engineering development environment. Skilled trainer and team leader; able to guide and contribute to all facets of qualification, integration, streamlining, and testing for sophisticated systems.
Employment history example
Software Engineer at Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Miami 2018 - Present
Core Technologies: Jetbrains IntelliJ, Struts2, Spring framework, JPA 2.1 with Hibernate, CSS3, JQuery and JqGrid, Oracle, Linux server side, Windows 7, Weblogic
Redesign use cases to encompass business domain objects and processes, including extensive role-based user constraints across multiple organizations.
Leverage Struts2, Spring JPA, and Oracle to implement use cases within a DEP framework utilizing approved technologies; use JqGrid to create a UI display of extensive table data.
Create interim code reviews for DEP customers with CSS3, JQuery, and JavaScript.
Develop JPA utility tools that generate entity, dto, dao, service, and action classes to sharpen team focus on core business functionality.
Analyzed and validated selected delimiters and column counts to reduce errors from a previous high of 247 down to only three.
Developed and implemented a use case to localize a remote file with FTP, validate the file, and subsequently submit the file to a database import script.
Software Engineer at Florida Lottery 2014 - 2018
Core Technologies: IBM Rational Developer, Git, CVS, Struts2, Servlets/JSP, CSS3, Jquery, JavaScript, Spring Framework, JPA/Hibernate, Jenkins, Maven 3, BASH and Korn Shell, TOAD, SQLDeveloper, Slf4J, IBM Software Analyzer, Oracle, Derby, MySQL, SQLite, AIX Linux, Windows 7, Tomcat, WebSphere
Guided IT managers and directors on resource requirements for application development aligned with client visions.
Documented existing systems and processes; reviewed existing build and release management processes to provide improvement / optimization recommendations.
Mentored junior developers to refine skills and emphasize unit and performance testing.
Researched and developed new technologies, tools, and methodologies to enhance the software development process.
Developed an application for Android 4.0 that featured search and display of an Android SQLite database as well as tools for automatically updating onboard database on set schedule.
Rewrote and modernized Java code for three applications, the Lottery website, Second Chance, and retailers, reducing lines of code by 50% while improving application clarity and performance; developed code generation tools to assist in test and development efforts.
Conducted detailed code reviews to improve maintainability, reliability, and performance. Developed the CSTS prototype application using Spring Framework to improve data collection and feed inputs to the Oracle Forms workflow application.
Determined security configuration changes to solve failed audit findings, and created file operation scripts required by customer reporting processes; met with clients to analyze/evaluate system requirements to create functional and technical specifications.
Application Architect at Walt Disney World, Orlando 2009 - 2014
Core Technologies: IBM Rational Architect 7.0, Spring 3.0, Web Services. UML Diagrams, Progress SonicESB, Oracle, Derby, MySQL, Linux, Windows, Tomcat, Glassfish, WebSphere, Jetty
Developed, deployed, and maintained applications and databases leveraging service-oriented architecture (Progress SonicESB) JEE and web services technology.
Partnered with colleagues to complete installation, configuration, and implementation of tools and products within build environment.
Reviewed technical diagrams, WSDL, performance requirements, and system characteristics; conducted extensive code reviews and analyses to help project teams with development efforts.
Served as a key resource to manager and directors, offering guidance on strategic planning and requirements gathering to align development efforts with client vision for application functionality.
Assisted with installation and configuration of databases as well as development of utilities and databases for analyzing source code.
Trained Java developers on best practices, code reviews, IDE tools and utilization, unit testing, and project documentation.
Created a continuous integration and build management system for enterprise applications totaling more than 2M lines of code.
Performed R&D on new technologies, tools, and methodologies to enhance the SDLC.
Transitioned software projects to use Maven (a build management and project management tool).
Applied static analysis tools to large multi-module projects that improved performance, reliability, and maintainability, and established compliant coding standards and related tools.
Education example
Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering at Old Dominion University, Norfolk
Skills example
Application Architecture
Database Management
Strategy & Execution
Innovative IT Initiatives
Development & Execution
Research and Development
Key takeaways for writing a software engineer resume
Software engineering is in demand but also a competitive field, so it’s vital to have a resume that showcases your technical skills, experience, and project wins in a succinct and impactful way.
Mention core technologies and key projects in your resume relevant to the job opening to let the hiring manager know the added value you will bring to their organization.
Target your resume for recruiters and applicant tracking systems by including keywords in each section. Use the job description for keywords to match.
Make your life easier by using our online resume builder to create your software engineer resume with adaptable templates and AI-powered content.
