Altcademy - a Forbes magazine logo Best Coding Bootcamp 2023

25 resume tips to get you hired as a software engineer

25 resume tips to get you hired as a software engineer
Photo by João Ferrão / Unsplash

Are you a software engineer looking for a new job? Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, there are certain resume tips that can help you get hired.

1. Keep it simple

When it comes to your resume, less is definitely more. You want to make sure that your resume is easy to read and understand, so avoid using any unnecessary or complex words or phrases. Stick to simple language that will clearly get your point across.

2. Use keywords

When employers are looking for candidates, they will often use keywords to search for resumes. Make sure your resume includes relevant keywords such as “software engineer”, “Java”, “coding”, etc.

3. Highlight your technical skills

As a software engineer, your technical skills are your most important asset. Be sure to highlight your skills in your resume, including specific programming languages, tools, and platforms you are familiar with.

4. List your education and credentials

While your experience is important, employers will also want to see that you have the proper education and credentials for the job. Make sure to list these prominently on your resume.

5. Use bullet points

Bullet points are an easy way to make your resume more readable and easier to scan. When listing your experience and skills, use bullet points to make it easier for employers to see what you have to offer.

6. Use action verbs

Action verbs such as "developed," "designed," "created," and "implemented" are great ways to showcase your skills on your resume.

7. Use numbers

When possible, use numbers to quantify your accomplishments and skills. This is a great way to make your resume stand out and show employers what you’re really capable of.

8. Use simple language

Avoid using jargon or technical terms that may not be familiar to the average reader. Stick to using simple language that anyone can understand.

9. Check for grammar and spelling errors

This one is self-explanatory! Be sure to proofread your resume before sending it off to employers.

10. Highlight your successes

When listing your experience, be sure to highlight your successes. This will show employers that you're not only capable, but that you're also a go-getter who gets results.

11. Have a clear objective

Your resume should have a clear objective or career goal. This will help employers understand your specific goals and how you can help their company achieve them.

12. Use traditional formatting

When it comes to resumes, employers generally prefer the traditional chronological format. This format is easy to read and allows employers to see your work history at a glance.

13. Don't get too creative with the design

While it's important to make your resume visually appealing, don't get too creative with the design. Stick to using simple fonts and formatting that won't detract from the content of your resume.

14. Stick to a single page

Unless you have an extensive work history, stick to a single page for your resume. This will prevent employers from getting overwhelmed by too much information.

15. Use white space

Don't be afraid to use white space on your resume. This will help break up the text and make it more readable.

16. Use a professional email address

When you create your resume, be sure to use a professional email address. This is the first impression employers will have of you, so make sure it’s a good one! Avoid using personal email addresses or ones that are too quirky or casual.

17. Showcase your projects

In addition to highlighting your technical skills, you should also showcase your projects. Employers want to see that you can put your skills to use and deliver results. Include links to your projects in your resume, or even better, create a portfolio website to showcase your work.

18. Showcase your problem-solving abilities

Employers want to see that you are capable of solving complex problems, so be sure to showcase your problem-solving abilities in your resume. Include examples of times when you have successfully tackled difficult challenges, and explain how you went about solving them.

19. Demonstrate your teamwork skills

Working well in a team is essential for any software engineer, so make sure to highlight your teamwork skills in your resume. Include examples of successful projects you have worked on as part of a team, and explain how you contributed to the team’s success.

20. Emphasize your communication skills

As a software engineer, you will need to be able to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical staff. Be sure to highlight your communication skills in your resume, and give examples of times when you have successfully communicated complex information to others.

21. Highlight your ability to learn new things

The software engineering field is constantly evolving, so employers want to see that you are capable of learning new things quickly. Include examples of times when you have successfully learned new technologies or approaches, and explain how you were able to do so quickly and effectively.

22. Keep it updated

Make sure your resume is always up-to-date with your latest skills and experience. This includes adding any new programming languages or tools you’ve learned, as well as any new jobs or projects you’ve worked on.

23. Get help from a friend

Ask a friend or family member to read over your resume and give you feedback. They may be able to spot errors or areas that need improvement that you’ve missed.

24. Tailor your resume for each job

Finally, make sure to tailor your resume for each specific job you are applying for. Your resume should be customized to highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position you are applying for. By taking the time to tailor your resume, you will increase your chances of getting hired as a software engineer

25. Proofread

Last but not least, don’t forget to proofread your resume! Typos and grammatical errors will make you look unprofessional and can cost you the job. Be sure to have a friend or family member read over your resume before you send it off.


By following these resume tips, you’ll be sure to stand out from the competition and land the job you want!

Are you a beginner in coding? Join this coding bootcamp to fast-track your learnings.