Engineer Resume: Example and Tips
Software engineers are key to the software development process, analyzing needs, and designing, testing and developing software. To become a successful software engineer, you need a solid background in computer science, good analytical skills and expertise in high-level programming languages such as C++, Java or Scala.
Create a software engineer resume that makes an impact with these professional tips and resume examples.
Table of Contents
Featured Resume Example: Software Engineer
Name: BROOK HOPKINS
Address: City, State, Zip Code
Phone: 000-000-0000
E-Mail: email@email.com
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Knowledgeable Software Engineer evaluates and integrates software throughout sales cycle to drive meaningful solutions and increase sales. Collaborates with developer team, project managers and salespeople to implement application designs supporting customer needs and technical challenges. Offers product training, testing and continuous improvement for cost-effectiveness and market leadership.
SKILLS
- Web-based software engineering
- Database programming
- Virtualization technologies
- Code reviews
- Software applications
- Database management software
WORK HISTORY
- Tested troubleshooting methods, devised innovative solutions, and documented resolutions for inclusion in knowledge base for support team use.
- Worked with project managers, developers, quality assurance and customers to resolve technical issues.
- Built outstanding and dynamic team of software engineers and developers which significantly boosted overall success of organization.
- Installed and configured software applications and tested solutions for effectiveness.
- Worked with project managers, developers, quality assurance and customers to resolve technical issues.
- Interfaced with cross-functional team of business analysts, developers and technical support professionals to determine comprehensive list of requirement specifications for new applications.
- Identified training needs and developed content while evaluating existing programs.
EDUCATION
Top 4 Characteristics of a Best-in-Class Software Engineer Resume
- Summary In a short paragraph, explain your professional experience (e.g., “Software Engineer with 7+ years of experience”) as well as the top skills you have that fit the job (e.g., developing robust code for a high-volume business). Highlight your work accomplishments by quantifying them (e.g., “Hard-working Software Engineer with experience increasing code-efficiency of a customer portal by 55%”).
- Skills Include a combination of relevant soft skills (such as project management skills, critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork and time management) and hard skills (such as coding and debugging, proficiency in open source coding or experience with specific application development).
- Work history Focus on work achievements rather than daily tasks to add depth and detail to your previous experiences. Be sure to use numbers to describe your accomplishments whenever possible. For example: “Reduced security breaches by 73% for all customers companywide” or “Led drive to implement Principle of Least Privilege across 100% of software development staff.”
- Education Mention your top academic achievements (e.g., degree or diploma) along with any coursework or training you’ve undertaken that applies to software engineering, such as becoming an Oracle Certified Professional, or a CIW Web &
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Find the Right Template for Your Resume
Make your resume stand out using our free employer-ready templates:
Acclaimed
This polished layout uses section headings in the left margins to easily organize content. The monogram design for the applicant’s name also separates this design from run-of-the-mill resumes.
Qualified
This more traditionally-styled layout effectively highlights your professional summary, while its hints of color make your contact information stand out.
Deluxe
This elegant, professional design uses subtle lines to divide the resume horizontally, keeping it organized but also making it easy to read.
For more free layouts you can use to customize your resume, visit our resume templates page.
Do’s and Don’ts for Your Resume
- DO use an elevator pitch when writing a resume summary Think of your summary as your chance to sum up your strengths and experience within a few short sentences. Grab recruiters’ attention by demonstrating how you’ve tackled important projects, and the particular skills you bring to the table. For example: “Energetic Software Developer well-versed in translating user needs into easy-to-understand software solutions. Has helped sales teams close deals generating more than $150K in revenue.”
- DO include soft skills It’s a given that software engineering requires technical skill, but don’t ignore the soft skills that employers are also looking for. Look to feature intangible abilities such as excellent communication, teamwork, problem-solving or strong attention to detail. Don’t just limit yourself to your skills section in presenting these abilities; for example, in your work experience section, you could write “Utilized strong problem-solving skills to diagnose and solve system trouble calls.”
- DO optimize for applicant tracking systems (ATS) Applicant tracking systems are commonly used to screen resumes for the right key text. Make sure your resume passes the scan by using a straightforward, easy-to-read layout that won’t confuse an ATS, makes it easy to read, and use essential keywords and skills from the job description (such as “strong understanding of UI frameworks”) and address these phrases in your summary, work history and skills sections.
- DON’T forget to proofread your resume before submitting Attention to detail is key for a software engineer, and it’s key for your resume. No matter how impressive your credentials, a silly grammar or spelling error can sabotage your chances of getting a job. Review your resume using spell-checks and grammar-related applications like Grammarly to identify mistakes. Also take time to make sure you have your details correct.
- DON’T make the resume over-long Recruiters average less than a minute on scanning a resume, so don’t pack your document with tons of details about every experience and skill you have. Instead, focus only on skills and work examples that apply directly to job requirements. For example, an employer who focuses on COBOL, Unix, scripting and SQL probably isn’t as concerned about your graphic design skills. Limit your work history to the last 10 years at most, and aim for one page for your resume (and don’t cheat with smaller fonts that make it more difficult for recruiters to read).
- DON’T be inconsistent with formatting Some are tempted to use bold layouts or unusual fonts to capture recruiters, but this can backfire if these touches add up to a hard-to-read resume. Keep to a straightforward, simple approach when constructing your resume. Use standard fonts and font sizes, and stay consistent in terms of using past tense in describing work experiences, and avoiding first-person pronouns.
Software Engineer Resume FAQs
- 1. What are the skills relevant to the role of a software engineer?
- 2. How should you format your resume?
- 3. How should you use action verbs in your resume?
- 4. How should you incorporate keywords into your resume?
- 5. How should you craft your resume if you are looking to take the next step in your career?
1. What are the skills relevant to the role of a software engineer?
In addition to skills that address what the job posting requires, consider including some of the following qualifications:
| Technical skills: | Soft skills: |
| Software development | Multitasking |
| Agile development processes and principles | Managing expectations |
| Software debugging | Teamwork |
| Software documentation | Conflict resolution |
| Software development fundamentals and process | Verbal and written communication |
| Computer coding languages such as JavaScript, SQL, C++, Python, CSS, Ruby, Java, C#, and PHP | Analytical skills |
| Database architecture | Troubleshooting |
| Product enhancement | Critical thinking |
| UI Toolkits and frameworks | Deductive reasoning |
| Microsoft ASP.NET MVC | Project management |
| Version Repository | Active listening |
| Web Services | Compromising |
| Operating ServiceOperating Service | |
| Web API | |
| Process Analysis |
| Technical skills: |
| Software development |
| Agile development processes and principles |
| Software debugging |
| Software documentation |
| Software development fundamentals and process |
| Computer coding languages such as JavaScript, SQL, C++, Python, CSS, Ruby, Java, C#, and PHP |
| Database architecture |
| Product enhancement |
| UI Toolkits and frameworks |
| Microsoft ASP.NET MVC |
| Version Repository |
| Web Services |
| Operating Service |
| Web API |
| Process Analysis |
| Multitasking |
| Managing expectations |
| Teamwork |
| Conflict resolution |
| Verbal and written communication |
| Analytical skills |
| Troubleshooting |
| Critical thinking |
| Deductive reasoning |
| Project management |
| Active listening |
| Compromising |
2. How should you format your resume?
Formatting your resume depends on your experience level, and how much experience the job requires. If you are applying for a more junior position, consider using a functional format, which zeroes-in on your full range of skills and academic training. For a more senior role that requires more work experience, use a chronological format that emphasizes your work history, showing off your career progression and your top previous achievements.
3. How should you use action verbs in your resume?
Using action verbs in your summary and work history sections gives your achievements an extra kick, placing you as the catalyst for your success. For example, “Implemented code and design reviews that increased software efficiency by 10%” makes a much stronger statement than “Was tasked with code and design reviews that increased software efficiency.” Some common action verbs you can use include:
- Perform
- Define
- Recognize
- Oversaw
- Monitor
- Apply
- Comply
- Analyze
- Plan
- Document
- Execute
- Support
- Design
- Improve
- Deliver
4. How should you incorporate keywords into your resume?
By including the right keywords in your resume, you increase the chances of catching employers’ attention and landing a job interview. Browse the job description and note all the skills and qualifications the employer requires. Align them with your own skills and qualifications, and apply them throughout your resume. For example, if the job requires an “enthusiastic team player and creative thinker”, include abilities such as “team-oriented” and “proficient at creative analysis.”
5. How should you craft your resume if you are looking to take the next step in your career?
To advance to a more senior role with more project management, work on the following:
- Showcasing your leadership skills as a subject matter expert (e.g., hosting issues, client and staff logins or general upgrades/maintenance of servers).
- Gaining relevant skills and training in more areas, such as becoming a Microsoft Certified Professional Developer, or Cloudera Certified Developer for Apache Hadoop (CCDH) certification.
- Taking on more opportunities to collaborate with interdepartmental teams to evolve overall company processes and success.
- Achieving a consistent record of surpassing goals and helping to increase company revenue.
Pair Your Resume with a Matching Cover Letter
