Back-End Developer Resume Guide + Tips + Example
by Kellie Hanna, A great back-end developer resume isn’t difficult to make if you know what you need to make one. Not sure what that is? We’re here to help you! Our guide to crafting a perfect resume for a back-end developer resume will help you make the most of your in-depth technical knowledge and planning abilities, so you stand out from the competition.
Start by editing this back-end developer resume template or explore our library of customizable resume templates to find the best back-end developer resume template for you.
More Resume examples for the next step in your web development career
Back-end developer resume example (text version)
Laura Moody
Jersey City, NJ 07302
(555) 555-5555
example@example.com
Professional Summary
Talented backend developer adept at contributing to a highly collaborative work environment, finding solutions and determining customer satisfaction. Designed and developed web applications across multiple APIs, third-party integrations and databases. Passionate and hardworking with penchant for developing customized interfaces that factor in unique demands for accessibility, reachability and security.
Skills
- Java & PHP
- Web development cycle
- API integration
- UX improvement
- Technical analysis
- Project management
- Time management
- Communication
Work History
July 2018 – Current
SGA Inc. – Jersey City, NJ
Backend Developer
- Oversee back-end development using PHP to maintain website integrity, security and efficiency.
- Utilize such technologies as ASP.NET MVC, HTML5, JavaScript and SQL Server 2012 to develop new applications.
- Build databases and table structures following architecture methodology for web applications
- Create powerful Content Management Systems to serve as interface for client.
July 2015 – June 2018
Toptal – Elizabeth, NJ
Application Developer
- Wrote code for database-driven applications.
- Provided positive customer support training experience for 15 completed applications.
- Resolved system test and validation problems to provide normal program functioning.
September 2013 – June 2015
Toptal – Elizabeth, NJ
Application Development Associate
- Built web applications and software using HTML, CSS and JavaScript among others.
- Provided code maintenance and system upgrades to maximize performance.
- Established routine of planned tests to achieve software functionality, glitch elimination and update maintenance.
Education
May 2013
New Jersey Institute of Technology Newark, NJ
Bachelor of Science Computer Science
5 essentials of a top back-end developer resume
Contact details
Your contact information must include your full name, city, state, ZIP code, phone number and professional email address. If you have a LinkedIn profile and professional website, add them last.
Personal statement
A personal statement, sometimes called a professional summary, is a three-to-five sentence statement that tells the hiring manager who you are and what you bring to the table. A perfect resume summary includes skills relevant to the job and a few accomplishments.
Skills
A skills section is necessary on a resume for a back-end developer so that hiring managers can see if your skill set matches their needs. Add only your job-relevant skills and format them in a bulleted list. As our resume example shows, it’s best to include both hard skills such as JavaScript or Python and soft skills like teamwork and adaptability.
Work history
Whether this is your first job or your 15th year as a back-end developer, hiring managers expect to see where you have worked and what you achieved while there. In reverse-chronological order, add your current and previous employers and provide locations and the dates you worked for them. Display your measurable achievements for every job in a bulleted list.
Education
Your resume must include an education section, whether or not you have a degree. Include the name of the schools and the years that you graduated. If you did not finish or attend college, then list your high school information and the classes you’ve taken since graduating.
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Action words for a stand-out back-end developer resume
Use action words and numbers for compelling job descriptions.
Here’s a short list of perfect action words for a back-end developer resume:
- Developed
- Designed
- Implemented
- Built
- Refactored
- Created
- Led
- Spearheaded
- Reported
- Delivered
- Supervised
- Systematized
- Analyzed
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Top skills for a back-end developer resume
Review the job description closely and match the required skills to the skills and traits that fit you.
As a back-end developer, your skills might include:
- Programs like Python, SQL and Git
- Database development and maintenance
- Application programming interfaces
- Analytical thinking
- Math
- Attention to detail
- Adaptability
- Time management
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
Certifications for a back-end developer resum
Having a certificate for a back-end developer job is not necessary, but having at least one on your resume will make you shine in the eyes of hiring managers.
Here are a few of the certifications available for back-end developer job seekers:
Pair your resume with a matching cover letter
Back-end developer resume FAQ
1. What does a resume for a back-end developer look like?
There is no standard back-end developer resume template; you can use any of our resume templates and customize them for the job you want. Your resume must display your contact information, a mix of soft and hard skills, employment history, education and certifications, if applicable.
2. What is the right way to include keywords in a back-end developer resume?
Having the right keywords in your resume is vital, as more and more employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan resumes based on keywords. Scour the job description, look for top skills that fit you and include them in your resume. For example, you could include “Database development” as a skill or write “Developed 10 databases in one month” in your job history.
3. What is the right format for a back-end developer resume?
The resume format you use for a back-end developer resume depends on your experience and goals. If you have at least one year of work experience under your belt, go with a chronological resume format, which leans heavily on your work achievements. If you’re just out of school, use the functional resume format, which focuses on your industry-related skills and training. If you have more than ten years of professional work experience, the combination resume format is your best bet.
Do’s and don’ts for building a back-end developer resume
- Use measurable achievements to describe your backend development abilities and experience.
- Use action words to make an impact on your backend developer resume.
- Tailor your resume to your target backend developer job.
- Use keywords from the job description throughout your backend developer resume.
- Format your backend developer resume so that it is easy to read by ATS software and human eyes.
- Lie about your backend development experience and skills.
- Boast that you’re the “best backend developer ever.”
- Include irrelevant personal information such as your ethnicity and age.
- Add skills and experience not pertaining to backend development.
- Forget to proofread. A backend developer resume with errors is unprofessional.
Top 4 tips for acing a back-end developer interview
Research the company.
Before the interview, learn about the company’s history, goals, values and people. Doing so conveys interest, passion and commitment — traits that can set you above the competition.
Practice before your interview.
Practice really does make perfect. To practice for your interview, start by reviewing the most common interview questions, such as:
- What do you see yourself doing in ten years?
- What’s your proudest accomplishment?
- How do you approach a tough work assignment?
Write down two or three possible answers for each question, then ask a friend to practice them with you.
Ask questions.
Always have at least three questions ready for each person you speak with during your interview process. Doing so shows that you’re interested and that you’ve been paying close attention.
Some questions you might ask for a back-end developer job are:
- How might someone in this role make an impact in the first three months?
- What metrics will my performance be evaluated against?
- What are the expectations about managing workflow within the team?
Prepare references.
Have professional references ready before you walk into your interview — you never know if the hiring manager might want to contact them right away. Ask a former manager and two former colleagues who can speak to about your performance and who you know will give you an excellent review.
CV examples for the next step in your web development career
Kellie Hanna
Content Strategist, Career Advice Expert
Kellie is the content strategist for My Perfect Resume. She has more than 20 years of experience in digital media and is passionate about helping job seekers navigate their careers. She has a B.A. in English and writing from Temple University.
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