4 Software Engineer Resume Examples & Guide for 2023

Even though skills like collaboration, time management, and creativity are essential for software engineer success, it’s challenging to prove you possess them by merely listing them on your resume.

It’s advisable to create a context for soft skills by using examples in your work experience section, if possible. Use the skills section to list technical skills and any soft skills not included elsewhere.

If you’re still uncertain about crafting your skills section, our blog post on creating a resume skills section to impress recruiters provides additional guidance.

How to include projects on your resume effectively

Projects are highly recommended for graduates who may not have extensive work experience but have personal projects relevant to the job they’re applying for.

Consider adding a projects section to your resume if you have major achievements outside your work that relate to the job. Examples include open-source contributions, a professorship at prestigious tech universities, or freelance work with major tech companies.

If you choose to include projects on your resume, ensure they stand out and add value without occupying too much valuable space.

Now, let’s discuss how to present your education.

How to format your education section

For most job descriptions, companies will require a computer science degree or a related one, such as:

While it’s possible to theoretically substitute education with extensive work experience, software engineering typically necessitates a solid technical foundation.

When documenting your education, it’s recommended to exclude your GPA if it’s below 3.5.

Listing relevant coursework can be crucial. For instance, if you’re applying as a software engineer for a financial analytics company, any finance-related courses would create a positive impression.

Our blog post on perfecting the education section on your resume offers more guidance.

Certificates on your software engineer resume

Although certificates don’t replace real work experience, they can significantly enhance your overall software engineer profile.

This is particularly true if you’re a recent graduate or transitioning careers. By acquiring a few additional skills through certificates, you can increase your ATS favorability and appeal to recruiters.

Here are some industry-specific certificates to consider: