If you want to become a software engineer, then it is necessary to make a resume. Your resume should highlight your skills and qualifications, as well as your side projects. An entry-level software engineer resume should be one page in length, while a more experienced software engineer should have two pages. Avoid including side projects, as they often become too long, or replace them with an online portfolio. Here are some tips to make your resume look its best:
Personal projects
If you have limited work experience, a software engineer resume with a Personal Projects section is a must. Personal projects demonstrate that you have a passion for programming and computer science. Personal projects can be in any programming language. They also show the employer that you want to be a software engineer. Make sure to include as many personal projects as possible, and be as specific as possible. This will make your resume stand out from the rest.
Reverse-chronological format
While a reverse-chronological format for software engineer resume may not be right for every situation, this is a good choice for some people. The reverse-chronological format prioritizes clarity, relevance, and quality. For example, a resume that emphasizes education and internships should be prioritized over a resume that is arranged in reverse-chronological order. A resume like this can help solve certain employability issues for an applicant who has no work history yet.
Education section
The Education section of a software engineer resume should be more extensive than that of a traditional resume. Although a software engineer usually requires a strong technical background, there are exceptions to this rule, such as someone with no formal computer science degree who has taken computer-related courses. For those without a college degree, mention courses related to computer science or finance. Similarly, if you have obtained any certifications related to software engineering, include them under the Education section.
Hobbies
Many software engineers find their hobby to be coding video games, cooking, listening to music, and watching television. Some software engineers even enjoy playing board games. Regardless of the hobby, coding is an excellent way to improve your coding skills and problem-solving abilities. And it doesn’t hurt to enjoy a good book or movie! After all, many software engineers first get into the industry because they love to code. As a matter of fact, 78% of developers code for their personal projects.
Adding languages
Adding languages to a software engineer resume is a simple but effective way to distinguish yourself from your competition. As software engineers, we must demonstrate a broad understanding of systems and specific environments. Adding languages to a resume is a great way to showcase your expertise, but it’s not enough to list all the programming languages you’ve used. Hiring managers will want to know that you’re proficient in the technologies they need. You should also show how recently you learned those languages and stacks.
Including certifications
When writing a software engineer resume, a candidate should focus on his or her education, including relevant coursework and professional designations. A software engineer’s education section should be as focused on skills as on experience. The following are some examples of bad education sections for software engineer resumes. You should also include your GPA, if you have one. However, keep in mind that GPA is only relevant to recent graduates.
