{"id":218,"date":"2021-02-17T09:48:00","date_gmt":"2021-02-17T07:48:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/arc.dev\/developer-blog\/?p=218"},"modified":"2024-04-17T11:31:05","modified_gmt":"2024-04-17T03:31:05","slug":"resume-format-software-developer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/arc.dev\/talent-blog\/resume-format-software-developer\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Format a Resume for Software Developer Jobs (8 Tips & Examples)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

For more tips on making a CV that works, check out Arc’s Ultimate Software Engineer Resume Guide<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pandemic has impacted the job market in virtually every sector, yet hiring for one type of role remains strong. According to research analysts, software development is one of the leading sources of \u201cnew wages<\/a>\u201d in the US \u2014 meaning that there are plenty of opportunities for experienced software developers to find work in this difficult job market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re thinking of making a career move in 2022, it\u2019s time to dust off your old information technology resume<\/a> and make some updates \u2014 starting with the resume format. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ll break down for you the best resume format for senior software developers and include some tips for designing an easy-to-read resume that gets past applicant tracking system filters and into the hands of recruiters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Here\u2019s how to format your developer resume for today\u2019s competitive job market.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

3 Common Resume Formats<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As a senior software developer, it can be tricky to figure out how to frame experience and achievements in the most compelling, succinct format possible. Generally speaking, there are three common resume formats that you could use to showcase highlights from your career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chronological resume<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As the name implies, this resume format emphasizes the length of time you\u2019ve spent in your field honing your skills. This resume format is great for those whose professional experience closely matches the responsibilities outlined in the job description.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Functional resume<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Rather than focus on how much time you\u2019ve spent in the industry, this format showcases the skills, talents, and certifications you\u2019ve accomplished. This format type is best for those in technical or skill-based professions, or for those who are transitioning into a new career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hybrid resume<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As a combination of the functional and chronological resume, this format details the skills and talents you have developed while highlighting your work experience. Most experts recommend using the hybrid resume for applying to technical roles where work experience is an important differentiator (e.g., for senior management positions in software development).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any of these formats work, depending on the role for which you are applying, but generally, a hybrid resume format is the best option for senior software developers well into their career. This resume format lays out your depth of experience while highlighting any project-based work you\u2019ve accomplished to show off your technical abilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter which format you choose, it\u2019s important to understand how the detail of your formatting choices will impact the success of your application. Most recruiting teams use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to help sort through resumes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The applicant tracking system is a program with an algorithm that attempts to save IT hiring managers, tech recruiters, and HR specialists time. The ATS does this by scanning the resume’s text, identifying specific keywords matching the job description, and then ranking all received resumes by match percentage and relevance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to ensure your resume gets you to an interview, you better keep the ATS in mind as you write your resume!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These resume formatting tips below will help you avoid ATS filters that automatically reject your resume and help you show your experience in the best light possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read More<\/strong>: How to Write a Computer Science Resume<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

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Best Resume Format for Software Developers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your resume should include the following sections (though not necessarily in this order).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Summary or personal statement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This section tells recruiters who you are and features your biggest accomplishments. This personal statement should be customized for each senior software development role for which you are applying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Skills section<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Here, list your accomplishments related to management and leadership<\/a>, as well as experience-oriented soft skills. Make sure to mention things like time management, decision making, how you\u2019ve led a team, and more. Quantify these skills with results wherever possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Employment history or project highlights<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The majority of your resume should be made up of a list of your successes and accomplishments as shown through your experience. You can either do this by listing specific projects, or by listing job titles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may want to include sections for training, certifications, and specific technical skills you\u2019ve acquired over the course of your career. Also, consider adding a professional portfolio of your past projects, or at least a link to an online version. Here’s how to create a web developer portfolio<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read More<\/strong>: 10 Hard and Soft Skills to Put On a Resume for Software Developer Jobs<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Resume Design Best Practices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The layout of your resume \u2014 how you tell the narrative arc of your professional achievements \u2014 is only one part of the equation. You must also format your resume to make it past an ATS screen and into the hands of a human. An incredible 75% of applications<\/a> are rejected before a recruiter even reads them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To make sure your resume isn\u2019t flagged for rejection, make sure you follow these formatting tips for a software engineering resume:<\/p>\n\n\n\n