CV Guide: Software Engineer (Template Included)
As a software engineer, your CV is your gateway to landing your dream job. It's important to showcase your skills, experience, and achievements in a way that will make you stand out to potential employers.
However, crafting a compelling CV can be a daunting task, especially if you're not sure where to start.
In this guide, we'll provide you with a comprehensive step-by-step approach to writing an effective CV that will help you land your next job. We'll cover everything from the essential elements that your CV should include, to how to structure your work experience, and how to showcase your technical skills and personal projects.
By following our guide, you'll be able to create a winning CV that will impress potential employers and help you stand out from the competition.
We have also created a CV template to make this process as easy as possible for you.
1. Start with a clear header
This should include your name, contact information (email, phone number), and location. The header should be at the top of the page and easy to read.
WHY THIS IS NECESSARY
This is the first section of your CV that a potential employer will see, and it should grab their attention immediately. By providing your contact information, you make it easy for employers to get in touch with you for further discussions.
2. Write a professional summary
This should be a brief introduction that summarizes your skills, experience, and career goals. The summary should be tailored to the job you are applying for.
WHY THIS IS NECESSARY
This section provides an overview of your skills and experience, and it helps the employer quickly understand your value proposition as a software engineer.
EXAMPLE
Software engineer with 5+ years of experience developing scalable web applications using Python and JavaScript. Passionate about software engineering, I strive to deliver high-quality, efficient, and maintainable code that meets business requirements. Seeking a challenging software engineering role that will allow me to leverage my skills and experience to deliver innovative solutions.
3. Highlight your relevant skills
In this section, list the software languages, tools, and technologies that you are proficient in. You can also mention any relevant certifications or training courses.
WHY THIS IS NECESSARY
This section helps the employer understand your technical skills and knowledge. It gives them an idea of what you can do and how well you can do it.
EXAMPLE
Programming Languages: Python (5 Years), JavaScript (4 Years), HTML/CSS (3 Years), SQL (3 Years)
Frameworks: Django, Flask, React, AngularJS
Databases: MySQL, MongoDB, PostgreSQL
Tools: Git, JIRA, Jenkins
Cloud: AWS,GCP
Languages: English (Native), Japanese (Fluent), Spanish (Basic)
Certifications
AWS Certified Developer, Amazon Web Services, 2021
Certified ScrumMaster, Scrum Alliance, 2020
JLPT N1, The Japan Foundation, 2018
4. Describe your work experience
In this section, list your work experience, starting with the most recent job first. For each job, describe your role, responsibilities, and accomplishments. Be sure to highlight any software development projects that you led or contributed to.
WHY THIS IS NECESSARY
This section gives the employer an idea of your work history and your contributions to software development projects. It helps them understand your level of experience and expertise.
EXAMPLE
Software Engineer
ABC Company, Tokyo, Japan
June 2019 - Present
Led the development of a new customer portal using React and Django, resulting in a 30% increase in user engagement
Collaborated with the product team to gather requirements and define project scope
Worked with the QA team to ensure high-quality code and minimize defects
Software Developer
XYZ Company, Osaka, Japan
August 2016 - May 2019
Developed and maintained multiple web applications using Python and AngularJS
Contributed to the development of a new content management system using Django, resulting in a 20% increase in productivity
Assisted with code reviews and provided mentorship to junior developers
5. List your education
In this section, list your educational qualifications (degrees, diplomas, certificates), along with any relevant coursework or projects.
WHY THIS IS NECESSARY
This section helps the employer understand your educational background and how it relates to your software engineering skills.
EXAMPLE
XYZ Institute of Technology
Master’s Degree, Computer Science
2014 - 2016
ABC University
Bachelor's Degree, Computer Science
2011 - 2014
6. Include a section on personal projects
In this section, list any personal software development projects that you have worked on. You can also provide links to your GitHub or other code repositories.
WHY THIS IS NECESSARY
This section shows the employer that you are passionate about software development and that you have the initiative to work on projects outside of work. It also gives them a chance to review your code and see your coding style.
EXAMPLE
Developed a web application for managing personal finances using Python, Flask, and PostgreSQL
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Contributed to open source projects on GitHub, including a React-based web application for tracking time and a Python package for generating fake data
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7. Highlight your soft skills
In this section, mention any soft skills that you possess, such as communication, teamwork, leadership, or problem-solving.
WHY THIS IS NECESSARY
Soft skills are important for software engineers, as they work in teams and collaborate with other professionals. This section shows the employer that you are not only technically competent but also possess the interpersonal skills required to work effectively in a team environment.
EXAMPLE
Excellent communication skills, demonstrated through regular collaboration with cross-functional teams and providing mentorship to junior developers
Strong problem-solving skills, as evidenced by my ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues
8. Proofread and edit
After you have completed your CV, proofread and edit it carefully. Check for spelling and grammar errors, and ensure that the formatting is consistent throughout.
WHY THIS IS NECESSARY
A well-written and error-free CV shows the employer that you are detail-oriented and have strong communication skills. It also helps you make a good impression and stand out from other candidates.
Bonus: Should you include hobbies?
Whether or not to include a section about your hobbies and outside of work interests in your CV can depend on several factors, including the culture and expectations of the industry you're applying to, and the requirements of the specific job you're applying for.
In general, including a hobbies and interests section can be a good way to add a personal touch to your CV and help you stand out as a well-rounded individual. It can also give potential employers an insight into your personality, interests, and how you spend your time outside of work.
However, if you choose to include a hobbies and interests section, it's important to keep it relevant and professional. Avoid including hobbies that could be controversial or that might give the wrong impression to potential employers. Instead, focus on hobbies that showcase your strengths or that demonstrate transferable skills, such as teamwork, leadership, or creativity.
If you're unsure whether or not to include a hobbies and interests section, a good rule of thumb is to prioritize the essential elements of your CV, such as your technical skills and work experience. If you have limited space or are applying to a highly competitive industry, it may be better to leave out the hobbies and interests section altogether.
Ultimately, whether or not to include a hobbies and interests section in your CV is a personal decision, and should be based on your individual circumstances and the requirements of the job you're applying for.
Use our CV template
To make this process even easier, we've created a Google Docs CV template that you can use.
Simply open the link, go to the "File" menu, and click "Make a copy" to save it to your own Google Drive. Then, you can fill in the template with your own information and adjust it to suit your needs.
This customizable template is designed to highlight all the essential aspects we've discussed in this guide, ensuring your CV is well-structured and compelling to potential employers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, writing an effective CV as a software engineer requires careful attention to detail and a focus on highlighting your technical skills and experience. By following these steps, you can create a CV that showcases your strengths and positions you as a strong candidate for your desired engineering position.