How To Write a Programmer Resume
Your programmer resume should demonstrate your ability to create, improve, and maintain software systems essential to the modern world. Employers must trust you to manage their data with security and integrity. Demonstrate your coding skills and programming expertise by featuring key projects and achievements. Throughout this guide, we’ll provide strategies to help you write a results-driven resume showcasing the strongest aspects of your technology career.
- Entry-Level
- Mid-Career
- Senior-Level
1. Write a brief summary of your programmer qualifications
Immediately capture the reader’s attention with a compelling summary of your programming career. Clearly state your job title and years of experience, then highlight your primary areas of expertise or specialization within programming. This could include specific programming languages, frameworks, or technologies you excel in. You can also add any notable achievements or contributions from previous positions.
If you have a history of automating workflows and optimizing development processes, include that in your profile. You can also call out any significant projects you’ve led or feature eye-catching metrics from your previous roles. The aim is to engage hiring managers and compel them to continue reading your resume.
Senior-Level Profile Example:
A solutions-driven programmer with over 12 years of experience overseeing all phases of the software development cycle. A proven track record of delivering customized engineering solutions to improve business operations and profitability.
Entry-Level Profile Example:
An innovative programmer with two years of experience, specializing in UX design, Python, JavaScript, and Object-oriented Design (OOD). Adept at performing quality assurance (QA) reviews and identifying root causes of complex technical issues.
2. Outline your programmer experience in a compelling list
Show your programmer skills in action with a professional experience section that focuses on your accomplishments instead of daily tasks and responsibilities. Each bullet point should communicate your value to potential employers. Use numbers and data points to quantify your achievements and show real results. For example, you could demonstrate how your coding efforts helped to automate manual processes, reduce costs, or enhance operational efficiency.
While technical ability is crucial, soft skills like communication, teamwork, and adaptability are equally important in a professional setting. Mention the times you communicated complex technical concepts to stakeholders or collaborated successfully with cross-functional teams.
Senior-Level Professional Experience Example:
Programmer, ABC International, Seattle, WA | December 2014 – present
- Develop and maintain 15 data-centric web applications and servers and oversee individual customization to ensure alignment with business requirements
- Design and develop up to 20 new applications each year and establish project requirements and scope in coordination with global data analysis teams
- Lead the development and implementation of new QA protocols and peer code reviews to enhance process accuracy and save over 300 labor hours per year
Entry-Level Professional Experience Example:
Programmer, Bay Area Solutions, San Francisco, CA | July 2020 – present
- Utilize Java and HTML to deliver scalable, elegant code for a local news network client, including building the framework for a mobile weather application
- Troubleshoot malfunctioning applications, identify root causes, and lead efforts to successfully retain an at-risk account valued at $200,000
- Develop automated testing procedures to save over 20 work hours per week
3. Add your programmer education and certifications
Beyond your formal education, always include relevant certifications on your resume to showcase your expertise and commitment to professional development. While certifications won’t guarantee an interview, they’re valuable indicators of your skill level and specialization.
Programmers interested in a security-related role would benefit from a CompTIA Security+ certification, while a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) designation is an excellent choice for entry-level professionals. Your work history is usually most important to hiring managers, but including these credentials can help your chances of landing an interview.
Education
Template
- [Degree Name]
- [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] – [Graduation Month and Year]
Example
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI, September 2007 – June 2011
Certifications
Template
- [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization] – [Completion Year]
Example
- Oracle Certified Professional Java Programmer, Oracle | 2019
- UX Design Certificate, Google | 2020
4. List key programmer skills and proficiencies
In today’s competitive job market, many organizations use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter through their stacks of resumes. Incorporating keywords from the job description into your resume is the best way to pass the initial screening process. Weave these words throughout your resume and into your profile, skills, and professional experience sections. Review some of the words below to get familiar with the terms you may come across as you write your programmer resume:
| Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| Agile methodology | Application development |
| Application programming interface (API) | C# |
| Code reviews | Coding |
| Continuous integration | Git/version control (e.g., Github, Gitlab) |
| HTML | Java |
| JavaScript | Object-oriented design (OOD) |
| Python | QA |
| Responsive design principles | Scrum |
| SQL | Systems architecture |
| Testing/debugging | Web development |
5. Highlight your communication and collaboration skills
It’s not enough to be a coding whiz – you also must express your ideas and collaborate effectively. Clear communication is essential whether you’re working within a development team, discussing project requirements with non-technical stakeholders, or documenting your code. Programmers must convey complex technical concepts in a way everyone can understand.
Provide details on how you’ve prioritized communication and collaboration throughout your resume, especially in your professional experience section. Mention the times you led presentations or training sessions and how you translated technical concepts into accessible language. If you’ve partnered with cross-functional teams on projects, talk about your role and the results you achieved as a group.
How To Pick the Best Programmer Resume Template
When selecting your resume template, remember your document should have a clean and professional appearance. Prioritize readability and organization over visual appeal. Although a colorful design with graphics may look nice, these elements are unnecessary and often distracting. A simple, easy-to-read layout is best. The content of your resume is what matters most to hiring managers. Look for a template that’s easy to navigate and emphasizes your skills, experience, and qualifications.
Programmer Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
- Entry-Level
- Mid-Career
- Senior-Level
Lucille Webster
(753) 357-7531
[email protected]
345 Main Road, Grand Rapids, MI 75319
Profile
A seasoned IT Systems Programmer with eight years of experience managing and developing dynamic programming teams to enhance application performance and build high-quality IT systems for large businesses. Adept at identifying root causes of programming errors and delivering scalable code.
Professional Experience
Senior IT Systems Programmer, Hastings Mutual Insurance Company, Grand Rapids, MI
August 2017 – Present
- Oversee all aspects of application development for an insurance company with 2M customers, including performing maintenance and upgrades to existing software
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and QA specialists to develop and implement new app features, resulting in a 15% increase in user satisfaction
- Serve as the point of contact for complex hardware and software issues, identify potential security risks, and devise system updates to safeguard confidential data
Programmer, WebDev Consultants, Grand Rapids, MI
June 2013 – August 2017
- Coordinated with technical teams to deliver consulting services to clients for web development, including the design of new web and mobile applications
- Conducted code reviews of existing application frameworks and provided high quality, elegant Python code to enhance app performance
Education
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY, Allendale, MI, September 2007 – June 2011
Master of Science in Computer Science and Engineering
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, Ann Arbor, MI, September 2011 – June 2013
Key Skills
- Languages: Python, JavaScript, HTML5
- Application Development
- Project Management
- Cross-functional Leadership
- Agile Methodology
Frequently Asked Questions: Programmer Resume Examples and Advice
What are common action verbs for programmer resumes?-
Action verbs can set you apart from other candidates who may use passive or generic language on their resumes. They can highlight your leadership and initiative, showcasing your ability to take charge and drive results. Consider using some of the verbs listed below to bring clarity and structure to the professional experience section of your programmer resume:
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Analyzed | Assessed |
| Built | Collaborated |
| Conducted | Coordinated |
| Delivered | Designed |
| Developed | Diagnosed |
| Enhanced | Implemented |
| Led | Oversaw |
| Performed | Planned |
| Resolved | Supported |
| Tested | Troubleshot |
How do you align your resume with a programmer job description?-
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment for programmers will decline 10% between 2021 and 2031. Automation is helping programmers work more efficiently, but it's also contributing to this downturn in new job opportunities. Companies are saving time and money by automating repetitive tasks like code formatting – something programmers are usually responsible for.
Although this decline in employment won't create any new jobs, about 9,600 openings will become available each year as programmers transfer occupations or retire. Competition will be stiff for the few positions that do come open, and aligning your resume with each job you apply for will help you stand out.
For example, imagine a cybersecurity firm is searching for a security expert. In this scenario, it would benefit you to highlight your knowledge of ethical hacking, penetration testing, and security protocols to establish yourself as a cybersecurity authority.
What is the best programmer resume format?-
The reverse chronological resume format is the best choice for programmers because it emphasizes the continuity and development of your skills over time. This layout is especially valuable in a field where hiring managers prioritize hands-on experience and a deep understanding of coding languages. For entry-level programmers, a combination format can be a better option as it gives the flexibility to list your skills and training before your work history.
Craft your perfect resume in minutes
Get 2x more interviews with Resume Builder. Access Pro Plan features for a limited time!
Creating a cover letter to accompany your resume during the application process increases your chances of landing an interview. Aligning your document with the needs of the company you're applying to is key. Learn how to write your own persuasive letter with our comprehensive cover letter guide. Check out more cover letter examples with our guides for software developers and software engineers.
