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Table of contents

Programmer Resume Examples
Related resume examples
Choose the right resume format for your programmer resume
How to write a programmer resume in 5 simple steps
Add a cover letter
Key takeaways for your programmer resume
Commonly asked question about resume writing

As a programmer, your responsibilities are centered around crafting a digital world through lines of code and problem-solving prowess. Your journey involves analyzing complex challenges, designing logical solutions and translating them into functional software or applications. You meticulously write, test and debug code, ensuring its efficiency and accuracy.

Whether you’re building websites, applications or intricate systems, your role is to bring ideas to life. With such an incredible range of skills, all you need now is a resume that showcases them.

With the help of some easy-to-follow instructions on how to write a resume and some excellent resume examples for reference, building a resume that’s up to this task can be easier than you think.

Here, you’ll learn exactly what you need to know to write an impressive programmer resume in a matter of minutes.

Keep reading to learn more about:

Examples of resumes for programmer applicants with and without experience.
What makes a programmer resume example great.
Tips and tricks for writing a resume for a programmer.
What to include in every section of your programmer resume.
How to choose the right resume template and format for the role.

If writing a resume still seems like a hassle, try our professional AI Resume Builder for professionally written suggestions, advice and step-by-step help writing every section.

Programmer Resume Examples

Entry-level programmer resume example

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What makes this a great programmer resume sample?

It focuses on skills.
This entry-level programmer has relatively little experience, so focusing on skills plays to her strengths.
It’s specific.
Instead of making vague general statements about her coding skills, this candidate names specific programming languages and tasks. This demonstrates competence and allows employers to see if her abilities align with their needs.
It includes a second language.
Being multilingual may not be the most important qualification for a programmer, but it demonstrates mental agility and can be a valuable asset on any resume.

Experienced programmer resume example

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What makes this a great programmer resume sample?

It focuses on experience.
With more than a decade of programming experience, this candidate is best-served by a resume that gives his experience center stage.
It includes certifications.
Certifications demonstrate both competence and a commitment to continued professional development. This candidate lists two relevant certifications that bolster his programmer skills.
It uses action verbs.
Instead of repeating overused resume cliches like “responsible for,” this candidate uses active terms to describe his accomplishments and responsibilities. Words like “integrated” and “developed” convey energy.

Choose the right resume format for your programmer resume

To land the job you want, you need to get the right information in front of a recruiter. How do you accomplish that? By selecting the right resume format.

Experienced applicants should consider a chronological resume format to highlight work experience and a strong career progression.
Applicants with little to no experience should consider using a functional resume format.
Midlevel applicants with three to five years of relevant experience should consider a combination resume format to showcase a balance of skills and work experience.

Visit our guide to learn more about how to format a resume to highlight your candidacy.

Select an appropriate programmer resume template

Create your resume

While every resume template will have the same basic sections — a professional summary or resume objective, skills, work history and education — you can customize the look and feel of your resume by selecting the right template.

For programmers working in more artistic industries, like game design, a creative resume template is a great way to show off your unique character. For most programmer roles, however, something more sleek and professional is appropriate. For that, try one of our modern resumes.

How to write a programmer resume in 5 simple steps

Writing a great resume begins with studying the job description. From there, you should build a tailor-made resume designed to catch the attention of the hiring department at the role you want. Write an eye-catching resume profile, skills section and work history section chock-full of active language. Don’t forget to include your education too. From there, you can add optional sections like certifications, hobbies or even languages. We’ll walk you through each section below.

Step 1

Study the programmer job description

Customizing your resume with keywords from the job advertisement is a strategic move that significantly enhances your chances of standing out to potential employers. When recruiters and hiring managers review applications, they often use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to initially filter through a large number of resumes. These systems scan for specific keywords that match the job requirements and description. It is essential that you learn to make an ATS-friendly resume.

By incorporating these relevant keywords into your resume, you demonstrate that your skills, experiences and qualifications directly align with what the company is seeking. This tailored approach not only increases your visibility in the initial screening process but also showcases your attentiveness and genuine interest in the position. It allows you to effectively communicate your suitability for the role and improve the likelihood of your resume advancing to the hands of the hiring decision-makers.

Step 2

Write a professional summary or resume objective

Your programmer resume should begin with a resume profile, where you provide potential employers with a summary of your most relevant skills and experience and some professional highlights.

Candidates with less experience should use a resume objective, which explains your career goals and your transferable skills. Seasoned programmers should use a professional summary, which describes your career achievements and work history.

Here are some strong examples for your programmer resume:

Programmer professional summary example:

Highly skilled and seasoned programmer with over 13 years of comprehensive experience in designing, developing and implementing innovative software solutions. Adept at combining technical expertise with creative problem-solving to deliver robust applications that exceed user expectations. Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and collaborating closely with stakeholders to achieve project milestones on time and within budget. Proficient in a diverse range of programming languages and frameworks, with a deep understanding of software architecture and system integration. Strong communicator and mentor, capable of translating complex technical concepts to nontechnical audiences. Seeking to leverage extensive industry knowledge and leadership acumen to drive impactful advancements in software development.

Programmer resume objective example:

Results-driven programmer with two years of internship experience in developing and optimizing software solutions. Demonstrated proficiency in coding, debugging and collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet project objectives. Adept at adapting to evolving technologies and employing innovative problem-solving skills to enhance user experiences. Strong attention to detail and a passion for creating efficient and effective code. Eager to contribute technical expertise and enthusiasm for continuous learning to a dynamic programming role.

Step 3

Highlight your most relevant programmer skills

Regardless of your experience level, hiring managers will be looking closely at the skills you list. Skills for a programmer resume belong in the resume skills section as well as your work experience and resume profile sections.

It’s critical that you provide employers with an even balance of hard and soft skills. Hard skills are the measurable skills that you obtain through education, experience and technical training. Soft skills, on the other hand, are the personality traits and aptitudes that make you well-suited to the job. Below, we provide a side-by-side list of hard and soft skills to help you see the difference between the two.

Hard and soft skills for a programmer resume

Hard Skills

Python
C++
Database management
Software architecture
Debugging
Version control

Soft Skills

Time management
Problem-solving
Collaboration
Adaptability
Organization
Continuous learning

Here is an example of a strong programmer skills section:

Proficient in multiple programming languages, including Python, Java and C++
Skilled in database management using SQL
Highly organized with stellar time management skills
Dedicated to continuous learning

Pro tip

Even for jobs that don’t require interacting with the public, soft skills are important to list. Programmers might not be customer-facing, but your interpersonal skills are key to collaborating with fellow programmers and cross-functional teams.

Step 4

Write a strong programmer work experience section

While the required background and experience will be different for each role, the key to getting noticed is writing a work experience section that demonstrates what you will bring to the table.

List your work history in reverse chronological order and use lots of active language and numerical data to drive home the impact of your roles.

Here is an example of a great programmer work experience entry:

Software Engineer, Pinpoint Technology Group
Harrisburg, PA
February 2020 – October 2022

Collaborated with a cross-functional team of developers, designers and project managers to design and implement feature-rich web applications using React and Node.js.
Developed robust backend functionalities, leveraging RESTful APIs and integrating data from various sources to enhance user experiences.
Implemented responsive front-end designs using HTML, CSS and JavaScript, ensuring seamless usability across different devices.
Contributed to the migration of a legacy system to a microservices architecture, resulting in improved scalability and reduced maintenance efforts.
Led the design and implementation of a real-time chat module, enhancing user engagement and communication by 47% within the platform.
Played a pivotal role in improving application performance by optimizing database queries and reducing page load times by 30%.
Collaborated in peer code reviews, providing constructive feedback and maintaining code quality standards throughout the development process.
Actively participated in sprint planning and daily stand-up meetings, contributing to efficient project management and timely deliverables.
Stayed up to date with emerging technologies and industry trends, suggesting innovative solutions to technical challenges and process improvements.

Pro tip

Make your programming prowess pop by using action words, numerical data and metrics to capture the attention of a hiring manager.

Step 5

Showcase your education and training on your programmer resume

To be hired as a programmer, you’ll need to show employers that you have the required education and training. Top candidates for this role often list a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Some roles may require additional education, while some may require only a high school diploma. In general, a bachelor’s degree is standard. You may also bolster your programming credentials with various certifications.

How to list your programmer education:

Education:

Bachelor of Science
Computer Science
Albright College
Reading, PA

Certifications:

AWS Certified Developer
Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate

Pro tip

Obtaining additional certifications is an excellent way to demonstrate your commitment to developing as a programmer.

Optional sections for your programmer resume

Awards and certifications

Incorporating achievements into your resume is a clever method to display your skills, accomplishments and qualifications. Awards highlight remarkable performance or leadership, while certifications provide solid proof of your skills and proficiency in a particular area.

Having certificates and awards in your resume distinguishes you from other candidates. They signal to the employer your strong commitment to your field and your ability to make valuable contributions to their company. This ultimately enhances your prospects of securing the job.

How to list awards on your programmer resume:

Outstanding Innovation Award | Western Pennsylvania Hackathon | 2021 – Recognized for developing a groundbreaking mobile app that streamlined data visualization, earning first place out of 50 competing teams.

Excellence in Coding Award | CodingCon | 2017 – Secured top honors in a competitive coding challenge, showcasing proficiency in algorithmic problem-solving and efficient coding practices.

Projects

Including projects on your resume is a wonderful idea as they demonstrate your ability to use what you’ve learned in real-life scenarios. Learning in class is different from applying ideas in practical situations.

Projects show that you know how to turn your programming skills into working software. Moreover, a suitable project can showcase your enduring passion and mastery in a particular field.

How to list projects on your programmer resume:

E-Commerce Website
- Created a dynamic e-commerce website from scratch, allowing users to browse products add them to their cart, and proceed to checkout. Implemented user authentication, integrated a payment gateway, and ensured responsive design for optimal user experience.
Task Management App
- Designed and developed a task management application that enables users to create, edit and organize tasks. Implemented real-time synchronization using Firebase, providing seamless collaboration across multiple users.
Stock Price Tracker
- Built a web-based stock price tracker that retrieves and displays real-time stock data. Utilized APIs to fetch stock prices and historical data, and implemented a user-friendly interface to visualize price trends.

Languages

Programming languages are your bread and butter, but regular languages can give you an important advantage too. Being multilingual demonstrates both your mental agility and commitment to communication and cultural exchange.

Include any languages you speak on your resume to demonstrate your incredible learning abilities.

How to list languages on your programmer resume:

Fluent in English and Korean
Proficient in French

Interests and hobbies

Incorporating hobbies on your resume is suitable if they relate to the job. They give you a chance to reveal your personality and connect with an employer in a meaningful way. Moreover, they highlight skills that can be useful in different jobs, such as creativity or leadership.

Furthermore, hobbies and interests can indicate if you’ll fit well within a company’s culture. They enhance your entire profile, showcasing how you’re a distinctive and well-rounded individual.

How to list interests and hobbies on your programmer resume:

Passion for game design
Kids Who Code volunteer teacher
Enthusiasm for puzzles and problem-solving

Add a cover letter

Create your cover letter

Adding a programmer cover letter to your application can help you stand out. While most programmer roles don’t require you to submit a cover letter, including one could give your application a better chance. That’s because your cover letter is your opportunity to explain exactly why the achievements on your resume make you the perfect fit for the role at hand.

Learning how to write a cover letter for a programmer gives you a vital chance to expand on the credentials of your resume and show enthusiasm for the specific role you’re applying to. To get started, study our cover letter examples to learn how to express your unique candidacy in a compelling way and how to format your cover letter for success.

Or, if you want a job-specific cover letter in a matter of minutes, use our professional Cover Letter Generator, which offers professionally written text suggestions for every section. Use the wording as-is or customize it to suit your needs.

Key takeaways for your programmer resume

Follow our steps for a standout resume:

Take care to write all five sections of your resume in a way that is specific to the job you seek. Your professional summary, skills, work experience and education section should all contain information that is targeted to the job ad.
Select the appropriate resume format:

Decide what you’d like to emphasize the most on your programmer resume — strong skills, an impressive work history or both — and then select the template that will help you put your best foot forward.
Be specific to the role:

Use specific information from the job ad rather than generic resume filler when crafting your document. Again, a well-written job description will tell you the critical credentials you must emphasize on your resume.
Include both hard and soft skills:

Being a programmer requires a mix of technical and personal skills to do the job well. Study our list of hard and soft skills to be sure that you include a balance of both types in your resume.
Make your work experience section shine:

Accomplish this by using action verbs, data and metrics to show the impact of your work.
Choose an appropriate resume template:

If you’re not sure what design to choose, stick with the basics and try a simple template that organizes your information in a manner that is professional and easy to read.
Go the extra mile:

Including a well-written programmer cover letter can increase your chances of landing a job interview, so consider adding one with your resume.

Commonly asked question about resume writing

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Hailey Brophy is an experienced writer with a diverse career in digital publication. She is passionate about using her unique skills and experiences to help job seekers find the information that they need to succeed.