Software Engineer Resume Example
Hiring managers skim a software engineer resume in seconds, and an applicant tracking system reads it before they do. The version below is built to pass both: a tight summary up top, then experience written as outcomes, not task lists. Notice how every bullet pairs a technical action with a measurable result — that is what separates a shortlist resume from one that gets filtered out.
The biggest mistake engineers make is listing responsibilities ("wrote code", "attended standups") instead of impact. Recruiters can't tell a senior from a junior that way. Lead with what changed because you were there: latency dropped, errors fell, users grew, a release went out on time.
Software Engineer resume sample
Jordan Lee
Software Engineer
jordan.lee@example.com • +61 400 000 000 • Sydney, NSW
GitHub: github.com/jordanlee
Summary
Backend-leaning full-stack engineer with 5 years building scalable web services. Ships reliable APIs used by millions of requests a day and mentors junior developers.
Experience
Software Engineer — Fintech Co
2021 – Present
Sydney, NSW
- Redesigned the payments API, cutting p95 latency from 800ms to 210ms and supporting 3x traffic without new hardware.
- Introduced CI/CD with automated tests, reducing production incidents by 45% and release time from days to under an hour.
- Mentored 3 junior engineers; 2 were promoted within a year.
Junior Developer — StartupXYZ
2019 – 2021
Remote
- Built the customer dashboard in React/TypeScript used by 20k+ monthly active users.
- Cut page load time 40% by adding server-side rendering and image optimisation.
Education
B.Sc. Computer Science — University of New South Wales
2015 – 2019
- Dean's List
Skills
Languages: TypeScript, Python, Go, SQL
Frameworks: React, Node.js, Next.js
Infrastructure: AWS, Docker, PostgreSQL, CI/CD
Like this layout? Build your own software engineer resume with AI →
ATS keywords for a software engineer resume
Applicant tracking systems scan for role-specific terms. Work the ones that genuinely apply to you into your resume — naturally, not stuffed:
Tips for a strong software engineer resume
- Put a Skills block near the top with exact tech names (React, PostgreSQL, Docker) — ATS matches on literal keywords from the job ad.
- Quantify every bullet you can: “cut build time 40%”, “served 50k daily users”, “reduced errors 35%”.
- Mirror the job title in your summary. Applying for “Backend Engineer”? Say “Backend engineer with…”, not “Coding ninja”.
- Keep it single-column, no tables or graphics — multi-column layouts scramble in most ATS parsers.
- Link a GitHub or portfolio, but only if it's active and clean. A dead repo hurts more than no link.
Software Engineer resume FAQs
How long should a software engineer resume be?
One page for under ~8 years of experience, two pages at most for senior/staff roles. Depth of impact beats length.
Should I list every programming language I know?
List the ones relevant to the job and that you'd be comfortable in a technical interview. Group them under Skills; don't pad with things you touched once.
Do I need a projects section?
Yes if you're early-career or self-taught — real projects prove ability when work history is thin. Senior engineers can drop it in favour of experience.
Build your software engineer resume
Get an ATS-friendly software engineer resume written for you with AI — quantified bullets, the right keywords, ready in minutes.