Software Developer CV examples

A Software Developer CV isn’t just about listing programming languages – it’s about showing how you can use your skills to solve problems, improve systems, and contribute to innovative projects.

This guide will help you write a CV that highlights your technical expertise, practical experience, and the unique value you bring to development teams.

Your CV should be as clean and organised as your best codebase – no bugs, no unnecessary features, just exactly what’s needed. Recruiters need to quickly see your skills, projects, and achievements, so avoid the mistake of a CV equivalent of spaghetti code.

Here’s how to structure your Software Developer CV:

• Name and contact details – Make sure your personal details stay at the top so recruiters can reach you easily. Including a photo is optional for nearly all roles: it’s up to you.
• Profile – Hook the recruiter right away by stating the value you’ll bring their company, using your development expertise as proof.
• Core skills – State your best qualities at a quick glance, like programming languages, frameworks, and technical proficiencies.
• Work experience – List your previous job titles from newest to oldest, keeping the focus on your key responsibilities and project outcomes.
• Education – Show off those academic qualifications and any technical certifications that make you a good candidate for the role.
• Additional info – Include anything from your hobbies and interest to the personal projects you’re working on – these are all totally optional but can enhance a CV.

A well-formatted CV is like an intuitive and sleek UI. A CV isn’t just about the things you’ve achieved, it’s about how you present them. Even the best qualifications can get overlooked if your CV doesn’t look professional.

Here’s how to format your Software Developer CV:

• Bullet points – These help recruiters skim through your accomplishments quickly and easily.
• Divide sections – Make use of distinct headings and a logical layout to guide recruiters through your CV.
• Use a clean font – Prioritise readability with a professional, simple font.
• Keep it the right length – No more than 2 pages, ensuring your highlights are front and centre while avoiding unnecessary fluff.

Your CV profile is the opening statement of your CV, and it should capture your technical skills, career aspirations, and your key accomplishments. Like a good landing page, it’s the first thing a recruiter will see, so make sure it’s optimised to keep them scrolling.

Here are some tips on what to include in your Software Developer profile to keep it running smoothly:

• Where you’ve worked – Make a quick note of the sorts of industries or companies you’ve contributed to, such as tech startups or enterprise organisations.
• Your top qualifications – Highlight degrees in computer science or certifications like AWS or Azure.
• Key skills – Ensure your proficiencies in programming languages, frameworks, and tools are kept clear.
• Types of projects you’ve worked on – Reference apps, platforms, or systems you’ve developed.
• Collaboration experience – Mention teamwork with designers, testers, or stakeholders.

Your core skills section is like your CV’s API – it gives recruiters quick access to the technical capabilities they’re looking for.

For software developers, this should focus on programming proficiencies, system design, and problem-solving abilities. Tailor this section to match the specific requirements of the role.

Your work experience section proves that you’re not just scrolling Stack Overflow: this is where you showcase your ability to deliver impactful software solutions that matter. Highlight your contributions to projects, the tools you used, and the results you achieved.

List your past roles in reverse chronological order, with your most recent stuff at the top.

• Outline – Provide an overview of the company, your role, and the types of projects you worked on.
• Responsibilities – Highlight tasks like coding, testing, or leading development teams. Use action verbs like “developed,” “designed,” or “optimised.”
• Achievements – Showcase measurable outcomes, such as improving application performance, reducing downtime, or increasing user engagement. Always include figures where possible.

Your education section is like your training logs – it’s not flashy, but it shows you’ve done the hard work to get where you are. Highlight the academic background – degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework – that underpins your software expertise.

List your qualifications in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. For recent graduates or if you’ve just got less experience, include internships or projects that demonstrate your technical skills.