Programmer Resume Example | A Comprehensive Guide

We also see more kids learning programming languages now than was the case a few years back. This means that the competition is also at an all-time high, with everyone trying to get a unique position.

Programming requires a specific skill and experience, and a programmer resume that shows the hiring manager you have what it takes increases your chances of landing an amazing job.

Let's help you craft your resume in this article. Here are some of the topics we'll cover:

• How to add experience to your computer programmer resume.
• The right skills for computer programmers.
• A resume example that will show you all the sections that should be in your resume.
• Tips to help you enhance your resume as a beginner or experienced candidate.

Programmer Resume with No Experience

Additional Information on Computer Programmers

The industries with the highest levels of employment in Computer Programmers include:

• Computer Systems Design and Related Services
• Scientific Research and Development Services
• Software Publishers
• Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
• Management of Companies and Enterprises

The average yearly salary for a programmer is $68,000. The typical range is $58,000 to $76,000 depending on the experience, skills and education level.

How to Make a Programmer Resume? What Categories to Put?

Computer programming is one of the most coveted skills in IT. Therefore, it's important to know how to write a programmer resume and present your skills and experience in the best way. Structuring your resume the right way is key. Using professional resume templates like ours can help with ensuring you don't leave out any important sections.

You can also check out resume examples which have detailed guides that will give you tips to assist you in writing an exceptional resume for computer programming.

What Should Be on Programmer Resume

There are a couple of factors you need to consider before writing your resume. One of them is the resume format.

The format you choose should represent your best qualifications first. Here are three formats you can choose from depending on your qualifications.

• Reverse-chronological order - This format focuses on experience and is perfect for job seekers who have experience in the computer programming field.
• Functional resume format - This format, also known as the skills-based resume format, focuses on your skills. It's perfect for career changers and recent graduates who have transferable skills from previous jobs or personal projects.
• Hybrid resume - This format, also known as the combination resume, mixes the best features of the functional and reverse-chronological resume formats. It's suitable for candidates with a blend of experience and skills.

The layout of your resume is the second factor you need to consider. Hiring managers only take a few seconds on your resume, and if they can't read it quickly and understand, they'll put it aside. Use easy-to-read fonts like Cambria, Calibri, Times New Roman, Arial and Georgia and a font size of 10-12pt.

The structure of your programmer resume should have the following sections:

• The header section
• Professional summary/objective
• Work experience
• Education section
• Skills section
• An additional section (Computer skills and certifications, languages, awards/honors, and interests)

Other resume guides that might interest you include:

• Network engineer resume
• Software engineer resume

The Resume Header

This is the first section of your resume, and it contains the following details:

• Your full name
• Job title
• Phone number
• Professional email address
• Location
• A link to your LinkedIn profile.

If your contact details are incorrect, the hiring manager will not be able to reach you. Therefore, you should proofread your resume and ensure the details are accurate.

Photo or No Photo

You don't need to add a photo on your resume because it increases the chances of discrimination and conscious bias. However, if the hiring manager requires one, you should add it but ensure it's professional.

Demonstrate Your Experience in programming

The work experience section should have a detailed summary of your job history. If you're an experienced programmer, this is your chance to show the recruiter the work you've done.

You'll list your previous jobs, starting with the most recent one and the duties/responsibilities at each place.

Start with the name of the workplace, the job title and the period you've worked at each place. The duties/responsibilities should be three to five, and if you want to stand out, you should add figures and facts to quantify the achievements.

It's always better to focus on the relevant experience unless you have transferable skills from other jobs that will be useful in the position.

Example for Junior programmers

Example for Senior programmers

Describe Your Education

The education section is crucial for a computer programmer. Most programming jobs require a bachelor's degree, and having a Master's is a major plus!

When you're listing your education, you'll include the name of the school, the name of the degree/diploma and the year of graduation.

If you have a Master's, you don't need to add a high school diploma. If you're an entry-level programmer, use this section to show the recruiter the specific courses that have prepared you for the position.

Correct example

How to put self-taught programmer on your resume

As more people gain interest in learning programming languages, so has the number of self-taught programmers gone high. When you're writing your resume, include any relevant courses that show you have knowledge in programming under the education section. They could be online programs, boot camps or training seminars.

How to List Programming Skills on Your Resume

Programmers possess certain skills that allow them to work on projects successfully. A great programmer resume should have the right blend of hard and soft skills.

You should list these skills using bullet points to ensure that the IT head doesn't miss them in your resume.

Hard skills are technical and require some training, while soft skills are personal traits that make it easy to relate with colleagues and clients. Hiring managers use applicant tracking systems to filter resumes that don't meet the criteria. One of the set criteria on this software is the specific skills that the recruiter requires. You can check the job description and add the skills required to your resume. However, don't lie because you may be tested during the interview, and if you fail, you ruin your chances of getting the job.

Here are some of the skills you should consider for your programming resume.

Hard skills

• JavaScript
• SQL Server
• C++
• Web/Database Servers
• Sun Certified Java Developer (SCJD)
• Project management
• System development
• DHTML
• MS-DOS

Soft skills

• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Decision-making skills
• Time management
• Interpersonal skills
• Organization skills
• Detail-oriented
• Communication skills
• Teamwork
• Multitasking skills

Write a Winning Resume Summary

The resume summary is a short paragraph that introduces your resume. It should summarize your top accomplishments, skills and experience to compel the recruiter to read the rest of your resume. Make it catchy and engaging, and include a figure or fact to get the recruiter's attention.

Example For A Programmer With Experience

Incorrect example

Resume Objective

A professional objective does the same job as a professional summary. Recent graduates and career changers use it to introduce their resumes and express their interest in the position. It also gives them a chance to summarize their career goals and show the potential employer how they align with the company goals.

Example For A Programmer Without Experience

Additional Sections for Your Resume

An additional section is an area that has your extra qualifications that you didn't talk about in the previous sections. This is also the right place to highlight the skills you don't want the recruiter to miss on your resume.

The perfect programmer resume template should have this section to allow you to include any other qualifications you may have left out. This helps you stand out and could be why you get the position over your competitor.

Let's look at some of the sections you can add here.

Certifications

If you have a certification, it's better to add it under this section. Some resume examples will add them under the education section, but this makes it hard for the recruiter to see them. Here are some programmer certifications that will help you stand out.

• Oracle MySQL Database Administration Training and Certification
• AWS Certified Solutions Architect-Associate
• C and C++ Certifications

Languages

Your language skills should have a separate section because it's so easy for them to get lost in the general skills section. Most employers prefer a bilingual candidate, so you don't want them to miss it in your resume. When listing your languages, you'll use the official language reference as follows:

• Goethe Zertifikat, TestDaF, or DSH for German
• Delf or Dalf for French
• SIELE for Spanish
• TOEFL or IELTS for English

Interests

Most tech companies are easygoing, but it's still important to research the company and understand its company culture. This helps you figure out if you'll add your interests and which ones are appropriate.

Key Takeaways: Writing a Resume for Jobs in Programming

Here are the main takeaways from this article.

• The header section contains the contact information, which should be accurate.
• The right resume format is critical in ensuring that your potential employer sees your best qualifications first.
• The design and layout of the resume should be simple.
• The structure of your resume should have all the important sections.
• Keep your resume short and not more than one page long.
• Use bullet points to list your skills to make it easy for the hiring manager to see them.
• The work experience section summarizes your employment history.
• If you're a self-taught programmer, add any relevant online courses and training seminars to the education section.
• Make the resume summary/objective engaging to keep the recruiter reading.

Reinforce Your Resume with a Cover Letter

A cover letter showcases your outstanding writing skills and personality as you describe your top achievements. It allows you to give more details on the qualifications in your resume. Most recruiters expect you to accompany your resume with one, and failure to do so makes your application incomplete. In some instances, the hiring manager will not require a cover letter, so you can send your application without one. Check out our cover letter examples.

Frequently Asked Questions